Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

When it comes to ensuring your safety on the road during the colder months, comparing winter tires vs. all-season is a prudent decision. Most vehicles come equipped with all-season tires from the factory, and that’s for a good reason. All-season tires offer strong performance in various weather conditions, a quiet ride, and long tread life. However, since all-season tires are designed to provide year-round functionality, they inevitably involve some trade-offs.

Think of winter tires as the trusty winter boots of your vehicle, in contrast to the all-season tires that serve as your every day sneakers. You wouldn’t want to run on ice with the sneakers you’ve been wearing all year round, would you? The same principle applies to winter tires! Below, you’ll find our service tips to delve into tire pressure in winter, winter tire storage, and other essential tire-related information to keep you safe on the roads of Dalton. Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to our service center or schedule service so we can take a look at your vehicle.

Benefits of Winter Tires & When to Put Them On Your Car

If you reside in a region where snow and ice are infrequent, all-season tires will likely suffice during the winter months. You might not encounter many heavy snow days in and around Athens. So, are winter tires worth it? Absolutely! Winter tires are purpose-built for challenging weather conditions, featuring unique design elements not found on all-season tires:

• Special Tread Rubber: Winter tires are built with specially formulated rubber that remains flexible in cold weather. This ensures that your tires can grip the road long after the leaves have fallen. 
• Unique Tread Depth & Pattern: The deep treads on snow tires reduce snow build-up and offer traction. Along with that, winter tires offer a unique pattern that expels snow, slush, ice, and water.
• Biting Edges: When you scan a winter tire with your eyes, you’ll notice many small slits in the tread. These biting edges provide improved grip on icy roads.

Winter Driving Tips: Tire Pressure, Safe Habits, & More!

Typically, your vehicle’s tires will require a tire pressure in the mid-30s. For tire pressure in winter, it’s advisable to add an extra 3-5 psi to account for the air loss caused by frigid weather conditions. In addition to maintaining proper tire inflation, there are other steps you can take to ensure safety on winter roads:

• Drive at a conservative pace
• Leave a wide gap between you and the vehicles ahead of you
• Keep up with all services to ensure your vehicle is fit for winter roads
• Show extra caution at intersections, stop signs, and shady areas
• Avoid cruise control
• Keep an eye out for black ice

Winter Tire Storage Tips

If you plan to swap out your tires as the seasons change, proper tire storage is essential. Fortunately, you can effectively store winter tires in just four steps:

• Clean the Tires: When you put your tires away for the season, cleaning them is essential. Use a cleaning solution and a brush to scrub your tires free of debris, dirt, brake dust, and more. Proper cleaning prevents corrosion while your tires are in storage. 
• Identify Your Storage Space: The goal when storing tires is to find an indoor spot that’s clean and free from major temperature swings. Ideally, you want to have your tires stored in a climate-controlled space.
• Cover Each Tire: You want to store your tires in opaque, airtight, individual bags. You can find tire storage bags in stores and online, and you can use a vacuum to remove the excess air.
• Stack the Tires: If you’re storing your tires without the rims, lay them flat and stack them on top of each other. If you prefer to leave the rims on your tires, place them next to each other vertically. Regardless of the storage method, rotate the position every month to prevent undue stress and strain.

Care for Your Vehicle at Mtn. View Chevrolet

Now that you’ve compared winter tires vs. all-season tires, you’re better equipped to make intelligent decisions for your vehicle as the seasons change in Ooltewah. Whether you seek further information on winter tire pressure or need guidance on winter tire storage, we have you covered! Our service guides encompass a range of topics to help keep your vehicle running smoothly. Explore how we can meet your vehicle needs today at Mtn. View Chevrolet’s service center.