All Season vs All-Weather vs Winter Tires in Nanaimo

According to British writer Alfred Wainwright, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.” Indeed, the British know something about bad weather, and so do we here in Harbour City. Wainwright’s statement also holds true about tires. In this article, you’ll learn about the essentials of each type of tire and when they might serve you best. 

All-Season Tires 

All-season tires can deliver a good performance almost throughout the year. Despite the name, this type is at its best during the spring, summer and fall. That’s why some brands decided to call it “three-seasons tires,” as “almost all-seasons tires” wouldn’t sound as appealing. 

These tires can handle a mild winter, but their grip tends to decline when the temperature falls below negative-7 degrees Celsius, posing a threat for those driving in snowy conditions. 

All-Weather Tires

All-weather tires are made to face mild conditions, regardless of the season. Although we’re unlikely to face scorching temperatures in Nanaimo, knowing your tires can handle winter conditions would be helpful. 

This type of tire can handle winter conditions better than the all-season tires and cost significantly less than winter tires. According to Transport Canada, all-weather tires can handle non-extreme snowy conditions well, delivering the same performance as winter tires.  

Winter Tires 

Winter tires are made for the worst weather conditions one can imagine. They’re specially made to handle extreme conditions, but that means you can’t use them in any other season. 

Their soft rubber is perfect for standing in sub-zero temperatures, but it falls apart quickly in other road conditions. Winter tires require extra storage space, which is not available in every vehicle. Yet there’s no better way of facing the worst moments of the winter. 

Tips for Increasing Your Tires’ Lifespan

Regardless of type, there are a few ways to keep your tires in good shape. 

First, you should rotate your tires regularly. Your front and rear tires wear at different rates, but you can ensure they wear at similar levels by rotating them. 

Also, keep your tire pressure at appropriate levels, as underinflated tires increase fuel consumption. According to Transport Canada’s safety checklist, you should check your tires monthly for uneven wear, bulges or cracks.

Suitable Tires are Key

Nanaimo isn’t the coldest city in Canada. Indeed, temperatures below negative-7 degrees Celsius aren’t common, even during the winter. This means you should be well-covered with all-weather tires. However, if you are planning to travel to snowier places, consider having winter tires around, as all-weather ones won’t protect you against the coldest days.