All-Weather Tires – The Tip of the Iceberg
All-weather tires are a hybrid tire that functions in all seasons, including winter but only in mild and non-extreme winter conditions.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALL-SEASON AND ALL-WEATHER TIRES?
All-weather tires offer stronger performance in inclement weather and can be used in lower temperatures than all-season tires.
Let’s compare how these tires are used differently:
All-season tires…
…CAN be used in the MILDEST conditions in all seasons.
…CAN'T be used in MODERATE or SEVERE winter conditions.
All-weather tires…
…CAN be used in MILD and MODERATE winter conditions.
…CAN'T delay a winter tire changeover to later in the season.
…CAN'T be used in SEVERE winter conditions.
All-season tires, perhaps the most common tire type, are engineered to get your car through the mildest conditions that you may face in any season. They are not dedicated snow tires and are not ideal to use in regions that experience temperatures consistently below 45F or persistent ice and snow.
All-weather tires deliver extended service further into a cold season due to their cool weather capability. Assuming snowfall is light and temperatures don’t drop too low, all-weather tires can offer strong performance year-round.
All-weather tires are an excellent option for drivers living in mild or moderate climates without true or extensive winter conditions. The southwest and southeastern United States are great all-weather tire territories.
ALL-WEATHER TIRES VS ALL-SEASON TIRES:
There are a few major differences between all-season and all-weather tires.
All-weather tire PROS compared to all-season tires:
Superior wet, ice, and snow performance
Can be used year-round in mild winter conditions
Can be used for more days in a year in winter regions
Can be used in mild conditions for each season
All-season tire PROS compared to all-weather tires:
Shorter dry weather stopping distance
May ride or handle better
Offers high mileage warranties
Easily available at any tire retailer
All-weather tires CONS compared to all-season tires:
May be noisier
May have duller handling
Fewer market options to choose from
Not an official tire category yet
All-season tire CONS compared to all-weather tires:
Inferior cool weather tolerance
Inferior wet, ice, and snow performance
Shorter time span use in four season regions
Excels only in the mildest conditions of each season
WHERE TO BUY ALL-WEATHER TIRES
All-weather tires are a new type of tire and do not have an established tire category. Since they’re not official and there is no labeling regulation, each manufacturer has their own naming conventions. This can make them difficult to find.
Here is a quick list of some of the most popular all-weather tires we carry:
The easiest way to tell if a tire is an all-weather tire is:
If it’s an all-season tire with the three-peak mountain snowflake designation for severe weather handling
It may also include the M+S symbol
Includes some “weather” related name
It includes “all-weather” in its product description
If you’re unsure or want help finding an all-weather tire for your vehicle, reach out to us and we’ll get you taken care of.
ARE ALL-WEATHER TIRES AS GOOD AS WINTER TIRES?
All-weather tires are not as good as winter tires in true winter conditions. Winter tires are the best performing, most reliable, and safest options in difficult and severe weather conditions.
All-weather tires are upgraded all-season tires with increased light and mild winter performance. Like all other tire types, they cannot perform well at or below 45F degrees. They may offer wet, snow, and ice related tread features but the rubber tread will still seize up in low temps, reducing its efficacy in these conditions.
Where all-weather tires shine is in regions with minimal winter conditions, such as the Southwest or Southeastern United States. Drivers in these states could benefit from increased performance year-round from an all-weather tire.
The best tire for you depends on many factors, including your vehicle, climate, budget, and driving needs. Let us help you find what you need. Give us a call, make an appointment, or drop in to your nearest America's Tire store and we’ll get you taken care of.
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