All-Season Tires vs. Winter Tires – Which is best?

You’ve probably noticed that your tires are the only thing between the rest of your car and the road (and if this is not the case for your vehicle, please call us ASAP😂). Because of this, they are a crucial component in both your ride quality and safety. Bad tires can make for a bumpy ride or a dangerous situation. When it comes to driving in winter weather conditions, your tires can make a major difference when it comes to your safety and ability to handle on slick roads. You can get by on a set of all-season tires (especially if your vehicle has 4-wheel drive), but there’s another option out there: winter tires. But is it worth buying a second set of tires and having them swapped out each year? Let’s weigh the pros and cons.

The pros of having winter tires: 

· More traction to safely navigate icy and snowy roads.

· Materials and tread patterns engineered specifically for snow, ice, and cold weather conditions.

· One set of winter tires can last you several seasons. 

The cons:

· Having to store a whole set of tires.

· Buying a second set of tires is not always budget-friendly.

· Your ride is louder on clear roads because of the compounds used in the rubber of winter tires.

Who are winter tires for?

Winter tires are an excellent fit for drivers that live in areas that experience snowy and icy conditions. If you’re new to the state, Wisconsin is one of these places. If your vehicle has front wheel drive, a good set of winter tires will make your life a lot easier. If your vehicle is rear wheel drive, we would very strongly recommend winter tires to counteract the inherent weaknesses of rear wheel drive vehicles in adverse weather conditions. 

Who are winter tires not a good fit for?

If you live somewhere with a moderate climate, you can get away with all-season tires. If you have an all wheel drive vehicle with solid all season tires, you can get away with using them through most winter conditions. 

What is the difference between winter and all-season tires?

The treads are designed to maximize traction on snowy roads. The rubber in the tires is also optimized to handle cold temperatures.  

Tire Rack has a great video that illustrates the difference between these two types of tires on an ice hockey rink.

Ask the staff:

Stacy (Owner/HBIC): “I’m a big fan of winter tires just because of how much better the traction is in the snow. If you don’t have space or money for a second set of tires, all-seasons are a great way to go.”

Josh (Owner/Head Technician): “I like winter tires better because they grab slippery surfaces better.”

Joe (Technician): “I say we put all-terrain tires on and lift every vehicle.” (Joe likes winter tires.)

Sam (Service Writer): “I like wearing flip flops in the summer and boots in the winter. For that reason, I use two sets of tires on my cars. I use Bridgestone Blizzak tires on my car in the winter, and I notice a huge difference with them over the all-seasons I used in previous winters.”

Get ready for winter!

A vehicle equipped with winter tires and is properly aligned will make a noticeable difference in your quality of snowy weather travel. If you are looking for new tires, Top Tier Automotive is your one-stop shop. You can order tires and make an appointment with us by giving us a call or text at (608) 572-7722. 

Have a happy holiday season and drive safely and smartly! 

Top Tier Automotive