With the UK’s unpredictable weather, many drivers assume one set of tyres can handle it all. Milder winters here mean winter tyres aren’t a priority for most, leading to the misconception that their tyres are suited for all seasons. In reality, research from Continental Tyres shows that while 64% of UK drivers think they have all-season tyres, less than 10% actually do. Could all-season tyres be the answer for UK drivers?
We put Continental’s AllSeasonContact2 tyres head-to-head with their PremiumContact summer tyres to see how they stack up in real-world UK conditions. Using two identical cars, we tackled soaking-wet straight tracks for braking tests and slippery circular circuits to push the tyres’ grip and handling to the limit.
Both were tested at the same speed to give a clear, no-nonsense comparison — and to answer the big question: do all-season tyres really give you an edge in Britain’s famously soggy weather?
What is the difference between all-season tyres and summer tyres?
All-season tyres and summer tyres are designed for different conditions. They have deeper treads and extra sipes to handle wet, cold roads and are made with a rubber compound that stays flexible in cooler temperatures. They’re a jack-of-all-trades option for changeable weather.
Summer tyres, on the other hand, are built for warmer months, offering sharper handling and shorter stopping distances in dry or hot conditions. But when the temperature drops, they harden up and lose grip, making them less reliable in winter.
Dynamic straight-track testing
To ease into the tyre testing, we started with straight-track braking assessments. This involves driving a car in a controlled environment at a consistent speed — 40mph in this case — and performing an emergency stop. The goal was to measure each tyre’s braking performance in dry conditions, providing a baseline before moving on to more demanding wet and icy tests.
The test was conducted with a Mercedes A-Class, first fitted with PremiumContact summer tyres, followed by an identical car equipped with AllSeasonContact2 tyres. Each test was repeated under identical conditions to ensure accuracy and reliability in the results.
Summer tyres
With the summer tyres, the car demonstrated solid braking performance on the dry track. As expected, these tyres are designed for warmer weather, so they provided excellent grip and responsiveness during the emergency stop.
All-season tyres
The same test with the all-season tyres revealed a slight improvement. The car stopped just under half a car length sooner than it did with the summer tyres. This marginal gain might not seem significant in perfect conditions, but it highlights the adaptability of all-season tyres even in dry environments.
Both sets of tyres performed admirably on the dry straight track, with only a minor edge going to the all-season tyres. While this difference might not feel critical in everyday dry driving, it’s a promising sign for how they might handle less predictable conditions. The real test would come in wet and icy scenarios, where even half a car length can be the difference between a close call and an accident.
Wet dynamic straight-track testing
Following the dry track tests, we moved to the wet dynamic straight-track to assess braking performance in challenging conditions. As before, we maintained a consistent speed of 40mph and performed emergency stops, this time on a water-soaked surface. This test was designed to evaluate how well each tyre type retained grip and controlled stopping distances in wet conditions.
Summer tyres
In the wet, the summer tyres delivered reasonable grip, maintaining stability during straight-line braking. However, their stopping distance was noticeably longer than in dry conditions, as expected. While they managed the challenge well, their performance highlighted that wet surfaces aren’t their strong suit.
All-season tyres
Switching to the all-season tyres brought an immediate improvement. Not only did they maintain better grip in the wet, but they also stopped significantly quicker. Compared to the summer tyres, the difference was striking — approximately two car lengths shorter in stopping distance.
The wet dynamic straight-track test underscored the versatility of all-season tyres. While summer tyres performed adequately, their wet braking distances lagged behind, making the all-season option a safer and more reliable choice in rainy conditions
Wet circle testing
To truly push both tyre types to their limits, we took the test cars to the wet skidpan, a controlled environment designed to simulate slippery conditions. The aim was to evaluate the tyres’ ability to maintain grip in more extreme scenarios. The test took place on a large, round track drenched by sprinklers, creating a greasy surface that would challenge even the most capable tyres.
We began with a slow 15mph lap to assess initial grip, then gradually increased speed to see at what point each tyre type began to lose traction. This allowed us to test how well each set of tyres responded to handling slippage and recovery at higher speeds.
Summer Tyres
Starting with the Continental PremiumContact summer tyres, we noted that they held their own at lower speeds, maintaining solid control through the wet circle. The tyres performed well up to 22mph, showing good grip and stability. However, when we pushed beyond that speed, grip began to slip, and traction loss became more apparent. At this point, it was harder to regain control, and braking took longer to bring the car to a stop.
All-Season Tyres
Switching to the all-season tyres, the results were noticeably different. The tyres didn’t lose grip until we reached 25mph, and when they did, the slide was more gradual, making it easier to regain control. The all-season tyres also regained traction faster as the car slowed, giving the driver more confidence in slippery conditions.
The wet circle test revealed a clear distinction in how the tyres handled slippery, greasy surfaces. While the summer tyres struggled to maintain grip at higher speeds, the all-season tyres provided a smoother, more controlled experience in challenging conditions. The gradual loss of grip and quicker recovery of the all-season tyres makes them a more reliable option when navigating slippery, wet surfaces, offering better control and safety.
Verdict
Continental’s PremiumContact summer tyres performed well in the mild and dry conditions they were designed for, delivering strong braking performance. They also surprisingly held up reasonably well in the wet dynamic straight-track testing. However, the AllSeasonContact2 tyres demonstrated a clear advantage on slippery surfaces, offering better grip and control where the summer tyres struggled slightly. For UK drivers, where weather conditions can shift quickly, all-season tyres offer a practical solution for improved safety and performance year-round.
FAQs
In what conditions do all season tyres perform best?
All-season tyres are designed to perform well across a range of weather conditions, making them a versatile choice for many drivers. They maintain flexibility in cold weather, which is crucial for traction on icy or snowy roads, while also providing stability in warmer conditions.
How do all-season tyres compare to winter tyres?
While all-season tyres are designed for a balance of all conditions, winter tyres provide superior performance in cold, snowy, or icy conditions. Winter tyres feature softer compounds and deeper treads for better traction in harsh weather.
How can I tell if I have all-season tyres fitted to my car?
To check if your car is fitted with all-season tyres, take a look at the markings on the sidewalls. All-season tyres often have “All-Season” or “AS” printed on them. You might also spot the M+S (Mud and Snow) symbol, which indicates the tyre is designed to perform in a variety of conditions. If you’re still unsure, it’s worth asking a tyre specialist to confirm.
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