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?
To find out how they measure up, we tested Continental’s AllSeasonContact2 tyres against their PremiumContact summer tyres, driving two identical cars across a series of tracks designed to replicate the kind of weather we see in the UK.
The cars, one fitted with all-season tyres and the other with summer tyres, were driven at the same speed on soaking-wet straight tracks for braking tests and slippery circular circuits for steering and braking challenges. This gave us a direct comparison of how each set of tyres performed under the same conditions, to see if all-seasons really offer a solid advantage over summer tyres in the UK’s often damp weather.
Dynamic straight-track testing
We eased ourselves into the testing by beginning with the straight-track testing before moving on to the wet dynamic, which we’ll explain in more detail shortly. We began with a Mercedes A-Class fitted with the PremiumContact summer tyres, driving at 40mph on the straight track. From there, we performed an emergency stop to assess the tyres’ braking performance in dry conditions. We then did the same with an identical car, this time fitted with the AllSeasonContact2 tyres, to see how they compared under the same circumstances.
On the straight track, both the summer and all-season tyres stopped comparatively, the all-season tyres having a slight advantage, stopping just under half a car length less. While this difference might seem minor, it’s the wet and icy conditions where we really wanted to see how they compared — and where that small advantage could be the difference between avoiding a collision and not.
Wet dynamic straight-track testing
Next, we tested both sets of tyres on the wet dynamic track, where the performance difference between the summer and all-season tyres became much clearer. Like the straight-track test, we drove the car at 40mph to assess how each tyre handled the wet conditions.
Both tyre types kept grip in the wet during straight-line testing, but the all-season tyres had a much shorter stopping distance. On the wet dynamic track, the difference was striking — about two car lengths — with the all-season tyres stopping noticeably quicker than the summer tyres.
Wet circle testing
However, to push the tyres to their limits under more extreme conditions, we took the test cars to the wet skidpan. This specialised circuit allowed us to experience and learn how to control a vehicle in slippery conditions by providing a true test of the tyres’ performance in challenging scenario.
Picture a large roundabout, drenched with sprinklers, and exceptionally greasy. That’s the kind of challenge these tyres were up against. First, we tested the summer tyres, starting with a slow 15mph lap before increasing speed to see when they would start to lose grip on the track. Despite the tricky conditions, the Continental PremiumContact summer tyres still held their ground at lower speeds, maintaining good control throughout.
The tyres only lost grip when pushed harder, with traction slipping at 22mph as the throttle was increased, and the brakes took a little longer to stop the car. The difference was clear in how the tyres handled the slippage. The all-season tyres lost grip at 25mph, but the slide was more gradual, making them easier to control. They also regained traction faster as the car slowed.
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.
