Been driving your Hyundai Accent to work when the roads turn into packed snow and gray ice, and traction control starts flickering? You’re wondering whether the front-wheel-drive setup can handle it, and what tire and prep choices actually move the needle.
Hyundai Accent winter behavior is mostly tire-driven, with front-wheel-drive traction getting limited fast on glare ice. Good winter tires and cold-correct pressures help you start, stop, and turn more predictably. ABS and traction control lights mean you’re losing grip, so you’ll learn when it’s normal and when to worry.
Hyundai Accent Winter Reality Check
In light snow, the Hyundai Accent can feel confident if tire tread is healthy and you drive smooth. In packed snow and especially on ice, the lack of all-wheel drive on most trims is the limiting factor because the front tires must do both steering and pulling. Wheel spin happens sooner than you expect, and progress often depends more on tires and technique than on the car itself.
Traction Expectations: Light Snow To Black Ice
Light snow is usually manageable because the road surface still has enough rubber contact for the front tires to keep grip. Packed snow wipes out the high spots in the tread pattern, so you need momentum control and gentle throttle to prevent the traction control from going to work constantly.
Black ice is the real deal-killer because the tire cannot generate friction if there is a slick film between rubber and pavement. In those moments, ABS and stability systems can slow wheel lockup and reduce yaw, but they cannot create traction that the tires cannot physically grip.
Front-wheel Drive Limits And Why Spin Is Quick
Most Accents are front-wheel drive, meaning all engine torque goes to the front axle. That helps with downhill stability compared to some rear-drive layouts, but it also means the same contact patch handles steering input and power delivery at the same time. When the tires hit a slippery patch, the front end loses grip fast because there is no second axle to share the load like an AWD system would.
Hills and slick starts punish FWD when you try to “power through.” Spinning the tires digs down through loose snow and can leave you stuck or steering poorly due to reduced traction at the front wheels.
Confidence At Speed: Straight-line Stability Vs Corner Grip
The Accent can feel stable in straight-line cruising because the chassis is predictable and the stability control system watches wheel speed and steering angle. Cornering is where winter grip disappears first, since front tires are doing double duty in snow, and any lift or steering input changes can reduce available traction.
At speed on snow-packed highways, keep inputs light. Hard steering corrections and sudden throttle changes provoke traction events that the electronic aids can only manage within the limits of tire grip.
| Situation | What the Accent usually feels like | Practical driver takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Straight line on light snow | Predictable, steady if tires are in good shape | Maintain smooth throttle and spacing |
| Acceleration on packed snow | Traction control gets active quickly | Use gradual throttle, avoid wheel spin |
| Braking toward a curve | ABS prevents lockup but grip can still be poor | Brake earlier, steer after the car slows |
| Corner entry on slippery surfaces | Front grip is limited, understeer is common | Slow in, then apply power gently |
Driver Aids: What Abs/esc/traction Control Can And Cannot Do
ABS helps you steer while braking by reducing wheel lockup. Electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control can limit wheel spin and correct some yaw, but their effectiveness is capped by available friction at the tires.
Key limitation: If tires are on ice, traction control may intervene constantly, and ESC can only keep the car from spinning when there is enough grip to build corrective forces. The safest move is to drive for traction you actually have, not for the speed your confidence wants.
“If the traction light is busy, your tires are telling the truth. Back off and regain grip before you add more speed or steering.”
Best Tires For Accent Snow Grip
Cold snow traction is mostly a tire compound and tread-sipe job, not a Hyundai Accent “drivetrain magic” job. In winter, the right tire turns braking and steering from a slipping guess into predictable control, especially on compact snow and slush.
All-season Vs True Winter Tires On An Accent
All-season tires can handle light snow, but they often lose bite as temperatures drop because their rubber compound stiffens. Winter tires use a softer compound and stay flexible in cold weather, so they grip ice better and stop with less drama.
In practice, an Accent with front-wheel drive relies on tire traction at the contact patch for both acceleration and steering. When roads get icy or deeply packed snow, all-seasons tend to saturate, then slide, while dedicated winter tires keep working because of deeper tread and more biting edges.
| Tire type | Snow grip feel | Braking on ice or slush | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-season | Acceptable in light snow | Noticeably longer stopping on slick ice | Harsh feel and faster wear in cold, dry use |
| Snow-rated (3PMSF) all-season | Better bite in cold | Improves stopping versus regular all-season | Still not as strong as true winter in hard ice |
| True winter tire | Most consistent grip in cold snow | Shorter, more repeatable stops on slick surfaces | Wears faster when used year-round in warm temps |
Tread Style And Compound: Sipes, Voids, And Ice Bite
Sipes are the “tiny grip edges” cut into the tread blocks. More fine, functional sipes help the tire flex and grab when the surface is slick, while larger voids move slush and snow out of the way so the rubber can contact the road.
For an Accent, prioritize a winter tire pattern with dense siping and strong block-to-block tread support. Soft compounds need intact tread depth to work, so avoid buying anything worn down to the wear bars, even if it still looks “okay.”
Cold Tire Pressure, And Why Winter Amplifies It
Cold weather can drop tire pressure fast, and underinflation in winter costs grip, increases sidewall flex, and can lengthen braking. A few PSI matters more in snow because the tread has to deform correctly to keep those siping edges engaged.
Check pressure when the tires are cold, meaning after sitting for a few hours. Follow the tire placard size spec for your Accent, then fine-tune to the door-jamb target, not what the tire “seems” to want on a warm day.
Tip: Keep a quality gauge in the car, because temperature swings between morning and afternoon can change pressure enough to affect snow feel.
When Worn Tires Turn An Accent Into A Snow Slide
Worn tread reduces the depth of working sipes, so the tire loses the edges that bite into ice and compact snow. When the tread is shallow, water and slush can sit between the tire and the road, and traction control has less help from the tires before it intervenes.
For winter driving, treat tires that are near the wear bars as “unsafe for ice,” especially if you drive hills or stop-and-go in storms. If your Accent already feels vague when braking in snow, check tread depth on every tire, and replace tires in matched sets for predictable handling.
Prep Your Accent Before Storms
Cold weather hits the Hyundai Accent hardest on the first 5 to 10 minutes, when the battery has to spin the engine, the defroster has to clear ice, and brake response changes as parts cool down. A winter-ready checklist usually prevents the “it barely starts” and “no clear windshield” surprises before you need it.
Battery And Starting Health At Accent Commuter Temps
A slow crank in the Accent during cold starts is a battery-health clue, not a “warm up and it’ll fix itself” moment. When the starter turns the engine over noticeably slower than normal, the battery is struggling to deliver current as temperatures drop.
Before the first snow event, check charge state and connections, then look for corrosion on the battery terminals. If the battery is more than a few years old, treat it as suspect and have it load-tested, because a battery can show “okay” voltage but still fail under starter load.
Defrost Performance And Visibility Verification
The Accent’s winter problem is rarely “the heater works,” it is “the windshield stays foggy long enough for you to lose situational awareness.” Verify defrost performance before the storm so you know you can clear the glass within a safe window.
Quick test that saves headaches: frost should soften and clear faster than you expect in the first few minutes. If the glass stays opaque, check for a weak HVAC blend door, clogged cabin filter, or low refrigerant at a professional.
| Visibility issue | Fast check | Likely cause |
|---|---|---|
| Windshield fogging while defrost runs | Is airflow strong from dash vent to glass? | Cabin filter restriction, HVAC air mix issue |
| Small “clear” spot only | Any blocked defrost vents | Vent obstruction or mode door fault |
| Defrost is delayed | Coolant level check (cold, on level ground) | Low coolant or thermostat issue |
Wipers, Washer Fluid, And Winter Blade Inspection
Wiper performance in snow comes down to blade condition and washer fluid that does not turn slush-like in the Accent washer lines. Replace blades if the rubber is torn, streaking, or leaving bands through wet ice.
Use winter-rated washer fluid and confirm it is rated for temperatures lower than your forecast. Look for leaks at the reservoir and inspect hoses for cracking, because a pinhole can empty the system right when you need it most.
Brake And Parking Brake Readiness After Sitting
After cold overnight parking, the Accent can feel “grabby” for a moment as rotors and pads cool and moisture forms. Give yourself a short buffer when you first move, because traction and braking feel are both different on slick mornings.
Inspect for brake fluid leaks around the master cylinder area and check brake warning lights at key-on. For parking brake, make sure it releases fully, because a partially stuck lever can drag and cause heat build-up and uneven wear.
Fluids, Contamination Prevention, And Tire Condition
Winter readiness starts with fluids staying at correct levels and not being contaminated. Verify coolant level when cold (use proper Hyundai-approved coolant mix where applicable), and inspect underneath for fresh wet spots after a drive.
Tires are your biggest traction lever on the Accent since most versions are not AWD. Measure tread depth, check for sidewall cracks or bulges, and watch for uneven wear patterns like inside-edge wear from toe/camber issues or feathering from alignment problems.
Start, Stop, And Turn In Snow
Hyundai Accent front-wheel drive needs smoother inputs in snow, because traction control and ESC intervene fast when a drive wheel spins. The fastest way to get control is gentle throttle to build grip, earlier speed reduction, and wide, slow turns that keep the tires pointed where they can actually bite.
| Situation | Accent winter technique | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Starting from a stop | Idle-like power, straight wheels first | Sudden throttle while turning or immediately after launch |
| Light snow | Feather-throttle, steady speed building | “Patch and punch” acceleration that triggers wheelspin |
| Ice patches | Earlier braking, gentle modulation, straight-line speed loss | Late braking into a turn, hard steering while braking |
| Cornering | Wide arc, slower entry, smooth steering | Adding throttle mid-corner, jerky steering reversals |
Pro tip: In winter, keep your hands light and your feet boring. The Hyundai Accent handles best when steering and throttle are calm enough that traction control and ESC do not have to “work the gaps” between your inputs.
Abs And Braking On Uneven Ice
ABS on uneven winter ice usually feels like a rapid pedal pulsation and a rhythmic steering tug as the system rapidly modulates brake pressure. That pulsing is normal, and it means the Accent is keeping the wheels near the grip limit instead of locking them solid.
Keep your steering input smooth and held steady during ABS stops. ABS helps with straight-line control, but it does not create traction, so you still need to aim where you want to go and avoid yanking the wheel, which can scrub side grip and slide the car sideways.
Split-friction Braking, Where One Side Is Slippery
Hyundai Accent winter stopping gets tricky when one side is ice and the other is dry asphalt, because each tire finds grip at a different pace. ABS reduces the chance of a locked wheel, yet it cannot force traction to be equal side to side if the road is genuinely split.
In practice, the goal is stable braking without sudden steering changes. If the car starts to drift, ease off the brake just a touch to restore tire grip, then brake again firmly but progressively.
For example, if the right side of the lane is polished ice and the left side is snow or dry pavement, the vehicle can feel like it is pulling toward the grippier side during a stop. Keeping the wheel straight and modulating brake pressure prevents the stop from turning into an uncontrolled drift.
| Condition affecting the Accent | What changes | Driver feel |
|---|---|---|
| Worn all-season tread | Less biting edges and poorer slush evacuation | ABS pulses sooner and you cover more distance before stopping |
| Low tire pressure in cold weather | More sidewall flex, less stable contact patch | Less predictable braking and more lateral wobble |
| Ice or glare ice on top of snow | Very low friction coefficient | ABS may pulse heavily, yet the car still stops slowly |
Quick rule: If the surface is split-friction, treat the “least grippy” side as the rule for braking distance. Snow tires or winter tires help, but ABS cannot make ice behave like dry pavement.
Traction Control Lights: Normal Or Not?
Traction control and ESC lights on a Hyundai Accent during winter driving often appear when the car detects wheel slip and reduces throttle to regain grip. Intermittent flashing in deep snow or on icy patches is usually normal, but persistent warnings mean the system is no longer regulating or a sensor or tire issue is preventing it from working correctly.
Wheel Slip Flashing: What The Lights Usually Mean
When the Accent detects a driven wheel spinning faster than the vehicle speed target, traction control (TCS) and ESC use engine torque control and, on many setups, braking at individual wheels to restore traction. ABS can also “come alive” during aggressive braking on ice, even if you feel like you are just trying to stop normally.
For winter driving, the key pattern is behavior. If the light flickers during slippery acceleration or brief steering corrections, that is the system doing its job.
Intermittent Vs Action-required Activation
Intermittent light activation is acceptable when it happens only during low-traction moments and the car returns to normal behavior as you move off the slick patch.
In practice, you can often reproduce the same brief flashing by accelerating gently on compacted snow, then it disappears once grip improves.
Act sooner when the light stays on after you drive through cleaner traction, or when the system disables under ordinary conditions like dry roads or lightly slushy pavement.
| Light behavior | What to expect | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing only during slip | Car limits wheel spin and stabilizes | Continue careful driving, monitor for change |
| Solid TCS/ESC after slip ends | Traction control is disabled or fault stored | Check tires first, then scan codes |
| Solid ABS | Anti-lock braking is disabled | Plan service soon, avoid panic braking on ice |
After A Light Comes On: Safe Stationary Checks First
Start with the easiest variables before you chase wiring or sensors. Stationary checks take minutes and prevent wasted time, especially when winter salt and ice grime can trick sensor readings.
After those checks, do a short, cautious test drive on low-risk pavement. If the light returns immediately under light throttle or normal braking, treat it as a real fault, not “just winter.”
Signs Of A Real Issue On The Accent
Persistent warnings are usually about a system that cannot read vehicle behavior accurately. Real problems show up as repeated interventions even with minimal slip, or as stability and braking behavior that feels different.
Next Diagnostic Steps: Tire Condition, Sensor Cleaning, And Scan Tool Checks
Tire condition is the most common winter culprit for repeated traction control activity. Low tread, mismatched tire sizes, and tires with different wear patterns can confuse wheel-speed comparisons, so address tire health before paying for deeper electrical diagnostics.
Sensor cleaning comes next because wheel-speed sensors pick up road salt, slush, and ice film. After that, use an OBD-II scan tool to pull ABS/TCS/ESC codes, then note which wheel is implicated; that information helps a shop check the right hub, wiring, and connector instead of guessing.
Trade-off to remember: Running snow tires on one axle or mixing tread patterns can improve grip in snow, but it can also increase wheel-speed mismatch, which triggers stability interventions more often.
Emergency Unstuck Plan And Winter Kit
If the Accent gets stuck, the fastest way out is controlled traction, not wheel spin. Spend the first 30 to 60 seconds planning where you will place traction and how you will move the car without overheating tires or brakes.
Stop-and-plan Rules (Before You Touch Anything)
Wheel spin digs the tires in and quickly turns packed snow into ice. Keep your attempts short, then stop to reassess traction and tire position.
For example, if the front tires are buried, set traction where the tire will land after the first small movement, then try a slow forward creep. If the car feels like it is “hung up” on snow ridges or a hard surface, switch to a backing strategy instead of digging forward.
Unstuck Steps: Traction Aids, Shovel Placement, Backing Strategy
Traction aids work best when the tire can climb out, not when they are scattered loosely. Snow tends to bridge, so you want the material under the tire and a cleared lane around it.
“Best practice is to clear a path first, then apply power in short bursts. Spinning just creates a smoother ice skate surface.”
| Stuck location | Most effective move | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Front wheels buried | Clear ahead, add traction under the front tires, creep forward | Hard rocking that packs the snow tighter |
| All wheels spinning | Add traction in front of all driven tires, then use short bursts | Holding throttle to “power through” |
| Car hung up on a ridge | Clear under and around the ridge, then back out slowly | Trying one continuous push |
Winter Emergency Kit For A Hyundai Accent Commuter
A winter kit for daily Accent driving needs to cover traction, visibility, heat, and power for a stranded situation. Keep the kit in one sealed tote so you can grab it quickly when you are already stressed and cold.
Phone power matters more than people expect because winter lock screens, maps, and emergency calls drain batteries quickly. Store the charging cable in the kit, keep a power bank above freezing in your cabin, and charge it before every storm window.
If you need roadside assistance, position reflective gear first, then decide whether you can safely move the Accent or must wait. If any wheel is spinning uncontrollably, stop and re-center on traction placement instead of repeated throttle attempts.
Fix Common Winter Accent Problems
Cold weather issues on a Hyundai Accent usually trace back to weak battery voltage, poor defrost airflow, or tire setup problems before any “mystery” sensors kick in. Start with the fastest, highest-signal checks (battery condition, tire pressure and size match, visibility/airflow, brake rotors and pad condition) before spending money on parts.
Won’t Start Or Slow Cranking
Slow cranking in snow is almost always low battery state of charge, high resistance at corroded terminals, or thick oil plus a marginal battery. Corrosion at the battery posts and ground strap can create voltage drop even when the battery “tests okay” at rest.
Fix starts with measurement, not guessing. Check battery voltage with a multimeter: you want about 12.6 V at full charge (engine off). While cranking, watch voltage drop; if it collapses quickly below roughly 10 V, the battery is the prime suspect, and you should load-test it.
For corrosion, remove the surface buildup, clean to shiny metal, and make sure the ground strap is tight to clean metal. If you see a swollen or leaking battery case, replace it, since winter cold punishes weak cells fast.
Difficulty: Easy (battery terminals and visual checks). Stop and get help: If you have repeated no-start events after a known-good battery and clean grounds, a starter draw test and wiring inspection are worth a shop visit.
Foggy Windows / Weak Defrost
Foggy windows on the Accent usually mean the HVAC is not moving warm, dry air where you need it. Weak defrost comes from restricted airflow (cabin filter), incorrect vent mode, low coolant level (if heat is weak), or an evaporator/drain issue that leaves moisture in the cabin.
Fix the simple stuff first: confirm the system is actually set to defrost, then inspect the cabin air filter and replace it if it is dark, clogged, or damp. Cabin filters are often a cheap win, typically in the easy-access DIY range (about 10 to 30 minutes) if your Accent’s filter housing is straightforward.
Then check heater performance. If the engine warms normally but cabin heat is weak, you likely have a coolant or HVAC blend/airflow fault. If the heat is hot but windows still fog, pay attention to recirculation settings, A/C operation, and airflow from the defrost vents.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (filter). Stop and get help: If coolant level is low repeatedly, do not keep topping it off. A cooling-system pressure test should come next.
Traction Light Keeps Coming On
A traction control warning that stays lit is often a tire setup mismatch, wrong tire size, low or uneven pressure, or a wheel-speed sensor issue triggered by winter conditions. The Accent uses wheel speed inputs, so even one tire with a different rolling diameter can confuse the system.
Fix it with the basics, then scan. Verify all four tires match in size and load rating, and confirm pressures cold, using the door-jamb sticker. Inspect tread depth differences side to side; deep snow tracks that leave one tire noticeably different can trigger alerts.
In practice, a scan tool matters because the system can log codes for a specific wheel sensor, tone ring, or wiring fault. If you have access to an OBD-II scanner, note any wheel-speed or ABS-related codes and check the wiring at the affected corner for salt corrosion or a damaged harness.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (pressure and visual). Stop and get help: If the light stays on after correct tire/pressure checks, a professional diagnosis is the fastest way to avoid guessing at sensors.
Abnormal Tire Wear That Hurts Winter Grip
Inner or outer edge wear on the Accent is a big winter safety problem because it reduces the contact patch when road surfaces are slick. Winter grip depends on having even tread and correct alignment, especially since low-traction conditions exaggerate any alignment or suspension issue.
Fix the cause, not just the tire. If inner edges wear, suspect toe-in or camber problems; if outer edges wear, suspect toe-out or camber; if you see cupping or scallops, suspect worn shock/strut components or a balance issue. Underinflation and overinflation both change how the tire flattens or crowns, accelerating edge wear in cold weather.
Winter traction is also tied to tire type. All-season tires can work in light snow, but if you drive frequent ice and deep snow, a dedicated snow tire set often gives a real improvement in braking and forward bite compared with worn all-seasons.
Difficulty: Moderate (inspection) to higher if you need alignment or suspension parts. Stop and get help: If you find uneven wear plus steering pull or vibration, get an alignment and suspension inspection before the next storm.
Vibration While Braking
Brake vibration on the Accent in winter usually points to rotor issues (warping, thickness variation, or surface corrosion) or pad problems. Cold mornings can worsen rotor surface rust, and if you sit with brakes applied, you can get a rough “crust” that causes pulsation until the rotor clears.
Fix starts with inspection. Look for thick rust buildup around the rotor edges, uneven pad wear, or rotor lips. If the pads are worn unevenly, stopping at “just replace rotors” can repeat the problem.
Winter heat-shock note: repeated salt spray and temperature swings can create surface irregularities faster than in summer. If vibration shows up suddenly after a cold snap, surface corrosion is a suspect, but persistent pulsation needs measurement (rotor thickness and runout) rather than guesswork.
Difficulty: Moderate (brake inspection). Stop and get help: If you have brake warning lights, ABS/ESC complaints, or vibration that worsens quickly, have a shop check rotor runout and brake hardware torque. Brakes are a safety system.
When To Stop Diy And Get A Professional Inspection
Get a professional involved when the problem affects control systems (ABS, ESC, traction), when you suspect steering or suspension damage, or when warning lights persist after you correct simple winter causes like tire pressure and cabin filter restrictions. Shops can also run a load test, battery health check, and sensor diagnostics that go beyond “it starts now.”
Stop doing repeating trials if you see signs of major electrical faults (burning smell at the battery, melted cable insulation), cooling-system problems (low coolant with no obvious leak), or brake pulsation that does not improve after a few safe stops. In those cases, the right diagnostic path prevents expensive part swaps and keeps the Accent predictable on slick winter roads.
Insider tip: If multiple issues hit in one storm week (slow starts plus traction alerts plus fogging), treat it like a winter setup problem first, then move to scanning and mechanical inspection. Weak battery voltage alone can confuse sensors and HVAC behavior.
Quick Summary
When winter conditions turn roads into packed snow and gray ice, the Accent’s behavior is mostly tire-driven, not drivetrain magic. Since most Accents are front-wheel drive, traction gets limited fast on glare ice because the front tires must handle both steering and pulling. The article calls out that ABS and traction control flickering often reflect grip loss, and it emphasizes that winter tires usually outperform all-seasons once temperatures drop below 45°F. It also notes to recheck tire pressure after a 20°F temperature drop, since cold changes everything.
In light snow, the Accent feels confident if tread is healthy and you drive smoothly, but packed snow wipes out high spots in tread and traction control can work constantly unless you use momentum and gentle throttle. On black ice, friction is extremely limited and even active stability systems cannot create traction the tires cannot physically grip. For technique, the article recommends rolling out, then adding power gradually, braking earlier, and keeping inputs light at speed because hard steering or sudden throttle can trigger wheel slip sooner than you expect. The biggest takeaway is that tires and smooth inputs control your results.
| Winter condition | What the Accent usually feels like | Driver takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Light snow | Predictable, steady if tires are in good shape | Maintain smooth throttle and spacing |
| Packed snow | Traction control gets active quickly | Use gradual throttle, avoid wheel spin |
| Braking toward a curve | ABS prevents lockup, but grip can still be poor | Brake earlier, steer after the car slows |
| Corner entry on slippery surfaces | Front grip is limited, understeer is common | Slow in, then apply power gently |
| Black ice | Unpredictable sliding even with traction control active | Expect loss of control and drive with extra spacing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Hyundai Accent Good In Snow, Or Will I Struggle With Traction?
In snow, the Accent can be manageable as long as you run proper winter tires and keep tire pressures set for cold weather. All-season tires tend to lose bite on packed snow, so if you regularly drive on snow-covered roads, winter tires make the biggest difference.
What Should I Check On My Hyundai Accent Before Winter Driving To Prevent It From Getting Stuck?
Start with tread depth and condition of your tires, then verify brake system health since reduced friction on snow can expose weak brakes fast. Also inspect wiper blades and washer fluid, and make sure the battery is strong because cold weather can stress weak starters.
Why Does My Hyundai Accent Feel Like It Slips More In Snow Than It Used To?
If the slipping is new, the most common causes are worn tires, low tire pressure, or brake drag and uneven friction. If traction control or ABS lights come on, don’t guess, get it scanned, because a sensor or traction system issue can change how the car behaves on slippery roads.
How Often Should I Rotate Tires On A Hyundai Accent During Winter To Help With Snow Grip?
During winter use, try to rotate tires about every 5,000 to 7,500 miles (or sooner if you notice uneven wear). Even small wear differences can reduce snow performance, especially on the front axle where steering and braking traction matter most.
Can I Use Chains On A Hyundai Accent, And What’s The Safest Way To Prepare For Snowy Roads?
You may be able to use chains, but whether they’re allowed depends on your specific tire size and local rules. Check your owner’s manual or tire sidewall guidance, and practice fitting them at home, because in real snow you have very little time to get it right.
What’s The Biggest Mistake Hyundai Accent Drivers Make In Snow That Makes Stopping Worse?
The biggest mistake is assuming you can stop like you would on dry pavement, because snow and slush greatly increase stopping distance. Drive with extra following distance and avoid harsh braking early, and if your tires are older than about 4 to 5 years, consider replacing them for winter use.