Despite the changeable winter: The « O to O » fist of thumb continues to apply
« From O to O », i.e. from October to Easter (or the other way around), the repeated rule of thumb is when it is time to change the tire. Especially in view of the changeable winter of recent years, it does not hurt to have an eye on the weather, because in March and April the thermometer can still sink towards freezing.
« The rule of thumb is still correct, the climate change has no significant influence on the change rhythm, » confirms Frank Maas from ACL. « Before changing tires, drivers should look at the weather forecast for the following days, provided that no negative temperatures are registered, the time is suitable for Easter. » In general, it makes sense to be careful above the freezing point in the early morning hours at temperatures, since the liability of the tires could be restricted by the cold asphalt temperatures. If, contrary to expectations, winter conditions occur, drivers should do without a summer ride.
ACL expert Frank Maas will continue to be careful in the early morning hours in the next few weeks, since temperatures can easily limit the tires liability above freezing. Photo: ACL
In contrast to winter tires, summer tires have a softer rubber compound. « The softer tire can still build up temperature in the cold, so liability is built up even under winter conditions. Accordingly, the mixture is too soft for the warm months, the winter tire cannot work in its optimal temperature window, » explains Maas. « As a result, the braking distance is longer, liability on cornering is significantly restricted and the tire uses faster. »
Significant differences in test strips
Anyone who needs new tires can be on the ACL homepage in the latest summer tire test inform the « significant differences between the tested models » were found, as the article states. The most important properties such as grip, braking distance, handling, stability, wet road, environmental compatibility, noise development and abrasion were assessed. « Outside, tires differ only insignificantly, » explains Maas. « There is no real indication of the layperson to distinguish a good tire from an inferior product. » The ACL recommends drivers to « only resort to quality products for safety reasons for tires ».
What about all -weather tires?
Depending on the driving profile, all weather tires can also work in Luxembourg. For daily drivers, the ACL still recommends classic winter and summer tires. Photo: Shutterstock
A precise limitation, for which all -weather tires are the better choice, could hardly be hit. Less the kilometers driven than much more « the weather conditions are decisive, » explained Frank Maas in one Last interview with the “Luxembourg word“. In particular, the products reach their limits in the case of weather extremes. Drivers who want to move their vehicle as safe as possible even in snow or extreme heat should rely on the classic summer/winter tire change.
However, if you don’t drive much and willingly let the vehicle stand up under adverse conditions, you will work for all weather tires. The days of the year when the capsoles of weather are too extreme for all -weather tires are finally manageable in Luxembourg. Nevertheless, Frank Maas makes it clear: « We advise our members, who have to drive a car every day, rather for winter and summer tires. »
« The tire is the only contact from the vehicle to the street, » said Maas. Accordingly, one has to handle it carefully. With the mounted tires, it is advisable to regularly check the air filling pressure so that optimal liability is guaranteed and even wear is achieved. Motorists should also avoid high curbs and only drive in low angles at the right angle. « According to ACL breakdown statistics, tire damage is in second place according to the battery, » said Maas.
18 summer tires in the ADAC test: Many cut off « good »
No matter whether summer, winter or all-weather tires- drivers should always have an eye on the profile and also the age of the tire, especially if the car is not driven frequently. After five years, the quality of the rubber is noticeably decreasing, which results in a longer braking distance and poorer grip.
And the ACL expert also has a recommendation for the removed winter tires: when storing it, it is important to protect them from light, cold and warmth. While light (especially UV light) makes the rubber brittle and cracked, temperature fluctuations ensure material voltages.
Italy introduces driving ban for certain winter tires in the summer months
« From May 16 to October 15, winter or all-year tires may only be driven in Italy if they have a speed index that at least corresponds to the speed index set in the registration certificate, » says the ADAC website. This can be found on the side of the tire as the last letter at the end of the tire dimension and in the vehicle registration.
The ban applies not only to vehicles from Italy, but also if they are approved abroad. Violations are punished with fines between 431 and 1,734 euros.
