Topic: summers or all-seasons for minivan?

[ziggy]

I was changing my winters (purchased from Tiretrends) for my all season tires and alloys this weekend, and noticed that I need new tires.

My question is should I purchase dedicated summer tires or all seasons?  What are the main differences between the two?  I assume summers grip better that AS's.  Is there a difference in wear rates?  I drive an '02 Mazda MPV which is one of the better handling Minivans.  I like decent handling vehicles but don't push the van to the limits too often, and would like a tire that lasts a while.  The tire size is 195-65-15.

Thanks in advance for your input. 

[mdxtasy]

I'd be considering all seasons.  While a big believer in dedicated seasoned tires, for a minivan, the low wear rating and the unusable extra grip and possibly road noise would be a bad thing for a big tall family hauler.  A more agressive all season tire might be better for you. 

[ziggy]

Thanks MDX.  You are saying that summers wear faster and are louder than all seasons.  I thought that summers would be more quiet than AS's.

[mdxtasy]

Thanks MDX.  You are saying that summers wear faster and are louder than all seasons.  I thought that summers would be more quiet than AS's.

I have always found the big blocks and softer compound gives me more road noise.  Then again, it might be due to the 40 series rubber transmitting the NVH to the cabin.  Summer tires wear quite a bit faster (depends on which tire you get) and are more expensive (again, depends on which tire you get). 

[morty]

Typically in your size you will only find all-season tires. Most important thing is to decide what you want from the tire and base your decision on that.