All-season vs. snow tires

It’s a debate some people go through at the start of every winter. Should you buy snow tires or go with all-season tires? For the experts at Quick Lube Tire and Auto Center in Idaho Falls, it really comes down to individual needs.

“Regardless of the weather, good tires are important,” said Mike Davis, the manager for Quick Lube Tire and Auto. “Whether it’s raining outside, snowing outside or it’s hot, you need good tires.”

Davis says snow tires have a lot of advantages in the snow over all-season tires. “Undisputably better traction with the snow and ice,” said Davis. “What a lot of people don’t understand is the braking benefit.”

Davis said braking distance on snow with snow tires is cut in half compared with all-season tires. “It (all-season tires) can’t compare to a winter tire on snow and ice for breaking and traction,” said Davis.

The downside to winter tires is they’re seasonal tires. “If you’re running snow tires in the summer time, you’re prematurely wearing them out,” said Davis. “You have to switch them in and out with summer tires every six months.”

All-season tires are designed to go and go no matter the season. “Summer, winter, fall, everything we get here in Idaho and in between, all season tires are designed for that.” Many of the higher end all season tires come with warranties for well over 50,000 miles. If they’re rotated regularly, they’ll last for several years.

Davis said while it’s ultimately the consumer’s choice, he does recommend snow tires for those who are new to winter driving. “If you’ve new to the area, or have a teenager who’s just learning to drive, I’d definitely suggest looking into a good set of winter tires,” said Davis.