Buy Online, Install In Store

Shop Now!
CARFAX TOP-RATED SERVICE SHOP!
[GEOTITLE] [GEOADDRESSONE] [GEOADDRESSTWO] [GEOPHONE] Directions
Store Hours [GEOHOURSMONDAY] [GEOHOURSTUESDAY] [GEOHOURSWEDNSDAY] [GEOHOURSTHURSDAY] [GEOHOURSFRIDAY] [GEOHOURSSATURDAY] [GEOHOURSSUNDAY]
Current Location
[GEOTITLE] [GEOADDRESSONE] [GEOADDRESSTWO] [GEOPHONE] | Directions
Store Hours [GEOHOURSMONDAY] [GEOHOURSTUESDAY] [GEOHOURSWEDNSDAY] [GEOHOURSTHURSDAY] [GEOHOURSFRIDAY] [GEOHOURSSATURDAY] [GEOHOURSSUNDAY]
Go

United Tire and Service News

Snow & Winter Tires vs All Season Tires

12/7/2018 9:51:00 AM | (409) View Count | Return
In the fall, all drivers are faced with the same issue–whether to purchase winter tires or keep their all-season tires on (like Yokohama: AVID Ascend.) The truth is, your needs depend on many factors, such as weather, road conditions and more. Knowing the differences between types of tires will help you make the right decision when the time comes.
 

All-Season Tires

 
Most cars come pre-equipped with all season tires right away. All-season tires are a compromise between summer tires and winter tires. The main task that the all-season tires are equipped to tackle is a satisfactory level of safety in the winter and a comfortable drive in the summer.  All-season tires are perfect for those who live where the climate is moderate, without experiencing extreme cold, ice, or snow during the winter.
 
Pros
  • • A quiet, noiseless ride
  • • Good tread life
  • • Year-round performance
  • • Can perform in a variety of conditions – from warm and hot weather to wet roads and light winter conditions
  • • Price is low compared to the price of winter tires, being closer to the price of summer tires (check out Ironman: iMOVE Gen2 AS)
  • • No need to keep track of the change in seasons, trying to find the perfect moment to change the tires.
Cons
  • • Cannot handle extreme winter conditions
  • • Cannot trek through snow or drive on ice
  • • Warming up during driving causes the tire to harden, increasing the risk of a car accident
  • • Unable to provide traction in the cold
 

Snow/Winter Tires

 
If your winter weather conditions are extremely unpredictable or fall below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, then winter tires might be the way to go. Snow/winter tires are perfect at protecting you in the case of snowy, icy, or slippery roads since they are specifically designed to perform in wintery conditions. They are also great for all types of cars, no matter if they’re front, rear, or all-wheel drive. To determine if the tires are suitable for snow and winter, look for a three-peaked mountain snowflake symbol on the side which indicates that the tires can withstand the “severe snow service” and adheres to industry-wide standards.
 
Pros
  • • Flexible, soft tires that grip to the road
  • • Unique tread depths that prevent snow from building up in the tread
  • • Unique tread patterns that can channel snow and slush
  • • Better traction on the snow and ice
  • • Expel water
  • • Easier to start in the snow and stop on the ice (guaranteed by Goodyear: UltraGrip Ice WRT)
Cons
  • • Wear down faster on warm and dry pavement
  • • Shorter tread wear
  • • Worse handling and grip on clear roads
  • • More expensive than all-season tires
 
Unfortunately, unlike all-season tires, replacing only the back tires or only the front tires is not an option. Placing new tires on the back will cause your front tires to lose traction, which will make the steering of your vehicle impossible. Placing new tires on the front will cause your back tires to start skidding and drifting.
 
Can You Drive with Winter and Snow Tires All Year Round?
Since winter tires are softer, the combination of the summer heat with the tire heat that is created from the asphalt wears down the tires very quickly. This won’t just cause you to ruin your tires but will create a tire failure. While driving with all-season tires in the summer is perfectly fine, don’t risk it with the winter tires.
 

Order Tires in Pennsylvania

Choosing tires might not be easy, but if you consider your climate and the pros and cons that come with all-season and snow/winter tires then it should be an easy task. If you’re looking for winter tires, check out Bridgestone: Ecopia EP422 Plus. If you have more questions or are looking for advice, visit your local United Tire & Service!

Related

Tags

Categories

Tires 101

Share

Visit Our Shop

United Tire & Service

Find a Location Near You

Powered by Net Driven
Login

Visit United Tire & Service for Quality Tires and Auto Repair Near You

At United Tire & Service, our staff is here to serve customers throughout Pennsylvania. We offer top-quality auto repair services done by expert technicians. From an oil change or brake repair to auto air conditioning repair, muffler repair, engine diagnostics, wheel alignment, car batteries, fleet repair, tire repair, suspension repair and Pennsylvania state vehicle inspections, we do it all. We also stock a wide selection of tires from all the top brands in the industry including Goodyear Tires, Dunlop Tires, Kelly Tires, and many more. Schedule an appointment with us today at one of our locations in Concordville, Downingtown, Emmaus, Feasterville, Phoenixville, Southampton, Paoli, West Chester or Willow Grove, PA. We are your number one source for top quality, affordable auto repair and tires!