Winter Tires vs. All-season Tires

It is no secret that tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle, responsible for maintaining direction, providing traction, absorbing shock, and supporting vehicle weight. There are different types of tires, with winter tires and all-season tires being among the most common. But should you use all-season or winter tires? Exactly what are all-season tires? And what are winter tires? To ensure you choose the right ones for all your Unionville and Richmond Hill drives, BMW Markham answers these questions in the following comparison of all-season tires vs. winter tires.

What are All-season Tires?

So, what are all-season tires? Simply put, they are a combination of summer and winter tires, comprised of a durable, versatile rubber compound designed to handle your everyday driving needs. They are an ideal fit for most types of summer and winter driving, as the tread offers traction in both wet and dry conditions.

What are Winter Tires?

While all-season tires can be used year-round, winter tires provide better traction in extreme winter weather conditions. This is due to their softer rubber composition, which allows them to be more flexible so they can give your vehicle a better grip on the road during wet, snowy, and wintry driving environments.

Pros & Cons of Winter Tires

Now that you know what winter tires are, it is important to remember that there are both benefits and drawbacks to utilizing these kinds of tires. To determine whether you should use all-season or winter tires, compare the pros and cons of each below:

Benefits

• Special Rubber Compound – Because many all-season tires are made of a rubber compound that can freeze and get brittle in cold temperatures, winter tires are better equipped to handle cold weather driving, thanks to their special composition and flexibility.

• Unique Tread Design – Winter tire treads decrease the amount of snow and ice accumulation on your tires, resulting in improved traction on Vaughan roads and beyond.

• Biting Edges – Winter tires also include a biting edge design, which allows the tires to permeate snow and ice more deeply for a better grip on the road.

Drawbacks

• Wear & Tear – Excessive driving on winter tires on dry roads can lead to wear and tear, reducing their longevity and reliability.

• Annual Tire Swap – Typically once a year, you will have to change from summer tires to winter tires, which means investing in two types of tires and planning to swap them out with the change of seasons.

Learn More About All-season Tires vs. Winter Tires at BMW Markham

Our Markham service team is here to help you compare all-season tires vs. winter tires so you can make the best decision for your drives and your budget. Contact us today for more information about whether you should use all-season or winter tires, and browse our latest offers for savings opportunities on your next set of tires or tire service. The right tires will increase performance and safety to ensure your BMW continues to serve you well for years to come.