What all-season tires to choose and should you buy them at all?
Many experts say that every driver should use two sets of tires in his car - summer and winter. This is necessary to improve driving safety and comfort. However, it is worth considering whether the purchase of winter tires is necessary in the Polish climate? In this context, a lot depends on how the car is used, but a solution that is definitely worth considering is the purchase of all-season tires, also known as all-weather tires. What are they characterized by and what all-season tires to choose? Here are some tips!
All season tires - specifications
Summer tires differ from winter tires mainly in the mixture, which changes its characteristics under the influence of temperature. On the other hand, all-season tires are an attempt to combine the properties of both types. Therefore, all-weather tires are much harder than for winter driving, but at the same time they do not lose their plasticity and elasticity under the influence of negative temperatures. As a result, they grip the pavement well, providing traction and keeping slush out from under the tires in winter and water in summer. Durability is also worth keeping in mind - all-season tires, due to their hard compound, do not wear out as quickly as winter tires at higher temperatures. In this regard, buying all-season tires is much more profitable than two separate sets.
What all season tires to choose?
There is an extremely wide range of all-season tires on the market – an exemplary offer can be found, among other things, at this link: https://www.emag.pl/tyres/c. All-season tires, like other types, are described using many factors. These are: size, load index, speed index, which must be adapted to the car model. In addition, you should pay attention to the so-called European Tire Label, i.е. label containing information about a particular model. We are talking about an indicator of rolling resistance that affects fuel consumption - the worse it is, the less economical the tire is, as well as grip on wet roads. Both parameters are described on a letter scale from "A" (the best properties) to "G" (the worst). There is also information about the noise emitted by the tire while driving.
When choosing all-season tires - you need to remember this
When choosing all-season tires, you need to look at their main parameters, which largely determine their properties. However, it is worth remembering that there is information that cannot be found on the tire label, such as the rubber compound used or the production method. They have a significant impact on the behavior of the tire while driving, in short, on its quality. This, however, most often goes hand in hand with price. You have to be careful with the cheapest all season tires. The difference in stopping distance or cornering grip can be very large. Tests, which can be easily found on the Internet, show that with theoretically the same type of tires from different manufacturers, the discrepancy in the braking length can reach several meters. These few meters in an extreme situation can affect the life of a pedestrian intruding on the road, as well as his own health or even life during emergency braking.
All-season tires - is it worth buying?
A multi-season tire in the Polish climate can be both a smart and safe choice. In recent years, winters are usually mild, with few days of heavy snowfall and severe frost. The rest of the time, the temperature is either positive or slightly below zero, and the snow quickly disappears from the streets. It is these conditions that can be considered suitable for the use of all-season tires. The purchase of such tires should be considered by people who drive mainly in the city or on frequently traveled routes where there is no snow, sleet and ice. If, on the other hand, the vehicle is used on roads with little traffic or in mountains or other "wavy" terrain, winter tires may still be a better choice.
