Summer tires and their characteristics - everything you need to know!
Content
A few decades ago, drivers did not have much chance to diversify their car tires. There was basically one type of tire available on the market. The choice was narrow, especially for those who did not have a large budget. However, over time, the difference between summer and winter tires has become very noticeable, as well as tangible in their quality and properties. So what are summer tires (and not just for this time of year)? Read and learn more about this type of tire!
How are summer tires made?
One of the most noticeable differences between winter and summer tires is the shape of the tread, which has a simple wave and sipe shape. In summer tires, the grooves are not as deep and aggressive as in winter tires, because they do not have to bite into the snow. However, this does not mean that summer tires have a flat tread. They should have characteristic recesses, at least for the flow of water. They must also provide good grip on dry roads.
What else, besides the shape of the tread, distinguishes tire types?
It is clear that summer tires and winter tires are easy to recognize by their labeling. It's easy... if you can decipher these symbols. And it happens different. Let us consider in more detail, for example, the symbol M+S. For many, this is nothing more than a confirmation of the performance of typical winter tires. However, this is a mistake, because such properties are symbolized by the 3PMSF icon - a snowflake inside a mountain with three peaks.
What is not visible, i.e. mixture composition
The parameter that directly affects the use of a particular tire is its composition. Obviously, the composition of rubber, oils or silica must be different for traction in summer and will be different in winter. You will know when you don't change tires on time. Summer tires in winter conditions, unfortunately, mean a catastrophic braking distance and slide even on light snow. Winter boots in the summer, on the contrary, are very susceptible to rapid abrasion.
New summer tires and their most important parameters
Each type of tire used in vehicles is defined by a variety of symbols and signs. Dimensional parameters are also important. They are selected for a specific vehicle, driving style, weather conditions, as well as the routes traveled.
What signs determine tire size?
The choice of summer tires is very often influenced by their size. Tire sizes:
- size in inches;
- profile height;
- tread width.
In numerical designation, they can be represented by an example - 195/65 R15. What does each element mean?
Size in inches
R15 is the tire diameter expressed in inches. In terms of centimeters, this is approximately 38,1 cm. This parameter should correspond to the size of the steel or aluminum rim, which is also indicated in inches.
Profile height
Summer and winter tires (like any other) have a certain height. This is not about their overall size, but about the measurement from the tread surface to the bead, called the collar. It is not given in units of measure, but as a percentage of the tread width. In this case, it is 65% of 195 mm or 117 mm.
Tire width (tread)
Another very important parameter that determines the size of the entire tire. It is expressed in millimeters and defines the exact width of the tire's contact surface with the ground.
Summer car tires and other important characteristics
The dimensions described above are not the only parameters that characterize tires. Their quality and purpose are influenced by the following features:
- carrying capacity;
- speed index;
- POINT;
- date of manufacture of the tire;
- rim rim protection;
- adaptation for SUVs;
- all-weather, all-weather or winter characteristics;
- asymmetry or symmetry;
- direction of rotation;
- ability to drive a car after a puncture;
- export indicator;
- resistance to abrasion and overheating.
It is worth explaining at least some of them.
Speed and load index
Usually it is located immediately after the designation of the tire size. The designation of these parameters may sound, for example, like 82 T. How to decipher it? Unfortunately, neither the number 82 nor the letter "T" can be translated without knowing the standardized characters. The number 82 means that the tire can carry a maximum load of 475 kg. On the other hand, the letter "T" indicates the maximum permissible tire speed of 190 km/h. Summer, winter and all season tires must not exceed the values specified by the manufacturer.
Tire production date
This designation is most often accompanied by the symbol DOT. It can be framed or unframed and represents the last 4 digits of the DOT string. Let's say you're buying new tires, but you find "4020" on their profile. It's the 40th week of 2020. But you bought them in the middle of 2021 and they were supposed to be new! However, this is not surprising. The law states that a tire is considered new even for 3 years after production if it is properly stored.
Summer, winter and all-season performance
Here you will find a few clichés that can confuse you if you misinterpret them. For example, the symbol "M+S" is short for the English words "mud" and "snow". It only says that the tire can move through mud and snow. However, this does not mean that the tires are winter!
Summer tires usually have rain and sun badges on the sidewall. In addition, they are very difficult to confuse with winter or all-season tires.
Tire asymmetry or symmetry
As a rule, only a summer tire will be asymmetric. Manufacturers introducing winter tires to the market very rarely decide to use two types of tread in one tyre. Winter tires should dig into the snow well and provide traction on slush and ice. The asymmetry provides high traction in wet corners and allows you to comfortably drive straight. These types of tires are mainly suitable for vehicles with a more powerful engine and a more sporty character.
Summer tire prices - how much will you pay for them?
The price of a set is primarily affected by the size and brand of specific products. It is clear that you are not paying for the badge of a particular manufacturer, but for the quality of the tire. You can purchase summer options as:
- new;
- used;
- restored.
Used summer tires are cheaper. The price will be adequate to the state, but usually not too high. Cheap summer tires are one option. And what are the rates for new or retreaded tires?
The cheapest summer tires - how much do they cost?
Let's take 195/65 R15 tires as an example. The cheapest set on one of the auction portals costs just over 50 euros. It's about 125 zł a piece. You will get the cheapest retreads in the same size for less than €40. What do you get with these kits? Basically, you have new or retreaded tires at your disposal. However, their quality is difficult to determine. A low price usually means compromises. This can be felt, for example, by the level of emitted noise.
The best summer tires or what?
It is true that for some, the cheapest kits will be the best. However, the price should not be the key when making a purchase decision. First of all, you should pay attention to the quality of a particular set and reviews about the manufacturer. W in the segment of the same size, it is enough to spend about another PLN 35 per unit (only 65 euros to get very quiet, economical and asymmetric summer tires). So sometimes you do not need to spend a huge fortune, the main thing is to know the market correctly.
You already know what properties summer tires have. How to choose the best? The fundamental issue is the fit of the tire to the rim size. Calculators that calculate tire parameters in terms of rim will help you with this. Don't just focus on price. This is important, of course, but the safety of yourself and others is much more important. The insurer may refuse to pay compensation due to incorrectly selected tires for the car. Also choose summer tires based on opinions, parameters and tests. Remember that in a crisis situation on the road, you want to be sure that you will get out of it safe and sound. The right tires will help keep you safe.
