What is better. all season tires or summer/winter seperate

[biz_it]

Hi,

The climate has changed significantly in Finland lately. I don't drive too heavily and only had to drive few times in snow this winter. My summer tires are quite in bad shape so I am going to buy new tires. I would like to hear your opinion on whether I should stick to the summer/winter separate tires or should I rather buy an all season tires?

AZ

[wolf80]

And what do you do then when it's very icy and you need the car? I would really not risk it, you never know how the next winter will be and what you need the car for. On ice the studded tires are much safer!

I would rather buy a set of second-hand studded winter tires than only new all-year tires!

[biz_it]

Well, I already have a very good set of studded winter tires Just wanted to know if it would be a good idea to have either all season tires or summer tires so that if the winter does not get too icey, I could still carry on with the tires.

But I usually drive with family so I kind of agree with you that it's better to be safe

AZ

[wolf80]

It depends on the winter. Studded winter tires are much better on ice, and a bit worse on asphalt.

I live in the capital region with rather good roads in winter, but there was no winter where I was not having at least one situation where I was very happy to have the studded tires on. Especially with the family on board I would not risk it with the normal tires.

[riku2]

about all season tires:

https://www.goodyear.eu/en_gb/consumer/ ... tires.html

Choose all-season tyres if: You have milder winters: if the temperature where you live doesn’t drop below -5 °C (if it does, you should buy winter tyres)

This is because of how soft the rubber is. If it's -25deg then the all season tires will be really hard and they will not grip the road very well (this includes roads clear of snow and ice). I have walking boots from the UK which are exactly like this in the winter in finland, a good tread pattern does not mean the rubber stays soft at very cold temperatures and they have no grip even on snow free surfaces when it's really cold.

If you don't drive a lot in the winter then probably summer tires + winter friction tires would be better. you can then use the friction tires in late autumn/late spring and not worry about unexpected snowfall catching you out when you have the summer tires still on/taken them off in april because you think the weather will be ok.

[Rosamunda]

I think it also depends on what type of car you have. We have a big (old) heavy 4WD and it managed fine on the all-season tyres this winter.

I think all-season tyres can be a good solution if you spend most of your time in the capital region. On the icy days, you leave your car at home and take the bus. Note, public transport buses don't have studded tyres either.

Also, all-season tyres are so much kinder to the roads and the air quality....