Anecdotal Evidence:
2008 VW T5 4-Motion.
I usually put the winters tires on in early-mid October and take them off in mid-May. Winter vs. Summer usage is nearly identical.
I am now on my 2nd set of Nokian winter tires and they'll probably last for another winter.
I am currently on my 3rd set of summer tires and they'll probably need to be replaced at the end of this summer. Incidentally, I am now using Nokian Line summer tires (previously had Dunlops) and the wear seems to be a bit better.
Conclusion: Winter tires wear less than summer tires.
Conclusion: ANY tire wears less in colder temperatures...
How so? Winter = less grip, hence more movement and more wear. Technically speaking.
Oh, and while I'm on topic, after 40K my tyres on my X5 still have plenty of life. Great! Not so fast. They have become so noisy that I took the car to BMW who said it's a common problem (Something to do with the shoulders of the tyres. I didn't really understand) only solved by replacing the tyres. The fronts are worn more than the rears, but due to the X drive system all tyres need to be replaced! (Apparently!) Quote from BMW? CHF2,200. Wowzers! Got exactly the same tyres online for CHF1,200. Pirelli P Zeros, as opposed to the Dunlops currently on there. I'll let you know how I get on.
I seem to remember putting the back tires to the front and vice versa (re wear). Is that not done anymore?
I have different sizes on front and rear. It would look pretty odd to do so to say the least...
Same here. The rears are wider (much) and lower. I guess it makes the car look like a hot rod?
But if the same size it's still done?
PS: wider tires in the back does not look silly?
Modern tires have of course matching harder rubber, but the principle still stays the same: Hot tarmac and rubber are not a combination for low wear. Not exactly a secret to anyone watching motorsports...
Nope. Most of the more powerful cars are build that way... you didn't know and clearly never recognized it so far.
You need wider tires at the back cause that's where all or as in my case at least most of the power is transmitted. in the front will narrower tires make it easier to steer.
I agree... in this case, as to why my summer tires are wearing faster, I'll put the blame squarely on the hot tarmac, giving my driving a pass
Conclusion: YOUR winter tires wore less than YOUR summer tires, for the period YOU used them
FTFY
Good for you! You learned a new word today: anecdotal.
Keep up the strong work.
what about all-season tyres?
Not as good as winter tires in winter or summer tires in summer. Alright for places with mild winters and temperate summers, say England or the Netherlands. If you exclusively drive a Smart within your city limits probably ok in CH as well, but I'd never use them in Swiss winters for anything more.