Summer and winter tires: when to change and how to choose?
Car tires play a key role in ensuring safety and driving comfort. It is especially important to choose the right tires depending on the season. In this article, we'll look at when and how to change summer and winter tires, and what to look for when choosing them. Check out the recommended tires for each season here.
When to change tires?
Switching to summer tires
Summer tires should be installed when the average daily air temperature consistently exceeds +7 °C. This is because summer tire material is optimized for warm conditions and provides better traction and shorter braking distances in high temperatures.
Switching to winter tires
It is recommended to install winter tires when the temperature drops below +7 °C. They are made from a softer rubber compound that remains flexible in low temperatures, providing better traction on snow and ice.
How to choose tires?
Consider climatic conditions
When choosing winter or summer tires, consider the climate in your region. For example, in areas with mild winters, all-season tires are suitable, but in areas with harsh winters, specialized winter tires are needed.
Tread profile
The tread profile of a tire affects the vehicle's handling and traction. For winter tires, choose a deep and aggressive tread pattern that will provide better traction on snow and ice. For summer tires, tires with a smoother and smaller tread pattern are suitable, which will provide better handling on dry asphalt.
Tire size
It is important to choose tires that meet your vehicle manufacturer ‘s recommendations. The wrong tire size can reduce the safety and performance of your vehicle.
Wear resistance and fuel economy
Pay attention to the rolling resistance coefficient of the tires. Tires with low rolling resistance help reduce fuel consumption and increase tire life.
Table: Comparison of summer and winter tires
| Parameter | Summer tires | Winter tires |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature Range | Above +7 °C | Below +7 °C |
| Tread pattern | Smaller and smoother | Deep and aggressive |
| Road grip | Best on dry asphalt | Best on Snow and Ice |
| Fuel economy | Higher | Below |
| Wear resistance | Higher | Below |
Safety
Safety is a priority when choosing tires. Winter tires are designed to ensure safety in winter road conditions, including snow and ice. Summer tires provide optimal traction in high temperatures, which is critical for safe braking and handling.
Noise level
Summer tires typically produce less noise than winter tires, which improves driving comfort. However, modern tire production technologies make it possible to make winter tires quite quiet.
Life time
It is important to remember that both summer and winter tires wear out over time. Winter tires wear out faster when used in warm weather because they are made of softer material.
Price
Winter tires can be more expensive than summer tires due to the nature of their production. However, using seasonal tires helps balance costs since each set of tires is only used for half the year.
How to store tires?
When changing tires, it is important to ensure they are stored correctly. Tires should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Winter tires are best stored vertically, while summer tires are best stored stacked.
conclusions
The choice between summer and winter tires should be based on your region's climate conditions and your individual driving needs. Using seasonal tires not only improves driving safety and comfort, but also helps to extend tire life and reduce overall tire operating costs.