Numerous tire brands exist. However, many drivers are unaware of several tire types, and we are not talking about the size or speed index. Could you continue reading to learn more about it?
Maybe you’re one of those drivers who doesn’t give tires much thought and always goes with the lowest option. You might also limit the brands you use on your car to only well-known, reputable ones.
The truth is that it’s not relatively straightforward to choose the ideal tire for your automobile because there are so many options available on the market, including different brands, sizes, and features. Additionally, it “forces” you to select one of three major tire kinds based on the time of year you drive.
Variety of tires
To be more specific, the kinds of tires we’re talking about are arranged by the seasons, but the reality is a little more complicated than that, and we’ll get into that later.
Let’s start from the beginning for the time being. In other words, by naming the three tire kinds, we’ve mentioned:
- Summer tires
- Winter tires
- All-Weather, All-Season, or 4-Season tires.
Summer tires
The summer tire can tolerate abrasion and high temperatures with ease.
We concentrate on the tire type that is most prevalent on Spanish roads. It is the one we automatically receive when we purchase a car or replace titin the shop, and despite being built to function best in hot, dry conditions, we frequently use it all year long and under all conditions.
Indeed, this tire operates admirably for most of the year in a nation like ours. Still, it is also true that, depending on our unique situation, it may not be the most excellent option—precisely, our regular routes, our residence, etc.
However, you will further comprehend this when we explore what constitutes a winter tire.
Winter tires
Its designation as a 3PMSF winter tire is confirmed by this inscription.
This kire is created and constructed to function optimally in cold weather. But if it’s chilly or raining, it’s insufficient.
Winter tires, in particular, have a rubber composition, a carcass construction, and a tread pattern that permit the following:
Minimum grip at 7 oC.
With a red DGT level, drive safely and legally without chains.
This is made possible by several unique qualities. On the one hand, the tread design is particular to these circumstances (and deeper).
Instead of hardening, as with summer tires, the substance used to make them adjusts to the cold and keeps its qualities. Finally, because the rubber is flexible, it offers extra traction.
Understanding what signifies a tire has been approved as a winter tire is crucial. The M+S (Mud+Snow) symbol may be seen on the tire’s outside sidewall. It is not a winter tire if it lacks it.
Use the tire you choose with the proper pressure to get the most out of its performance, toughness, and safety.
A more modern winter tire is also available, providing even more outstanding performance. The emblem of a mountain with a snowflake inside, along with the M+S designation, designates it as the 3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF).
This kind of winter tire has undergone testing in a lab and received certification set standards. This ensures that it provides the performance needed for driving on the iciest snow or snow that is most demanding.
4 season tires
Compared to summer tires, 4-season tires have a deeper and more intricate tread.
Four-season tires, also known as All Seasons or All-Weather tires, are designed to provide a mid-range performance yet are appropriate all year long.
Winter tires excel below 7seven C in rain, snow, and ice, but summer tires excel on dry roads and in warm temperatures.
However, neither tire performs well under the contrary circumstances. The summer tire needs snow chains since it is more likely to aquaplane.
Because of its flexibility, the winter tire does not provide the same level of stability as the summer tire. It begins to degrade extremely fast as soon as the temperature rises.
The 4-season tire offers a middle ground between summer and winter performance and all-around excellence. If it has the M+S label, it can even be allowed for driving in the snow.
There are several 4-season versions on the market with 3PMSF certification, even though it is uncommon to find them.
What kind of tire should I pick?
You are already aware of the conditions in which hich which each available tire type performs best. Now it’s your turn to consider which one is most appropriate for your situation.
You should ideally have two sets of tires—one for the summer and one for the winter. But let’s not deceive ourselves; this is extremely unlikely due to the cost and the number of adjustments you must make each year (and have room to store the second set).
Additionally, winter does not always bring about conditions appropriate for winter tires.
What penalty exists fof using worn tires?
In light of this, choosing summer tires is usually preferable if you reside in a warm, dry climate. Additionally, in the winter, drive carefully and have chains in the trunk.
The 4-season tire (if it is M+S, the better) is the best option if you are from a warm, cold, wet, or at least unpredictable environment (storms or heavy rains are frequently experienced). You’ll stay out of problems and have a year-round firm grip and performance if you do it this way.
Do you reside in the mountains where frost and snowfall are constant problems? Even if you have to switch to summer or 4-season tires during the colder months, it is evident that you need a winter tire.
