#Compare tires drivers

In other words, M+S is not performance-based, while 3PMS is, notes Johnson. However, recent improvements in tire design and technology have closed the gap between the two product segments in regards to tire life. “As a result, it’s difficult for all-weather tires to match the level of tread life expected from an all-season. “The main difference between all-season and all-weather tires is the latter’s focus on providing more acceptable winter performance,” Johnson says. ”All-season tire performance shifts the balance toward wet, dry and wear performance.” “All-weather 3PMS (3-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol) tires will perform much better in snow than all-season, and will typically trade off some wear performance, noise and possible wet performance,” Dayton says. All-weather tires are designed to deliver strong performance year-round, despite weather conditions (with the exception of heavy snow).

#Compare tires drivers

In a growing number of regions, all-season and all-weather tires have become a necessity as we contend with weather patterns that have increased in both severity and unpredictability in recent years, Johnson says.īut what exactly are the differences between the two closely related tire types?Įssentially, all-season tires are engineered to get drivers through the mildest conditions they may face in any season, whether it be hot asphalt in summer, wet spring roads, or light snow in early winter. “All-season tires continue to dominate the replacement market and more new vehicles are coming with higher performance all-season tires as OE,” he says, adding that in the next five years, all-season and all-weather categories are expected to maintain their overall market share, with some all-weather tires replacing all-season. Fortunately, the industry has continued to deliver products that meet and exceed consumer expectations.”Īccording to Drew Dayton, Yokohama Tire senior product planning manager for consumer tires, the all-weather tire category has grown in recent years with new competitors and additional vehicle categories. “Consumers are only able to forego the swapping of winter tires if they have all-season tires that truly perform in all seasons and conditions. “One area in which drivers are demanding improved tire performance is winter traction,” Johnson says. In addition to added convenience, consumers also expect better products year after year. Not only does this potentially help them save money by not having to purchase a second set of wheels and tires, it’s simply more convenient - and convenience is the name of the game, especially after everyone’s become accustomed to doing basically anything they want from the comfort of their home the past couple years.” “That includes not having to swap them when winter weather rolls around.

“In the eyes of a consumer, the ideal situation would entail thinking about their tires as little as possible,” he says.