At what temperature should you change tires to winter ones?

When to change summer tires to winter ones

The range of tires can be compared to a shoe closet based on their intended purpose. Each car owner has his own set for the vehicle, which can consist of rare sports tires or aggressive off-road tires combined with regular standard tires for quiet trips on smooth roads. This choice is individual. But there are also basic kits that every car enthusiast needs, we are talking about summer and winter tires. Unlike situations with other types of tires, when replacing these “shoes” it is not enough to rely on personal ideas about the timing. Tips from lawyers and weather forecasters will help you navigate correctly.

Question about changing tires

When is it legal to change tires?

Traffic regulations do not regulate the technical condition of a car that is allowed to drive on public roads. Another document is devoted to this side of the issue - the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union “On the Safety of Wheeled Vehicles”. In the list of clause 5 “Requirements for tires and wheels” of Appendix No. 8 to this set of rules there is clause 5.5, which states:

“It is prohibited to operate vehicles equipped with tires with anti-skid studs in the summer (June, July, August).

During the winter period (December, January, February), the operation of vehicles of categories M1 and N1 that are not equipped with winter tires that meet the requirements of paragraph 5.6.3 of this appendix is prohibited. Winter tires are installed on all wheels of these vehicles.”

Vehicles of categories M1 and N1 respectively mean passenger cars and light trucks (with a carrying capacity of up to 3.5 tons). The condition of clause 5.6.3, referred to in the previous paragraph, looks like this:

“The tire is considered unsuitable for use at the Residual tread depth of winter tires intended for use on icy or snowy road surfaces, marked with a sign in the form of a mountain peak with three peaks and a snowflake inside it (Figure 5.1), as well as marked with the signs “M+S” ", "M&S", "MS" (in the absence of wear indicators) during operation on the specified coating - no more than 4.0 mm."

An example of tire markings approved for use in the winter months

In other words, passenger cars and light-duty vehicles are prohibited from driving on studded winter tires all summer, and on summer tires of any type all winter. The Code of Administrative Offenses does not provide for a fine for violating this rule, but the traffic police inspector has the right to impose a penalty for non-compliance with the technical condition of the vehicle due to insufficient tread depth.

And to really use all-season tires all year round, you need to check the following:

There is a sign on the tires with mountain peaks and a snowflake
It is accompanied by the marking “M+S”, “M&S” or “MS”
Tread depth is at least 4 mm

However, the law does not regulate the choice of tires for the spring and autumn months. Therefore, in order not to miss the moment of replacing tires, you need to know the difference between the physical properties of summer and winter tires.

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The difference in the properties of summer and winter tires

There are two main factors that directly influence the seasonal purpose of tires and their behavior on the road:

Tread type (pattern and depth).

If on summer tires the direction of the gutters is designed in such a way as to remove dirt and water from under the wheels, and their small depth is sufficient for traction with the road (7-8 mm on new tires), then the pattern of winter tires is designed to provide the car with maximum stability on a snowy and slippery road.

Hence the wide, deep grooves (9-12 mm), dividing the surface of the products into large blocks, and thin lamellas, making these blocks more plastic.

Composition of the rubber mixture. Both summer and winter tires are based on natural rubber. Its natural properties cannot be improved so that the tire remains plastic and provides the car with stability at both low (below -5°C) and high (above 25°C) temperatures.

All-season tires operate in this range, from -5°C to +25°C. And weather deviations to a lesser or greater extent require the selection of seasonal tires.

The composition of the summer one is calculated so that it is soft and does not wear out too quickly at temperatures above +7°C. If you leave it on the car when the thermometer drops below this figure, the tires will become hard, grip will deteriorate, and over time cracks may appear on the surface.
And in the case of winter, the priority is the plasticity of the material at low temperatures (up to +7°C). Due to their special softness and stickiness, such tires wear out noticeably faster in warm weather than in cold weather.

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At what temperature is it time to change tires?

The limit point of the thermometer at which both summer and winter tires begin to change their properties and behavior is +7°C. It is at this average daily temperature that it is recommended to change summer tires to winter ones. We are not talking about situations when the night or day temperature drops to +7°C; what is important is the indicator that weather forecasters obtain by measuring the temperature at the same time at regular intervals over several days.

Graph of tire efficiency versus temperature

In the Moscow region, this value is usually set in October - for example, in 2018, already on October 4, the average daily temperature was 6.33°C. And in Kazan, almost the same figure was recorded the next day, October 5, and after that it rarely rose higher.

How to choose winter tires?

Despite the common features (deep tread and soft rubber), different types of winter tires differ in purpose. There are three main ones:

Friction. These are tires with deep tread, but without studs. They are divided into two types:
1. European. From the name it is clear that the depth and location of the lamellas on its surface are intended for warm and slushy European winters - such tires are not suitable for the Russian climate.
2. Scandinavian. Its primary task is to provide traction on snowy and icy roads. This is achieved due to large contact spots with the canvas, which break through the top layer of ice. It is worth taking a closer look at such tires if you frequently travel on poor-quality roads and those that are rarely maintained and cleaned.
Studded . Metal studs on such tires work mainly for contact with ice, so they will not be the best option for snowy tracks and off-road conditions, but will become indispensable in regions with extremely low temperatures and little precipitation.

Examples of winter tire tread patterns

All-season. The ideal conditions for such rubber are the off-season and warm winter, because at temperatures below -5°C it loses its plasticity, and in the heat it becomes too soft and wears out quickly.

To make winter trips as comfortable as possible, it is worth analyzing the climatic norms of the region and assessing the frequency of trips into the city or outside of it, and making a choice based on this.

General recommendations

These rules will help make tire replacement convenient and timely, and further trips comfortable and safe:

Winter tires should be purchased in advance so as not to miss the right moment to replace them while looking for the best option. This will also help you save money: in summer, such tires usually cost less.
It is important to monitor the weather forecast and your own driving sensations.
It is better to entrust the replacement of tires to specialists, especially if for this you need to put them on the same disk as the summer one. Among other things, during the procedure they will be able to check and adjust the balance. If you sign up at a large service center, you can immediately rent a place to store summer tires.
After installation, it is necessary to monitor the tire pressure: due to temperature changes, it may change, requiring adjustment.

Conclusion

Seasonal tire changes are regulated by law and recommended by weather forecasters, taking into account changes in the physical properties of rubber compounds. What tires are installed on a car directly affects its behavior on the road in winter. Therefore, before choosing and replacing tires, it is important to assess the climate and conditions in which the car will be used.

You can learn more about the technical requirements for seasonal tires and the importance of replacing tires from a video consultation with a TransTechService specialist:

At what temperature should you change your shoes to winter tires?

Changing tires on your car in a timely manner ensures better handling and safety.

Therefore, it is worth taking care in advance of selecting suitable tires and determining a good time for replacement.

But it is also recommended to reduce the speed of movement, increase the distance between cars, and increase vigilance. Since not all car owners change tires on time, sometimes delaying until temperatures drop significantly.

Weather conditions suitable for changing tires

If the question arises at what temperature to change shoes to winter tires, it is worth noting that there is no exact answer, as well as a set date. The final decision must be made by the driver himself, assessing the weather conditions.

Important:

The first time the asphalt or road becomes covered with ice or snow, the car should already be equipped with winter tires.

It is believed that it is good to change tires when the average daily temperature drops to +5–7 degrees, and this weather persists for a week. Here it is important to take into account the critical indicators – the lowest and the highest. Indeed, when exceeding +7–9 degrees, winter tires begin to lose their advantages. And with a strong drop, driving on summer tires becomes unsafe.

When planning a replacement at an average temperature of 5 degrees, it is easy to protect yourself. During this period, fallen snow does not stay on the surface for long. And there are no long queues at tire centers. The average daily temperature can be lowered or increased depending on operating conditions and region.

Possible exceptions:

If the car is needed every day and must be constantly on the go, you can install winter tires a little earlier by choosing a temperature of +10 degrees. But then you should take care of more careful control and maneuvering, especially in turns, at speed.
Travel planned during the off-season may also cause a premature change. And if the temperature periodically rises to +9, you should reduce the speed.
Irregular use of the car allows the average daily temperature to drop to 0. This option is suitable for car owners who can freely switch to public transport, waiting for favorable weather conditions to change.
If winter tires are provided as a separate set and the car owner can replace the wheels himself, the temperature readings can be lowered to 0, but no more.

When thinking about the temperature at which to change tires to winter ones, it is worth taking into account the weather conditions. If the weather has changed, the temperature has dropped too low, and the installed tires do not correspond to it, you cannot drive the car.

Changing summer tires to winter tires according to the law

Recent innovations in legislation provide partial regulation of the temperature regime for changing tires. The Wheel Vehicle Safety Act sets out certain periods when the use of winter tires is necessary and when it is prohibited.

What are the rules:

Studded tires should not be used during the summer months;
With the onset of calendar winter, the car must have appropriate tires; studded and non-studded are allowed. The main thing is that they have a designation in the form of a snowflake, which distinguishes winter tires and the inscription MS (mud-snow).

That is, the established deadlines do not indicate from what date winter tires are mandatory in Russia, but they require the use of appropriate tires from December. It is noteworthy that the established ban periods can be increased if required, but their reduction is not allowed.

Consequently, authorities in a certain region may ban the use of studded tires from May until the end of September. And since the ban cannot be shortened, studded tires are not allowed in summer in all regions.

According to these rules, we can recommend:

the use of summer models from the beginning of spring until the last autumn month;
use of winter tires with studs from the beginning of autumn until the end of spring;
driving on winter non-studded tires throughout the year.

Therefore, car owners who have unmarked summer tires and winter tires with studs need not worry. It is necessary to carry out the shift during the autumn period from September to November. Regarding the reverse replacement, it will be required in the spring from March to May.

Of course, when choosing winter tires with studs, it is worth considering that high temperatures are extremely undesirable. The tread will wear too quickly and the studs will fly out of their seats. If studless tires need to be used at an average daily temperature of +7, then at what temperature should winter studded tires be installed?

Here it is recommended to pay attention to the opinion of experts who recommend installing such tires at an average daily temperature of 0 degrees. In this case, the rubber will work at full capacity, revealing its advantages.

Fine for not having winter tires on a car

Sometimes cars are equipped with all-season tires, which owners use throughout the year. Now it is allowed in winter only if there is an MS marking, otherwise the car will have to change shoes when winter comes.

Currently, there is no penalty for not having the required tires in winter. But a corresponding project has been envisaged and is being developed, which will increase the vigilance of car owners and safety on the roads.

However, penalties apply if your car has worn out winter tires. Sometimes the driver may only receive a warning. But problems arise if winter tires are used, where the tread is worn down to 4 mm at the most worn points. At the same time, the road is icy or covered with snow.

Still, when thinking about when to install winter tires, you need to pay attention to the climate, although November is considered the deadline. But as practice shows, you should apply for tire fitting before November 15th.

When to change tires to winter ones

When to change tires to winter ones? The answer to this question must be sought in regulatory requirements. However, there are several more nuances associated with the replacement procedure. For example, what characteristics should an optimal winter tire have? Under what conditions should it be changed? Which tires should I change to - with or without studs? We will try to give a detailed answer to these and other questions.

When to change tires to winter ones

So when should you change tires and what should you look for? For the first snow and ice? This will be incorrect, because the climate in our country is changeable and heterogeneous. It’s better to look at the thermometer - if it shows a temperature of +7°C±5°C, this indicates the need to change your car’s shoes . It is unsafe to stay on summer tires, since at such air temperatures the tires lose grip and become rougher. You can take a risk and wait until such a decrease in the average daily temperature occurs for a whole week, but know that at any moment the car can skid on a turn and it will become uncontrollable. Since frosts on the ground at night form a thin crust of ice on the asphalt. Therefore, it is better not to take risks.

Unfortunately, not all car owners follow this recommendation. Some people change their car to winter tires when the temperature drops to +12, while others wait until the air temperature reaches 0.

It is the recommendations of tire manufacturers for replacing rubber that are the most correct and capable of ensuring the proper level of safety on the road. There are also regulations that clearly define the time requirements for tire replacement.

When is it legal to change tires to winter tires?

In the regulatory requirements, there is also a point about when to change tires according to the rules. We can read about this in the “Technical Regulations of the Customs Union TR CU 018/2011 On the safety of wheeled vehicles.” In particular, paragraph 5.5 says the following:

It is prohibited to operate vehicles that are not equipped with winter tires that meet the requirements of paragraph 5.6.3 of this appendix during the winter period (December, January, February). Winter tires are installed on all wheels of the vehicle. The period of prohibition of operation may be changed upward by regional government bodies of the member states of the Customs Union.

Designation of winter tires

Based on this information, we can conclude that during the winter months (December, January, February) only winter tires are allowed. You can put both studded and non-studded tires on your car. They must have the “M+S”, “M&S” or “MS” badge and a corresponding picture (see picture).

You will find more information on our website:

How to decipher tire markings

The marking on the tire 195/55R16 indicates the tire size, and 87V is the load and speed index.
There are also markings: year of manufacture, pressure, etc. Detailed explanation in the picture Read more

Due to the variety of weather conditions in different regions of the Russian Federation, local authorities may increase the ban on the use of studded tires. For example, the use of studded tires will be prohibited from May to September.

For clarity, we will provide you with a table with information about the periods of possible use of different tires throughout the year.

As for all-season tires, the rules allow their use only if they have one of the following inscriptions “M+S”, “M&S” or “MS”. If the corresponding icons are missing, then such tires cannot be used in winter .

Fines for improper use of tires

Traffic police officers have the right to punish the driver for the incorrect use of winter tires or their untimely installation. In particular, in 2017 there is no article in the Code of Administrative Offenses that would provide for the imposition of a fine for the fact that there are no winter tires. However, a draft of such a law exists, but has not yet been adopted.

At the same time, you can be fined 500 rubles for using worn winter tires. However, there is a more humane method - a verbal warning. A fine is imposed when the tread depth of winter tires is less than 4 mm. In addition, a fine can only be imposed if the vehicle is operated on an icy or snowy road surface.

What tires should you install on your car?

When to change tires

We have discussed in detail when to change tires. At the same time, we still have an open question: what should we replace summer tires with? Most motorists are advised to carry not only winter and summer tires, but also a third set. In particular, summer, winter studded and winter non-studded tires. For what? It's simple - when during the cold period the temperature is in the range of -3°C. +5°C it is advisable to use winter non-studded tires, and in case of a sharp cold snap, it will be possible to use winter studded tires. However, due to its high cost, this method is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, you can do it easier - choose studded or non-studded tires.

It must be remembered that studless tires perform better on dry and wet roads, while studded tires perform better on snowy and icy ones. It has been experimentally proven that on dry and wet asphalt, studded tires have a braking distance that is 7% longer than non-studded tires. However, when driving on snowy and icy surfaces, the “spikes” work 20% more efficiently.

Progress does not stand still, and now “floating” and “active” stud technologies are used, which make it possible to achieve impeccable rubber behavior on any surface, even in the worst icy conditions. And such tires are available for sale. Their only drawback is their high price. However, over time it will probably decrease, and more and more people will be able to afford to buy such tires.

Differences between winter tires and all-season tires

Despite the fact that all-season tires allow you to save a lot on tire fitting and the need to purchase two sets, in the Russian climate this type of tire does not work well. Manufacturers have established the optimal range for using all-season tires - from -5 to +20°C . As a result, by choosing all-season tires, you automatically sacrifice safety for the sake of savings. Moreover, the danger exists both in the summer, when the air warms up above 30 degrees, and of course in the winter, when the thermometer is below 30°C.

What is better - “Scandinavian” or “European” type of tires?

Winter tires are divided into “Scandinavian” and “European” according to their tread pattern.

The “Scandinavian” type of rubber has a more sparse pattern, with a large number of small diamond-shaped checkers arranged in a checkerboard pattern. The distance between the checkers is significant. Thanks to this, the tread easily pushes through the top surface of the ice and is cleared of dirt and snow without any effort. Maximum grip on snowy roads is the main advantage of these tires. Scandinavian-type tires are great for cross-country trips and for residents of remote cities, that is, where there is a lot of snow. With them you won't get stuck in snowdrifts. The Scandinavian type of rubber is widely used in all-Russian conditions and the northern regions of Europe.

“European” rubber is a diagonal pattern with multiple drainage channels and a large number of small slots. The purpose of such tires is to provide maximum grip on the road surface during rainy and wet weather , as well as in wet snow. If the winter has little snow and is wet (countries of Central and Southern Europe, southern regions of the Russian Federation), you should opt for European-type tires. But you need to remember - ice is contraindicated for such rubber . Almost always, European-type tires are marked “M+S,” which means snow and mud.

Rules for using winter tires

Whatever winter tires a car owner chooses, he must remember five rules for its use:

Studded tires should never be swapped from the left wheel of one axle to the right.
During the first 800.1000 km of running in winter tires, do not exceed the speed of more than 70 km/h. Allow the tires to “break in.”
During winter temperature fluctuations, tire pressure changes. Therefore, be sure to monitor your tire pressure. In order to prevent the consequences of sudden temperature changes, you can increase the tire pressure by 0.1-0.2 atm. But not more.

You should also dwell on the question of whether it is possible to drive on winter tires in the summer. The answer is simple - it is possible, but extremely undesirable. Let's start the argument from a technical point of view. So, using winter tires in the warm season threatens you and your car:

Reduced driving safety. The composition of the tire material changes its characteristics, which is why the rubber does not fully perform its functions, including protective ones.
An increase in fuel consumption by 5.10%. After all, the engine needs more power to spin the rubber that has spread out on the asphalt. Accordingly, this will hit your pocket.
Significant wear of the treads. The surface of winter tires is softer and wears out faster on bare asphalt.
Low level of driving comfort for the driver and passengers.
Increased wear and tear on the vehicle's chassis.

Now let's touch on the legal aspects of this issue. In 2014, a bill was introduced on the use of car tires by season with the imposition of appropriate fines. The estimated fine was 2,000 rubles. However, at present, the law has not yet been adopted; accordingly, traffic police officers can only make an oral remark and explain to the driver the harm of using winter tires in the summer.

Features of installing winter tires

New wheels must be well balanced. This rule should be followed regardless of whether you change the tires yourself or entrust it to a tire shop. Also check your wheel alignment. When installing wheels, it is necessary to take into account the direction of their movement .

Also avoid alloy wheels . Your car may not look so presentable on a snowy and slippery track, but the likelihood of dirt getting inside the disc and subsequent imbalance when driving will be significantly reduced. Follow the above recommendations to avoid emergency situations or accidents.

Don't forget to change your winter tires in the fall. As soon as the temperature reaches +5. 7°C, go straight to a tire shop or replace it yourself. Don't wait until November 15th. Also make sure that the tread depth on all tires is more than 4 mm. And remember that winter tires are intended primarily to ensure the safety of the driver, passengers, and other people during the cold season! Don't neglect to use it.

7 degree rule. What every driver should know about changing tires

“Is it time yet or is it too early?” Motorists face this question twice a year: in the fall before the onset of serious cold weather and in the spring.

Often the decision to change tires is made at random. Drivers simply rely on intuition. It seems that the sun has warmed up, the asphalt has begun to show - it’s time. Is it possible to do this? Let's look at what you need to remember when changing tires together with the automaker Ravon.

What does the law say?

How simple it would be if the law prescribed something like: change winter tires to summer tires on April 1st. However, there are no clear instructions on exactly when to change the shoes of the car. The only thing it is proposed to focus on is the technical regulations of the Customs Union.

From January 1, 2015, the document prohibits the use of summer tires in the three winter months (December, January and February) and winter tires with studs in the summer months (June, July, August).

In other words, the regulations allow driving on winter tires with studs from September to May. An important point: the document allows you to ride on tires without spikes, so-called “Velcro”, all year round.

What should the temperature be?

Considering that Russia is a country of weather surprises, it would be imprudent to focus only on the regulations. Tire manufacturers and experts advise relying primarily on temperature conditions.

The Tire Manufacturers Association recommends changing your car's shoes in winter, when the average daily temperature drops below 7 degrees. Accordingly, as soon as the temperature outside becomes 7 degrees or higher in the spring, you can unpack your summer set. The risk of night frosts by this time is minimized.

In addition, at this temperature, summer tires, which differ in composition from winter tires, will not harden, which means that road grip will not become worse.

What happens if you drive in the summer on winter tires?

One of the main differences between winter tires and summer tires is the degree of softness of the rubber compound. Summer tires are much tougher. Therefore, in the cold it quickly becomes dull, loses its properties, and the car begins to behave unpredictably. At the same time, winter tires turn out to be helpless in a sense in the warm season. When there is no frost outside, the softness coupled with the winter tread pattern makes the ride more dangerous and uncomfortable.

If you ignore the recommendations and drive on winter tires in the summer, you will not be able to avoid troubles. This is especially true when traveling on wet roads. Under these conditions, winter tires behave worst of all - road traction becomes less reliable, vehicle stability deteriorates, and the steering also changes for the worse.

If you give a list of key problems that the use of winter tires in summer promises, it will be something like this.

— Poor traction, especially if it’s raining and the asphalt is wet, deterioration in handling.

— Increased braking distance.

— Increased fuel consumption.

— Deterioration of the car’s response to steering.

— Quick erasing of tread patterns not intended for summer roads. If you drive with “winter” all summer, then the tires most likely will not survive until the next snowfall.

How to check if tires can be used in the new season?

Before going to a tire shop, conduct a visual inspection of the tires. The main thing you need to pay attention to is the remaining tread height. It should be no lower than 1.6 millimeters. It is better to take measurements in several places at once.

After checking the tread height, it is a good idea to inspect the tires for mechanical damage. It is also important to consider how the rubber was stored. The surest and safest way is horizontal, when the tires lie on top of each other.

In any case, a control check of the combat readiness of the rubber must be carried out at a tire station. If there are any doubts, it is better to specifically ask the technician to carefully inspect the tires.

Maybe change it yourself?

In theory, you can change your shoes yourself. Especially if the summer tires have not been removed from the rims, and you have a jack and wheel wrench at hand. Only in this case there is a risk of missing a couple of important manipulations and adding to your problems with further driving.

It is worth remembering: in addition to installation, the tires must be properly inflated - it is better if this is done in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Controllability, wear, and braking depend on this point.

When changing tires, you must do balancing. It does not matter whether the tires were removed from the rims during storage or not. This moment also affects handling, braking and tire wear.

depositphotos.com

When should I buy a new kit?

And finally, one more important issue that has long divided the drivers into two warring teams. Representatives of the first are confident that you can drive on the same tires a little bit at a time for the rest of your life, if they are not worn out. The latter disagree: they say it needs to be changed every few seasons.

If we consider the issue based on security considerations, the second opinion is closer to the truth. The fact is that most tire manufacturers advise using rubber for no more than 10 years. After this period, it is recommended to change the set even if the tires are not worn out. The reason is that the condition of tires is affected not only by damage, but also by age. Over time, rubber loses its properties, becomes less elastic and less resistant to deformation, and as a result, the car’s handling deteriorates.

There is another figure: after 4-5 years of using rubber, manufacturers recommend inspecting the set more carefully before seasonal re-shoeing. If you have any doubts about the quality, it’s time to update the kit.