kindofblue
Well-Known Member
- First Name
- Reid
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2021
- Threads
- 32
- Messages
- 833
- Reaction score
- 665
- Location
- Arroyo Grande CA
- Vehicles
- Grabber Blue Mach e Premium 11/5/22, '23 BMW i4 40
- Occupation
- Psychologist & developer of digital tools for alcohol misuse
Thanks for the overlay. I'd never noticed this difference in latitude before.The difference is in Europe to be considered an all-season tire you need to have the TPMSF three-peak mountain snowflake rating.
Also, there is no such thing as a mileage warranty in Europe, so buyers make different choices than American buyers. The choices made in Europe are more based on traction and less on how long the tire will last. Summer tires give you much more grip but like you stated at the cost of longevity. So we all make trade-offs I would rather have traction.
I attached a map showing where Europe falls latitude-wise compared to the USA. Kinda hits home when they Siberia where Minneapolis and Saint Paul.
It's fairly normal for folks to run a winter and summer set. Some countries also require TPMSF-rated tires to be installed during certain months.
American all-season tires have traditionally been crap under 40F. I believe they are better these days but if they did qualify for the TPMSF rating they would have it.