Understanding Tire Types
While you may hear about snow tires, summer tires, and all-season tires, understanding the differences between each tire type will help make you more informed when it's time for your next set. As the name implies, snow tires or winter tires are best suited to deal with the weather that comes along with the winter months in Connecticut. Not only do these tires offer special treads that grip ice and snow, but the rubber compound is different as well. Winter tires use a softer rubber that is more flexible at colder temperatures, so you have the grip you need even on dry winter roads.
Meanwhile, summer tires use a harder rubber compound that can stand up to the scorching hot pavement of a Connecticut summer. This harder compound resists wear at high temperatures while still providing excellent grip for your fun summer drives.
All-season tires are a jack-of-all-trades that are serviceable all year long. While they may not offer the premium grip of winter tires when the snow flies, and they'll wear more quickly in the summer, all-season tires are good if you drive occasionally but won't need to get through the roughest conditions.