Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

You need reliable tires to travel safely and comfortably around Lehi. Having dependable tires means choosing the right set for the current season. That said, you might be wondering how all-season tires compare to winter tires. The service center at Ken Garff Chevrolet has you covered! Below, we cover the difference between winter tires vs. all-season tires, as well as the following points:

• Pros and cons of winter tires
• Winter tire storage tips
• The right tire pressure in the winter

The Benefits & Drawbacks of Winter Tires

When winter hits in Pleasant Grove, winter tires are great to have for your vehicle. There are some advantages and potential disadvantages to consider, though. Learn more about winter tires below:

Advantages

• Unique Rubber Compound: All-season tires are often made from a rubber compound that can freeze in cold temperatures, causing the material to become weak and brittle. Winter tires are made from a special rubber compound that remains flexible, even in cold temperatures.
• Specially-Designed Tread: The grooves in winter tires were designed specifically for winter driving. Compared to all-season tires, the grooves in winter tires provide better traction in the snow and ice.
• Biting Edge Design: Winter tires have a biting edge design that cuts into the snow and ice, preventing build-up and allowing your vehicle to move forward easily in harsh conditions.

Disadvantages

• Wear: Driving with winter tires in warm, dry conditions can actually cause wear on the tires since they’re not being used for their intended purpose.
• Swapping Out: Again, you can drive on winter tires during the summer, but it’s not recommended. You’ll need a second set of summer tires to swap out when the weather warms up.

Winter Tire Storage Information & Tips

There are some good winter tire storage tips to keep in mind so that when you’re not using your winter tires, they’ll stay in excellent condition. Keep the following in mind during and after the winter season:

• Store Clean Tires: Clean your tires well before putting them in storage. If you don’t, your tires can corrode while they’re in storage, reducing their lifespan.
• Clean & Temperature-Controlled Storage: Store your tires in a clean and weatherproof space. Additionally, you’ll want to rotate your tires often, so they don’t develop spots or dents.
• Tire Pressure: In the winter, your tire pressure will likely drop. Cold temperatures cause the air in your tires to become less dense. Adjust your tire pressure to the correct level periodically throughout the winter to ensure you’re not driving with low tire pressure.
• Tread Wear: Keep in mind that even winter tires experience tread wear. Regularly inspect your tire treads to make sure your tires are in good enough shape to tackle winter weather.

Schedule a Tire Replacement Ken Garff Chevrolet!

Whether you need summer or winter tires, or you need a tire pressure check, the service team at Ken Garff Chevrolet is here to help. Do you need tire service? Don’t hesitate to schedule service in American Fork. Learn more about tire service by checking out our service & parts tips hub, which we update frequently!