What you need to know about summer tires, Autoportal asked specialists from the tire and wheel store «Intershina».
Autoportal: When to change tires? Month, date, air temperature…
Winter models have a softer rubber compound, and the tread is cut with sipes, which in warm conditions increases the braking distance, worsens handling in corners, and also sharply reduces the service life. Tire manufacturers recommend using summer tires when the average daily temperature rises above +7°C. Given that weather conditions are changeable, the change period can last for two months, usually March and April for the transition from winter to summer models.
Ukrainian legislation currently does not regulate seasonal tire changes. There are only requirements for the remaining tread depth, for passenger cars it must be at least 1.6 mm. However, some CASCO insurance contracts contain specific instructions on seasonal changes, so this should be paid attention to.
Autoportal: How to choose summer tires, depending on the place of residence and operating conditions of the car (city, highway, suburban home)
As a rule, the requirements for tire models for city driving are long service life and fuel economy. These are priorities for the manufacturer.
Long-distance trips usually occur at higher speeds than in the city, so tires are subject to more requirements for grip and comfort, which is to the detriment of other characteristics.
As for suburban trips, here the priority becomes the «cross-country ability» of tires, resistance to damage from stones, branches and other obstacles.
There is also a class of tires optimized for high-speed driving, where the priority is the level of grip and steering precision. Comfort, long service life and fuel economy in these models are at a low level.
Visually, it is not always possible to distinguish tires for city driving from tires for comfortable long trips. Tires for suburban trips can also have different degrees of readiness for off-road and comfort levels. It is impossible to give unambiguous recommendations, so it is better to contact a specialist who, based on the road conditions relevant to you, will select the optimal option.
Autoportal: Speed index for summer tires. Should you pay attention to it when choosing summer tires for a specific car?
Manufacturers, indicating the speed index, report the maximum speed at which the tire will provide an adequate level of grip, comfort and safety for a long time. No manufacturer reports specific figures. Most summer tires have indices T (190 km/h), H (210 km/h), V (240 km/h). If you have tires with index H and you need to accelerate to 240, then nothing will happen to them. But if you drive at an increased speed for a long time, overheating and destruction are possible. For most car owners, tires with index T are suitable, but if you make long trips at high speeds, then you should take products with a higher speed index.
Autoportal: Width and height of tires. If in winter it is recommended to install narrower tires, what about summer ones – choose wider, lower, as per the factory, your option?
Car manufacturers, when designing, initially focus on a certain customer and their needs and take this into account in the design of the car, including tires. Based on these needs, calculations are made to ensure safety, comfort and other characteristics. And we recommend adhering to the manufacturer's recommendations regarding tires and wheels that can be installed.
However, car factories often indicate several possible sizes, for example for VW Golf 195/65 R15, 205/55 R16 and 225/45 R17. It is worth noting that the outer diameter of the assembled wheel practically does not change, which avoids rubbing against the body. Firstly, the appearance changes, which is not unimportant for many. Secondly, the behavior of the car changes. Compared to other options, tires in size 195/65 R15 will provide the maximum level of comfort, and tires 225/45 R17 better cornering precision, while the latter for many will be extremely uncomfortable, and the risk of damage to the tire and wheel increases. So it all depends on what is more important to you.
Autoportal: Which tire brands are considered the best manufacturers of summer tires. If possible – specific models that are the best according to Intershina.
It is not entirely correct to talk about the best summer brands, because even the most reputable companies have failed models. But if we take specific models, then of course we can highlight the leaders.
- urban conditions
Michelin Energy XM2
Goodyear EfficientGrip Compact Continental
ContiEcoContact 5
- highway, comfort
Continental ContiPremiumContact 5
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance
Michelin Primacy 3
- sport class
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2
Continental ContiSportContact 5
Michelin Pilot Sport 3
