All-season tyres are gaining popularity in the UK and similar European climates, where extended periods of heavy snow are rare. Unlike countries mandating winter tyres (designed for temperatures at or below 7°C) from autumn to spring, most UK drivers don’t switch tyres seasonally – a practice that often leaves them stranded when winter strikes.
All-season tyres offer a compromise. They carry the 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, indicating snow capability, yet are engineered to outperform winter tyres in warmer conditions for year-round use. However, no single tyre excels in every condition, so rigorous testing is essential to reveal the trade-offs each design makes.
Зміст
What We Tested
We tested tyres in the popular 225/45 R17 size, including the reigning champion, Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3, and the 2024 joint runners-up, Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6 and Continental AllSeason Contact 2. The lineup also included Vredestein Quatrac, Dunlop All Season 2, and a budget option, Sailun Atrezzo 4Seasons.
All tyres were purchased from the open market to ensure real-world availability. Speed ratings varied (V: 149mph, W: 168mph, Y: 183mph), but all had a load rating of 94, with most being extra load (XL) spec.
EU label ratings (fuel economy/rolling resistance (RR) and wet grip (WG), A-E) and pass-by noise (decibels, lower is better) are provided for reference.
Testing Methodology
Tests were conducted in two locations: Goodyear’s Arctic Center in Finland (snow) and Continental’s Contidrom in Germany (wet and dry).
Snow Testing
Snow tests were performed at -7°C to -4°C on a 0.8km track with challenging elevation changes and tight corners. Handling, braking (30-3mph), and acceleration (5-20mph) were assessed.
Wet & Dry Testing
Wet braking distances (50mph-0), cornering ability (57.5m diameter circle), and aquaplaning resistance were measured in wet conditions. The 1.8km wet handling circuit evaluated grip, balance, and breakaway characteristics. Dry braking (62mph-0) and lap times (one-mile serpentine circuit) assessed grip and handling composure.
Fuel Economy
Rolling resistance was measured to industry standards, with a 4-5% change in rolling resistance equating to a 1% change in fuel consumption.
Pricing
Prices were sourced from online retailers (Blackcircles.com) or averaged from multiple sources. Price was a minor factor in the overall score.
Scoring & Weighting
Test results were converted to percentages, with the top tyre scoring 100%. The overall score was weighted as follows:
- Wet Performance: 50%
- Dry Performance: 35%
- Snow Performance: 10%
- Other Tests: 5%
Conclusion
Choosing the right all-season tyre involves trade-offs. This testing framework reveals which tyres excel in wet, dry, and snowy conditions, enabling informed decisions based on real-world performance data. The weighting prioritizes wet and dry handling, reflecting the conditions most UK drivers face
