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Ever notice your car tires, SUV tires, or even your truck tires don't exactly feel just right when the weather changes? Drivers frequently find themselves asking, "Do I want to switch to winter tires, or should I stick with all weather tires?" The correct answer isn't always clear, but it does have a significant impact on safety, performance, and even how long your tires will last.
The answer depends on a few key factors: where you live, how often you drive, and the kind of weather conditions you regularly face. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between all weather tires and winter tires. Discounted Wheel Warehouse offers one of the largest collections of winter and all weather tires with 2-day free shipping, a price match guarantee, and a no-questions-asked easy return policy. Need help choosing the right tire? Call our tire experts at (800) 901-6003 to get expert advice.
"If you’re driving through freezing slush, go with winter tires, they’re built for that grip. But if you live where cold and rain take turns, all-weather tires give you the flexibility without the seasonal switch”
Shane N.
(Director of Sales)
So, let’s hit the road with the right tires for every season.
What Are Winter Tires?
Winter tires are built for cold weather, snow, and ice. They use a special rubber that stays soft in freezing temperatures, helping your vehicle grip the road better. These tires are marked with the mountain-and-snowflake Alpine symbol, showing they’re tested for severe snow use.
Their deep, jagged tread clears snow and slush while tiny cuts in the tread, called siping, which adds extra grip. Winter tires give you safer stops on icy roads and more control during harsh weather. But they can wear out quickly in warm temperatures, so it’s best to switch them out when winter ends.
What Are All Weather Tires?
All weather tires handle dry roads, rain, and light snow. They’re a mix of winter and all-season tires, made for drivers who want one set all year. These tires also carry the Alpine symbol, meaning they’re safe for snowy roads, though not as strong as winter tires in extreme cold.
They use a rubber compound that works in both cool and warm temperatures. The tread design helps prevent slipping in wet or slushy conditions and gives a smooth, quiet ride.
Quick Comparison: All Weather vs Winter Tires
| Feature | Winter Tires | All Weather Tires |
|---|---|---|
| Rubber | Soft below 45°F | 7°C and above. |
| Tread | Deep and aggressive | Moderate with water-clearing grooves |
| Seasonal Swap | Required | Not required |
| Road Noise | Louder | Quieter ride |
Top Selling All Weather Tires Vs Winter Tires
Here are four popular car, SUV, and truck tire options available at Discounted Wheel Warehouse. Each tire comes with easy financing options to fit your budget:
| Tire Model | Type | Pricing | Financing Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8 | Winter | $240.47 | $5.65/week |
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 Studded | Winter | $158.54 | $3.72/week |
| General Altimax 365AW | All Weather | $120.99 | $2.84/week |
| Pirelli Scorpion Weatheractive | All Weather | $238.51 | $5.60/week |
Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8 (Winter Tire)
Built for SUVs, this Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8 grips snow and slush with a deep, aggressive tread. The soft rubber stays flexible in freezing weather, improving control. Wide grooves push water away to prevent sliding.
As of June 18, 2025, DWW Financing offers a set of 4 for $5.65/week.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 Studded (Winter Tire)
This Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 Studded tire offers a strong ice grip and quiet performance. It stays soft in freezing weather and clears snow quickly. Deep treads, flexible rubber, and reinforced sidewalls make it ideal for extreme cold.
As of June 18, 2025, DWW Financing offers a set of 4 for $3.72/week.
Pirelli Scorpion Weatheractive (All Weather Tire)
Designed for SUVs, this all weather Pirelli Scorpion Weatheractive tire handles rain, dry roads, and light snow. It features snow-rated tread and wide grooves for better grip. The flexible rubber improves braking in the cold, and the 3PMSF rating confirms its winter safety.
As of June 18, 2025, DWW Financing offers a set of 4 for $2.84/week.
General Altimax 365AW (All Weather Tire)
This General Altimax 365AW delivers strong wet and slush traction with long-lasting tread. Smart siping boosts grip in light snow, while wide grooves help prevent hydroplaning. It’s a 3PMSF-rated tire made for safe, everyday driving in changing weather.
As of June 18, 2025, DWW Financing offers a set of 4 for $5.60/week.
Winter tires or all weather? Which Should You Choose?
Choose Winter Tires If:
- You live in a cold, snowy area
- Roads stay icy or slushy for weeks
- You want the best grip in freezing temps
Choose All Weather Tires If:
- Winters are mild or short
- You want one set of tires all year
- You drive mostly on city roads or highways
Need Help Picking the Right Tire?
Don’t let winter or surprise weather mess up your drive. Find the best winter or all weather tire for your car today at Discounted Wheel Warehouse. You’ll get expert support, easy financing, and top tire brands at great prices, delivered to your door.
Hold on! If you want to SAVE BIG while upgrading your vehicles, don’t forget to try our wheel and tire packages combo, which includes stylish wheels and durable tires.
Shop now and stay safe all year!
Frequently Asked Questions
All weather tires work well in light snow and cold weather, but they’re not as strong as winter tires in extreme cold, deep snow, or ice.
All-weather tires perform best in temperatures above 20°F (-7°C). They stay flexible in cool weather and also handle warm roads without wearing out fast.
Yes! All-weather tires are made for year-round use. They work well on dry, wet, and snowy roads. You don’t need to change them every season.
