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Summer, Winter, Or All-Season Tyres – An Overview

· Automotive

Selecting the right type of tyre is crucial as your driving safety depends on it. So, to help you choose the perfect tyre type, we have gone in-depth about summer, winter, and all-season tyres and their differences.

Winter Tyres

Winter Tyres Ipswich are not only fit for snowy or icy roads but also offer adequate traction in a rainy climate. They also better the car’s stopping distance. The amount of natural rubber in these tyres is more than all other tyres. This particular characteristic ensures that they remain soft and flexible during cold conditions. So, it leads to better handling and grip. 

The extra grooves present in these tyres are called sipes. They can disperse water underneath the tyres, maintaining direct contact with the road surface. So, it lessens the risk of aquaplaning. You will also get enhanced traction because of the grooves.

The deep and distinct tread pattern ensures that snow is tightly packed into the gaps. So, the snow in the tyre and the road sticks together, improving their grip. Thus, there is a reduced chance of skidding. Keep in mind to inspect the tyre wear. In the case of standard tyres, the tread should be at least above 3mm. The tread depth limit for winter tyres is 4mm. Going below this can jeopardise your safety.  

You will see a “snowflake on a mountain” symbol on the sidewalls of all the Cheap Tyres Ipswich. Winter tyres are compulsory in Germany, Austria, and Sweden but not in the UK.

Summer Tyres

These tyres have lesser natural rubber content than winter tyres. So, they can retain flexibility and softness in mild temperatures. The rubber used is more rigid than what is used to make winter tyres. These tyres have tread bars and grooves, which decrease the chances of aquaplaning on watery roads. They have better longitudinal and latitudinal grip in mildly hot conditions. 

They provide good service on dry and wet roads. Summer tyres are perfect for the months between April and October in the UK.

The rubber compound used doesn't lose its softness in warmer temperatures. The rolling resistance decreases, which means you can move your car with a little bit of power. Moreover, it consumes less fuel and can last more miles. 

Summer tyres generally have a basic block-shaped tread pattern. It offers a larger road footprint, thus resulting in extraordinary handling and reduced braking distance.

Difference Between Summer Tyres And Winter Tyres– 

  • The natural rubber content is higher in winter tyres than in summer tyres.
  • Summer tyres become rigid in cold weather, but winter tyres retain flexibility and softness.
  • Summer tyres have more grooves than winter tyres. 
  • Winter tyres perform the best at temperatures below 7°C, while summer tyres do so above 7°C. 
  • The tread pattern of summer tyres is simple and block-shaped. The winter tyres have a special, deeper, and distinct tread pattern. 

All-Season Tyres

All-season tyres offer car owners a middle ground between summer and winter tyres. They can retain their structure’s flexibility in low temperatures due to the high amount of silica. The tread patterns are a mixture of summer and winter tyres. All-season tyres offer better service in winter than summer tyres. They also offer better performance than winter tyres in summer. As an added plus, you don’t need to change your tyres after every six months. 

Why are all-season tyres popular in the UK?

The unpredictable weather of the UK is very well known. You might even see all four seasons in a day! This is the main reason behind the rising popularity of all-season tyres. They provide excellent service on wet roads. So you enjoy this additional perk as this country sees a lot of rain. 

All-season tyres are made from a uniquely designed compound. They have a tread pattern that ensures the best performance in all weather. You will get the extra boost you might need to travel on snowy roads from these tyres.

All-Season Tyres – Advantages

All-season tyres are gaining popularity due to their versatility. You can use them for the whole year. Their advantages are stated below – 

  • All-season tyres are ideal in areas that have moderate summers and winters, along with rain.
  • These tyres have many tread patterns that offer better handling on dry roads. So they provide better service in summer than winter tyres.
  • This type of tread design also disperses water easily and offer the driver an improved grip in winter. Thus, they are a better choice than summer or standard tyres in winter. 
  • All-season tyres can save you money as you don’t need to buy two tyre sets. You can last a whole year running on one. They have an affordable price range and thus are economically friendly. Moreover, you can also save money on fitting costs. 

These Car Tyres Ipswich types have their advantages. So, it is up to you to decide which will suit you the best. Base your decision on your driving habits and the kind of weather you face. Take care that the tyres you select are in line with the guidelines of the vehicle manufacturer.