Spring tire change. What is worth remembering? [video]

Although the winter season on the roads is already over, this does not mean that drivers can no longer be surprised. A very important issue that will allow you to drive safely in the warm season is the replacement of tires and checking their condition.

The tire theme comes back like a boomerang every few months, but that's no surprise. It is the tires that ensure the safety of car travelers. It is worth recalling that the area of ​​contact of one tire with the ground is equal to the size of a palm or a postcard, and the area of ​​contact of 4 tires with the road is the area of ​​one A4 sheet.

When designing tires, manufacturers are forced to compromise. Designing a tire that performs well in both winter and summer is a hell of a challenge. Once tires are mounted on tires, it is the responsibility of the driver to take care of their condition.

“Seasonal tire replacement is necessary,” says Radosław Jaskulski, instructor at SKODA Auto Szkoła. – The design of summer tires is different from that of winter tires. Summer tires are made from rubber compounds that provide better grip at temperatures above 7 degrees Celsius. These tires have fewer lateral grooves, making them more comfortable, durable and safer on dry and wet surfaces, he adds.

Simply changing tires is not enough, they must be serviced with daily use. Particular attention should be paid to several elements:

- pressure - According to a 2013 Michelin study, as many as 64,1% of cars have the wrong tire pressure. Incorrect pressure reduces safety, increases fuel consumption and also shortens tire life. When inflating tires, follow the values ​​specified by the manufacturer in the car's owner's manual. However, we must remember to adjust them to the current car load.

- chassis geometry – Incorrect geometry will affect vehicle handling and shorten tire life. Remember that its setting may change even after a seemingly banal collision with a curb.

- Tread depth - the minimum tread height of 1,6 mm is prescribed in the regulations, but this does not mean that it is the tread height that guarantees safety. If we care about safety, then the tread height should be about 4-5 mm.

- wheel balancing – A professional tire change service must balance the wheels. Properly balanced, they guarantee driving comfort and do not damage the suspension and steering.

- shock absorbers – even the best tire does not guarantee safety if the shock absorbers fail. A car is a system of connected vessels. Defective shock absorbers will make the car unstable and lose contact with the ground. Unfortunately, they will also increase the vehicle's stopping distance in an emergency.

Experts say that when changing tires, it is worth swapping them. Rotation can extend their service life. The direction of rotation of the tires depends on the type of drive.