Summer Tires vs. All-Season Tires: What’s the Difference? #PhilSmithChevy

Imagine this: you know you need new tires for your vehicle, but cannot make a final decision as to which type you should buy. You have visited multiple tire dealers in South Florida, compared your options, and are still confused as to how you can best move forward.

One of the primary reasons for your troubles may be difficulty understanding the difference between summer tires vs. all-season tires. Until you have a firm grasp on this, a final decision may continue to elude you.

Let’s start out by taking a look at five points that best describe the benefits of all-season tires:

• Capable of providing a high level of traction during winter months, which is a big deal for those who live in a cold weather climate.
• Longer tread life, meaning you will not pay for tires as often.
• Top of the line performance in both wet and dry conditions.
• Moderate tread depths.
• Suitable for a variety of driving conditions.

Now that you better understand what you get with all-season tires, let’s examine the benefits of summer tires:

• Improved agility, speed, and handling.
• Less grooving.
• Increased braking and cornering, suiting those who are interested in pushing the limits of the driving experience.
• Maximum handling performance.
• Better in wet driving conditions.

As you can see, there are areas in which both types of tires excel. For example, if you are concerned about being able to handle both dry conditions and light snow, all season tires are the way to go. Conversely, if you don’t want to give up anything in terms of performance, you are better off opting for summer tires.

Making a Decision

Choosing the right tire is not as easy as it sounds. Some people simply make a decision and hope for the best, but this could lead you down the wrong path.

When comparing both options, focus on where you live, how you drive, and the type of weather you are going to face throughout the year.

Final note: make sure all four of your tires are the same. In other words, you don’t want two all-season tires and two summer tires.

Are you still unsure of which type of tire is right for your vehicle? Don’t hesitate to contact us for targeted advice and professional guidance.