Choosing the right tyres can feel like a balancing act, especially with the UK’s unpredictable weather. One day it’s warm, the next it’s wet, and suddenly you’re waking up to frosty roads. While 64% of UK motorists believe they have all-season tyres fitted, the reality is less than 10% actually do, according to research from Continental Tyres. Most drivers stick with summer tyres, often assuming they’re suitable for all seasons — but they can struggle to grip in colder conditions.
Winter tyres, on the other hand, can feel unnecessary in our milder winters. This is where all-season tyres come in, offering the best of both worlds. But do all-season tyres really live up to their promises in the UK’s ever-changing climate? We’re breaking down the key benefits to help you decide whether they’re worth the investment for your car.
What are all-season tyres?
All-season tyres are designed to incorporate the benefits of summer and winter tyres into a single product. Unlike summer tyres, which are optimized for warmer, dry conditions, all-season tyres are made from a more flexible rubber compound that can handle lower temperatures without hardening. This allows them to maintain better grip and performance on cold, damp, or even frosty roads.
The tread pattern of all-season tyres is designed with wider grooves and a V-shaped pattern, which helps channel water away more effectively than summer tyres. This improved water dispersion boosts grip on wet roads, reducing the risk of aquaplaning and offering more confidence when conditions are unpredictable.
Plus, the rubber compound stays flexible in temperatures below 7°C, so they maintain better grip in cooler weather, where summer tyres would start to lose their edge.
How do I know if my tyres are all-season?
The easiest way to determine if your tyres are all-season is to check the sidewall for specific markings. Look for symbols like M+S (Mud and Snow), which indicates the tyre performs well on these surfaces, or the three-peaked mountain with a snowflake (Alpine symbol), which confirms the tyre has passed snow traction tests and meets winter performance standards.
You might also find the tyre name printed on the sidewall, such as AllSeasonContact 2, which you can cross-reference on the manufacturer’s website. If you’re still unsure, check your car’s handbook or consult a tyre specialist to get a definitive answer.
Should I buy all-season tyres?
In the UK, summer tyres remain the default choice for most vehicles, despite being specifically designed for warm weather conditions that only align with around 65% of a typical British year. But with the UK climate being so unpredictable, summer tyres can leave drivers struggling during colder months, particularly when temperatures dip below 7°C. This is where all-season tyres offer a compelling alternative.
Steve Howat, general manager of technical services at Continental Tyres, explained: ‘The UK experiences milder winters compared to other European countries; therefore, the use of winter tyres isn’t as high on the priority list for most drivers.
‘This can lead to a misconception that the tyres on their vehicle are suited for ‘all seasons.’ In reality, a large proportion of UK motorists drive on summer tyres and are unaware of the benefits of all-season tyres in varying weather conditions.’
On the flip side, all-season tyres aren’t as specialized as winter tyres when it comes to deep snow or extreme ice conditions. If you’re tackling the snowy Highlands or braving Cumbrian Fells in the depths of winter, dedicated winter tyres might be a better shout.
For most UK drivers, though, where the weather tends to be more drizzly than dramatic, all-season tyres offer a solid balance. Ultimately, whether all-season tyres are right for you depends on where you drive and the conditions you face — but for many, they strike an excellent balance.
Are all-season tyres cost-effective?
All-season tyres can make good sense for many UK drivers, offering a solid combination of convenience and cost savings. Rather than swapping between summer and winter tyres, an all-season set ensures you’re always prepared for whatever the weather throws at you. While prices do vary, we found Continental PremiumContact 7 R16 tyres priced at around £70 each, while the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 in the same size comes in at approximately £75 per tyre.
The small premium for all-season tyres is often outweighed by the lack of need for twice-yearly tyre changes, saving on fitting and storage costs. While you might pay a bit more upfront for the all-season option, the year-round performance and reduced hassle make them a smart investment for drivers who want to keep things simple while tackling the UK’s unpredictable weather.
How do all-season tyres perform in different weather conditions?
To understand how all-season tyres handle different conditions, we compared Continental’s AllSeasonContact 2 tyres to their PremiumContact 7 summer tyres. The temperature during our testing was around 11°C, providing a good representation of typical UK driving conditions.
Testing included straight-line braking at 40mph and wet circle steering. In dry conditions, the all-season tyres stopped half a car length sooner. On wet straight track, the difference widened, with all-season tyres stopping two car lengths shorter. They also held grip up to 25mph in wet cornering while regaining traction quicker when slowing down, outperforming summer tyres, which lost stability above 22mph.
Our mini tyre test highlights that all-season tyres deliver superior grip and control in wet or icy conditions, while still matching the performance of summer tyres on dry roads.
FAQs
Can you mix all-season and summer tyres?
No, it’s not recommended to mix all-season and summer tyres. Each type is designed for specific conditions, and combining them can lead to uneven handling, braking issues, and reduced grip in challenging weather. For the best safety and performance, all four tyres on your car should match in type and tread pattern. If you are thinking about switching to all-season tyres, it’s best to replace all four at the same time.
Can I use all-season tyres in heavy snow?
All-season tyres are fine for light snow and slushy roads but start to struggle in heavy snow or extreme icy conditions. For serious winter weather, dedicated winter tyres are always the better bet — they’re built with deeper treads and a softer compound to deliver superior grip and control. If your area regularly sees harsh conditions, switching to winter tyres is the safer option.
Do all-season tyres last as long as summer or winter tyres?
All-season tyres are designed to balance performance across multiple conditions, and their lifespan can vary depending on how and where you drive. In extreme heat, they might wear slightly faster than summer tyres due to their adaptable tread compound. However, in mild climates, they often last just as long as summer or winter tyres, provided they’re well-maintained. Regular checks on alignment, pressure, and rotation can help maximise their lifespan, ensuring you get good value from them.
