When the ambient temperature during the morning commute and afternoon return home permanently exceeds 7 degrees C, tyres should be changed from winter to summer tyres. Driving on winter tyres when temperatures start to go above 20 degrees C won't be safe or economical.
The moment the weather is warm, the braking distance of summer tyres in dry conditions is much shorter than that of winter tyres. Differences in stopping distance often exceed the length of one car and that has a significant impact on driving safety. In emergency situations this might be the very distance needed to stop the vehicle safely. In spring-summer conditions summer tyres are also less susceptible to deformation. A car on summer tyres handles better and it's easier for the driver to control it.
Another very important aspect in favour of summer tyres in warm weather are simple economic factors. The mix used in manufacturing summer tyres is harder than that in the production of winter tyres. Harder tyres translate, first of all, into lower rolling resistance and thus reduced fuel consumption. "All the factors associated with seasonal tyre replacement should be taken into account. Using two sets guarantees safety, but also savings, says Piotr Sarnecki, Director General of the Polish Tyre Industry Association.
However, safety and driving economy are also dependent on how tyres are used. Remember that driving with overly low pressure has a devastating impact on tyres. You should check it once a month - when cold, before driving or after 2 km of slow driving at most. Low tyre pressure also increases the braking distance, which is due to a decrease in the contact area between the tyre and the road surface. On the other hand, if the pressure is too high, the elastic elements of the car's suspension are subject to faster wear. Information on the recommended pressure can be found in the owner's manual or on a sticker, usually on the centre column.
What to consider when choosing summer tyres?
Since spring doesn't come around as suddenly as winter, drivers have more time to make the right choice of tyres. The Polish Tyre Industry Association recommends taking advantage of specialist knowledge when choosing tyres.
Remember that the tyre is the only element of the car in contact with the road. The contact area with the ground is the size of a postcard. It determines the stopping distance and traction, and so safety. You can't improve the ABS or ESP, seat belts, nor airbags in a car, but mounting good tyres is the easiest way to increase safety on the road.
The tyre bought must be unused, but not necessarily made a month ago. A tyre that hasn't been used for a number of years is as good as new. Changes to it are mainly due to use, not the time of storage.
Also, please note that the wheel, right after the turbine and driveshaft, is the fastest rotating element in the car and the only one in contact with the road. Entrust servicing it to skilled workers. Look for service stations with a good reputation on the local market, with qualified and experienced mechanics, and well-maintained equipment.
This is what you should look for when choosing tyres:
When you're not sure which tyres to choose, consult employees of a good tyre service station. Detailed information on this topic is also available on the website
Source: Polish Tyre Industry Association