Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires

While all-season tires can provide a smooth, safe, and confident ride in most Normal-area weather conditions, winter tires are specifically manufactured to deliver optimum performance in snow and ice. Given the harsh winters we experience here in Bloomington, swapping out your all-season tires for winter tires is the best way to ensure that you get the traction and control you need on wintery roads. In this all-season tires vs. winter tires comparison from the service team at BMW of Bloomington, you’ll learn when to put on winter tires, whether you can drive on winter tires in the summer, and more!.

All-Season Tires

Typically, your new BMW car or SUV comes equipped with all-season tires. As previously stated, all-season tires are manufactured to provide dependable performance in most Decatur weather and road conditions.

Pros

• Provide a smooth and quiet ride
• Provide adequate traction in wet and dry road conditions

Tires Cons

• Are not made to perform in icy or snowy road conditions
• Tread compound becomes more rigid in cold weather

Winter Tires

Winter tires, also known as snow tires, are specifically made to deliver the traction, handling, and control you need in ice, snow, and slush. They are manufactured using a tread compound that will stay soft and flexible in cold weather, and have wider and deeper tread grooves and sharper edges to improve traction. Some winter tires also feature studs in the tread that can increase traction even more.

Pros

• Deeper tread and sharper edges enhance control and traction in snow or ice
• Tread compound stays flexible in degrees below 46-degrees Fahrenheit

Cons

• Not as smooth to drive on in dry or wet road conditions, especially if they feature studs
• Will wear out faster if driven in warm weather

Learn More About Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires at BMW of Bloomington

Wondering when to put on winter tires? You should install winter tires on your vehicle when the temperature drops under 46-degrees Fahrenheit. Can you drive on winter tires in the summer? You can but it is not recommended, as the rubber compound used for winter tires will wear down more rapidly in warm weather and dry road conditions. If you need help installing winter tires, schedule an appointment with the BMW of Bloomington Service Center. Our certified technicians will mount and balance your tires and make sure that your tire pressure is correct, so you can enjoy a safe drive on the roads in and around Urbana. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our Service Center.