Summer, winter or all-season tyres?

Summer, winter or all-season tyres?

The difference is not in the tread pattern but in the rubber compound. It determines how the tyre behaves at which temperature.

Summer tyres

A harder compound that stays stable in warm conditions. Advantages at temperatures above about 7 °C: shorter braking distance on dry and wet roads, lower rolling resistance, less wear.

Below 7 °C the compound hardens and grip drops noticeably – even on dry roads.

Winter tyres

A softer compound with a high silica content that stays flexible in the cold, plus many sipes that interlock with the snow. Much better traction on snow and ice, shorter braking distance in cold conditions.

In summer, however: longer braking distance, spongier steering and much higher wear.

All-season tyres

A compromise. A sensible choice if you drive little, mainly on flat terrain, and rarely expect heavy snowfall. Important: only all-season tyres with the snowflake symbol meet the Austrian winter tyre requirement.

If you regularly drive on mountain roads or cover a high annual mileage, two sets of tyres are safer and usually cheaper overall.

When to change?

The rule of thumb "from Easter to October" for summer tyres is a rough guide. Temperature is more practical: once the average daily temperature stays below 7 °C, winter tyres belong on the car.

In Austria the situational winter tyre requirement from 1 November to 15 April also applies.

Tyre age and storage

Tyres age even when unused. After about six years the compound loses elasticity; after ten years tyres should be replaced regardless of tread depth. You can read the production date from the DOT number.

Stored tyres should be kept cool, dry and dark – upright without rims and turned regularly, lying flat or hanging when on rims.