Whether you are thinking of purchasing or already the owner of all-season tires, there are some important things to know about them when it comes to safety, tread depth and legal requirements. This article will explore each of these factors so you can be well informed when it comes to owning all-season tires. Let’s get to it!
You can fit all-season tires at any time because they are developed to perform all year round in moderate climates. Continental all-season tires are designed to offer impressive grip in both summer and winter conditions with good braking performance on dry and wet roads, as well as slush. They offer superb mileage and driving efficiency.
If you live in a moderate climate and never have to encounter severe winter or extreme summer conditions, owning all-season tires is a great choice because they offer superb year-round performance and greater convenience for the motorist.
A moderate climate is one where the mercury rarely drops below freezing. An area where the motorist is occasionally likely to encounter severe driving conditions such as heavy snow, ice and extreme cold.
If you encounter harsh winter conditions with ice and snow, then seasonal tires are the better choice. Winter tires are normally used between October and April, summer tires from April to September.
The main thing to remember is that summer and winter tires are specially engineered for specific and often extreme weather conditions, whilst all-season tires are great all-rounders. If you are unsure about the right tire choice, contact your local dealer for personal advice.
Continental’s all-season tires proudly display the 3PMS symbol on the sidewall indicating that they are suitable for driving in winter and compliant with tire laws in most countries. This means you won’t have to swap out your all-season tires in the winter months. However, it pays to double check specific requirements for where you live or plan to travel. Consult your local winter tires laws to avoid fines and ensure safety.
Your tires form an essential bond between your vehicle and the road. This is what makes the tread of your all-season tires so incredibly important. The tread grips the road as you drive. So, if it’s not deep enough, your vehicle will lose traction and suffer extended braking times; whilst shallow tread grooves make it more difficult to control the vehicle in wet weather conditions and increase the chances of aquaplaning.
For safety reasons, Continental strongly recommends checking tread depth once a month. To do this, refer to the tread wear indicators hidden between the grooves on your tires or use a tread-depth gauge.
