Changing weather conditions often call for a change of tyres and two of the main options outside of traditional summer rubber come in the form of winter and all-season tyres.
These two tyre selections offer individual positives and negatives, but both can help to make driving in difficult conditions a little easier. All of the cars that we currently have here at Eden can be equipped with them, too, and if you’re looking to change not only your tyres, but your car, then head on over to our website where you’ll find the very latest models to check out. However, in this article, we’re going to be seeing the differences between winter and all-season tyres and which ones are right for you.
Winter tyres are just that - tyres that are designed for use in winter. As a result, they have a softer rubber compound which allows them to generate more grip in sub-zero temperatures than other tyres. Plus, you’ll find that winter tyres have deeper grooves and this enables them to ‘push’ more water, grit and debris to the side, leaving those treads free to maximise the available grip.
Winter tyres are designed to operate at their best in temperatures below seven degrees Celsius, so they will do well in a lot of winter-time conditions here in the UK. There doesn’t have to be snow or ice on the ground, either, as in cold temperatures winter tyres will routinely offer improved braking, cornering and overall traction compared with a summer tyre being used in the same conditions. They can also be a real help for drivers who live in remote areas - such as those that aren’t routinely gritted - and when combined with a four-wheel-drive system create a car that can tackle snowy inclines easily.
All-season tyres are slightly different to winter ones because - you guessed it - they’re designed to operate in all weathers, not just colder ones. Like winter tyres though they do have a softer compound compared with summer-focused rubber and this helps to develop more grip when things turn chilly. They also get deeper grooves to help clear away rain and standing water more effectively.
However, unlike winter tyres, all-season versions can still be used in warmer conditions and on dry roads. Plus, they usually have a deeper profile which could help to make your car feel a little comfortable while allowing it to be less susceptible to damage from potholes or other road imperfections.
Both winter and all-season tyres differ in some key ways from summer rubber. The biggest difference is the rubber compound; both winter and all-season tyres have a much softer compound which allows them to ‘key’ into the road surface at lower temperatures far more effectively than those designed for summer use.
Of course, during summertime they still won’t perform as well as a dedicated warm-weather tyre - though all-season ones will get close - but it’s this redesigned compound and deeper, more effective tread which helps to make them a far safer option for driving in colder climates.
If you live in an area prone to sub-zero temperatures - or in a location which isn’t gritted frequently - then a dedicated winter tyre will be a sure-fire choice. With them, you’ll know that you’re getting the best possible grip over snow and ice, which is a must if you rely on your car to get you out and about during tricky conditions.
However, for most drivers in the UK, it’ll be all-season tyres that will prove the most applicable. Like winter tyres they still work very well in cold temperatures, but you still can get good performance in warm, dry conditions - which winter tyres can’t bring.
The good news is that there’s great availability of both winter and all-season tyres from all kinds of brands in the vast majority of wheel sizes that you’ll find on the cars here at Eden.
The biggest downside of both winter and all-season tyres is that they can’t bring the same level of performance in warm temperatures that you’d get from a dedicated summer tyre. All-season tyres come close, but when compared to a usual summer tyre they still won’t be able to quite match up.
Another downside with winter tyres is that they can’t be used year-round, so you’ll need to store them during the off-season. This means that you’ll need an area to keep them and potentially a second set of wheels to use them with. There are winter tyre storage specialists but, of course, using them will incur an extra charge that you’ll have to factor into your overall car running costs.
Both winter and all-season tyres can help play a difference in how your car tackles poor weather. But if you’re considering changing your car too, then here at Eden we’ve got a range of vehicles that can help make the swap easier. Head over to our website today to view the current range and get in touch to find out more.