All Season Tires vs Winter Tires
All Season Tires vs Winter Tires
Posted on September 9, 2023
Now that the weather is beginning to change to colder temperatures, you may be wondering if switching to winter tires is appropriate. Many people question which tires are best when it comes to driving on slick, snow-packed surfaces. It’s important to have the best tires for safety and longevity, especially when driving in the Alberta area. You don’t want to be slipping and sliding to your destination as you drive.
As winter approaches, the question becomes which type of tires are best for this season– All-Season Tires or Winter Tires?
All-Season Tires vs Winter Tires
At first glance, you may think all-season tires and winter tires will work similarly in the winter weather, but both of these tires are created differently. Let’s take a look at the differences between the tires so you can make the best choice for a safe driving experience this winter.
All-Season Tires
While tire dealers promote all-season tires as useful for all seasons, this is somewhat misleading. Of course, you can use them for all seasons, but it wouldn’t be a wise decision. These tires are effective in minor weather conditions, but when it comes to the harsh winters common in Alberta, they won’t do the job. The way the tires are constructed is what makes them not as hearty of those icy road conditions. The tread on these tires have some depth and pattern but not to the degree that will help in the snowy weather that’s common in Alberta.
Winter Tires
Winter tires have a few features that all-season tires don’t have. The rubber compound of this tire will hold up consistently in temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius. Therefore, they won’t harden up when temperatures become bitter cold. In addition, the tread is quite a bit different. Winter tires include the following elements:
- Deep tread
- Pattern in the tread that grips in snowy, slushy conditions
- Metal studs within the tire take holds of icy roads preventing you from slipping when you use your brake
- Thin grooves in the tire push away slush and wet snow.
Winter tires in Edmonton is essential due to the bad weather conditions during the winter. When attempting to navigate the treacherous roads in the worst months of winter, you’ll want to ensure that your vehicle is prepared. Putting on winter tires will keep you safe as you travel to and from work, school, or errands.
When deciding which tires are best for you, you need to ask yourself a few questions. Do you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and icy roads? If so, do you ever need to be out on the roads? If you said yes to both of these questions, then the answer is clear. You want winter tires. All-season won’t pass the test when it comes to the more ferocious, wintry snow days.
Now is the perfect time to purchase your winter tires. It’s best to get them before the first snow strikes. Stop by Southview Acura and check out our winter tires. While you’re here, be sure to explore our guide on how to reset your tire pressure monitor.