Tires have two important components that differ a lot between the different tires. One is the rubber compound that is used and then the tread. The rubber compound is made so that it has the right softness within the temperature interval that it is intended to be used. Therefore, all-season tires have a compound that has the right softness during the warm season temperatures, and winter tires have a compound that remains soft at very low temperatures, but they are often too soft if used at warm temperatures. You then also have the tread pattern that is optimized for the road conditions for the seasons they will be used. All-season tires tread design is optimized for wet and dry roads, while the snow and winter tires tread is optimized for snow, ice, and slush.
The all-season tires should be used during the warm seasons of the year, where the temperatures are above 45 Fahrenheit, and you don`t have winter conditions. They will perform perfectly on both wet and dry asphalt so that you can drive safely also when you get some heavy summer rain. By investing in premium all-season tires, you can be sure that they are able to resist hydroplaning, which can otherwise easily happen when you drive in very wet conditions. The tires should also have a good grip with a short braking distance both on dry and wet roads so that you can stop quickly and stay safe when you need it.
The snow and winter tires should be used during the whole cold winter season and should be mounted on your vehicle when the temperatures are below 45 Fahrenheit, as that is when the winter tires outperform all-season tires even in dry conditions. You should never attempt to drive in winter conditions without tires that are approved for winter use. You will put your and other people’s lives at risk if you do.
As mentioned above, you have the option to change tires between the seasons or then use all-weather tires if that would better suit the area where you live. The key is to have the correct tires at the right time when they are needed. If you live in an area with very distinct seasons, it isn´t so difficult to make the change. However, since timely changes are important, it is often recommended that you try to change based on temperature and make the change when you see the temperatures coming down to 45 F. This is easier than trying to predict when the snow will arrive.
For optimal safety, you will also need to check that the tires you drive with have sufficient tread depth, which should be at least 5/32 inches. The tires should also be free from any damages, and the tire pressure should be at the correct level. Low tire pressure can cause the tires to wear out too quickly, and it will also negatively impact fuel consumption.
For more information regarding the difference between all-season and winter tires, visit: https://www.nokiantires.com/