Winter tires versus all-season tires - what is the best way to get through the year?

The advantages of all-season tires seem clear: Drivers no longer have to change their tires seasonally. But is the answer to the question “winter tires or all-season tires?” Really that simple? Do winter tires have advantages over all-season tires that justify the six-month effort? We investigated the question.

First things first: Do all-season tires meet the requirements of the local winter tire requirement?

In Germany there is a so-called situational winter tire requirement. This means that drivers have to put on winter tires as soon as winter road conditions prevail. This requirement is regulated by law in Section 2 (3a) of the Road Traffic Act. Anyone who violates the situational winter tire obligation, must be fined in the amount of at least 75 euros and one point in the register of offenders. Not only classic winter tires are allowed, but all tires that meet the requirements of Annex II number 2.2 of Directive 92/23 / EEC. All season tires meet these criteria so that they can be used in winter.

The advantages and disadvantages of all-season tires at a glance

Advantages of all-season tires:

• There is no need to change the season.
• If winter unexpectedly sets in in the second half of the year, drivers with all-season tires are prepared for this situation.
• If summer unexpectedly sets in in the first half of the year, drivers with all-season tires are prepared for this situation.

Disadvantages of all season tires:

• All-season tires represent a compromise. They were tailored to the requirements of summer and winter, so compromises were necessary.
• The fuel consumption of all-season tires in summer is higher than that of winter tires.
• The braking distance for all-season tires is longer in winter than for winter tires.

And finally ... For reasons of safety, it is advisable to change tires seasonally. All-weather tires are a good alternative for those who rarely drive their vehicle and want to be prepared for winter road conditions that suddenly set in.

Why is the braking distance longer with all-weather tires than with winter tires?

If the road is covered in snow or icy in winter, the wheels do not have good grip on the ground. The braking distance on snow is many times longer than the braking distance on an open road. Winter tires (and all-season tires too) have a profile that seeks maximum grip on the ground. The rubber compound was chosen so that it provides a good grip on the ground at low temperatures. However, with all-season tires, the requirements in summer must also be taken into account. The tires must be safe at high temperatures. The rubber compound and the profile of all-season tires can therefore not be geared exclusively to the requirements in winter. Nevertheless, all-season tires meet the requirements and cannot be compared with summer tires in terms of safety in winter: Summer tires are not suitable for driving on snow and ice because they do not have sufficient grip.

All season tires or winter tires: not relevant for the insurance

Insurance cover exists for both winter tires and all-weather tires. The insurance company does not make its liability dependent on this question. Drivers are therefore free to choose which tires to choose. It is important to pay attention to a sufficient profile. According to the law, the profile must have a minimum depth of 1,6 millimeters. The ADAC recommends a profile of at least 4 millimeters because the grip on the road is improved. There is a risk of fines if the wheels run off. If there is a hazard or an accident has occurred, the fine is higher than for a simple violation of the requirement to fit suitable tires. Attention: Motorists AND car owners are sanctioned if their bikes are worn.