Once you understand the size of the tyres you need, the next step is to choose the right type of tyre based on the conditions you drive in. The main types of tyres are summer tyres, winter tyres, and all-season tyres. Here’s how they differ:
Summer Tyres
Summer tyres are designed for warm weather conditions, offering superior handling and braking performance on dry and wet roads. They are made with a special rubber compound that provides better grip at higher temperatures. However, they’re not suitable for cold temperatures or snow.
- Best for: Warm climates with mild winters, or for drivers who only use their vehicle in temperate weather.
- Advantages: Excellent handling, superior performance in dry and wet conditions, better braking performance.
- Limitations: Poor performance in cold, icy, or snowy conditions.
Winter Tyres
Winter tyres (also known as snow tyres) are specifically designed to perform in cold weather, snow, and ice. They feature a unique tread pattern and a softer rubber compound that remains flexible in low temperatures, ensuring better traction in snow and on icy roads.
- Best for: Areas with severe winters and frequent snowfall.
- Advantages: Superior grip on snow, ice, and cold, wet roads. They offer better braking and handling in winter conditions.
- Limitations: They wear out faster in warm weather and may reduce fuel efficiency.
All-Season Tyres
All-season tyres are designed to provide a balance of performance across a variety of weather conditions, making them the most versatile option. They offer decent handling in dry and wet conditions and can handle light snow. However, they are not as effective in extreme winter conditions as dedicated winter tyres.
- Best for: Moderate climates with mild winters and occasional snow.
- Advantages: Versatile and convenient for year-round use, good balance of performance in different weather conditions.
- Limitations: They don’t perform as well as winter tyres in snowy conditions or as summer tyres in hot conditions.