Winter tires perform very well not only in snow and ice but also in all wet and dry road conditions below 7 degrees.
Even though summer tires and winter tires seem to be close to each other at 7 degrees in dry weather, when the temperature starts to drop below 7 degrees, summer tires cannot perform as well as winter tires. Summer tires are harder tires made from a harder compound as they are designed for temperatures above 7 degrees Celsius. When these tires are used in weather conditions below 7 degrees, serious decreases in the performance of the vehicle start. Both the braking performance and handling performance of the vehicle are weakened. For this reason, winter tires with a softer compound and more capillaries exhibit better grip at temperatures of 7 degrees and below. Contrary to popular belief, winter tires perform better not only on snowy roads, but also in dry, rainy, muddy and icy road conditions, and accordingly, our overall driving safety increases.
It is extremely wrong to see winter tires as an unnecessary expense, with the thought of using chains on snowy days. Our vehicle needs winter tires not only on snowy surfaces but also when the air temperature drops to 7 degrees or below. Instead of using summer tires all the time and wearing them out in a short time, it is much more logical to use two sets of summer and winter tires throughout the year, both for the longevity of the tires and for our safety. In the long run, it will not cost us anything economically.
Tires that meet RMA (Rubber Manufacturers Association) and ASTM requirements and bear the M+S or snowflake symbol are considered winter tires. Contrary to popular belief, there is no type of tire called snow tire. When a winter tire is called a snow tire, it can be misunderstood as a tire that can only be used on snowy roads or that does not require the use of snow chains. However, as we have frequently emphasized throughout the article, winter tires are tires that adapt not only to snowy roads but also to all ground conditions below 7 degrees, whether dry, wet or icy. In case of heavy snowfall with winter tires on, it is correct to wear chains on it, but it should not be forgotten that long-term use of the chain will damage all kinds of tires and vehicles.
Offering versatile performance, all-season tires are designed to be used in different situations that may arise in mild winter conditions, but they are not produced to combat harsh winter conditions. When spring comes, it is important to change winter tires. It is dangerous to use winter tires, which have a softer structure, in hot weather. Winter tires cause the vehicle to lean on sharp bends in hot weather, prolong the braking distance and cause rapid wear of the tires.
The legal limit for tread depth is 1.6mm, but when the tread depth falls below 2mm on a summer tire and 3mm on a winter tire, these tires must be replaced because as the tread depth of the tire decreases, its ability to grip the road and evacuate water decreases. For large vehicles, the tread depth should be at least 4 mm. It is also quite inconvenient to change a tire that only has traction. This situation causes traction losses, causing the vehicle to slip, skid and increase the braking distance. For this reason, all four tires in a vehicle must be of the same brand and pattern. Winter tires should also be used in 4x4 and SUV vehicles. Deeper treads on winter tires prevent snow from accumulating on the tires and provide better traction. The tread patterns of these tires are designed to evacuate water and slush. When buying winter tires, it is necessary to pay attention to the date of manufacture. Tires manufactured more than 4 years old should not be purchased, even if they have never been used. It is best to buy tires manufactured during the year.
The obligation to install winter tires for commercial vehicles carrying cargo and passengers between cities will start on 1 December this year and will end on 1 April this year, as it does every year. Drivers who do not comply with this rule will be fined 846 TL. Spare tires on vehicles that are required to use winter tires are also obliged to have winter tires. It is very important to use winter tires in terms of life and property safety in private vehicles that do not have to wear winter tires. Governorates have the authority to impose winter tires on private vehicles that are not obliged to wear winter tires depending on the weather conditions.