Living in a region that experiences snow and ice on a yearly basis can be rough on your vehicle.
Many people would rather not go through the hassle of changing their tires every season, but there are few alternatives to winter tires.
Some drivers think that they can last all winter long on all season tires, but this is simply untrue.
Despite the name, all season tires are not meant to be driven on ice covered roads.
These tires are acceptable for a mild winter season, but they are not nearly as safe or effective as actual snow tires.
The truth is, snow tires offer the greatest advantages when driving throughout the winter season.
Season Specific Tires Are The Most Effective All season tires are designed to handle many unique situations.
However, the actual performance quality is divided among the many types of environments that they are supposed to handle.
Though these tires are designed to handle both dry and wet roads, they are not the optimal choice for either.
All season tires are made out of a stiff rubber that does not mix well with snow or ice.
They are great for regions where snow rarely or never occurs, but the stiff rubber can become slick on an icy road.
Winter tires are made out of a softer rubber that conforms well to ice and snow.
Winter tires will wear out quickly when driven all year round, but they are not meant to be.
All season tires may seem more convenient, but they are hardly a substitute for changing your tires on a seasonal basis.
There is no escaping the fact that tire design must be focused on a specific environment.
There is no convenient alternative that is also effective.
Soft Tires Over Hard Tires The softness of winter tires allows for more road contact when driving in unstable conditions.
This reduces the chance of an auto accident by improving friction.
Winter tires have the best tread capabilities.
All season tires attempt to improve tread, but the rubber will remain stiff as the temperature drops.
This type of rubber cannot maintain optimal road contact in an unstable environment.
Snow creates many types of unstable environments.
Snow can be powdery, wet or icy.
When snow melts it creates a lot of moisture.
Melting snow will also create lumps in a road.
Softer tires can handle this type of road very well.
Heavy snow will flatten over time.
This will help to level the road once more, but it will also introduce a new problem that all season tires are unable to handle.
Packed snow is slick and icy.
Winter tires provide the optimal tread for handling a slick road.
All season tires are a great invention for anyone living in a region where seasonal changes are minor.
However, winter tires are highly recommended for drivers who live in colder regions that experience extreme seasonal changes.
The minor hassle of changing your tires can potentially save your vehicle and your life.
There is no substitute for the well designed winter tire.