Why
aren't all-season tires okay in the winter?
All-season
tires are actually best suited to temperate climates, where temperatures
typically stay above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. In fact, scientific research shows
that new all-seasons provide about the same amount of traction in the winter as
half-worn snow tires, while half-worn all-seasons are basically unsuitable for
winter driving.
How
are snow tires different?
Winter
tires differ from all-seasons in significant ways. First of all, they are made
from a softer rubber, which is better able to maintain its flexibility and
"stickiness" in very cold weather. Winter - or snow - tires also
feature tread that's cut and patterned differently for superior
traction.
Most
importantly, winter tires are proven to have a big impact on braking
performance. Drivers of front- and all-wheel drive vehicles see a dramatic
decrease in stopping distance. And while winter tires are an extra cost, when
compared to the cost of an insurance deductible or the possibility of serious
injury in the event of an accident the expenditure on the extra set of tires
makes good sense.