The quality and characteristics of a car's tyres contribute to driving comfort and passenger safety. For this reason, it is important to choose tyres that are suitable for each season. When the summer season arrives, summer tyres are essential to adapt to the climatic conditions.
Choosing the right tyre should not be a tedious task, but rather an informed decision, which is why we strive to provide you with all the necessary information for your choice of summer tyres.
Choosing summer tyres:
Choosing the right summer tyres can be a real challenge. Being well-informed about the available options can help you make a choice that suits your needs.
Summer tyres are designed to offer very good road grip in the weather conditions encountered from spring to autumn. In fact, they are the standard tyres that come with most new or used vehicles upon delivery.
To recognise summer tyres and differentiate them from other types of tyres, two main parameters are examined:
- The tread pattern. Indeed, the tread of a summer tyre has fewer sipes and shallower grooves than a winter tyre.
- The materials used are different from those of a winter tyre; the summer tyre is designed to operate at temperatures above 7°C, on dry and wet roads. Below this temperature, the summer tyre loses its effectiveness.
Summer tyres have fewer sipes than winter tyres. This structure allows them to better grip the road while reducing braking distances.
Less tread pattern provides more grip on dry roads. However, be sure to check the depth of the grooves using the wear indicator. With worn summer tyres, the risk of aquaplaning increases significantly.
Which summer tyres to buy:
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The most sought-after summer tyre sizes:
The lifespan of summer tyres:
When and why is it mandatory to change your summer tyres?
The first factor you need to consider when changing your tyres is the age of your current wheels.
Check the manufacturing date, written on the sidewall of the tyre in the form of a DOT code followed by four digits. The first two indicate the week and the last two the year of manufacture. A tyre over 5 years old requires special attention, and beyond 10 years, its replacement is strongly recommended.
The law does not explicitly prohibit the use of tyres older than 10 years, but caution and manufacturers' recommendations suggest replacing them, as rubber ageing significantly affects their performance, especially in terms of grip.
It is imperative to change your tyres when wear is advanced or if visible damage is present. Uneven wear, cracks, or a bulge are signs that your tyres need to be changed.
How to assess the wear of a summer tyre?
Wear indicators are the best indicators for judging the wear limit of a tyre. They are located in the tread grooves and are 1.6 mm high, the legal limit in Europe. If the tread is at the level of these indicators, it is time to replace them.
Worn tyres can also be identified by cracks, abnormal rubber hardness, or a deformed appearance.
Finally, a last symptom that can alert you is the decrease in driving comfort. This can manifest, for example, through vehicle vibrations, reduced road holding, or less precise braking.
What is the average lifespan of summer tyres?
Summer tyres have an average lifespan of 15,000 to 40,000 km, but this depends on driving style, tyre maintenance, rubber compound quality, and road conditions.
FAQ:
How do I know if I need to change my car tyres?
Check the tread depth, the general condition of the tyre (presence of cracks, bulges...), and if the wear indicators are reached.
How do I know the age of my tyres?
Look at the DOT code for the manufacturing date and inspect the tyres for any age-related degradation.
Is it forbidden to drive with tyres older than 10 years?
No, it is not explicitly forbidden, but it is strongly recommended to replace them for safety reasons.
How much do summer tyres cost on average?
The price of tyres is often a subject of intense reflection for motorists who want to combine quality and economy. Investing in good summer tyres is crucial, and it is essential to understand what justifies their cost.
There are summer tyres for all budgets, generally priced between 50 and 300 euros per tyre, depending on the brand and size. This price may seem high, but the real cost will also depend on the tyre's lifespan and the savings made in terms of fuel consumption.
Several reasons explain why tyres may seem expensive:
- Research and Development: Manufacturers invest heavily in research & development to continuously improve tyre performance, safety, and longevity.
- Quality Materials: The composition of a tyre is complex and involves various materials, such as natural or synthetic rubber, carbon black, silica, and several types of metals and textiles.
- Manufacturing Process: Tyre production is a sophisticated process that requires skilled labour, specific machinery, and energy, which also influences the final price.
- Safety Standards: Tyres are subject to strict safety standards, ensuring impeccable quality for the consumer.
- Innovation: The latest tyre technologies, such as low rolling resistance tyres or run-flat tyres, provide significant advantages in terms of safety and performance.
- Longevity: A more expensive tyre at purchase can ultimately be more economical in the long run if it offers superior durability.
In summary, when buying summer tyres, it is important not to focus solely on the initial price. It is wise to consider all the factors that can influence both performance and tyre lifespan.
FAQ:
What is the price of a new tyre?
This can vary from 50 to 300 GBP depending on the brand, size, and specific tyre technologies.
When should you equip your vehicle with summer tyres?
Opting for summer tyres means choosing performance and safety during the specific driving conditions of the summer season.
Summer tyres are specially designed to offer optimal performance at temperatures above 7°C. Their rubber composition and tread design are tailored to promote better grip and optimal resistance on dry or wet roads. Driving with summer tyres in summer ensures better road holding, reduced braking distances, and consequently, a significant increase in safety.
The general rule suggests switching to summer tyres when the average temperature regularly exceeds 7°C, typically at the beginning of spring. This often corresponds to the end of March or early April in many temperate regions. However, this recommendation may vary depending on the specific weather conditions of your place of residence. It is therefore important to remain vigilant regarding climatic variations to make the change at the most appropriate time.
FAQ:
When should you put on summer tyres?
It is recommended to put them on when temperatures are above 7°C, generally in spring.
Differences between summer tyres and other types of tyres:
Understanding the differences between summer tyres and other categories is fundamental to choosing the right tyres for your car. Let's take a closer look at the main differences.
Compared to winter or all-season models, when optimal usage conditions are met, summer tyres allow for better driving. Thanks to their characteristics, they:
- Brake better on dry roads compared to winter or all-season tyres (almost 2 meters of braking distance is gained in urban areas)
- Offer more comfort thanks to a lower noise level
- Allow for lower fuel consumption
What is the difference between a summer tyre and an all-season tyre?
Summer tyres and all-season tyres mainly differ in their design and performance depending on weather conditions.
Summer tyres are specially designed to excel in hot weather, offering maximum grip on dry roads. Their harder rubber compound makes them resistant to wear in hot weather. These tyres also ensure good road holding on wet surfaces.
Summer tyres outperform all-season tyres in terms of grip and stability on dry and wet roads in hot temperatures.
All-season tyres offer acceptable performance in most weather conditions. They are designed to provide balanced performance on dry and wet roads, as well as in light snow conditions. Their softer rubber makes them suitable for this range of temperatures, making them a more versatile option.
What is the difference between a summer tyre and a winter tyre?
Winter tyres are made with rubber that remains flexible at low temperatures, allowing for better grip on ice and snow. Summer tyres, on the other hand, have rubber that hardens in the cold, reducing their effectiveness in winter.
Summer tyres often have fewer grooves and a simpler tread pattern to maximize contact with the road and improve responsiveness on dry surfaces. Winter tyres have multiple grooves (sipes) to evacuate water and better grip on slippery surfaces.
Summer tyres offer better road holding at temperatures above 7°C and on dry or slightly wet roads, while winter tyres are designed to excel in icy and snowy conditions.
The decision between summer and winter tyres should be guided by the climate of your locality and your frequency of driving in difficult road conditions. If you live in an area with mild winters and do not frequently encounter snowy or icy roads, summer tyres could be a suitable choice all year round.
General questions about using summer tyres:
Is it possible to drive all year round with summer tyres?
Technically, it is possible to drive with summer tyres all year round, but it is not recommended, especially if you live in an area with harsh winters, snow, and cold temperatures. Summer tyres lose their effectiveness below 7°C and do not have the same characteristics as winter tyres (such as sipes and a rubber composition designed to remain flexible in cold weather), reducing safety on winter roads.
If you plan to venture into the mountains with your summer tyres, make sure you have winter equipment (such as chains or snow socks) essential for sufficient grip. However, we recommend fitting winter tyres or all-season tyres if you regularly go to the mountains.
Can I use summer tyres in the rain?
Yes, summer tyres can be used in the rain as long as they are in good condition. Their design takes into account the need to maintain traction on wet roads.
Summer tyres are equipped with specific grooves, also called treads, which play a crucial role when driving in the rain.
These grooves are designed to quickly drain water, thus reducing the risk of aquaplaning.
To ensure your summer tyres remain effective in the rain:
- Always ensure that your tyre pressure is set according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Drive carefully and adjust your speed to road conditions, especially during heavy rain where visibility and grip may be reduced.
- Remember that new or slightly worn tyres will offer a better response in wet conditions, so monitor the wear of your summer tyres and replace them when necessary.
How to drive safely with new tyres?
When fitting new tyres, it is recommended to "break them in" over a distance of about 200 to 500 km by avoiding sudden accelerations and braking. This helps to remove the paraffin that often covers new tyres and optimizes their grip.
Do you need to change all 4 tyres each time?
It is not an absolute necessity, but it is ideal. If your budget allows, it is recommended to change all four tyres at the same time to ensure even wear and maintain the vehicle's handling and stability. However, if the two front or rear tyres are worn unevenly or more pronouncedly than their counterparts, you can only replace the two necessary tyres.
However, make sure that the tyres on the same axle are of the same brand, model, and identical dimensions to ensure the best performance and safety.
It is worth noting that it is strongly recommended to change all four tyres on an all-wheel-drive vehicle.
Why install new tyres at the rear?
There is a golden rule in the automotive world: if you only change two tyres, the new ones should go at the rear.
Installing new tyres at the rear contributes to better handling and increased vehicle stability on both dry and wet roads, preventing oversteer or understeer or loss of control.
What should you remember about summer tyres?
In general, your car comes with summer tyres that allow you to drive comfortably outside the winter months. These tyres are perfect for driving on all types of roads, in the city or on the highway, as long as the temperature is above 7°C.
Always remember that regardless of the type of tyres you use, it is essential to regularly check your tyre pressure. Even the best tyres, when misused, cannot provide optimal performance.
If you have any other questions or need specific advice, do not hesitate to contact us or visit our website for more information. We are here to assist you in choosing summer tyres and ensuring you drive with confidence and safety.
Compare reviews, compare prices, and consult our guide on the best summer tyres to make your choice.
Our teams monitor the competition and align daily to offer you the best price throughout the year on your summer tyres.
Delivery can be made to the address of your choice or to one of our partner fitting centres.
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