All-season tyres are a compromise between summer and winter tyres. But they continue to enjoy increasing popularity. And this is still having consequences for automotive companies.
The number of drivers choosing all-season tyres has been increasing for years: In 2014, 15 percent of drivers stated that they had all-season tyres. By 2018, the figure was already at 25 percent. In its analysis of the replacement tyre business in 2021, the BRV (German Tyre Trade Association) shows that the figures for all-season tyres remain strong. Within the product group of passenger car and 4x4 tyres, the proportion of all-season tyres in 2021 increased by around 2.5 percent to approximately 27 percent.
The positive development of all-season or all-weather tyres always comes to the detriment of the winter tyre business, where the market share in 2021 decreased by a further 2.5 percentage points to nearly 41 percent compared to the previous year.
But can you blame the drivers? In our mild climate, there is a legitimate case for using all season tyres. And no longer having to switch from winter to summer tyres and back again doesn't just save money, but time too.
All-season tyres: A problem for automotive companies and drivers
However, this development has been a problem for automotive workshops and tyre companies for years. Michael Schwämmlein, Managing Director of Technology at BRV, sums it up in the trade publication "Automobilwoche": "The more all-season tyres are sold, the more customers no longer come for the seasonal change between summer and winter tyres".
But he warns: All-season tyres are still a compromise, "quickly reach their limits in extreme conditions and are often not the best choice, especially in summer". This compromise in terms of safety is also an opportunity for automotive companies. They must inform their customers objectively about the advantages and disadvantages of all-season tyres.
Regardless of the lack of sales, the reduction in visits to the workshop has further consequences for drivers and businesses alike: For automotive companies, this means they miss out on important, regular opportunities to communicate with customers in person. Drivers no longer have their tyres inspected regularly.
All-season tyres as an "all-round worry-free package"?
On important aspect in light of the development: Anyone who sees all-season tyres as an "all-round worry-free package", which only have to be fitted once and easily last the entire life of the car, has been lulled into a false and dangerous sense of security.
Incorrect air pressure, potential damage from irregular profile wear, all of these are warning signs that go unnoticed by many drivers. Automotive companies should therefore inform buyers of all-season tyres about the advantages and disadvantages and offer regular checks on their tyres. The BRV recommends checking all-season tyres at least once a year. The German Road Safety Council (DVR) even recommends having them checked every six months.