Seasonal Care

Know Your Tires

Why use Winter Tires? They provide better traction on snow and ice. They’re made from softer rubber compounds that remain flexible in cold temperatures. You gain Enhanced Traction as their unique rubber compounds and tread patterns make them handle quicker stops and create more control in snow and ice conditions. Unlike all-season tires, winter tires remain flexible in low temperatures which provide better stopping power on slippery surfaces, reducing stopping distances significantly. They often have deeper treads and unique designs that help channel snow and slush away from the tire. In some regions, winter tires are required by law during certain months or under specific conditions. There are also different types of winter tires, studded and non-studded, while studded tires offer additional traction on ice, non-studded are better for mixed conditions. Using winter tires may result in slightly lower fuel efficiency compared to all-season tires, but the safety benefits outweigh this concern. Because of their softer rubber compound winter tires generally wear out faster when used in warm weather, so it’s essential to switch them out seasonally. Overall using winter tires can significantly enhance safety and performance during harsh winter weather.

Why use Summer Tires? They are designed for optimal performance in warm weather and offer better grip and handling on dry and mildly wet roads. Offering superior handling, cornering, and braking performance on dry and wet roads, summer tires feature a shallow tread depth and fewer grooves, enhancing contact with the road for better traction and stability. They’re made from a specialized rubber compound that remains soft and flexible in warmer temperatures, improving grip by sticking to the road. Often designed to efficiently channel water away from the tire, reducing the risk of hydroplaning in rainy conditions. Their best performance is typically between 45°F (7°C) and 100°F (38°C); they can harden and lose grip in colder temperatures. Summer tires tend to wear more slowly compared to winter tires when used in appropriate conditions, but can wear out faster in extreme heat. Generally providing better fuel economy than winter tires due to lower rolling resistance, summer tires are ineffective on snow and ice, as they lack the necessary traction and flexibility in cold conditions. There are different types of summer tires including high-performance options for sports cars, touring tires for sedans, and ultra-high-performance tires for enhanced responsiveness. Using summer tires can greatly enhance a vehicles performance in warm weather, but it’s crucial to switch them out when conditions change.

Why use All Season Tires? They are suitable for moderate climates, being a compromise between summer and winter tires, however they are not as effective as dedicated winter tires in extreme winter conditions. They are designed to provide a balance of performance in various conditions, including dry, wet, and light winter weather, usually featuring a moderate tread depth with a mix of performance-oriented and winter-friendly characteristics, offering decent grip year-round. Effective in a broader temperature ranges than summer tires, but not optimized for extreme winter conditions making them a practical choice for drivers in regions with mild climates. All season tires generally wear well and can last longer than specialized tires when used in moderate conditions. Typically, designed with lower rolling resistance, all season tires contribute to better fuel economy compared to winter tires. Many all season tires feature grooves and channels to help manage water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. They can usually handle light snow and slush, but are not as effective as dedicated winter tires in severe winter conditions. All season tires are best suited for drivers who experience mild winters and prefer convenience over specialized performance.

Why use All Weather Tires? They are designed for a range of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and dry roads, making them suitable for year-round use. With the combined features of both all-season and winter tires, all weather tires offer moderate snow traction and wet performance. They typically have a unique tread pattern that enhances grip in various conditions, with deeper grooves for better water evacuation and snow handling. While they are made from rubber compounds that remain flexible in cold temperatures, they are not as soft as winter tires and can manage the summer temperatures. All weather tires eliminate the need for seasonal tire changes, saving time and cost associated with switching tires. All weather tires can meet the legal requirements for winter tires, indicated by the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol and they’re designed to provide good rolling resistance, contributing to better fuel economy compared to winter tires. While they perform adequately in many conditions, all weather tires may not offer the same level of performance as dedicated winter or summer tires in extreme conditions.

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By Published On: February 7th, 2019Categories: General0 Comments on Seasonal Care