It’s the most common question we get every January: “Do I really need Winter Tires, or are my All-Seasons good enough?”
Tires are an investment, and nobody wants to buy something they don’t actually need. But depending on where you live, sticking with “All-Season” tires might be costing you safety.
Here is the honest truth about the difference, explained without the mechanic jargon.
The “Sneakers vs. Boots” Rule
Think of your car like your feet.
- All-Season tires are like Sneakers. They are great for 90% of the year, rain, sun, and light chill. You can wear them almost everywhere comfortably.
- Winter tires are like heavy-duty Boots. You wouldn’t wear Nikes to walk on an ice rink, right? You’d slip immediately. That is exactly what happens to your car.
The 45°F Secret
Here is the only science you actually need to know: Rubber hates the cold.
When the temperature drops below 45°F, the rubber in All-Season tires gets stiff—turning into something like hard plastic. Hard plastic doesn’t grip the road; it slides over it.
Winter tires are made of a special rubber that stays soft and “squishy” even in freezing temps, so they actually stick to the road when you hit the brakes.
The Verdict: Do You Need Them?
Keep the All-Seasons IF:
- You live somewhere where “winter” just means a lot of rain (like the West Coast or the South).
- You can simply stay home on the one or two days it actually snows.
Switch to Winter Tires IF:
- You live where you can see your breath when you walk outside.
- You have a daily commute, regardless of the weather.
- Fact: On ice, winter tires stop 30 feet sooner. That’s the difference between a close call and a fender bender.
How FixDRide Can Help
Whether you need a new set of tires installed or just want to make sure your current ones are safe for the weather, we make it easy.
You don’t need to brave the cold or waste your afternoon sitting in a drafty repair shop lobby. Just open the FixDRide app and request a mechanic.
- Tire Swaps: We can come to you and change your tires right in your driveway while you stay warm inside.
- Safety Checks: Not sure if your treads are deep enough? A Fixa can come inspect them and check your pressure to ensure you are road-ready.
Ready to get started? Stay warm indoors and let us handle the dirty work. Download the app or book a mechanic directly on our website: FixDRide.com
Stay safe out there!
