Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

When it comes to driving in colder weather, many Akron drivers face the decision of choosing winter tires vs. all-season tires. Both options have their advantages, but they’re designed for different conditions. Understanding the differences between winter tires vs. all-season tires can help you choose the best option to keep you safe on the roads of Massillon. Winter tires are specifically designed for cold temperatures, ice, and snow. In contrast, all-season tires provide a balance for various weather conditions but may not offer the same level of traction in harsh winter climates.

Compare winter tires vs. all-season tires today with the service experts from Toyota of North Canton, and we’ll help you discover the following:

• The benefits and drawbacks of winter tires
• Winter tire storage information
• The right tire pressure in the winter

The Benefits & Drawbacks of Winter Tires

While winter tires are great for driving around Canton when winter hits, there are certainly some drawbacks you’ll want to consider. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using winter tires:

Advantages

• Unique Rubber Compound: Many all-season tires are made of a rubber compound that can freeze and get brittle when temperatures drop. Winter tires utilize a special rubber compound that stays flexible during the cold to ensure you’ve got maximum grip.

• Specially-Designed Tread: You’ll often notice the grooves in a winter tire are different from an all-season tire and that’s because they’re specially designed for winter driving. The grooves reduce the amount of snow and ice build-up so you’ve got better traction when driving in inclement weather.

• Biting Edge Design: In addition to the ability to reduce snow and ice build-up, winter tires also have a biting edge design that digs into deep snow and ice to allow your vehicle to easily drive in winter conditions.

Disadvantages

• Wear: If temperatures climb back up and the roads are dry, driving with winter tires can cause significant wear on the tires, meaning a decreased lifespan.

• Swapping Out: While you can drive on a winter tire during the summer, it’s not recommended so you’ll have to have a second set of summer tires to swap to when the weather gets warmer.

Winter Tire Storage Information & Tips

As we mentioned, you don’t want to keep your winter tires on year-round because they’re not necessarily made to tackle summer roads. As a result, there are some winter tire storage tips we want to provide you so that you can keep your winter tires in excellent condition. Additionally, driving in the winter comes with some nuances you’ll want to be aware of for maximum safety. Here are some winter tire tips and driving information to keep in mind:

• Store Clean Tires: It may seem obvious, but you’ll want to clean your tires before you put them in storage. Storing tires without cleaning them could lead to corrosion and decrease the lifespan of your tires. Make sure you cover your tires after you clean them.

• Clean & Temperature-Controlled Storage: You’ll want to keep your tires in a clean and temperature-controlled space so that they don’t experience increased wear. Additionally, you’ll want to stack your tires and rotate them occasionally to avoid any spots or unusual deformities on your tires.

• Tire Pressure: Your tire pressure in the winter will almost always drop as the cold temperatures cause the air to become less dense in your tires. We recommend you add the correct tire pressure to your tires when they’re still cold, as you don’t want to have low tire pressure when you’re driving.

• Tread Wear: Just because you have winter tires doesn’t mean you won’t experience tread wear. It’s best to regularly inspect your tire tread wear to ensure you’ve got the proper tire tread for when roads do become hazardous.

Check Your Tire Pressures In the Winter With Toyota of North Canton!

No matter which tires you choose, it’s crucial to keep an eye on your tire pressure in the winter. Cold temperatures can cause the air in your tires to contract, leading to underinflation, which can affect your vehicle’s handling, fuel efficiency, and safety. Whether you’re using winter tires or all-season tires, making sure your tires are properly inflated is essential for maintaining optimal performance. At Toyota of North Canton, we recommend checking your tire pressure regularly during the winter months, as even a slight drop in temperature can result in significant changes to tire pressure.

If you’re unsure about tire options or need assistance with winter tire storage or maintenance, contact our service team. Count on us to ensure your genuine Toyota tires are in top condition and ready to handle whatever winter throws your way!