1. Rubber Composition: Made for the Temperature

• Winter Tires are made with a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold weather (below 7°C). This flexibility allows them to grip icy or snowy roads better.

• Summer Tires are made from a harder rubber compound that’s optimized for warm temperatures. They provide better handling and braking on dry or wet roads but become stiff and less effective in the cold.

2. Tread Pattern: Designed for the Season

• Winter Tires have deeper grooves and unique tread patterns with lots of small slits (called sipes). These features help push snow and slush away, giving better traction.

• Summer Tires have fewer grooves, offering a larger contact patch with the road. This improves steering precision and performance on dry or wet roads in warm weather.

3. Braking & Handling: Safety Comes First

• In cold and slippery conditions, winter tires significantly shorten braking distance and improve control.

• In hot and dry conditions, summer tires offer better cornering and shorter braking distances—winter tires in heat can feel soft or unstable.

4. Fuel Efficiency: Performance vs. Power

• Winter tires, because of their softer rubber and aggressive tread, can slightly reduce fuel efficiency.

• Summer tires are optimized for lower rolling resistance, making them more fuel-efficient in warm weather.

Should You Use All-Season Tires Instead?

All-season tires are a middle ground designed to perform “okay” in all weather, but not exceptional in either extreme. If you live in an area with harsh winters or very hot summers, switching between seasonal tires is the smarter, safer choice. 

Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road. Switching between winter and summer tires ensures optimal safety, performance, and peace of mind—no matter the season.

💡 Tip: Always switch your tires around October for winter and April for summer, depending on your region's climate.