For anyone who is new to living in Holly, Michigan and they are not familiar with driving in snow (those poor native Floridians!), there is a lot to learn. Among the important things to figure out is the difference between winter tires and all-season tires. The main questions we get asked here at Armstead Automotive Repair are:
How are the tires different?
When do you need to switch them out?
What other tires should I consider?
In an effort to offer useful and helpful information, we will share our professional opinion about key points between winter tires versus regular tires.
How are the tires different?
Winter Tires:
- Winter tires are better equipped to grip the road when covered in heavy snow and black ice.
- You can tell the difference between the two types of tires when you look at the tread depth, tread patterns, the tread rubber, and biting edges.
- Certain winter tires are made for commercial vehicles and are engineered for heavy-duty winter performance.
- They are made of a more rugged compound.
- The grooves on a winter tire are wider and deeper to reduce the risk of hydroplaning.
- Winter tires tend to have a zig-zag tread pattern with more biting edges that enhance traction.
All-Season Tires:
- All-season tires are the factory-equipped tires you’ll find on your car.
- These tires are designed to handle heat, rain, mud, and most non-freezing road conditions.
- All-season tires are built with fuel efficiency in mind.
- The tire treads are designed for improved wet traction on wet roads, which includes block design, open shoulder slots, and full depth grooves.
- All-season tires are designed to last for approximately 70,000 miles of wear.
When do you need to switch them out?
If only see a few snow flurries a few times a year, you can keep your all-season tires on your car all year. But if the weather brings frequent, heavy snowfalls and ice, winter tires are best. Additionally, if you drive on terrain with a steep incline, you would be wise to install winter tires early in the winter season, which is from Nov. 5th to April 15th.
What other tires should I consider?
There are all kinds of tires for different weather conditions, driving styles, and vehicles. If you require truck tires, performance tires, summer tires, run-flat tires, or more, contact Armstead Automotive Repair in Holly, MI to discuss your needs.
Whatever your tire needs, the team at Armstead Automotive Repair is happy to assist. For convenient service, please schedule an appointment or call us at 248-634-0399. Our full-service auto repair facility for personal and fleet vehicles, is located at 15310 Fish Lake Road, Holly, MI 48442.
We look forward to seeing you soon!