April 7, 2025 at

All-Season vs. Winter Tires: The Ultimate Comparison Guide for Drivers

What are the differences between winter tires and all-season tires? Choosing the right tire can help you have a safer driving experience during the winter months. When you understand the differences between winter tires and all-season tires, you can achieve better performance in cold and snowy weather.

Differences Between Winter Tires and 4-Season Tires

What are the differences between winter tires and all-season tires? Why should tires be changed according to the season?

Tire selection is very important for vehicle use and safety. Especially choosing tires suitable for changing weather conditions is vital for the safety of drivers and passengers. Understanding the differences between winter tires and all-season tires and understanding why it is necessary to change tires according to the season will help drivers to act consciously.

Winter tires are tires designed to perform better, especially in cold weather conditions and on snowy roads. The most distinctive feature of these tires is their special rubber compound and deeper tread pattern. Thanks to these features, winter tires remain flexible at low temperatures and provide better grip on snowy surfaces. In addition, thanks to the water drainage channels, water stays between the tire and the road, preventing the formation of puddles and reducing the risk of aquaplaning. Thanks to these features, winter tires offer safer driving in cold weather conditions.

On the other hand, 4-season tires are generally designed for use in mild climatic conditions and on roads that are not covered with snow. These tires usually have a harder rubber compound and a smoother surface pattern. Thanks to these characteristics, all-season tires perform well over a wide temperature range and adapt to changing weather conditions. However, they do not perform as effectively at low temperatures and on snowy ground as winter tires.

The reason for changing tires according to the season is that tires should be used in accordance with their design features and performance capacities. Drivers who will travel on snowy and icy roads, especially in the winter months, using winter tires will ensure a safe driving experience. Likewise, using 4-season tires in the summer months may cause loss of performance at lower temperatures.

It is also important to be careful and comply with legal regulations in countries where it is a legal obligation to change tires according to the season. In some countries, the use of winter tires is mandatory depending on certain date ranges and drivers who do not comply with these rules may be fined.

How are Winter Tires Designed?

Winter tires are specially designed to perform better in low temperatures. Their construction and compounds are optimized to improve handling and traction. In addition, the tread patterns of winter tires are specially designed to provide better braking on icy or snowy surfaces.

The greatest feature of winter tires is that they remain flexible even in cold weather conditions. This gives the tires better grip and improves driving safety. Grooves and trenches in winter tires allow water and mud to drain away quickly, keeping the surface of the tires dry and providing better handling.

Advantages of Winter Tires in Winter Conditions

Using winter tires provides a better driving experience on snowy or icy roads. These tires offer better handling, shorter braking distances and better traction in winter conditions. This improves driving safety and enhances vehicle control.

The advantages of winter tires also include better water drainage and better mud adhesion. This helps keep the surface of the tire clean and dry and improves handling. In addition, winter tires provide better flexibility as they are manufactured using a softer compound, which contributes to better handling.

Limitations of 4 Season Tires in Winter Conditions

The biggest advantage of 4-season tires is that they can be used in all seasons. However, in winter they may not be as effective as winter tires. 4-season tires are designed to perform better in warmer weather conditions and therefore use a harder compound in winter.

Like winter tires, all-season tires have tread patterns. However, these patterns are not as sharp and deep as in winter tires. This can result in less grip and braking performance in winter conditions. 4-season tires may provide less traction than winter tires on hail or icy surfaces.

Performance Comparison of Winter Tires and 4-Season Tires

The performance of winter tires and all-season tires varies in different weather conditions. Winter tires perform better at lower temperatures, while all-season tires perform better at higher temperatures.

On snowy or icy roads, winter tires offer better handling, shorter braking distances and better traction. Therefore, it is recommended to use winter tires during the winter months. 4-season tires are more preferred because they can be used in all seasons.

However, the difference in performance between winter tires and 4-season tires depends largely on weather conditions. If the region you live in has harsh winter conditions and a lot of snowfall, it is safer to use winter tires. However, if you live in a milder climate, 4-season tires can provide you with adequate performance.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Winter and 4-Season Tires

When choosing between winter tires and all-season tires, it is important to consider some factors. Here are these factors:

  1. Weather conditions: The weather conditions in your area are important for determining which type of tire is more suitable. If your area has harsh winter conditions, it is safer to use winter tires.
  2. Driving habits: Your driving style and habits can also influence the choice of tires. If you drive your car frequently and cover long distances, winter tires can provide you with better handling and driving safety.
  3. Budget: Winter tires are generally more expensive. Therefore, it is important to consider your budget when choosing tires. 4-season tires may be more affordable, but they may not offer the full performance of winter tires.

Tips for Maintaining and Storing Winter and 4-Season Tires

Proper care and storage of winter tires and all-season tires will help them last longer. Here are some tips to consider in this regard:

  1. Check tire pressure: Tire pressure affects the performance and durability of tires. Low or high tire pressure can lead to tire wear and improper driving characteristics. Therefore, it is important to check the tire pressure regularly.
  2. Tire rotation: Tire rotation ensures that the tires wear evenly. This extends the life of the tires and ensures better handling. It is important to rotate winter tires regularly.
  3. Tire storage: There are some things to consider when storing winter tires or all-season tires. Clean the tires and store them in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. It is also important to store tires properly horizontally.

Customer Reviews and Experiences with Winter and 4-Season Tires

Reading other drivers' experiences and comments about winter tires and all-season tires can help you choose your tires. Online forums, car blogs and customer reviews can help you get a better idea.

Customer reviews and experiences help you learn about different tire brands and models. Other drivers' experiences are important to see the actual performance and durability of the tires.

Choosing the Right Tire for Your Needs

Choosing the right tire is important for a safe driving experience in winter. Understanding the differences between winter tires and 4-season tires will help you choose the most suitable tire for you.

You can make the right tire choice by taking into account the weather conditions of the region you live in, your driving habits and your budget. Winter tires offer better performance in harsh winter conditions, while 4-season tires provide a wider range of weather conditions.

Remember, choosing the right tire increases driving safety and strengthens the control of your vehicle. By choosing the right tire for your needs, you can have a safe and comfortable driving experience in all seasons.

Definition of Winter Tire and 4 Season Tire

Winter tires are tires designed to improve driving safety in cold weather conditions, especially on snow and ice. They generally perform best at temperatures below 7°C. Winter tires have a greater tread depth and their patterns allow the tire to grip better on snow. In addition, the rubber compound of winter tires is made to remain flexible even at low temperatures. This offers better traction and braking capacity on ice and snow.

  • Tires marked with the snowflake symbol are officially recognized as winter tires.
  • Winter tires contain special rubber compounds to provide better traction in cold weather conditions.
  • With deeper tread and special patterns, they are effective on snow and ice.

4-season tires, on the other hand, are designed to perform properly in both summer and winter conditions. While 4-season tires perform well in moderate temperatures, they may not be as effective as winter tires in harsh winter conditions. Although the tread patterns of most 4-season tires are optimized to improve performance on snow, the rubber compound of these tires is not as cold-weather compatible as winter tires.

  • 4-season tires are built to adapt to both warm and cold weather conditions.
  • Optimized patterns and rubber compounds make them ideal for use in mild climates.
  • They are not as effective in extreme winter conditions as winter tires.Rubber Compounds: Chemical Differences Between Winter and 4-Season Tires

Rubber compounds play a critical role in the performance characteristics of tires. Each tyre type uses a customized rubber compound to adapt to the climate and road conditions.

Rubber Compound Used in Winter Tires:

  • Low Temperature Flexibility: Winter tires are made from a blend of natural and synthetic rubber that can remain flexible even in sub-zero temperatures. This results in better grip on ice and snow.
  • Silica Addition: Silica is an additive that improves the wet performance of winter tires. The high silica content reduces braking distance by allowing the tire to make better contact with the road in cold weather conditions.

Rubber Composition Used in 4 Season Tires:

  • Balanced Flexibility: 4-season tires are designed to have the appropriate flexibility for hot and cold weather conditions. These tires are resistant to a wider range of temperature fluctuations.
  • Abrasion Resistance: 4-season tires often contain additives that increase abrasion resistance, such as carbon black, for longer life.

The chemical differences between winter tires and all-season tires reflect the design intent of these products. While winter tires excel in extreme cold conditions, all-season tires can adapt to different weather conditions throughout the year. It is important for consumers to make the right tire choice based on climatic conditions and driving needs. These details of rubber compounds are important for safety and performance.

Pattern Structure: Surface Designs of Winter and 4-Season Tires

One of the most obvious differences between winter and all-season tires is in the surface pattern structure of the tires. These patterns consist of various grooves and blocks in the area where the tire comes into contact with the road. The patterns of both types of tires are specially designed to adapt to different weather conditions.

  • Winter Tires: The surface pattern of winter tires is designed for maximum grip performance in cold weather conditions. Typically with deeper and wider grooves (tread patterns), winter tires grip effectively on snow and ice. These grooves help squeeze snow and water out of the tire and prevent fogging, reducing slipping on ice. In addition, the small stripes (lamellas) on winter tires provide extra grip on frozen surfaces.
  • 4 Season Tires: All-season tires are designed to perform well in different weather conditions throughout the year. The surface pattern of these tires features moderately deep grooves to provide balanced grip on both dry and wet roads. Because their grooves are not as deep as those of winter tires, they may not be as effective as winter tires in severe winter conditions.

These surface pattern differences allow both types of tires to perform optimally in different climates and road conditions. Winter tires are suitable for cold and snowy weather conditions, while all-season tires are ideal for milder winter conditions and seasonal transitions. Considering these differences when choosing tires is important for driving safety and vehicle performance.

Temperature Tolerances: Tire Responses to Temperature Changes

Tire manufacturers design winter and all-season tires to perform optimally in different temperature ranges. The temperature tolerances of tires vary depending on the material used, the structure of the tire and the purpose for which it was designed.

  • Winter Tires: Specifically made with materials resistant to low temperatures. Rubber compounds prevent hardening in the cold and retain their flexibility, providing good grip. They generally perform optimally at temperatures of minus 7 degrees Celsius and below.
  • 4 Season Tires: Designed to operate over a wider temperature range. Although they can be used in cold weather conditions, they cannot adapt to temperatures as low as winter tires. However, in mild climates they are ideal when winter conditions are not as strict as winter tires.

Temperature changes can significantly affect the handling, braking distance and wear life of tires. While winter tires perform well at low temperatures, they can become excessively soft and wear quickly under high temperatures. On the other hand, 4-season tires offer better stability in milder weather conditions and can perform effectively in hot summer conditions.

The temperature tolerances of tires require selection based on intended use. While winter tires are preferred for safe driving on snow and ice during the cold winter months, 4-season tires that can adapt to different weather conditions throughout the year offer a more practical solution. Users should choose the most suitable tire type according to their climate characteristics and driving habits.

Handling Characteristics and Safety Advantages of Winter Tires

Winter tires are designed specifically for the harsh conditions of the winter months and offer superior handling and safety even in temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius. This is mainly due to the fact that winter tires contain special compounds and have a different pattern structure. Here are the handling characteristics and safety benefits of winter tires:

  • Advanced Tire Compound: Winter tires have a special blend of materials such as natural rubber and silica, which help keep them soft in cold weather conditions. These materials increase the tire's flexibility and ensure maximum grip on the road, even in freezing temperatures.
  • Optimized Pattern Design: For superior performance on snow and ice, the tread patterns on the surface of winter tires are designed to be much deeper and closer together. Thanks to the special tread patterns and grooves, these tires effectively drain water and other obstacles that winter conditions bring.
  • Versatile Grooves and Lamellae: The lamellas, the tiny slits in winter tires, increase the surface area of the tire and thus optimize snow grip. This special structure prevents the tire from slipping on snow and provides better braking performance on icy roads.
  • Shorter Braking Distance: In parallel with improved grip, winter tires significantly shorten braking distances compared to standard tires. On icy and snowy roads, winter tires can offer up to 50% shorter braking distances than standard tires.
  • Driving Stability: Winter tires improve driving stability by reducing the likelihood of the vehicle spinning out of control in cold weather conditions, thus ensuring a safe driving experience during sudden maneuvers and bad weather conditions.

These features of tires are intended to reduce the risks that motorists may face in winter and therefore underline the need for drivers to take vehicle safety seriously in winter. The handling characteristics and safety advantages of winter tires make them an extremely important, if not mandatory, choice during the winter months.

Flexible Use and Suitability of 4 Season Tires

4-season tires provide vehicle users with great flexibility in spring, summer, autumn and mild winter conditions. These tires are designed to perform optimally in specific temperature ranges and are generally suitable for weather conditions between -7 degrees Celsius and +7 degrees Celsius. This means that in extremely cold weather and intense winter conditions, i.e. snow, ice and deep snow, all-season tires perform less well than winter tires.

  • Temperate Climates: If snowfall is rare in your area and temperatures are largely stable, all-season tires are well suited for year-round use.
  • Mild Winter Conditions: In mild winter conditions, with little snowfall and occasional frost, 4-season tires can offer adequate safety.
  • Cost Effectiveness: Instead of buying tires separately for both summer and winter, 4-season tires are an economical option in terms of convenience, as they offer a budget-friendly solution.
  • Ease of Storage: Using 4-season tires instead of changing multiple tires throughout the year reduces the need for storage, which is especially advantageous for users with limited storage space.

However, with seasonal changes and unpredictable weather conditions, it is essential to consider the limitations of 4-season tires. For example, if severe winter conditions are expected or the vehicle will be frequently driven on snowy mountain roads, winter tires should be preferred over 4-season tires. As a result, the climate and road conditions of your region should be taken into account when determining the suitability of 4-season tires.

Performance on Snow and Ice: The Importance of Tire Selection

In winter, choosing the right tire is vital for a safe driving experience on snowy and icy roads. Understanding the difference between winter tires and all-season tires allows drivers to choose tires that offer maximum performance and safety even in critical weather conditions.

  • Winter tires are equipped with special tire compounds that maintain their flexibility at low temperatures. These compounds provide excellent handling and braking performance even in cold weather.
  • Thanks to their deep tread and special patterns, winter tires grip snow and ice much more effectively than 4-season tires, while these features offer better traction and stability while driving.
  • Tires with the snow crystal marking (Alpine symbol) indicate that they are officially approved winter tires and have passed specific snow tests.
  • On ice, winter tires contain special technologies called micro lugs or “micro reds” that provide extra grip and braking ability.
  • All-season tires, on the other hand, are designed to perform well in both warm and cool weather conditions, but cannot fully deliver the benefits of winter tires in extreme winter conditions.

Drivers are advised to choose tires that are suitable for the climatic conditions of their region, especially in winter. For driver safety on snowy and icy roads, it is important to choose winter tires that are suitable for their vehicles, properly tested and approved. Especially on long journeys and in harsh winter conditions, winter tires not only provide a better driving experience, but also help prevent potential accidents by improving road safety.

Braking in the Wet: Performance Comparison of Tire Types

In wet conditions, the choice of tires has a significant impact on the handling and braking performance of vehicles. Both winter tires and all-season tires have specific characteristics and their performance in different conditions should be known.

  • Winter Tires: Maintain flexibility at low temperatures thanks to their specially designed deep tread patterns and soft rubber compound. Winter tires are built for excellent performance on snow and ice. In the wet, the wide grooves of these tires expel water to prevent aquaplaning and provide good braking.
  • 4 Season Tires: Designed for all seasons of the year, these tires generally have a harder rubber compound and offer balanced performance in mild climates. However, compared to winter tires, 4-season tires are less efficient in cold weather and snowy conditions. In wet conditions, they may have less deep tread patterns than winter tires, which can affect water evacuation and therefore braking performance.

Real-world tests and research show that winter tires have shorter braking distances than all-season tires when braking in light conditions. The differences in performance when braking in wet conditions can be summarized as follows:

  1. Winter tires show the best braking performance in cold weather conditions and on wet roads.
  2. While 4-season tires offer a good balance in mild and rainy conditions, braking distances may be longer in extreme cold.
  3. As temperatures drop, the advantage of winter tires in wet conditions becomes more pronounced, while the risk of hydroplaning may increase with 4-season tires.

Understanding that wet surfaces can be dangerous, it is vital to choose the right type of tire to improve driving safety. Braking performance is one of the cornerstones of a safe driving experience and this is an important factor to consider when choosing tires.

Wear Rates: Which Tire Type Lasts Longer?

There are many factors that determine the wear rates of tires. These include tire construction, the quality of the material used, the weight of the vehicle, driving style and road conditions. There are certain differences in the wear life of winter tires and 4-season tires.

  • Winter Tires: In general, winter tires are made of softer rubber to maximize driving safety. For this reason, they can wear faster when used in hot weather and on dry roads. While the optimum performance of winter tires is achieved in cold weather, their wear rate may increase in hot weather due to their soft structure.
  • 4 Season Tires: 4-season tires are designed to adapt to different weather and road conditions at all times of the year. Their material composition has been adjusted to offer a more balanced performance in both hot and cold weather conditions. This increases the wear resistance of 4-season tires and extends their lifespan.

For drivers who want to get through all four seasons of the year on a single tire, all-season tires can be a more economical option. However, those looking for the best in winter should opt for specially manufactured winter tires if they are to be replaced with another tire during the warmer months.

In conclusion, proper tire use in the relevant season and climate conditions is a key factor that significantly affects wear rates. Winter tires can provide optimal wear life in winter, while all-season tires can provide optimal wear life throughout all four seasons. To extend the life of both types, it is important to act in accordance with their seasonal use.

Fuel Efficiency and Bearing Resistance: Winter and 4-Season Tires

One of the most obvious differences between winter tires and all-season tires lies in fuel efficiency and bearing resistance. While fuel efficiency refers to the amount of fuel used by vehicles per distance traveled, bearing resistance is the amount of resistance the tire encounters when rolling and directly affects fuel consumption.

  • Winter Tires:
  • Winter tires have a softer compound that maintains its flexibility in cold weather conditions.
  • While this compound provides excellent grip on snow and ice, it can become overly flexible in warm weather conditions, leading to increased bearing resistance.
  • Increased bearing resistance requires more engine power and therefore more fuel consumption.
  • All-Season Tires:
  • All-season tires are designed to adapt to both hot and cold weather conditions.
  • They have a stiffer compound and an optimized pattern to create a middle ground suitable for annual weather variations.
  • Thanks to these features, all-season tires generally offer lower rolling resistance than winter tires, which contributes to better fuel economy.

When making their choices, car owners should consider the safety and performance advantages of winter tires in regions with severe winter conditions, while for those traveling in milder climates or at low speeds in the city, the fuel economy and ease of use of all-season tires may be at the forefront. Both types of tires provide specific advantages for different conditions and driving styles, and consumers should make a balanced choice based on their needs.

Driving Comfort: Differences in Sound Level and Handling

The differences between winter tires and all-season tires are not limited to patterns and rubber compounds. The driving comfort of passengers during vehicle use is also greatly affected by the choice between these two tire types.

  • Sound Level While Driving:

The aggressive patterns and soft rubber compound of winter tires, while providing excellent grip on snow and ice, can often result in higher road noise. In contrast, 4-season tires generally offer a quieter driving experience. This is because the patterns of 4-season tires are optimized to be efficient on both wet and dry surfaces and designed to minimize noise levels.

  • Handling and Driving Dynamics:

In winter conditions, winter tires outperform all-season tires on icy and snowy roads thanks to their specially designed tread patterns and cold-weather rubber compounds. Drivers get better handling and braking capacity with winter tires, while 4-season tires provide a more balanced driving dynamics in mild weather conditions.

In highly variable weather conditions, especially on wet and snowy roads, the advantages of winter tires are indisputable. However, in mild conditions, all-season tires can also deliver a balanced performance at high speeds and drivers can enjoy an overall more comfortable driving experience. The user's geographical location and the climatic conditions they face greatly influence the choice between these two types of tires. Therefore, when choosing a tire, factors such as noise level and handling capacity should be taken into consideration, as well as safety and suitability for seasonal conditions.

Consumer Preferences: Seasonal and Regional Factors in Tire Selection

Seasonal and regional factors are of great importance when consumers choose tires. A car tire is a critical component that affects handling, braking performance and the overall safety of the vehicle. Therefore, choosing the right tire is essential for a safe and comfortable driving experience.

  • Seasonal Conditions: If driving in harsh conditions such as snow and ice in winter, winter tires are recommended. Winter tires are designed to provide better grip in low temperatures.
  • In cold climates, drivers should choose winter tires with deep treads and soft compounds.
  • In moderate climates or areas with little snow, all-season tires may be sufficient.
  • Regional Climate Differences: Different regions of Turkey show great diversity in terms of climate.
  • While milder climatic conditions prevail in coastal areas, winters are much harsher in inland areas.
  • In this case, choosing the appropriate tire type for your region is critical for road safety.
  • Track and Terrain Structure: The road structure of the region is another factor in tire selection.
  • While mountainous and hilly terrain conditions require more robust and durable tires;
  • Standard tires may be sufficient for flat and asphalt roads.

In addition to seasonal and regional factors, consumers should also examine tire label information. These labels provide information on factors such as fuel efficiency, wet braking performance and noise level, providing consumers with more data for optimal tire selection. This way, drivers can get the best tires for both climatic conditions and driving habits.

Price Analysis: Cost Differences between Winter and 4-Season Tires

The cost analysis of winter and all-season tires is an issue that often preoccupies drivers. Both types of tires offer usage and performance advantages under certain conditions, but the price differences between them are an important factor to consider when making a purchase decision.

  • Purchase Cost: Winter tires are better adapted to winter conditions thanks to specially developed rubber compounds and patterns. However, these advanced features often make winter tires more expensive than 4-season tires. Although the price difference expressed as a percentage varies depending on brand and model differences, winter tires generally require a higher initial investment.
  • Usage Period: Considering that winter tires should not be used outside of certain months, their usage period during the year will be shorter. This results in a lower depreciation over their lifetime compared to 4-season tires. However, the cost is offset in the long run, as the wear time of your 4-season tires will be longer with winter tires installed.
  • Performance and Safety: It is often a wise investment to pay the extra cost for a safe driving experience in winter conditions. Winter tires, which provide better traction on snow and ice compared to 4-season tires, can also reduce indirect costs by preventing potential accidents.

In conclusion, while winter tires are more expensive in initial purchase cost, the overall cost difference should be evaluated based on the driver's needs and priorities, given their lifespan and safety benefits. Drivers should conduct a thorough cost analysis, taking into account regional climatic conditions, driving habits and safety requirements when making comparisons.

Comparative Life Tables: Tire Use Times and Replacement Times

The service life of tires varies depending on driving habits, road conditions, weather conditions and tire maintenance. Considering that each tire type has a different lifespan, we can prepare a comparative life table.

Winter Tires:

  • Average Life Expectancy: The average lifespan of winter tires is usually 3-4 years, assuming 4 months per season under intense winter conditions.
  • Replacement Time: Winter tires should be replaced when the tread depth drops below 4 mm or when they exceed 5 years.

4 Season Tires:

  • Average Life Expectancy: All-season tires have an average life expectancy of 3-5 years when used continuously throughout the year.
  • Replacement Time: These tires should be replaced when the tread depth falls below 3 mm or after approximately 5 years of use.

However, for both types of tires, it is important to remember that their lifespan can be shortened by exposure to sudden temperature changes and aggressive driving styles. Regularly checking tire pressure and having a professional inspection at least once a year can extend tire life.

Note: Tire replacement timing should be considered not only in terms of years, but also in terms of frequency and conditions of use. Any sign of tearing, bulging or excessive wear indicates that the tire should be replaced immediately.

Winter Tire Obligation and Legal Regulations

Winter tire use has become mandatory in Turkey in order to increase traffic safety in snowy and icy weather conditions. The winter tire obligation and related legal regulations include important provisions to protect the safety of both drivers and other road users.

  • The obligation to use winter tires applies primarily to commercial vehicles and is implemented between certain dates. In Turkey, these dates are usually December 1 and April 1.
  • Owners of commercial vehicles not wearing winter tires may be subject to penal sanctions. These sanctions are in the form of fines and are updated every year.
  • Although the use of winter tires is not mandatory for private vehicles, it is recommended that drivers prefer this type of tires for their own safety.
  • Although winter tires are not a legal requirement, some insurance companies may question whether you are using winter tires during the damage compensation process. Not using winter tires may lead to a reduction or denial of compensation in some cases.

Winter tires optimize grip not only in cold weather conditions, but also when the temperature drops below +7°C. It is therefore imperative to be prepared for sudden weather changes in winter. In addition to the winter tire obligation and legal regulations, it is critical for drivers to understand the properties and performance of tires well and to ensure a smooth driving experience by avoiding possible penalties.

Mounting and Storage Conditions: Recommendations for Both Tire Types

Correct mounting and storage of winter tires and all-season tires is essential to extend their lifespan and ensure maximum performance. Here are recommendations for both tire types:

Mounting Requirements

  • Must be fitted by a specialist workshop: It is essential that both types of tires are mounted on the vehicle by a specialist workshop to ensure correct balance and safe operation.
  • Change in the right season: Winter tires should generally be fitted when temperatures drop below 7°C, while all-season tires can be used year-round.

Storage Conditions

  • Store in a clean and dry environment: When not in use, both types of tires should be stored in a clean, dry place, protected from sunlight.
  • Store in the correct position: Winter tires should be stored horizontally and all-season tires vertically or horizontally without overlapping.
  • Adjust the pressure: Ensure that tire pressures are adjusted according to the manufacturer's recommendation prior to storage.
  • Protect from UV rays: Care should be taken to avoid prolonged exposure of the tires to UV rays, which prolongs the life of the material.

For both types of tires, proper mounting and storage conditions directly affect their performance and your safety. It is therefore necessary to be careful when mounting and storing tires and to follow the appropriate recommended methods.

Conclusion: Which Tire Type to Choose and When?

Winter tires, specially produced for snowy and icy winter conditions, are ideal for improving handling and braking performance in cold weather. Generally mandatory or recommended from November to March, winter tires are the most reliable option in sub-zero temperatures and on snow-covered roads. However:

  • Drivers living in areas exposed to severe winter conditions should always use winter tires during the winter season.
  • Even in regions where snowfall is rare, it will be useful to switch to winter tires as sudden weather changes can occur.

All-season tires offer moderate performance in different weather conditions throughout the year. However, in extreme conditions, they are not as successful as specialized tires. These tires

  • Especially suitable for those living in mild winter conditions and non-snowy environments.
  • They offer a practical alternative for those who do not want to spend time changing tires at seasonal changes.
  • Average performance in less intense snow and ice conditions.

Both tire types offer optimum safety and performance in their respective conditions. It is important for users to choose according to climatic conditions, driving habits and expectations. Choosing the right tire is vital for maintaining safe driving and vehicle performance. The final decision should be based on individual needs and local weather data.