Winter Tires Vs. All-Season Tires

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Winter Tires Vs. All-Season Tires

Posted on November 11, 2020

All-season tires are designed to provide traction in a variety of weather conditions, but they are not capable of grip in the winter. The primary difference between all-season and winter tires is not their treads — although that may differ as well — but in the rubber that makes up the tires. Winter tires are made of soft, silicone-rich rubber that stays pliable when temperatures drop below 7°C.

 

A front-wheel drive car equipped with winter tires in colder weather may actually have traction that is superior to a vehicle with all-wheel-drive and all-season tires in the same conditions. A study conducted by the Quebec Ministry of Transport showed that winter tires can reduce braking distance by up to 25 percent over an all-season tire. Of course, combining all-wheel-drive with winter tires will give you the best traction of all in the winter months.

 

If you’re looking to purchase winter tires in Mississauga, Brampton, Milton, Oakville, or anywhere in the Greater Toronto Area, then visit Mississauga Kia. We offer a large selection of winter tires for all Kia models.

 

Only two of my tires need replacing at this time. Should I replace just the two?

Not equipping all four wheels with winter tires is dangerous. To ensure optimum stability and handling we recommend that all tires be installed in sets of four. When identical tires are installed at the same time, overall handling is greatly improved.

 

Can I keep winter tires on my car all year long?

Winter tires are designed with softer tread compounds to dig into snow and stick to ice. Theoretically, you could keep your winter tires on your car all year long, but they would wear out much more quickly than all-season tires. Because winter tires are heavier than all-seasons, they would also reduce your fuel economy.