A recognized authority, master of sports of international class, automotive sommelier and frontman of the band "KantryAnapolis" Oleksii Mochanov will help dispel all doubts about the most common tire myths.
Myth 1. It is permissible to install tires of different sizes, types and with different tread patterns on one axle of a car
This is a very dangerous misconception. Under no circumstances should diagonal and radial tires be installed simultaneously on one axle. Tires of different sizes on the same axle are also prohibited. In general, it is better to contact a car service center, where a qualified specialist will determine the type and size of tires for the wheels of a particular car and install them according to all rules and technological requirements.
Myth 2. The car manufacturer's warranty also covers damaged tires
The car manufacturer's warranty has nothing to do with tires. In case of tire damage (cuts, punctures, etc.), only the tire manufacturer's warranty applies. Moreover, its terms vary greatly among different tire manufacturers. Today, one of the best offers to protect a driver's nerves on Ukrainian roads is the Extended Hakka warranty from the Finnish concern Nokian Tyres. It is valid for one year from the date of tire purchase: in case of unintentional damage, the tire will be repaired free of charge, and if repair is impossible, it will be replaced.
Myth 3. All-season tires are profitable and convenient
Only not in Ukraine. With unstable winters with large temperature fluctuations and almost tropical heat in summer, all-season tires are not the best choice. By definition, they cannot be equally effective on hot asphalt and on a road covered with an icy crust. Since the "price of the issue" is safety, the opinion of professionals is unambiguous: in autumn, as soon as the average daily temperature drops below 7 ºС, you need to install winter tires. And in spring, after waiting for a stable +10 ºС, change them to summer ones and drive safely and comfortably. It is better to trust the "re-shoeing" of the car to specialists at a tire fitting service, and we recommend storing tires in proper conditions in "tire hotels" - this way they will last longer.
Myth 4. In summer, you can drive on bald tires
You cannot drive on bald tires at all. Firstly, according to traffic rules, with a critically low residual tread depth, tires of passenger cars must be replaced. And secondly, the grip resource of bald tires is 0%, especially on wet roads. It follows that summer tires, like winter ones, are operated taking into account the manufacturer's recommendations on residual tread depth. And one more important factor is the tread pattern. Many drivers for some reason do not pay attention to it, and in vain. For example, summer tires from the Finnish manufacturer Nokian Tyres in rainy summer conditions work with maximum efficiency precisely due to the tread pattern. In it, the developers combined the latest technologies: expanding Trumpet Grooves, deep diagonal Hydro Grooves, "venturi" grooves and other innovations. As a result of the clear interaction of these technologies, water from the tire's contact patch with the road is removed quickly and efficiently. A car "shod" with such tires is not afraid even of a tropical downpour.
Myth 5. Slightly underinflated tires improve road grip
A tire fully reveals its capabilities only at optimal pressure. Insufficient pressure, firstly, can cause unstable and unpredictable tire behavior, and secondly, significantly increases fuel consumption. So when inflating tires, we advise you to follow the car manufacturer's recommendations, and not rely on common misconceptions.
Thus, on the road it is better to be guided by common sense, and not by myths that are sometimes not only far from the truth, but also pose a direct threat to safety. And my advice to you: for a driver, reliable tires with a proven reputation are faithful helpers in any situation. Take care of yourself, have a safe trip and vivid summer impressions!
