Winter vs. all-season tires: Things to know

When the roads start getting snowy, some people find that driving is more difficult to navigate. Having tires you can rely on is vital to ensuring that you and your passengers remain safe on even the coldest days. If you live in a snowy state, there’s no doubt you know a thing or two about winter tires. Built to endure even the fiercest snow and ice, these tires are known to keep cars in good condition through the coldest months of the year. All-season tires, another viable option, have proved to perform more effectively in areas without snow. If you’re struggling to decide which route to take, then look no further than this blog post. Both tire variations have strengths of their own, and we’ve listed some of the must-know facts that conflicted drivers should be aware of before choosing between the two. 

All-Season Tires 

What are they? 

Like all tires, this variation is made of rubber. Rubber keeps its strong grip on the ground no matter the weather, which makes it the ideal component for the tires of a car. For the most part, all-season tires are harder than other kinds. Silica and carbon black are generally included, as the firmer material stands up better when temperatures begin to rise. All-season tires can be an excellent asset when traveling in the heat. 

Are all-season tires right for me? 

Unsurprisingly, all-season tires are hugely popular in southern states. In places where snow is a non-issue, choosing what tires you need requires much less thought. Contrary to what many believe, all-season tires actually can hold their own in snow—to a certain extent, at least. If the layers of snow and ice are thin enough, your all-season tires should weather the temperature change just fine. When the cold gets more extreme, however, the rubber may harden and fail to function as seamlessly as it did before. All-season tires are capable of providing minimal traction, but they definitely aren’t the safest option when it comes to driving in deep piles of snow. These tires excel in warm and rainy conditions, so they’re usually the best bet for drivers in Florida, Texas, California, and Arizona. If you live in an area where snow days are few and far between, you can probably get away with opting for all-season tires. Before making the final decision, make sure to do thorough research on the subject. Never make the mistake of assuming all-season tires will do, when making the switch to winter tires might be a better, safer alternative. 

Winter Tires

What are they? 

Invented in 1934, winter tires were designed to withstand ice and snow. Snow often creates problems when it accumulates, and driving is one area that’s very much affected by falling temperatures. As the weather gets colder, many people choose to affix their cars with winter tires, also called snow tires. Just like all-season tires, winter tires are composed mostly of rubber. Where these two styles differ is in their flexibility. All-season tires are stiff and rigid, but winter tires morph themselves to fit the fluctuating seasons. When snow starts covering roads, winter tires adapt and continue gripping the ground. This flexibility is what all-season tires lack, and it’s what makes winter tires a stand-out choice for residents of snowier areas. 

Are winter tires right for me? 

When push comes to shove, safety is everyone’s top priority. This is why winter tires are a necessity, if you live somewhere where snow plays a major role in your yearly weather forecast. Besides being more flexible on cold roads, winter tires possess another feature that makes them safer on snow: small slits, carefully placed throughout the tread, lead to stronger traction that will make your drives go smoothly. Snow and ice are notoriously difficult to navigate by car, and winter tires offer the traction required to improve the process. If you live somewhere that’s known for heavy snow, winter tires could mark the difference between getting home safely and skidding off the road. Make this simple investment to keep yourself and your loved ones secure through those grueling winter storms. 

Shop Transwest

Transwest is thrilled to service customers who live in many climates. Whether you need snow tires, all-season tires, or something in between, we want your driving experience to be as comfortable as possible. Shop our online selection of gorgeous cars today, or stop by a location to get an up-close look at our inventory.