Summer, winter or all-season tyres: which should you choose?

As soon as temperatures drop, we hear the same question at the garage: should I fit winter tyres? And are all-season tyres a good alternative? The answer depends on how and where you drive. In this article, XCS Automotive in Merchtem sets out the differences and explains what to look out for when choosing.

What does the law in Belgium say?

Winter tyres are not compulsory in Belgium. So the choice is yours. However, the tread of each tyre must be at least 1.6 mm deep over three quarters of the tread surface. Tyres on the same axle must be the same. If you drive abroad, for example on a skiing holiday, check the rules that apply there. In some countries winter tyres or snow chains are compulsory in winter conditions.

Summer tyres

Summer tyres have a rubber compound that works best at higher temperatures. The tread is designed for good grip on dry and wet roads and for precise handling. In cold temperatures the rubber hardens, reducing grip, especially on a cold, wet road or in icy conditions.

Suitable for: drivers who drive little in the cold months or who switch to winter tyres in winter.

Winter tyres

Winter tyres have a softer rubber compound that stays flexible even at low temperatures. The tread is deeper and has many small cuts, called sipes, which give grip on snow, slush and wet, cold roads. You can recognise a genuine winter tyre by the symbol of a mountain with a snowflake on the sidewall.

Because the rubber is softer, winter tyres wear faster in warm weather. That is why you switch back to summer tyres in spring.

Suitable for: drivers who are on the road a lot and early in winter, drive on rural roads or head to the snow.

All-season tyres

All-season tyres are a compromise. They work reasonably well in summer and reasonably well in winter, without excelling in either season. Good all-season tyres also carry the mountain and snowflake symbol. The big advantage is that you do not have to change tyres twice a year or store a second set.

Suitable for: drivers who mainly drive in town and the surrounding area, in a temperate climate like ours, and who want to avoid the seasonal change.

A rule of thumb: temperature

You often hear that winter tyres perform better from around 7 °C and below. If the temperature in your area regularly drops below that level, winter tyres or good all-season tyres give more grip than summer tyres. There is no fixed date for the change. Many drivers change in October or November and again in March or April.

Tread: legal minimum and safe minimum

The legal minimum is 1.6 mm. That does not mean a tyre is safe until then. The less tread, the less water a tyre can disperse and the greater the risk of aquaplaning. With winter tyres in particular, grip on snow and in the cold drops quickly as the tread gets shallower. So have your tyres checked in good time and do not wait until the last moment to replace them.

Age matters too. Rubber hardens over time, even if there is still enough tread. The production date is on the sidewall of the tyre, in a code showing the week and the year.

What else should you look out for?

• Correct size and indices: the size, load index and speed index must suit your car. You can find them in your documents or on your current tyres.
• Four matching tyres: preferably drive with four tyres of the same type, especially with winter tyres.
• Tyre pressure: check the pressure after the change and regularly afterwards. Read more on our page maintenance and repairs.
• Storage: store the other set somewhere dry, cool and out of the sun.
• Rims and sensors: if you have a separate set of rims with tyre pressure sensors, those sensors must work properly.

Tyres through XCS

For tyres we work with our neighbour and partner GS Banden. That way you arrange the tyre change and the servicing of your car through one point of contact. At every service we measure your tread depth and check the tyre pressure. So you know in good time when new tyres are needed.

For commercial vehicles and fleets, too, we plan tyre changes together with servicing. Read more on our page fleet and commercial vehicles. And if you are thinking about winter, also read our winter checklist.

Frequently asked questions

Are winter tyres compulsory in Belgium?

No. Winter tyres are not compulsory in Belgium. Some other countries do have rules in winter conditions. Check them before you leave.

Can I fit two winter tyres and two summer tyres?

Tyres on the same axle must be the same. Even so, we recommend four tyres of the same type, so the car responds predictably.

Are all-season tyres as good as winter tyres?

In real winter conditions a good winter tyre usually performs better. For drivers who mainly drive locally, a good all-season tyre is often a practical alternative.

How do I know how old my tyres are?

The sidewall has a four-digit code: the first two digits give the week, the last two the year of production.

Tyres checked or changed?

Book your appointment online via make an appointment or call Jorne on 0471 46 40 17 or Quinten on 0470 56 61 21. You will find us at Stoofstraat 43 in Merchtem, open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Anywhere in Merchtem, we collect your car and bring it back free of charge.