Winter tyres or all season tyres? How to choose the right ones

Winter tyres, or thermal tyres as they are often called, are ideal for those who travel many kilometres in demanding situations. In fact, they have a specific tread design characterised by sipes that form numerous edges that grip the snow to optimise both traction and slowing down to ensure 50% shorter braking distances compared to summer tyres, wide and deep grooves that effectively drain water to limit aquaplaning on wet surfaces, and they are made with a rather soft compound. Therefore, they remain flexible and adherent to the ground even at very low temperatures to ensure traction, directionality and grip when the thermometer drops below 7°. In these conditions they also increase safety on asphalt that appears to be dry but in which verglass might lurk.

All season tyres, also known as depowered winter tyres, are recommended for those who do not live in Alpine areas, where snowfall is infrequent and temperatures can drop to just below 0° and not exceed 25°. A value not to be underestimated, especially considering the scorching peaks reached in recent summers, because this type of tyre tends to wear faster in high temperatures than summer tyres, since their rather soft compound is inspired by that of winter tyres. From thermal tyres, all-season tyres also inherit the sipes that complete the tread pattern to ensure good performance on low-grip surfaces. However, it must be clear that they do not offer the same performance as winter tyres in cold weather and demanding situations and that of summer tyres in warm weather because they only combine some of the technologies of the two species, although they guarantee good safety parameters in all situations.