Buying Guide
All-Season vs Dedicated Summer and Winter Tires
Sep 12, 2024 · 7 min read
One set for the whole year, or two sets swapped seasonally? Here is how the compounds differ and which choice makes sense for your climate.
The difference between a summer, winter and all-season tire is mostly chemistry. Rubber compounds harden as temperature drops, and a compound tuned for 25 degrees behaves very differently at 3 degrees.
Summer tires
Designed for warm conditions, they use a stiff compound and large tread blocks for maximum dry grip and precise steering. Below roughly 7 degrees Celsius the compound stiffens and grip falls away quickly.
Winter tires
A softer compound stays flexible in the cold, and thousands of small sipes bite into snow and slush. They are outstanding below 7 degrees but wear rapidly in summer heat.
All-season and all-weather
All-season tires compromise between the two and suit mild climates. All-weather tires carry the three-peak mountain snowflake marking and are certified for genuine winter use, making them a strong single-set option where snow is occasional rather than constant.
