Winter or all-season tyres?

Winter tyres have a softer compound than all-season models to guarantee better performance when temperatures fall below 7°C. They also have more sipes and deeper grooves to improve grip on snow, ice and water.

All-season tyres have a slightly harder compound to allow them to provide balanced performance in both winter and summer. They have fewer sipes than winter tyres, but more than summer tyres, with good grip on both dry and icy surfaces or in the presence of water and snow.

Winter tyres ensure high performance in winter, with shorter braking distances than all-season tyres. During the summer, winter tyres lose their advantages, making all-season tyres a better performing tyre in terms of grip, handling, resistance to wear and lack of noise.

They do, however, need to be alternated with summer tyres when temperatures go above 7°C, something that brings with it the added costs of having to have your tyres replaced every season and storage for the second set. Winter tyres are safer and more efficient in winter, but are more expensive and more inconvenient to motorists.

Compared to summer tyres, all-season tyres work better in winter, offering superior grip in the event of ice and snow and at low temperatures. Not only that but no costs are incurred by periodically replacing your tyres, although it is important to remember that these tyres are a balanced option and do not perform as well as summer tyres in summer and winter tyres and winter.

However, for those with an annual mileage of more than 10000 miles, who live in an area with harsh winters and are prepared to spend a little more, winter tyres are the best solution. In general, you should take into account costs, your driving needs and climatic conditions when making your choice.