What You Need to Know About All-Season vs. Snow Tires

Before heading out on the road, it’s always a good idea to ask yourself, “Are my tires right for the drive?”

Whether it’s rain, snow, slush or ice, having the right tires for road conditions is key to keeping you and your family safe. The team at Japanese Auto Service is here to help you choose the best tire for your vehicle with confidence thanks to our years of experience and expertise.

Before scheduling your tire service, here’s what to know about your options. 

All-season tires

As their name indicates, all-season tires are made to work for road conditions across all the seasons. 

All-season tires are typically created with a moderate tread depth and pattern that allow your vehicle to stop and start smoothly in both wet and dry conditions. However, that tread depth and pattern isn’t ideal for snow or ice and may lead to sliding during slippery conditions.

All-season tires are a great option for drivers in regions with more mild winters that don’t experience extreme temperature drops or if you won’t be doing much winter driving but want enhanced performance year round. 

Snow tires 

Specifically made with a softer rubber that stays flexible in freezing temperatures and deeper treads and more intricate patterns, snow tires are ideal for the driver expecting to encounter heavy snow and ice-covered roadways. 

Their unique features allow the tire to better grip the roadway and through added sipes (small slits) in the tread pattern, improve traction on slick roads. These features will allow for improved stopping power and stability in turns, helping to keep you and your family safe as you navigate winter roads. 

Key things to remember: 

• Always get a full set of snow or all-season tires. Because of their specific features, having all four matching will ensure balance and appropriate handling on slick roads. 
  

• Check the specific schedule for people equipped with “studded” snow tires in your city or county. Many have set dates for when studded snow tires can be installed and must be removed to protect roads.
  

• Snow tires will wear quicker than other tires. Always gets yours checked for wear and tear before using them for a second season to ensure performance. 

Schedule your tire service with Japanese Auto Service now and be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way this year.