Winter weather calls for some pretty hefty tires in snowy areas, but if you live in a region where the ice and snow is minimal or non-existent then buying all season tires may be the way to go. All season tires offer optimal driving in a variety of weather conditions to keep you safe and get you where you need to go without the requirement of changing your tires every time the season does. Of course, you’ll still need to rotate tires as instructed by your mechanic, and it’s important to check air pressure regularly, especially in the winter when the cold air can effect this quite dramatically.
All-Season Tires Cling To The Road:
All-season tires are designed with a unique tread that allows them to cling to the road in a multitude of weather conditions, including rain and snow. The wide grooves help deflect water from getting trapped in the tires as you drive, which commonly could lead to hydroplaning or an accident. All-seasons and all-weather tires are different, and while all-weather are still the optimal choice for colder climates, a good quality all-season tire can get you through a mild winter without a problem in most states.
Costs and Hassle:
One of the biggest bonuses offered by an all-season tire in comparison to the general summer and winter trade-off is that you don’t have to spend time and money you don’t have to change them over between seasons. An all-season tire will work in the summer, fall, winter, and spring as long as the temperature doesn’t drop too low. This can save you some money over time if you properly care for the tires. As mentioned above, the tires should still be maintained and rotated as instructed by a professional, but as long as you follow these guidelines a sturdy all-season can last you quite a while. They also tend to run a little bit cheaper than some of the sturdier winter and all-weathers that are currently on the market.
Fine Tuning The Tread:
Aside from the specially designed grooved which keep water and snow buildup in the tire to a minimum you may also find that an all-season offers a far quieter ride than its winter counterpart. The tread is designed for low noise, and offers an optimum level of contact with your driving surface during most conditions. During summer and spring, the heat in the road activates the materials in the tire to cause an even better grip and a smoother ride, which can make for an entertaining and safe experience during your travels.
Some states, Canadian provinces, and European countries still require full on winter tires for driving in snow and ice, but in areas where the temperatures stay above freezing, and you’re in for more rain than snow, all-seasons work perfectly in almost any situation. Whether you’re taking your car for a spin to watch the sunset, or you’re driving the kids to football practice, all-season tires will get you where you need to go without worrying about the safety of gripping the road.
