DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ALL SEASON, SUMMER AND WINTER TYRES

The weather changes all year, which impacts road conditions. Your car will gain from obtaining seasonally appropriate tyres installed on the wheels. It’s even a legal obligation in several countries. This article will go through the distinctions between three types of tyres: all season tyres, winter tyres, and summer tyres. Matching the appropriate tyres to the appropriate season is important. This entails driving with summer tyres during the warmer months and winter tyres during the colder months. Continental Tyres Southampton guarantees that both performance and safety are maximised throughout the year.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE ALL-SEASON TYRES?

With a few exceptions, all-season tyres do precisely what their name implies: they function in all seasons year-round.

APPEARANCE OF ALL SEASON TYRES

The all-season tyre has multiple strong tread blocks. These are traditionally placed in a chevron design. The tread depth is neither too shallow as in summer tyres nor too deep as in winter tyres.

When comparing all-season against winter tyres, the tyre compound is generally tougher. Because of which, these tyres do not, however, wear as quickly and thus all-season tyres have a better tread life. However, its compound is not as tough as those of a summer tyre. As a result, the tread life is reduced when compared to summer tyres.

PERFORMANCE OF ALL SEASON TYRES

When summer tyres are compared to all-season tyres, the all-season tyres are less flexible and therefore can grip as effectively as the summer tyre. The tyre has fewer edges due to the huge tread blocks. These, however, are necessary for gaining traction on snow and deeper ice. As a result, the all-season tyre is a risky move for colder climates and rural or hilly places. It’s just not designed for tough snow and ice, as stopping and cornering aren’t as good as it is with winter tyres. The same is true for excessive heat: control and grip cannot compete with summer tyres on dry, heated pavement.

However, the all-season tyre combines the best of both tyres. It still performs effectively in mild snow and provides decent traction in both dry and wet conditions. As a result, it’s an excellent tyre for drivers who usually travel in cities and temperate climes.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE SUMMER TYRES?

One thing is certain: When purchasing a seasonal set, it is best to purchase both summer and winter tyres. Except, of course, you reside in a region that is either hot or perpetually cold. In the latter case, winter tyres could be used all year. Or, in the case of hot weather, summer tyres. The summer tyre, as the winter tyre, is designed for specific weather conditions and provides optimal safety and comfort.

APPEARANCE OF SUMMER TYRES

Summer tyres feature fewer grooves with larger and more robust ribs, along with shallow tread depth. In turn, it increases tyre handling and durability while also preserving fuel and decreasing rolling noise. Due to this, the tread block is comparably larger. The material is malleable. As a result, you’ll have more grip, as well as superior braking abilities and cornering on both wet and dry surfaces.

PERFORMANCE OF SUMMER TYRES

Summer tyres feature excellent traction, especially on wet and dry roads, thanks to grooves and tyre ribs. Due to their higher handling and braking skills, they are also renowned among sports drivers. Moreover, summer tyres ensure a high standard of comfort despite their improved handling, braking, and traction. While also minimizing rolling noise. And, due to the decreased resistance, a reduced rolling noise frequently equals lesser fuel use.

WHAT EXACTLY ARE WINTER TYRES?

Winter tyres are made to be utilised in cold regions, mostly when there is a lot of snow and ice. They are a secure bet throughout the cold season because they excel at this period of the year. Some regions have winter tyre standards in place for safety purposes since it is frequently cold.

APPEARANCE OF WINTER TYRES

Winter tyres have a deeper tread pattern compared to all-season tyres. The edges thus are also known as biting edges. Furthermore, winter tyres also have a recurring arrangement of thin incisions which are known as sipes. As you travel on the snow, it compresses.

The compound of winter tyres is the most softest and flexible of the 3 tyre varieties. Because of its elasticity, it provides a greater grip and is also unafraid of cold temperatures.

PERFORMANCE OF WINTER TYRES

They give greater grip in conditions below 7 °C thanks to their soft substance. In addition, unlike the other tyres, they remain responsive in this range of temperature. Winter tyres, on the other hand, get even softer in conditions over 7 °C, which results in rapid tread wear.

The deep tread design allows winter tyres to drain out extra slush. Furthermore, featuring these biting edges improves the traction on ice and snow. The sipes present in the tyre are another part that contributes to improved snow grip. Tyres Southampton handles better by cramming the snow in between them. The sipes help to enhance traction in snowy conditions, while also improve handling, and reduce levels of noise.