Winter or all-season tyres?

TÜV SÜD has shared its thoughts on winter and all-season tyres. While the testing and certification specialist doesn’t wish to cast doubt over the safety advantage winter tyres offer when driving on snow and ice, it also considers all-season tyres a suitable choice for motorists who only drive in flat or lowland regions and spend a lot of time on the motorway.

“Before buying tyres, drivers should be aware of how they use their vehicle in winter. Anyone who drives into the mountains every weekend requires winter tyres. However, commuters that often travel on the motorway can also potentially get safely through winter with all-season tyres,” comments Michael Staude from TÜV SÜD. Staude’s remarks are directed at German motorists, who generally have to contend with average temperatures a couple of degrees below ours. While the balance tips even more in favour of all-season tyres in the UK, the same pre-purchase considerations should be taken.

The decision process, adds Staude, should be guided by the knowledge that winter tyres provide optimal grip in the snow and on icy surfaces, whereas all-season tyres’ strengths primarily lie in their wet weather characteristics and the comparatively higher mileage they deliver.