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In Virginia, winter temperatures dip to a level where running summer tires year-round isn't advisable. When temps are low, summer tires harden and lose the superior performance and handling you get when roads are dry and the sun is shining. That's why many motorists run all-season tires for winter (if not the whole year). However, if you're in the market for a new set of tires this season, you might have heard about "all-weather tires" and, naturally, have questions like: 

• What's the difference between all-weathers and all-seasons?
• Which type of tire should you go with this winter?

These are good questions and the topic of discussion for today.

Is "All-Weather" a New Category of Tire?

Yes and no, depending on who you ask.

There is confusion about all-weather tires with tire buyers and those in the tire service industry alike. There are many individuals who use "all-season tires" and "all-weather tires" interchangeably, but that isn't quite right.

Tires advertised as all-weather are those that have the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which means they meet or exceed a traction index of 110 in acceleration tests in medium packed snow. There was a time when you would see this symbol primarily on dedicated winter tires. Today, you can find the 3PMSF symbol on other tire types.

You might be inclined to say all-seasons with 3PMSF are all-weathers (and some do use this definition), but before you do, consider that there are other types of tires that have it as well, like some all-terrain tires. Does this mean an all-terrain tire can also be an all-weather tire?

To complicate matters, some tire manufacturer are on board with "all-weather" being a new category while others believe it confuses the market (see the article linked above).

So in many ways, the term "all-weather" is caught in a discourse limbo where it is both a marketing term and a new category of tire. That being the case, it's best to look at how each manufacturer is differentiating all-weather tires from their other offerings when you're comparing options. That will help you find a solution that best works for your winter driving needs in the commonwealth.

Do I Need an All-Season Tire with the 3PMSF in Virginia?

Regular all-season tires are designed to provide satisfactory performance in a variety of weather conditions. That said, they have a reputation for being a "three season tire" in places where winter brings heavy snowfall, low to subzero temperatures, and other inclement road conditions, like ice and slush. In areas where winter is mild or not a concern, all-seasons do just fine for many motorists. They also eliminate the need for seasonal tire changes if you run them year-round.

For drivers who will be driving in light to mild winter weather conditions, the 3PMSF symbol can give more peace of mind. That can be good during a rare, more intense winter storm. However, there are two things to keep in mind when shopping for 3PMSF all-season tires.

1) All-seasons with 3PMSF vary in the level of performance they provide: That's because there's a lot of room for variation since tires just have to meet the minimum standard (which was determined in 1999). You may not need a tire with a three-peak mountain snowflake for driving in Virginia, but if you're looking for one, check out the tire reviews and how the manufacturer advertises the tire. That way, you can find a 3PMSF tire that delivers the level of performance you expect, should you need it.

2) There may be tradeoffs with 3PMSF all-seasons: A 3PMSF all-season tire (or all-weather tire, if you prefer) might be manufactured in a way where it provides better performance in low temperatures and winter driving conditions, but as a result, it trades longevity or performance in another area. So when you shop for tires in Virginia, consider the characteristics that matter to you (treadlife, traction, wet and dry performance, winter performance, noise, fuel economy, and so forth), so you can better pinpoint tires that work for you and your vehicle.

Shop All-Season and All-Weather Tires for Winter in Reston, VA

For  drivers in Virginia who experience relatively light to mild winter conditions, a set of high-quality, all-season tires make for a satisfying, year-round solution. You won't need to change tires with the seasons, and you'll get adequate performance in a range of seasonal conditions.

If you're unsure which type of tire is best for your application, consult with a tire professional. For those of you in the Reston area, you can visit us at South Lakes Sunoco. Our knowledgeable technicians will assist you in finding the right tires for your vehicle and can offer valuable insights based on their knowledge and experience.

You can browse our tire catalog to get started on your search.

We also have Dedicated Winter Tires

If you'll be using your own vehicle to travel to states that see severe winter weather, you can also contact us to get a set of dedicated winter tires in Reston, VA. True winter tires are built for use in one season and one season only, engineered inside and out to deliver a high degree of performance in severe winter driving conditions, putting them in a deservedly different league than both all-seasons even all-weathers.