All-Season vs. Winter Tires in Virginia: Which Do You Need?
Central Virginia gets a mix of cold snaps, ice and the occasional real snowstorm. Do you need winter tires, or are all-seasons enough?
All-season tires
All-seasons are built for a wide range of conditions and work well for most Virginia drivers. Rubber stays workable in mild temperatures, and the tread handles rain and light snow.
Winter tires
Winter tires use a softer compound that stays flexible below about 45°F and deeper tread with many small slits (sipes) that grip snow and ice. Stopping distances on cold, icy roads can be much shorter than with all-seasons.
How to decide
- Mostly commuting on cleared roads: quality all-seasons are fine.
- Regular trips to the mountains or hilly rural roads in winter: winter tires are worth considering.
- Rear- or all-wheel-drive performance cars: ask about a dedicated winter set, since summer or performance tires lose grip in cold.
Whichever you choose, look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on winter-rated tires, and replace all four at once when possible. Need a recommendation for your vehicle? Text us at (571) 402-8698.
Not sure how worn your tires are? Try our free Tread Check — photo + a coin, results in seconds.