Tested: All-Season vs. Winter Tires I Tire Rack

Key Concepts:

• Original Equipment All-Season Tires
• Aftermarket Winter Tires
• Acceleration Test
• Braking Test
• Cornering Test
• Traction
• Dynamic Stability Control
• Snow-Packed Road

Acceleration Test:

The Tire Rack team conducted acceleration tests to compare the performance of original equipment all-season tires versus aftermarket winter tires in winter driving conditions. Two cars, one equipped with all-season tires and the other with winter tires, were positioned at the starting line. Upon a countdown, both drivers simultaneously accelerated to cover a distance of 200 feet. The test included the drivers' reaction times. The car with winter tires completed the 200-foot run in approximately 8 seconds, while the car with all-season tires took about 11 seconds. This 3-second difference highlights the superior traction provided by winter tires during acceleration on winter surfaces.

Braking Test:

The braking test involved driving two cars, one with all-season tires and the other with winter tires, side by side at 30 mph. At a designated mark, both drivers received a braking signal and applied their brakes to come to a complete stop. The stopping distance for the car equipped with winter tires was approximately 59 feet. The car with all-season tires required an additional two car lengths, or 30 feet, to come to a complete stop. This significant difference in stopping distance demonstrates the enhanced braking performance of winter tires on snow-packed roads. The video emphasizes that in a panic stop situation at just 30 mph on a snow-packed road, the difference in stopping distance can determine whether it's a near miss or an accident.

Cornering Test:

The cornering comparison assessed the tires' ability to maintain traction while navigating a 90-degree left-hand corner. The two cars, one with all-season tires and the other with winter tires, were driven nose to tail, starting at 15 mph. The speed was increased on successive runs. The car equipped with winter tires successfully completed the corner at 25 mph. However, the car with all-season tires slid off the road when attempting the corner at the same speed. The video points out that even with dynamic stability control, the all-season tire equipped car could not overcome the laws of physics once the traction limit of the all-season tires was exceeded.

Conclusion:

The tests conducted by the Tire Rack team clearly demonstrate the superior performance of dedicated winter tires compared to original equipment all-season tires in winter driving conditions. The winter tires exhibited significantly better traction during acceleration, braking, and cornering on snow-packed roads. The video concludes that the most satisfying wintertime grip can only come from dedicated winter tires developed to provide their best traction when road conditions are at their worst.