Summer or Winter Tyres?

[joshwa]

On most sites you can specify whether you want summer or winter tyres...

Does it actually make a difference?

I'm very unlikely to change my tyres every 6 months... and I've noticed on some sizes 235/35/19 you can't even select winter tyres... only summer (http://www.mytyres.co.uk/)


Any advice?

Thanks

Josh

[Butcher]

Winter tyres are better when it's cold due to different rubber compounds that stay softer at low temperatures. They usually have a different tread pattern that's more suited to shifting a lot of water too. The downside is that they're worse than summer tyres in warm weather (wet or dry). The temperature range for winter being better than summer is below around 5-10C.

[Vimeous]

I believe it's very rare to see winter tyres in use the UK?

It was my understanding they are aimed at countries where snow chains are a requirement. They are often used on an alternative set of wheels specially for winter use in countries like Switzerland and Austria etc

[Butcher]

They seem a lot more popular on the continent. The tyre manufacturers would love us all to run them in winter, I couldn't say how much difference it would make though. Lot of hassle to switch your tyres every 6 months.

[arbitor]

No point, just get all weather

[Fox]

Virtually tyres in this country, even those marketed as having excellent wet performance, are Summer Tyres.

[tundra07]

It would make very little difference I think, unless you are planning on travelling a lot in your car.

The main thing to consider in the UK is what sort of tyre you want: off roading [and then, what sort again], racing, sports, 'normal' etc..

[hitman67]

Doubt he'd off roaders on his car though, mine on the other hand wears BFGoodrich Trac Edges All Terrain Tyres. No longer in production but considered the best when they were made (and I got them for nowt with the truck!).

Basically we don't need extreme winter tires in this country. Most tires (and especially my A/Ts) are good at moving anything that gets in their way (Water is always fun)

[GoNz0]

michelin Pilot Sport A/S tyres

the AS stands for all season, they have damn good grip all round and some grip in light snow conditions, well more than than most!

[Fox]

Are you sure the AS does not stand for Asymetric, as the Pilot Sport is a tyre with an Asymetric tread pattern?

[GoNz0]

i do believe i have the summer asymetric on my car, the 1st of the pilot sport, the 2nd revisions dropped the AS, and A/S is the one for all season

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....port+A%2FS

i was looking at these for my next set as they do both the sizes my car has with staggerd wheels.