Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

Many vehicles are equipped with all-season tires when they leave the factory since these tires can perform pretty well across a variety of weather conditions. However, are they the best for the upcoming cold in Sandy? Not necessarily. That’s when you will have to equip your car with winter tires for ultimate performance on snow and ice. Discover winter tires vs. all-season tires below with National Auto Plaza today. 

Are All-Season Tires Good for Snow?

All-season tires do well year-round, especially for mild and moderate climates. However, the more extreme weather conditions you face, the more important it is to winterize your car. Here are some aspects of tires to consider:

• Tread Rubber: All season tires become stiffer in the cold weather, which means traction is not as reliable. Winter tires are made of a softer rubber that is able to grip the roads properly, even in subzero conditions.
• Tread Pattern: All season tires have moderate tread, but winter tires have much deeper and aggressive tread patterns. This allows your car to navigate through snow buildup and slush.
• Biting Edges: Winter tires have more biting edges and higher sipe densities, which allow for much better control of ice and slippery surfaces. 

With the temperature lowering in Draper, you will also want to consider tire pressure in winter, so you will be able to maintain an ideal threshold for safe travels. In general, all-season tires are great options for mild weather, but for harsh winters, you will want to invest in a good set of snow tires. 

When to Put on Winter Tires

So when do you go for the winter tires in storage? It will depend from year to year in Salt Lake City, but a good rule of thumb is to install your winter tires when temperatures are consistently below 45 degrees. We also suggest using the complete set instead of two out of the four tires. After the weather warms back up, you can retire them in your designated winter tire storage area whether it be your garage or a storage unit. Can you use winter tires all year? You can, but we don’t recommend that! 

Get More Winter Car Tips at National Auto Plaza

Now that you got the tires down, what’s next on your list for winterizing your vehicle? Discover what you can put in your emergency kit as well as whether you should go for a vehicle with all-wheel or four-wheel drive if you’re thinking about upgrading your ride in Sandy.