How to Buy Tires by Climate: 101 Complete Guide
The climate in which you typically drive is one of the main factors that influence tire performance. Diverse climate conditions, such as dry or wet, hot or cold, impact tire longevity, braking distance, handling, and grip on various road surfaces. The rubber formula in different types of tires, such as summer, all-season, or winter tires, responds differently to temperature changes.
For example, all-season tires become stiff in extreme winter temperatures, leading to poor traction, while winter tires become too soft in high summer temperatures, wearing out prematurely.
This guide explains how climate conditions can impact tire performance, which types of tires are better for hot, cold, moderate, snowy, or rainy climate conditions, and when it's wise to switch tires considering temperature changes in your local area.
Does Climate Impact Tire Performance?
Yes, climate impacts tire performance as the properties of tire rubber compounds change with temperature fluctuations. Tire rubber generally becomes softer at high temperatures, often leading to premature wear and increased rolling resistance. Rubber structure can also become stiffer at low temperatures (below 45°F), resulting in reduced grip.
Rainy climate conditions increase hydroplaning risks, while snowy or icy conditions often cause the tire rubber to harden and slide if tires are chosen for the wrong climate conditions. Hot and sunny climates can cause rubber to dry and crack over time, leading to poor performance and tire failure.
The climate impact on specific tire types is described in the table below:
Tire Type | How Climate Impacts It | Example of Impact |
All-Season Tires | Perform well around 45°F(7°C), but below 45°F, they stiffen, losing up to 30% traction on ice*. In high heat, tread may wear 10–15% faster compared to summer tires. | Suitable for mild climates, but unsafe in extreme cold/snow or prolonged heat. |
Summer Tires | Engineered for hot, dry, and wet roads. In cold weather (<45°F), they lose flexibility, leading to up to 50% longer braking distances** on icy pavement. | Excellent in heat (shortest stopping distance), dangerous in winter. |
Winter Tires | Soft rubber remains flexible in freezing temps, improving snow traction by 30–50% compared to all-seasons. But in hot climates, they wear 40% faster and lose efficiency due to rolling resistance. | Best below 45°F, poor choice for warm weather. |
All-Weather Tires | Designed for variable climates. They carry the 3PMSF snow symbol, so they work well in the cold, but their tread life is usually 20–25% shorter than all-seasons in hot regions. | A good balance for places with moderate but changing seasons. |
All-Terrain Tires | In hot, dry climates, they resist punctures and work on gravel. In snowy climates, some AT tires with the 3PMSF symbol can perform decently, but they generally have longer wet braking distances than all-weather or winter tires. | Great for rural/mixed climates, less efficient in city driving. |
*According to Tire Rack data
**According to Consumer Reports data
Best Tire Types and Models Based on Climate Conditions
It's highly recommended to consider your local climate conditions when buying new tires to stay safe on the road, tailored to your specific area. Summer tires are the best choice for hot and dry climates with average temperatures above 7 °C (46 °F). Winter tires are the best option for snowy and cold climates with frequent snowfall, with temperatures below 45°F (7°C). All-season tires are a wise option for mild and mixed climates, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 85°F (7 °C to 29°C). All-terrain tires are optimal for off-road climates, including mixed gravel, slush, dirt, and snow, in a temperature range of 20–100°F (-7–37°C).
Dry and Hot Climates
Driving in hot and dry climates, such as Arizona, Southern California, and the Middle East, with consistent temperatures at or above 45°F (7°C), requires summer or performance tires that dissipate heat effectively. Common examples include Bridgestone Potenza S-04 or Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. Summer tires typically feature heat-resistant compounds that prevent softening and reduce dry braking distance by up to 20-60 feet compared to all-season tires.
Cold and Snowy Climates
Driving in cold and icy climates, like in Canada and the Northern U.S., at temperatures below 45°F (7°C), with frequent snow, requires winter-specific tires to ensure snow and ice traction. Common examples include Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 and Michelin X-Ice Snow. Snow tires generally provide 30-50% better traction in snow and 30% shorter stopping distance on ice compared to all-season tires.
Moderate and Mixed Climates
Driving in mild climates with year-round temperatures between 45°F and 85°F (7 °C and 29°C), like in the Southern U.S., requires all-season tires that provide decent traction on dry and wet pavement. Common examples include Continental TrueContact Tour and Michelin Defender 2. All-season tires often feature tread designs that evacuate water efficiently and grip well on dry pavement, while also providing an extended tread life.
Bottom Line
Considering the climate in which you drive, buying new tires is about measurable safety and a correct investment. Tires that perform in improper climate conditions tend to wear out earlier than expected, swing fuel economy, and impact performance when it counts the most. Wet-weather tires can reduce hydroplaning by up to 70 ft shorter braking distances, while winter tires stop 30% faster on snow/ice than all-seasons if performing in the proper climate conditions. Choose your tires based on the temperatures you primarily drive in to get the most out of your investment.
Still unsure what tire type fits your driving conditions? Contact NeoTires assistants for a climate-matched recommendation tailored to your specific needs.
Drive safe and choose your tires wisely!
