For sure. There’s definitely a difference, but most people in the northeast have the advantage of living in areas where roads are plowed and are rarely faced with driving in deep snow.

Sure, if you have the money to buy another set of wheels and tires or to have tour tires changed out and stored twice a year, sure, go for it.

But just like people who buy 4x4 vehicles as their daily drivers, but rarely go off-road, a set of expensive off-road tires isn’t necessary if you’re mostly limited to dirt roads and mild off-road conditions on an occasional basis and aren’t seeking more extreme off-road conditions.

A set of three-peak mountain rated tires will do just fine for most people who do most of their driving on well-maintained roads and drive properly for the conditions.

Sure there are people who live in more rural areas where the roads aren’t maintained as much or purposely seek out tougher conditions, who would greatly benefit from dedicated snow tires, but most people are just fine with a three-peak mountain rated tire like the WildPeak or CrossClimate 2.