Every year, motorists have a question: when to put winter tires? The fact that drivers ask such questions is understandable - installing winter tires too early can lead to their premature wear, and the car on winter tires feels less comfortable. But if you don’t take care of replacing the rubber in advance, then one day they risk “hitting” frosts and snowing, and operating a car on summer tires at such a moment will not only be uncomfortable and unsafe. Accordingly, you need to understand when to put on winter tires so as not to miss the right moment.
Table of contents:When to put winter tires legally
Regulation "On the safety of wheeled Vehicle» contains a strict definition of when a car should be fitted with winter or summer tires. According to the law, in the summer months (June, July and August), you can use any rubber on a car, except for studded tires, since it negatively affects the roadway. IN winter months(December, January and February) you can use only tires that are designed for winter, while both studded and non-studded tires can be used.
Please note: For use during the winter months in Russian Federation Only tires with the designations are allowed:M+S,M&S orMS. These markings indicate that the tires are intended for winter use. At the same time, such designations may be present on All seasonal tires ah, then their operation in the winter is allowed. If all-season tires do not have this marking, they cannot be used in winter.
It should be noted that regional authorities have the right to change the terms of use seasonal tires. For example, regional government regulations may require the use of winter tires from October to April. At the same time, legislators do not have the right to reduce the terms of the ban on the use of tires of one kind or another.
From the foregoing, we can conclude that at any time of the year, according to the law, winter studless tires can be used. Winter studded tires can always be used, except for the summer period. And summer tires can always be used, except for the winter period.
When to change your car to winter tires
As you can see, the legislation does not have an exact date when you should change your shoes to winter tires, but this must be done before December 1. In Russia, often by December 1, there is already an abundant layer of snow on the road, in such conditions it is unsafe to operate a car on summer tires, so you need to have time to change your shoes in advance.
It is important to remember that when replacing tires from summer to winter, it is imperative to check the tire pressure, as well as perform a wheel alignment, otherwise all sorts of problems may arise, for example, the car will spontaneously pull to the side while driving.
It is worth noting that among motorists, November 15 is often called the “Day for changing summer tires”. It is generally accepted that this is the ideal date to replace tires. But, given the Russian climate, it is definitely impossible to say that on November 15 it is necessary to change the car's shoes.
Penalty for using summer tires in winter
There is a widespread belief that for the operation of summer tires in winter, a fine will be imposed on the driver. But this view is erroneous, because there are no legislative sanctions for the driver when using summer tires in winter. Indeed, the legislation considered such a bill, but it was not adopted and in this moment there are no legal penalties for using summer tires in winter.
Winter tires have several varieties, each of which corresponds to different conditions operation. The article will talk about when and what winter tires to use, what are their advantages and how to save tires in the offseason.
Winter tires: varieties, differences and conditions of use
With the advent of cold weather, all motorists begin to actively prepare for winter season. The main point of preparation of a car is the replacement of rubber. Let's look at what should be guided by when "changing shoes", what properties winter tires should have and how to choose correct option, according to the expected operating conditions.
Fully universal tires are a myth. There is no rubber that behaves the same under all conditions.
The main properties that distinguish winter tires from summer tires are not the presence of spikes or the tread pattern, but chemical composition rubber. Summer tires, low temperatures ah hardens, which leads to a decrease in adhesion to the surface and, as a result, heightened danger using.
The materials used in the production of tires for low temperatures solve this problem. However, using winter tires during the warmer months also reduces your car's handling as the tires become too soft.
There are also so-called all-season tires. But, in fact, these are tires that are safe to use only with a very small temperature gap. Approximate temperature for such wheels: from -7 to +10 degrees.
Tires used at low temperatures are divided into two types:
studded
- Friction (Velcro)
Let's take a closer look at all the pros and cons of each type of tire, and perhaps dispel, for some, the myth of the unconditional advantage of studded tires.
Winter tires with studs
Spikes are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, on ice and dense snow cover, studded wheels can significantly shorten both your car's braking distance and acceleration time. But, on the other hand, on clean asphalt, the spikes significantly reduce grip, which can easily lead to uncontrolled skidding, as well as a significant increase in stopping distance.
Friction tires - Velcro
Modern technologies, used in the creation of tires for low temperatures, have taken a big step forward. To date, not studded winter wheels, in terms of their performance, are in many ways comparable to studded ones - on slippery road, and on dry pavement - in many ways they are superior.
Due to the special structure of the tread, such tires seem to stick to the surface, for which they got their name.
Finnish tire manufacturer Nokian has recently introduced a new generation of its products. Tires with retractable spikes. This is only a concept so far, but it is possible that such high-tech products will go into mass production soon.
How to understand when the hour "H" has come
You need to put winter tires in such a way that when the first signs of ice appear, you do not have to urgently run to a tire shop. When the average air temperature drops to +5 degrees, it is already possible to change shoes.
At this time, the queues for tire fitting are not very long, and the weather conditions are quite consistent with the indicators under which it is recommended to drive on winter tires.
The more versatile a tire is, the less stable it is for any specific operating condition.
Several reasons to choose
In order to make the right choice between studded and friction tires, you need to think about the coverage on which you will have to move most of the time. If you are a city dweller and do not intend to often travel outside the stone jungle, then Velcro tires can definitely be your choice.
But in the case of frequent travel on snowy non-urban roads, the studded wheels of your car will be more appropriate.
Important and even critical important point, is the rule that the use of studded tires involves replacing them for all wheels of the car. In no case should such wheels be put on only one axle. This will almost certainly lead to a loss of control and the creation of critical situations on the road. 2) Indicate on which axle and on which side the particular tire was placed
3) Cover the tire with preservative
4) You can use polyethylene, but you should not pack the wheels hermetically so that condensate does not accumulate
5) It's best to store tires on rims
Untimely replacement of seasonal tires dramatically reduces driving safety, shortens the life of the tires and can lead to a fine. Weather(temperature level and condition pavement) indicate to the motorist the need to visit the car service. However, for the regions of the Russian Federation, the time for changing tires is different.
There are statutory deadlines for replacement winter tires for summer and vice versa. They do not concern the universal all season tires, however, prohibit the operation of studded tires in summer period.
Official dates for replacing winter tires with summer tires
In 2015, the Technical Regulations came into force, mandatory for all countries Customs Union. Russia signed the document back in 2011, but its effect was postponed for 4 years so that tire manufacturers could increase their output. According to the Technical Regulation "On the safety of wheeled vehicles" No. 018/2011 (Appendix No. 8):
- from 01.06 to 31.08 it is forbidden to use cars and other vehicles with studded tires;
- from 01.12 to 28(29.02) it is forbidden to operate vehicles without winter tires;
- terms (in the direction of increase) can be changed by regional authorities depending on climatic features.
The Technical Regulations do not specify a specific date by which winter tires must be replaced with summer tires. Moreover, the ban applies only to studded tires in the summer, and there is no mention of friction tires (colloquially, “Velcro”).
However, there is a characteristic prescribed in the Technical Regulations and the "Basic Provisions for the Admission of Vehicles for Operation", which the traffic police will be guided by when checking the vehicle. This is the depth of the pattern on the tire tread, which should not be less than 1.6 mm on passenger cars mobiles. For mopeds and motorcycles, a residual tread depth of 0.8 mm is provided, for buses - 2 mm, for freight transport(more than 3.5 tons) - 1 mm. If there is a wear indicator on the tire, then the suitability of the tire will be determined by it. Non-compliance with these parameters entails a fine or a verbal warning during the check (the inspector chooses the punishment).
When to switch to summer tires?
The optimal transition date should be suggested common sense and experience. The last change of tires takes place in the northern regions of the Russian Federation (where such a procedure makes sense at all), and drivers in the Krasnodar Territory often put on summer tires in early March. In central Russia, it is not recommended to “change shoes” for a car before March 15. Frequent frosts in the first month of spring and an unexpected change from thaw to snowfall can cause vehicles with summer tires to skid on the road, and the braking distance will increase by several meters. It is more difficult for car owners who use studded tires in winter. Riding on such tires in wet snow or puddles is risky: the hydroplaning effect can lead to an emergency.
Replacing winter tires with summer tires depends on:
- average daily air temperature. If within a few days the bar confidently moves above +7 degrees, and the night temperature is at 0, then it is already possible to change tires;
- road surface conditions. This factor is individual for each driver. Daytime driving on city roads can be safer than driving on icy country roads in the early morning or at night.
- tire type. Friction tires demonstrate best result on wet road, and studded - on ice (the results of research by the company test world from Finland). You need to change studded tires for summer tires earlier than friction tires.
How do winter tires perform in summer?
The main difference between the winter version is the chemical composition rubber compound. It is adapted for use with sub-zero temperatures, so it does not harden, providing a reliable grip on the road. If such tires are installed on a car in the summer, then under the influence of hot asphalt or positive temperatures, the tread becomes soft and wears off (at an air temperature of +30, asphalt heats up by 20-25 degrees or more). Manufacturers claim that rubber begins to deform already at +7. Hitting a sharp ledge or rock often results in a tire burst.
Driving on winter tires provokes more fuel consumption, as engine power increases. Refueling a car will cost 10% more. Other vehicle systems suffer as well. The main load falls on the chassis and suspension, which may require serious repairs after driving in the summer on winter tires. Rating: 5/5 (2 votes)
Assume a change of tires on wheels in accordance with the current season. This requirement is due to many factors related to road safety. However, in summer time finding a car equipped with winter tires is not difficult. There are few rational motives for such a decision, and in most cases, drivers are trying to save themselves the hassle of updating wheels in this way. However, the question of whether it is possible to drive with winter tires in summer requires serious thought. With a deep analysis of this approach to the operation of the vehicle, not only safety aspects emerge, but also legal nuances as well as issues of financial feasibility. But first things first.
Why use winter tires in summer?
An inexperienced driver who decides to leave winter tires for the warm season can be guided by simple logic - if the tires can handle snow and ice, then they will certainly cope with dry or wet surfaces. Moreover, driving with winter tires in summer can be deceptively safer. However, the risk factor for an accident, as a rule, is not the main one. Usually such a choice is made for the purpose of economy. In this case, the savings will be one-time - only due to the exclusion of the cost of "re-shoes". Also, the use of winter tires in summer is common in cases where the tread pattern has worn out and does not fulfill its function on a snowy surface. Therefore, the only acceptable purpose of such tires is driving on a dry road, but even here everything is not simple.
What is the difference between winter and summer tires?
To debunk the myth that winter tires are no less efficient in summer, it is worth understanding the distinctive properties. Summer tires are designed to provide stable traction regardless of rolling conditions at higher speeds. They have an asymmetrical pattern, which affects the high sound insulation. Therefore, to answer the question of whether it is possible to drive on winter tires in summer, one should evaluate how such tires meet the needs summer ride. The rubber tread has "checkers" with complex reliefs - it is thanks to them that the car can safely move on problematic winter roads. This is facilitated by various grooves, slots and curly ramifications in the pattern, allowing you to maintain grip when driving on ice and snow. But will winter tires be just as effective on summer road? Unfortunately no. IN this case the presence of "checkers" will interfere with the movement on high speed which could result in loss of control and an accident.
The difference in rubber
Another significant difference in seasonal tires is the composition of the rubber compound. Tires designed for use in winter have a soft structure that allows the wheels to successfully cope with their tasks in bad weather. Again, this quality justifies itself in winter and in easy thaw. The rest of the time is preferable summer tires characterized by rigidity, elasticity and wear resistance. In the cold, such wheels literally tan, which is why their use in such conditions is also not recommended. Accordingly, the softness of rubber in warm weather is not a favorable quality.
How do winter tires perform in summer?
The most striking differences in the operation of summer and winter tires in warm weather appear on wet surfaces, in particular on asphalt. Also, the use of winter tires in summer is risky in cases emergency braking. To more clearly demonstrate the features of such operation of tires, the results of hydroplaning tests can be given. So, on a flooded road, summer tires on average show an undesirable “floating” effect at a speed of about 80 km / h. In turn, hydroplaning of winter tires already starts at 70 km/h. The nature of the behavior of such rubber under braking conditions also leaves no doubt about the inappropriateness of their use in the summer. The braking distance compared to summer tires increases by about 30%, which directly indicates a low safety threshold when driving on winter tires in summer.
What does the law say?
Initiatives to ban off-season tires were made as early as 2013. However, at that time, the innovation came into conflict with the technical standards of the Customs Union. The situation changed in 2014, when a bill was introduced on the norms for the use of tires by season. According to him, winter tires in summer, the fine for which is 2000 rubles, cannot be used in studded form. A similar amount of the fine is provided for driving on summer tires in winter.
By the way, in autumn and spring, drivers are given complete freedom in choosing tires. It is noteworthy that the impetus for the promotion of the bill was Moscow traffic jams, the traffic in which was hampered precisely because of the use of off-season tires by car owners. This is also due to the fact that winter tires without studs can be used in summer. Tire renewal terms in most regions of Russia correspond to the calendar seasons. That is, from December to March, it is necessary to use winter tires, and from June to September, respectively, summer tires.
Manufacturers' opinion
Many manufacturers automotive rubber and previously strongly recommended to their customers to use tires strictly for their intended purpose. The technical departments of manufacturers regularly test seasonal tires, and today the conclusions about whether it is possible to drive on winter tires in summer are clear on their part. Properly selected tires provide optimal traction of the car, have a beneficial effect on handling and, which is also important, last longer. By the way, rubber winter conditions use in the summer wears out much faster.
What summer tires are best to use?
Tires for summer driving - definitely optimal choice for dry or wet asphalt. Winter tires with such a coating cope worse, but this does not mean that any seasonal “shoes” will be appropriate. So, at the first signs of the onset of heat, we change tires to summer tires, taking into account the following nuances:
- Protector orientation. Experienced car enthusiasts the difference between non-directional and directional patterns is known. The first option is cheaper, resistant to aquaplaning and allows you to install a tire on any wheel, regardless of the sequence. Directional protectors provide good handling and security, but are more expensive.
- Size Although every car has its own recommendations regarding tire size compatibility, there is some freedom in choosing. And in this regard, it should be borne in mind that low-profile summer tires will make it easier to control, but the ride will be harder, and the large size contributes to comfort, but such wheels can touch the arches when cornering.
- Wheel noise. From a safety point of view, this factor is not important, but for comfortable ride it is worth considering. Noise isolation is calculated in the tread pattern itself, but it is impossible to determine its quality by eye. This is usually done using the documentation for specific model tires, which indicates data on this indicator.
- In some cases, it is worth considering the possibility of using all-season tires that will allow you to ride in any weather - both in the heat and in the cold.
A question of finance
It has already been said that the decision to use off-season tires in many cases is due to the desire to save money. But even here the benefit will not be so obvious, since winter tires, the price of which in the average corridor varies from 6 to 8 thousand rubles, are 2-3 thousand more expensive than summer tires.
Of course there are different segments, which are also represented by tires of budget and premium categories. In the lower link, the difference in cost is not so pronounced. For example, for 3-4 thousand you can buy products for two seasons of similar quality. Premium brands produce better quality and, accordingly, expensive models. This is a reliable and durable winter tire, the price of which can exceed the bar of 10 thousand. Summer analogues in this segment, as a rule, are cheaper, but much depends on the unique qualities of the product.
Conclusion
Having drawn conclusions from the nature of driving on winter tires in the summer, it will not be difficult to identify the dangers of such driving. In particular, insufficient traction increases the risk of loss of control. Especially on wet pavement cars are thrown to the sides. Against this background, there is unsatisfactory control over the car in the form of delayed reactions. Therefore, the question of whether it is possible to drive in the summer on winter tires, while maintaining active taxiing, cannot stand. IN best case the ride will be on the verge of safety requirements, but you can forget about comfort.
With winter tires, the problem of aquaplaning is also exacerbated - however, like many other unpleasant effects when driving in bad weather in the summer. One of the main motivations for the introduction of a fine for the use of off-season tires was the increase in stopping distance, which directly affects the risk of accidents.
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, which the member countries of the Customs Union have joined, indicates that studded tires cannot be used in the summer. Winter tires must be installed for the 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 allowable depth tread pattern and deformation, 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 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.
Such indicators are set for a road surface 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. When purchasing a set of all-season tires, it is worth clarifying the presence of markings, otherwise a fine may be issued on an icy track during the check.
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.
- There are studded tires 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).
