All-season tyres: a smart choice for the whole year?
All-season tyres, also known as all-weather tyres, are designed to perform in both summer heat and winter cold.
- What exactly are they? It is a hybrid tyre that combines the rubber compound and tread pattern of a summer and winter tyre. They are flexible enough to provide grip in snow and rain, yet firm enough not to wear out too quickly on hot tarmac.
- Who might find them interesting? All-season tyres are ideal for drivers who cover relatively few kilometres (up to 15,000 to 20,000 km a year), mainly drive within the country and would prefer not to change their tyres twice a year.
- Why are they suited to the Belgian climate? In Belgium, we have mild winters with relatively little snow, interspersed with wet and temperate summers. As temperatures here often fluctuate between 0°C and 25°C, all-season tyres are perfectly suited to our weather conditions
all-season tyres: pros & cons:
Although all-season tyres are very popular, you should always weigh up the pros and cons:
Pros:
- No half-yearly change: You’ll save time and the cost of the biannual tyre change.
- No storage charges: You don’t need to store an extra set of tyres at a tyre storage facility or in your own garage.
- Good all-round performance: They offer excellent grip on wet roads and perform significantly better in winter conditions than a standard summer tyre.
Cons:
- Not a specialist: In extreme conditions, an all-season tyre is not the best option. In sweltering summer weather, a summer tyre has a shorter braking distance; in deep snow, a proper winter tyre offers better traction.
- Faster tyre wear in summer: As the rubber is softer than that of a summer tyre, they wear out slightly faster in high summer temperatures.
- Not always ideal for winter sports: Do you often visit the Alps? Some countries have strict requirements regarding winter tyres. Although many all-season tyres are approved (bearing the 3PMSF symbol), a genuine winter tyre still offers the greatest safety there.
When do your all-season tyres need replacing?
As with other tyres, it is important to check the condition of your all-season tyres regularly:
- Tread depth: In Belgium, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. However, as all-season tyres also need to perform in winter conditions, Forrez recommends replacing them as soon as the tread depth falls below 4 mm. This is because, below 4 mm, they lose their specific winter characteristics and grip on snow.
- Uneven wear: Look out for ‘cup wear’ or uneven wear on the sides, which often indicates incorrect tyre pressure or a misalignment.
- Dry-cracking and damage: Rubber ages. Can you see any cracks in the sidewall or damage to the tread? If so, it’s time for a check-up at the tyre centre.
Have all-season tyres changed or fitted
Thinking of switching to all-season tyres? Or are your current tyres due for replacement? The experts at Forrez will take care of everything for you. We’ll remove your old tyres, fit the new ones professionally onto the rims and balance them with the utmost precision. We’ll then refit the wheels to your car, so you can get back on the road straight away, vibration-free and in complete safety.
Please feel free to pop into one of our tyre centres for advice or a professional tyre change.
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Frequently asked questions about all-season tyres
How much do all-season tyres cost?
The price of an all-season tyre is, on average, 10% to 15% higher than that of a comparable summer tyre, as the rubber compound and tread pattern are more complex to manufacture. Guide prices per tyre (excluding fitting and VAT):
- Budget segment: From around €60 to €90 per tyre.
- Mid-range: Between € 90 and € 150 per tyre.
- Premium segment: From €150 to €300+ per tyre (depending on larger wheel sizes or SUV specifications).
Note: Although the initial purchase is slightly more expensive, you’ll quickly recoup the cost as you’ll save on the expense of a second set of tyres and the six-monthly changes.
Which is better: all-season tyres, summer tyres or winter tyres?
What is ‘better’ depends entirely on your personal circumstances and how you use your car::
- Opt for a set of summer and winter tyres if you cover a lot of kilometres (more than 20,000 km a year), often go on winter sports holidays, or prefer top performance in all weather conditions.
- Opt for all-season tyres if you have a moderate to relaxed driving style, cover fewer kilometres, mainly drive on the flatter Belgian countryside and want the convenience of a single tyre for the whole year.
What are the best all-season tyres?
At Forrez, we stock only top brands that perform exceptionally well in independent tyre tests (such as those carried out by the ANWB and AutoWeek).
- Premium all-rounders: The Michelin CrossClimate 2 (renowned for its excellent performance in snow and long service life), the Continental AllSeasonContact and the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons are consistently ranked amongst the very best.
- Best value for money: Are you looking for a budget-friendly alternative that still offers excellent safety? If so, we recommend Kenda’s all-season tyres. They offer fantastic value for money for everyday use.
How long do all-season tyres last?
On average, all-season tyres last between 35,000 and 45,000 kilometres. As the rubber compound is slightly softer than that of a summer tyre, they may wear out slightly faster with frequent use during the hot summer months. You can significantly extend their lifespan by driving defensively, taking sharp bends gently and checking your tyre pressure every month.
