Your vehicle is one of the best examples of modern automotive ingenious because it includes some of the most advanced technologies in modern history. Yet, your car wouldn’t be nearly as impressive or safe without wheels and premium quality tires. The tires on your car keep you from sliding out of control when you drive – they keep you on the straight and narrow, firmly rooted to the ground. There are many types of tires you can choose from, so it can understandably be challenging to find a set that's best for your car. Fortunately, engineers have developed a wide range of tire types for different weather conditions, making it easier to choose a set of tires. In our article, we’ll discuss winter tires vs. all-season tires to give you an idea about which ones your car needs. No matter which tires you decide your vehicle needs, you can trust our team at Island Kia to fit them and have you safely back on the road in no time. So let’s dive in and see which is better!
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What Exactly Are Winter Tires?

As their name implies, winter tires are meant to be used during the winter months because they are specially designed to withstand the many challenges of rough winter weather. These tires have traction-enhanced biting edges, a specialized tread design, and softer rubber than all-season tires. Winter tires have softer rubber to prevent your tires from stiffening in low temperatures. This means you won’t need to worry about losing traction and grip since the rubber compounds will remain flexible. Additionally, winter tires have deeper tread depths and more detailed tread patterns to ensure you don’t slip, slide, or experience the negative effects of road sludge and snow. Moreover, the biting edges (tiny shallow slits found within tire tread blocks) allow the wheel to ‘bite’ the road and improve traction. Typically those who live in harsh winter climates choose to use winter tires. Thus, if you expect to drive through ice, snow, sleet, or severe cold, it’s a good idea to use winter tires on your car.

What Exactly Are All Season Tires?

All-season tires are also known as all-weather tires. This tire type is best suited for drivers who live in areas that experience milder seasons. Unlike winter tires, all-season tires are often more convenient because they are cost-efficient. Owners don’t have to change all-season tires as the seasons change when driving in milder weather often. Additionally, all-season tires give many of the same benefits as winter tires but are not as good when it comes to traction because they are designed to be a more well-rounded option. They also have tread patterns and biting edges more suitable for summer and spring than winter and fall. This is because the tread patterns aren’t as deep, so they have reduced stopping power on icy and wet roads. A big advantage of all-season tires is that they provide drivers with a quieter ride and more than enough traction for everyday driving. If you live and drive in a milder climate and don’t experience harsh winters or extra long rainy seasons, then all-season tires are likely your best bet for your vehicle.

Which Should You Get? All Season vs. Winter Tires

For most states, all-season tires are suitable and usually the best choice. However, should you live in a place that routinely experiences temperatures of below 45 degrees Fahrenheit for weeks at a time, you should get winter tires. In most instances, you will need all-season tires when you aren’t using winter tires, and you will need to change them out roughly twice yearly. Ultimately, when choosing tires for your vehicle, you need to consider your climate, your driving needs, and the road conditions you frequently encounter. If you own a Kia and need to equip all-season or winter tires, you can speak with our experts at Island Kia. Our service department has a team of certified auto technicians who are trained to help customers choose the best tires for their vehicles based on their needs and where they live. Simply contact us here, and our team will reach out to book a time for you to come by and have your tires changed.