Winter is near, and it is time to think about finding the appropriate tires. In Europe, different climatic conditions - from extreme cold in northern climates and mountainous regions to the more flexible and unpredictable winters in Central Europe - but all automobile associations are unanimous: winter tires make winter driving safer and more necessary in many parts of Europe.
Visit the tire, once the temperature drops to 7 ° C
As the winter weather, and with it the road conditions are changing. Heavy rains, combined with low temperatures can lead to slippery pavement and icy roads, even earlier than this waiting motorists. Unexpected snowfall means unstable road conditions under which the dry asphalt instantly become icy and slippery.
If you change your summer tires to winter, you can use the rule "7 degrees: among tire manufacturers, it means that I have a summer to winter tires should be at lower temperature to 7 ° C.
The temperature is announced in weather forecasts, usually measured at two meters above the ground. In winter surface temperature can be much lower, especially in the early morning or late at night, on bridges and forest roads.
Therefore, when the air temperature around 7 ° C roads for motorists suddenly become icy and slippery. Since the cold weather, winter tires are much more effective than summer, they are preferred to use even when the air temperature above 0 ° C. To be fully prepared for the winter season, motorists should "pereobutsya in winter tires in the fall.
Choosing the right time increases the mileage and tire life
At low temperatures, summer tires wear out faster than winter, while the soft rubber tread snow tires less durable in the hot summer weather. Timely replacement tires not only makes driving more efficient, but also increases the mileage of tires.
"Replacement tires for the winter before the onset of winter, the calendar also allows you to avoid queues at service centers, guarantee the availability of more models of tires and more attentive service. In addition, before the arrival of winter in the service centers are easier to enroll, "- explains Paul Yost, director of consumer marketing Goodyear tires in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa).
Proper storage of summer tires - an important part of preparing for winter
Go to winter tires mean that summer tires will not be used until next spring. Most tire changers and service centers offer services to its customers for the storage of summer tires. They produce a professional cleaning of tires, visit them for damages and be placed on the off-season storage until next spring.
Customers who prefer to keep the tire yourself, enjoy the following recommendations for the maintenance of rubber in the best condition during the winter months:
- Before laying the tire storage inspect them, paying attention to the cracks in the tread and the sidewall, which could be caused by sharp objects or stones.
- Apply for tires marked in accordance with their position on the car: the rear right and left wheels and the front right and left wheels. In the spring of tires front and rear wheels can be interchanged in order to ensure uniform wear.
- Keep the tires in a cool, dark, dry location where they can not come into contact with oil, gasoline or lubricants.
- Allow to evaporate the remaining moisture in the tires.
- Before storage, increase tire pressure by 0,2 bar.
- Wheels complete with discs are stored horizontally.
- Apart from the drive tires are stored vertically.
- Before you install the tires for the new season again inspect them and check the pressure.
