Winter on the road: what tires to choose?

Winter or all season tires? The choice of tires is the eternal dilemma of drivers. One is cheaper to use because it does not require frequent replacement; the other is safer because it is finally adapted to specific conditions. What to choose in this case, so as not to lose security, and at the same time not leave the wallet empty?

All season tires are becoming more and more popular on our roads. Every tire manufacturer has them in their offer. They seem to be cheaper to use, don't need replacing as often as seasonal models, and you don't have to worry about storing them. However, do they handle winter conditions as well as winter conditions? Before you decide to replace your tires with all-season tires, check for whom and in what situations they are best suited. Only then decide: winter tires Or all year round?

 

Cost of a new set of tires

The choice between all-season and winter tires usually focuses on the financial aspect, and more specifically on the cost of replacing tires every six months. However, these are not the only costs. Of course, when choosing all-season tires, we buy only one set for several years. For seasonal: two sets. This is already adding to the cost. 

The price of an all-season tire is higher than that of a winter model. However, it should be remembered that premium all-season tires have comparable performance to a mid-range winter tyre. So there is no point in skimping on quality. In addition, only top-end all-season models guarantee a stable and comfortable ride without excessive noise. So if you focus on comfort, then in the case of all-season tires there is no room for savings. 

Tire change and storage

The average price of a tire change usually ranges from PLN 80-150. It depends on the size of the wheels, type of rims or tire pressure sensors. In addition, there may be unplanned payments, for example, for wheel balancing. We change seasonal models twice a year. One set is enough for about 4 years. The service of changing the wheels in spring and autumn for the period of using the same sets of tires +/- PLN 1000! Added to this is the cost of storing them in the curing shop if we cannot hide them at home.

In this respect, all-season tires are definitely cheaper to maintain than seasonal tires. We can avoid the above costs, or at least keep them to a minimum, by changing the tires ourselves and storing them in our own premises. At the same time, however, we must remember that the room in which we store our winter kit must be cool. Tires lose their properties at high temperatures, even if they are not used. 

Vitzimalosh

If you are still in doubt about the choice of all-season or winter tires, let's follow the parameters - or rather, wear resistance. Since all-season models run all year round, they need to be changed more often than winter ones. They wear out faster up to 30%. The wear-resistant tread can be used in summer, but it is no longer suitable for winter trips.

Then when should you choose all-season models? Tire manufacturers proceed from the fact that their users are mainly urban residents who use the car on short trips, and their annual mileage ranges from 5-7,5 thousand kilometers. km. Then one set should be enough for 4 years. 

Traction and braking on snow

And are all-season tires suitable for winter? So far, there is no all-season tire on the market that achieves the same safety performance as winter models in winter conditions. However, this does not mean that they are worse off. Our climate has warmed up in recent years. Winters are no longer as cold as they used to be, and heavy snowfalls are becoming less common. In addition, roads - especially in cities - are regularly cleared of snow and sprinkled. As a result, all-season tires also perform very well in these conditions. However, it should be remembered that in the case of snowy or icy surfaces, no all-season model will achieve such good parameters as a winter tire, especially when it comes to grip in corners and reduced braking distances.

In addition to the financial aspect, the choice of tires depends on several factors: the quality of winter, driving style and kilometers traveled. If our driving style is relaxed, then all-season models will handle winter conditions just fine. In a situation where we expect a sports car to seize, which we do not want to give up even in winter, multi-season tires may not work. 

winter transport

All-season tires work well in urban winter conditions, with normal driving. However, if you travel a lot, run a company in which road transport is important, travel a lot and on long trips, then choose a winter model. In the case of a fleet, these vehicles usually operate under heavy loads and are subject to rapid wear and tear. At the same time, heavy vehicles have yet to cope with snow-covered corners and effectively brake. An all-season tire requires frequent replacement and wears out much faster than a winter tire.

"Multi-season" and regulations

What is the law of all this? According to legal regulations, a winter tire must carry the appropriate 3PMSF marking, which is assigned to it after certain conditions have been met. Every all-season tire has them. Formally, all-season models are winter tires. In winter, many countries require winter tires. All-season tires are allowed there and can be driven legally.

In Poland, movement is allowed on all-season models, but on one condition. These tires are characterized by a reduced speed index, as they are classified as winter tires. When driving on such tires, information about the reduced speed index should be placed in a place visible to the driver, inside the car. Many other countries use a similar solution. This is because all-season tires considered as winter models may have a lower speed index than would be the result of the vehicle's performance. Regardless of whether you choose all-season or winter tires, they are officially approved for use.

All season or winter tires

To sum it up: both winter and all-season tires perform well on Polish roads in winter. All-season models are the ideal solution for city drivers on everyday trips. In such conditions, the choice of all-season tires allows you to save money without losing safety. 

Winter tires are an excellent choice for drivers who drive a lot, regardless of the time of year. These models work well both in the city and on snowy, off-road. In addition, they are the only tires that are suitable for vehicles. In this case, there is no room for compromise. Winter tires are also designed for drivers with a sporty character. They will show themselves perfectly with fast and dynamic driving.

It doesn't matter if you choose winter or all season tires. In any case, common sense on the road is reliable. In fact, our approach largely guarantees security. Without it, none of the tires will work.  

See the offer of winter models: https://www.sklepopon.com/opony/zimowe