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. Still, there are misconceptions about these tyres that aren’t true, particularly after so many years of research has accelerated their development and performance.
Dunlop’s next-generation All Season 2 tyre is a good example of the improvements in the latest all-season tyres. With its latest tyre, 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 tyres with the seasons.
Despite the tyre industry experiencing a surge in demand for all-season tyres in recent years, certain myths about all-season tyres remain popular. Here are five facts you should know before buying all-season tyres:
Myth: All-season tyres wear out quickly Fact: The latest tyre technologies provide strong mileage
One major consideration when buying tyres is how long they are going to last. Thanks to the latest developments in all-season tyre 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 optimised design that helps increase mileage by evenly distributing weight across the tyre’s contact patch, delivering a more uniform pressure distribution for long-lasting treadwear.
Myth: All-season tyres can’t handle winter conditions Fact: All-season tyres are certified for use on snow
All-season tyres are marked with the same industry-standard 3 Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) label as winter tyres. This means they meet all the necessary requirements to be driven on snow. To qualify for this certification, winter and all-season tyres like Dunlop All Season 2 are tested in line with industry regulations.
To achieve this, Dunlop has developed 3D blades across the tyre’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 optimised carcass shape using robust structural materials to increase stability. This feature enhances handling on wet as well as on dry roads.
Myth: Grip in summer suffers with all-season tyres Fact: All-season tyres achieve excellent handling in summer
In contrast to the previous myth, some drivers actually have the misconception that all-season tyres only perform well in winter. With the latest technologies, modern all-season tyres 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 tyres are developed for use in all weather conditions.
Myth: Only small city cars can be fitted with all-season tyres Fact: All-season tyres fit most vehicles
Many drivers still consider all-season tyres 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 tyre size is developed with a carcass tuned to the specific application it will encounter.
Myth: All-season tyres are “just a compromise”Fact: The latest-generation all-season tyres offer well-balanced performance all year long
As the technology enabling all-season tyres has matured over years, more and more drivers across Europe are using them, recognising them as an attractive alternative to changing between summer and winter tyres. Dunlop recommends all-season tyres especially for consumers who are mainly city drivers living in non-mountainous or less severe winter areas. Modern all-season tyres are designed to provide balanced and effective performance in a variety of conditions, making them suitable 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 weather conditions.
“We’ve worked hard to develop the next generation of Dunlop all-season tyres, 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 tyres, 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 tyre, drivers can avoid replacing tyres twice a year, saving on cost of purchasing tyres and storage, which empowers them to feel prepared all year long.”