Recent developments are for these "all weather" tires, of which the best known example is probably the Nokian WRG2 (and now the WRG3)
But of course there are others that cost much less, such as
Vredesetain Quatrac 3
Kumho Solus Vier
Falken EuroAll
Are these just performance winter tires in Europe being marketed as all-weather over here? I ask because I know that in some countries like Germany, they are really strict about this stuff, so how could a tire be approved for year-round use? Doesn't most of Europe frown on all-seasons, or is that stigma disappearing?
The all-weather tires do have UTQG ratings, though.
Since they also have the severe snow approval to be used as winter tires, is it OK to use a lower-than-original speed rating outside the winter season? I emailed Vredestein about this, and they said it's OK because it has the severe snow symbol (so the tire shops can treat it as a snow tire)
But of course there are others that cost much less, such as
Vredesetain Quatrac 3
Kumho Solus Vier
Falken EuroAll
Are these just performance winter tires in Europe being marketed as all-weather over here? I ask because I know that in some countries like Germany, they are really strict about this stuff, so how could a tire be approved for year-round use? Doesn't most of Europe frown on all-seasons, or is that stigma disappearing?
The all-weather tires do have UTQG ratings, though.
Since they also have the severe snow approval to be used as winter tires, is it OK to use a lower-than-original speed rating outside the winter season? I emailed Vredestein about this, and they said it's OK because it has the severe snow symbol (so the tire shops can treat it as a snow tire)