What’s The Difference Between Summer and All Season Tires
Many people use the terms Summer Tires and All Season Tires interchangeably but the fact is that there is a significant difference. Depending on how you drive, what kind of car you drive and your climate, you’ll see great advantages in one over the other. Understanding these differences helps you choose the best all season tires or best summer tires for you.
What are Summer Tires or Performance Tires?
Summer tires are also often referred to as performance tires. Traditionally, they were used by car and driving enthusiasts who wanted a high performance tire to match their high performance vehicle. More and more, summer tires are being purchased by those simply wishing to get the most out of their drive during the summer season. They provide better grip, handling and braking when the temperature rises above 7° C than all season tires. They provide the best possible handling on warm, dry surfaces but are also designed to handle wet road conditions during summer months. When it comes down to it, a summer tire is a tire designed to give you the best possible driving experience in the summer months.
What Are All Season Tires?
All season is a misnomer that has been around since the 1970’s. It’s used to describe tires that are designed to perform adequately in all seasons, but the truth is that for Canadian winters, adequate is not good enough. While only 51% of Canadians actually purchase winter tires, this does not mean that they’re not necessary.
Why Is 7° C Important?
When the temperature dips below 7° C, the material in all season tires stiffens meaning longer braking distances and less handling control. Really, an all season tire is a tire that’s made to drive in slight variations in temperature and climate but are never recommended to have on your car during Canadian winters. The best all season tires are the ones that you use at the right time in the right driving conditions.
One of the important aspects of choosing a summer tire is safety and security. For those drivers that want the best grip and traction during warm summer weather as well as on wet surfaces, you can count on a summer time for the absolute best performance. All season tires are designed to give you capable performance in every condition but not exceptional performance in any single element. Performance tires are built to perform and top performance means top safety.
Which Tire is Better For Me? All Season Tires or Summer Tires?
The answer to this question depends on a number of factors. The way you drive and the size of your vehicle can impact the cost and availability of various options. The superior handling of performance tires is offset slightly by the fact that they tend to be louder than all season tires. When it comes to tires, you get what you pay for and sticker price is often a good indicator of how well the tire will perform and how long it will last. The up front costs of a tire are not the only expense. You have to think not only of how long the tire will last but also understand how fuel economy is impacted in your choice between summer tires and all season tires. Every tire is different so knowing how each individual tire ranks is incredibly important.
Protect Your Investment
No matter what tire you choose, we put your mind at ease with our TIRECRAFT Advantage Plus Program which offers a number of advantages such as a 30 day tire satisfaction guarantee, free flat repairs, free tire rotation and Road Hazard Coverage. Making sure you’re happy with your purchase, every single kilometre of the way, is our number one priority.
Before you choose, talk to a TIRECRAFT specialist who can help you pick the right tire for your needs. Knowing that what’s between you and the road is the right product for you provides unparalleled peace of mind.
Back