All-Season vs. Summer Tires
The main difference between all-season and summer tires is the durability and pliability of their rubber. Local weather, road conditions, performance preference, and average driving distance should all play a part in a driver’s decision between all-season or summer tires. Take a moment to learn about the unique features of these two very different types of tires to better inform your decision when choosing the type to buy for your vehicle.
All-Season Tires
As their name suggests, all-season tires are designed to handle road and weather conditions throughout the year. Because they’re made of a harder rubber substance, they outshine summer tires when it comes to long road trips. All-season tires also handle adverse weather conditions better than the summer variety. Drivers should consider all-season tires if the roads in the area are slick or prone to collecting patches of sand. All-season tires last longer than summer tires, too; in fact, they last more than 50,000 miles with proper care. Where they lose out, however, is in high-performance driving.
Summer Tires
Summer tires are designed to maximize tire performance. They’re the best choice for drivers looking to enhance a car’s handling, braking, and acceleration in warm, dry conditions. The tread blocks on summer tires are larger than those on all-season tires, increasing the amount of rubber that makes contact with the road to improve high-speed handling. The tread is also arranged in a more aggressive pattern than all-season tire tread, which boosts the car’s responsiveness. The summer tire’s softer rubber compound grips the road better than all-season tires during phases of rapid acceleration. However, the drawback to summer tires is their shorter lifespan and poorer performance in wet weather conditions.
Skips Tire and Auto Centers has proudly served the San Jose area for more than three decades. Our knowledgeable staff is more than happy to help you with any tire decisions you need to make. Our low prices, quality auto repairs, and exceptional customer service are the cornerstones of our business. Give us a call today at (408) 532-5224 to learn about our low price guarantee or visit our online tire store 24/7.