Difference Between Winter Tires & All Season Tires
When driving conditions change in the winter, many people switch their tires out for sturdy winter tires. Comparing all season tires with winter tires can help you decide whether you should switch, and which set of tires is right for you.
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Braking
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Winter tires are specifically designed to create more traction to make it easier to brake in snow and icy conditions. Braking with winter tires in winter conditions typically feels like braking in normal conditions with all seasons tires.
Braking with all season tires in snow and icy conditions is more difficult and potentially dangerous. It requires slowing and braking at a considerably longer distances.
Tire Treading
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Winter tire treads are specifically designed to handle snow and lower tempatures better. A wider wheel design adds traction and helps dig into the snow. The grooves within the tire are wider as well, creating an easier channel for snow and water to travel through.
Inversely, all season tires have a thinner wheel design to allow for faster driving on various terrain. The grooves are thinner on all season tires as well, creating a smoother drive the highway surfaces, but don't expel as easily as winter tires.
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Price
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Winter tires, because of their specified design and use, are generally more expensive than a set of all-season tires. Most winter tires retail for around $100 dollars each. Prices can vary based on region, season, or whether the tires are new or used.
WInter Tire Advantages
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Winter are extremely useful in ice and snow conditions. They improve handling and greatly reduce the risk of failed braking. Winter tires are also better at getting out of icy spots when a car is parked or stuck.
All Season Tires
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If you live in an area that does not have heavy snows or winters, all season should suffice for your vehicle. The added cost of purchasing winter tires as well as the time it takes to switch them out between seasons may not be worth it, especially if you live in an area where winters are relatively mild.
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