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Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires: Which Is Safer in Snow?
Driving-wise, winter can be one of the most demanding seasons that present numerous daily challenges for drivers. If you live in a continental climate, chances are high that your commute will be affected by the elements, including wind chill, cold temperatures, black ice, snow, or slush. Having the right tire for a safer drive and effectively avoiding nasty surprises. So, what is the best tire for winter, and what are your options?
The most common tire used in the U.S. is the all-season tire, a standard type of tire most cars are equipped with. However, dedicated winter tires are primarily specially designed for low temperatures.
So, which one should you choose when the snow hits the ground, and the temperature is extremely low? Let’s explore your options below.
All-Season Tires
As the name suggests, all-season tires are designed to perform well in various conditions. Tire manufacturers engineer all-season tires with rubber compounds prone to stiffening in low temperatures and treads that can provide grip even in mud, snow, and ice and on dry roads in the summertime. The all-season tires are designated by the M+S symbol on the sidewall, which stands for “Mud and Snow.”
Despite their many positive characteristics – all-season tires are dependable only in moderate winters with light snowfall. Light snowfall typically looks like a thin layer of snow is on the road, and the all-season tire still has contact with the asphalt. If there is more than a couple of inches of snow, all-season tires simply don’t have the tread design to cope. Also, due to the specific rubber formula, the all-season tire gets stiff in really low temperatures (below freezing), which reduces braking and steering abilities and compromises the handling. This option in snow is better than a summer tire but still a dangerous option compared to winter tires.
Winter Tires
Winter tires (also known as snow tires) are a specific type of automotive rubber designed to cope with the harshest weather conditions. You can recognize it by the specific tread design with deeper grooves, the tread blocks, and a snowflake and mountain symbols on the sidewall, known as the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF). This design is superior on snow and ice since it guarantees the best possible traction and shortest braking distances. Also, the snow tires have a unique rubber compound with added silica for flexibility in the lowest temperatures. All of that makes the snow tires the ultimate choice in winter, with the shortest braking distances and the best handling in any conditions.
The winter tires are not only for snow but are also dependable on ice. Even if the roads are dry but the temperatures are low, winter tires are a superior choice due to the rubber compound, which allows them to be flexible. As capable as they are in winter, snow tires are not for use in summertime or in temperatures above 45°F (7°C). The warm weather makes the winter tires too soft, resulting in premature wear. The winter tires will still perform satisfactorily in summer, but they will wear out much quicker.
The only thing better on snow and ice than the quality winter tires are studded tires. Still, their use is prohibited by law in most states (currently permitted with restrictions in Colorado, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Vermont, and Wyoming). In contrast, other states have specific date restrictions for use.
The Honorable Mention: All-Weather Tires
Even though all-weather tires are not as common as winter or all-season tires, some companies produce them and market them as a true balance between summer and winter rubber. With a hybrid tread pattern and a more capable rubber formula, all-weather tires have good snow traction but are still not as capable as winter tires in harsh conditions. Sometimes, drivers use all-terrain tires in winter, but only on some vehicle types.
All-Season vs. Winter Tires In Snow: Who is the Winner?
When driving in snow, winter tires are the clear winner in terms of safety and performance. While all-season tires may be adequate for light winter conditions, they cannot match the braking power, traction, and control offered by winter tires in snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. For drivers who regularly face harsh winter weather, investing in a set of winter tires is a crucial step toward ensuring safety on the road. By choosing the right tires for winter conditions, you can reduce the risk of accidents, improve vehicle handling, and drive with confidence even in the most challenging weather. Even though the legislation varies from state to state, winter tires are very important.
We at Giga Tires have the most comprehensive selection of all-season and winter tires for practically any vehicle on the road. You can shop with confidence, knowing that you will be getting quality products at the best possible prices.
