All-Season vs Winter vs All-Weather Tires: What’s Best for Edmonton Drivers?

Do I need winter tires? I have 4 wheel drive, so I just use all season tires all year long. What are all weather tires?

These are common questions we hear all the time—especially here in Edmonton, where winter weather can be unpredictable and intense. Every driver’s needs are different, depending on the road conditions they face throughout the year. In our Canadian climate, it’s essential to have tires that match our extreme seasonal shifts.

Below, we break down the differences between all-season, winter, and all-weather tires so you can make an informed decision the next time you’re you’re tire shopping.

All Season Tires

Most new vehicles come equipped with all-season tires from the factory. These tires are popular thanks to their:

• Long tread life
• Quiet ride
• Decent year-round performance

They’re built to offer solid traction in both wet and dry conditions, including light snow. However, because they aim to perform under many conditions, all-season tires are best described as a jack of all trades, master of none. You won’t get the summer grip of performance tires or the icy-road traction of true winter tires.

If you live in a moderate climate with only occasional snowfall and ice, keeping all-season tires on year-round may work fine. But in Alberta’s harsh winters, they may not offer the grip you need for safe driving.

Winter Tires

Winter tires are purpose-built for snowy, icy roads. What sets them apart?

• Tread Rubber: Winter tires are made of a softer compound than other tires that allow them to stick better to cold roads.
• Tread Depth: Deeper treads and unique tread patterns help to reduce snow buildup and improve traction.
• Biting Edges: Winter tires are equipped with thousands of tiny slits in the tread, called biting edges, which help to provide traction on ice.

Winter tires significantly outperform both all-season and all-weather tires in terms of braking distance, handling, and traction when temperatures drop below 7°C. Just remember: once warmer weather returns, these tires will wear out faster. That’s why it’s important to switch back to your warm-season set once spring hits.

All Weather Tires

Relatively new to the market, all-weather tires are a hybrid solution combining features of both winter and all-season tires. Key features include:

• Winter-like tread in certain areas for grip on snow and ice
• All-season-like tread for dry and wet performance
• A composition designed to stay on year-round, avoiding seasonal tire swaps

All-weather tires are a great option for drivers who want one set of tires to handle it all. While they outperform all-season tires in the winter, they still don’t quite match the performance of dedicated winter tires. Also, because they’re built to handle a wider temperature range, they can wear faster over time.

What Tire is Right For Me?

Choosing the right tire depends on your driving habits, location, and weather exposure:

• Live in Edmonton or other parts of Alberta with heavy snow? Winter tires are your safest bet.
• Want a single, year-round solution with solid winter performance? All-weather tires may be the perfect fit.
• Drive in mild climates with occasional snow? All-season tires could work just fine.

Ultimately, the solution to which tires are right for you will depend on where you live and the conditions in which you drive. For help choosing the right set of tires, call or visit the team at Park Muffler today.