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Features of all season tires


All-season tires are popular with car owners who do not want to pay for two sets of tires and consider them to be universal tires. Let's try to figure out whether all-season tires are really universal and can replace winter or summer tires. Find more here: firestone weathergrip review

All-season tires: what are they?

It is believed that "all-season" can be operated at any time of the year. This category includes all models that have performed well at temperatures close to zero, when driving is most dangerous. In their manufacture, special rubber compounds are used, the main feature lies in the special adhesion characteristics, due to which an excellent ride on ice and snow is ensured. In summer, all-season tires allow for comfortable cornering, but driving requires caution on the driver's side, especially on wet roads. It should be noted that these tires are ideal for European winters with mild colds and minimal rainfall. 

Today, there are also expensive tires on the market, the characteristics of which change under the influence of temperature extremes. There is an opinion that such rubber is the future, but so far they are rarely used.

Marking

The following designations will help to distinguish "all-seasons": "all season" (AS - all seasons), "tous terrain" (all surfaces), "Any weather" (AW - any weather). 

An error would be to consider the marking M & S, M + S - (M - mud, S - snow) all-season, because it is usually found in SUV tires. Some manufacturers label summer tires this way.

Differences between all-season tires and winter and summer tires

The main difference from winter tires is the absence of spikes and special velcro, which ensure normal movement on a snowy road. Therefore, all-season tires are not designed for use in climatic zones with harsh winters, the tread pattern will be clogged with snow. They should be discarded during heavy snowfalls, especially if there is no garage and the car is parked in the open air at night. 

The all-season tread pattern is divided into two parts: with fine grooves (like in winter ones) and solid blocks (like in summer ones). When used in summer, all-season tires wear out faster than summer tires.

How to choose an all-season tire?

We have already talked about the general rules on how to choose and buy tires . Now let's dwell on the "all-season". When buying tires, you need to pay attention to the manufacturer. The second indicator is the quality of the tread, the operating conditions play an important role, some models are designed for warm regions, others for suburban driving. Do not forget about the tire index: when choosing, indicators such as speed index, carrying capacity, compliance with international standards should be taken into account.