Winter is upon us yet again. In fact most of the country has already faced a couple big storms that have left behind freezing temperatures and several inches, if not feet, of snow. With spring time several months away there is no time like the present to buy some winter tires, if you haven't done so already. Buying winter tires is a very similar process to buying any set of new tires . It's important that you know your primary driving conditions and tire size so that you can get the best set of tires to fit your needs. Before you begin shopping for tires it's important to know what size tires you are looking for. You can find your tire size by looking at your current tires or in the vehicle's owner's manual. If you are still unable to locate the size most tire dealers have a database to look it up or else you can call your car dealership for the information. Once you have the correct size then you will be able to narrow down your options as well as get a closer estimate of the price. The next consideration you need to make when choosing the right winter tires is where you will be driving primarily. If you live in the city and the roads are plowed frequently standard snow tires will probably be sufficient. If, however, you live in a more rural area that still receives snow but doesn't get plowed as often, higher intensity or off-road snow tires may be a better option so your vehicle doesn't get stuck or you aren't left stranded. Unless you live in an area that gets snow year round, chances are you will be switching between all-weather tires and snow tires. If this is the case then you also need to think about your wheels. If you have a nice set of Rev wheels then you probably want to buy a set of stock wheels for winter to prevent damage to your nice wheels. Also, an extra set of wheels can make switching back and forth between each set easier. But it is an extra cost so it's something that you want to consider carefully.   Also, another dilemma for many drivers is storage. Finding a place to store 4 extra tires and wheels, is no easy task; especially if you live in an apartment. Many tire dealers have opened the option of flat rate storage for your tires that can be paid for each season. Switching to winter tires can be a lot of work, especially the first year, but for safety's sake it's worth it. Winter tires are specifically designed with more intricate tread pattern to handle ice, slush, and snow and are made from a rubber compound that is made for colder temperatures. Together these elements increase your traction, giving you better braking capabilities, and allow you to drive more safely through potentially dangerous conditions.