SEASONAL TIRES? SUMMER TIRES? WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

Most of us make use of one set of tires and use them until it’s time to get a new set. There are several variations of tires available; however, each type is custom-designed to deliver optimal performance and grip in particular circumstances and environments. We take a look at the various examples below:

Summer Tires

Summer tires are designed to provide optimal grip in warmer conditions, on both wet or dry surfaces. They ensure improved fuel efficiency during the warmer months, while also offering reduced noise on the road. Summer tires have superior traction thanks to their specific tread pattern, designed with fewer grooves for less water clearance but far better grip and handling. The summer tire is created with a unique formula that optimises the driving experience and safety in warm conditions, but it becomes entirely unsuitable and dangerous in winter months, as the compound material becomes brittle in temperatures lower than 7 degrees Celcius. Also, due to the smoother tread design, summer tires have no grip in snowy or icy road conditions.

Winter Tires

When it comes to wet, cold, icy or snowy road conditions, the winter tire is an outstanding option for your vehicle. Designed to ensure grip by digging into snow and ice, the tread is more in-depth and car tires have several sipes to clear water and mud from the car’s path. The formula used for the rubber in winter tires is softer, to ensure the cold temperatures don’t harden them and to reduce the stopping distance. As is the case with summer tires, winter tires are entirely unsuitable in warmer conditions. The compound winter tires are made of is too soft to handle warm asphalt, while increased resistance on the road will make your fuel consumption skyrocket.

All-season Tires

Designed for more temperate areas where extreme cold or heat isn’t generally experienced, all-season tires are a hybrid design that features elements from both summer and winter tire designs. This allows the tire to offer a consistent driving experience throughout the year.

Not sure about which tires are best for your particular vehicle or needs? Contact us for advice on car tires and visit us if you’re in Auckland.