The days are getting shorter, the outside is getting colder, and tire service centers are already receiving their first calls... This is a clear sign that winter is approaching, along with the need to change tires.
So the question arises again: why should you switch summer tires to winter tires? The internet is full of articles about how important this is for traffic and people's safety, and we would also like to draw attention to it.
To take it a step further and to save your valuable time, we have described the most important features of winter tires, which ensure safe driving in all conditions.
We've already discussed which winter tires you can install on your car, so now let's talk a bit about pressure. The correct tire pressure is important not only for driving safety but also for the comfort and durability of the tires themselves. Too high pressure in the tire causes premature wear in the center of the tread pattern.
Too low pressure is not "better" either—on the contrary, in addition to premature wear (in this case on the sides of the tread pattern), you risk the tire overheating, which at higher speeds can lead to it bursting. This is why tire pressure shouldn't be too high or too low.
There is no single, universal value that fits every car. But you don't need to go flipping through your car manual to find a secret number. The correct values for your specific car model can be found in the user manual and also on a label usually located on the driver's doorpost or inside the fuel tank flap.
More importantly, each car requires the correct tire pressure adjustment depending on how it’s being used. Generally, a heavier load and longer drives on highways may require higher tire pressure.
You probably know what a tire looks like... but can you decipher the signs and symbols on the side of a winter tire? Among these signs and symbols, you’ll find information about the tire manufacturer, model, and size, the inside and outside markings (for asymmetrical tires), and the production date (DOT).
While we don't have much to say about the model and manufacturer markings at the moment, as each case should be handled individually, it's worth taking a look at probably the most important marking, namely the size.
On the side of the tire, you’ll see something like 205/55 R16. What do these numbers mean? 205 indicates the width of the tire in millimeters, 55 represents the tire’s height as a percentage of the width, and R16 means the diameter of the tire in inches. Thanks to this system, you can choose the right winter tires for your car, no matter what vehicle you have.
It’s important to note that in some cases, you might see additional numbers and letters, such as 91H. These indicate the load index and speed index, respectively. The load index shows how much weight the tire can carry, and the speed index indicates the maximum speed the tire is safe at.
Every winter tire is marked with a label containing key information about its parameters. The appearance of the label is standardized by EU regulations, and from it, you can read the following:
- manufacturer’s name
- size
- fuel consumption index
- wet braking index
- noise level index
Although, except for the noise level index, this data is usually presented in an agreed manner (defined by one of several categories), EU labels allow you to quickly and easily compare models from different manufacturers without diving into technical documentation.
how do I know when it's time for new winter tires?
Here's the answer to another important question—how to recognize when your current winter tires no longer ensure sufficient safety on the road. Of course, your tire specialist will tell you this when you visit them for a tire change, but below are five ways to check for yourself.
- check the tread depth
New winter tires usually have a tread depth of 8 to 9 millimeters—depending on the model. Regulations allow tires to be used with a tread depth of at least 3 millimeters—but in winter conditions, that is certainly too little. Therefore, it's recommended to replace winter tires when the tread becomes thinner than 4.5 millimeters.
- mechanical damage
Winter tires are often victims of mechanical damage. You never know what lies beneath a fresh layer of snow... In most cases, a visit to the tire specialist will suffice. However, there are serious damages, especially affecting the tire's side—such as bulging, cracking, or tearing. These types of damage cannot be repaired in any way. So before visiting the tire specialist, carefully inspect your tires, especially looking for bulges or cracks.
Now find out how to take care of them!
The most important thing is to maintain the correct tire pressure. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid damaging the road surface or reduce speed near such damage—if you’re unsure how snow affects road conditions, it’s better to be cautious. The same applies to driving near curbs—do so at a low speed and turn the wheels sufficiently.
It is also a good habit to use specialized products for tire maintenance. These are often easy-to-apply sprays or foams and in addition to protecting the rubber from quick aging, they also provide a visual effect by "blackening" the tire, making it look almost new.
Be sure to avoid parking and storing winter tires in contaminated areas.
