These Two Types of Tires Couldn’t Be More Different!

Despite the extensive design and tuning that a vehicle undergoes before production, the true test of how well it handles and stops in emergencies largely depends on the tires. In fact, the only part of the tire that truly matters is the contact patch—the small area of the tread making contact with the road, which is about the size of your hand. So, every time you drive, you’re literally “holding” your safety in your hands.

This is why tires are critical, especially if you live in areas that experience consistent freezing temperatures and annual snowfalls. Investing in winter tires (often referred to as snow tires) makes sense. Everything about winter tires differs from all-season tires, including the design of the tread and the materials used. But let’s cut through the technical details and focus on what winter tires can do for you. Here’s what you need to know.

Safety

Winter tires are engineered with specific tread patterns and rubber blends that provide more grip as temperatures drop. They excel in snow, but they also perform better in cold conditions, regardless of whether the roads are wet or dry. This is why tire experts prefer the term “winter tires” instead of “snow tires.” The more traction you have, the better control you’ll maintain and the quicker you can stop.

The difference in performance is significant. A recent test by Tire Rack involved two identical Toyota RAV4 vehicles, one fitted with all-season tires and the other with winter tires. During a controlled stop from just 12 mph on ice, the winter-equipped RAV4 halted in 34 feet, whereas the all-season RAV4 took 57 feet. The gap grows even larger at higher speeds, illustrating how winter tires can mean the difference between a near-miss and an accident.

In the same tests, as we approached a sharp 90-degree turn at 11 mph, the winter tires handled the turn smoothly, while the all-seasons caused the vehicle to lose control, with the stability system attempting to regain control but failing. Due to their effectiveness, some Canadian insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who use winter tires.

Cost

Now, let’s talk about expenses. Yes, purchasing winter tires will require a larger investment. While the tires themselves aren’t more expensive compared to all-season tires, you’ll need an additional set of wheels to avoid the hassle of mounting and dismounting the tires every season. Most tire shops will mount tires for free when you buy from them for the first time, but there are often fees for subsequent services. Costs can vary widely based on the tire size and shop, typically ranging from $15 to over $60 per wheel. So, even if you spend $200 for each additional set of wheels, they can quickly pay for themselves in just one or two winters. Moreover, having a second set is wise as each tire change risks damaging the tires or wheels.

Durability

Winter tires are generally made from softer rubber compounds, which means they tend to wear out faster than all-season tires, typically lasting around 40,000 miles, in contrast to the 60,000 to 80,000 miles of all-seasons. They wear more quickly in warmer conditions, so if you install them too early in the fall or keep them on too late into spring, they will degrade faster. Depending on your local climate and snow seasons, you might get three to six seasons out of a set of winter tires. Importantly, those miles are not being put on your all-season tires, thereby extending their lifespan.

Recognizing Genuine Winter Tires

There is a wide range of options for both all-season and winter tires. All-season tires can prioritize durability, performance, noise reduction, and more. Winter tires, on the other hand, can differ significantly in their effectiveness under winter conditions and may trade off some performance when temperatures rise.

Whether on icy roads or dry surfaces, all winter tires showcase a snowflake on a mountain emblem (known as the “three-peak mountain snowflake”) on their sidewalls. To receive this distinction, a tire must prove its traction benefits through laboratory tests as stipulated by the American Society of Testing and Materials. This certification holds more significance than the M+S marking, which is typically found next to the mountain-snowflake symbol; the M+S rating is based solely on tread design and does not factor in the rubber composition or actual performance testing.

A new tire category has recently emerged, aimed at combining features of all-season and winter tires. These are known as all-weather tires and also display the mountain-snowflake symbol. They aim to merge the cold and snow performance of winter tires with the durability of all-season tires. As the demand for all-weather tires grows, another new segment has appeared, featuring an icy mountain alongside the mountain-snowflake. These tires are designed specifically for extreme winter conditions, requiring a higher traction advantage in harsh weather than standard mountain-snowflake winter tires.

Expert Advice

To help you select the best winter tires, as well as all-season options for those who prefer not to invest in a second set, we consulted with experts from Tire Rack who provided their recommendations.

All-Season Tire: Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3

Brent Rollins, the tire information and testing assistant manager at Tire Rack, emphasizes that grand touring all-season tires usually perform better on snowy and icy roads than other types of all-season tires. He notes the risk of “acceleration can outmatch the tires’ braking and cornering grip,” indicating a greater likelihood of reaching unsafe speeds compared to slowing down or turning at those speeds. However, he praises the P7 AS Plus 3 for its “progressive limits that allow for faster and less dramatic recovery.”

Available for purchase at Tire Rack

Warranty: 70,000 miles

Fitments: 28 sizes for 17-, 18-, 19-, and 20-inch wheels

All-Season Tire: Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus

The ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus is an ultra-high-performance all-season tire, a category that often sacrifices winter traction compared to standard all-seasons. This tire is ideal for drivers seeking a mix of good performance in fair weather along with occasional adverse conditions. However, Rollins cautions that in extreme situations, “drivers can expect they’ll have decent traction until they don’t, leading to a more challenging recovery to get back on track.”

Available for purchase at Tire Rack

Warranty: 50,000 miles

Fitments: 106 sizes for 16-, 17-, 18-, 19-, 20-, 21-, and 22-inch wheels

Winter Tire: Michelin Pilot Alpin 5

Finding a balance between traction on wet roads and grip on cold, dry pavement is a challenge for tire manufacturers, but the Pilot Alpin 5 excels in this area compared to many winter tires. Rollins comments, “While all-seasons show a noticeable increase in grip on ice, the true advantage appears in light snow. The sense of control is restored, making driving feel more responsive rather than merely manipulating speed and direction.” Additionally, the Alpin 5 comes in various sizes to accommodate larger and wider wheels.

Available for purchase at Tire Rack

Warranty: 30,000 miles

Fitments: 10 sizes for 18-, 20-, and 21-inch wheels

Winter Tire: Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

The Blizzak WS90 has long been a top choice among winter tires, designed specifically for the harshest winter conditions. While it may underperform in warmer and wet (but non-snowy) conditions, it excels in traction on ice and snow. Rollins describes the braking performance of the WS90 on snowy roads as so effective that it “actually engages neck muscles, making you question why everyone else is driving so cautiously.” He adds, “The advantage is substantial and is hard to give up once you’ve experienced it.”

Available for purchase at Tire Rack

Warranty: None

Fitments: 54 sizes for 14-, 15-, 16-, 17-, 18-, and 19-inch wheels

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