Check, change, buy summer tyres
When can you change to summer tyres?
If the sun is shining and the temperatures are already starting to stage into the 2-digit range, some drivers are already changing their tires. Nevertheless, it can still get very cold and even freeze at night. However, when is the right time to switch to summer tyres? In principle, the change is recommended around Easter, so in 2018 it should take place around April 1st. The corresponding rule "O-bis-O" is known. Accordingly, you should leave the summer tyres on from about Easter to October. However, do not pay attention exclusively to this rule, but above all to the respective weather conditions. So if snow still falls at Easter, you should of course continue to leave the winter tires on your car. If, on the other hand, the first buds open, you can definitely switch to summer tyres. The timing of the tyre change is not regulated by law in 2018 either.
What should you consider when changing tyres?
If you use all-season or all-weather tyres, you don't have to worry about changing tyres at all, but can continue to drive regardless of October or Easter. Make sure that you leave the winter tyres on even longer if possible in years when Easter is early - accordingly also this year. To have a clue, you can remember that the temperature should be above seven degrees Celsius in the long term so that you can switch to summer tires. Only then is the last frost finally over. Do not change your tyres yourself, make sure to make an appointment at the workshop as early as possible. When changing at home, you should pay attention to the tyre pressure and be sure to check the tread depth. Ideally, this is around three millimeters. However, you must not fall below the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimetres under any circumstances.
How long can summer tyres be stored?
Once you have removed your winter tyres, you should remark them. This works great with chalk, for example by labeling the tire "front left". Alternatively, you can use tape strips. Clean the tyres before storing them lying or hanging. In general, you should always store your tyres in a dry and cool place. Also note that in some European countries, winter tires are mandatory until March 31.
How old can a tire be?
Even if the tread is sufficient, there may be reasons to change the tyres: the real age of the tyres or any recognisable signs of age. According to a recommendation by TÃœV-Nord, the real age of a set of tyres should not exceed seven years. Then the rubber compound becomes brittle, the elasticity decreases and there is a risk of a puncture. The DOT number on your tyres tells you the week of your tyre birth: If it says 2016, it means the 20th week in 2018. You must replace the tyres immediately if there are cracks, dents or dents in the rubber. Incorrect storage, inappropriate tire pressure or shocks or continuous pressure from curbs can be the cause. Ideally, you should always replace the complete set. In the event of damage, if the tread and age of the tyre are sufficient, the damaged tyre and the tyre on the other side can also be replaced.
What should be considered when buying summer tyres?
As with other seasonal goods, the following applies when buying summer tyres: It is best to strike when demand is lowest, i.e. buy summer tyres in winter and look for winter tyres in summer. In addition, a number of points should be considered when buying summer tyres: for new summer tyres, the tread depth is usually between 7 and 9 millimetres, although this depends on the respective manufacturer and tyre model and there are no legal regulations. Wide tyres usually have a lower tread depth than narrower tyres. You should also pay attention to the shape of the profile when making a purchase. In particular, the tread grooves, which run diagonally outwards, drain rainwater from the road and should be as wide as possible. The speed index of tires is also an important parameter.