Are you confused over which tire to purchase that will guarantee all-year performance, last long and provide real value for money? Do you wish to enjoy a safe and predictable ride? Or perhaps you intend to achieve optimum driving comfort and the perfect traction on the road.
With several high performance all-season tire brands and sizes, you have probably come across some confusing jargon. You are yet to understand how all those technical terms affect your driving conditions and performance on different roads.
Driving in winter and wet roads is tough. The slippery surface makes handling difficult, braking unpredictive and impedes responsiveness to steering controls. Fortunately, high-performance all-season tires provide all-in-one solutions. Perfect for any road, any time.
We provide unbiased reviews for high performance all-season tires focusing on the capabilities of the best brands on dry and wet roads. We dissect the technical aspects so that you make the right choices when shopping for reliable sets of high performance all-season tires.
| Tire name | Best in Category | Overall rating | Steering response | Wet performance | Hydroplaning resistance | Wet traction | Dry performance | Cornering stability | Dry traction | Comfort performance | Ride quality | Noise score | Treadwear performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yokohama AVID ENVigor ZPS | 100% | 8 | 8.3 | 8 | 8.1 | 7.9 | 8.4 | 8.2 | 8.8 | 7.5 | 7.2 | 7.8 | 8.2 |
| Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season (H- or V-Speed Rated) | 100% | 8 | 8.8 | 8.4 | 8.4 | 8.5 | 8.9 | 8.8 | 9.1 | 8.2 | 8.2 | 8.1 | 8 |
| Sumitomo HTR A/S P02 (H- or V-Speed Rated) | 98% | 8 | 8.6 | 8.3 | 8.3 | 8.2 | 8.7 | 8.7 | 8.9 | 8 | 8.3 | 7.7 | 7.7 |
| Kumho Ecsta PA31 | 91% | 7 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 8 | 7.8 | 8.3 | 7.6 | 7.8 | 7.5 | 6.7 |
| Firestone Firehawk AS | 88% | 7 | 8.1 | 7.8 | 7.7 | 7.8 | 8.3 | 8.1 | 8.5 | 6.8 | 7.2 | 6.3 | 7.5 |
| Goodyear Eagle RS-A2 | 86% | 7 | 8.1 | 7.2 | 7.4 | 7 | 8 | 7.9 | 8.1 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 6.9 | 7.4 |
| Hankook Ventus V2 concept2 | 85% | 7 | 7.8 | 6.7 | 6.9 | 6.5 | 7.9 | 7.8 | 8 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 7.7 | 7.6 |
High Performance All-Season Tires
Irrespective of the brand type and size, high performance all-season tires have almost similar technical specifications. They feature the M+S rating, meaning that they are suitable for driving over mud and snow. They have a low profile and different speed ratings, with H- or V-ratings predominant. The technical capabilities of these tires make them preferable for sporty coupes, sports cars and selected sporty sedans.
Design Characteristics
How are high performance all-season tires specialized to perform modestly across seasons?
Tread compound
These tires utilize a flexible yet strong rubber material. Different companies blend the tread material uniquely, depending on the sophistication of their manufacturing process and the anticipated durability. The toughness of the tread compounds reflects in the modest warranty conditions that manufacturers of high performance all-season tires offer.
While the tread material is flexible, it guarantees optimum traction on dry and wet tarmac. The cold winter temperatures deform rubber material, escalating safety risks. Fortunately, the tread compound for these tires can withstand harsh conditions, giving drivers the confidence they require.
Tread patterns
High performance all-season tires are the real deal when it comes to balancing year-round traction and comfort. It is no secret that manufacturers are competing to produce the most silent tires. Most of the tires in this category feature symmetric tread patterns.
They are vital for canceling road noises for occupants to enjoy a calm ride, whenever and wherever. A common trend is the optimization of the tread patterns using computer models. Another feature for enhancing the comfort levels of the tires is the incorporation of nylon plies in the construction of internal casings.
Deep circumferential grooves
These tires have an exceptional defense against hydroplaning to simplify driving over the wet tarmac. The tires have well-positioned, deep grooves which run across the entire circumference. They are essential for evacuating water from the road surface. The tires grip firmly on the road surface, keeping the braking distances short.
Internal reinforcements
High performance all-season tires are good for high-speed driving. That said, drivers encounter several challenges when cruising at high speed. One is the responsiveness to steering controls, and the other is tire conformity to road irregularities.
The construction of high performance all-season tires features several reinforcements ranging from steel belts, nylon and polyester plies. These materials improve the stability of the tires at high speed and enhance their load-bearing capacities. Additionally, they contribute to better handling under different driving conditions.
Sipes
Driving on snow is challenging. The tires must grip firmly on the slushy road. High performance all-season tires need additional biting edges to increase snow-on-snow traction and prevent spinning.
The tread pattern alone is insufficient. That is why these tires have several sipes within the grooves of the tires. Manufacturers optimize the location, sizes and shapes of sipes using computer models for the ultimate winter performance of the tires.
Pros & Cons of High Performance All-season Tires
How do High Performance All-season Tires Compare to Other Categories?
High performance all-season tires combine the capabilities of all tire categories in one package. It means that they perform better in certain circumstances while they underperform in others. The main advantage is that drivers do not have to purchase multiple sets of tires for the different seasons.
Their dry traction capabilities rival that of specialized summer tires. They grip firmly on the dry tarmac, are highly responsive to steering controls and are stable when cornering at high speed. In comparison to winter tires, high performance all-season tires lack when it comes to snow traction. The traction is sufficient to inspire driving safety and confidence but is insufficient in deep snow. The tires become unresponsive to steering controls and hard to brake.
The tread design of high performance all-season tires lacks the toughness of mud terrain and off-road tires. They are unsuitable for off-roading and are susceptible to punctures, fast wear and tear.
Verdict
High performance all-season tires are a perfect choice for drivers who want modest car performance on dry and wet roads. The tires provide sufficient traction, optimum comfort levels and better handling. By equipping your car with these tires, you worry less about changing the tires when seasons shift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are high performance all-season tires suitable for use all year round?
Yes. These tires are flexible for use across seasons. However, the performance will vary. Take caution when the season changes from dry to wet or vice versa. Tires made from softer rubber compounds will exhibit superb performance in cold weather but wear out faster when hot.
How often should I replace my high performance all-season tires?
The longevity of your tires lies squarely with your driving conditions. Other factors that determine tire life include the environmental conditions and maintenance of the tires. Under proper care, your tire should last for several miles, even beyond the tread life warranty limit.
