All season tyres...where's the downside (for daily use)?

[crosseyedlion]

Hi all
I need 4 tyres on my old merc soon, not due to wear, but that the Michelin's are perishing!

I've always ruled out winter tyres due to the compromise in the summer. But what are tyres like Michelin's wintrac like used all year. Crap mpg, noisy? Rubbish dry/warm weather grip?

I'd just get good summers on again but I do a lot of driving before 6am now from Sheffield, the extra security around 0 and in the wet would be appreciated. 220 HP, rwd, no traction control, skinny 205 width tyres.

I wouldn't want to take a hit on mpg though, are they much worse?

[crosseyedlion]

Brilliant! I'll be getting some all seasons next month thanks to your assistance! Will report back

[crosseyedlion]

Ozzie Osmond said:

This stuff is all a lot of internet tarting about.

Unless you live on the North face of the Eiger just go out and buy some decent tyres.

Based on what evidence? Vs independent tests and millions spent by tyre manufacturers?

I would generally just get the best summer tyres possible, but I'm now doing a large amount of mileage before 6am and frequently based up in Sheffield (lots of hills).

I'd be annoyed if I'm prevented from getting to work or home (or worse) due to a poor tyre choice.

It's an old Merc, i'm not going to be doing trackdays, if I can find a tyre that isn't a major sacrifice in the summer but better for when I need it then I'll go for that (Early mornings and evenings)

[crosseyedlion]

RobM77 said:

Just a thought, but your tyre bill won't be any higher if you run normal tyres outside of winter and winter tyres in winter. Think of it in terms of cost per mm of tyre wear (e.g. two sets of tyres will last the same mileage whether they're run one after the other, or one as winters and one as summers). There are distinct advantages to this tactic as well: optimal tyre wear (i.e. cost), road noise, ride, handling, and of course grip & road safety. Furthermore, taking your wheels off once a year gives you a chance to put the fronts on the back and vice versa, which evens tyre wear out, also saving you money. The only additional cost is that of a second set of wheels - I bought mine on E-Bay secondhand and will probably sell them for a similar amount. I've not got any experience with 'all season' tyres, but I can tell you that even decent winter tyres are nowhere near as nice as summers in terms of noise, ride and handling.

2 sets of tyres would be the ideal, yes. But I have no where to store them and have a history of changing cars every 6-12 months. So I wouldn't want a part worn set lying about to sell one.

If I could get a set that prove decent in summer and an improvement in the winter (vs. summers) then Ill be laughing...

[crosseyedlion]

Freds said:

Consider the potential consequences of having an accident during the summer months when the temperature is say 20 degrees and you're on specific winter tyres. The stopping distances increase by quite some margin. We run two sets of tyres.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Dk1oaTTX8Y

Absolutely hence me considering all seasons as an alternative.

Winters would still be Ott for me and as you mention, too compromised in the summer