WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALL SEASON TIRES AND ALL WEATHER RADIAL TIRES?

Happy Holidays everyone! I am writing his educational post on a question I am answering many times a day. So, I am hoping when you google, ask bixby or your favorite AI assistant this answer will come up. I have been asked many times lately, "What is the difference between all season radial tires and all weather tires?" 

To begin to answer this question, we need to establish a couple key distinctions between all season and all weather. All season tires do not meet federal requirements to be a "snow tire". All-Weather Tires do meet federal qualifications to be snow tires. Seasons in the lower 50 states and out west do not have the same winter driving conditions that we have in the northeast and mid west. Winter in Florida does not mean that there will be snow and the same weather. The term "all season" can apply to almost any tire that has the bare minimum requirements. To meet federal requirements to be a "snow tire", a tire is actually matched up against a designated snow tire and it must outperform against that tire. The tread compound is also different as well as the tread design. Snow tires are a softer compound for better traction and have block style tread patterns, where as all season tend to be a harder compound for longevity and more tight tread patterns with curvaceous siping that helps with water disbursement and quiet ride. All weather tires are a hybrid of snow tires and all season radial tires. They have a compound that is between a harder all season and softer snow tires. Their tread patterns tend to be a bit more blocky; however, they are still quieter than a snow tire and will last longer.

Ultimately when choosing which tires to purchase if you live in the northeast USA, all weather is the most desired if you plan on not changing out to a designated snow tire. This gives peace of mind in knowing that you have a tire that can handle snowy driving conditions. A full designated snow tire will always perform best on snow and ice; however, you will want to switch them for an all season/summer tire as snow tires will wear down faster in the summer time due to the heat and softer compound. 

If you have questions about tires, then please give us a call. We are always happy to help and educate so you can make the best decision for yourself.

- Clint




tags: #educational #allweathertires #allseasontires #allweather #education #falken #goodyear #michelin #nokian #snowtires #autoexpert #automotiveexpert #tireexpert #tirereplacement #tirerepair