Winter and Snow Tires vs. All Season
By Sydny Atwood
What are All-Season Tires?
Sterling, Virginia — All-season tires are made to balance the needs of each season while providing the tire safety you and your family demand in most kinds of weather. All-season tires compromise between the needs of a summer tire and winter tire. They don’t have the extra grip that winter tires offer, but they also don’t have so little grip they run as smoothly as an ultra-high performance tires. All-season tires are ideal if you live in a moderate climate. They perform well in the all seasons as you don’t need the extra grip to navigate ice and snow in the winter. If you live in a climate with true winter weather, you are going to want the extra grip and safety a good set of winter tires offers.
Do All-Seasons Tires Work for All Four Seasons?
There are 100s of tire types traveling on the road at all times. But, one of the most common features of the majority of these tires - they have the label — all-season Tires. Knowing how to buy All-Season Tires is of utmost importance. Educate yourself on the basics — as they offer a balance of durability, smooth ride, and handling and that makes them the most popular tire choice. Despite the name “all-season” if you live in a climate that experiences all four seasons, your all-season tires might not cover you all year.
In climates where there is adverse winter weather, you will want to invest in specialty winter or snow tires.
How are Winter Tires Different?
Your tires are the first line of defense against the snow and ice on winter roads. Snow tires are designed specially to work in these adverse conditions.
So how are winter tires different?
- The tread rubber is designed to remain flexible in cold temperatures, allowing the treads to grip the road better.
- The treads are deeper, and the tread patterns are designed for traction and to avoid snow build up.
- The tires have more biting edges and a higher sipe density, translation: there are thousands of little slits designed to provide traction on ice.
Though expertly designed to navigate snow and ice, winter tires do not stand up to dry roads. They wear quickly and because of the deep treads, are very noisy. Winter tires are a safety precaution if you live in an area where the roads are consistently affected by winter weather.
Contact Your Local Tire Pro Service Center
If you aren’t sure if winter tires or all-season tire are right for your vehicle, contact your local tire professional.
*Always check your owner’s manual for your vehicle model’s specific instructions before attempting any type of repair.
Hogan & Sons Tire and Auto | Author: Sydny Atwood | Copyright July 2017
