The debate between all-weather and all-season tires confuses many drivers when it comes to choosing the right tire type. Both of them are often seen as synonyms. However, all-season and all-weather tires do have certain differences that make them more suitable for specific weather conditions. This section aims to shed light on the specifics of the 2 types of tires to help you make the right choice depending on the conditions in which you drive.
What Are All-Season Tires?
All-season tires are crafted to deliver decent performance in alternating weather conditions throughout the year. All season tires deliver balanced traction and grip both in wet and dry conditions. Also, AS tires are designed to cope safely in light snow conditions.
All Season Tires Key Features
Three key features determine an AS tire:
- Symmetrical tread patterns (in most cases)
- Harder rubber compounds (compared to summer tires, to withstand cold conditions)
- Moderate tread depth (to stay reliable on various road surfaces)
All Season Tires Pros
The benefits of All Season tires include weather versatility (hot ad cold), wet and dry reliability, and long tread life (5,000-7,000 miles, on average).
All Season Tires Cons
The disadvantages of All Season tires include limited performance in extreme weather conditions (harsh snow and ice), lower heat resistance in comparison to summer tires, and decreased handling and responsiveness compared to UHP tires.
How Are All Season Tires Marked?
All Season tires are marked with the "S+M" symbol on their sidewall. This symbol ol stands for "Mud and Snow", meaning the tire performs well in light winter conditions.
NHTSA describes AS tires as "tires that provide a balance of performance in wet and dry conditions, as well as some winter capability". These tires are a golden mean between winter and summer tires, but not as performing as dedicated tires.
Popular All-Season Tires
What Are All Weather Tires?
All-weather tires represent a hybrid version between winter and all-season tires. Similar to AS tires, all-weather tires provide reliable year-round performance yet meet winter challenges much better. All weather tires are certified for ice and deep snow conditions, which is represented by their 3PMSF marking on the sidewall.
All-Weather Tires Key Features
All weather tires key features include a softer compound to maintain traction in severe winter, deeper tread depth to grip better in deep snow, and a more aggressive tread pattern to bite snow and ice surfaces.
All-Weather Tires Pros
All-weather tire advantages include reliable year-round traction, dependable performance in ice and snow, and usage versatility as they eliminate the need for seasonal tire replacement.
All-Weather Tires Cons
The disadvantages of all-weather tires refer to faster wear (due to the softer compound), average winter performance compared to winter-dedicated tires, average dry performance compared to summer tires, and less fuel efficiency in comparison to AS tires (due to higher rolling resistance).
What Symbols Are On All Weather Tires?
All weather tires typically feature the 3PMSF symbol on their sidewalls. This symbol stands for the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake standard, which confirms the certified tire reliability in extreme winter conditions.
Popular All-Weather Tires
What's The Difference Between AS and All-Weather Tires?
AS Tires VS All Weather Tires In Dry Conditions
All-season tires generally deliver better performance in dry conditions than all-weather tires. This is due to their less aggressive tread and harder compound, allowing them to grip better on dry surfaces. In addition, they provide better driving quality and more precise handling on dry and warm surfaces.
AS Tires VS All Weather Tires In Wet Conditions
In wet conditions, AS tires offer reliable performance with tread designs optimized for hydroplaning resistance and rain. Yet, all-weather tires typically perform better due to their softer rubber compound and deeper grooves, allowing for superior grip and braking in heavy rain or slush.
AS Tires VS All Weather Tires In Snow & Ice Conditions
All-season tires yield significantly to all-weather tires in terms of snow and ice performance. According to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada- "All-weather tires provide cold-weather performance that is superior to an all-season tire and is comparable to a winter tire". This translates into a higher grip on snow, shorter braking distance, more confident acceleration, and safer cornering in extreme winter conditions.
AS Tires VS All Weather Tires In Summer Conditions
The harder compound of all-season tires allows them to withstand high temperatures better than that of all-weather tires. The softer compound of all-weather tires increases their rolling resistance in the summer heat, making handling less responsive and increasing fuel consumption.
US-Specific Considerations: All-Weather VS AS Tires
Regional Climate Variations
Drivers should choose their tires according to their local climate considering the rich climatic variation of the US. The following recommendations for choosing between all-weather and all-season tires might be considered:
| US Area | Winter Severity | Type of Tires Recommended |
| Southeast and Southwest | Mild winters | All-season |
| Northeast and Midwest | Harsh Winters | All-weather |
| Pacific Northwest | Frequent rain/occasional snow | All-weather |
US Regulations Regarding All-Season/All-Weather Tires
Some US states have strict requirements regarding the use of all-weather or all-season tires. For example, Colorado's Traction Law requires all vehicles to have either snow tires, all-weather tires (with the 3PMSF symbol), or carry traction devices in certain periods of the year. In such conditions, all-season tires might not be the best option unless using additional traction devices (snow chains/ snow socks).
Which is Better, All Season or All Weather?
To choose between all-season and all-weather tires, consider the following four criteria:
- Your local climate and specific weather changes
- Your driving habits and road conditions
- Your proneness to change tires seasonally
- Your vehicle type and its technical capabilities
All-season tires are generally enough for most US drivers, considering the moderate climates on most of the territory. However, all-weather tires deliver much more safety and reliability for drivers in areas with severe winters.
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