When it's time to replace your current tires, you may wonder if all-season tires are the way to go. While this type of tire has some key benefits, there are also a few downsides to consider. Learning the pros and cons from auto repair shops can help you decide if all-season tires meet your driving needs.
Pro: They Provide Decent Traction Year-Round
The biggest benefit of all-season tires is that they provide adequate traction in most weather conditions. Their rubber compound and tread design make them suitable for dry and wet roads during warmer seasons. All-season tires also have some capability to grip snowy surfaces in winter conditions, so you can rely on a single set of tires for all four seasons rather than swapping out summer and winter tires twice per year. This versatility and convenience is the number one benefit.
Con: They May Fall Short in Extreme Weather
While all-season tires work across changing seasons, they don’t excel in any one driving condition. In very hot weather, their rubber compound may wear more quickly compared to summer tires, and once temperatures drop, they lose traction well before winter tires. All-season tires only provide sufficient winter grip and snow traction for light snowfall. As a result, drivers in areas that see a lot of heavy snow will likely require winter-specific tires during those months. Essentially, all-season tires are a compromise rather than being optimized for any single season.
Pro: They Cost Less Over Time
With all-season tires you often save money over the long run because you only need one set of all-season tires instead of two specialized sets. The upfront cost of all-season tires sits right between budget tires and high-performance tires, and by not having to pay auto repair shops twice per year to swap out summer and winter tires, you avoid additional service fees. Considering you replace tires less frequently with this option, your total tire costs add up to less over time.
As you can see, all-season tires provide decent year-round traction at a reasonable price point. Just keep in mind they fall short of specialized summer and winter tires in extreme conditions. Assess your regional weather patterns and driving needs to decide if all-season tires check the right boxes for your vehicle. And remember, according to Consumer Reports, you should have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. If you have questions about the right tires for you, auto repair shops can help. Call us at Johnson's Automotive Repair to schedule an appointment.