The right set of tires is crucial for the safety and performance of your vehicle in any weather conditions. But, which is right for you; all season or all weather tires? So, here we’ll explore just what the difference is between all-season and all-weather tires.
The All-Season Tire Basics
When shopping for all season tires Edmonton drivers may feel a little confused about why these tires differ from all weather tires. In simple terms, all season tires are the most common type of tire found in Canada. They provide a balanced performance in various conditions including light snow. Essentially, they are a compromise between summer and winter tires, but they may not offer sufficient traction or winter performance if you live in an area with icy, snowy conditions. In fact, some manufacturers have stated to refer to AS tires as “3 season tires.”
The tread on all season tires is typically straight and smooth, which means that you won’t have enough traction in snowy, sub zero conditions. But, they can repel water in rain and grip the road well in warm or hot conditions.
So, AS tires are best suited for regions with mild winters or if you live in an urban area where the city roads and highways are well maintained and regularly plowed.
The All-Weather Tire Basics
So, what about all weather tires Edmonton drivers may be unfamiliar with this product, since this is a relatively new category. Simply put, all weather or A/W tires are designed to span the gap between winter and all season tires. They provide a better performance in winter conditions, yet they can offer good handling in the warmer temperatures. Essentially, you can think of them as a hybrid that can work in non extreme winter weather and mild conditions, providing the best of both worlds.
You can have a strong tire performance in summer, spring and fall, like with all season tires, but you can also get good winter season performance. All weather tires have Transport Canada recognition as safe to use in most snowy conditions. However, the potential downside is that all weather tires don’t typically last as long as all season tires. This is often reflected in shorter tread warranties.
Evaluating Tires
The tires you purchase for your truck or car will have a direct impact on the performance, fuel efficiency and safety, not to mention the road noise inside the vehicle. So, we’ll take a quick look at how these tires stack up in a side by side comparison.
Handling:
Both types of tire will excel when braking, cornering and accelerating on both wet and dry roads. But, the rubber compound used for all season tires is specifically designed for warmer temperatures. Both tires with winter wheels offer traction in some ice and snow, but all weather tires are rated for severe weather, which is indicated by the 3PMSF logo on the tire sidewall.
Comfort/Noise:
These tires are manufactured to provide a comfortable, quiet ride, but the smoother, shallower tread patterns of all weather tires often provides a more comfortable and quieter ride.
Fuel Efficiency:
Depending on rolling resistance, both types of tires can help to maximize your overall fuel efficiency.
When you evaluate what is the difference between all season and all weather tires, it may seem subtle, so if you’re still unsure which is best for you, it is a good idea to speak to your local mechanic or garage. An experienced technician will be able to guide you through the best option for the specific weather conditions typical in your area.