Splashing out on all-weather tyres

All-weather tyres could be the ideal solution for some people – but what are the benefits?

As the weather turns colder, wetter and more autumnal, the types of tyre we use can change. The swap from summer tyres to winter tyres is the most obvious one, but there’s another choice too – allweather tyres.

Sometimes referred to as all-season tyres, these combine the benefits of both summer and winter tyres to deliver a middle ground of sorts.

Let’s take a look at what they are and how they work ...

What’s the difference between an all-weather and a summer tyre?

The differences between summer and all-weather tyres are kicked off by the type of rubber compound they use.

All-season tyres use a type of rubber which has been designed to give performance at a variety of temperatures – be that warm or cold.

However, since summer tyres have been designed to offer the best performance at temperatures over seven degrees, all-seasons can’t quite match summer rubber for outright performance.

The contour of the tyres is different too. Summer tyres are round, whereas all-weather tyres are square and more like that of a winter tyre. It’s so that these tyres can give better grip in winter conditions.

In addition, the grooves on the allweather tyres have been designed to clear water effectively while also helping to add grip in snowy conditions.

Switching across to allweather tyres takes away the need to swap your tyres over halfway through the year, without them becoming dangerous

Can all-weather tyres be used on all cars?

For the most part, yes. All-weather tyres can be used on the vast majority of standard cars. However, there is likely to be a more limited range of size.

What are the benefits of all-weather tyres?

Whereas winter tyres should only really be used when temperatures seriously dip, all-weather tyres can be used throughout the year. Yet in light wintry conditions, all-weather tyres perform considerably better.

It does mean that there’s no need to make the switch every six months from a summer tyre to a winter tyre; you’ve got one set of rubber which, essentially, does both jobs to a good standard.

Should you make the switch? Switching across to all-weather tyres takes away the need to swap your tyres over halfway through the year, without them becoming dangerous.

However, if you drive a performance car they may not be for you – all-season tyres may not offer the speed rating that higher-output vehicles require.

All-weather tyres, above, combine the benefits of both summer and winter tyres to deliver a middle ground of sorts.