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Here in Northern Virginia, winters aren't intense.

It gets cold enough that it's not recommended to run summers year-round, but a set of all-seasons or all-weathers suffice for most motorists. That doesn't mean winter tires aren't available for purchase in the commonwealth, so if you'll be visiting family in a state that sees severe winter weather, you can find them (we have access to winter tires at Quantico Tire and Auto Care in Triangle, VA). If you'll be staying in the area, however, you'll probably be looking at a tire that is built for more than one season.

For those of you in the market for new tires this winter, you might be wondering which type of tire is the best between the all-season tires and all-weather tires. These descriptions are often used interchangeably, but, depending on who you ask, that's not quite accurate. However, you'd be in the company of many others (including those who work with tires for a living) if you thought they were the same. More on that in a moment, but suffice to say for now that this isn't the first time the tire industry isn't in full agreement on something.

All-Season vs All-Weather Tires

All-season tires were introduced to the United States in 1977. Between then and now, all-seasons have become one of the highest sellers in the tire market (if not the most sold tire type). They perform well in different weather conditions, including light winter conditions. Because they offer balanced performance on dry, wet, and light snowy surfaces, it makes them suitable for the majority of drivers in the mid-Atlantic region.

Despite their name, they are not recommended for all seasons in certain environments. In states where winter hits hardest, they've earned a nickname: "the three-season tire." Here in Virginia, however, they serve drivers well as a four-season tire.

All-weather tires have gained popularity in recent years, and many tire manufacturers are introducing new tire models that promote the all-weather capabilities of their models. You can find all-weather tires throughout our tire catalog from brands like Bridgestone and Firestone, to name a couple.

But the question remains: what exactly is an all-weather tire and how does it differ from an all-season tire?

The common definition is that an all-weather tire is an all-season tire that also carries the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, which means the tire meets the minimum standard set by the U.S. Tire Manufacturer Association for traction when accelerating in medium snow. All-weather tires are also made with a compound that performs better when temperatures are lower.

But the tire industry isn't in agreement about all-weather tire classification. While some manufacturers and tire dealers say this is a distinct type of tire that refers to an all-season tire that meets 3PMSF criteria, others say that shouldn't be the definition since there are other types of tires, like all-terrain tires, that can also be granted the 3PMSF. In this case, the term "all-weather" describes a performance capability of a tire rather than a distinct type of tire. So perhaps a better definition for all-weather tires would be: a non-winter tire that meets 3PMSF criteria and performs well in lower temperatures.

While the jury is out on all-weather tires, it shouldn't hinder your tire search. The best thing to do when looking at which type of tire to purchase for winter in Virginia is to look at reviews, mileage expectations, prices, any included warranties, and how the manufacturer promotes the tire compared to other options in their portfolio and competitors.

When in doubt, talk with the team at Quantico Tire and Auto Care in Triangle, VA!

Winter Tires in Northern Virginia

Now, if you're planning to visit family in a state where winters are intense, you can still pick up a set of winter tires in Triangle, Virginia at Quantico Tire and Auto Care. Our local business has access to a range of high-quality winter tires suitable for various vehicle types. If you'll be embarking on winter travels to regions with more challenging conditions, dedicated winter tires can provide an extra layer of safety and performance. Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right tires for your vehicle and the conditions you expect to face.

For everyone staying around the area, we offer a great selection of all-season and all-weather tires are designed to handle most winter conditions in Northern Virginia. When in doubt, reach out to our local business, where our team of professionals is happy to assist you with selecting the right tires for your winter adventures.