Changing tires will help you avoid fines
It's time to replace summer tires with winter ones. Although recommended, the driver is not required to make such a change under Polish law. The situation is different with the condition of the tires themselves. For poor technical condition, the police have the right to punish us with a fine and withdraw the registration document.
Tires cause crashes
Police statistics show that many drivers are unaware of the impact tires have on road safety. In 2013, tire shortages accounted for more than 30% of accidents caused by a technical malfunction of a car, there can be many reasons for tire problems. The most common ones include poor tread condition, incorrect tire pressure and tire wear. In addition, the selection and installation of tires may be incorrect.
The condition of our tires is especially important in difficult weather conditions - wet, icy surfaces, low temperatures. Therefore, in winter, most drivers change tires to winter ones. Although there is no such obligation in Poland, it is worth remembering that tires adapted to winter weather conditions provide much better grip and control over the car. We will replace summer tires with winter ones as soon as the average temperature is below 7 degrees. Do not wait for the first snow, then we will not stand in long lines to the vulcanizer, - advises Zbigniew Veseli, director of the Renault driving school.
Protector and pressure
A worn out tread reduces the vehicle's grip on the road. This means that it is easier to skid, especially in corners. The minimum tread depth allowed by EU law is 1,6 mm and corresponds to the TWI (Tread Wear Indicato) tire wear index. For your own safety, it is better to replace a tire with a tread of 3-4 mm, because often tires below this index do not do their job well, Renault driving school instructors advise.
Equally important is the correct level of tire pressure. You should check it at least once a month and before further travel. Incorrect pressure affects vehicle handling, traction, and operating costs because combustion rates are much higher at low pressures. In this case, the car will “pull” to the side even when driving straight, and the effect of swimming will appear when cornering. Then it is easy to lose control of the vehicle, the instructors explain.
Threat of fine
In case of unsatisfactory condition of the tires of the vehicle, the police have the right to punish the driver with a fine of up to PLN 500 and confiscate the registration certificate. It will be available for collection when the car is ready to go.
Tires should be checked regularly. As soon as we feel the vibrations or the "withdrawal" of the car to one of the sides, we go to the service. Such anomalies may indicate poor tire condition. In this way, we can avoid not only a high fine, but, above all, dangerous situations on the road, explains Zbigniew Veseli, director of the Renault driving school.
