All-season vs. summer tires: a practical look at performance across conditions in temperate regions

Experts behind Za Rulem, Russia’s oldest and most trusted automotive publication, explored how Continental AllSeasonContact tires (M+S index) compare with Continental PremiumContact 6 summer tires when tested in summer conditions. The central question: can all-season tires handle the heat and still perform as convincingly as dedicated summer tires, even as winter weather fades away in some regions?

On dry pavement, summer tires clearly excel in braking, steering, and overall stability. The advantage grows with higher ambient temperatures, underscoring the typical preference for summer tires in hot weather. Yet the all-season option demonstrated notable strengths in several areas, occasionally rivaling or even surpassing summer tires in specific scenarios.

1. Traction and control on challenging surfaces

When starting uphill on unpaved ground, the all-season tires showed superior grip compared with summer tires, which tended to skate on soil and grass. The observed difference equated to a meaningful two-point gap in expert assessment. This suggests a higher likelihood of reaching a destination through mud or loose terrain using all-season tires, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

2. Acoustic behavior

Comfort levels favored all-season tires in this comparison. They tended to produce quieter operation, although sound can be influenced by the tread pattern of a specific model. In other words, some all-season designs may offer a calmer ride than their summer counterparts, depending on their rubber geometry.

3. Ride smoothness

Another notable advantage for all-season tires is a softer ride. This softness becomes apparent over small and medium bumps, contributing to a more forgiving driving experience on imperfect roads.

4. Cost efficiency

Economic considerations come into play. In rolling resistance terms, all-season tires perform competitively, reducing fuel consumption by roughly 0.2 liters per 100 kilometers, a gain of about 7.5% relative to some summer tires. However, wear patterns differ: all-season tires typically wear faster than summer tires under certain conditions. The overall cost benefit therefore depends on road quality and the driver’s style and climate exposure.

5. Aquaplaning and wet braking

On wet asphalt, the all-season tires offered a slight edge in braking efficiency by a few percent. When water is present in larger puddles, they held up well, maintaining stable performance. Longitudinal aquaplaning occurred at similar speeds to summer tires, but the all-season models resisted lateral slide better, recovering more than five percent of lateral deceleration. As temperatures drop, the advantage often shifts toward all-season designs, since summer tires lose grip more rapidly in cooler conditions.

Findings from a veteran test editor reflect the broader takeaway: while winter-grade tires still outshine universal tires on slippery surfaces, modern all-season tires lag behind in completely dry summer conditions. Yet in rain and transitional periods, they hold their own and, in some cases, shine. For central regions with temperate continental climates that swing hot summers and cold, snowy winters, all-season tires can function as a practical middle option between summer and winter sets. They may extend the usable life of both seasonal tire types by bridging the gap through spring, summer, autumn, and into early winter.

Main conclusion

The nuances are real. For readers who want a deeper dive and a definitive verdict tailored to their local conditions, the big test comparing all-season tires with summer tires offers a comprehensive perspective. This body of work helps drivers weigh the tradeoffs and determine whether all-season tires can serve as a viable interim solution in regions with variable weather patterns.

• Behind the wheel can be read on Odnoklassniki, where readers can explore the detailed test results.