Five myth-busting facts to know before buying all-season tyres

When it comes to purchasing a set of brand-new tyres, many more drivers now opt for a set of all-season tyres, which are excellent all-rounders that suit a wide range of drivers and cars.

Still, there are misconceptions about these tires that aren’t true, particularly after so many years of research has accelerated their development and performance.

Dunlop’s next-generation All Season 2 tire is a good example of the improvements in the latest all-season tires. With its latest tire, which is the result of 18 months of research and development, Dunlop brings to the market an advanced product that helps drivers handle all-year weather conditions. This ensures that drivers on the road feel prepared without the extra inconvenience of having to change tires with the seasons.

The tire industry has witnessed a remarkable surge in the demand for all-season tires in recent years: from 2019 to 2023, the all-season tire segment experienced a growth rate of 66% in Europe1. Despite this, certain myths about all-season tires remain popular. Here are five facts you should know before buying all-season tires:

Myth: All-season tires wear out quickly
Fact: The latest tire technologies provide strong mileage

One major consideration when buying tires is how long they are going to last. Thanks to the latest developments in all-season tire technology, they now provide high mileage alongside all-season performance. Dunlop All Season 2, the newest addition to the Dunlop portfolio, is a good example. This specific model features an optimized design that helps increase mileage by evenly distributing weight across the tire’s contact patch, delivering a more uniform pressure distribution for long-lasting treadwear.

Dunlop All Season 2 has recently achieved a successful magazine test debut being awarded “Eco-Master” and “best” in mileage to rank overall “good” in the latest Auto Bild all-season tire test2. Editors praised the tire for “balanced good performance level without serious weaknesses” and “best mileage in the test”.

Myth: All-season tires can’t handle winter conditions
Fact: All-season tires are certified for use on snow

All-season tires are marked with the same industry-standard 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) label as winter tires. This means they meet all the necessary requirements to be driven on snow. To qualify for this certification, winter and all-season tires like Dunlop All Season 2 are tested in line with industry regulations.

To achieve this, Dunlop has developed 3D blades across the tire’s tread which is a key design feature resulting in increased stiffness as well as biting edges for better snow traction, thus providing effective braking in all weather conditions. Dunlop All Season 2 also features an optimized carcass shape using robust structural materials to increase stability. This feature enhances handling on wet as well as on dry roads.

Dunlop recommends all-season tires for milder winter conditions; winter tires are best for severe snow and ice. This recommendation aligns with findings from a recent Ipsos study conducted on behalf of Goodyear3, which revealed that almost two-thirds of European drivers perceive winter tires as better for grip and braking on snowy and icy roads.

Myth: Grip in summer suffers with all-season tires
Fact: All-season tires achieve excellent handling in summer

In contrast to the previous myth, some drivers actually have the misconception that all-season tires only perform well in winter. With the latest technologies, modern all-season tires represent a huge step forward, delivering great dry performance as well as winter grip. This means drivers won’t be left wanting more on long summer road trips. They can feel confident and prepared, knowing that their tires are developed for use in all weather conditions.

Myth: Only small city cars can be fitted with all-season tires
Fact: All-season tires fit most vehicles

Many drivers still consider all-season tires to be best on small compact vehicles, which isn’t the case. Dunlop All Season 2 is available in sizes ranging between 14 and 19 inches and is ready to support larger vehicles as each tire size is developed with a carcass tuned to the specific application it will encounter.

Myth: All-season tires are “just a compromise”
Fact: The latest-generation all-season tires offer well-balanced performance all year long

As the technology enabling all-season tires has matured over years, more and more drivers across Europe are using them3, recognising them as an attractive alternative to changing between summer and winter tires. Dunlop recommends all-season tires especially for consumers who are mainly city drivers living in non-mountainous or less severe winter areas. Modern all-season tires are designed to provide balanced and effective performance in a variety of conditions, making them suitable for year-round. Drivers don’t have to switch between summer and winter sets, which alleviates some of the stress of car ownership allowing them to feel more prepared for a range of a weather conditions.

“We’ve worked hard to develop the next generation of Dunlop all-season tires, which are an excellent option that answers drivers’ demands across Europe,” says Sonia Leneveu, Director Marketing Consumer EMEA, Goodyear. “Our customers appreciate the benefits of all-season tires, which ultimately make car ownership an easier experience. The tried and tested products by Dunlop benefit from more than a century of experience, which continues with the new All Season 2 range.

“Dunlop understands many drivers’ desires to make car ownership as easy as possible. With an all-season tire, drivers can avoid replacing tires twice a year, saving on cost of purchasing tires and storage, which empowers them to feel prepared all year long.”

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