We don’t tend to get the extreme weather of other countries (fingers-crossed) which means for most people, a good set of All-Season tyres should be good enough to use year-round. They're the jack of all trades, masters of none of the tyre world. Capable on dry tarmac, snow and wet conditions, they're the obvious choice for a milder climate like the UK.
RELATED: The best winter tyres 2021
Our German colleagues at Auto Zeitung have done some thorough all-season tyre testing. They bought the latest crop of winter tyres anonymously at independent suppliers for an accurate and independent tyre test, perfect for helping you choose your next set of car rubbers.
How we tested the best winter tyres 2021
Auto Zeitung is always run the tyre test with incredibly stringent rules to ensure reliable results:
- All tyres were purchased from independent retailers in June 2020.
- Tests are independent with no manufacturer help. Each tyre is examined using reproducible driving manoeuvres at the limit on snow, wet and dry surfaces - with and without ESP stability control engaged. This is the only way we can say whether a tyre offers security during a spontaneous evasive manoeuvre. We also subjectively evaluate the comfort properties.
- Noise, vibration and harshness were tested to accurately examine how manhole covers, badly repaired roads or cross joints would affect the tyres.
- Each tyre has its rolling resistance tested on two different test stands.
The best all-season tyres
After extensive testing, there were joint winners with the Continental AllSeasonContacts and Vredestein Quatrac that came out with the coveted top spot. Both were real all-rounders being very good in the wet, dry and snow. The only difference is the price with the Vredestein tyres being really good value for money.
The Goodyear, Michelin and Bridgestone tyres were strongest in the wet and dry but didn't excel in the snow. Still, if snow isn't a real concern for you they're still worth considering. Likewise, the Hankook, Nokian and Falken tyres were good in the snow but fell apart a little in either the wet or dry tests. Finally, the Maxxis had a very good stopping distance in the dry but that was about it and it came home a distant last.
The best all-season tyre
Tester's notes - The best all-rounder you can get for your car. Very good on both snow, wet roads and in the dry, itu2019s our top choice.
The best budget all-season tyre
www.halfords.com
Testers' notes - The best budget option for all-season tyres, the Quatrac excelled in both wet and dry conditions and was safe in the snow too.
The best all-season tyre for rolling
Testers' notes - A good choice for wet and dry driving but still safe for snow use. One of the best tyres in terms of rolling resistance.
Recommended
Tester's notes - Yet another solid option for driving in the wet or dry. Snow performance is adequate but safe, especially on slopes.
Recommended
Testers' notes - A strong performer in the wet and dry, good grip in the snow but not the strongest contender.
Recommended
www.blackcircles.com
Tester's notes - Not the strongest contender in the wet, but very safe in the snow and on dry tarmac.
Recommended
Testers' notes - A very strong contender in the snow and rolls very efficiently. Not enough grip in the wet, however.
Recommended
www.blackcircles.com
Testers' notes - Good in the snow and when itu2019s warmer out. Not very grippy when itu2019s wet and cold.
Recommended
www.demon-tweeks.com
Testers' notes - Very good braking in the dry, loses a lot of grip in the wet and rain. Not very good at rolling efficiently.
Find the right tyres for your car with ease
No longer do you need to ring around car dealers in the hope of finding one that has the correct tyres for your car. Several online shops now allow you to enter your car’s details and filter results to show only options that’ll fit. They include Amazon Garage, Blackcircles and Halfords.
Useful for more than just tyres too, Amazon Garage and Blackcircles allow you to find the right bulbs, wiper blades and filters for your car, hopefully saving you a parts number-induced headache.