Buying winter tires - what you need to remember?
Many drivers are wondering if it is really necessary to choose winter tires in Poland these days, because cold tires are getting shorter and warmer, and their real attack is usually intense, but passes very quickly. The tires themselves are also an additional expense for drivers that many want to avoid. But remember - buying winter tires will make us and other road users safer, and this aspect should be a priority for every driver.
It should also be remembered that it is a gentle, warm winter that is much more dangerous for drivers. When a hard frost hits us, road conditions are stable. However, when the temperature fluctuates around zero, this is when the so-called glass or a lot of water appears in combination with snow. It is these rapidly changing conditions that are the most dangerous for many drivers.
How to choose winter tires?
Despite the many myths that are common among drivers, we must choose tires of the same width as summer tires. This is because significantly narrower tires reduce the tire-to-ground contact area, which can lead to easier skidding, among other things.
However, we can choose tires with a lower speed index than summer tires - obviously, in cold weather, we will travel on roads at a lower speed.
If we have previously settled on aluminum rims, we will not forget to choose winter tires with a protective lip. He will be responsible for protecting our alloy wheels from various mechanical damage.
Retreaded tires - is there any point in such a purchase?
In our opinion, you shouldn't buy retreaded tires. I clarify - these are already used tires, but with a new tread. Of course, you should not decide to buy used tires without retreading, this is an even more dangerous option.
Of course, buying new tires will be a more expensive option, but it is worth remembering that our priority is to take care of our safety. We also advise you to be careful when buying tires that were released many years ago - some stores specialize in this, so in theory they can offer new tires at much lower prices. Remember, however, that a tire that has been in storage for several years is not of the same quality as a relatively new tire.
The age of a tire can be checked by looking at the special code on the side of the tire. The first two digits of the code badly denoted the week of its production, the next two - the year.
What else do we need to know before we decide to buy winter tires?
• Pay attention to whether these tires provide resistance to hydroplaning - this is skidding on water when driving at speeds of more than 60 km / h. Due to the current Polish winters and the conditions prevailing during them, this is now a mandatory option.
• Read the tire description and the manufacturer's information for the conditions the tire is designed for.
• Let's check what tire size the car manufacturer offers and select it.
• It is worth choosing tires with deep tread or special channels - the task of both is to effectively get rid of slush from the tire. This is a variant that is very useful also in the current winter conditions in Poland.
• You should also consider purchasing tires with a different tread on the inside and a different tread on the outside. Thanks to this, each of them will be able to perform different tasks while driving, one can be for traction, the other, for example, to drain water. This will also significantly affect the safety of movement in the ground.
How much do winter tires cost and where can I buy them?
Everything in this trip, of course, will depend on the size of the rubber, but let's focus on the example with the size 195/65 R15.
If we want to buy economy class tires, we have the opportunity to buy tires at a price of up to PLN 150 per piece.
If you choose middle-class tires, the prices for such tires will be around PLN 250 per piece.
We must not forget about premium tires. They will start at PLN 250 each, but these prices can be as high as PLN 500 each, depending on the brand and store you choose.
We recommend that you buy tires online, especially because of the prices - they can be much lower. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the offer of the Oponyprofi.pl store - they have a very rich offer! The prices themselves are also very attractive, and the tires offered by the store are always of high quality. In case of problems, the store staff will be happy to help you choose the right tires and fit them to our requirements and the budget that we operate.
Remember that the right winter tires are the basis when we want to ensure the safety of ourselves, our loved ones and other people with whom we share the road!
