When to change tires for winter and whether to do so.

According to the Polish Road Traffic Law, the use of winter tires is not obligatory, but only recommended. Moreover, autumn is only a third, and the signs of winter are not even visible on the horizon. So maybe this year we can do without winter tires?

Summer tires lose many of their properties, when the air temperature drops below + 8 ° C. You can clearly see, that during precipitation, traction deteriorates significantly in different modes – or rather this, what's on the way: ice, a layer of cold water, snow and their mixture. Of course, regardless of, how warm winter promises to be, temperatures below + 8 ° C will prevail over the next four to five months. And there will be rainfall, even once or twice a month.

Thus, even if warm ones predominate, sunny days in mild winter, how will you drive on summer tires in the rare ones, but still pure winter days with frost, snow and ice? The "leave the car at home and take the bus" option does not work here, because in the winter season the weather changes without warning and snowfall can catch you on the road, far away from home.

Question, are winter tires needed in the context of global warming, has a specific answer: are needed.

Another issue is the selection of tires with appropriate properties. Let us remind you, that winter tires come in two versions – arctic (Scandinavian) and European. The first type used in more severe conditions, low temperatures, deep snow, boats. Many Scandinavian tire models are available with studs.

The second type of winter tire focuses on mild European winters, they behave better on clean asphalt, In rain, at positive temperatures. Apparently, most people in our country should choose them, considering significant global warming.

However, if you need to, at least sometimes, go to snowy regions – fight in snowdrifts on the way to the countryside, climb the mountains to the beloved camp, etc., It is necessary to stock up with snow chains.

For a more subtle model selection, use the tire characteristics balance chart, which are given in some tests. After all, one tire adheres better to the ice when cornering, the other slows down more effectively, the third is especially good on loose snow.

Winter is not far away. So switch to winter tires without thinking, especially if you use the car early in the morning or late in the evening, especially at night, when the asphalt is cold. Well, if the air and road become warm during the day, move like this, to avoid sudden braking and maneuvering. Although, to be honest, Always drive with extreme caution during the winter season.