When to change tires for summer? Seasonal driver's guide

With the approaching summer season, many drivers are beginning to wonder when to change tires to summer. There are several ways to best determine this time. Some of them are based on specific dates, others are based on air temperature. What is really worth considering? Learn from us.

Is it necessary to replace tires with summer tires?

Vehicle owners often ask if there is an order in our country to replace summer tires at a specific time. It should be noted here that changing tires to summer tires is not mandatory - just like changing tires to winter ones. Therefore, you can not worry that the driver will be fined for not meeting a certain deadline.

As a curiosity, we can say that the obligation to change tires to summer tires is valid in countries such as Latvia, Sweden or Finland. Therefore, when traveling to these countries when the winter period comes, you need to remember this order in order to avoid a fine. Just check the exact provisions of the law in the selected country.

How to determine the tire replacement period in terms of months?

Many people decide to change their tires at Easter. This is the time when winter changes and the temperature is often positive. After installing summer tires, drivers usually wait until October and put on winter tires again.

Swapping winter tires for summer tires in this system seems to make sense. However, it should be noted that recently the weather is extremely unpredictable and there are Easter holidays when it snows. Often more intense than in December, and even slight frosts can make the surface slippery and insufficient for summer residents. That is why a large number of drivers choose all-season tires or use another method.

Average air temperature - when to change tires for summer?

If someone does not want to change tires due to months, they can choose another method - by average air temperature, the ideal moment when the average outside temperature is 7 degrees Celsius.

This is a much more reliable method than measuring summer tire change times by month. If a warmer period comes and the temperature stays above 7 degrees for a long time, you should go to the service to change the rubber.

Riding in the summer on winter tires - why not?

Some may wonder if a winter tire offers better traction in tougher conditions, wouldn't it perform well in the summer? Unfortunately, this does not happen, and if someone does not decide on the model of all-season tires, then they will have to replace the summer version with a winter one.

Changing winter tires to summer tires is due to fuel consumption

The first point is lower fuel consumption. The rim with winter tires is softer, so it adapts better to the ground even in sub-zero temperatures outside. However, in conditions where it is warm, it offers much more resistance. This leads to an increase in fuel consumption - up to several percent. 

Dangerous to drive with winter tires in summer

Summer tires will also provide better traction. This is due to the special composition - the rubber is more rigid, which provides good control over the car both on dry and wet surfaces at higher temperatures. As a result, the braking distance is much shorter. This affects driving comfort and safety.

Winter tire tread wears out faster

Changing tires from winter to summer is also a good choice due to less tire wear. If the driver does not install summer tires and continues to use winter tires, he must take into account that the tread of the second type wears out at a faster rate at higher temperatures.

Replacing old tires with new ones - how to do it right?

A key criterion in the context of tire replacement is the tread depth as well as their age.. Regarding the first aspect, the depth must be at least 1,6 mm. It is worth noting that the recommendations apply to the winter variety. 

As for the age at which a set of tires can be, it is eight years old. After this time, it is recommended to buy new ones. This is due to the fact that the rubber compound used by the manufacturer ages and loses its properties, which can lead to less driving safety, as well as worse vehicle control.

How to store tires? Practical Tips

Every driver should know how to store tires. The best solution would be to use the services of a professional workshop. Thanks to this, you can be sure that the tires are stored correctly and in a year - next season they will be suitable for use. Specialists can also advise you on the purchase of the next model.

When doing this yourself, make sure the tires are in a dry, dark and cool place. It is also necessary to exclude the possibility of contact with chemicals. After contact with fuel or solvents, the rubber compound loses its properties. 

Storage of tires with rims

It is also important whether the tires will be with or without rims. If these are tires with a wheel, they can be stacked or hung on hooks. It is not recommended to store them in a vertical position - they can be deformed. 

Storing tires without rims

In turn, as for the tires themselves, they can be placed vertically or on top of each other. However, they cannot be stored on hooks. Also, do not forget to properly protect the tires with a film, and before that, wash and dry them. 

Seasonal tire changes ensure safety and economy

Regular replacement of summer tires with winter tires is a good choice. This allows you to drive safely without worrying about increasing braking distances or losing grip. What's more, fitting the right type of tires will have an impact on driving economy - it won't incur additional costs, such as fuel consumption. Therefore, it is worth remembering this and knowing when to change tires for summer or winter.