All-Season vs. Winter Tires

At Pepe Auto Group, we get a lot of questions about tires from Yonkers and New Rochelle drivers. What are winter tires? Are they better than all-season tires? Can you use winter tires all year? The truth is that different types of tires have different strengths. All-season tires are built to perform through all four seasons well, but winter tires are designed to truly excel during cold Stamford winters. Winter tires are indeed the best option for winter driving, but some drivers prefer the convenience of a well-balanced all-season set. So, let’s talk about some of the pros and cons of all-season vs. winter tires.

What are Winter Tires?

Starting with the basics: What are winter tires? Winter tires are built specifically for freezing temperatures, icy roads, and snowy conditions. If you travel in inclement weather frequently, then winter tires will give you major peace of mind no matter the forecast. Here are some of the pros and cons:

• Materials: Winter tires are made of a specialized rubber material that remains flexible during freezing temperatures. This means it retains its grip and traction through the worst of the winter weather.
• Tread: The tread on a winter tire is designed to reduce ice and snow build-up as you drive, which gives you better handling and control. Plus, the embedded biting edge design cuts through deeper snow with ease.
• Wear: Can you use winter tires all year? Using winter tires during the hot summer conditions can cause excessive wear and tear, so you’ll want to put your winter set in storage. Because of this, some drivers prefer the convenience of the all-season set.

Winter Tire Storage Tips and Tricks

We briefly touched on the question, “Can you use winter tires all year?” And the answer is technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Most drivers choose to swap out winter tires for summer tires when the temperatures climb. Though less convenient than one set of all-season tires, this process allows you to get the best out of both summer and winter driving. And luckily, tire storage is simple.

• Clean Your Set: Clean and dry your tires to keep them in great condition, and be sure to cover them. This ensures that they remain pristine until you need them again.
• Find Appropriate Storage: A clean, temperature-controlled space is the best option for your tires. Stack them and rotate them periodically to prevent excess pressure in any particular spot.
• Check Air Pressure: It’s a good practice to check your air pressure before putting your set into storage, and again when it’s time for the next installation. Cold weather can cause tire air pressure to plummet.
• Inspect Tread: After you check your air pressure, be sure to inspect your tread. Measure the tread depth to make sure you can travel safely, and look for any signs of wear and tear.

Get Expert Tire Care at Pepe Auto Group

Still can’t decide between all-season vs. winter tires? Our team can help. Contact us with your questions or just stop by the dealership to chat in person. We can help you weigh the pros and cons of different options, and we’ll make sure that you find just the right set.