Summer Tires Explained: How Not To Buy A Cat In A Bag And Why You May Have To Pay Double

Important features for each season

Drivers often have different points of view when it comes to changing tires. Some are convinced that it is worth buying only new tires adapted to the season, others say that more could be saved by buying used “shoes” and, thirdly, they plan to “run” winter tires for the summer. Such differences of opinion led the Lithuanian Journalists Automobile Club to conduct a survey of the association’s members and find out which tire parameters have a significant impact on traffic safety and which solutions can really help to save money.

Up to 83 percent. According to the association’s member respondents, they change their tires according to seasonality, try to do it on time and do not strongly recommend trying to “finish” winter tires in summer. Experts point out that the mix of winter and summer tires is designed so that the former do their job efficiently at temperatures below +7 degrees, while the latter become more efficient when the columns of the thermometer jump above it. limit. That is why the stopping distance of the car also differs in different weather conditions, which also endangers the safety of the occupants if the wrong tires are used.

Arnas Paliukėnas, a member of the club and a participant in several races, says that tire change is one of the most important factors in general, so it is not necessary to take it into account. He explains that the search for savings can even generate very high costs, since it is precisely the use of the wrong tires that can lead to responsibilities for the driver who caused the accident.

“Although the legislation does not explicitly state that studless winter tires cannot be used during the summer season, their poor performance or wear can be considered one of the main causes of an accident, so insurance companies can legally declare that the event is not insured. In this case, the perpetrator may have to compensate for the losses suffered during the accident, “explains A. Paliukėnas.

The footprint is not everything

Members of the association also emphasize that savings should not be made not only on the performance of winter tires, but also too old. Even 86 percent. the experts surveyed rate long-life tires very negatively. Experts say that an old, hardened and defective tire also has a significant negative impact on road safety, so even if the tread is not worn, it is advisable to replace it.

It’s true, almost 80 percent. Respondents also state that they do not buy used tires and caution that to save money it may be worth considering purchasing new economy class tires that may be slightly cheaper than premium used tires. Club members point out that new tires work as efficiently as possible, but here they are already used, even after a season they can lose their properties.

Renaldas Gabartas, a member of the Lithuanian Journalists Autoclub Association, explains that the quality of used tires will largely depend on their operating and storage conditions. The specialist observes that both maintaining too low pressure in the tires and improper storage can have a negative effect on their quality.

“Used tires already have a history that we don’t normally know about, which is a very important factor. Tire storage is especially important. Even if they are little used, they are a good footprint, but they were kept in the sun, were loaded with a lot or were affected by other factors, they are no longer of high quality and will no longer perform their function. they work correctly ”, emphasizes R. Gabart.

Proper storage and ongoing maintenance

The specialist advises that the optimal storage method is to leave the tires mounted on the rim and hang the wheel so that the tire does not have any load. However, in the absence of such storage facilities, Mr. Gabart urges that the tires be kept upright from time to time by constantly turning them to change the supporting position. The club member emphasizes that to maintain the quality of the tires, they must be stored avoiding large fluctuations in temperature, humidity and direct sunlight, as well as loading additional items on them.

It also has the support of other members of the association “Autoclub of journalists of Lithuania”, including 96 percent. for the purchase of tires for journalists and experts working in the field of motorsports, choose specialized reliable stores, which guarantee high-quality storage of these parts. True, 91 percent. Respondents also emphasized that to ensure safety, tire quality is not only taken care of when replacement season arrives, but tread wear is checked throughout the year. Experts emphasize that the tires are the only contact between the car and the road surface, so it is very important that they are of high quality and, most importantly, ensure maximum safety.