Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

Many new vehicles come with all-season tires, which are ideal for driving in the Wexford area. However, some drivers switch to winter tires when the season of harsh weather arrives. If you are wondering whether you should stick with all-season tires or upgrade to winter tires, Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo can help. 

The primary difference between winter tires vs. all-season is that all-season tires are made to provide balanced performance year-round, and winter tires are specifically designed for driving in snowy or icy conditions. Still, there is more to know about winter tires before switching, so read the guide below to learn more with Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo.

The Advantages & Disadvantages of Winter Tires

The key advantage of winter tires is the unique design that helps them perform more optimally on Pittsburgh roads during bad winter weather. However, there are a couple of disadvantages to consider when comparing winter tires vs. all-season tires. Learn more below:

Advantages

• Unique Rubber Compound: The rubber compound used for all-season tires is more prone to freezing and becoming rigid in cold temperatures, which can reduce traction. Winter tires are made of a special rubber compound that remains pliable, ensuring maximum traction in cold temperatures.
• Specially-Designed Tread: Winter tire treads are thoughtfully designed to prevent snow and ice build-up, which helps maintain good traction.
• Biting Edge Design: Winter tires also utilize a biting edge design that digs down through the layers of snow and ice on the road, helping your vehicle drive more smoothly in inclement weather. 

Disadvantages

• Wear: If the temperature rises momentarily and the roads dry up, the softer rubber may cause winter tires to wear out more rapidly.
• Swapping Out: You will need to make two separate visits if you switch to winter tires—one to have them installed, and the other to switch back to all-season or summer tires. 

Winter Tire Storage & Maintenance Tips

Winter tires are not designed for year-round use in Sewickley, so when the season ends, keep these winter tire storage tips in mind. Additionally, see some quick tips about tire maintenance in winter:

Winter Tire Storage Tips

• Store Clean Tires: Washing your tires before storing them will help prevent corrosion and increase their lifespan.
• Clean & Temperature-Controlled Storage: Stack your tires vertically in a clean, temperature-controlled environment to keep them in good condition for next winter. It is also good to rotate the stacked tires occasionally to help prevent flat spots. 

Winter Tire Maintenance Tips

• Tire Pressure in Winter: It is not unusual to have lower tire pressure in winter, as the cold temperatures cause reduced air density inside the tires. This is why we recommend adjusting your tire pressure when the tires are cold, so you can be sure they have a proper PSI.
• Tread Wear: Like all tires, winter tires will experience tread wear over time. Just as you would with all-season tires, inspect the treads on your winter tires regularly, and have them rotated to help maintain balanced wear. 

Get Winter Tire Service at Ron Lewis Alfa Romeo

Do you have additional questions about winter tires or how to adjust your tire pressure in winter? You are always welcome to contact us to learn more. You can get new tires from our parts center and schedule a service appointment to have our expert technicians install them in Cranberry Twp.