Due to the Corona compulsory break, many drivers have put appointments on the back burner. But with the warm weather, it is high time to switch from winter to summer tires.
- Actually, it should have happened a long time ago, but many drivers are still pushing the change from winter to summer tires.
- Now, at the latest, drivers should look for the right summer tires * if they don't already have them.
- Winter tires have some disadvantages in warmer temperatures, which can also cost money and can even be dangerous.
In contrast to the winter tire requirement *, there is no comparable regulation for summer tires. Nevertheless: if you are still on the road with winter tires, you risk dangerous situations, the TÜV Thuringia warns. There are several reasons for this.
Winter tires have several disadvantages in summer
Because winter tires consist of a much softer rubber compound than their summer counterparts. They also have a slat profile that is tailored to wet and snowy roads.
Winter tires, on the other hand, have serious disadvantages at double-digit plus temperatures . The softer rubber compound increases tire wear and fuel consumption . Every tire rolls when driving, which means that it deforms slightly due to the pressure of the vehicle. At high temperatures , this affects winter tires even more: The driving behavior of the car can change, especially in curves.
Read also : ADAC summer tire test 2020: Big differences in range .
Winter tires in summer: it becomes particularly dangerous in these situations
The braking distance is also significantly longer . If you brake hard at 100 km / h, you need up to 20 meters more to get the vehicle to a stop . Where a car with summer tires has already stopped after braking, a car with winter tires still drives at 60 km / h. If an unexpected end of traffic jams occurs, an accident can occur quickly .
If a winter tire is also clearly worn, it becomes even more dangerous . In general, tires should never be run down to the last groove. The law requires at least 1.6 millimeters of tread depth for both summer and winter tires. However, experts recommend at least 4 millimeters for winter tires and at least 3 millimeters for summer tires. As an alternative, there are also mixed tires *.
The age of the tires also plays a role, as the rubber loses its grip over the years. In a sense, therefore, tires have an expiration date *. The ADAC therefore recommends regular exchanges. There are several ways to find out the age of the tires.
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dpa / ec
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