How snow actually helps all-season and winter tyres grip

We’re now into mid-January, which means winter driving conditions are in full swing. With the UK having already seen heavy snowfall and icy conditions in recent weeks, it’s a good time to consider the benefits of all-season and winter tyres. While you might see snow as an obstacle when it comes to grip, it’s actually an important part of the tyres ability to grip in the winter snow and ice.

Snow traction with winter and all-season tyres

It may seem counterintuitive, but the secret to how winter and all-season tyres excel lies in how the tread blocks handle the hazards. Along with their ability to disperse water effectively, especially when compared to summer tyres, they are also designed to grip any snow they roll over, compacting it into the grooves.

This is called snow-on-snow friction, and the physics behind it provides significantly greater grip than the rubber of your tyre would alone on snow. This is aided by the zigzag-like patterns you see on cold-weather tyres, working like claws biting into the snow. The packed snow inside the tread grips like a watery rubber, enhancing its ability to perform.

Once the snow starts to melt, the tread pushes it out through the sides and repeats the process, further adding more snow to continue the improved traction.

What else makes winter and all-season tyres superior in the winter?

Winter and all-season tyres are a great option for those who are seeking confidence and safety this winter. Unlike summer tyres, winter tyres are significantly better equipped to handle cold temperatures and the expected hazards. Summer tyre compounds harden below 7 °C, but winter tyres, thanks to their silica compound, maintain or even improve their flexibility and grip in the cold. Although in warmer temperatures, the performance of winter tyres then diminishes. For year-round safety and performance, a balanced solution is an all-season tyre, such as our Alltoura 4-Seasons and Vantoura 4-Seasons range, which combine the benefits of both summer and winter tyre technology.

What should I buy, all-season tyres or winter tyres?

Choosing between all-season and dedicated winter tyres depends largely on your environment and preferences.

• Choosing a Winter tyre:

Winter tyres are ideal for environments which expect consistent snow or ice, such as rural areas which aren’t cleared as frequently as more urban areas. These tyres are invaluable when the temperatures drop below 7 °C, but it’s important to swap them out for summer tyres when the temperatures heat up.

Swapping them out means you need reliable storage; however, storing winter tyres safely requires keeping them away from chemicals, either by storing them in a designated space or hanging them up. Alternatively, you can use specialised tyre storage facilities to eliminate the concerns associated with storing them yourself.

• Choosing an All-Season tyre:

For drivers who expect to experience milder weather, perfect for city drives, or more built-up areas. All-season tyres such as our Alltoura and Vantoura ranges are designed to perform all year round. The biggest advantage is that they are set-and-forget when it comes to worrying about the seasons, no storage is required, and you can drive them throughout the year. While these tyres may compromise slightly on performance compared to dedicated winter tyres, for drivers in temperate regions, the benefits often significantly surpass these drawbacks.

If you’re interested in learning more about seasonal tyres, we’ve got a great blog, “How do winter tyres work?”, breaking down winter tyres further.

By leveraging the principles of snow-on-snow friction, all-season tyres provide the confidence you need all year round. Ultimately, the choice is yours on the type of winter tyre, and it will come down to personal preference and local climate. Choosing the appropriate tyre is essential, no matter the weather.

For more information about our tyre range, please visit our product page and blog, or ask your nearest Davanti dealer.