If in the market for all year-round tires, then you might wonder what the difference between all-weather tires versus all-season tires is. The main difference being that the all-weather tires hold the “Three Peak Mountain Snowflake” emblem indicating that these tires have met the required performance criteria in snow testing and are considered severe snow service rated. All-season tires on the other hand are not snow service rated. The name “all-season tires” is somewhat of a misnomer as they are not rated for use in winter or at least not for snow and ice. The all-season tires are for all seasons in areas where the seasons are mild and no severe winter weather.
The decision to buy either all-weather or all-season tires is really depending on where you live. Many states in the United States have mild weather year-round and, in these areas, it would make more sense to invest in all-season tires. The reason all-season tires are the better option is because they have lower rolling resistance and thereby better fuel economy. All-season tires do not need to have as aggressive tread as all-weather tires as they do not need to meet the criteria for performance testing on snow. All season tires in general offer excellent wet grip and stability while allowing for both comfort and performance in an environmentally friendly tire. They also offer good hydroplaning protection and some even have a hydroplaning indicator.
All-weather tires on the other hand are the best choice in areas with severe winters at least if you are looking not to change into snow tires in the winter. They benefit from the same severe service rating as winter tires with the advantage of being able to keep them on all year-round, even in the winter. This is a great advantage not only because you do not need to change into or out of winter tires, but you will be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. They also give you the added advantage to be able to travel between different road conditions, in case you want to head up to the mountains for a day of skiing.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended tire dimensions. If the tire size is 265/75R16 then you would need to equip your car with either 265/75R16 all-season tires or 265/75R16 all-weather tires. In general, as long as you install the correct dimension tires for your vehicle’s make and model then your car will enjoy the best handling and performance.
Both all-weather tires and all-season tires are good choices for people looking to keep one set of tires throughout the year, the only difference between the two is that all-weather tires are severe snow service rated. With winters being quite severe in many areas of the United States, having tires with this rating is important, on the other hand if the area where you live has mild weather then all-season tires are the better choice.
For more information regarding all-weather or all-season tires, visit: www.nokiantires.com