The best 4-season tires in the UK 2023

As a rule, a good car tire should be changed every 40,000 to 50,000 km. To last that long, it must have outstanding wear resistance characteristics. Four-season tires are a practical alternative for tackling the road at any time. To make sure you always have the right model, read our buying guide.

Michelin Crossclimate+ XL 1
9/10

Best value for money

Michelin Crossclimate+ XL

The best 4-season tire

We particularly appreciate Michelin's know-how and the great compatibility of this 4-season tire. Designed for extreme conditions, it offers excellent performance all year round on all roads.

66,33 £ on Allopneus

When it comes to tires, the reputation of the company with the Michelin Man is well established. It's not surprising to see the Michelin Crossclimate+ XL - 205/55/16 94V in our comparison of the best tires for this year. Obviously, Allopneus offers a wide range of the model presented here. You will surely find one that will suit your vehicle.

A 4-season tire, the Michelin Crossclimate+ XL - 205/55/16 94V is suitable for various vehicles. Its grip and road behavior hardly vary, no matter what the weather is like. In addition, it has a long service life. In short, it's a real all-rounder that will save you money by not having to change your tires twice a year.

Nexen Nblue 4 season 175/65 R14 82T : 2
7/10

Best value for money

Nexen Nblue 4 season 175/65 R14 82T :

The best entry-level 4-season tire

Designed with materials aimed at grip and durability, this Nexen 4-season tire is the best choice if you're looking for a tough model at a reasonable price. It offers a comfortable ride on dry ground.

34,04 £ on Allopneus

Nexen offers an economical, yet effective tire solution. The Nexen N'blue has perfect handling, especially on snow, thanks to a dense siped tread. Despite the fact that it is not very responsive on dry roads, it is not very noisy and offers a pleasant driving comfort.

This tire is recommended especially for driving on wet roads due to its three-dimensional blocks that ensure perfect rigidity. The high-tech silica design allows it to withstand extreme temperatures without losing efficiency. The V-shaped grooves provide perfect grip and are suitable for all types of driving.

BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 - 235/75R15 3
9/10

Best premium value for money

BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 - 235/75R15

The best premium 4-season tire

Here is the best 4-season all-terrain tire of the moment! This BF Goodrich is your best ally, whether you want to face snow and ice in winter or ride comfortably during the warm seasons.

122 £ on Allopneus

The quality of this BF Goodrich tire has been proven. Designed to withstand the most extreme weather conditions, it reacts well on all types of terrain. Its well thought-out design gives it an optimal life span. Intended for off-road and utility cars, it is very efficient on rough ground thanks to its reinforced grips, with excellent braking properties on wet ground.

In addition to the aggressive and stylish look of this tire, it has shock and puncture resistant sidewalls. The reinforced shoulder protects the tire from external attacks. BF Goodrich wanted to offer users a tire with great robustness and longevity with its new generation T/A KO2 model.

BRIDGESTONE weather control A005 4
8/10

A great choice

BRIDGESTONE weather control A005

A high-performance 4-season tire

The Bridgestone Weather Control A005 is one of the best 4-season tires of any brand. It has an excellent wet grip coefficient and good winter performance.

59,76 £ on Allopneus

The Bridgestone Weather Control A005 is the improved version of the Bridgestone A001. It will please those who are looking for a 4 seasons tire that combines performance and safety on the road. Rated A for its wet grip, it is especially suited to SUVs and 4x4s. The Bridgestone Weather Control A005 also carries the 3PMSF(Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake) symbol, indicating that it meets the performance criteria required in snow tests.

Germany's leading automotive magazines, Auto Bild and Sport Auto, awarded the Weather Control A005 a promotion in the 2019 test. It received a "Very Good" rating in the November 2019 edition of Sport Auto in an all-season tire test. Incidentally, this model is used as original equipment by a number of car manufacturers.

Hankook Kinergy 4S2 5
8/10

Alternative cheap option

Hankook Kinergy 4S2

The entry-level alternative

Hankook's goal with its Kinergy 4S2 4-season is to provide reliable driving 365 days a year without changing tires. It impresses with its short braking distances and low rolling noise.

55,04 £ on Allopneus

The structure of the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 is based on high-grip silica. This ensures exceptional wet grip even at very low temperatures. In addition, the seamless reinforced belt cover ensures high tread rigidity. Ensuring safety and grip in all conditions took a lot of work for the designers of the Kinergy 4S2.

As you can see, the ride results with the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 4-season tire are more than satisfactory. The patterns with wide, wide-angle side grooves divert 2 to 3 times more water than conventional solutions. As a result, the risk of aquaplaning is significantly reduced.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best 4-season tire

Any specific needs?

The best 4-season tire

The best entry-level 4-season tire

The best premium 4-season tire

A high-performance 4-season tire

The entry-level alternative

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best 4-season tires

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT ALTERNATIVE
Michelin Crossclimate+ XL 6
9/10
Nexen Nblue 4 season 175/65 R14 82T : 7
7/10
BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 - 235/75R15 8
9/10
BRIDGESTONE weather control A005 9
8/10
Hankook Kinergy 4S2 10
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Michelin Crossclimate+ XL
Nexen Nblue 4 season 175/65 R14 82T :
BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 - 235/75R15
BRIDGESTONE weather control A005
Hankook Kinergy 4S2
We particularly appreciate Michelin's know-how and the great compatibility of this 4-season tire. Designed for extreme conditions, it offers excellent performance all year round on all roads.
Designed with materials aimed at grip and durability, this Nexen 4-season tire is the best choice if you're looking for a tough model at a reasonable price. It offers a comfortable ride on dry ground.
Here is the best 4-season all-terrain tire of the moment! This BF Goodrich is your best ally, whether you want to face snow and ice in winter or ride comfortably during the warm seasons.
The Bridgestone Weather Control A005 is one of the best 4-season tires of any brand. It has an excellent wet grip coefficient and good winter performance.
Hankook's goal with its Kinergy 4S2 4-season is to provide reliable driving 365 days a year without changing tires. It impresses with its short braking distances and low rolling noise.
Fuel efficiency
D
E
F
B
C
Wet traction
C
C
B
A
B
Roll noise
68 dB
69db
75 dB
72 dB
72 dB
Section width
205 mm
175mm
235 mm
185 mm
205 mm
Specific features
-
M+S, 3PMSF
M+S, 3PMSF
M+S 3PMSF
M+S, 3PMSF

Help us improve this table:
Report an error, request the addition of a feature to the table, or suggest another product. Thank you for your kindness!

Buying guide - 4-season tire

Primary Item (H2)Sub Item 1 (H3)

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How to choose your 4-season tire

#1 - Choosing a tire according to the type of vehicle driven

It is important to choose a tire that will fit the type of vehicle you drive. For example, a large tire designed for a 4×4 may not be suitable for a city car.

Check with a manufacturer to find out what tire recommendations are appropriate for your car model. There are several categories of car tires on the market: passenger car tires, SUV and 4×4 tires, utility tires, and truck tires.

#2 - Read the dimensions of a tire

The

size of a tire is a crucial criterion that cannot be overlooked. A good driver must know how to read the information on the dimensions of a tire to base his future purchases on them. Thus, deciphering the markings on the sidewall of the tire will serve to facilitate the search for a new tire.

#3 - Your conduct

The

new tire will also have to depend on the driving and temperament of its driver. Indeed, the tire to buy will not be the same if you drive quietly in a minivan than if you are a driving ace. And even less if you often take the highway. In the latter case, an all-terrain tire is more appropriate, while if you drive fast and sporty, a sporty tire will be more appropriate.

#4 - The tire labelling

A

good tire must meet certain standards and regulations, including rolling resistance, wet grip, and noise caused by the

tire.

Thus, the choice of the tire is made according to the marks which are allotted to him going from A to F according to the European labeling, knowing that a tire noted A is the best model.

#5 - The load and speed indices

As

well as information on its dimensions, it is also important to read the load and speed ratings of a tire, knowing that it can only support a certain load. To find this information, you must carefully read the markings on the sidewall of the tire and make sure you don't exceed the maximum load it can support.

#6 - The brand

Although it is

more often a personal choice than anything else, the choice of brand is also a point to consider. Depending on its reputation, the quality of its services, and the reviews that customers give its various products, sometimes the brand even becomes the determining point in buying a good tire. Depending on the quality, tires can be classified into premium, quality or budget classes.

#7 - Tyre prices

Prices can vary greatly depending on the size and quality of the tire. This is a fairly substantial budget to allocate to car maintenance. Therefore, it is useful to determine the frequency of tire wear based on the type of terrain and the distance the car travels. A tire that is more affordable at the time of purchase will, for example, be more expensive to maintain over the long term because it will wear out much more easily.

Why change your car tires?

The car tire is of paramount importance for the good driving of your vehicle. It must be said that it has many advantages:

1. tread wear

Over time, the wear of a tire becomes more and more visible. This is the first sign that you need to change your tire. To determine if a tire is worn enough to require replacement, look at the tread. If there is uneven wear on the sidewalls or if the tread height is less than 1.6 mm around the entire circumference, the tire must be replaced as soon as possible.

2. higher risk of a puncture

Sometimes small cuts appear on the sidewall of the tire. Outside of this area, it is difficult to determine the presence of a cut. Depending on the depth of the cut, it can quickly lead to a higher risk of a puncture. If there is any doubt as to whether or not a cut is present, a visit to a professional mechanic is necessary before changing the tire.

3) Presence of a hernia

The appearance of a hernia indicates the need to replace a tire as soon as possible. It appears as a more or less prominent bulge on the sidewall of the tire, which is often due to a fairly significant damage to the metal structure of the tire. A hernia can gradually expand with pressure and is therefore irreparable, putting the tire at risk as it can burst at any time, even during very moderate driving.

4. Vital need for a spare tire

One can never foresee in advance the risks and incidents that a tire may encounter while driving. It could be unexpected wear or simply a flat tire. It is therefore always better to be prepared and to have a spare tire available at all times, in which case it is best to get a new one.

5. change of season

It is important to stress the importance of having tires adapted to the current season. While there are four-season tires on the market, they don't come close to outperforming a tire designed specifically for a particular season. That being said, it is the responsibility of every good driver to put on summer tires during the warm weather and to get winter tires before the first snowfall.

6. reduced performance

This decline in performance often translates into more frequent tire maintenance. This usually includes a regular drop in air pressure or the presence of some form of hum in the tire's tread. If these signs appear, it's time to consider tire replacement.

7. age

A final point to check before changing a tire is its age. A well-maintained tire can last an average of six years before it becomes a hazard. This time limit can be verified by the presence of multiple cracks similar to neural links on the sidewalls of the tire. It is also important to consider the surrounding climate. A tire that is regularly subjected to high temperatures is likely to age more quickly.

The different types of 4-season tires

Summer tires

The summer tire is designed to be perfectly adapted to hot weather conditions. This is because the rubber in the tire is much harder and more resistant to heat, while still providing good grip. While its grooves allow the tire to avoid floating by transporting water away from it.

Advantage:

  • It offers better grip on the ground and is suitable for both dry and wet surfaces

Disadvantage:

  • The summer tire does not offer driving comfort and is also quite noisy

When to choose a summer tire?

To go on vacation during the summer months, opt for a summer tire.

Winter tires

Just

like the summer tire, the winter tire was designed to adapt to these very specific weather conditions. Here, we're talking about the cold. The winter tire has special sipes that interlock with the snow to improve traction. Its deeper grooves reinforce its grip and its motricity.

Advantage:

  • The composition of the winter tire remains relatively soft even at very low temperatures, which facilitates its grip on ice

Disadvantage:

  • Winter tires are much more expensive
  • In addition, as soon as the temperature warms up a little, it becomes much less efficient

When to choose a winter tire?

Winter conditions can be relatively harsh in some areas. This requires a tire specially designed to withstand them. The winter tire easily meets this requirement.

All-season tires

Also

known as an all-season tire, it is ideal for driving in areas with a temperate climate. This is because it has the capabilities of both a summer and a winter tire.

Advantage:

  • The great versatility of the all-season tire makes it practical enough for year-round driving in a temperate climate zone

Disadvantage:

  • Although it has the characteristics of both a summer and winter tire, it is much less efficient than the latter and does not adapt to drastic weather conditions

When to choose a four-season tire?

The all-season tire is a versatile compromise to the alternating winter/summer tires. If you want to save yourself the trouble of changing tires every time, this is the ideal choice.

Car tyres retreaded

A

retread tire is a moderately used tire that has had a new

tread applied.

The quality of the work done on the tread makes it easy for the retread to compete with a new tire.

Advantages:

  • It provides almost the same performance as a new tire at a lower cost
  • It is a good way to protect the environment

Disadvantage:

  • A good quality retread that meets all quality and safety standards is difficult to obtain

When to choose a retreaded car tire?

This is the ideal tire for the smaller budget.

XL car tires

Don't be

fooled by its misleading name. An XL tire is a tire that has been heavily reinforced with a multi-ply system to handle much heavier loads, thus improving its load rating.

Advantage:

  • Its capabilities allow it to withstand heavy loads while remaining relatively stable

Disadvantage:

  • In addition to being noisier than a standard tire, the greater weight of the tire leads to greater fuel consumption

When to choose an XL car tire?

If you need to carry something a little heavy, this is the tire for you.

Wide car tires

A

wide tire offers better grip on the ground because of the fairly large contact patch it covers. Although it is primarily a tire for sports cars, the wide tire is adaptable to many situations and can easily be fitted to a standard car.

Advantage:

  • Having more grooves and sipes, it allows for fairly safe driving on wet or even frozen surfaces

Disadvantages:

  • The wide tire is much more expensive
  • It also leads to higher fuel consumption due to the higher rolling resistance requirement

When to choose a wide car tire?

For the serious motorsport enthusiast, this is the tire for you.

4-season tires or summer tires?

4 seasons tires

As the name suggests, these are tires that can be used all year round. Four-season tires are made from a special rubber compound, which consists of summer and winter tire treads. Thanks to their performance, these tires offer a smooth ride and save fuel. The disadvantage of four-season tires is that they wear out quickly, so they will need to be replaced sooner than expected. In addition, the braking distance with these types of tires will be longer.

Summer tires

Summer tires offer great responsiveness, good braking ability and better cornering. They are made from a soft rubber that is suitable for high temperatures. Summer tires have less tread and more surface area in contact with the road. In addition, they are suitable for both wet and dry surfaces. However, these tires are not at all versatile, as they quickly lose their performance once the temperature drops below 7°C.

Verdict

Whether it's summer tires or 4-season tires, they are both very beneficial. Four-season tires are very useful and practical for a stable ride all year round. But summer tires grip a road better and use less fuel in summer.

Why buy a 4-season tire?

Saving time

When winter comes, you won't have to change your tyres with a 4-season tyre. This saves you the busy period, as many drivers decide to install their tyres at the same time. As a result, you won't have to wait in line at the fitting station.

Less money to spend

By opting for a 4-season tyre you can save money. You won't need to buy winter or snow tyres to drive in the cold season. And by the way, you are no longer obliged to store these tyres with a professional. A 4-season tire also requires less maintenance than special tires. It is an excellent alternative to spend less, while enjoying the pleasure of driving.

Versatility at all times

As the name suggests, a four-season tire is designed to handle snowy, wet or dry roads. You won't be caught short when the weather changes suddenly. Your tires will keep their performance, regardless of the weather. This is because it was designed to withstand both extreme heat and cold. It's also an excellent ally in heavy rainy seasons.

Guaranteed safety

Thanks to the technological advances from which 4-season tires benefit, you can drive with complete peace of mind. They offer good road holding and grip the ground well in curves and on rough tracks. In addition, this type of tyre has a 3PMSF marking guaranteeing you total safety on snow.

High durability

Able to adapt to different weather conditions, 4-season tires can be used for a long time. You can drive with them for a long time. This will also depend on your driving style.

The best brands of 4-season tires

In our opinion, the best brands of 4-season tires in 2022 are :

Goodyear
Nexen
Goodrich
Cooper
Michelin

Goodyear is one of the world's leading tire manufacturers with operations in most regions of the world and one of the most recognized brands. Together with its U.S. and international subsidiaries, Goodyear develops, manufactures, markets and distributes tires for most applications. The brand has earned a reputation as one of the best tire brands for tenacious grip and exceptionally responsive handling.

Nexen tires are available in a wide range of styles to suit every possible terrain and weather condition. Overall, Nexen makes good tires at competitive prices that are always worth considering when you need fresh rubber.

BF Goodrich is another one of the best tire brands originating from America. With a rich history that dates back to over 115 years. BF Goodrich is a brand known for creating the best car tires to enhance the driving experience.

Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is an American company specializing in the design, manufacture, marketing and sale of replacement tires for cars and trucks, and has subsidiaries specializing in medium truck, motorcycle and racing tires. The brand is recognized as the most durable tire brand.

This French brand has long been regarded as the best tyre brand not only in the UK but also around the world. It is known for its impressive performance in all-season tests, and many models offer low rolling resistance and long tread life. The brand's tyre ranges currently focus on ultra-high performance tyres and tyres for vans and SUVs.

What is the price for a 4-season tire

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
50 £ to 150 £
Mid-range
150 £ to 200 £
High-end
more than 200 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Change the tires every 10,000 kilometres.

For safety reasons, change your tires every 10,000 km, all four at the same time. This way, your tires will all be in the same condition and will wear at the same rate.

Always put new tires on the rear axle.

This way, it will be easier to maintain control of the vehicle, even on a wet road.

Check the tire pressure.

It is recommended that you keep your tire pressure at the recommended level to ensure the safety of the occupants of your car. It is important to note that too low a tire pressure can cause tires to lose traction on wet and rainy surfaces, which can be very dangerous.

Check the tread depth of the tires regularly.

This will help maintain good traction on wet roads. Unusual advanced wear can reduce the tread's ability to grip the road properly in adverse conditions. Visually check tires for irregular wear, look for any possible irregularities (different levels, overly smooth areas...) and any signs of damage.

Don't change the size of your tires lightly.

Think carefully before changing a tire size. It can affect handling, fuel economy and speedometer accuracy. In any case, if you really want to change the tire size, change all four at the same time.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , quechoisir.org
  2. , 60millions-mag.com
  3. , consumerreports.org
  4. , consumersearch.com
  5. , bestreviews.com
  6. , today.com
  7. , consumeraffairs.com
  8. , thespruce.com
  9. , toptenreviews.com
  10. , feuvert.fr
  11. , feuvert.fr
  12. , 1001pneus.fr
  13. , norauto.fr
  14. , allopneus.com
  15. , carter-cash.com
  16. , auto.leclerc
  17. , speedy.fr
  18. , autoplus.fr
  19. , auto-moto.com
  20. , lemeilleuravis.com
  21. , points.fr
  22. , siligom.fr
  23. , m.auto-doc.fr
  24. , centralepneus.fr
  25. , points.fr
  26. , touring.be
  27. , euromaster.fr
  28. , carter-cash.com
  29. , 1001pneus.fr
  30. , 1001pneus.fr
  31. , centralepneus.fr
  32. , roady.fr
  33. , athlonnews.com
  34. , michelin.fr
  35. , 123pneus.fr
  36. , caradisiac.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Michelin Crossclimate+ XL 11
Michelin Crossclimate+ XL
Nexen Nblue 4 season 175/65 R14 82T : 12
Nexen Nblue 4 season 175/65 R14 82T :
BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 - 235/75R15 13
BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 - 235/75R15
BRIDGESTONE weather control A005 14
BRIDGESTONE weather control A005
Hankook Kinergy 4S2 15
Hankook Kinergy 4S2

Lecteurs

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