How Should Winter Tires Be?
Winter tires are special tires used during the winter months. Since they are specially manufactured, they provide safer and more secure driving in conditions like frost and snow. Compared to other tires, they are made from different materials and therefore offer better road grip than regular tires.
Additionally, they have a braking distance that can be up to 40% shorter. However, not all winter tires are the same. They can vary between brands, so every driver should know what makes a good tire.
At Least C-Level Wet Grip
The first answer to the question of how winter tires should be is that they must have at least a C level of wet grip performance. Therefore, this should be checked before purchase.
What to Consider When Choosing Tires
Although experienced drivers may be familiar with choosing winter tires, new drivers might find this topic unfamiliar. If you’re wondering how winter tires should be, the first thing to consider is that they must fit your car's brand, model, and dimensions.
Tire Tread Design
Especially the tread design of the tires affects the grip level on wet surfaces. Different tires may have varying levels of road grip, so being careless can increase the risk of losing control.
Local Climate Conditions
Additionally, tires should match the climate conditions of your location. If the temperature in your area falls below 7 degrees Celsius, winter tires are a must.
Tire Production Date
Another important factor for how winter tires should be is the production date. Each tire has the week and year of manufacture written on it as a 4-digit code. For instance, if the code reads 2618, it means the tire was produced in the 26th week of 2018.
If you want a longer-lasting tire, the production date is crucial. Even an unused tire has a lifespan of 10 years. For example, if a tire manufactured in 2016 remained on the shelf for 3 years, its lifespan would be reduced to 7 years when you purchase it.
Technical Information About Tires
All tires, including winter tires, have certain mandatory features like rolling resistance, wet grip, and noise levels. Thanks to the labels on tires, you can get detailed information about their specifications.
Are Winter Tires Mandatory?
In Turkey, winter tires are mandatory for vehicles used for transporting goods and passengers on intercity highways between December 1 and April 1 every year. Vehicle owners must comply accordingly, and the installation dates for winter tires begin on December 1.
