What is the Difference between Winter Tires & Summer Tires, or All-Season Tires and All-Weather?

What is the Difference between Winter Tires & Summer Tires, or All-Season Tires and All-Weather?

Publié 4 septembre 2023

When it comes to ensuring optimal performance and safety on Winnipeg's challenging roads, selecting the right tires for your vehicle is crucial. River City Ford is here to guide you through the key differences between winter tires, summer tires, all-season tires & all-weather tires so you can make an informed choice for your car, truck, or SUV. 

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Winter Tires 

As Manitobans, we are no strangers to harsh winters and icy roads. Winter tires are specifically designed to excel in cold weather conditions, providing superior traction on snow, slush, and ice. Their unique tread patterns and softer rubber compounds remain flexible in frigid temperatures, ensuring improved grip and shorter braking distances. If you frequently drive in snowy areas, winter tires are a must for enhanced safety and control.   

To ensure you have winter tires, check for the “3 Peak Mountain” symbol stamped on every eligible winter tire.  Did you know? Any winter tire can be financed through the MPI Winter Tire Program <link to this program>.  MPI understands the importance of having winter tires in our frosty winters in Manitoba.  

Summer Tires 

When the snow melts and the temperature rises, it's time to switch to summer tires. These tires are engineered with a harder rubber compound, which delivers excellent performance on warm, dry, and wet roads. The tread patterns are designed for optimal handling and responsiveness during summer conditions. If you want to enjoy spirited driving and maximum traction during the warmer months, summer tires are your best bet.  

All-Season Tires 

All-Season tires are considered mostly summer tires.  They are made for spring, summer and fall. They are created for areas that do not experience cold temperatures over the winter months. All-Season tires handle seasons in the plus temperature range but not colder. You can identify these tires if they do not look symmetrical across its tire tread.   

All-Season tires have three types of tread: 

• Inside tread for handling the road & cornering with confidence.   
• The middle tread is manufactured for comfort of ride including quietness of tires on the road and longevity of use.   
• The outer tread is for water dispersion and traction control.  All-Season tires are more versatile than summer tires and work better in spring and fall. But these tires are not recommended for Manitoba winters. 

All-Weather Tires 

If you prefer the convenience of year-round tires without the hassle of switching between seasons, all-weather tires might be the ideal choice for your Winnipeg vehicle. These tires are created specifically to be driven year-round in spring, summer, fall and winter. They are made with a special rubber compound that strikes a balance between winter and summer tires. This allows the tire to be flexible enough in the winter to create traction on ice & snow and rigid enough to handle the hot pavement & conditions of the summer.  All-weather tires are suitable for a wide range of conditions.  

Typically, you will see a “V” pattern in the tire tread, and it helps to take water away from the center of the tire. This helps traction in the winter when ice is melting and in summer rain. While they provide decent performance in both mild winter and summer conditions, they may not match the specialized capabilities of dedicated winter or summer tires. Official all-Weather tires have a three peak mountain symbol on them to indicate they are suitable for winter driving. That allows all-weather tires to be eligible for our MPI Winter Tire Program and can be financed directly through MPI.   

As a local tire shop in Winnipeg, River City Ford Service Centre is dedicated to helping you choose the right tires for your vehicle. Whether you need winter tires to conquer icy roads, summer tires for spirited driving, or all-weather tires for year-round convenience, our experts are here to assist you. Remember, selecting the appropriate tires based on the seasons and your driving habits can significantly impact your vehicle's performance, safety, and overall driving experience. 

Visit River City Ford today and ask for our Tire Champion. Drive confidently and comfortably through every Manitoba season with the right set of tires on your vehicle. 

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