– Changing summer tyres is the responsibility of any reliable driver, even if he has a 4x4 or electric car. Let us leave the summer rubber ride in December only on the water slide in the water park. He cannot put others in such a danger – does he really lack the imagination to wonder if he can brake before crossing the pedestrian crossing? In our climate, tyres with winter approval from November to April are an absolute necessity, and driving on summer tyres during this period is gross negligence. You also cannot get caught up in the myth that in the city summer tyres do not bother you in winter – where you have to do a lot of braking before pedestrian crossings and it is easy to skid. If someone only drives around the city, then he should think about decent all-season tyres with winter approval, instead of driving on summer tyres –– says Piotr Sarnecki, General Director of the Polish Tyre Industry Association (PTIA).
Tests show the differnce
The test carried out this year at the track in Poznań shows, that on a wet surface, without snow, already at a temperature of 6°C, a car with summer tyres at 85 km/h will brake 6 meters further than on winter tyres. In a SUV with summer tyres, these results will be even worse – because it has greater mass and higher centre of gravity. Similarly, the electric car – although the batteries are low, they add 300-400 kg to the car's weight – so the braking distance is significantly longer. Only tyres adapted to winter conditions and temperatures will not harden in such weather. In frost, the tread of summer tyres has the hardness of plastic. Even on dry asphalt, it will not be possible to slow down or hold the car in case of danger.
Therefore, when replacing summer tyres with winter or all-season tyres, it is not worth waiting for the first snow – just go to the workshop as soon as the morning temperatures drop below 7°C. They will ensure safe handling and safety. Now it's the last moment before winter.
TEST – link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhDF4FOko5c
3xP principle
Tyres can save our lives in a difficult situation on the road. And properly selected, good-quality tyres can shorten the braking distance even from a few to several meters! It is worth remembering the 3xP principle regarding tyres: proper tyres, professional service, precise pressure. Decent tyres – these are unused tyres, at least of good quality, providing adequate traction, braking distance and resistance to aquaplaning.
– Check the symbols and markings on the labels and remember – the warranty for tyres from reputable manufacturers is valid from the date of purchase, not production! The most important thing, however, is not to buy used tyres – you never know their history and damage to the inner layers, which cannot be seen "by eye". It is not worth risking this for a small savings – after all, the tyres are to serve us for several years – reminds Piotr Sarnecki.
Precise pressure – check at least once a month!
The precise pressure value provided by the car manufacturer is given in the vehicle manual and very often on the inside lower part of the middle left pillar. Pressure should be measured at least once a month, even if the car has the appropriate sensors – while only 40% of drivers declare that they only check its level occasionally. 2 days of driving with too low pressure is enough, and we will wear the tyres as if for a week with the correct pressure.
– If we do not check the pressure, the tyres will last 3 times less! Too low tyre pressure causes the temperature of the inner layers to double – and this is a straightforward way to burst tyres while driving. Tyres under-inflated by 0.5 bar are up to 3dB louder and extend the braking distance by up to 4 meters! – alarms Piotr Sarnecki.
Professional service is certified
It is worth choosing a certified service. The Polish Tyre Industry Association together with the independent certification company TÜV SÜD introduced a system of evaluation and awarding professional services based on an independent audit of equipment and qualifications of technical personnel. A map of the workshops that have passed the TÜV SÜD audit and received the Tyre Certificate can be found on the website certyfikatoponiarski.pl.
– We intend to support and promote services that, on the one hand, care for customers, and on the other hand, apply the highest standards of work. The certificate is proof of this. To get it, the service must undergo an audit of equipment and skills as well as customer service, documented with photos. This is where the tyres will not be damaged and the driver will be sure that the work has been done technically correctly. At highway speeds, tyres are the second or third fastest rotating component in a car – after the motor shaft and turbine, if any. There is no room for timely work or assembly errors resulting from ignorance or rush. A decent service does not change tyres faster than in 40 minutes. with one mechanic per car – summarizes Piotr Sarnecki.
More info: oponymajamoc.pl, https://oponymajamoc.pl/porzadne-opony/
Source: Polish Tyre Industry Association