When to choose all-weather tires instead of all-season tires

All-weather tires

If living in an area with severe winter weather and in the market for all year-round tires, then you should consider all-weather tires. All-weather tires hold the “Three Peak Mountain Snowflake” emblem indicating that these tires have met the required performance criteria in snow testing and are considered severe snow service rated. This is an important difference between all-weather tires versus all-season tires that do not hold this rating. The name “all-season tires” is somewhat of a misnomer as they are not rated for use in winter or at least not for snow and ice. The all-season tires are for all seasons in areas where the seasons are mild and no severe winter weather.

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All-weather tires are therefore the best choice in areas with severe winters at least if you are looking not to change into snow tires in the winter. It is because the all-weather tires hold the same severe service rating as winter tires that you can keep them on all year, even in the winter. This is a great advantages not only because you do not need to change tires but because you will be prepared for the first snow fall.

If the area where you live has mild all year-round weather, then the all-season tires are a good option. All-season tires do not need to have as aggressive tread as all-weather tires as they do not need to meet the criteria for performance testing on snow. All season tires in general offer excellent wet grip and stability while allowing for both comfort and performance in an environmentally friendly tire. They also offers good hydroplaning protection and  some even have a hydroplaning indicator.

Whether choosing all-weather tires or all-season tires you need to respect the manufacturer’s recommended size tire for your make and model of car. Whether the choice is to invest in all-weather tires or all-season tires the dimensions need to be those recommended by the car manufacturer. This means if the recommended dimensions are 205/55R16 then you would need to equip your car with either 205/55R16 all-season tires or 205/55R16 all-weather tires. In general, as long as you install the correct dimension tires for your vehicle’s make and model then you are well equipped to handle any road conditions no matter what the forecast.

All-weather tires are the best choice when living in areas with severe winter weather if you prefer not to have to change over to winter tires in the winter. The all-weather tires will allow you to keep one set of tires throughout the year no matter what the forecast. The all-weather tires hold the same severe snow service rating as dedicated winter tires so even with winters being quite severe in many areas of the United States, the all-weather tires will be able to handle both snow and ice as well as winter tires.

For more information regarding all-weather tires, visit: www.nokiantires.com