Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

Your tires are an often-overlooked part of your vehicle’s overall safety and performance, so it is important to have the right set of tires for your driving needs. For those who live in a climate with harsh winters, you may be wondering about the difference between winter tires vs. all-season tires? Which is best for your driving needs near Toms River and Trenton?

When comparing winter tires vs. all-season tires, you’ll want to think of all-season tires as the jack of all trades for every season while winter tires are the specialist during winter driving. In the guide below from Automotive Avenues, we will cover the following:

• The benefits and drawbacks of winter tires
• Winter tire storage information
• The importance of proper tire pressure in the winter

Advantages and Disadvantages of Winter Tires

Some Howell Township drivers opt for winter tires, and there are plenty of reasons to do so. Keep in mind that there are a few drawbacks to be aware of so that you can make an informed decision.

Advantages

• Unique Rubber Compound: Many all-season tires are made of a rubber compound that can freeze and get brittle in frigid temperatures. That is not the case with winter tires, which are constructed with a special rubber compound that stays flexible during the cold. Winter tires ensure maximum grip in freezing temperatures.
• Specially-Designed Tread: Winter tires have grooves designed to reduce snow and ice build-up. This also improves traction in inclement weather.
• Biting Edge Design: What’s more? Winter tires also have a biting edge design that digs into deep snow and ice for even better control in harsh weather.

Disadvantages

• Wear: When temperatures are warmer, and there is not as much snow and ice on the ground, the added traction of winter tires can cause them to wear down more rapidly.
• Swapping Out: Driving on winter tires around Wall in the summer is not recommended. Because of this, you will also need a set of summer tires for those warmer months.

Winter Tire Storage Tips

What do you do with your winter tires when they are not being used? They will need to be properly stored to maximize their performance and lifespan. Explore our winter tire storage tips below.

• Store Clean Tires: Be sure to clean your winter tires before you store them. Tires that are not cleaned before they are stored are susceptible to corrosion, which can greatly shorten their lifespan. Cover the tires once they are clean.
• Clean & Temperature-Controlled Storage: You’ll want to keep your tires in a clean and temperature-controlled space. Remember to stack your tires and rotate them occasionally to prevent deformities.
• Tire Pressure: Proper tire pressure in winter is a must, and the pressure will likely drop along with the temperatures. Low tire pressure adversely affects handling, and it increases the likelihood of a blowout. We recommend you add the correct tire pressure to your tires when they’re still cold so that the pressure is not too low as you drive around Toms River and beyond.
• Tread Wear: Even though winter tires have deeper tread grooves, they will still wear down over time. Be sure to check tire tread wear periodically to make sure they are safe for the roads of Trenton.

Contact Automotive Avenues for More Information

If you still have questions about winter tires vs. all-season tires, do not hesitate to reach out to the team at Automotive Avenues. We would be glad to discuss the advantages more in-depth and share other helpful tips.