What are all-season tyres?
What are all-season tyres
Tyres labelled as all-season are created to withstand varying degrees of temperature and different seasons, including light snowfall. Instead of being made of a rubber compound that stiffens in the cold, as is the case with summer tyres, or softens in the heat, as winter tyres do, they are made with a compound that remains pliable throughout a broad range of temperatures.
What are their functions
- All-season tyres come with M+S (Mud and Snow) markings
- Most all-season tyres also include the 3PMSF symbol, which indicates that they have successfully completed a snow traction test
- All-season tyres are constructed with moderate tread depth and sipes to offer winter grip
- All-season tyres are made to be used for all seasons, so there is no need to switch them out at different points in the year
Who are they best for
All-season tyres are a good option for UK drivers that experience moderate snow and do not want the added cost and difficulty of switching out to winter tyres. All-season tyres are good for cold temperatures, rain, and light frost, which are all commonplace in Britain.
What are their limitations
When compared to the summer tyres and winter tyres made for specific seasons and conditions, all-season tyres will not be able to compare in terms of quality and performance. If drivers are more often exposed to severe winter conditions with heavy snow or frozen roads, the winter tyres made for those conditions are the better and safer option.