The Difference between All Season Tires and Winter Tires
The Difference between All Season Tires and Winter Tires
Posted on November 27, 2020
There are a few different types of tires, and it is important to use the right ones for your vehicle and for the season. Winter is just around the corner which means that many people are considering the switch to winter tires. If you are curious about the difference between all-season tires and winter tires, we can help. Our Toronto Car Dealership at Nexcar Auto has created an easy to understand guide that will help you choose the best tires for your car.
All Season Tires
The label all season may lead you to believe that these tires are good for every climate. In fact, they are only suitable for all seasons in areas that have mild to moderate climates. In any location that has extreme weather with heavy snow or ice, a different type of tire is needed to give proper traction while on the road.
Most new cars come with all-season tires installed as part of their standard package. It is a versatile option that will give drivers good performance in most conditions. They also have a great tread life and offer a very smooth ride with minimal road noise. They can be used in mild winter conditions but anything more than light snow will prove too much for all-season tires.
Winter Tires
The winter brings with it cold temperatures, sleet, snow, and icy roads. While all-weather tires can handle a mild amount of winter weather, the aforementioned conditions need something more specialized. Winter tires are crafted to enable better traction on winter roads with some design features that are unique.
Every tire has tread channels, but winter tires have a few special features. If you look closely you will find small slits that cover the tread surface. These sipes have higher concentrations on winter tires which improves traction over slippery surfaces such as icy roads.
Winter tires have deeper treads and aggressive patterns that help the tires grip the road even in the snow. When your vehicle rolls over snowy roads, snow will be channeled through the deeper treads so that you can stay firmly on the road.
Cold weather can cause regular tires to harden which makes them less efficient when you are on the road. Winter tires use a different type of rubber which allows them to stay soft and pliable even in cold weather. When your tires are flexible, the treads are able to work correctly which gives you the traction you need to stay safe on winter surfaces.
Winter Tire Drawbacks
Any specialized product is going to have trade-offs, and winter tires are no different. These tires perform exceptionally well in the winter, but outside of cold weather, they are not effective. You will not get the same level of superior performance on dry roads or even during the summer months. We suggest swapping out your winter tires for all-weather tires during the spring, summer, and fall. You don’t have to buy new tires every year, simply put your winter tires in storage during the off-seasons. If you want to order and install all season/winter tires, or need more information about Used Cars for Sale in Toronto, give Nexcar a call at (877) 245-9997 today.