Seasonal Tires
Caleb Ryan
| 15-12-2023
· Vehicle Team
As we all know, cars not only provide us with daily convenience for travel but also require proper maintenance to avoid unpredictable consequences.
If we neglect correct maintenance habits, we might face serious issues. But have you ever wondered if there is a season limit for the use of tires?
Let's explore the differences between summer tires, winter tires, and all-season tires.
Summer Tires:
These are often called three-season tires. Strictly speaking, when the temperature is 7 ℃ or higher, it's time to switch to summer tires.
These tires enhance a vehicle's grip on both wet and dry surfaces. With their wide tread grooves and excellent drainage, they perform best during rainy summer days. Summer tires boast a rubber formulation that offers superior abrasion resistance, fuel economy, and comfort.
Although their harder sidewalls might sacrifice some comfort, they significantly improve handling.
Winter Tires:
International standards dictate that tires used in temperatures below 7°C are termed winter tires.
Ordinary all-season tires tend to harden in colder temperatures, reducing their grip on the road and compromising braking performance. This substantially increases the safety risks during winter travel.
Winter tires, with their special tread pattern design, counteract this by enhancing grip, reducing braking distances, and improving overall safety in winter driving conditions.
All-Season Tires:
All-season tires are positioned between summer and winter tires.
They offer a balance, combining the wear resistance and fuel economy of summer tires with some winter tire characteristics.
However, their braking performance in winter doesn't match that of winter tires, and they fall short of summer tires in wet conditions.
They appear as a hybrid product, featuring winter-tire-like tread in the center and fewer treads on the outer side, providing ample grip during cornering. On icy roads, the center treads offer improved grip. As these tires wear out, the grooves widen, unlike summer tires where the grooves narrow with wear.
If you need to replace winter tires, it's advisable to replace all four. Partial tire replacement may lead to safety hazards due to differing tire performance and ground adhesion.
Additionally, considering thermal expansion and contraction, winter tire pressure decreases with lower temperatures. Adjusting tire pressure accordingly enhances braking performance. However, moderation is key.
Over-inflating reduces tire grip, impacting safety and ride comfort.
When choosing tires, tailor your selection to your specific needs. For cold, rainy, snowy, or freezing areas, winter tires are the best choice.
In regions with moderate climates and no freezing, all-season tires are a viable option. In conclusion, be cautious when selecting tires, and think twice before making a decision!