All-season tires are a type of tire that offers a balance of capabilities, providing acceptable performance in wet and dry conditions, as well as traction in light winter conditions. They are designed for the average driver and have moderate tread depths and rubber compounds that are engineered to provide longer tread life than summer tires. All-season tires are offered in many types/models, sizes, load capacities, and speed ratings for use on a wide variety of vehicles from economy cars to pickup trucks. They tend to provide ride comfort, handling, and other performance attributes suitable for most drivers.
All-season tires perform well in warm weather, but they may offer less grip than summer tires, sacrificing some steering, braking, and cornering capabilities. This trade-off is necessary for all-season tires to be able to provide acceptable performance in light winter conditions and provide longer tread life.
Winter tires, also called snow tires, are made especially for optimal performance on winter roads with special rubber that stays flexible under 40ยบ F. They have deep, wide, and jagged tread on snow tires that helps maintain traction while the channels move water away from the tires. Winter tires are the best option for harsh winter weather, including heavy snow and icy roads.
All-weather tires are a relatively new type of tire that are certified with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, indicating that they meet the industrys severe snow service requirements. They are designed to provide year-round traction and control in all weather conditions, including light snow and ice. All-weather tires have many of the same features of an all-season tire with a better tread life and a quieter ride than a dedicated winter tire.
