Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

Every Pittsburgh driver is familiar with the challenges of navigating our roads during wintertime, as the snow and ice put our tires to the ultimate test. Many vehicles have all-season tires, which aren’t always adequate for cold temperatures and inclement conditions. If you’re considering upgrading to winter tires for your Pittsburgh drives, our team can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you. 

Compare winter tires vs. all-season tires with us to learn about the advantages winter tires offer, as well as some additional factors you should consider. If you’re interested, you can get winter tires from our parts department!

The Advantages & Disadvantages of Winter Tires

The main difference between winter tires vs. all-season tires is that winter tires are made specifically for winter driving, while all-season tires can be used during every season in Brentwood. In especially harsh conditions, winter tires perform more optimally thanks to a unique design. 

Winter tires can offer more peace of mind for driving in hazardous weather, but they also have downsides. Read about the advantages and disadvantages of winter tires to see what you think:

Advantages

• Unique Rubber Compound: All-season tires are built with a harder rubber that can lose its flexibility in cold weather, leading to reduced traction. Winter tires are built for cold weather, so they use a unique rubber compound that remains soft and grippy in low temperatures.
• Specially-Designed Tread: The treads of winter tires are designed to stay clear of snow and ice, contributing to maximum traction. 
• Biting Edge Design: Yet another unique feature of winter tires is the biting edge design. It allows the tires to dig into the snow and ice, so you feel more in control of the vehicle.

Disadvantages

• Wear: If there’s a spell of warm, dry weather in the middle of winter, drivers using winter tires may see increased wear, since the special rubber compound is intended for cold temperatures. 
• Swapping Out: You’ll need to make time to have winter tires installed at the start of the season, and you’ll need to switch back to all-season tires when winter is over. 

Winter Tire Storage & Maintenance Tips

You shouldn’t drive on winter tires in the spring and summer in Bethel Park, so you’ll need to think about winter tire storage. Check out the following storage tips, as well as a couple of maintenance reminders:

Winter Tire Storage Tips

• Store Clean Tires: Get the most from your winter tire investment by washing them before storage, which helps the tires last longer and prevents corrosion.
• Clean & Temperature-Controlled Storage: Choose a clean, temperature-controlled area to store your tires. They should be stacked vertically, and you should rotate the stack every so often to avoid flat spots.

Winter Tire Maintenance Tips 

• Tire Pressure in Winter: You’ll likely have lower tire pressure in winter—a result of the cold outside temperatures causing reduced air density inside the tires. To combat this issue, you should adjust your tire pressure when the tires are cold, ensuring you get them up to the correct PSI.
• Tread Wear: If you drive a lot, your winter tires will experience some tread wear over the months they’re on your vehicle. Inspect your treads regularly, and have your tires rotated at the necessary intervals. 

Schedule Service at Ron Lewis Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Pleasant Hills

You’re welcome to schedule service or contact us for assistance with seasonal car maintenance or questions about issues like tire pressure in winter. If you plan on upgrading to winter tires, look for helpful savings in our rotating service specials! Our team is here to help you prepare for every season on our local roads.