Winter and Summer Tires – Facts and Thoughts

The main difference between Summer, Winter and All-Season Tires comes down to rubber compounds, tread patterns, and performance in different temperatures. 

1. Rubber Compound (How Soft or Hard the Tire Is)

• Winter Tires: Made with a softer rubber that stays flexible in cold temperatures (below ~45°F or 7°C), they grip icy and snowy roads significantly better than all-season tires.  Combined with a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), a Miata with winter tires can perform better than a SUV on all season tires.  Winter Tires usually last 3-5 seasons if only used in winter, but potentially much longer if not driven daily. In dry conditions, winter tires are louder and less comfortable to drive. 

• Summer Tires: Have a harder rubber that softens as the temperature rises, giving excellent grip and handling on warm, dry, or wet roads. However, they become stiff in the cold and can be unsafe.  Summer Tires typically last 20,000–40,000 miles, depending on mileage, driving style and performance level.

• All-Season Tires: A blend between summer and winter compounds, work decently in a wide range of temperatures but don’t excel in extreme conditions.  All-Season Tires can last 50,000–80,000 miles, depending on treadwear rating & conditions. All-season Tires are an excellent choice for touring cars that might see occasional light snow on mountain passes and no autocross or track use.

  
  

2. Tread Pattern (How the Tire Channels Water & Snow)

• Winter Tires: Have deep grooves and siping (tiny cuts) to bite into snow and ice. The tread pattern also helps channel slush and water away.

• Summer Tires: Feature shallower grooves and fewer sipes to maximize road contact for better grip, especially in dry conditions. They also have wide channels to prevent hydroplaning in the rain.

• All-Season Tires: A middle-ground design with moderate tread depth and siping. They can handle light snow but can’t compare to winter tires in snow and ice.

  
  

3. Treadwear Standards & Ratings (How Long They Last)

• Treadwear Grade from the Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system, indicates how long a tire is expected to last compared to a reference tire rated 100.

  • A 400-rated tire should last about 4 times longer than a 100-rated tire.

  • Summer Tires: Typically have lower treadwear ratings (200-300), being performance-focused they wear out faster.

  • Winter Tires: Not usually UTQG rated, wear well on cold roads but quickly on warm roads.

  • All-Season Tires often rated 400-800, last longer but sacrifice hot/cold grip.

  • Dedicated race tires generally have ratings from 40-200. They don’t last long but they offer the ultimate traction on the racetrack.

    
    

Conclusion:

• Use winter tires if you drive in snow and freezing temps regularly.

• Use summer tires if you want maximum performance in warm weather.

• Use all-season tires for convenience but not in extreme conditions.

Notes & Thoughts: 

• Handling and traction can vary greatly between cars with a Limited Slip Differential vs. an Open Differential. We have another post on this topic: https://www.peaktopeakmiata.org/post/limited-slip-differentials-lsds

• Tire Rack offers head-to-head tire comparisons on their website, helpful when choosing the right tire for you and your driving style. 

• Uniform Tire Quality Grade (UTQG) Standards are well explained at Tire Rack.  https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-garage/what-are-the-uniform-tire-quality-grade-utqg-standards? 

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Tires and size availability changes every year and modern cars are going to larger (taller) tires. Many 15” and 16” tires are no longer available and 17” tire availability is expected to decline in the future. Therefore, suggestions below may not be available for your car when you shop for tires. To ensure you get the right tire for your car, speak to other members, contact a trusted tire shop or search online - TireRack.com has proven a reliable source.

Best Winter Tires for a Miata ❄️

If you drive in Colorado winters with snow and ice, you need a dedicated winter tire.  Personal choices abound, but here are some respected selections.

• Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 – Best overall winter performance

  • Pros: Excellent snow & ice grip, great handling

  • Cons: Wears quickly if driven in warmer temps

  • Expected Life: ~3-5 winters

• Michelin X-Ice Snow – Best for longevity

  • Pros: Longer-lasting than Blizzaks, great on ice

  • Cons: Slightly less grip than Blizzaks in deep snow

  • Expected Life: ~4-6 winters

• Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 – Best for extreme snow & ice

  • Pros: Superior snow traction, high-tech tread design

  • Cons: Expensive, may be overkill unless you see a lot of ice

  • Expected Life: ~4-5 winters

Best Summer Tires for a Miata ☀️

For warm weather and spirited driving, summer tires offer the best grip and handling.  Many find the best way to pick a tire is comparison. 

• Michelin Pilot Sport 4S – Best overall summer tire

  • Pros: Incredible grip, responsive steering, decent tread life

  • Cons: Expensive

  • Treadwear Rating: ~300

  • Expected Life: ~20,000-30,000 miles

• Bridgestone Potenza Sport – Best balance of price & performance

  • Pros: Sharp handling, good wet grip

  • Cons: Slightly rough ride

  • Treadwear Rating: ~240

  • Expected Life: ~15,000-25,000 miles

• Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 – Best wet-weather summer tire

  • Pros: Great rain performance, comfortable ride

  • Cons: Slightly less dry grip than Pilot Sport 4S

  • Treadwear Rating: ~340

  • Expected Life: ~25,000-35,000 miles

    
    

Best All-Season Tires for a Miata 🌦️

If you prefer convenience and don’t drive in extreme snow or heat, all-season tires are a good compromise.

• Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 – Best performance all-season

  • Pros: Great grip for an all-season, works in light snow

  • Cons: Still not as good as real summer/winter tires in extremes

  • Treadwear Rating: ~500

  • Expected Life: ~40,000-50,000 miles

• Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus – Best for wet conditions

  • Pros: Amazing wet grip, decent tread life

  • Cons: Slightly softer sidewall feel

  • Treadwear Rating: ~560

  • Expected Life: ~50,000 miles

• Goodyear Eagle Exhilarate – Best budget all-season performance tire

  • Pros: Good dry and wet grip, affordable

  • Cons: Less sharp handling than Michelin/Continental

  • Treadwear Rating: ~500

  • Expected Life: ~45,000 miles

    
    

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DISCLAIMER: This article was prepared by a club member and a matter of opinion.  Tire choice is your decision and neither the Peak-to-Peak Miata club or any of its members accepts any responsibility for the tires you choose, modifications you make or how you choose to drive your car.