Motorists are increasingly opting for all-season tyres.
Very popular on the American continent where it first appeared, the all-season tyre is becoming more and more successful in the daily lives of European motorists. It is presented by tyre manufacturers as a good alternative to avoid changing summer and winter tyres.
These tyres represent a versatile and reassuring solution for drivers looking for simplicity and efficiency.
What is an all-season tyre?
You will find it under many names on the market: All Season tyre, All Weather tyre, 4S tyre, mixed tyre, all-season tyre, all-weather tyre… All these names refer to a hybrid tyre that is halfway between standard "summer" tyres and winter tyres.
All-season tyres are designed to adapt to the various climatic conditions encountered throughout the year, without the need for a change at the approach of each new season.
The performance of all-season tyres is constantly improving, and their versatility allows motorists to drive safely all year round.
For the 4S tyre to be effective, the rubber compound used in its design borrows both the rigidity of the summer tyre and the flexibility of the winter tyre. The tread design is also worked to offer optimal grip whether the ground is dry, wet, or icy.
How to recognise an all-season tyre?
To identify a mixed tyre, the first thing to do is to check the sidewall for the "Four seasons", "All Weather", "All Season" or "4S" pictogram. There are several markings specific to manufacturers to indicate that a tyre is all-season, find here the list of tyre markings.
On all-season tyres, you will also find the "3PMSF" (Three-Peak Mountain Snow Flake) marking, indicating that the tyre has been tested and meets the minimum performance criteria in winter conditions.
This marking ensures that your all-weather tyres have been rigorously evaluated and are deemed safe for driving on snow. In some countries or regions, legislation requires the use of tyres with this marking during the winter months.
The all-season tyre has almost the same tread pattern as a winter tyre, with more numerous and pronounced grooves in its central part. The sipes facilitate water evacuation. Despite the similarities in the tread pattern of the two types of tyres, the all-season tyre is less soft than a winter tyre. Its components are indeed designed to adapt to winter, summer, and intermediate seasons. It will therefore not be as hard as a summer tyre, but less soft than a winter tyre.
Why opt for all-season tyres?
Choosing all-season tyres is above all about convenience. No need to change your tyres twice a year, all-season tyres are suitable for both summer and winter (in regions where winter conditions are moderate). This also allows for savings on the storage of unused tyres and on mounting and dismounting costs.
All-season tyres are an excellent choice for drivers who live in regions where weather conditions are unpredictable or change rapidly, making it difficult to predict the best time to change tyres.
For those who occasionally drive on mountain roads or in regions where the law requires special equipment in winter, all-season tyres are ideal as they have the 3PMSF certification.
Are all-season tyres approved for winter?
All-season tyres with the 3PMSF (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake) marking are approved for driving on snow just like a winter tyre.
As a reminder, a tyre bearing the 3PMSF symbol has been specifically tested and certified for its performance in winter conditions, particularly on snow. This symbol indicates that the tyre meets traction standards on snow and offers better grip in difficult winter conditions.
Which all-season tyres to buy:
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The most sought-after all-season tyre sizes:
Who are all-season tyres for?
The majority of European motorists continue to use summer tyres all year round. However, these are not very effective in winter and can cause serious accidents. Wheels equipped with all-season tyres are therefore a real safety gain.
They are particularly recommended if:
- You live in a region with mild weather conditions (with little or no snow, and summer temperatures that are not extreme).
- You have a tight budget and want to avoid buying two sets of tyres and changing them each season.
If you do not live in a mountainous region and only occasionally visit snowy areas, you can keep your 4S tyres. However, it is advisable to have snow chains in case the road is difficult to navigate.
How do all-season tyres compare to winter and summer tyres?
All-season tyres VS winter tyres:
In regions with mild and lightly snowy winters, all-season tyres are a good alternative. However, in places where snow is frequent and abundant, a winter tyre remains the best option to ensure optimal safety.
The rubber compound, tread pattern and depth, and the number of sipes differ between a winter tyre and an all-season tyre. Winter tyres generally have additional sipes to better grip snow and ice, while all-season tyres must balance these characteristics to maintain good performance on dry and wet surfaces.
All-season tyres are a reasonable choice for drivers who encounter moderate winter conditions and want to avoid seasonal tyre changes.
All-season tyres VS summer tyres:
All-season tyres are designed to be used all year round, offering decent performance in winter and summer. They use flexible rubber and a versatile tread pattern.
In comparison, summer tyres are optimised for hot temperatures and dry roads, with harder rubber.
The choice between the two depends on the region, climate, and individual preferences. All-season tyres are suitable for moderate climates, while summer tyres are better suited for summer conditions.
Conclusion:
All-season tyres stand out for their ability to handle most weather conditions, from summer heat to winter chill, without requiring biannual tyre changes. They offer a balanced mix of flexibility, efficiency, and comfort.
However, keep in mind that all-season tyres cannot match the specialisation of summer or winter tyres in their respective conditions.
What is the lifespan of all-season tyres?
In general, all-season tyres have a similar lifespan to summer or winter tyres, averaging around 15,000 to 40,000 kilometres.
All-season rubbers perform well when handled with care. To get the most out of your investment, avoid sudden accelerations and braking, adopt smooth driving, this will help preserve your tyres so they last longer.
What should you remember about all-season tyres?
All-season tyres are particularly suitable for regions with unpredictable weather conditions, offering increased safety without requiring two annual changes.
They are designed to adapt to various weather conditions throughout the year, with a combination of summer and winter tyre characteristics.
Compared to winter and summer tyres, all-season tyres offer a versatile solution, although their specialisation is not equal to that of tyres specific to each season.
Opting for all-season tyres offers convenience benefits, saving on storage and seasonal changes.
