U.S. drivers weigh winter tire choices and reveal all-weather tire trends

New nationwide survey highlights the differences in how consumers view all-weather and all-season tires, from performance, reliability and convenience

Nashville, Tenn.—Hankook Tire’s latest Gauge Index survey finds 9 in 10 U.S. drivers who currently don’t have all-weather tires equipped on their vehicles are likely to research all-weather tires before their next tire purchase. 

The new nationwide survey highlights the differences in how drivers view all-weather and all-season tires, particularly regarding tire performance, year-round reliability, and convenience. All-weather tires are typically designed for better winter performance and improved control on snow or icy roads, while all-season tires are typically better suited for more milder driving conditions, such dry or wet roads.

All-Season Tires Remain Popular, But Interest in All-Weather Is Strong

All-season tires remain the most widely used among U.S. drivers, with 43% of respondents reporting they have all-season tires on their current primary vehicle. Despite this, 32% now opt for all-weather models. Boomers are the most likely to have all-season tires (59%), while Millennials are more likely to prefer all-weather options (35%).

Among those yet to try all-weather tires, 90% say they are likely to research these options before their next purchase — and nearly all current all-weather tire users (99%) plan to stay with the category. 

Cost and maintenance remain as key considerations when tire shopping, with 29% saying the cost of specialized tires (winter tires, high-performance, ultra-high-performance tires) is the main drawback to not having multi-season tires. Nearly a quarter (24%) credit the inconvenience of switching tires as the biggest downside to not having multi-season tires.

Drivers Consider Convenience in Year-Round Tire Solutions

Survey results show that drivers consider all-weather and all-season tires equally convenient for year-round use (50% each). However, more drivers consider all-weather tires more effective on wet roads (56%), snowy or icy terrain (52%), and even in dry conditions (34%), edging out all-season tires in each category (44%, 43%, 40% respectively).

While drivers say all-weather tires are helpful in maintaining traction and control across a wide range of weather conditions, they associate all-season tires with comfort. One in five (21%) Americans believe all-season tires provide a quieter ride with reduced road noise.

Generational perspectives also reveal a divide between convenience and ability. Boomers overwhelmingly credit all-weather tires for providing the ease of a single, year-round solution (62%), the highest rate among any age group. Meanwhile, Gen Z drivers associate all-weather tires with their versatility across both wet (56%) and dry (46%) road conditions.

Additionally, regional differences emerged in the findings:

• Drivers in the Midwest are most likely to connect all-weather tires with effective driving on wet roads (60%)
• Southerners value enhanced safety in a variety of driving conditions more than others (44%).
• Northeastern drivers are more likely than others to select all-weather tires for effective dry-weather driving (42%)

Durability, Convenience, and Safety Drive Purchase Decisions

While some purchase choices often reflect long-term factors, like durability and total cost, many drivers also consider day-to-day safety concerns when looking for a new set of tires. Drivers reported that the most common performance challenges in heavy rain or light snow are traction loss (29%) and increased braking distances (21%).

When selecting a new set of tires, more than a quarter of drivers (26%) prioritize durability and extended tire life, followed by year-round convenience (22%) and reliable grip and handling (16%). Brand reputation and peer reviews hold particular sway among Gen Z and Millennials, with 20% in these groups citing them as the leading purchase consideration.