Winter Tires vs. All Season Tires - Which are Right for Your Car?

Winter driving can be a challenge, especially during the kind of winters we get around Birmingham. Equipping your car with the right tires can make all the difference between a safe and enjoyable drive, or an accident-prone one. Winter tire storage and maintaining the correct tire pressure in winter are also important. Our service department wants to help you stay safe on our roads, so we will be discussing the pros and cons of winter tires vs. all-season tires and help you decide which is the best option for your vehicle.

Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

What’s the difference between winter tires and all-season tires? Why can’t all-season tires be used for the entire year? Why not just leave winter tires on the whole year? Here’s a closer comparison and explanation of winter tires vs. all-season tires, and why you might want to prepare your car for winter with one or the other:

• Winter tires are designed to shed water and snow more efficiently because of their special tread pattern that is resistant to build-up.
• Winter tires are made with more flexible rubber than all-season tires, providing maximum grip on roads during the winter.
• All-season tires are not built for temperatures below 45 degrees. Their rubber will stiffen once it gets that cold, which can affect the vehicle’s handling and braking abilities.
• Winter tires, on the other hand, are made to stay flexible even when the temperature drops below 45 degrees, making for a much safer Rochester Hills commute. However, they do not perform as well as all-season or summer tires during the warmer months.

Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure During the Winter

Keeping your tires properly inflated is important all year round, but it’s even more important to maintain the correct tire pressure during the winter. Cold temperatures can cause the air in your tires to contract, leading to a drop in tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can negatively impact your vehicle’s handling and braking abilities, which can be dangerous on wet, icy roads. 

Winter Tire Storage

We recommend removing your winter tires and storing them in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. It’s also important to clean and dry the tires before storage, to avoid any potential damage from moisture or debris. They should be stored in a standing position, either on tire racks or on their sides, to prevent any distortion or flat spotting. Additionally, it’s recommended to cover the tires with a protective cover or a plastic bag to protect them from dust and other environmental factors. Some tire shops provide winter tire storage for a fee.

Let the Tire Experts at Fred Lavery Porsche Company of Birmingham Help

Our service center is equipped to help make sure you have the correct tires installed on your car at the right time of the year. So, schedule an appointment with us. And, if you found this guide to be helpful, check out our tips for driving in the winter. We’re but a short trip away from Bloomfield Hills, and we’re here to help. Stop in or give us a call today.