In regions where winter is pronounced, car owners have to buy two sets of tires - summer and winter. It is very important that the tires match the different weather conditions. Usage seasonal tires is a mandatory clause in any CASCO agreement in virtually all insurance companies. Therefore, there is no doubt about the need to change tires twice a year. However, when should you do it? Since the weather can be unpredictable, it is sometimes difficult to determine the moment when the season finally changed. More on this later in the article.
The rubber used in summer tires is more rigid. It is quite wear-resistant and withstands contact with asphalt, heated in the heat. The properties of summer tires are balanced between rolling resistance and traction, the tire is quite elastic to "keep" the vehicle on its course, but does not wear out after a hundred kilometers. At low temperatures, the tire becomes stiff, the rolling process is more like a slide, and the ability to make stable contact with the roadway rapidly decreases.
Winter tires
Winter tires are characterized by a softer rubber compound, which becomes very soft in positive temperatures and wears out quickly. However, when the temperature drops below zero, the winter tire becomes flexible enough to allow you to drive with confidence. In addition to the chemistry itself, winter tires can be made more porous in order to increase the contact area. It is worth noting that this is especially good for driving on ice, when the smallest bumps cling to an almost smooth surface, thereby reducing braking distances.
The boundary temperature for both types of tires is +10 degrees Celsius. When it is installed, it is desirable to “change shoes”.
What is the difference between winter tires and summer tires?
It is believed that the main difference between summer tires and winter tires is only the tread pattern. However, in reality, this is not entirely true. Although, as a rule, the drawing is really different, this is far from the defining and not the most important difference.
Try holding a regular eraser in the cold. Do you know what will happen to her? If the rubber band freezes, it can be easily broken, because in this state it will not bend and, accordingly, will not wash anything until it heats up. And this happens because rubber, just like all other materials, significantly changes its properties depending on temperature.
That is why for various temperature conditions tire manufacturers are developing various chemical composition rubber, thus "sharpening" a certain tire for operation in a certain temperature range.
Why is it important to change tires according to the season?
described above temperature Range actually published by no one, but the standard rule for everyone is the following:
Tire replacement, replacement time for winter and summer, according to the law
Therefore, there are such intervals for the use of car tires:
Therefore, if you have summer tires without marking and winter studded tires, then it is necessary to replace it during the autumn, that is, from September to November.
It is also worth mentioning the drivers using the so-called. All seasonal tires designed for use throughout the year. They can be operated in winter months only if there is an appropriate marking - "M + S" and so on. 
Penalty for inconsistency of tires with the season
In 2016, a fine for not having winter tires cannot be imposed. However, there is a fine for using worn winter tires - a warning or 500 rubles. Traffic police officers can impose this fine on a driver who operates winter tires(marked "M + S" and so on), which at the most worn place has a tread depth of less than four millimeters. However, a fine is imposed only when the vehicle is operated on a snowy or icy road surface.
Replacing rubber when tires are being replaced, focusing on the outside temperature
In terms of vehicle operation, it is quite difficult to determine a clear boundary between summer and winter, as a result of which it is quite difficult to name the exact date for replacing tires. And the weather in our country in last years highly unstable and unpredictable. Therefore, many believe that the use all season tires will enable the problem to be solved. However, unfortunately, such universality is not always effective and justified.
Most experts recommend replacing winter tires with summer ones when the average daily temperature outside fluctuates between +5-7 degrees Celsius. After all, everyone knows that frosts are not ruled out at night, as a result of which an ice crust forms on the road, on which summer tires slide strongly.
It is worth knowing that at a temperature of +10 degrees winter tires do not work well and it is difficult to drive a vehicle, but if you drive only in the morning and evening, feel free to focus on night temperatures.
However, if you leave the garage only during the day, when the air temperature differs significantly from that at night, focus solely on given temperature air.
Owners of studded tires need to "change shoes" in the spring much earlier than owners of non-studded tires. This is due to the fact that studded tires wear out quickly in warm weather, and the braking distance on warm, dry pavement is very long. A few days of driving on studded tires in warm weather is equal to thousands of miles of driving in the snow. Moreover, there is deterioration exchange rate stability, manageability and braking properties. The vehicle reacts poorly to steering column turns. In addition, at fast driving on asphalt with studded tires, the studs are able to fly out of the mounting sockets, snatching certain parts of the tread and destroying the roadway.
What does the law say about tire change treads
The normal tread depth for winter tires is slightly larger than for summer tires. This is because compacted snow is much more difficult to get out from under the wheel contact patch, as a result of which the grooves must be slightly deeper. In 2016, the recommended tread depth for winter tires should be at least four millimeters. On such a tire, at the same time, there must be a certain marking with a snowflake, which is located in a three-peak mountain peak, as well as special designations MS, M&S, M+S.
Pro tips on how to take into account the climatic features of the region
When choosing tires, you also need to consider climatic features the region where you live. All-weather tires are designed for temperatures from -5 to +25 degrees Celsius. Consequently, the option of all-weather tires is unacceptable for Russian latitudes and even risky for life.
Pro tips on whether to have two sets of rims, how to store tires without rims, how to achieve uniform wear by replacing the leading pair with a non-leading one
Naturally, it is desirable to have two sets of disks, because if you ride on the same disks in winter and summer, and change only tires, then the disks wear out faster. It is worth noting that tires without rims should only be stored vertically to avoid deformation. It is advisable to store rubber in a dark room.
It is necessary to replace all four tires at once, while it is very desirable that they are all the same. This applies not only to the model, but also to the release date of the wheels. If the vehicle has a drive on one axle, in the new season it is advisable to put tires from the drive axle not on the drive axle in order to achieve uniform wear of the rubber.
Each driver changes tires twice a year, this is especially necessary for the northern regions. It is often difficult to determine when to change tires from winter to summer. According to the law, the exact day for changing summer tires to winter tires is set on December 1. In Belarus and Russia in 2016-2017, the optimal date for changing tires from winter to summer is March 15. Why is this day established by law? It is believed that by this time the air temperature has stabilized, which means that the chance of black ice can be predicted.
Why is it so important to replace tires? In addition to the diverse surface of automotive "shoes", rubber also differs in composition. Winter tires softer, which allows them not to harden, which means that it resists ice more easily. Summer ones, on the other hand, are more heat-resistant, which allows them not to melt on a hot day, making road travel deadly.
Unfortunately, there is no exact schedule for changing tires. For this reason, all car owners are required to follow the weather forecast in advance. The average temperature per day must reach +7 degrees and above.
Do not rely on the fact that you will avoid a fine. Even if this succeeds, the probability of an accident and all the ensuing consequences is high. Most insurance companies do not pay for car repairs if the examination reveals the cause of the accident is the mismatch of tires for the season. Moreover, in some insurance companies, when concluding a contract, the exact dates and dates for, and vice versa, are indicated.
The time when it is worth changing tires directly depends on what time of day the car is used. If the owner drives in the morning and in the evening, then it is worth delaying the replacement, because at this time the temperature drops and the road often freezes. Also, owners of studded tires need to change it in the spring earlier than owners of Velcro. The reason lies in the fact that studded tires wear out faster.
Not less than an important factor is geography. City dwellers need to shift less frequently than suburban dwellers. Outside the city, the snow melts longer.
You can often hear the erroneous opinion that frequent tire changes are bad for tires and for the wheel, respectively. This is not entirely true. Subject to storage standards: tires without rims are always stored vertically. Also, it is worth changing tires at the same time and making sure that they are the same, because the wear of each will depend on this. And we are talking not only about the model, but also the "freshness" of tires - the release date. Do not forget to also change tires from summer to winter, more about when to do this.
Usually, if the car has a drive on one axle, then it is advised to change the tires from driving to non-driving every season. In order not to confuse tires, you can mark them with chalk.
It is worth summarizing this article. So:
- The optimal date for changing tires is March 15th.
- Do not constantly rely on a specific date, watch the weather.
- Tires must be of the same make and date.
- Regular change of car shoes with good storage does not harm the discs and the product itself.
- Store tires vertically and nothing else.
- Residents of urban areas should change their car shoes earlier.
- The normal temperature for changing tires to summer is +7 degrees and above. In case of unstable weather, it is worth delaying this procedure.
I hope this information was useful to the reader. We wish you all the best!
“Cat, buy winter tires for my swallow. Only not studded, so as not to itch on the go. It is useless to argue with the sweetheart, and the household is replenished with a set of Velcro mounted on disks.
Darling thinks about safety and even looks through automotive press. But, unfortunately, the advertising thesis “at temperatures below plus seven degrees Celsius, the properties of summer tires deteriorate and driving becomes unsafe” is taken too literally. She is ready to change the car almost in the first decade of October, when there are no queues in tire shops. And then it torments winter wheels until the May holidays, because in the spring there is always not enough time for such trifles as changing the shoes of a car. Flaws summer wheel on ice and snow they are immediately noticeable, and the winter "Velcro" on the asphalt rolls itself and rolls.
shock therapy in this case works better than words. Hyundai Solaris and its owner are invited to the Smolenskoye Koltso circuit, where serious men are testing no less serious equipment. Car with winter tires Michelin X Ice 185/65R15, and in the trunk - a set of summer Hankook tires Optimo K415 is the same size.
The weather is perfect: cloudy, no precipitation, air temperature +4 ºС. It is at plus four that the snowflake symbol lights up on the instrument panel of many cars - they say, be careful, it can be slippery! Meanwhile, under the wheels of dry asphalt and snow in soon not expected.
The lesson begins with braking. A strong pedal strike at a speed of 100 km / h and the accompanying ABS chirp make a much greater impression on the female psyche than the numbers on the display of a high-precision measuring device. We do not torment the lady with intermediate results, we quickly change the wheels - and the next series of braking. Then a short calculation and announcement of the result: winter tires in these conditions lose four meters of braking distance to summer ones! This is only a palm less than the length of the Solaris hatchback.
Perhaps on a different asphalt and with different tires, the difference will be different, but in this case, it is not the absolute figures that are more important, but the trend.
There are measurements and evaluation of controllability. Genuine interest is visible in women's eyes - Hyundai has never driven her so cheerfully!
After the races on the ring track, the test pilot shares his impressions. So, on summer tires, the car slows down better and quickly responds to steering turns, but when accelerating on arcs, it is unloaded front wheel slips. Hence the unpleasant squeal of slipping rubber.
On winter tires ABS is activated earlier and you have to brake in advance, reactions to steering turns are no longer so clear, but Solaris accelerates well at the exit of corners. Under traction, the unloaded wheel, shod with Velcro, clings to the asphalt better.
Then we invite the guest to take a look at the lap time. Winter tires beat summer tires! Let not by much, just for a second from the circle, but they are consistently faster. And of course, there is a question from the male part of the population: what is more important for a beautiful lady - a small increase in accelerating dynamics or a noticeably shorter braking distance? Additional arguments were not needed - priority was given to braking.
The lady drew her own conclusions. Replacing wheels is not only a physical, but also a mental transition to winter operation. Even in the autumn or spring off-season, when there is no snowfall and ice, the braking distance on clean asphalt is no longer the same as in summer. Therefore, only those who do not think about their own safety and the safety of others ride on winter Velcro in late spring, and even more so all year round.
It was interesting, thanks for the science!
Please darling!
When to change tires under the new law?
On January 1 this year, the technical regulation came into force Customs Union"On the safety of wheeled Vehicle". It follows from it that from the beginning of December to the end of February, winter tires must be on all wheels of the car. Any - studded or non-studded. The main thing is that they should be marked M + S. By decision of the regional authorities, the seasonal period can be extended. In addition, the law prohibits the use of studded tires in summer (from June to August inclusive). Formally, Velcro does not fall under this paragraph of the law, but we strongly recommend that you do not ride them in the heat. How to act in the off-season? According to the actual weather, taking into account the long-term forecast. In central Russia, winter tires are usually appropriate from late October to mid-April.
Novice motorists often look in the rules for the date when it is necessary to “change shoes” on the car, as well as the official justification for punishments for tires that are out of season. SDA do not contain such information. But the operating conditions of tires, data on winter version tires and penalties can be studied in the appendix to the Rules traffic.
A fine of 500 rubles. or a warning when checking on the road are regulated by the Code of Administrative Liability, which refers to Appendix No. 1 in the SDA.
Where is the tire change date?
The period of operation of studded tires, winter friction rubber is in the Technical Regulations, which came into force on the territory of Russia from the beginning of 2015. The international regulation, to which the member countries of the Customs Union have joined, indicates that tires with studs in summer period cannot be used. Winter tires should be winter period(from December 1 to February 28 (29), and the use of friction tires (colloquially "Velcro") is allowed at any time of the year.
Punish employees for inappropriate tires for the season traffic police not entitled, because Russian legislation there are no sanctions for the operation of a motor vehicle in summer tires in winter and vice versa. However, there are rules according to which a driver can be fined for a worn tread, deformation of tires, disks.
SDA on the condition of tires, disks
In 2018, the Rules of the Road with Appendix No. 1 “List of malfunctions and conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited” are relevant. The fifth paragraph regulates the permissible depth of the tread pattern and deformations in which the use of transport entails the risk of an accident for all road users. This paragraph determines the application of penalties in the amount of 500 rubles. The motorist can also simply be warned about the inadmissibility of using a car in poor condition.
Tread depth
Tread depth measurement is required if no indicator is available. If it is provided for by the design of the tire, then wear is determined by it. Tread depth set in the SDA:
- for motorcycles, mopeds - 0.8 mm;
- For passenger cars and trucks with a carrying capacity of less than 3.5 tons - 1.6 mm;
- for trucks (from 3.5 tons) - 1 mm;
- for buses and route transport, in which there are more than 8 passenger seats - 2 mm.
These indicators are set for pavement without snow and ice. In ice and snow conditions, the tread depth must be at least 4 mm. If the indicator is 3.5 mm or less, then a penalty is provided - a fine of 500 rubles.
What tires are considered winter tires?
Since the tire assortment includes several seasonal varieties, the characteristics of winter tires were prescribed in the SDA. This is a special marking (three-peak peak with a snowflake, Latin letters M S), tread depth of at least 4 mm. For universal tires in winter, these rules are also relevant. By purchasing a kit all season tires, it is worth clarifying the presence of markings, otherwise a fine may be issued during the check on an icy track.
The traffic police have the right to fine the driver if the wear indicator is visible on the tire. Studded tires can only be used from December to February, the wear rate for it is the same.
What violations of tire operation are prescribed in the rules?
The application provides that you can not operate a car if:
- there is damage to the tires, exposing the cord;
- the tread or sidewall peels off;
- absent fixing bolt(screw);
- the cord is stratified;
- there are cracks in the disc or rims;
- the shape (size) of the mounting holes is broken;
- there is a discrepancy (in size, load) of the tire model of the machine.
On one wheel axle it is forbidden to install tires different in:
- size, design, model, tread pattern;
- degree of wear (new and scratched, new and remanufactured)
- seasonal characteristics (for summer and for winter).
If the vehicle is equipped with spiked tires, then they must be on all wheels.
Examples of violations of traffic rules that relate to tires
- One car has winter (with marking) and summer (without marking) tires.
- The pattern of sipes on the tread of tires located on the same axle is different.
- Studded tires are on the front axle, and friction tires on the rear axle.
The fine for such a violation is 500 rubles, the basis is the Code of Administrative Offenses (Article 12.5).
The real frost is coming soon. And this means that it is time to change the shoes for your car. Below we will tell you how, why and when you need to change summer tires for the winter.
First of all, it is worth saying what is special about winter tires. Many people believe that the differences are in the height of the profile and a different tread pattern, but this is not entirely true. Summer tires have a different composition rubber compound which is less susceptible to high temperatures.
Simply put - rubber does not float when high temperatures, steadily clinging to the roadway. But at the same time, it "dubes" at low temperatures, not providing proper adhesion. As a rule, a temperature of +7 is considered the lower threshold, and a temperature of 0 degrees is the critical point, after which the tires begin to shamelessly slide.
"Winter" is softer, and also less susceptible to low temperatures. However, when the air is warmed up to +7 and above, they begin to “float”, wear out faster, and behave imperfectly when driving on asphalt. When is it right and at what temperature is it worth changing summer tires to winter ones? There is no single answer here, if we talk about specific dates and numbers. Much depends on geography and climate.
Situation by region
It is worth taking as a basis the rule that if the daytime temperature does not rise above +7/+9 degrees, then it is definitely worth putting on winter tires. But again, a lot depends on the specific region and the weather this autumn.
Below is a table that will help answer the question: "When to change summer tires to winter tires in 2019"? Novosibirsk - frosts have already set in here, the daytime temperature does not rise above 0 degrees. So it is highly recommended to already change into a winter coat. As a rule, the climate allows you to drive with summer tires until the middle / end of September.
Moscow - the average daytime temperature is around zero. It is advisable to start changing shoes by the beginning of October. Irkutsk - here the climate is more severe and by mid-September it is worth driving on winter tires. Perm – during the day the air also warms up to 0/+1 degree. Here, too, it is worth changing your shoes. 
| City | When to change summer tires to winter tires (tentatively, according to long-term forecasts for 2019) | Winter-Summer |
| Moscow | 16.10 – 22.10 | 9.04 – 15.04 |
| Novosibirsk | 10.10 – 15.10 | 23.04 – 29.04 |
| Irkutsk | 09.10 – 15.10 | 23.04 – 29.04 |
| Permian | 10.10 – 15.10 | 16.04 – 22.04 |
It is worth noting that the table shows the deadlines for changing tires. It would be wiser to change shoes a little earlier to save nerves. Well, to the question of when it is worth changing summer tires to winter tires, we gave an answer. Now let's try to give some advice about the choice of the tire itself. Also see our articles about and which is better.
The agony of choice
It is known that the kits are divided into two conditional categories - studded and non-studded. To understand which option to give preference to, it is necessary to analyze the scope of the machine. If the car spends most of the time driving on asphalt, packed snow or snow porridge with an admixture of reagents, then you should select friction Velcro. If, basically, under the wheels of the car there is ice or loose snow, then when you change summer tires to winter, you should think about installing studded wheels. 
Another difficult choice is the choice between Scandinavian type tires and European. European models are designed for mild Mediterranean winters, have a diagonal tread pattern and an extensive network of drainage channels, coupled with powerful lugs along the edges. Her element is wet or muddy winter roads.
The Scandinavian type is distinguished by a less dense, more profile pattern. As a rule, with diamond-shaped checkers. They will show themselves better when driving on snow or ice, more actively pushing through these surfaces. That is, in fact, the Scandinavian is more suitable for the northern and central regions of the Russian Federation, and the European is more suitable for the southern and western regions. This is also worth remembering when you need to change tires to winter.
Answers to popular questions
A few competent tips on what and how you can save money, and what not to do.
Should you look into all-season tires?
Some introductory information. The so-called "all seasons" feel best in the near-zero zone, namely from -5 to +10 degrees. Beyond this temperature, they become imperfect, and sometimes even dangerous. At the same time, in any profile tests, they will still yield to both summer and winter tires. Therefore, all seasons are not recommended - it is better to change tires once a year than to put your health at risk.
Can I buy used tires?
Many drivers, when it is necessary to change summer tires to winter tires, begin to think about buying used models. Initially, it seems that this is a rather attractive option, especially considering how much a used tire costs. A model that is still suitable in appearance can cost 20-30% cheaper. However, this benefit is deceptive. The fact is that by the end of the first season, the grip properties of the tire are reduced by 10-15%. And in the second season - 25-30%. It is this age that tires are sold. Therefore, here you can get a kit that is practically unusable. Those. In fact, the purchase is not recommended.
Should I buy wheels only for the drive axle?
Another solution that can go sideways. If you change tires for winter only on the drive axle (even if the tires are new in 2019), then this is fraught with unpredictable behavior of the driven wheels. The machine can behave completely unpredictably when speed and accuracy of reactions are required. You should not risk your own safety - it is better to change 4 wheels at once.
How to save correctly?
There are also smart ways to save money. When you change your winter tires, you should not necessarily chase the latest innovations. In addition, the 2015 models are perfect - they cost less, but the characteristics are the same. In addition, when choosing, you can purchase tires with a smaller landing size, compensating for this with a profile height. It is also logical to purchase wheels with the speed index with which you usually drive (it makes no sense to overpay for tires traveling 150-170 km / h if you do not move at such speeds).
When to change winter tires?
How long does it serve on average new kit how often should you change your tires and how to understand if it's time to update your shoes? On average, tires can last 4-5 years. With a slow ride 6-7. However, by that time, their grip will be already below average - rubber tends to "age". So it is advisable to buy new tires every 3-4 years.
You should also pay attention to the degree of wear of the tread. If the profile height is less than 4 mm, then this model unsuitable for use. Many tires are equipped special indicators wear. Also, the tire must be replaced if there are various kinds of defects - torn cords, cuts, cracks, bumps, etc.
Are there laws
In many European countries the transition to seasonal tires is regulated by law. In Russia, they are also trying to introduce a law according to which without fail Change summer tires to winter tires and vice versa. When this will happen is still unknown - by the current moment it has not yet been adopted, but some provisions are already clear. So, according to the requirements of the law, it will be clearly described from what date and until what date drivers are required to drive on the corresponding rubber, recommendations and possible penalties for violation are indicated. 
However, in 2019, the law on changing tires from summer to winter has not yet been adopted, and when it will be adopted is still unknown. Accordingly, according to the rules of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, the traffic police inspector does not have the right to issue similar fines. Only a fine of 500 rubles is provided. for a ride on worn tires(tread height less than 4 mm).
But, although it is not required by law to change winter tires to summer tires and vice versa, it is still worth being conscious when the air temperature hints at you and putting on the tires that will take care of your safety and can save your life in a critical situation.
Now read about and.
