It is said that a set of all season tires combines the characteristics of winter tires with those of summer tires. Until recently, they were a road-traffic compromise on winter roads in Romania, but the government ordinance is currently in force in 2011. It forces all drivers to have the winter tires fitted during the cold season.
However, there are drivers who choose to run only with two winter tires in the cold season, respectively two summer tires in the warm season, which they use together with two all season tires throughout the year.
In this way, there are a number of cost savings: the seasonal change of tires costs 50% less, and in the case of the purchase of new tires, only two will be bought instead of four.
But the question we want to answer today is… how profitable is it to circulate like this?
All Season Tyres – compromise or comfort?
During this period, the cost of new tires is not accessible to all Romanians. That’s why many of them choose second-hand tires. But I even wrote last winter about the risks to drivers who buy cheap winter tires.
If we choose an all-season tire, we can say that, at first glance, we have a compromise: they will not behave just as well in snow as winter tires, nor as well on the asphalt like summer tires.
In other words, adapted tires for all seasons are milder than summer ones, but stronger than winter ones. Their profile is somewhat more pronounced than the summer ones, but this is due to the fact that they have to withstand in time and, in no way, have to resist snow-walking.
In what circumstances is a compromise the use of tires all season?
Well, there are two possibilities:
1. You drive a lot outside the city
Off-city driving can mean a snowy road, rough terrain, and tough weather conditions, with an all-season tire set less than a set of tires specifically designed for difficult trails.
If you are a driver driving long distances and more outside the city than in the city, then choosing a set of tires all season (even just two on the face) could be a compromise.
In this case, initially reduced costs could lead to unexpected costs in the event of a malfunction.
2. Drive a lot in the city
A driver who uses the car in the winter in the locality rather than outside it (on short trips) will not have snowy roads, frozen roads or difficult conditions just like outside the city.
That’s why if you’re such a driver, it can not be a compromise for you if you choose to cycle in the winter with two all-season tires that you use for the rest of the year.
In this case, you can save and as long as you do not expose yourself to dangers and circulate cautiously, the risks are diminished.
All-season tires can be used throughout the year because they are more wear-resistant compared to summer tires.
Where are all-season tires useful?
If you are driving in a geographical area where there is no snow during the cold season, these tires are useful.
If outside is cold, but there is no snow, asphalt braking with a set of all-season tires, with softer material than winter tires, may have better grip.
However, if you brake on snow with all-season tires, they can turn your car into a sled and, believe us, you will not have happy moments.
A set of all-season tires is useful in areas where the asphalt is wet or dry, but not frozen. That’s why our recommendation is: in Romania, wherever you drive for your safety, you can equip your car with winter tires during the cold season, and summer tires, or anvelope de vara during summer.
P.S .: At Cauciuc, you will find a complete range of winter tires and all-season tires at your fingertips. Take a look if you need new tires 🙂