All-season tyres demonstrate balance of driving qualities in various road conditions, which makes such tyres year-round. All-season tyres are made of rubber compounds that are designed with an eye to the operation of tyres in wide temperature range and in all weather conditions. Theoretically, this sounds very attractive. However, in fact, things are not so rosy.

The change of seasons for all—season tyres is simple matter.

Combining diametrically opposite qualities in one bottle is not an easy task. Good all-season tyres still combine them, but with some reservations. Allseason tyres occupy middle position between winter and summer road conditions, so severe frosts and scorching heat are definitely not for them. In the extreme cold, universal tyres quickly "stiffen", and in the sweltering summer heat they become too soft, which is why they "float" when laying turns.

The tread of asymmetric "all—seasons" is often "drawn" from two halves: the part of the treadmill closer to the outside of the wheel has characteristic winter "drawing" with developed network of lamellae, and closer to the inside — pronounced summer structure with an eye to effective aquadrenage.

The best visualization of the nature of all-season tyres with an asymmetric tread pattern.

Tyres with symmetrical placement of blocks usually have low tread and are assembled from separate checkers with slats of small depth. The shoulder areas of the tyres are rounded in order to ensure good lateral stability of the car.

The perfect temperature range for all—season tyres is approximately from -7 °C to +20 °C. At lower temperatures, the tyres simply solidifies, which increases the braking distance and affects the loss of traction. In the hot summer heat, the all-season tyres do not "steer" in the best way and become more susceptible to premature wear. For each specific model of all-season tyres, the temperature limits of comfortable use may differ more or less.

Popular all-season tyres

How is the all-season tyres marked?

You can find out year-round tyres by special marking on the sidewall:

  • All Season;
  • All Weather;
  • M + S (Mud + Snow);
  • R + W (Road + Weather);
  • AW (Any Weather);
  • AGT (All Grip Traction);
  • a sign in the form of mountain peak with three peaks and snowflake inside it.
The symbols "M + S" on the sidewall of the tyre literally translate as "mud and snow". And the presence of the 3PMSF "mountains and snowflake" icon on the side directly indicates the possibility of using the tyre in the winter season.

It is suggested to get acquainted with other designations on the side surface of tyres in the framework of separate article "Tyre marking from A to Z".

The main advantages of all-season tyres:

1. There is no need to change them, which means you can save time and money on the procedure of seasonal tyres re-cleaning.

2. All-season tyres are perfect for the off-season and regions with mild climate without extreme sub-zero temperatures and extreme heat.

3. All-season tyres provide high level of driving comfort. All due to the fact that they are many times softer than the same summer tyres.

4. Year-round tyres are notable for low noise when rolling in comparison with winter tyres.

All—weather qualities are one of the main trump cards in the sleeve of year-round tyres.

The main disadvantages of all-season tyres:

1. Fairly narrow temperature range of safe operation (approximately from -7 °C to +20 °C).

2. Deterioration of handling in extreme heat, aggravated by increased tread wear.

3. "Oak" in the cold, can not cope with loose snow and icy roads.

4. Absolutely not suitable for drivers who prefer an aggressive driving style and laying dashing turns.

5. Increase fuel consumption in summer due to excessive softness.

With all the effort, the all-season tyres are too tough to block the characteristics of both summer and winter tyres in one bottle.

As a result, the "all-season" will suit the drivers of "iron horses" from the southern regions who prefer calm driving style. This tyres is specially designed for temperate climate without characteristic weather highs and lows. Also, all-season tyres are applicable in cities where it is customary to clean the roads well from snow in the first hours after precipitation. Snow porridge under the wheels of car can be too much for "all—seasons", and small icy hill is an insurmountable obstacle. For personal car, it is best to buy two good sets of summer and winter tyres (including studded for the harshest conditions).

Interesting fact. All-season tyres account for the lion's share of the market for truck tyres and tyres for minibuses. In these categories of automotive "shoes", year-round tyres almost single-handedly rule the ball.

Initially, many cars are equipped with all-season tyres "from the conveyor". Otherwise, with the change of seasons, car dealers would have to constantly change their shoes at the exposition. And all-season tyres are almost guaranteed to be found on American cars that have traveled lot on highways.

Have a smooth ride!