All drivers have solid knowledge about driving and traffic. However, many of them don’t even have the basic knowledge of car maintenance. If you look deep into yourself and be honest, you’ll probably find yourself in that same group of people. Of course, there’s no reason to be harsh. Most of us just let our mechanics deal with everything and we simply know the laws that need to be obeyed and we can recognize that there is some sort of a problem. Nevertheless, why would you pass a chance of learning something new? The more you know, the better, and the smaller are chances of anyone tricking you. In that respect, our today’s subject will be winter and summer tyres. Let’s improve your car savvy!
Recognition
Let’s start with the basics, which is how to actually tell a difference between winter and summer tyres. Sure, there are several factors, but your safest bet is to look at the labels. Winter tyres have a symbol of a mountain and a big snowflake over it on the side wall of the tyre. The symbol is very intuitive and it states these tyres are adequate for winter conditions. On the other hand, summer tyres can simply be recognized in case of a lack of the winter tyre symbol.
Rules and regulations
The law differs from country to country. Some sort of a universal rule would be to switch to winter tyres as soon as the temperature consistently falls under 7 degrees Celsius which is usually from October to April on the Northern hemisphere, while it’s basically the other way around for Australia and other countries on the Southern hemisphere.How to do it
Whenever there are many choices and you’re not informed enough, it gets hard. Which tyres to choose? They all look the same and you have no idea which criteria you should use. While you could go deeper into the subject and learn about manufacturers’ reputation and the specifics of their products, you can also simply opt for the most popular brand as it’s probably a safe bet. Of course, another option is to just stick with your mechanic who can do the job for you. For instance, people in Sydney have a great place for high-quality tyres in Blacktown, as well as a great service. It’s hard to choose someone trustworthy and it will take you some time, but once you do, you won’t have to worry about your car maintenance again.
Structure
Giving this subject some thought, it does make sense that a structure of a tyre determines its behavior in different weather conditions. That is exactly why winter tyres have more natural rubber inside of them because it makes them softer. Therefore, the tyre can interlock with the surface better which is very significant in the ice and the snow. Summer tyres harden quickly in the cold, but winter ones work best when the outside temperature is below 7 degrees Celsius.
Tread pattern
Winter tyres have a deeper tread pattern than summer tyres. The purpose of these things is to be cavities for snow on the road. They provide a better grip for the snow making it safer to drive in severe weather conditions. This also adds traction to push the car forward in case of snowy and icy roads. Conversely, summer tyres have a simpler block-shaped pattern which makes large footprints on the road. Consequently, it leaves a better impact on the braking distance.
Temperature
Summer tyres perform better in the warmer months. Their hard compound softens in milder temperatures which makes it easier for the car to adapt to both wet and dry roads. They can actually sustain most weather conditions. However, drivers in countries that have a bit more severe winters definitely should use winter tyres during the winter season as summer tyres aren’t safe for snowy and icy roads, as well as the severe cold.
All in all, the whole story about summer and winter tyres is actually very logical. Now that you have some basic info on the subject, it will be easier for you to function. You’ll also be able to tell when it’s time to change your tyres, as well as know the difference. Also, keep in mind that you should have all four tyres the same for your car’s maximum efficiency and safety.
