"Safety should be a top priority, especially when there are children in the car. As a rule, used cars are not equipped with an ABS system. Also, most outdated models are not equipped with an electronic stability control system (ESP). Therefore, high-quality tires for used cars are even more important than for new ones equipped with electronic systems. As tires wear, the tread groove depth decreases, and traction with the road surface deteriorates. Accordingly, the likelihood of aquaplaning increases," notes Matti Morri, Director of Technical Support at Nokian Tyres.
Hardening of the rubber compound
Buyers of both new and used cars always receive winter tires as a set. It is important that the sizes indicated on the sidewall of the winter tire match the sizes of the original summer tires. It is also important to pay attention to the tire's expiration date. Over the years, the rubber compound hardens, which worsens traction properties on icy and slippery road surfaces. Each tire has a four-digit code on the sidewall, where the first two digits indicate the week of manufacture, and the last two indicate the year. Thus, the code 3012 indicates that the tire was manufactured in the 30th week of 2012. Experts recommend using tires no older than 6 years. But if the car is used infrequently, this period can be extended up to 10 years.
"Premium winter tires use special rubber compounds that retain their properties over a wide temperature range. This ensures equally reliable traction on slippery, snowy, and wet road surfaces," summarizes M. Morri.
It is necessary to check the suitability of tires before the start of the winter season. The remaining tread depth should be at least 4 mm. Before using studded tires, make sure that all studs are present and securely fastened.
Correct tire pressure
In winter, it is necessary to regularly check tire pressure. "This is the most important thing to pay attention to. It is recommended to check the tire pressure level every 3 weeks," advises M. Morri.
In cold weather, tire pressure drops. In winter, the pressure level should be 0.2 bar higher than in summer. Correct tire pressure ensures the most optimal traction with the road and vehicle handling.
It should be remembered that in front-wheel-drive cars, the load on the front wheels is somewhat more intense than on the rear wheels. Therefore, tires on the front wheels wear out faster. Specialists recommend periodically rearranging tires from the front axle to the rear. This will ensure uniform tread wear, and therefore increase safety and driving comfort.
For greater safety on the roads, install the best pair of tires on the drive axle of the car. This will improve vehicle handling in extreme conditions.
Recommendations for winter tire care
- For safe driving on the roads, even for a used car, buy high-quality winter tires tested in harsh northern winter conditions.
- Check the size, date of manufacture, tread groove depth, and condition of studs on the tires.
- If the remaining tread groove depth is less than 4 mm or the tire has been intensively used for more than 6 years, it is necessary to purchase new winter tires.
- Check tire pressure every 3 weeks. In winter, the pressure level should be 0.2 bar higher than in summer.
- Perform tire rotation, rearranging them from the front axle to the rear and vice versa, at least once per season. This will ensure uniform tire wear.
- Do not forget about seasonal tire storage. Tires should be stored in a cool, dark, well-ventilated room where contact with chemicals is excluded.
- Always install less worn tires on the drive axle of the car. This will ensure reliable lateral traction with the road surface in extreme conditions.
Our video report from Finland will tell you what tests winter tires undergo before being put into production:
