All Season Tires Vs. Snow Tires

Many drivers invest in all-season tires planning to drive them all winter, but will they suffice? Here are the benefits and rules for choosing all-season vs snow tires.

Winter driving can be stressful enough without worrying about the extra expense of buying a set of winter tires. If a car is already equipped with all seasons, are snow tires really necessary? The answer depends on where the car will be driven, the age of the all-seasons, and a few other factors.

Here are the factors to consider when comparing all-season tires vs. snow tires for winter driving conditions.

All-Season Vs. Snow Tires

All seasons are an improvement over summer tires as they are designed to cover a wider range of road conditions. However, their design qualities for all seasons mean that they are a master in no season or condition. They tend to be designed to last longer, or be quieter, not to stand up to snow and ice.

Snow tires are built to stop faster on ice, grip better in snow, and dispel snow and slush from the tread without build-up. They also remain pliable in temperatures below freezing, a quality that all seasons can’t claim. When comparing snow tires vs all-season tires for winter driving conditions, snow tires always come out on top.

For anyone living in an area where driving on snow and ice is the norm for months at a time each year, snow tires are worth the investment.

The Cost of Winter Vs All Season Tires

Upfront, it may seem that winter tires are very expensive. Consider these factors, though:

• By alternating all-season or summer tires with winter ones, the all-seasons will get a break each year, which means the driver can go longer before needing to invest in a new set of all seasons. Buying winter tires now means no new all seasons any time soon.
• If a driver relies on all seasons in the winter and ends up in a collision or ditch, his/her insurance premiums may go up, plus there’s the cost of repair. A new set of winter tires may end up seeming cheap in comparison.

All drivers considering winter tires should know they need to purchase four tires, not two, regardless of whether the vehicle is rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. Pairing two winter with all-season tires results in inconsistent tread and balance across the four tires, making the snow tires less effective.

Winter Driving with All Season Tires

If a driver chooses to use all-season tires throughout the winter season, there are a few tips that will make them safer for winter road conditions.

• Don’t drive older all-season tires on snow or ice. All seasons more than a year old may be worn down enough to diminish their effectiveness in winter conditions.
• Carry tire chains, just in case.
• Make sure to check the weather report before heading out on any journey, and drive slowly and carefully.
• Make sure the car is otherwise prepared for winter driving. The windows should be clear, windshield washing fluid full, and emergency car kit tucked away in the trunk.

While the expense may seem off-putting at first, the peace of mind that comes with driving in winter with snow tires is worth it.