Exclusive Q&A: Are all-season tyres the ultimate all-rounders?

Continental’s Nicholas O'Beirne gives us an exclusive look at the AllSeasonContact 2, but can a tyre really perform in all conditions without performance trade-offs?

The debate continues: can a single tyre truly excel in all-seasons without sacrificing performance? We speak exclusively with Continental tyres Program Manager Nicholas O'Beirne about the innovative AllSeasonContact 2, uncovering whether the compromises often associated with all-season tyres are a myth.

Q: What does 'all-season' really mean for the AllSeasonContact 2, and how does it excel compared to dedicated summer or winter tyres?

A: It’s exactly what it sounds like: for us, all-season means a tyre that performs in all conditions, all year round. Whether it's a cold winter, a rainy autumn, summer (which in the UK, probably still means a lot of rain…) and even in warmer conditions.

What we really wanted was a tyre that not only meets legal requirements, but performance expectations too. And thanks to our innovative "Chili Blend" compound, you get the safety and performance you’d expect from a summer tyre in summer and a winter tyre in winter — which is excellent.

Q: When you set out to develop the AllSeasonContact 2, what was the top 'must-have' performance characteristic you were determined to nail?

A: When we were establishing our top criteria, we looked at all-season tyres and found that one aspect was often being favoured ahead of another. So what we really wanted from the AllSeasonContact 2 was the opposite: rounded, uniform performance — a real balance at a high level. So that meant, for example, not over-exceeding grip in colder conditions at the expense of something else. 

Overall, if I was forced to say which characteristics were ‘must haves’, I’d say safety, mileage and comfort. 

Q: What are some of the key technological advancements or design features in the AllSeasonContact 2 that truly differentiate it from its predecessor or competitors in the all-season market?

A: The predecessor to the AllSeasonContact 2 was already a very good tyre, but if we look at the tread pattern we have now — with what we call an adaptive tread design — there are several different features within this. And this is a key area that differentiates us in the market too. 

The AllSeasonContact 2 stays consistent under any temperature, providing better grip whatever the season. Within the compound is a ‘high damping softener technology’ (yes, that one’s best said that slowly) which provides grip in colder conditions. But at the same time, we've also been able to introduce the latest generation of polymer blends, giving excellent performance and safety in warmer temperatures, even if it rains — so again, it’s all about rounded performance no matter what's going on outside.

Q: Which vehicles do you think stand to benefit the most from AllSeasonContact 2’s award-winning design?

A: That’s an interesting question, and I'm going to give you, I'm afraid, a horrible answer: we’ve genuinely considered them all.

During the tyre development, we really looked at the trends. In the past, many people thought these sorts of tyres were for their ‘second car’, or smaller city cars. But we realised very quickly that because of all-season tyres’ year-round performance capabilities and safety offerings, they were attracting sporty drivers too. So, we wanted something that worked on everything: from compact cars, to sports cars and SUVs.

And, thanks to our tyres’ energy optimised materials which can extend range, they're excellent for EVs too. So yes, you can put this tyre on any car — they were attracting a wider range of drivers, from sporty cars to little city run arounds, for example — and that was a big part of the point.

Q: Tyre wear and longevity are huge considerations for our customers, especially when they're investing in a tyre that needs to perform year-round. How has Continental addressed tyre wear in the AllSeasonContact 2, and what kind of lifespan can drivers realistically expect?

A: I would say the AllSeasonContact 2 has a few areas that really help with longevity, and we’ve partaken in independent testing to support its high mileage figures which can be readily seen in our press test results. 

That low abrasion pattern I mentioned earlier also optimises the tyre’s force distribution when in contact with the road, minimising abrasion and wear, giving your rubber a much longer lifespan. Then, within the compound we have a flexible rubber network, helping it adapt to differing road surfaces, again reducing abrasion and improving mileage.

In terms of the lifespan drivers can   realistically expect? It's very difficult to put a number on that because it depends on driving style. If I put my foot down heavily over the course of a year, I'm going to have much higher wear than driving with a lighter touch. And I know it sounds like a bit of cop out, saying it's driving style, but I've seen it on my own car — and that’s why I now drive with the lightest foot in Europe...

Q: From a handling perspective, how does the AllSeasonContact 2 feel to drive?

A: Personally, with the AllSeasonContact 2, I don’t feel any skidding or movement in the tyre — it’s a very stable, pleasant drive. You can feel the road, but not in a jarring way, and that applies to long haul driving too. I drove them all the way from London to Hanover in my BMW X3 — a big old sporty SUV with a small engine — and they were really comfortable throughout.

And then driving on the Autobahn, it's not a myth — people go like the clappers. You find yourself shifting sharply out of the way because in Germany they tend to brake quite late, which is a bit unnerving. So, when I was moving lanes or doing quick manoeuvres, I didn't ever feel like the car was struggling.

Q: In your opinion, what's the biggest myth about all-season tyres that the AllSeasonContact 2 successfully debunks?

A: I would say it debunks the myth that all-season tyres are a poor compromise between summer and winter tyres. From our test results we can see that the AllSeasonContact 2 performs year-round, keeping you comfortable and confident throughout.

Q: What's next on the horizon for Continental in the all-season tyre sector?

A: The future of all-season tyres looks bright. We know that as a tyre variant it's becoming increasingly popular with drivers. To match this demand, we’re really focusing on covering all the different vehicles and car varieties. It already fits on just about everything, and it works for all types of driving — except maybe on racetracks…

So really, we’re making sure we maintain that coverage so everyone can continue to enjoy the AllSeasonContact 2. 

Q: Can you sum up the AllSeasonContact 2 in three words

A: No, it's far too good for three words. 

BUT, if I had to, I would truly say: safe, efficient and uncompromising.

Conclusion

So, does Continental's AllSeasonContact 2 debunk the myth that all-season tyres are a compromise? With advanced technology designed for year-round safety and performance, it suggests drivers no longer need to choose between seasonal specialising. The promise is simple: a safe, efficient, and uncompromising tyre for year-round performance. But what do you think?

Hero image credit: Continental