All-season tyres – who are they for?
The running costs of a car are so high that many people are looking for ways to save money. One idea is to use all-season tyres, which have recently become quite popular amongst drivers. Is this the right choice? It certainly offers convenience and savings – not just in terms of money, but also time. We explain how to recognise such tyres, what their characteristics are, when to fit them, how long they last and, finally, whether they can replace seasonal tyres – summer and winter tyres.
What makes tyres all-season tyres?
The appropriate choice of construction materials, as well as the tyres’ design itself, determines whether they can be used all year round. When a manufacturer states that tyres are all-season, this means that:
- they are hard, like summer tyres, when the temperature rises,
- they are flexible, like winter tyres when it’s cold,
- are made from a mixture (in varying proportions) of resins, oils, synthetic rubber, silica, modifiers and fillers.
How can you tell if tyres are all-season tyres?
The difference between all-season and seasonal tyres is obvious at first glance. On closer inspection, you’ll notice that the tread isn’t as deep as on winter tyres. However, it is contoured enough to successfully disperse water and mud, whilst maintaining good grip even on dusty and hot tarmac.
Your observations should be confirmed by the symbols on the tyres. These are the following marks:
- M+S, which stands for ‘mud and snow’ and is used on winter tyres, meaning they are suitable for a variety of terrain conditions, including mud and snow,
- 3PMSF (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake) – this mark is awarded to tyres that have successfully passed tests relating to manoeuvrability and safety when driving on snow,
- All Weather/All Seasons/4Seasons – as the name suggests, these are tyres designed for driving at any time of year, whatever the weather.
If you are looking for all-season tyres, choosing models marked as shown above guarantees driving safety in all conditions and optimum grip.
When should you buy all-season tyres?
Buying all-season tyres isn’t always a good idea. For example, if you live somewhere with harsh winters, you should have a separate set of winter tyres. This is because all-season tyres cannot cope with driving on steep, snow-covered roads – there is a risk that they will skid, and they will certainly wear out faster than normal.
How long do all-season tyres last?
When it comes to the durability of all-season tyres, there are several factors to take into account. First and foremost, the type and quality of the product, which varies depending on the materials used in its manufacture. Finally, there is the question of how intensively you use your vehicle, where you drive and what your driving style is like. It is certainly worth keeping an eye on tread wear, however. It is generally accepted that all-season tyres should be replaced every 4–6 years. This period is extended if you remember to have your wheels balanced regularly and to rotate them between the axles (from the rear to the front and vice versa).
All-season tyres or seasonal tyres?
This is a question to which there is no clear-cut answer. Many drivers prefer summer and winter tyres, considering them to be safer. Others – mainly drivers who do not drive much, live in a temperate climate and travel on urban roads – opt for all-season tyres as a cheaper and more convenient option. Motorway drivers also say that all-season tyres are perfectly adequate for them. To sum up – this is a good option in places where the climate is temperate and winters are mild.