The weather is fairly unpredictable here in Oklahoma. Not in the sense that you can’t trust the forecast, but rather that you never know when you might see sunshine and mile temperatures one week and then a dusting of snow or freezing rain the next. When dealing with unpredictable conditions like that, choosing the right tires becomes even more important. Here at Jim Glover Chevrolet we want to make sure you understand the difference between winter and all-season tires so you can combine that knowledge with what we know about weather in our home state and ultimately decide which is the right choice for you.
Differences Between Winter & All‑Season Tires
First things first, we need to dive into the differences between generic all-season tires and dedicated winter tires. All-season tires are designed to handle a wide range of conditions, rather than anything specific. That means they’ll handle well on dry roads, rain, light snow, etc. They offer a balanced blend of performance, comfort and durability, which makes them a great option for most situations and drivers.
As for winter tires, as you might suspect they were designed to handle everything that comes with winter conditions. Cold weather and slippery surfaces are no match for a solid set of winter tires, thanks to the specialized compound used to make them staying flexible in low temperatures. This in turn allows the tire to grip the road instead of stiffening like a typical tire does in the cold. Couple that with their deeper tread patterns and biting edges, and you’ll be able to cut right through most snow, slush and ice.
- All-season tires are best for…
- Mild climates
- Drivers who want year-round convenience
- Occasional light snow
- Winter tires are best for…
- Temperatures consistently below 45°F
- Drivers who want maximum winter traction
- Frequent snow or ice
What Makes Oklahoma Roads Unique?
We already briefly touched on what makes Oklahoma roads so unique, but let’s expand upon it slightly. The unpredictability of weather here is the crux of what makes driving in the state a bit unique. While things might not change quite as drastically as we laid out in the opening paragraph while locked in the dead of winter, what that winter weather brings can still be a surprise from day to day. We don’t typically see months of heavy snow like more northern state do, but we do have to deal with things like:
- Sudden temperature drops
- Freezing rain
- Black ice
- Occasional snowstorms
- High winds
Because winter in Oklahoma fluctuates between mild and hazardous, choosing which tire works best will ultimately depend on your driving habits and where specifically you live.
Making the Right Choice
For the vast majority of Oklahoma drivers, all-season tires are going to be enough. They provide plenty of capability to deal with most of the situations you’ll face throughout the state. This is especially true if you live in urban areas like Oklahoma City or here in Tulsa, where the roads are treated expediently and winter weather is usually short-lived. Winter tires are rarely a bad idea though, so if you don’t mind swapping your tires out seasonally you could always benefit from having a set. You should definitely consider this if you live in or frequently travel through areas where winter conditions get more severe.
- Choose all-season tires if…
- You mostly drive on well-maintained city roads
- You don’t frequently travel during winter storms
- You prefer not to switch tires seasonally
- You want a cost-effective, long-lasting option
- Choose winter tires if…
- You live in northern or rural Oklahoma, where roads stay icy longer
- You commute early in the morning or late at night when temperatures drop
- You frequently drive on hills or unpaved roads
- You want the highest level of winter safety and control
This information should hopefully help you come to a decision on which tires are the right choice for you and your situation. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us right here at Jim Glover Chevrolet. We’d be happy to help!