So, are winter tires and all-weather tires that different?  All weather tires are called ‘all-weather’, so aren’t they fine for the snow?  Drivers are often confused about exactly what tires are needed for snowy or icy driving conditions.  There is a difference between the two types of tires, and, yes, winter tires are necessary for safe winter driving.  There are certainly car owners out there who are under the impression that the all season tires of today can deliver the same performance as the winter tires, and that winter tires are only meant for cars going up a snowy mountainous back road.   So, here is the truth on the matter:

Winter tires are designed for snow, cold, slush and icy weather conditions. They are specialized tires that are designed to be used in the winter season whereas all season tires are meant for use in all other conditions.  All season tires have a compound that provides good traction and better delivery in a wide range of road conditions. However, when temperatures reach below forty-five degrees the traction decreases. This is the point where all-season tire compounds begin to lose traction because it begins to harden.  Winter tires, on the other hand, are made of a superior rubber compound that have better traction compared to all season tires, and are designed to do well in cold temperatures. Some winter tires even have soft studs tread fibers that increase grip even more.   There is also a difference in tread design.  The grooves on the winter tires are made to be about 35% deeper than that of normal tires. The groove shape also allows more snow to be packed into the thread and expelled as it rotates for deep snow traction.   The design basically allows the tire to cut through snow or slush while, at the same time, keeping contact with the road.   All season tires have different features. Though its grooves are designed to handle a wet road, they must also meet the wear and cornering requirements of all season traction. These are less aggressive in terms of traction and are designed to give a more comfortable ride.  Because all-weather tires are used through the summer, they must have flatter treads to handle the dry road traction. 

All season tires are perfect for spring, summer, and fall, as they cater to both dry and wet driving on the road as compared to winter snow tires that are designed only to perform effectively during winter.  Winter tires have actually become very sophisticated and technical over the years. Modern winter tires are also much quieter than their predecessors.  Some may have the idea that manufacturers are just trying to make an extra buck by creating ‘winter only’ tires.  But winter tires are a legitimate need for safe snow/ice driving.  On top of this, using winter tires for the season saves on wear and tear of your all-season tires, thus saving some mileage on them.  All season tires can never be the substitute for winter tires; winter tires are the only tires that will give the desired traction during the winter season. It’s all a matter of keeping you and your family safe, and worth the investment one hundred percent.