Living in Tennessee, swapping out your summer tires for winter ones is an annual event a lot of us undertake. However, the tire landscape has evolved, presenting us with a whole list of more choices than just a simple seasonal switch. The question arises: which tires are the optimal choice to ensure safe winter driving? To help you make an informed decision, let’s delve into some detailed tire comparisons.
All-Season Tires
All-season tires, to be candid, are more accurately described as three-season tires. While they perform admirably in spring, summer, and fall, they fall short when the snow piles up and temperatures plummet. The tread pattern of all-season tires is generally smooth and straight, especially when compared to all-weather and winter tires. While these tires can grip the road adequately in moderate and warm weather conditions and repel water effectively when it rains, they lack the secure grip and pliable rubber required to navigate substantial snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
All-Weather Tires
The terms “all-weather” and “all-season” may appear interchangeable, but they are actually quite different in their application! Despite the confusing terminology, all-weather tires outperform all-season ones during the transitional seasons. These tires feature a tread design that combines straight and blocky elements, resembling a hybrid of all-season and winter tires. As such, they can handle milder winter conditions capably. However, it’s important to note that in areas where winters are anything but mild, it is advisable to opt for dedicated winter tires.
Winter Tires
The question often arises, “Do I really need winter tires?” If you live in the Nashville area, we suggest the answer is yes! While all-weather tires surpass all-season ones, the pinnacle of safety and performance in winter conditions is achieved with dedicated winter tires. Nashvillians are no strangers to the likelihood that snowy weather can show up seemingly out of nowhere during the wintry months! While the weather might be trending unusually warm one week, the reports may just end up warning of flurries and snow piles within the coming weeks.
Winter tires boast chunky, aggressive tread patterns that excel in snow, slush, and wet conditions. The deep grooves in these tires allow slushy snow to evacuate effectively so they get only maximum traction while on icy roads.
Additionally, winter tires are constructed with a softer rubber compound engineered to remain flexible even during the coldest winter days, providing exceptional grip on ice surfaces. In contrast, the harder rubber found in all-season or all-weather tires tends to lose traction and slide on cold roads. It’s worth noting that, while they provide excellent grip, they can wear down quickly in warm weather. This is precisely why the seasonal transition from winter tires to summer tires is a must-do.
The Ultimate Choice: Winter Tires on Rims
We highly recommend fitting your winter tires on a separate set of rims. This practice not only enhances the convenience of tire changes but can also reduce costs when you visit auto repair shops like ours here at Phoenix Auto Repair. By having a dedicated set of winter tires on rims, you can streamline the seasonal tire switch process and prolong the life of your tires.
Get Winter Tires Today
The experts here at Phoenix Auto Repair offer a diverse selection of winter tires and can assist you in acquiring a second set of rims. Don’t wait until you find yourself stuck or skidding on icy roads! Give us a call at (615) 866-9199, and our experts can help you choose the ideal winter tires for your vehicle. We can also schedule an appointment to mount these tires, ensuring you’re well-prepared for the challenges of winter driving.
Stay safe this winter season by investing in a dedicated set of winter tires and avoiding being fooled by the marketing strategies from companies of other tire types. Your safety and peace of mind are worth every mile of confident, secure driving these tires provide.
