Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

If you’re a safety-conscious driver, preparing for seasonal changes is likely a top priority. With this mindset, it’s natural to compare winter tires vs. all-season tires. Most vehicles come with all-season tires standard due to their strong capabilities, dependability, and smooth ride. That said, there are times when a specialized tire for winter is preferable.

A good way to think about your tires is to compare sneakers and boots. Sneakers are great for getting around most days of the year. However, every once in a while, a good pair of boots is essential for braving the elements. The same goes for your tires. Winter tires are specially made to combat the snow, ice, and salt you encounter on the Easton streets in the winter. Below, you can review our service tips to learn more about tire pressure in winter, winter tire storage, and more!

Benefits of Winter Tires & When to Put Them On Your Car

If you drive in an area where snow and ice are uncommon, you likely don’t need to worry much about winter tires or your tire pressure in winter. For those of us in Brockton, winter can be rough on our travels, so preparation is key. Winter tires are great for cold, snow, ice, and flurries, so it’s wise to put them on once the temperatures dip near the end of fall. What’s more, winter tires are crafted to offer unique benefits, including:

• Special Tread Rubber: The rubber used for winter tires is specially formulated to remain flexible in colder temperatures. This flexibility offers a better grip on the roads when temperatures dip.
• Unique Tread Depth & Pattern: The deep treads found on winter tires reduce snow build-up and promote better traction. Beyond that, these tread patterns themselves are designed to wick away snow, slush, ice, and water.
• Biting Edges: If you scan a winter tire with your eyes, you’ll notice a number of small slits in the tread. These are known as “biting edges,” and they serve up strong grip capabilities.

Winter Tire Storage Tips

Winter tires are great for the colder months but shouldn’t be used year-round. That means you’ll want to store them during the off-season. The good news is that you can learn how to properly store your winter tires in just four steps:

• Clean the Tires: Before you pack your tires up for the season, cleaning them is critical. Use a strong cleaning solution and a brush to scrub away the dirt, debris, brake dust, and other contaminants. This step prevents corrosion while your tires are packed away.
• Identify Your Storage Space: Find a storage location that is clean and free from major temperature fluctuations. Indoor, climate-controlled space is ideal.
• Cover Each Tire: Pack your tires in airtight opaque bags. Each tire should have its own storage bag, which you can find online or at any auto parts store. Remove the excess air from each bag with a vacuum.
• Stack the Tires: If you’re storing your tires without the rims, place them flat on the ground and stack each tire. If you want to leave your rims on, place each tire vertically next to the other. No matter how you store your tires, rotate their positions each month to prevent undue stress or strain on any one part of the tire.

Care for Your Vehicle at Silko Volkswagen

As you know, tires affect your mpg and performance, so it’s good to care for your tires with precision. Routine tire rotations, tread inspections, and air pressure checks go a long way toward ensuring your tires are ready for each commute from Stoughton to West Bridgewater. With the importance of your tires front of mind, comparing winter tires vs. all-season tires to determine which is best for you is a smart move. If you have lingering questions about when to use seasonal tires, tire pressure in winter, or winter tire storage, contact our service team! We’re standing by to help with all of your automotive needs.