While the importance of changing your tires to adapt to winter conditions (driving in snow and ice) is no longer in doubt, it is not always easy to decide the ideal time to install your winter tire models. Indeed, the climate has become very unpredictable and winter can suddenly become very harsh, complicating road holding and braking (with an increase in braking distance) when you do not have the right wheels, tires, rubber, and rims. So when is the right time to install winter tires?
Changing tires, a question of temperature variation?
To continue driving safely, it is better to opt for winter tires, snow tires, or all-season tires as soon as the ambient temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius. At this temperature, summer tire models become less efficient and the vehicle can get stuck, requiring traction. Winter tire models, which are made with materials suitable for use at low temperatures (continuously soft rubber), are recommended for the period from October to April.
This period is generally when temperatures are at their lowest, and the siped profile of rims, wheels and snow tires ensures safe driving despite winter conditions (good road holding, effective braking with short braking distance, etc.). However, whether it is snow tires, all-season tires or winter tire models, the essential condition for taking advantage of them is to make an efficient choice. But how can you make a good choice of tire to adapt effectively to snow and ice, and avoid any traction?
What criteria should be taken into account to make an efficient choice?
To choose your winter tires well (more info on Gataka ), you must take into account the labels of the European labels. These provide precise information about the performance of the tires, through 3 quality labels: the level of noise pollution, the level of fuel consumption, and finally the degree of grip offered by the tire rubber on wet ground.
European labels make it possible to compare the performance of each tire model, whether snow tire or all-season tire, and allow a more informed choice to ensure safe driving, despite winter conditions. For effective braking and optimal road holding despite snow and ice, you must also choose your tires taking into account the marking.
The most recommended models for easy driving and maintaining a short braking distance in winter are those that have the “M+S” mark, meaning Mud and Snow. This marking, which can be found on the sidewall, certifies that a rim can be used in cold weather, for driving on snowy roads or muddy terrain, without the risk of getting stuck or requiring traction. The “3PMSF” logo, for its part, is a guarantee of better performance on difficult surfaces, such as snow and ice .
Another important parameter for choosing your tires is the speed index. For the most part, drivers drive more slowly in winter than in warmer seasons, which is why it is recommended to change the speed index when temperatures drop. It is possible to install models with a lower speed index (up to 2 indices lower) than that applied in summer!
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