The type of tire your car, truck, or SUV has can make all the difference on Calgary-area roads. How do you choose the right tires for your vehicle and lifestyle? All-season tires provide a smooth ride in most weather conditions; winter tires are designed specifically for snow, ice, and low temperatures; summer tires deliver enhanced agility and control at high speeds; and all-weather tires offer a combination of the above, making them an excellent choice for summer tires and winter tires. Learn more in this all-season tires vs. vs. all-weather vs. winter tires vs. summer tires comparison from the parts team at Capital Chevrolet Buick GMC.
Shopping for a new set of tires can be confusing. While there are specific sizes and recommended types of tires for your vehicle, deciding between all-season, winter, and all-weather tires is largely a matter of your preference and the kind of driving you’ll be doing in the Okotoks area. Our tire experts have broken down the differences between all-weather vs. all-season, and winter tires vs. summer tires below to help you make an informed decision.
All-season tires are the most common tire type. They generally have a smooth and straight tread pattern and provide good grip in warmer temperatures, making them a good choice for summer tires. While all-season tires are good at repelling water when driving in the rain, they are not manufactured to perform in icy or snowy conditions or in temperatures under 7 degrees Celsius.
Winter tires, also known as snow tires, are specifically made to deliver optimum traction, handling, and control in ice, snow, and slush. They are made with sharp blocky treads and wider, deeper grooves, and they are designed to stay soft and flexible when the temperature drops to below 7 Celsius. Unfortunately, they tend to wear out faster in warm weather, and it is recommended that you swap them out for all-season tires during the summer months.
Summer tires are built for speed and agility, offering increased responsiveness, cornering, and braking capabilities. The specialized tread patterns and rubber compounds used in summer tires remain more flexible, allowing for better traction and grip. In addition, the tread patterns have less grooving and remain more flexible. Since summer tires have shallower tread depths, they can provide more stability at high speeds on dry roads.
What’s the difference between all-weather vs. all-season tires? All-weather tires provide you with the best of both worlds. When you look at the tread, you’ll see that it is a cross between all-season and winter tires, with a mixture of straight and blocky patterns. All-weather tires will perform well as summer tires and can provide confident performance as winter tires, which eliminates the hassle of swapping out and storing your tires as the weather changes.
Shopping for a new set of tires? Capital Chevrolet Buick GMC is where to buy all-season tires, summer tires, winter tires, and all-weather tires in Calgary. We offer competitive prices on major brand tires, including winter tires at cost, and you can rely on the certified technicians in our Service Centre to install and balance your tires for you. Make sure to browse our current parts specials to find the best available deal on tires, and if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our Parts Centre.