Winter vs. All-Season Tires

When it comes to staying safe on Tifton and Cordele streets, a durable set of tires can make all the difference in the world. Knowing that you’re driving on the right kind of tires can lead to safer drives and more peace of mind. If you’re deciding between winter tires vs. all-season tires, the parts department at Albany Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM can help! Even without snow and ice, most tires lose tire pressure in winter due to temperature changes. Is that enough to merit a change to winter tires? And what’s needed for winter tire storage if you opt for seasonal tire changes? Albany Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM has the answers you need and the right tires for your vehicle. 

Winter Tires vs. All-Weather Tires: Pros and Cons 

Even in relatively temperate climates like what we have in Valdosta, there are times and places where winter tires can help. Here are some of the pros and cons of winter tires: 

Pros

• Unique Rubber Compound: Winter tires and all-season tires are made from different materials. The rubber in winter tires is designed to stay flexible without getting brittle in low temperatures. They’re also somewhat better at handling normal changes in tire pressure in winter. 
• Specially-Designed Tread: If you’re often driving to places with a lot of snow or ice, the special tread on winter tires will reduce the amount of sludge build-up so you’ll have better traction. 
• Biting Edge Design: Along with special treads, winter tires have a biting edge design to dig into deep snow and ice for that extra boost you need. 

Cons

• Wear: The specialized rubber in winter tires doesn’t age well when exposed to higher temperatures. Driving on winter tires during the GA summer heat can decrease their lifespan.
• Changing and Winter Tire Storage: If you opt for winter tires for part of the year, you need to switch to all-season tires as soon as the weather begins to warm. That also means finding proper winter tire storage. 

Winter Tire Storage Information & Tips

Because the specialized rubber in winter tires doesn’t age well in the heat, you’ll need winter tire storage beyond leaving them in your Albany garage or shed. Here’s how to properly store your winter tires: 

• Clean Tires Before Storing Them: Clean deep into the treads. You don’t want compounds used for ice melting to sit on your winter tires when they’re not in use. 
• Proper Temperature: Because higher temperatures can cause winter tire rubber to deteriorate, store your tires in a climate-controlled facility. 
• Tire Pressure: Your tire pressure in the winter will almost always drop. We recommend you add the correct tire pressure to your tires when they’re still cold as you don’t want to have low tire pressure when you’re driving.
• Tread Wear: Check the tread on your winter tires before you put them into storage, just as you would check the tread on all-season tires. If the treads have worn down, you’ll probably want to buy new winter tires instead of taking the time and expense to store balding ones. 

Keep Your Tires Up to Date with Albany Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM

Whatever you choose in winter tires vs. all-season tires, you can find them at Albany Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM! Not only do we carry a huge selection of tires, but our knowledgeable team can help you decipher your tire needs so you know you’re getting the best tires for the way you drive. Take a look at our parts specials to get a great price on your next set of new tires.