Summer vs All Season Tires

Some people use the terms summer tires and all season tires interchangeably but there is a significant difference. There can be benefits and downfalls in either of them, depending on the vehicle you drive, your driving habits, and the climate. Understanding the differences will help you choose the best tires for your vehicle.

Summer tires are often referred to as performance tires. They are most often used by drivers who want a high performance tire to match their high performance vehicle. They provide better grip, handling, and braking when the temperature is warm than all season tires, and are designed to handle both wet and dry conditions. The tread is more shallow than all season tires, so once the weather gets colder they do not hold up well and it is more likely that you will get into an accident if you keep summer tires on your vehicle into the winter.

All season tires are designed to perform adequately in all types of weather, but not exceptionally well in any single element. The tread is a bit deeper than on summer tires, which means that they have more grip on snow. This does not mean that they perform well in winter, only that you can get away with keeping them on your vehicle when the weather is cold. For the best traction you will want to switch to winter tires when the snow hits. Because all season tires offer a blend of summer and winter performance they are often a good option for drivers in moderate climates and driving conditions.