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What are Winter Tires?

 

Winter tires are tires that are specially engineered to maintain better traction in extremely cold temperatures and on slippery surfaces. They are made with more flexible rubber that hardens at much lower temperatures so that they can better conform to the road when all-season tires would not be able to do so.

 

Read more about Winter Tires in our Winter Tires Explained Blog Post.

 

What are All-Season Tires

 

All-season Tires are typically the tires that are on your vehicle when you purchase it. All-season tires are made to offer a quiet ride, a long tread-life, and fair year-round performance. These tires work well in a variety of conditions across different seasons, including rain and light winter driving. They are basically a compromise between summer and winter tire options.

 

Since all-season tires are designed to perform well in differing driving conditions and seasons, they lose some of the capabilities offered by specific seasonal tires. These tires cover moderate weather, not extremes. Therefore, if you live somewhere where it rarely snows and temperatures remain mild all year, all-season tires are the right choice. 

 

However, all-season tires can’t offer the traction and handling winter tires are designed for in winter conditions. In northern states like Michigan we get our fair share of heavy, dangerous winter driving conditions. All-season tires just can’t provide the added safety that winter tires do.

 

Just like you change your shoes and clothing seasonally for comfort and safety, your vehicle also requires a wardrobe change.

 

When should you use Winter Tires Vs. All-Season Tires?

 

All-season tires are meant to be used all year-round in areas that have mild weather all year-round. If you live in an area that experiences harsh seasonal changes, you should be using winter tires during the colder months. 

 

You should be switching to winter tires when temperatures drop below 45 degrees consistently, and definitely before any snow or ice comes. Unfortunately in Michigan, this could mean as early as mid-October. Be aware that winter tires are meant for colder (sub-45 degrees fahrenheit) temperatures and shouldn’t be used in warm weather. Keep an eye on the weather and make an appointment as soon as it starts to turn.

 

Direct Comparisons from Consumer Reports

 

Still not convinced that winter tires will provide you with more safety and easier driving? 

 

Ice Braking

 

According to Consumer Reports, winter tires can brake in just 30 feet on average, versus 36 feet for all-season tires.
 

Snow Traction

 

According to Consumer Reports, winter tires only had to travel 64 feet to go from 5 to 20 miles per hour. All-season tires traveled a full 86 feet before reaching 20 mph.

 

Tread Life Comparison

 

Winter tires can typically last up to 6 seasons if well-maintained. This is backed up by the 6-year warranties most winter tires come equipped with. That’s much longer than the 3-4 years most all-season tires last.

 

While winter tires are an added cost initially, they can actually make up for their cost in a few years. For up to 6 years, you’re halving the wear and extending tread life for your regular tires. In the end, your regular tires will need replacing less often. Spending extra on winter tires will help you save on regular tires.

 

Remember, we want you to be safe.

 

Ultimately, your safety is what’s most important. Make the smart decision for your family, your pocketbook long-term, and your peace of mind. 

 

Make sure to check back next week for another post comparing all-season tires to winter tires