When it comes to car maintenance, most drivers know that they should regularly replace their tires. However, they don't always know whether they need to change the type. There are three main variations: summer, winter, and all-season. Each has its own benefits and purposes, so here's what you need to know before buying replacements. 

Summer Tires

Summer tires are designed for precision handling, which is why they're the standard on performance vehicles like sports cars. They typically have a shallower tread than winter and all-season tires and with a wider center, both of which facilitate responsive steering. The rubber used on this type is also designed to have more grip on both wet and dry surfaces, but only in temperate to hot weather. In colder conditions, it's more prone to hardening, which will lead to poor traction. 

Winter

Winter tires are ideal for better handling in colder conditions, specifically 40 degrees or colder. Also known as "snow tires," they have significantly deeper treads so that they can cut through snow and ice. The center of the tire also has small slits laid out in a zig-zag pattern to help with that, no matter the direction. 

As for the rubber composition, it's designed to stay pliant, even in freezing temperatures. While the increased tread sounds safer, this soft rubber can slow you down in hotter climates, which will ultimately affect your fuel economy. Make sure to switch them out when the weather warms up. 

All-Season

For most drivers, all-season tires will suffice. As you might expect, they take some design cues from the previous types so that they're useful in mild conditions. If you live somewhere with a relatively moderate climate, and you're not driving across thick layers of snow, you can rely on all-season tires all year round. Compared to summer tires, they may not handle with as much precision, but they do tend to be both smoother and quieter because they have slightly less grip. When in doubt, choose all-season.

Whatever type of tires you need, H & S Tire & Auto Center has what you need. Located in Wentzville, MO, they've been trusted throughout Western St. Charles County for 45 years. Not only do they offer comprehensive car maintenance, but they're also known for their personalized, hometown care and customer service. For a full list of everything their auto technicians can do, visit their website or call (636) 327-5225.