Close Are All-Season Tires Good for Chicago Winters?
The short answer is yes. All-season tires can handle a Chicago winter, but how well depends on what “winter” means for us this year.
All-season tires are built to cover a wide range of weather, but they are a compromise. The rubber compound and tread design are balanced for flexibility and long tread life. They will work great in most conditions: wet leaves, light snow, plowed streets, and Chicago’s lovely snow-and-rain mix. When it gets too cold and the roads glaze over, they can start to feel stiff and lose grip.
Winter tires use a softer rubber that stays flexible in the cold. The tread blocks are deeper with thousands of biting edges. That is what keeps you moving when regular tires struggle.
What All-Season Tires Do Well
- Handle most weather you will see from March through November
- Offer a quiet, comfortable ride on dry pavement
- Provide decent traction in light snow and slush
- Last longer than true winter tires
Where Winter Tires Win
- Stay soft below 40°F to keep grip when others slide
- Bite into packed snow and ice with aggressive tread patterns
- Shorten stopping distances in cold, slick conditions
- Give you more control on turns and hills
If you drive mostly around town and stick to plowed roads, good all-seasons will get you through. If you head out early, live in the country, or we have a lot of ice this year, dedicated winter tires are worth it.
Think of all-seasons as a heavy coat and winter tires as a full-blown parka. Both keep you warm, but one is built for a deeper freeze.
If you are due for tires, River Front Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram has the Mopar Buy 3, Get 1 for $1 sale running right now, plus $75 off an alignment when you buy four tires. That means all four get Mopar Tire Warranty coverage at no added cost, and you roll out knowing your vehicle tracks straight.
Our Locations
River Front CDJR
- 200 Hansen Blvd
- North Aurora, IL 60542
- Hours and Directions
Sales
630-538-7691
| Monday: | 9:00 am - 9:00 pm |
| Tuesday: | 9:00 am - 9:00 pm |
| Wednesday: | 9:00 am - 9:00 pm |
| Thursday: | 9:00 am - 9:00 pm |
| Friday: | 9:00 am - 9:00 pm |
| Saturday: | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Service
331-258-1802
| Monday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Tuesday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Wednesday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Thursday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Friday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Saturday: | 7:00 am - 3:00 pm |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Parts
630-405-5687
| Monday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Tuesday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Wednesday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Thursday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Friday: | 7:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Saturday: | 7:00 am - 3:00 pm |
| Sunday: | Closed |
Ram Truck Center
- 1851 Orchard Gateway Blvd
- North Aurora, IL 60542
- Hours and Directions
Commercial Sales / Business Link
630-907-1700
Dealership Information
Testimonials
I can’t say enough good about the service.
We just purchased our 7th vehicle from them.
“ I’ve been buying vehicles from River Front Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge since 2017, and over the holiday weekend we just purchased our 7th vehicle from them. That alone says a lot about the trust and confidence we have in this dealership. Since day one, John Provenzano has taken care of my family’s vehicle needs and has always gone above and beyond. He is personable, accountable, and truly listens to what we need rather than trying to push us into something that doesn’t fit. He takes the time to make the process easy, stress-free, and personal. If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about finding the right vehicle for you and your family, I highly recommend asking for John. We’ll definitely continue coming back! ”
They made the whole experience smooth and simple.
“ We recently got our ProMaster from River Front Ram Truck Center, and I have to say Miles was the best to work with. He was very transparent, straightforward, and made the whole process feel easy. It wasn’t just Miles either — everyone at the dealership was honest, helpful, and really cared about making sure we got what we wanted. Buying a van can usually feel stressful, but they made the whole ProMaster buying experience smooth and simple. This is honestly the best van we’ve ever had, and I really appreciate Miles for helping us through everything and making sure we were taken care of. Thank you, Miles! ”
They have always been the dealer of choice.
“ I went to dealership for service recall not expecting to buy a new car. I found a new car while browsing the inventory which matched my desires and needs unexpectedly. They were gracious enough to allow me to take the car home and show it to my wife. Then they made the purchase of same easier than one might expect. They have always been the dealer of choice in my three previous purchases for care and service. I would (and have) recommend this dealership to anyone seeking a new vehicle. ”
Helpful and courteous.
“ Employees were helpful and courteous ”
Great experience!
“ Chip took good care of me. He did his leg work the repair costs. Very courteous and helpful. Completely explained the repair work. Great experience! ”
Friendly and professional
“ Service was friendly and professional ”
Very quick and easy
“ Th service I received was very quick and easy. Mike G was very helpful. ”
Quick and easy, in and out.
“ My experience at River Front CJDR for the last 12 years has been great and this time was know different. I purchased a new 2026 Jeep Compass, this is my 11th vehicle from River Front. Dave Trisha and marylin made the experience quick and easy, in and out. ”
Easy and fun.
“ Overall great and smooth experience. Dan Spooner and the rest of the team made buying a vehicle easy and fun. ”
Great people to work with!!
“ We recently purchased a Jeep from River Front CJDR and I can't believe how smoothly it went. I have never had a more positive and enjoyable experience purchasing a vehicle. We are VERY pleased with their service. From the minute I requested information online to the last minute after signing the papers we have not one complaint. Citlaly, Jim S and Vinnie are the BEST!!! They truly made us feel so comfortable throughout the whole process. Great people to work with!! We highly recommend them if you are in need of a vehicle! Thank you River Front!!! ”
Responsive employees.
“ Exception service process with responsive employees. ”
It was quick and easy process!
“ Miles was extremely helpful. He answered all questions I had, showed different options and didn’t pressure me into making a decision. It was quick and easy process! ”
Seamless purchase process.
“ I’ve been going to Riverfront to purchase all my cars for a reason. Trust and no pressure. Seamless purchase process. Thanks to the group and thank you Danny Spooner! ”
Great customer service
“ Great customer service. Clean. Friendly and GREAT hot chocolate while you wait. The online sales person was there to greet us as we walked in, and then she handed it over to the sales rep, Tracey, to complete the sale. Vinnie from finance was really friendly and efficient! This process is dreaded by many, but everyone at River Front made it go as smooth as can be and we were out of there in less than 2 hours, which is impeccable timing for the car sales industry. ”
Felt no pressure to buy.
“ Rob was fantastic at explaining all the new features on the 2026 Ram, felt no pressure to buy. Terry and Vinny in finance were outstanding as well! I will bring all my future business here to River Front Dodge. ”
Excellent like always.
“ Excellent like always, personal always looking for ways to save you money. ”
Erza was exceptional!
“ Erza was exceptional! We had several dealings with him over the course of 2025. He did an amazing job to make sure I was completely satisfied with the service. He went above and beyond to get the warranty coverage. The warranty company was less than cooperative but Ezra made things work for us. He is truly an asset to your company. ”
They made it hassle-free.
“ Recently purchased a used Ram at this dealership. Miles and Trish went above and beyond in terms of communication, ensuring the vehicle was checked out and prepped properly, and even followed up continuously after the sale on a few paint touch-ups. First time I actually enjoyed purchasing a vehicle. They made it hassle-free. Would definitely consider coming back in the future. ”
Highly recommend!
“ Purchased a new 2025 Jeep Wrangler today. I found River Front online and I worked primarily with Jim S who was great to work with. Communication was great and the buying process was efficient. There was ZERO pressure to buy all those "extras" most dealers push. I felt like the pricing was fair, I was treated respectfully and I would definately go back for my next Jeep! Overall a great buying experience - highly recommend! ”
Tire FAQs for Chicago Winters
Are all-season tires good for Chicago winters?
Yes. They handle most winter days we see in the suburbs. When temperatures drop and ice hangs around, winter tires provide better grip and shorter stops.
Do I need winter tires near me in North Aurora?
If you leave early, park outside, drive rural roads, or expect a lot of ice this year, winter tires are a smart move. City driving on plowed streets can stay on quality all-seasons.
How many months should I use winter tires in Illinois?
Plan for late November through March, depending on the season. Swap when daytime highs sit near 40°F or lower.
What is the difference between all-season and all-weather tires?
All-weather tires aim for better snow and ice traction than standard all-seasons and may carry the 3PMSF symbol. They still trail dedicated winter tires in deep cold.
Do winter tires wear faster in warm weather?
Yes. The softer rubber is built for cold. Switch back to your regular set when spring returns to keep tread life strong.
Are you part of the Gerald Auto Group?
River Front Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram shares the North Aurora Auto Mall with Gerald stores, but we are independently owned and not part of the Gerald Auto Group.
“ Thank you very much!!! I had a starter problem on Friday before the Holiday weekend and needed my truck to haul my trailer, Chip and Ray at the Ram dealer took excellent care of me and had my truck ready by 3 in the afternoon can’t say enough good about the service thanks again ”