While all-weather tires have become a popular, winter-friendly alternative in many markets, they are designed for more than the occasional snow flurry or slush-covered surface.
Their year-round capabilities provide stability in rain and an extra ounce of safety when drivers encounter unpredictable weather and road conditions. MTD asked tiremakers to talk about this growing segment, while focusing on the three other weather seasons.
MTD: All-weather tires are well known in areas that receive snow. But how should tire dealers in winter-less markets position and sell these tires to consumers?
Brandon Stotsenburg, vice president of the automotive division, American Kenda Rubber Co. Ltd.: Discuss the tires as four-season tires and focus on the primary performance concerns for the local market. The Kenda Vezda Touring 4S tire has a tread compound specifically designed to perform across a wide range of temperatures and a tread design which is exceptional in wet conditions. Many markets across North America are seeing high volumes of rain in short periods of time during several seasons, including winter and summer. This tire is designed for these conditions with the added benefit of strong performance in harsher winter conditions as well.
Keith Calcagno, chief sales officer, American Tire Distributors (ATD): Even in markets without snow, all-weather tires can be positioned as a “peace-of-mind upgrade” for consumers who face unpredictable conditions. Dealers should emphasize:
- Rain and wet traction. Advanced tread compounds and siping improve grip in heavy rain and reduce hydroplaning risk.
- Year-round safety. Stress the ability of all-weather tires to maintain flexibility across a wider temperature range, which means better braking and handling in both hot summers and chilly mornings.
- A one-tire solution. They are an option for drivers who don’t want to switch tires seasonally, who travel occasionally to colder climates, or prefer more versatility.
Bill Dashiell vice president of product marketing, American Pacific Industries Inc. (API): Tire dealers will want to focus on the overall performance, convenience and benefits of all-weather tires over other tire types. All-weather tires are more versatile than all-season tires, providing improvements in wet traction and dry stability, enhanced braking performance, and offer better handling compared to standard all-season tires. All-weather tires provide excellent performance in warm weather, wet and even challenging winter conditions.
Michael Mathis, president, Atturo Tire Corp.: All-weather tires should not be solely considered for markets which have regular snow. Even in a market like Texas, every winter has days with below-freezing temperatures. An all-weather type tire will have better traction in these conditions. In the case of the different Atturo models which fall under the all-weather category, they are intentionally designed to have tread patterns which do not look like a winter tire. The aesthetic of the tire is appealing to drivers in any climate. In fact, we sell them just as well in pure warm weather climates as those in colder areas.
Ian McKenney, senior product manager, Bridgestone Americas Inc.: For tire dealers in markets with little to no snow, the key to selling all-weather tires as an applicable option to drivers should be to highlight (the) versatility. We’ve learned through our research that it’s important to be careful when positioning all-weather tires by not leaning too heavily into snow performance. If dealers do message winter performance too heavily, it won’t resonate with, for example, drivers in the South where all-weather tires could still be a great option even if they don’t encounter much snow. It's understandable why many still do lean into winter performance when selling all-weather tires, though. In the past, when all-weather tires first entered the market, many tradeoffs existed in order to achieve snow performance and 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMS) certification. Today, however, modern advancements in tire technology have greatly minimized the tradeoffs once required to achieve winter capability. For example, you can have an all-weather tire with 3PMS certification without sacrificing ride comfort, noise, wet performance and wear life. As a result, drivers can now get the best of both worlds, enjoying year-round performance with a quiet, comfortable ride and the added assurance of a 3PMS certification should they need it. The snow capability should be positioned as a bonus, while the broader message is that all-weather tires are the next evolution of all-season tires.
Elias Nogueira Rodrigues, product manager for touring and passenger OE tires, Continental Tire the Americas LLC: Tire dealers in non-winter markets should focus on the benefits of all-weather tires that are relevant to their climate. This includes emphasizing their superior wet braking and balanced performance on dry and wet roads, also providing a smooth and comfortable ride.
Joshua Benson, vice president, First Choice Sourcing Solutions: All-weather tires are not only built for light snow, but also built for all four seasons, including rain and summer weather - providing peace of mind year-round.
David Poling, vice president R&D and technical, Giti Tire (USA) Ltd.: All-weather tires are often thought of as a tire only for snowy areas; this is untrue. Our current technology takes advantage of silica, advanced polymers and resins to provide a better balance between wet, winter and treadwear performance. Current generation all-weather tires, like Giti’s WeatherSmart, provide wet traction with the added benefit of snow performance that qualifies for a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (certification), meeting the industry standard for sever snow service.
Jim Reese, director, category strategy and planning, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.: In winter-less markets, tire dealers can position all-weather tires as a premium, all-conditions solution for drivers who want added confidence in unpredictable weather. These tires generally offer enhanced wet traction, improved handling in cooler temperatures and peace of mind during weather changes like sudden downpours or cold snaps — without the need to switch tires seasonally.
Randy Tsai, senior vice president, Greenball Corp.: Dealers in “winter-less” markets do have opportunities to sell and market All-weather tires. Here are some opportunities:
- Dealers that are in areas within driving distance of winter markets or winter sports. The California coastal areas are a prime example. Heading east of California’s heavily populated coastal areas are several mountain ranges within a day’s drive where many California residents go for skiing and snow boarding. Many of these snow enthusiasts who travel regularly to the mountains seek out 3PMSF tires for their vehicles for the added safety and performance in snow conditions, but still need daily drivability.
- Areas where there are shifting climate changes. We have seen certain areas of the U.S. now experience more inclement weather during the winter months. For example, areas in the mid-south including Texas have seen severe inclement weather during the winter season the past few years. Ice, heavy rains and occasional snow are creeping into some of these areas. All-weather tires would be beneficial to dealers and consumers in these areas as well as anywhere severe winter weather is now possible. The flexibility and added security of all-weather tires for consumers living in these areas that are subject to unexpected severe weather conditions would add great peace of mind to consumers who may have had bad experiences.
- Overlanders, van-life enthusiasts and road trippers. Overlanding and van-life enthusiasts have exploded in popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea of going “off the grid” and going anywhere you want and living out of your vehicle is a new passion and hobby for millions of Americans now. And the classic American road trip remains deeply ingrained in Americana and continues to be a cherished tradition for American families. These three groups of consumers who are likely to travel far and wide are prime target markets for dealers to market all-weather tires.
David Wang, managing director, Gripmax Tires Inc.: In regions where snow and ice are not common, all-weather tires should be positioned around their versatility and convenience rather than winter capability. Dealers can highlight benefits such as year-round performance without the need for seasonal tire changes, strong wet-weather grip and safety during heavy rain, storms and cooler conditions, and peace of mind for travelers who may occasionally drive into colder regions or mountain areas.The narrative should focus on simplicity and all-conditions reliability, rather than snow.
KC Jensen, senior vice president of sales, Hankook Tire America Corp.: While snow traction is a defining feature of all-weather tires, their appeal extends far beyond winter markets. For consumers in regions that rarely see snow, an all-weather tire comes down to versatility and confidence in unpredictable weather conditions. Sudden heavy rain, temperature swings, or travel into mountain areas can create uncertainty for drivers, and all-weather tires are engineered to handle all of these scenarios. Dealers in winter-free markets can emphasize that all-weather tires combine strong wet handling, long tread life, and a quiet, comfortable ride.
Shawn Denlein, president of sales and marketing, Kumho Tire U.S.A. Inc.: All-weather tires aren’t for every consumer, but they aren’t necessarily only for consumers that live in areas with severe winter conditions. The benefits of an all-weather product extend beyond snow and ice performance. They also provide enhanced traction, braking and hydroplaning resistance in wet conditions. Tire dealers in winter-less markets should position these as a true all-season tire.
Rob Montasser, vice president of Radar Tire, North America, Omniource: While it may seem somewhat counterintuitive, I think all-weather tires make sense in most regions of the country. With many options having competitive tread life warranties - the Radar Dimax All-Weather has up to a 60,000-mile warranty - and good ride characteristics, why not add the additional benefit of having tires that will keep you safe in all weather conditions?
Ian Coke, chief technical officer, Pirelli Tire North America Inc.: Even in markets without harsh winters, all-weather tires provide value as a versatile, year-round solution. Dealers can position them around benefits such as confidence in cold and wet conditions, reliable handling in cooler temperatures, and the convenience of not having to switch tires seasonally. For many consumers, it’s about peace of mind, knowing their tires are ready for unexpected weather, road trips to different climates, or those occasional cold snaps. Pirelli’s WeatherActive line, for example, was designed with this versatility in mind.
James McIntyre senior vice president of sales Canada and North America product development, Sailun Tire Americas: In regions without snow, all-weather tires should be seen not just as a winter solution, but as a true year-round choice. Even without snowfall, they deliver versatility that standard all-season tires lack — performing reliably in cold temperatures, heavy rain and shifting seasonal weather.
Nick Gutierrez, territory sales and marketing director, Sentury Tire USA: Consumers who live in areas with milder temperatures may avoid purchasing all-weather tires because traditionally they’ve been known to have higher rolling resistance and less mileage. Dealers therefore need to market a product to these regions that makes it worth their while purchasing and makes sense for their driving needs. Sentury’s all-weather category across all brands incorporates a trademarked technology featuring all-weather engineering while also offering higher mileage and better fuel economy. This technology is called ClimaGrip for Delinte and has been used in the Centurion series. The technology encompasses several high-tech features, including engineering for tire durability and computer-optimized tread designs that improve tread wear, fuel economy and ride comfort. These features were designed for year-round performance in both high temperatures and wet and severe snowy weather. ClimaGrip technology also includes the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating for enhanced performance in more snowy driving conditions. For Landsail this same technology is called Axis A3 and for Groundspeed, it is branded as Compass 365. All Sentury tires with these logos will include all-weather engineering and are suitable for year-round use in all climates across the U.S.
Eric Sweigart, vice president, value and proprietary brand management, TBC Corp.: All-Weather tires are designed to carry drivers confidently through all four seasons and deliver consistent performance in dry, wet, and lighter snowy conditions — so they offer benefits in all markets. Key benefits dealers can highlight in winter-less markets, include:
- Enhanced traction. All-weather tires generally offer improved grip and braking performance across a variety of surfaces — including wet, gravel and slick roads — making them a reliable choice for diverse driving conditions.
- Wet traction. All-weather tires often deliver superior performance in heavy rainfall compared to all-season tires. This makes them especially valuable in regions without winter conditions but with frequent or intense rain.
- Travel. For drivers who frequently travel to snowy regions, all-weather tires provide a safer and cost-effective solution that eliminates the need for seasonal tire changes.
Mike Park, assistant director of market intelligence and pricing, Tireco Inc.: In snow-free regions, position all-weather as the go-anywhere choice for drivers who live in warm climates but periodically head to higher elevations. The 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification reassures customers that the tire is legally and technically equipped for mountain travel, while the latest compounds and siping patterns deliver excellent wet-road braking and hydroplaning resistance. Frame it as convenience and confidence in one package.
Dylan Lindsey, territory sales manager, Tire Group International LLC (TGI): We encourage our dealers to position all-weather tires as a natural upgrade from traditional all-season tires. The biggest benefit is peace of mind. Drivers know they’re prepared for whatever conditions come their way. While all-weather tires certainly provide added security in snow, their value isn’t limited to winter. They also deliver improved traction and handling in heavy rain and colder temperatures, making them a smart year-round solution. For consumers in non-winter markets, the conversation isn’t just about snow, it’s about confidence and safety in unpredictable weather. We believe that consumers will continue to expect tires to perform in all weather conditions, so we are investing in building a line of all-weather tires with 3PMS certification for passenger, CUV, SUV and commercial applications at Cosmo.
Cameron Parsons, technical field manager and business development, Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp.: Dealers should keep in mind that all-weather tires are desirable for their versatility in varying conditions and not just snow. Even for consumers (who) don’t have winters, all-weather products are effective in cold enough temperatures where other category tires might see reduced traction. There’s also an increased safety and peace of mind that comes with all-weather tires for those that might decide to take a spontaneous ski trip or when a surprise winter storm hits. Either way, all-weather tires bring winter capability in case you need it, while remaining competent in other performance categories like wet braking, noise, and wear life.
Ryan Parszik, manager, product planning, Yokohama Tire Corp.: The all-weather and all-season segment are very similar with mileage warranties that typically vary by about 5,000 miles. Even in climates that don’t need all-weather tires, always being prepared for those mountain trips can be very beneficial. A good example is the Yokohama all-weather Geolandar CV 4S, which is engineered specifically for today’s most popular crossovers, smaller SUVs and minivans.
MTD: In non-winter markets, how should tire dealers differentiate all-weather tires from all-season tires?
Stotsenburg (American Kenda) The primary compromise of strong four-season tires versus traditional all-season touring tires is extended wear. There may also be some differentiators for other performance features. Kenda’s Vezda Touring A/S tire has a longer mileage warranty than our Vezda Touring 4S tire. Both will be strong performers in dry conditions, but the four-season tire will have slightly stronger wet performance compared to our all-season tire.
Calcagno (ATD): The biggest challenge is overcoming the perception that they’re the same thing. Dealers should draw a clear distinction. All-season tires (are) designed for comfort, tread life and general performance, (and are) good for moderate climates but not engineered for temperature extremes. All-weather tires have a more adaptive compound and aggressive tread. (They are) certified for severe service (3PMS symbol) and enhanced performance in heavy rain, cold snaps, and occasional travel into snow zones. Position all-weather as "all-season plus,” the smarter, safer upgrade for unpredictable conditions, without compromising everyday performance.
Dashiell (API): All-weather tires can provide the best combination of ride comfort, treadwear, braking performance and traction over a wide range of temperatures and road conditions. All-weather tires provide the safety and convenience of a single tire that has the versatility of today’s grand touring tire combined with improved traction throughout the year.
Mathis (Atturo): In non-winter markets, the benefit of improved cold weather performance moves to the last selling point rather than one of the top where winter is harsh. While this may not be a critical consideration for those drivers, it does have value. Dealers should focus on the other benefits of a particular tire. For example, Atturo all-weather tires also have excellent wet traction and low noise.
McKenney (Bridgestone): Due to recent tire technology advancements, the performance gap between the all-weather and all-season categories is more nuanced today, so it’s an important distinction to get right. All-season tire compounds and tread features are designed to provide mild winter capability while still delivering long wear life and a comfortable ride. All-weather tires, on the other hand, also offer a quiet, long-lasting ride, but with more advanced all-season capabilities (including winter). The main distinction between the two is that all-weather tires carry the 3PMSF certification, signifying they are engineered to handle wet roads, snow and ice more effectively in moderate winter conditions than all-season tires. For many consumers, especially those in regions with regular winter weather, the 3PMS designation often becomes the deciding factor when choosing between the two. As previously mentioned, though, the technology in all-weather tires has significantly improved throughout the years. Because all-weather tires now feature the latest innovations that have significantly minimized what were once tradeoffs to gain winter performance, they are also a great option for drivers in milder regions. Essentially, drivers can think of all-weather tires as an option pushing the all-season category to new heights with advanced capabilities overall.
Rodrigues (Continental): All-weather are the premium grip touring tires, and all-season remains the superior wear, touring tire. When differentiating all-weather tires from all-season tires in markets without harsh winters, dealers should explain that while both are touring tires, all-weather tires are certified with the 3PMS symbol, which qualifies them for severe winter weather conditions. The key is to convey that all-weather tires offer superior grip performance in a broader range of weather conditions, particularly in rain and cold, while still providing comfort and dry traction. All-season tires usually offer exceptional comfort, well-balanced wet and dry performance, traction in light snow, and extended tread life compared to all-weather tires. Customer qualification is always key, as it involves truly understanding what a consumer is looking for based on their driving style/habits/needs, and then recommending the product that is the right fit.
Benson (First Choice): The 3PMS certification is the key differentiator for all-weather versus all-season tires. All-weather tires provide drives with flexibility across the four seasons and provide added confidence for cold and wet braking throughout the year.
Poling (Giti): The differentiator between all-season and all-weather tires will be degrees of performance. All-weather tires will outperform all-season tires in winter by a considerable (and) noticeable margin but will generally have slightly less wet performance — around 5% — which is minimal for most consumers. Additionally, all-weather tires will come with a reduced treadwear warranty. So, all-weather tires can clearly benefit consumers in most areas of the country, but especially those that might encounter colder weather or snow conditions. Dealers need to be aware of the advantages offered with all-weather lines and their enhanced all-season performance. To ensure customer satisfaction and help the consumer make the right choice for their needs, dealers should be prepared to properly discuss these advantages to assist their customers in overcoming any preconceived notions of all-weather tires.
Reese (Goodyear): The key differentiator is performance in lower temperatures and precipitation conditions. While all-season tires are designed for moderate climates, all-weather tires feature more aggressive tread patterns and specialized rubber compounds that maintain flexibility and grip in lower temperatures. Dealers should highlight:
- 3PMS designation, which signals high performance in severe conditions — even if snow isn’t common;
- Traction control and wet braking, which are critical in regions with heavy rain or seasonal storms;
- Year-round versatility, especially for drivers who travel across varying elevations or climates.
Both the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2 and Cooper TractionCommand are excellent examples of how all-weather tires can deliver more than traditional all-season options, without compromising ride comfort or tread life.
Tsai (Greenball): All-weather tires with the 3PMS rating are easier to distinguish from standard all-season tires for the average consumer. Educating consumers about the features and benefits of the 3PMS rating helps them understand why choosing such a tire matters, even if they weren’t previously aware of the need. Many consumers do not know the 3PMS rating exists or the advantages it provides. Providing basic education on this feature can significantly influence their purchasing decisions.
Wang (Gripmax): Dealers must clarify the subtle but important distinction (that) all-season tires (are) primarily designed for mild climates, optimized for comfort, dry handling and longevity. They do not perform well in extreme cold or snow. All-weather tires (are) certified with the 3PMS symbol, offering enhanced traction in wet, slushy, and cold conditions while still performing well in warm weather. The key message: all-weather equals all-season plus extra safety margin for cold and wet extremes. Even in non-winter markets, this distinction provides a value-add for safety-conscious drivers.
Jensen (Hankook):This is an important educational point. Many consumers believe all-season means year-round coverage, but all-season compounds tend to harden in colder temperatures and don’t carry the 3PMS certification. Even in warmer regions, dealers can differentiate all-weather tires from all-season by focusing on three benefits:
- Performance range. All-weather compounds maintain flexibility across a wider temperature range than all-season, ensuring reliable grip in both summer heat and unexpected cold snaps.
- Safety assurance. The 3PMS certification demonstrates that the tire has been tested and proven to handle severe weather conditions, which can be valuable for drivers who travel to colder climates or face seasonal storms.
- Convenience and longevity. All-weather tires like Weatherflex GT carry long mileage warranties, up to 70,000 miles, making it an ideal candidate for consumers looking for a one-tire solution.
Denlein (Kumho): All-weather tires provide better traction and braking in wet conditions, and better hydroplaning resistance over all-season tires. Touring all-season tires will typically have better mileage and comfort characteristics.
Gianluca Grioni, vice president of sales, Momo Tires: In the U.S. market, all-weather tires are gaining popularity even in areas where extreme winter conditions are rare or non-existent. All-season tires are primarily designed to offer balanced performance in moderate driving conditions such as rain, heat and mild cold. They offer optimal versatility for drivers who are frequently on the road and often face rapidly changing road conditions.
Montasser (Omnisource): I think the sales pitch is pretty simple. If you live in a part of the country that sees even a mild amount of snow each year, why not choose a tire that gives you true peace of mind year-round, like the Radar Dimax All Weather. Unlike most “all-season” tires sold in the U.S., which are really three-season tires and not ideal for snow or winter conditions, the Radar Dimax All-Weather is designed for all four seasons.
Coke (Pirelli): The distinction comes down to capability range. All-season tires are designed primarily for moderate climates, while all-weather tires carry certifications like the 3PMS, which means they can handle colder conditions and more challenging weather while still maintaining comfort and efficiency year-round. For dealers, the message is simple: all-weather tires offer a wider safety margin and more adaptability, making them the right choice for drivers who want one tire that covers all possibilities.
McIntyre (Sailun): All-season tires are built for mild conditions, but they lose some effectiveness in colder or wetter weather. All-weather tires provide drivers with extra grip, shorter stopping distances in the rain, and the confidence of year-round coverage.
Gutierrez (Sentury): All-weather tires provide better grip in more extreme conditions, in particular, snow. With unpredictable weather patterns across the country, all-weather tires with Sentury’s trademarked technology will provide peace of mind, particularly if there is a chance the driver will travel to other parts of the U.S. An all-season tire might be more suitable for an A-to-B commuter car in an area where there is consistently mild weather.
Sweigart (TBC): All-weather tires offer performance and year-round versatility in all environments. In non-winter regions — often tropical and prone to heavy rain — drivers frequently encounter wet roads, muddy shoulders and unpaved surfaces like gravel or dirt. All-weather tires offer enhanced braking and traction in these conditions, making them a dependable choice for everyday driving. While not designed for rugged off-roading like all-terrain tires, all-weather tires provide a noticeable performance edge over all-season tires when navigating slippery or uneven surfaces. They're ideal for drivers who want added confidence in unpredictable road conditions without needing a specialized, off-road tire.
Park (Tireco): Keep the distinction simple and concrete. All-weather tires carry the 3PMS severe-snow mark and are engineered to perform in colder temps. Traditional all-season tires typically hold only the M+S designation and are tuned primarily for warm and hot conditions, prioritizing rolling resistance, quietness and long tread life. All-weather designs add siping density and biting edges for slush and light snow, which also helps in heavy rain. The trade-off is that in very hot climates and (with) aggressive driving, they may wear a bit faster and generate slightly more pattern noise than a comfort-tuned all-season. If a customer never leaves the lowlands and wants maximum longevity and low noise, recommend all-season. If they make occasional trips to elevation without a tire change, steer them to all-weather.
Lindsey (TGI): Dealers should differentiate all-weather tires by highlighting that they are one of the industry’s key innovations in recent years. Unlike traditional all-season tires, all-weather tires carry the 3PMS certification, proving they meet the traction requirements for severe winter conditions. They maintain the convenience of year-round use while being able to handle more severe weather compared to all-season tires. Drivers in markets that don’t experience heavy snowfall, but instead see a lot of rain throughout the year, will benefit from all-weather tires' improved wet traction and handling.
Parsons (Toyo): Tire technology has come a long way where the average customer won’t see much, if any, drawback to driving on all-weather tires instead of all-season. All-weather tires are competitive to all-seasons in all the important performance categories, with additional capabilities. Even if it doesn’t snow where the customer lives, they’re prepared for surprise weather, cold temperatures or road trips through areas that do experience winter conditions.
Parszik (Yokohama):The tradeoff is milage versus winter traction currently, and what ranks higher for that customer. Asking the customer questions about their driving habits and where they drive can help answer what tire will suit them best.
MTD: Which market outside of a traditional winter weather zone is a sales leader for your all-weather tires?
Stotsenburg (American Kenda): Kenda is increasing the sales in several Southern regions which are experiencing higher rainfall and often severe rainfall in the winter seasons. Texas and the Southeast continue to show growth opportunities.
Calcagno (ATD): Among winter-free markets, we’re seeing notable traction across Tennessee, Kentucky, the Carolinas, South Central, Arkansas and Memphis. These regions continue to show promising growth, reinforcing the value of all-weather solutions in climates where winter tires aren't a necessity.
Mathis (Atturo): Atturo currently offers four tire models with 3PMS certification which fall within the all-weather category. These models are sold nationwide with Texas being the largest single market. This proves that a good looking tire with a long list of benefits, where just one of them is specific to weather, can be sold anywhere. There are plenty of other features of these tires which make them attractive to regional customers around the country.
McKenney (Bridgestone): Utilizing sales data of our all-weather tires - Bridgestone WeatherPeak and Firestone WeatherGrip - from the past four years, we have found that California, Texas and Florida are among the top sales leaders in U.S. winter-free markets. Our analysis considered each state’s population to identify which were over-indexed for sales, meaning they sold more tires than their population would suggest. Interestingly, these states are not traditionally associated with snow. Florida is not so surprising as there is a significant “snowbird” population that makes the 3PMS certification of an all-weather tire a desirable feature for drivers who regularly travel to snowy regions like the Northeast, Midwest or Canada. High sales in winter-free markets like California and Texas are a bit more surprising, but likely due to strong messaging that positions all-weather tires as a premium, high performance product for a variety of conditions — not just snow.
Rodrigues (Continental): The all-weather segment continues to grow, and we are seeing consumer demand nationwide due to the segment's growing volume and popularity.
Benson (First Choice): California is one of the largest winter-free leaders in all-weather tires, followed by Washington, which (has) a heavier degree of wet climate versus snow. We expect the shift to all-weather to continue, with it growing double digits in 2024 and again 2025, year-to-date.
Reese (Goodyear): The southern U.S., including California, Texas and Florida, is a strong market for Goodyear’s all-weather tire sales. Despite the lack of snow, the areas' diverse microclimates — from coastal rain to mountain chill — make all-weather tires a smart choice for many drivers. Consumers in this region increasingly seek tires that offer year-round traction, safety in wet conditions and flexibility for travel across varied terrain. The growing awareness and demand for all-weather performance in non-winter markets reflect a broader shift in consumer priorities — toward tires that offer increased confidence in any weather condition, not just snow.
Tsai (Greenball): The southern and mid-southern U.S. winter-free markets have been the largest sales leaders for us. This consumer base who has had fairly recent bad experiences with inclement weather can immediately see and understand the advantages that an all-weather tire would serve them. But besides winter-free geography, the overland and van-life communities are also biggest and growing consumer base we see looking for our Kanati Light truck tires that feature (the) 3PMS rating.
Wang (Gripmax): Among non-winter regions, the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. - Washington, Oregon, and coastal areas of California - has emerged as a leading sales market for all-weather tires. The climate features frequent rain, variable temperatures, and occasional cold snaps — conditions where all-weather tires stand out. Consumers in these markets are safety-driven and convenience-oriented, making them more receptive to an “all-in-one” tire solution.
Jensen (Hankook): We continue to see strong growth for all-weather tires in markets outside of traditional snow regions. In the U.S., the Pacific Northwest and coastal states such as California have emerged as key leaders. While these areas may not experience consistent snowfall, they do see a mix of heavy rain, variable temperatures, and occasional mountain travel, all conditions where consumers value the adaptability of an all-weather tire.
Denlein (Kumho): Kumho’s all-weather tire sales are evenly balanced in winter-free markets, even in areas such as Southern California and Texas.
Montasser (Omnisource): We just launched the Radar Dimax All-Weather as a Tire Rack exclusive. I think it is too early to tell which region will perform the best for us.
Coke (Pirelli): The Pacific Northwest has been a strong market. While it doesn’t see long winters, drivers there deal with frequent rain, fluctuating temperatures, and occasional snow or ice. All-weather tires perform well in these conditions, offering traction and confidence without requiring a seasonal change. That kind of performance translates well to other winter-free markets where wet weather and temperature swings play a bigger role than heavy snow.
McIntyre (Sailun): These regions show that all-weather isn’t just for snow states. In California, Texas, and metropolitan Canada, the mix of rain, heat and temperature swings creates a clear value proposition for selling all-weather as a year-round solution.
Gutierrez (Sentury): We’ve just launched this new all-weather technology category and are confident it is going to fill the gap in regions where the weather is less extreme, and ultimately be sought after nationwide. These tires will also be readily-available through our strategically positioned distribution centers in four U.S. locations.
Sweigart (TBC): Parts of California, including the Sacramento area, are top winter-free markets where consumers can benefit from all-weather tires. While snowfall is virtually nonexistent, the region experiences consistent seasonal rainfall, particularly from November through March, with February typically being the wettest month. These conditions often lead to slick road surfaces and occasional muddy shoulders, presenting challenges that differ from icy or snowy environments that still demand reliable traction and braking performance.
Park (Tireco): Southern California leads our non-winter all-weather sales. The combination of a massive vehicle parc (and) frequent weekend drives to the mountain makes the category resonate. Texas and the Southeast are fast followers for similar reasons. Heavy rainfall, long highway miles, and regular travel to cooler elevations.
Lindsey (TGI): The Pacific Northwest has been an outstanding market for all-weather tires. Our Portland warehouse services both Oregon and Washington. In most of western Oregon and Washington, snow is rare. Most of the winter is rainy days that rarely get close to freezing temperatures. During the winter months they need tires that offer exceptional wet traction and braking performance. And even though most drivers in these areas are not getting snow where they live, they do live near mountain passes that will experience freezing temperatures and snow throughout the winter. All-weather tires are the perfect solution for these markets.
Parsons (Toyo): We’ve seen over the years a broadening acceptance of the all-weather segment, and it continues to grow. Areas known for hot summers and a lack of snow are also growing their adoption of all-weather tires, including California, Texas and southeastern states.
About the Author
Joy Kopcha
Managing Editor
Joy Kopcha joined Modern Tire Dealer and Auto Service Professional as senior editor in 2014 after working as a newspaper reporter for a dozen years in Kansas, Indiana and Pennsylvania. She was named managing editor of MTD and ASP in 2022, and took on that same role with Motor Age in 2024.
She is an award-winning journalist, including in 2023 when she was named a Jesse H. Neal Awards Finalist.
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