The Difference Between All Season Tires or Summer Tires (and All-Weather Tires)

Posted on May 5, 2025

The Difference Between All Season Tires or Summer Tires (and All-Weather Tires)

Introduction: Are You Asking Yourself — All Season Tires or Summer Tires?

If you’re shopping for new tires, you’ve probably been stuck wondering: all season tires or summer tires — which should you choose?

At Rendez-Vous Nissan, we know it’s not always easy to figure out which option fits your driving habits, local climate, and vehicle best. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the differences between all season tires, summer tires, and all-weather tires — so you can make a smart, confident choice.

By the end, you’ll know exactly which tire type will help keep you safe, improve your car’s performance, and save you money over the long run.

What Are All Season Tires?

Let’s start with the first half of the all season tires or summer tires decision.

All season tires are designed to handle a wide range of conditions — dry roads, wet pavement, and light snow. They combine a balanced tread pattern with rubber compounds that stay flexible over moderate temperature ranges.

But here’s what many drivers miss:

All season tires are not the same as winter tires or summer tires.

They offer good year-round versatility, but they aren’t specialized. That means they won’t perform as well as dedicated winter tires in icy conditions or summer tires on hot roads.

Best for: Drivers in regions with mild winters who want to avoid switching tires every season.
Example: If you mostly drive in places like Ottawa or Hawkesbury, where winters are mild and snow is usually cleared quickly, all season tires might work just fine.

To learn more, check out Blackcircles Canada’s tire guide.

What Are Summer Tires?

Now let’s look at the other side of the all season tires or summer tires question.

Summer tires are specifically designed for warm-weather performance. Their special rubber compounds stay firm in the heat, giving you maximum grip, sharp cornering, responsive steering, and short braking distances on dry or wet roads.

But there’s an important caution:

Summer tires become dangerous in cold weather.
Once temperatures drop below about 7°C, the rubber stiffens, and you lose traction — even if there’s no snow or ice.

Best for: Drivers who want the best possible handling, especially those with performance or sports cars.
Example: At Rendez-Vous Nissan, we often recommend summer tires for drivers of the Nissan Z or Maxima who want the most precise, exciting driving experience in the summer months.

What About All-Weather Tires?

While you’re thinking about all season tires or summer tires, you might also hear people mention all-weather tires.

These are a newer hybrid option, certified for winter use with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. They offer winter grip close to that of a true winter tire but still perform well in warmer weather.

In short, they give you:

• Year-round convenience

• Better winter safety than all season tires

• No need for seasonal changeovers

Best for: Drivers in regions with unpredictable winters who want to avoid swapping tires twice a year.

How Do You Choose Between All Season Tires or Summer Tires?

Here’s how to figure out what works best for you.

1. Consider Your Climate

• If you face regular cold, snow, or ice, neither all season tires nor summer tires will be enough — you’ll need winter or all-weather tires.

• If your winters are mild or you’re only driving in spring, summer, and early fall, you can confidently choose between all season tires or summer tires depending on your performance needs.

2. Think About Your Driving Habits

• Are you commuting every day on highways and local streets?
  All season tires offer a great balance of comfort and performance.

• Are you a performance enthusiast looking for sharp cornering and maximum grip?
  Summer tires are your go-to.

3. Check Your Budget

Remember that specialized tires often deliver better performance in their target seasons. That can mean longer life and better value over time — especially if you’re rotating between two dedicated sets (summer + winter).

Why Tire Certifications Matter

When shopping, always look at tire sidewall markings.

• M+S (Mud + Snow): Found on many all season tires, but not always sufficient for real winter conditions.

• 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake): Found on all-weather and winter tires, indicating certified winter performance.

If you’re unsure, bring your vehicle to Rendez-Vous Nissan — our team will explain everything and help you make the right call.

Why Buy Tires at Rendez-Vous Nissan?

We don’t just sell tires — we help you match the perfect set for your Nissan.

• Expert knowledge of OEM recommendations

• Advice that protects your warranty

• Special seasonal promotions and rebates

Book your free tire consultation with us here: Rendez-Vous Nissan Service.

FAQ: All Season Tires or Summer Tires

Q1: Can I use all season tires year-round in Quebec or Ontario?
You can, but remember Quebec requires winter-rated tires by law during the winter season. Even in Ontario, we recommend switching to winter tires or using all-weather tires when the snow arrives.

Q2: Are summer tires worth it if I’m not driving a sports car?
If you value maximum handling, braking, and steering precision in warm weather, summer tires are worth considering — even for non-sports vehicles.

Q3: Do all season tires work in heavy snow?
Not really. While they’re labeled for mud and snow, they don’t have the same winter performance as tires with the 3PMSF rating.

Q4: What’s the cost difference between all season tires or summer tires?
Prices can vary, but generally, summer tires may cost a bit more due to their specialized compounds and performance design. However, they often deliver better warm-weather performance and can extend the life of your winter tires if you rotate seasonally.

Final Thoughts

When choosing between 4 season tires or summer tires, you’re not just picking a product — you’re investing in your safety, your driving experience, and the long-term health of your Nissan.

Visit Rendez-Vous Nissan today for expert advice, top-quality tires, and professional installation. We’ll help you hit the road with confidence, no matter the season.