Unfortunately, almost all of us have experienced the struggle that comes with not having weather-appropriate footwear. The feeling of slipping and sliding in your running shoes or sandals when you should have had proper winter footwear can be the worst, more so if it could have been easily avoided. Tires, if you think about it, work in the same way. Like footwear, it’s weather- and condition-appropriate tires that ensure you have a risk-free experience. 

While the footwear analogy is quite fitting, it’s not that simple when it comes to tires. There’s a lot that has to be factored in, from tread patterns to the cycle of seasons. Here’s everything you need to know about winter tires and whether they are worth it for you.

Do Winter Tires Make a Difference?

Winter tires were invented a long time ago, 1934 to be precise. Just the fact that they are still around and thriving should tell you that they are doing something right. In some countries, like Canada and most of Europe, they are required by law. Over the years, tire development has progressed by leaps and bounds. Tires go through comprehensive testing in the most extreme conditions.

What winter tires have proven time after time is that they do make a noticeable difference, particularly for those who live in the Snowbelt. If you live up north, getting a set of winter tires is no different than getting a set of new wipers in preparation for the winter weather. Winter tires depend on their construction, compounds, and tread design to generate grip where summer or even all-season tires can’t. The additional grip doesn’t just help with handling, but it also improves acceleration and braking. While all three are crucial, it can’t be stressed enough how beneficial the additional braking capability can be.

One of the most common misconceptions is that all-season tires perform exactly like winter tires. However, as you’ll read ahead, that’s not the case. Winter tires compromise on qualities that would be essential in other weather conditions to give you the best possible performance in winter. 

There’s also a misconception that all-wheel-drive cars don’t need winter tires. This, again, is far from the truth. While having an all-wheel-drive car does give you an advantage, you’re still limited if all you have are summer tires. 

If that isn’t reason enough, there are many studies out there that have proven the difference winter tires make. The results almost always indicate that there are fewer winter-related accidents, injuries, and deaths when the majority of cars are fitted with winter tires.

It’s Not Just the Tread! 

When you look at summer and winter tires side by side. The only observable difference is the tread pattern. Tire compounds, meanwhile, can’t be so easily discerned, but they’re just as vital in making winter tires as effective as they are, if not more so. When compared to summer and all-season tires, winter tires have higher natural rubber content, allowing them to remain soft at lower temperatures.

Their soft nature is what enables them to interlock with the road surface. This, in turn, increases grip levels. If you had identical tread patterns on two sets of tires, but one was constructed using a softer compound, it would still have a big advantage on ice and snow. Winter tires have also been specifically formulated to remain soft and flexible below 45 °F, whereas summer and all seasons would harden up and lose traction.

But The Tread Matters Too! 

As mentioned above, the tread on a winter tire is just as important. Back in the day, a winter tire used a knobby tread pattern and while that was quite effective, tire research and development have advanced greatly. Interestingly, many winter tires still use block-pattern tread patterns, but there’s more to them.

Firstly, the deeper tread grooves have been designed specifically to gather and hold snow, as nothing grips snow as well as itself. While packed snow is quite beneficial, water isn’t. That’s exactly why almost every modern winter tire also features smaller grooves, also referred to as sipes. 

These sipes help disperse water, while also increasing grip levels. Many winter tires come with wear indicators that you should pay attention to. And if it indicates that you don’t have enough tread left, it’s time for a replacement set.

Winter Tires vs All Season Tires 

There are several conflicting reports when it comes to winter tires versus all-season tires. This isn’t surprising because many all-season tires promise to do it all and well, some come pretty close. 

The significant advancements in tire technologies in the last few years have resulted in some spectacular all-season tires, but they’re still not as competent as purpose-built winter tires, especially in freezing temperatures.

All-season tires can be quite convenient, they are designed to offer a decent amount of grip in almost every weather condition. This includes a fair amount of traction on roads covered with light slow. However, that’s where you also begin reaching their limit. Their compound isn’t as soft and the tread isn’t carved out keeping only cold weather in mind. 

As a result, all-season tires can’t handle the heavy snow and ice like winter tires can. A studded winter tire, although a niche tool that isn’t legal everywhere, can add even more traction when driving on icy roads. What it comes down to is the intensity of the winter on the roads you drive on.

Can I Leave My Winter Tires On All Year?

What makes winter tires proficient in cold weather is exactly what lets them down when the temperatures rise. The higher natural rubber content which gives it its soft and flexible character on snow and ice will prove to be too soft in the summer and wear out much quicker. That’s not the only issue with using winter tires year-round. 

The construction of winter tires also results in much higher rolling resistance on warm and dry roads. Increased rolling resistance will increase the load on your engine which in turn will lead to higher fuel consumption. That’s no good for your wallet and the environment.

Another major drawback in leaving winter tires on all year is the reduction in handling and braking capabilities. As discussed, both the tread pattern and compound of winter tires are only suited to cold weather conditions. 

They are nowhere near as effective as say summer or all-season tires in warm conditions. This would put you at risk as you would be faced with reduced maneuvering capabilities and an increased stopping distance. Lastly, leaving winter tires on all year round will wear them out much faster. 

However, don’t let that scare you away from winter tires. Yes, there is an added cost in running two sets of tires, but for every mile you put on your winter tires, you aren’t putting one on your summer tires. The biggest benefit is the safer driving experience and the peace of mind that comes with it. If you do live in a region that encounters heavy snowfall, owning a set of winter tires is essential.

Get Your Car Ready For Winter On Time! 

Winter tires are important, but they’re not the only way of preparing your car for winter. Head over to our online store and find quality OEM coolants, cabin air blower motors, heater cores, and anything else that will get your car ready for this winter season!