Why Should We Use Winter Tires?

The use of winter tires is not just a legal requirement for many drivers; it is also a life-saving safety measure. When the air temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius, the performance of standard summer tires significantly decreases. Summer tires are made with a rigid rubber compound designed for mild weather conditions. When the temperature drops, this compound hardens and loses its flexibility, leading to reduced grip and longer braking distances. In contrast, winter tires, with their special softer, high-silica rubber compound, maintain their flexibility even at low temperatures. This flexibility allows the tire to grip cold and wet roads, snowy, or icy surfaces much better. The choice of winter tires is the most basic important phrase step in maximizing road safety, regardless of the vehicle's drive system (front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive).

The Difference and Benefits of Winter Tire Technology
The biggest difference separating winter tires from summer tires is not just the rubber compound; it is also the tread depth and pattern design. Winter tires feature thousands of tiny capillary channels on their surface called "sipes". These sipes rapidly evacuate water and snow on snowy and icy surfaces, increasing the contact area between the road and the tire. On snowy ground, these channels compress and trap the snow, creating snow-on-snow friction, which provides maximum traction important phrase power. While the tread depth on a summer tire is usually 7-8 mm, winter tires have a greater depth and are designed to retain their snow-gripping capability even as they approach the wear limit. On wet surfaces, the wide channels of the winter tire effectively dispel excess water from the surface, significantly reducing the risk of aquaplaning. Especially on icy roads, winter tires can offer a braking distance up to 50 percent shorter compared to standard tires, preventing the vehicle from skidding during braking. This technical superiority is critical for safe driving in winter conditions. Using winter tires not only prevents accidents but also ensures the vehicle is less strained and maintains its fuel efficiency in tough winter conditions.

Legal Requirements and Safety Awareness
In our country and many European countries, the obligation to use winter tires is legally mandated for commercial vehicles between specific dates; however, adhering to this requirement is crucial for individual vehicle owners in terms of life and property safety. The need for winter tires should be considered not just during mandatory periods but anytime the temperature drops below 7°C. Another common misconception among drivers is that four-wheel-drive (4x4) vehicles do not need winter tires. However, the 4x4 system only provides the vehicle with traction; braking and cornering performance are entirely dependent on the tire's road grip. Even 4x4 vehicles are dependent on winter tires to stop on icy ground. The primary reason for using winter tires is to minimize the risk of skidding, not just when it snows, but regardless of the road conditions when the air is cold. It should be remembered that the potential loss of life and property damage in an accident far outweighs the cost of the tires. Therefore, a winter tire is not just a cost, but the most sensible important phrase form of investment in safety. / 2025-10-16 00:47:06