When the weather warms, and the roads are no longer at risk of becoming icy, it’s only natural that you’ll want to switch out your car’s tires. After all, winter tires aren’t built to withstand higher temperatures or maintain traction on heated pavement. However, this often poses the question of what you should be switching to. There are several options to choose from, and some might align with your needs better than others. These are the differences between summer tires and all-season tires and what to consider when making your decision.

Summer Tires

To begin, summer tires (also known as performance tires) are made to provide an exceptional amount of traction and control on both wet and dry pavement. Their rubber compounds are very flexible and work to provide extra support when turning, braking, and accelerating. They also offer less friction in their favored climate, which boasts better fuel economy. It’s important to mention, however, that while these tires are ideal during the warmer months, they don’t perform nearly as well once the average temperature drops below 44 degrees Fahrenheit. This is because their rubber material will freeze and lessen the amount of traction they provide.

All-Season Tires

All-season tires, on the other hand, can last through almost the entire year, depending on how severe your area’s winters are. They have a much lower freezing point and, as such, can be used on the roads as long as your average temperatures are on the warmer side. However, this does come with a few sacrifices. In exchange for their longevity, all-season tires only offer a moderate amount of traction on dry or wet surfaces. This is still plenty for the average driver and is much more affordable, but it’s not considered the highest quality in terms of performance. As you can see, there are plenty of differences between summer tires and all-season tires. For this reason, it’s important that you consider your needs carefully when picking one over the other. Fortunately, RNR Tire Express carries both types of tires in our Columbia, SC, location. So, you don’t have to travel to multiple stores to find whatever it is you’re looking for.