Why are UK drivers choosing all-season tyres?

With almost two out of three UK drivers considering all-season tyres, the segment is rapidly gaining traction. But what's driving this shift, and should we all be getting in on the hype?

All-season tyres: should I be using them? In some parts of Europe, this is a simple question to answer. The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol is a legal requirement when tackling winter conditions in regions of France, Germany, and Sweden (to name a few), meaning drivers are left with two choices: swap back and forth between summer and winter tyres, or avoid the hassle and opt for marked all-season tyres.

Seems like a bit of a no-brainer, right? Perhaps, but that doesn’t explain why here in the UK, where the 3PMSF symbol isn't mandated 65% of recently surveyed motorists say they would consider all-season tyres as their next set. 

Well, to find out what is luring Britain’s drivers in this direction, where better to begin than with a true pioneer in the all-season tyre segment. Vredestein introduced its first all-season tyre, the Quatrac, way back in 1993, making it one of the first true year-round tyre offerings. And *spoiler alert* they didn’t stop there…

Year-round confidence for UK drivers

To us, opting for all-season tyres in the UK is also opting to go above and beyond; a choice made by those not only seeking balanced performance across the year’s various conditions, but safety too. 

"All-season tyres are becoming increasingly popular among motorists who want the reassurance of being able to safely tackle fast-changing weather conditions, year-round." - Yves Pouliquen, Apollo Tyres European Vice President 

Take the current 3PMSF certified Vredestein Quatrac for example, featuring the range’s signature ‘deep V’ tread pattern and an expanded contact area to offer reliable handling across dry, wet, and snowy surfaces, as well as a more than 10% aquaplaning resistance improvement. This design also helps to reduce rolling resistance, leading to better fuel efficiency and a longer lifespan ( 20% to be precise) for the Quatrac. Performance: tick. Safety that lasts: tick.

Then, combine these characteristics with Britain’s notoriously unsettled weather ( don’t just take our word for it), and it begins to make a lot of sense that UK drivers are looking for versatile tyres they can rely on year-round. And with Vredestein’s Quatrac securing top spot in the most recent Auto Bild all-season tyre test thanks to its overall balanced performance, impressive braking distances, and responsive, safe handling, its own case grows stronger too.   

Versatile in more ways than one

Now, you may be thinking: this combination of safety and longevity sounds ideal for family cars, small crossovers, and even the BMW 3 Series on which it collected its awards, but what happens when rim sizes rise, and horsepower steps up a gear?

For drivers of more powerful cars the Vredestein Quatrac Pro takes year-round capability to the next level — allowing yet more UK road-goers to get in on the all-season tyre movement. Building on the core strengths of the Quatrac, the Pro incorporates a unique blend of tread materials, including high silica and resin content, to optimise traction when accelerating and grip during braking and high-speed cornering.

And of course, whether strapped on to anything from a BMW 4 Series, Mercedes G-Class, Range Rover Velar, or even a performance-focussed Mini Cooper, that special 3PMSF on the sidewall means this performance is ensured come rain, shine, or snow.

The verdict for the UK driver

So, while not a legal necessity in the UK, the benefits of all-season tyres seem undeniable, offering a versatile and safe solution when tackling the UK's varied climate — whether you drive anything from a small city car to a high-performance SUV. And with brands like Vredestein bringing proven track records and a focus on year-round performance, would you join the movement and consider all-season tyres for your next tyre replacement?

Hero image credit:  Apollo Vredestein