Aren’t All-Season Radials Made to Handle All Seasons?
All-season tires are designed to perform in a range of conditions that covers moderate heat, typical winter driving, and icy or wet roads. But, in order to provide good performance across a variety of driving situations, all-season radials must compromise. They don’t offer the same level of grip and handling as a tire specifically designed for driving in extreme conditions.
What Makes Winter Tires Different from All-Season Radials?
Manufacturers use a different formula to make winter tires than they do for other types of tires. They make winter tires from a compound that stays soft and flexible when the temperature dips below forty-five degrees. The softer consistency improves handling, traction and braking in cold and snowy weather conditions. While many people call them “Snow Tires,” winter tires actually improve performance on dry roads, as well.
Is Changing Tires a Big Job?
Swapping from all-season to winter tires is not a big job, at all. From the minute your car goes up on the lift, to the time you drive out of the shop should typically be less than a half-hour. Some drivers even keep their winter tires on a spare set of wheels, which makes the job that much quicker and more inexpensive.
Can I Mix and Match Winter Tires with All-Season Radials?
It is recommended that you always install winter tires on all four wheels, regardless of vehicle type. Installing less than all four may result in handling and traction problems during extreme road conditions.
When is the Best Time of Year to Install Winter Tires?
Install your winter tires when the temperatures start to dip below 45 degrees on a regular basis, or prior to the first winter snowfall.
When is the Best Time of Year to Remove My Winter Tires?
Let the weather decide exactly when to remove your winter tires. Be sure to swap them out when temperatures consistently exceed 45 degrees as they wear faster in warm weather.
Do Winter Tires Cost a Lot of Money?
As is the case with any
tire purchase, prices vary based on manufacturer, quality, and size. In general, however, expect to pay about the same as you would for a set of all-season radials of the same type. Also, don’t forget to factor in the fact that your summer or all-season tires will last longer as they will be sitting in the garage for the length of the winter.
What If I Live in a Part of the Country that Doesn’t Get Much Snow?
Even on dry roads, the more soft and flexible rubber used in the production of winter tires offers improved traction and braking over standard all-season radials.
Do Winter Tires Work Well with Traction Control Systems?
Traction control systems operate at peak performance with tires that can provide traction on demand. Snow tires enhance the ability of each wheel to grab the road when called upon. Winter tires do more than just work with traction control systems, they actually help them improve performance substantially.
Do All-Wheel-Drive and Four-Wheel-Drive Vehicles Benefit from Winter Tires?
All-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles distribute power to each wheel as needed. The better grip offered by snow tires leads to improved overall traction and less wheel slippage, especially when you accelerate. However, when it comes to braking on icy, wet roads, winter tires beat all-season radials, hands down.
At first look, switching all-season radials for winter tires may seem unnecessary, time-consuming, and expensive. However, taking the time and energy to swap your tires this season could deliver a level of safety and peace of mind that money can’t buy.
