While some tires are season-specific, all seasons can perform well year-round. All season tires were first sold in 1970s when manufacturers decreased the effectiveness of wet weather gripping so they could increase the mobility of a tire in cold temperatures. While this was an improvement at the time, it’s important to note that all seasons are not as adept at handling cold and ice as winter tires are.
Many Ontarian drivers utilize all season tires from spring through autumn. To achieve year-round performance, these tires sacrifice some of what make winter and summer tires great in their respective seasons. All seasons don’t have an intense grip, nor do they provide sharp handling when driving on ice. The decision to use all season or summer tires during summer is a personal choice and the right decision depends on what you drive.
Some figures show that as many as 49% of Canadian drivers try to use all season tires in winter. For drivers in Elmira, this is unwise. Cold—and even cool—weather negatively affects all seasons. Even a balmy 7°C can impede them and below this temperature the compound stiffens. This causes longer braking distances.
At Bert’s Auto & Tire, we sell and install all season tires. If you’re in or near Elmira, Ontario, and would like to learn more, please contact us via our website or call 226-314-1034. You can also book an appointment to have all season tires installed on your car here.