Summer Season and Tire Change: Continental's Warnings
In these times when the sun starts to show itself for longer hours, nature comes to life and journeys become more enjoyable, winter coats and thick clothes have long since given way to summer clothes. Winter boots are waiting on the shelves for a new winter season. What about our cars? Continental draws attention to the fact that not only clothes but also tire preferences should be changed during seasonal transitions. Continental experts say, “When summer comes, winter tires have completed their duty,” and emphasize the importance of using tires that are appropriate for the season in terms of safety and performance.
Risks of Using Winter Tires in Summer
Winter tires are manufactured with compound compounds specially designed for temperatures below 7°C. While these structures maintain their flexibility at low temperatures and provide excellent road holding, unexpected problems can occur in hot weather conditions. As air temperatures increase, these rubber structures can deform more quickly. This not only reduces the tire's road holding performance, but also endangers driving safety. Continental engineers state that setting off on winter tires in the summer carries the following risks:
- Extension of braking distance: This difference can be of vital importance in sudden braking situations.
- Increased fuel consumption: Due to the increased coefficient of friction, winter tires cause the vehicle to consume more fuel or energy than summer tires.
- Shortening of tire life: Winter tires become too soft in the summer heat and wear out more quickly.
- Low ride comfort: The tread patterns of winter tires make more noise than summer tires; this requires choosing summer tires for a quieter and more comfortable journey.
For all these reasons, using winter tires in the summer season is both economically disadvantageous and carries serious risks in terms of driving safety. Continental experts emphasize that winter tires stored under appropriate conditions can be used safely for many years and state the correct storage conditions as follows:
How to Store Winter Tires Properly?
- Clean and dry: Before storage, mud, road salt and large stones between the treads should be completely cleaned from the tire surface. Tires left damp are prone to cracking over time.
- Tag: Keeping each tire labeled to which axle of the vehicle makes it easier to mount them correctly next season.
- Choose a dry and cool environment: Tires should be stored in a place away from direct sunlight, moisture and heat sources.
- Correct positioning: Tires without rims should be stored upright; tires with rims should be stored horizontally on top of each other. Heavy objects should not be placed on tires.
- Use a bag or tire storage cover: Minimizing tire contact with air delays structural deterioration.
Enjoy Summer with Summer Tires
Continental's high-performance summer tires offer excellent road holding at high temperatures, short braking distances, lower fuel consumption thanks to low rolling resistance, and a quiet driving experience. Drivers can increase driving safety and get the best performance from their vehicles by choosing tires suitable for the season. When summer comes, it is important to store summer tires correctly, just like winter coats and boots, for use next year.
Shelfis a technology company that develops advanced technologies and services that enable sustainable and connected mobility of people and goods. Founded in 1871, Continental provides safe, efficient, intelligent and cost-effective solutions for vehicles, machinery, traffic and transportation. Reaching sales of €2024 billion in 39,7, Continental currently employs around 55 people in 190.000 countries and markets.
Source: (BYZHA) Beyaz News Agency
