Why Two Sets of Wheels & Tires (Winter + Summer) Beat All-Seasons Every Time
At European Auto Service Shop, we recommend dedicated winter and summer tire sets on separate wheels for maximum safety, performance, and value — especially in snowy regions like Chicago. Sure, all-season tires seem “convenient,” but they wear out faster overall, compromise grip in extremes, and cost you more in the long run. Let’s break it down with real numbers based on average U.S. driving (13,000-14,000 miles/year per FHWA 2024-2025 data) and tire lifespans.
The Longevity Math: How Two Sets Outlast One Set of All-Seasons
- Average annual miles: 13,500 miles/year (U.S. drivers, per FHWA/BTS 2024-2025).
Winter season miles: ~4,500 miles (4 months at reduced driving).
- Summer season miles: ~9,000 miles (8 months).
Tire Setup
Two Sets (Winter + Summer)
_________________
All-Seasons Only
Winter Lifespan
40,000 mi (Michelin X-Ice Snow warranty; 4-6 winters)
_________________
N/A (compromised in winter)
Summer Lifespan
60,000-80,000 mi (Premium all-season/summer)
________________
50,000-70,000 mi (SUV average, Consumer Reports/Tire Rack)
Total Miles Before Replacement
~100,000+ mi combined
________________
50,000-70,000 mi
Years of Use (at 13,500 mi/yr)
7-8 years
__________
4-5 years
Bottom line: With two sets, each tire set is used only half the year — no heat damage in summer hot pavement kills winter tires.
Cold winters aren’t safer when using summer/all-season tires. With the 2 sets you get 30-50% more total mileage, peace of mind (better grip = fewer accidents), and time savings (quick 30-min swaps vs buying/installing new all-seasons sooner).
Extra Savings: No Rush Replacements + Better Efficiency
Avoid early all-season burnout: All-seasons harden below 45°F, losing 20-50% grip on snow/ice — and wear 20-30% faster in extremes.
Fuel & time wins: Optimized tires = better MPG (up to 2-5% savings) + no shop visits mid-season.
Upfront cost (~$1,200-2,000 for sets of tires/wheels**) pays off in 3-4 years via longevity + safety.
For the Skeptics: "What About Resale? The Buyer Won't Want the Extra Set!"
Think you'll "lose money" on the second set?
Wrong — it's a selling point!
Buyers love “winter-ready” cars with two fresh sets: safer, no immediate tire costs.
Sell the extra set yourself (e.g., winters on Marketplace for 50-70% value) or leave it — informed buyers pay $300-800 more for the convenience (per forums like Reddit/Bimmerpost).
Dealers often deduct for wrong-season tires (e.g., winters in summer), but two sets on OEM-style wheels boost appeal — especially for European SUVs like BMW X5 or AUDI Q7.
the bottom line
Don’t want to end up in a ditch?
Calling the tow truck? Or worse — totaling your car?
It’s much safer (and smarter) to let your wallet “suffer” a little upfront for proper winter tires and wheels… rather than emptying it completely on repairs, accidents, or worse.
Peace of mind is priceless — and at European Auto Service Shop, we make it affordable.
Contact us today for your winter wheel/tire package and drive confident this season!
