Summer, winter and 4-season tyres: the answers

Summer tyres have a stiffer compound, designed to keep its consistency in the heat. Winter tyres have a compound that stays soft at low temperatures, more sipes and deep grooves that improve grip on snow and ice and the clearing of snow and water. All-season tyres are a compromise: according to Continental they do not match winter tyres in intense cold, heavy snow or ice.

Sources: continental-tires.com

Continental gives 7 °C as the threshold: below this temperature it is best to switch to winter tyres, above it to summer ones. The reason is that the summer compound becomes stiffer in the cold, while the winter one stays soft. It is a reference value, not a sharp limit: the effect is gradual. That is why it is advisable to change when temperatures stay steadily around or below this value, even without snow.

Sources: continental-tires.com

Sipes are thin cuts in the tread blocks. They create many edges that help the tyre grip snow and ice and push out snow and water, improving braking on slippery surfaces. Winter tyres have more of them than summer tyres, together with deeper grooves and a compound that stays soft in the cold.

Sources: continental-tires.com

You can, but it is not advisable: in the heat the soft compound becomes too yielding, reducing stability and lengthening braking distance, and it wears faster on dry roads. If you drive in mild temperatures most of the year, two sets or a quality all-season tyre make more sense.

Sources: continental-tires.com

It depends on use. Two sets give maximum performance in every season and each set lasts longer, because it works only half the year, but they require two changeovers and somewhere to keep the tyres. All-season tyres cost less in upkeep and suit places where winters are mild and you drive few kilometres. For frequent snow or high performance, two sets are better. If you have your tyres fitted with us, you can leave the off-season set in free storage.

They can be fine for mainly urban use, with little snow and mild temperatures, if the model has the 3PMSF symbol, which certifies a snow grip test. They are not the choice for those seeking maximum summer or winter performance. Check that the model carries the snowflake symbol and not just M+S, and check the wet grip class on the EU label.

Sources: european-rubber-journal.com, continental-tires.com, legislation.gov.uk

A true all-season tyre carries the 3PMSF symbol (three-peak mountain with snowflake), which certifies minimum snow performance, and usually the marking M+S. The M+S marking alone is not enough. Commercial names such as All Season, 4Seasons or similar are not a standard either. To judge summer behaviour look at the EU label, in particular wet grip.

Sources: legislation.gov.uk, european-rubber-journal.com

They are the same category, but the models have different priorities: some favour traction on snow, others behaviour on cold, wet and clear roads. For the mountains look for the 3PMSF symbol and consult recent comparative tests in your size. The ice pictogram on the EU label instead concerns Nordic-type winter tyres, designed for very severe conditions: it is not needed for ordinary use in Italy.

Sources: energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu, legislation.gov.uk

It is best to change when temperatures stay steadily around or below 7 °C, the threshold given by Continental, and go back to summer tyres when they rise again, not on a fixed date. At the changeover it is good to check the pressure and balance of the wheels. To reduce waiting, many choose to book ahead in the changeover periods.

Sources: continental-tires.com

Tyres removed from the car should be kept in a cool, dry, dark place, away from direct light, heat sources and ozone (for example electric motors). If they are mounted on rims, stacked horizontally or hung, never upright; if without rims, upright side by side, without stacking or hanging them. It is a good idea to mark the position on the car, so as to rotate them correctly. Our service includes free storage of the off-season set for those who have their tyres fitted with us.

Sources: michelin.ca

It depends. With few kilometres the age of the tyre often matters more than wear: the materials degrade over time even if the tread is deep. An all-season tyre avoids the seasonal changeover and storage. If the car is used almost only in one season, a set suited to that one may be enough. Always check the date on the DOT: Michelin recommends replacing tyres ten years after production.

Sources: michelin.ca

You can, if the narrower size is specified by the manufacturer for your model and has a suitable load index. The effects vary: a narrower tyre is generally less prone to aquaplaning, while Continental points out that a wider one puts more sipes on the ground and offers more steering precision. The size must be checked in the vehicle documentation or with the size finder.

Sources: continental-tyres.co.uk