As the weather changes throughout the year, vehicle owners need to change tires as weather affects the road and overall riding conditions. Your vehicle will greatly benefit from having suitable tires that are appropriate for the season. In Australia, it is necessary to change tires when the temperature falls below 7 degrees. In this article, we will discuss the two types of cars that Australians use during winter.
All-Season Tires
One of the first things that you should know about all-season tires is that they do not provide optimal performance in all driving conditions. Typically, the treads on all-season tires were designed with durability and longevity in mind. As the name implies, it’s not only meant to be used during the winter season. They boast lower rolling resistance which in turn contributes to their fuel efficiency. For daily use, no matter the season, all-season tires present themselves as a more comfortable and quieter tire option.
Besides decent handling in various road and driving conditions, there is a compromise in terms of their summer and winter capabilities. All-season tires provide superior grip in wet and snowy conditions, while winter tires are known to provide greater safety and overall performance on roads that experience heavy snowfall or ice.
Other Features of All-Season Tires
- All-season tires are lighter which will make your vehicle stand out.
- The fuel efficiency benefit of all-season tires mean it will be a sound option amid rising petrol prices.
- It’s a better option if your routes feature different road conditions. All-season tires work best on wet and dry roads. The greater versatility of all-season tires makes them a more sustainable option that works well in a host of road conditions.
Winter Tires
In essence, winter tires are engineered with true winter conditions in mind. And in the Land Down Under where only certain areas experience mild to moderate winder, you may not need to swap to winter tires.
Despite the extra cost and inconvenience of switching and storing different sets of tires, experts highly recommend switching to winter tires if your budget permits. Summertime and the hotter months can do with standard-fit tires that are designed with compounds that deliver the best grip in mild weather conditions. They feature tread patterns that don’t need to adjust with snow or ice. On the other hand, winter tires are made from different types of rubber compounds that are ideal for wet and dry conditions and at temperatures below 7 degrees.
Features of Winter Tires
- Excellent grip while driving through snow or ice. You are less likely to slip around when driving at a decent speed.
- Great tread depth and biting edges makes driving during winter. Winter tires allow you to make sharp turns while maintaining grip on the road.
- Designed for cold conditions which means you don’t have to worry about your safety in winter time.
- If you are planning to switch to winter tires in the summer, it is recommended to notify your insurance company after fitting them. Insurance companies categorise winter tires as after-market modifications despite the fact that they offer safety benefits during the colder months of the year.
Are winter tires worth the investment?
Only if your geographic location receives heavy snowfall and ice that it’s considered investing in winter tires. It is equally important to have your inter tires fitted by a skilled mechanic. It’s not advised to change your tires, especially if you do not have experience changing tires in the past. This is to ensure that they are fitted properly.
So, which is better?
There are many factors that you must consider whether you need all-season or winter tires during this upcoming winter season. At the end of the day, you must purchase tires that offer maximum safety and performance based on the temperature and ice that your location receives during the colder months of the year.
Whether you switch to an all-season or winter tire, you must choose premium-quality tires from a reputable manufacturer. This is to ensure the grip, safety, comfort, and overall performance during the winter season. Lastly, if you live in an area with lighter winter conditions, you may opt for all-season tires, such as in the case of Sydney motorists.
If you need advice on winter tires or all-season tires, or if you need to have your tires checked before winter hits, you can always depend on HP Automotive. As a premier auto shop in Sydney, you can rest assured to receive impeccable service from start to finish. We specialise in car servicing and repairs for private and commercial vehicles. No matter the year, make, and model of your car, our team of auto mechanics will provide you with the utmost attention and care at competitive prices. To schedule an appointment, call our direct line on 08 9979 8372 today.