Winter Tires vs. All-wheel Drive

Drivers facing treacherous winter driving conditions should pay close attention to the tires on their car. Efficient traction becomes more important for safety when driving through bad weather conditions. Be aware of the pros/cons when comparing the use of winter tires versus all-wheel drive.

Benefits of winter snow tires

Consumer tire testing is frequently conducted in Scandinavian countries on test tracks that lie north of the Arctic Circle. If a winter tire product can perform well under those extreme conditions, experts agree that consumers should choose similar tires for added safety, especially if they drive through extreme winter weather conditions. While there are pros/cons for winter tires, the traction pros outweigh any cost-savings if you don't have them. When you suddenly find yourself sliding across a sheet of ice while driving, your car can stop up to a full car length sooner if you have winter tires than if you have all-season tires.

Pros/cons of all-wheel drive (AWD)

An AWD vehicle distributes more torque to tires and gives the most traction to all four wheels when needed. This means your tires slip less and your vehicle has better acceleration. This feature benefits performance and should not be confused with a safety feature. Many AWD drivers prefer the cost savings when using all-season tires during winter. What they don't realize is that an AWD vehicle might offer less chance of tire slippage when power is applied, but this feature can mask the seriousness of an icy surface. AWD owners often find themselves in ditches because they under-estimated the road's slippery conditions and their tires didn't have the traction needed to help.

Do I need winter tires if I have all-wheel drive?

If you drive your AWD through extreme winter weather, the answer is "yes." Winter driving safety is not determined by vehicle acceleration, but by the traction of your tires. The better traction you have, the shorter the stopping distance. Most consumers don't realize that tire grip is but one function when tire tread meets the road surface. Quality grip is determined by your tire tread rubber compound construction and how this material reacts during cold temperatures, wears with age, size of grooves in the tread, and tire air pressure when your AWD comes in contact with a patch of ice.

Quality traction should always be your priority when it comes to safety. Engine power needed to push through slippery roads won't give your vehicle any more "gripping" traction when you need it most.