by Safety, comfort, and driving pleasure – all of these are provided by tires. The overwhelming majority of drivers pay attention to wet road grip characteristics, as well as good braking and handling, and maximum stability even in extreme situations when making a purchase. 
A large selection of tires can be found at Goodyear Ultragrip Performance. One of the most popular questions motorists ask on Google is whether to use winter tires or all-season tires? Given the weather conditions that Russians face in the winter months, it’s not surprising.
In this article, we will consider the main nuances of choosing winter tires and their advantages over all-season tires. All-season tires were introduced several decades ago to avoid the cost of replacing summer tires with winter ones. While it may seem more cost-effective to have only one set of tires, the price is certainly not the only factor to consider when choosing the best tires for the safest ride. Not only do all-season tires wear out faster than winter tires in cold weather, but the tread and rubber compound simply do not work as well on snowy or icy roads.
5 reasons to choose winter tires instead of all-season tires:
- shorter braking distances.
If you are driving on ice, snow, or cold dry asphalt, winter tires can reduce the braking distance by 30–40 percent compared to all-season tires. This reduction can prevent an accident and in some cases can mean the difference between life and death;
- better handling in wet conditions. Water can be a problem when driving in winter because the pressure of your tires melts the top layer of ice or snow, creating a thin layer of water that can cause skidding or spinning. The treads of winter tires have small grooves and sipes that channel water away, so the tire does not lose contact with the road surface;
- The rubber compound is specially designed for winter conditions. The rubber compound of winter tires is designed to remain soft at subzero temperatures.
The pliability of the soft rubber is what makes the tires stick to many microscopic irregularities in the asphalt even in snowy and icy conditions. When it comes to safety, this factor is even more important than the tread. The latest technologies have allowed winter tires to maintain flexibility even at very low temperatures. All-season tires, although more flexible than summer ones, are designed for year-round use and will not perform as well in cold weather;
- The treads have more grip. The deep treads of older winter tires often produced a lot of noise.
They could also affect the vehicle’s stability on the road, causing swerving during acceleration or braking. The tread pattern of modern winter tires is shallower, and the grooves are closer together for better road grip. More rounded casings and sharper edges dig into the snow more effectively. Tiny slits called sipes improve grip on icy surfaces. Modern winter tires provide 50 percent more road grip than all-season tires;
- Enhancing the efficiency of safety systems.
Some people believe that if their vehicle is equipped with safety systems such as all-wheel drive or anti-lock braking systems, they do not need winter tires. However, these systems perform no better than the tire’s traction. Without good road grip, the anti-lock braking system will not keep you from hydroplaning, and all-wheel drive can help you accelerate better but won’t help you stop faster. A good set of winter tires will enhance the efficiency of these safety features.
Where and how to store winter tires?
Winter tires should be removed when spring returns. Higher temperatures and dry surfaces can cause them to wear out faster.
Tires should be stored in a cool and dry place, such as a basement or a climate-controlled room. Storing them in a regular garage or shed can damage them due to intense heat and high humidity. If you don’t have enough floor space, you can use shelving systems. Some systems can be mounted on the wall. Finally, there may be tire storage facilities in your area.
Consult a mechanic or car dealership. Here are some storage tips to remember:
- always wash tires after the winter season;
- tires can be stored vertically or stacked. For safety, don’t stack them too high;
- if they are not mounted on permanent rims, do not hang them on hooks;
- store them in airtight bags to keep oils out of the rubber;
- do not store them near stoves, water heaters, or radiators.
Thus, all-season tires come as standard equipment on vehicles when they are manufactured. Again, winter driving presents a variety of challenges. Heavy snowfall, black ice, freezing rain, and blizzards can change the road conditions in an instant.
Winter tires are designed with unique features that allow them to perform significantly better than all-season tires.
