Winter tires should be mandatory, racer says

Winter tires have a huge impact on driving safety - an interview with Michal Kijanka, a former racing driver who currently works in a car service.

For several years now, there has been a debate about whether to introduce mandatory tire changes in the winter. Such rules have already been introduced in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and Lithuania. Will it make sense in Poland too?

- Certainly. On a snowy road, the same car with summer tires can have a stopping distance three times longer than if it were driving with winter tires. Winter tires are made from a soft rubber compound that does not harden when the temperature drops. In addition, the tread has definitely more sipes. They are responsible for "biting" into the snow or mud, so that the driver can maintain control of the car.

See also: Winter tires - why are they a good choice for cold temperatures?

Mid November or early December? When should a driver decide to use winter tires?

– If an obligation to use winter tires is introduced in Poland, the legislator should take into account not a specific date, but the weather conditions in force at the moment. According to the vast majority of experts, winter tires should be used when the average daily temperature does not exceed 7 degrees Celsius. In the event that in mid-November the asphalt has a temperature of over 20 degrees Celsius, winter tires wear out much faster and lose their suitability for typical winter operation.

According to the Polish Tire Industry Association, more than 90 percent. Polish drivers announce the annual replacement of summer tires with winter ones. Are winter tires enough to drive safely on roads covered in ice and snow?

– Not completely. First of all, you should know that the minimum tread of a winter tire should not be less than 4 millimeters. Below this limit, the tire must be replaced with a new one. In addition, before putting on winter tires, check the pressure and the presence of mechanical damage in the tires, precluding their further use. Some drivers have a second set of rims with winter tires. Before installing the wheels on the car, you should visit a service center to make sure that the wheels are not bent. Riding on such rims can lead to faster wear of bearings, tips and tie rods. Therefore, the wheels must always be balanced before mounting. In winter, proper driving technique is also important. All maneuvers must be performed smoothly and do not forget to increase the distance from the car in front.

Some vehicle owners save on winter tires and buy used tires instead of new ones. Is it worth it to save on tires at all?

- It makes no sense to save on tires, especially in winter. A used tire hardens very quickly, losing its original parameters. Moreover, the prices of new tires are so low that they can compete with used tires.

See also: Winter tires - when to change, which one to choose, what to remember. Guide

King Biel