All-Weather or All-Season Tires? | Madison Tire

If you need new tires, Madison Auto Care's seven NAPA service centers can help. Each center carries all types, sizes and brand of tire to meet any driving need.

You were headed to the King Street Ghost Walk when you noticed that the tread on your tires was more than a bit low. It’s definitely time for some new wheels. Thing is, it’s an awkward time of year for a new set of tires. It’s not cold enough to take the plunge on a set of winter tires. But it seems counter-productive to buy a set of summer tires only to change them over in a few weeks when winter sets in.

Still, your tires are bald enough to make you worry about safety and possible flats or blowouts. You’re wondering if you could buy a set of all-weather or all-season tires and use them all year long. While you’re considering the possibility, you’re wondering what the difference is, if any, between an all-season and an all-weather tire.

There is a difference.

Motorbiscuit.com explains: “All-season tires have tread patterns that will work in snowy conditions, but the rubber is less pliable under 45 degrees Fahrenheit. … An all-weather tire, on the other hand, has deeper grooves and a siping – lateral grooves – to ‘claw’ at the snow when driving during the winter. But the tread pattern isn’t the main differential between an all-weather and all-season tire. The tire compound on an all-weather tire is a little softer than an all-season as well, which allows it to be more pliable at colder temperatures.”

That means all-weather tires are better in really cold weather than all-season tires.

Motorbiscuit.com explains:”Essentially, an all-weather tire gives you the best of all worlds during every season, considering its compound is close to an all-season tire, but it has a pattern closer to a winter tire. That being said, if you live in an area where the winters are harsh and the temperatures are constantly below freezing, a winter tire is still recommended.”

So what’s the best decision for you? Well, that depends in part on you, your car, your driving style and how often you drive in really cold weather. Your best bet is to have a long discussion with a Madison tire expert about your situation and your needs. You can find a knowledgeable tire pro at any of Madison Auto Care's seven NAPA service centers - Clausen Auto, Handel Auto, Genin’s Auto, Capitol Tire, Odana Tire, Hansen’s Auto, or Aeschbach Auto.

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