Understanding the Difference Between Regular, Snow, and All-Season Tires
Choosing the Right Tires for Every Season and Driving Condition
As a vehicle owner, choosing the right tires can feel like a daunting task. Bob & Sons Automotive is here to help you make the decision, ensuring safety and optimal performance year-round. With various options available, it's essential to understand the differences between regular, snow, and all-season tires. We’re here to help share this knowledge to help you make informed decisions about tire selection and maintenance, especially as seasons change in New Hampshire (and beyond).
Regular Tires
Regular, or summer tires, are designed for warm weather conditions. They provide excellent handling and traction on dry and wet roads, thanks to their unique tread patterns and rubber compounds. However, these tires tend to harden and lose grip in colder temperatures, making them unsuitable for winter driving. Bob & Sons Automotive does not recommend driving a vehicle with normal tires during seasonally adverse weather such a snow and ice.
Snow Tires
Snow tires, also known as winter tires, are specifically designed for cold weather and snowy conditions. They feature deeper treads and softer rubber compounds, allowing them to maintain flexibility and traction on icy roads. Snow tires can significantly improve safety during winter months, providing better control and shorter stopping distances on snow and ice. Bob & Sons Automotive recommends removing these at the end of the season to avoid unnecessary wear and tear on the snow tires or your vehicle.
All-Season Tires
All-season tires aim to bridge the gap between regular and snow tires. They are designed to perform well in a variety of weather conditions, offering a compromise between the specialized performance of summer and winter tires. While all-season tires provide adequate grip in moderate snow and rain, they may not match the performance of snow tires in extreme winter conditions.
Swapping Tires: On Rims vs. Off Rims
When it comes to swapping regular and snow tires, there are two main options: having tires already mounted on rims or swapping tires without rims. Bob & Sons Automotive is equipped to swap tires either way!
- On Rims: Tires mounted on their own rims make swapping quick and convenient. This setup reduces wear on the tire bead and minimizes the risk of damage during installation. It also allows for easy seasonal changes without the need for remounting and balancing each time. We can also store your tires until next season!
- Off Rims: If tires are not mounted on their own rims, they need to be removed from the existing rims and replaced with the appropriate seasonal tires. This process can be more time-consuming but Bob & Sons Automotive is here to offer professional assistance to ensure proper installation and balancing.
Conclusion
At Bob & Sons Automotive, we understand the importance of having the right tires for every season. Our team of experts is ready to assist you with all your tire needs, from selecting the ideal tire type for your driving conditions to performing seasonal tire swaps and storage.
- Expert Advice: Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the best tires based on your specific vehicle, commute or driving habits.
- Tire Swapping: Whether your tires are on rims or not, Bob & Sons Automotive can handle the tire swapping process with precision and care, ensuring your vehicle is ready for the road no matter what season.
- Comprehensive Services: We offer a wide range of tire-related services, including mounting, balancing, and alignment all at one shop to keep your vehicle performing at its best.

Choosing the right tires is essential for safe and efficient driving. Trust Bob & Sons Automotive to guide you through the process, ensuring your vehicle is equipped with the best tires for any season. Call us at 603.623.9295 or Request an Appointment!
