Avid vehicle enthusiasts will likely know that summer and winter tyres are developed from different rubber compounds which work at different optimum temperatures. Summer tyres perform best above seven degrees Celsius, while winter tyres are recommended when the average outdoor temperature drops below this.
The other main difference between the two tyres is within the tread. Summer tyres tend to have a wider tread with fewer grooves and an overall softer rubber compound, allowing them to provide maximum aquaplaning resistance and traction on wet roads. Winter tyres, however, are designed to offer more grip on tricky road conditions such as snow and ice. The tread consists of many grooves and a large number of sipes to increase traction.
The Tech of All Season Tyres
All-season tyres offer a perfect middle-ground for drivers who aren’t prepared to invest in winter tyres, as they combine the best features of summer and winter tyres. They can withstand both hot weather and the colder winter months, which is why they remain the ideal choice for UK drivers who tackle unpredictable weather and road conditions.
In terms of design, all-season tyres are comparable to summer tyres as they offer extra aquaplaning resistance in ambient temperatures. The tread of all-season tyres is developed from a unique rubber compound and consists of additional deeper grooves to provide stability on hazardous road conditions.
As drivers who opt for all-season tyres are unlikely to change their tyres over the year, they are engineered with symmetrical tread patterns to ensure even tread wear and extend the mileage of the tyres. This means all-season tyres should generally have a longer lifespan than their summer and winter counterparts.
One thing to note is that all-season tyres should not be used as a substitute for genuine snow tyres. For drivers who will be tackling heavy snow, sleet and dangerous icy roads, winter tyres offer the best stability and control. It is also essential to consider that in some European countries, it is required by law that your car is fitted with winter tyres during the colder months. So, if you are planning to drive through these countries in winter, it is always advisable to invest in genuine winter tyres.
Pros and Cons of All Season Tyres
If you still aren’t sure whether all-season tyres are for you. With the help from tyre experts etyres we have put together an overviews of the benefits and downfalls of all-season tyres:
Pros
- They offer extra stability in cold weather than summer tyres and more grip in warmer weather than winter tyres
- All-season tyres provide comparable performance throughout the year to the tyres specifically designed for each season
- Most premium and mid-range tyre brands now offer all-season tyres at competitive prices
- All-season tyres don’t need to be replaced when the average outdoor temperature drops below 7 degrees celsius
- They are developed from a unique rubber compound that remains flexible in colder conditions
- All season tyres are designed to cope with light snow and ice
- They are ideal for UK drivers, where our seasons are unpredictable
Cons
- While all-season tyres offer good year-round performance, specific winter or summer tyres will always out-perform in extreme conditions
- Some insurance companies will potentially lower your car insurance premium if your car is fitted with all-season tyres – due to the optimised performance of season tyres
- All season tyres usually have shallow tread patterns, which don’t work well in deep snow
- Due to their combined tread, they aren’t usually recommended for off-road driving
- Due to their longevity, all-season tyres are generally more costly than season-specific tyres
An Acceleration of Change
All-season tyres are a great example of emerging new technology which is already changing the face of transport. Following increased customer demand and expectations, innovators and businesses have had to strive to reach new heights of technological advancement.
Driverless technology is perhaps one of the most innovative developments to hit the transport industry. Although years away, the possibility of autonomous vehicles is on the horizon and many start-ups and established transport companies are starting to invest heavily in the technology to make this a reality.
Elon Musk is leading the digital revolution of the transport and logistics industries with Tesla, opening the world up to new possibilities of technological progress. Not only will driverless cars provide an environmentally friendly mode of transport, but it will significantly reduce running costs at the drivers’ benefit, with an outlook of lower emissions and better fuel economy.
While driverless cars are realistically over a decade from becoming a reality, low-emission and electric vehicles are currently in circulation and already providing benefits to both drivers and the environment. Electric cars eliminate the emission of toxic pollutants from vehicle exhausts, allowing for more eco-friendly driving and a massive reduction in our collective carbon footprint.
