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With the colder months fast approaching, we get a lot of inquiries about snow tires as Des Moines drivers start thinking about driving in winter weather. The tire pros at Hilltop Tire Service are eager to help you decide if winter tires are best for your vehicle needs. Before facing hazardous winter roads in all-season tires, it’s crucial to understand the difference between all-season tires and winter tires. Find out what type of tires you need to safely drive through snow, ice, and subzero temperatures.

What is the difference between snow tires and all-season tires?

Snow or winter tires are not only designed to take on harsh driving conditions such as snow, ice, and slush, but they grip the road better in just plain cold weather too. These tires are made of a softer rubber compound, so they are more flexible when the temperature drops below 45 degrees F giving you better traction, even on cold, dry roads. Snow tires also have a different tread pattern compared to all-season tires. They have sipes or biting edges that dig through packed snow and ice to grip the road better.

All-season tires, on the other hand, are made for long tread life, good handling, and smooth driving on dry or wet roads.  They are made from harder rubber compounds that do well in temperatures above 40 degrees.  While they perform well in a variety of conditions, winter tires will have superior traction and grip in cold, slippery conditions.

Will my All-season tires work in bad weather?

While all-season tires will give you some traction in light snow or the occasional snowstorm, they are not designed for temperatures below 45 degrees F, or snow and ice. If you don’t plan on going too far this winter and don’t mind staying off winter roads if necessary, you may be able to get by with using your all-season tires.  If you decide to go with all-season tires, make sure you have them properly inspected by one of our tire professions to ensure they have enough tread still on them. 

Do I need snow tires?

Around here, slippery and snow-covered roads are an annual reality.  It is recommended in our climate to have a set of snow tires installed on your vehicle this time of year. Not only so you can get where you need to go but for the safety of all passengers. 

Can I drive on my winter tires all year round?

It is not recommended to drive with snow tires on your vehicle all year.  Hot, dry pavement will chew through the soft rubber compound that winter tires are made of and they will wear out prematurely.  Many drivers have a set of snow tires they use for winter driving and switch to summer or all-season tires during the warmer months.

In summary

Dashing through the snow will take on a whole new meaning if you have the right tires installed on your vehicle.  Snow and winter tires will always out-perform all-season tires in snow, ice, slush, and temperatures below 45 degrees F.  At Hilltop Tire Service we care about your safety on the road, especially in winter, when driving conditions are worse.  Call today for a quote on tires or simply stop by for a complimentary tire inspection.