Car tires come in winter, summer and all-season types. If the purpose of the first two types is clear to everyone, then car enthusiasts often have questions about all-season tires. When to use them? What are their characteristics? What is the difference between all-season tires and winter and summer tires?
All-season and winter tires. Comparison of main parameters
General characteristics of tires for all seasons and winter:
- Used at sub-zero temperatures. The rubber composition is balanced in such a way that it does not become hard in cold weather and remains elastic.
- They are distinguished by increased cross-country ability. The tread pattern in the form of individual blocks provides good grip on slippery roads.
- The design contains lamellas. They are thin cuts on the sides of the tire that resist slipping by clinging to snow and ice with their edges.
What is the difference between winter and all-season?
- Temperature range of use. If winter tires can be used at any negative temperature without restrictions, then all-season tires become too hard for safe movement even at -7 °C.
- Handling on slippery roads. The deep tread of winter tires (from 9 to 17 mm) allows you to easily maneuver during icy conditions. All-weather tires have lower tread. It is about 8-9 mm, so driving a car on such wheels is much more difficult.
- Braking distances. It has been experimentally proven that the braking distance on all-season tires is longer than on winter tires (by about 30%). This is a significant difference between all-season tires and Velcro and studded tires.
- Tread pattern. Winter tires are easily distinguished by their larger blocks and pronounced pattern. The sections on the running surface of “All season” tires are smaller. They are distinguished by a large number of drainage grooves, which improves its performance on wet asphalt.
Conclusion: tires intended for any season are inferior to winter tires in all respects. The difference is less noticeable at temperatures close to 0°C. On wet road surfaces, an all-season vehicle can show better handling due to high-quality water drainage.
Comparison of summer and all-season tires
General characteristics of these types of tires:
- good control on dry and wet asphalt at temperatures not exceeding +15°C;
- Effective drainage of water from tires on wet roads. The presence of special drainage grooves reduces the risk of aquaplaning (uncontrolled sliding on a wet surface).
All-season vs summer The difference is as follows:
- Composition of the material. The rubber in summer tires is harder and more durable. It does not become too soft at high temperatures, unlike all-season, which already at +20-25 °C begins to “melt” and becomes less controllable.
- Rolling resistance. Summer tires have a smoother tread, with a height of no more than 8.5 mm. They make it easier to move the car and save fuel.
- Noisy. The sipes and high tread of Allseason tires produce a noticeable sound on dry and hard asphalt, which is not the case with the summer version of the tires.
- Resource. Due to their softness, demi-season tires wear out very quickly. The difference compared to summer can reach up to 25%.
Conclusion: the main difference between summer tires and all-season tires is the degree of softness of the material. All-season tires are not suitable for use at temperatures above +25°C. At temperatures of about 10°C, it has almost the same characteristics as the summer one - it brakes well, is easy to control and effectively drains water from the working surface.
5 main differences between car tires by season
The considered characteristics can be summarized in one table. It will clearly demonstrate how winter tires differ from all-season and summer tires:
| Winter | "Allseason" | Summer | |
| 1. Tread depth | from 9 to 17 mm and more | 7.5 to 8.5 mm | From 7 to 8 mm |
| 2. Tread pattern | Large blocks. Lamels | Medium sized blocks. Lamels. Grooves for water drainage | There are no slats. The surface has a large number of drainage grooves |
| 3. Rubber alloy material | Soft porous | Has medium softness | Hard, smooth. |
| 4. Noisy on dry asphalt | Strong | Average | Small |
| 5. Cost* | 32 dollars | 60 dollars | 70 dollars |
* the cost of Nokian Nordman and NokianWeatherproof tires is given as an example
conclusions
- All-season tires occupy an intermediate position between winter and summer tires. It has average handling characteristics, directional stability and exhibits its best qualities at temperatures around 0°C.
- Visually, the difference between all-season tires and summer and winter tires can be determined by the tread. It has smaller depth and block size than the winter one and larger than the summer one. The all-season tire is also distinguished by the presence of shallow lamellas on the sides of the wheel.
- AllWeather tires are quite soft to the touch, but harder than winter ones.
- On the side of the wheel you can read the designations AllSeason (AS) or AllWeather.
Which tires to choose? Winter tires, summer tires or all-season tires?!
Many drivers who until recently were pedestrians ask the same question with the arrival of the winter season: how do winter tires (bottom) differ from summer tires (above). All over the world there is a rule that every car owner must follow: drive on summer tires in the summer, and change to winter tires in the winter.
Summer tires are made of durable rubber that can withstand high temperatures. Unlike winter tires, summer tires have a different pattern, this is due to the fact that they are often used in the rain or for driving on dry roads. It can also be noted. That summer tires are several times wider than their winter counterparts.
Winter tires
The main difference between winter and summer tires are the following criteria:
- Rubber composition;
- Design;
- The number of layers in the tread and their composition.
Tires intended for use in the winter season are made of soft rubber, which allows vehicles not to slip on ice. This is due to the fact that at low temperatures soft rubber acts as a suction cup.
Some models of winter tires have special studs in their structure, which are designed to increase friction on ice. Most often, this type of tire is purchased in case of constant driving on country roads, because in urban conditions studs are not necessary.
Many experts do not even recommend using studded tires in urban environments, because roads in big cities are cleaned and sprinkled with a special salt substance, on which tires with studded tires hold up much worse than without them.
Summer tires
The main criteria by which summer tires are selected are:
- High-quality level of adhesion at high temperatures;
- Reliable handling when cornering;
- Silence;
- Low resistance;
- Durability.
Based on the above points, you can understand that the manufacturing technology of winter and summer tires is significantly different. In turn, both types of tires are divided into:
- Radial. Characterized by comfort and softness;
- Diagonal ones help save fuel;
- Tubeless guarantees good sealing;
- Chamber ones are easy to repair.
How to distinguish winter tires from summer tires
Visually distinguish winter tires from summer tires possible according to several criteria. First of all, this is, of course, the presence of thorns on it. However, what if you have studless winter tires? Let’s say you want to buy tires secondhand, how can you determine its seasonality?
Especially for winter tires:
- deeper tread
- The tread pattern looks like a herringbone
- the presence of a large number of lamellas (thin slits)
- it feels much softer than summer tires
Now, knowing how summer tires differ from winter tires, you can make the right choice and equip your iron horse with high-quality tires.
From the point of view of the legislation of our country, the requirement to use rubber in accordance with the time of year is advisory. However, from the point of view of driving comfort, experienced drivers (or drivers who have had negative experiences as a result of driving in winter on summer tires) prefer to promptly change the “shoes” of their own car.
In a number of countries (for example, Germany, Austria, Norway, Latvia) drivers are required to use appropriate tires in winter (sometimes an alternative may be the use of summer tires, supplemented with chains); the laws of these countries clearly state the start and end dates of the winter season. In the Russian Federation, work is underway to create similar bills, but this work is significantly complicated by the size of the territory and significant differences in weather conditions in different regions.
Differences between summer tires
One of the differences between summer tires and winter tires is that the rubber used to make summer tires is harder - several performance characteristics of the product depend on this. So, if you use winter tires in the summer, they will wear out much faster; relatively soft winter tires will “melt” on the hot asphalt. In addition, the car's grip on the road will be much worse.
The tread of summer tires is also different, since the nature of the load on the tire differs in different seasons. Thus, winter tires provide excellent handling on snowy or icy roads thanks to studs and other tread elements that are a hindrance when driving in summer.
Separately, it is worth noting tires positioned by manufacturers as “all-season.” Such tires will be an excellent solution for areas where climatic changes with changing seasons are minimal (primarily, this applies to temperature conditions). Thus, the absence of snow, icy roads in winter and extreme heat in summer makes the use of such tires completely justified. However, if climate change is significant, then all-season tires show a sharp difference in the direction of deterioration in performance relative to seasonal tires.
Low profile tires
Tires with a low profile (you can read about what they are in the article “How to understand tire markings”) can make steering more “clear”, making it easier for the driver to control the car at high speeds, in other words, such tires are designed for an active driving style.
But low-profile tires are only good for use on good quality roads. If the roads on which the car owner usually travels have potholes and uneven surfaces, such tires will cause suspension failure.
Wide tires
For driving in summer, it is recommended to choose wider tires, since such tires provide improved dynamic characteristics of the car (handling, rapid acceleration and braking). This is achieved mainly by changing the configuration of the “contact patch” with the road.
However, when choosing wide tires, it is necessary to take into account not only the width, but also the quality of the product itself (rubber composition). This parameter is not directly indicated in the labeling, and it is unlikely that the rubber composition can tell much to a consumer who is unaware of such specific details.
Criteria for choosing high-quality wide tires may include a high speed index, the presence of the UHP marking, as well as price. In addition, a brand belonging to a European or American manufacturer can serve as an indirect guarantee of high quality. If you purchase Chinese tires, the markings may not always correspond to the actual characteristics of the rubber. More information about tires labeled UHP -Ultra High Performance (this abbreviation means “high-performance” tires) can be found in the article “Purpose and advantages of high-speed UHP tires” (link).
The downside of wide rubber is increased fuel consumption, since an increase in the “contact patch” is associated with an increase in “rolling resistance”. When choosing wide tires, it is important to remember that the risk of hydroplaning begins at lower speeds. Hydroplaning occurs when the wheel does not have time to remove water from the “contact patch,” resulting in a water film between the wheel and the road surface and the car becomes uncontrollable.
Differences between winter tires
The main differences between winter tires and summer tires are the “softer” rubber from which winter tires are made, as well as the tread pattern. At temperatures above 5 degrees Celsius, it is not recommended to use winter tires, since soft rubber “melts” under the influence of temperature, the degree of tire wear increases, and vehicle handling is significantly reduced. Summer tires (harder), on the contrary, become dull as the temperature drops, the likelihood of skidding increases, in addition, the wheel can literally tear apart even with a small puncture.
Naturally, for driving on icy, snowy roads, as well as for driving in off-road conditions in winter, the tread pattern of a winter tire must differ significantly from the tread on summer tires. What profile configurations are used by manufacturers to achieve different tire qualities will be discussed a little later.
Studded or non-studded tires
Studded tires can be an invaluable aid in certain driving conditions. When driving on smooth ice or compacted snow, acceleration dynamics increase, directional stability improves and braking distance decreases (compared to studless tires with a similar tread pattern).
When driving on cleared asphalt, tires with studs are inferior to non-studded tires in providing directional stability and comfort of movement (first of all, this is a high noise level), and the braking distance may increase. To some extent, the properties of studded tires are lost in warm weather on melted snow.
Thus, for a metropolis, where the condition of roads in winter is carefully monitored by road services, a vehicle driver can easily do without studded tires. If the vehicle is used in a mixed cycle in winter (city, highway, regional roads), then studded tires can significantly facilitate driving and make the ride more comfortable.
The quality of contact between the car and the road surface must be high both in the summer heat and in severe frost. That is why there are summer ones.
Much has been said about the need for proper use of seasonal tires.
Everyone knows that when the ambient temperature goes up or down through the mark of 7 0 C, the car should be “changed” to tires appropriate for the season.
How to distinguish winter tires from summer tires?
Physical and chemical properties
Winter tires feel different from summer tires - they are much softer, since the percentage of rubber in their composition is higher than that of tires intended for summer use.
When driving in low temperatures, winter tires warm up, becoming soft and elastic, providing reliable traction.
If winter tires are used in the summer season, they begin to literally “melt” and are subject to increased wear.
Summer tires, on the contrary, have the property of cooling when driving in high ambient temperatures, while maintaining their rigidity and shape.
During the cold season, summer tires become extremely hard, causing the tire's contact area with the road surface to be significantly reduced, worsening the vehicle's stability on the road and increasing the likelihood of losing control.
Shape and tread pattern
The main distinguishing feature of winter tires from summer tires is the presence of studs on the surface of their treads.
In this case, there is no doubt that you have winter tires in front of you. What if the tires are studless? The shape and tread pattern will tell you a lot.
Winter tires, unlike summer tires, have more. winter tires have a diagonal structure with a developed network of channels for water drainage, as a result of which it is very similar to the silhouette of a Christmas tree (European type of tires) or consists of a large number of diamond-shaped figures located at a decent distance from each other (Scandinavian type).
The presence of a large number of thin slots (lamellas) on the tread surface and powerful lugs on the periphery will unmistakably indicate that such a tire is intended for use in the winter season.
As for summer tires, the tread lugs have a larger area, the pattern has a less intricate shape, and the sipes on the tread surface are either completely absent or present in small quantities.
Markings and symbols
The side surface of a winter tire must be marked with the symbols “M+S”, “M&S”, “MS”, and the inscriptions “Mud+Snow” or “Winter”. A common designation for winter tires is a snowflake icon.
If there are no such markings on the tire or if it has a pictogram in the form of a sun, it is a summer tire.
There are also all-season tires labeled “Allweather” or “Anyseason”. These tires are designed for use in climatic conditions with minimal temperature changes and are more suitable for use in the western or southern parts of Europe.
Good luck to you! No nail, no rod!
Many will say that the main difference between one car tire and another is the tread pattern. The pattern is really different; the side of winter tires is covered with a large number of zigzag-shaped slots, which are called sipes. Such frequent notches increase the traction of tires on roads covered with snow or ice. But this is far from the only feature.
Imagine what will happen to a school eraser in the cold? It will lose its flexibility and will be easy to break. A good example. The same principle applies to the effect of cold on summer tires. Therefore, winter tires contain special tread additives that provide additional flexibility and elasticity, which is maintained even at low temperatures. Typically, the chemical composition of rubber is developed by the manufacturer taking into account different temperature conditions.
Tires for any weather
Currently, so-called all-season tires are popular, combining the qualities of summer and winter tires. However, it cannot be argued that such versatility can be safe and acceptable at any time of the year. It is recommended to use such tires only in fairly warm climatic conditions, in those areas where the thermometer rarely drops below zero in winter.When to use winter tires
Velcro is a more durable winter tire than studded tires, and is also cheaper.Winter tires should be used at temperatures up to +5 °C. The higher the temperature, the more plastic and softer the rubber becomes, thereby reducing the car's stability on the road. Winter tires can be studded or studless, popularly called “Velcro”. Studded tires are used for maximum safety when driving on icy roads. Velcro has the same short braking distance as studded tires, but makes less noise and vibrates on the asphalt.
As for summer tires, their feature is the ability to fully realize the dynamic characteristics of the car on dry roads. And also the ability to combat aquaplaning, thanks to the presence of a large number of longitudinal grooves that help drain water from the tire.
According to the rating of Za Rulem magazine, the best summer tire of 2013 was the Continental ContiPremiumContact 2.
Tires should be changed on time. But after replacement, the question arises about proper storage of the second set of tires. If the tires are removed from the rims, it is recommended to place them vertically. If wheels are stored together with disks, then they can be placed horizontally on top of each other. With this storage method, you should periodically turn the rubber over.
