What is tire season? | Chapel Hill Sheena

Explanation of tire seasons

When it comes to buying new tires, much of the terminology can be difficult to navigate. One particular source of confusion is tire season. The term refers to different tire compounds, each best suited to different road conditions and climates. There are four popular tire seasons: summer (high performance) tires, winter tires, all season tires, and all season (all terrain) tires. Here's a quick guide to tire seasons from local Chapel Hill Tire experts. 

Guide to summer (sports) tires

Often created with an asymmetric tread pattern, maximum traction and agility characteristics, summer tires help improve ride and handling, which is why they are often referred to as "high performance tires". They also have sipes (a tread term for grooves that help the tires manage heat and water). Thus, high-performance tires are well suited to work in summer wet road conditions and on hot pavement. 

Summer tires: benefits and recommendations

Before deciding to buy summer tires, there are several benefits and considerations to consider. The soft rubber compound in summer tires handles high road temperatures and friction well. Once temperatures drop below about 45 degrees, this rubber hardens, reducing traction and performance to unsafe levels. This is why summer tires should only be used in temperatures around 45 degrees or higher. 

Many drivers who opt for summer tires need a second set of all-season tires, winter tires, or all-season tires to replace when temperatures drop.

Cost of high performance tires 

In addition, summer tires include performance enhancing features that may require manufacturers to increase production. If you're buying on a budget, performance tires can carry a premium price compared to more standard tires like all-season options.

Winter tire guide

Winter tires with deep tread patterns are designed for safe and controlled driving in inclement weather. They use a deep tread to overcome slush and collect snow. While collecting snow can be dangerous on the road, it can help the tread stick to the asphalt surface. In deep snow conditions, this process creates snow-to-snow traction, allowing for safer and more controlled handling in harsh weather conditions. If your area often experiences an icy climate, you can also find winter tires with studs for traction on ice.

Winter tires: benefits and considerations

Just like summer tires, winter tires have some special features. The rubber compound of winter tires is designed to remain flexible and improve traction in inclement weather. However, this rubber compound does not tolerate heat well. While you *technically* can drive winter tires in the summer (meaning they don't pose the same level of safety risk as summer tires in the winter), this wears out your set of tires quickly. Extended exposure to warm weather will cause your winter tires to burst and slow down your response and handling. Winter tires are ideal for use only in temperatures of ~45 degrees or below. 

winter tire price

Similar to summer tires, this specialty rubber and thick tread can cost manufacturers more to produce. As such, winter tires can also cost a bit more than standard all-season tires.

Winter tires: buy while you can

It's also useful to note that winter tires can suddenly be in high demand. If you're thinking about buying winter tires, you should think about it before the weather gets rough. Once the snow starts to fall, winter tires can become harder to come by.

All Season Tire Guide

Perhaps the most popular tire options, all-season tires were probably the ones you found on your car when you bought it. As the name suggests, all-season tires prepare you for mild climates that are common in all seasons. The rubber compound and design make these tires suitable for a variety of road conditions, including wet or dry pavement and a wide range of temperatures. 

Advantages of all-season tires and recommendations

It is important to note that although these tires are versatile and designed for safety, they are not designed specifically for harsh weather conditions. For example, they will not resist hydroplaning like all-season tires, nor will they handle snowy roads like winter tires. However, unless you live in an area with frequent severe weather, these tires should suit your overall driving needs. 

All Season Tire Prices: Affordable, Low Tire Prices and High Fuel Efficiency

All-season tires are ultimately known for their fuel economy for two reasons: First, all-season tires can provide improved fuel economy. This is because all season tires have low rolling resistance. Fuel consumption can be affected by many factors, including tire pressure, tire age, tread level, tire size, and more. 

The tread of high grip winter, summer and all season tires can help improve performance and handling, but also creates some drag on the road. A certain degree of resistance is always necessary for the safety and performance of tires. However, all-season tires have a balanced combination of safety and grip without the same level of drag, resulting in lower fuel consumption. Second, because all-season tires do not have any unique features, they are also often associated with lower initial prices than specialty tires. 

Guide to all-season (all-terrain) tires

While the name may sound similar, all-season tires are somewhat the opposite of all-season tires. Instead of dealing with all mild climate conditions, these tires will help you prepare for any extreme weather conditions, including heavy rains and snowfall. They have a thick tread and rubber compound that can help deal with everything from hydroplaning to improved grip on ice. 

All-season tires are also often referred to as "all-terrain" tires (and vice versa).. Whether you're off-road riding or looking for adventure, these tires are for you. These tires are very versatile and safe all year round. As you may have figured out by now, these features can cost a bit more, including less fuel economy and a higher price tag. 

Chapel Hill Tires | Available tires near me

When you need to buy a new set of tires, Chapel Hill Tire is there for you. Our online tire search tool sorts available tires for your vehicle based on your preference, including tire season. Chapel Hill Tire makes sure you get the lowest price on your tires by offering our Best Price Guarantee. If you find a lower price elsewhere, we will lower it by 10%. 

We proudly serve drivers from our 8 convenient locations between Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Durham and Carrborough. Chapel Hill Tire's customer base extends to nearby cities such as Wake Forest, Clayton, Garner, Nightdale, Pittsboro and more. Chapel Hill Tire experts are here to help you find the right tire for your vehicle, driving style and budget. Enjoy industry-leading service and low prices by purchasing tires online or in store from Chapel Hill Tire today.

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