What to think of all-season tires?
The days are getting shorter, the mercury is falling: the tire change ball will soon begin. To simplify life and save money, some drivers drive on all-season tires. They can be a valid alternative to summer / winter tires, provided that you choose them carefully.
In order to run as little risk as possible on the road, most Swiss people drive with winter tires between October and Easter. Twice a year, they therefore give in to the tiresome operation of changing tires. You must also store the unused tire set. All of this costs time and money.
Those who want to save themselves the hassle can opt for all-season tires. But are they as reliable as our good old summer and winter tires?
A compromise between summer and winter tires
All-season tires borrow their characteristics partly from summer tires and partly from winter tires. Winter tires are more streamlined and made from a softer rubber mixture than summer tires, which gives them better grip on slippery and snowy roads. In general, they hang better than summer tires when the temperature is below 7 ° C.
Summer tires are harder and have shallower treads. They are particularly effective in hot weather and on dry pavement.
All-season tires seek to reconcile the advantages of each other. They are harder than winter tires, which reduces friction in the summer. But they are more flexible than summer tires, and therefore offer better grip in cold weather.
Disadvantages in extreme situations
Compromise solutions, however, have their limits, and they are felt when the weather turns to extremes. Winter tires are clearly more efficient on snow. And on dry roads, summer tires are distinguished by their shorter braking distance and by their reactivity.
Driving with all-season tires nevertheless has a major advantage: there is no need to change tires, which, depending on the car model, allows substantial savings. When purchased, finally, all-season tires cost roughly the same price as summer and winter tires.
Ideal for occasional drivers
Driving all year round with the same set of tires, however, results in faster wear. In Switzerland, if the law requires a profile at least 1.6 mm deep, experts recommend replacing summer tires when their profile is less than 3 mm. For winter tires, the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) recommends a profile of at least 4 mm. If the all-season tires meet the legal requirements, they must also guarantee that the driver can keep control of his vehicle at all times and does not constitute a danger for himself and for third parties. To get high quality tires go to tire dealer sites and check out federal ss595 review to make the best choice.
For whom are all-season tires interesting?
According to the Swiss Professional Automobile Union, this compromise solution is especially suitable for drivers who have a low annual mileage and who do not drive in the mountains in winter conditions. If you can afford to leave your vehicle in the garage after heavy snowfall and if you don't make regular trips south, all-season tires may do the trick. If, on the other hand, you have to take the wheel in extreme conditions (rain, salty roads, etc.), it is better to keep specific tires.
Driving all year round with the same set of tires, however, results in faster wear. In Switzerland, if the law requires a profile at least 1.6 mm deep, experts recommend replacing summer tires when their profile is less than 3 mm. For winter tires, the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) recommends a profile of at least 4 mm. If the all-season tires meet the legal requirements, they must also guarantee that the driver can keep control of his vehicle at all times and does not constitute a danger for himself and for third parties. To get high quality tires go to tire dealer sites and check out federal ss595 review to make the best choice.
For whom are all-season tires interesting?
According to the Swiss Professional Automobile Union, this compromise solution is especially suitable for drivers who have a low annual mileage and who do not drive in the mountains in winter conditions. If you can afford to leave your vehicle in the garage after heavy snowfall and if you don't make regular trips south, all-season tires may do the trick. If, on the other hand, you have to take the wheel in extreme conditions (rain, salty roads, etc.), it is better to keep specific tires.