This a question we get so often from our customers, we thought we might lay out the pros and cons for you so you can make the best decision for your car and budget.
All Season Tires
The two words we would use to describe All-Season tires are convenience and compromise. Living where the weather isn’t very harsh on either end of the spectrum, not a lot of snow, no blistering summers, is an ideal location to drive on All Season tires. Most locations meet this specification. These tires are sturdy, go-to options for your vehicle year round. This is a blessing for those on tight budgets too. No changes or extra sets necessary- although you definitely want to keep chains in your car just in case weather calls for it. Which highlights the second point about All Season Tires: the compromise.
All-Season tires are incredibly well balanced, with treads designed to accommodate smooth driving in the Summer months, and rainy or icy driving during Winter. They are an excellent option. However, they are not the absolute best for either season. Of course, tires designed specifically for warm or wet seasons will be safer and handle easier in very extreme conditions.
Winter Tires
As the name implicates, these tires are excellent for winter conditions. They’re designed to stay resilient in cold weather with treads that grip snow and ice, propelling you forward with more ease and control. Some even come with the option of inserting metal studs into the tire for added traction. There are also winter tires that use ingenious science to keep you driving safe, with porous materials that stick to the ice and preventing the vehicle from sliding around. We may sound overly excited about this, but we can’t help but admire the ingenuity of our manufacturers, who are adamantly invested in keeping drivers safe in the snow.
Unfortunately, these safety features are the opposite of what drivers need in the summer. The need for alternate All-Season, high performance, or summer tires as options for warmer seasons is practically inarguable. This increase the cost and the labor that drivers will need to invest in their car.
Overall, here’s what you should consider.
Feasibility of two sets. Do your financial resources allow for the purchase of two sets (Winter tires and alternate ones)? Can you also budget for the labor of changing out the sets on a seasonal basis?
Safety. If you live in an area with truly extreme weather conditions, can you afford not to have the safest Winter tires out there? Or, can you get by with chains and All Season tires?
Necessity. If you have the budget either way, what do you really need? It would be wiser to buy top-of-the-line All-Season tires rather than lower quality sets of Winter and alternate, weather permitting. Barring snow storms and frequent icy drives, All-Season tires and occasional chains are really all you need.
We hope this info helps you decide on the safest, wisest decision for your tires! If you have any questions, are looking to purchase tires, or need any other automotive repairs or advice, we’d love to help you out! Come by Robert’s Collision and Repair, call (831) 920-4311, or make an appointment here. You’ll be glad you did!