Usually, the week after Easter is the time to change from winter tires to summer ones.
Regularly checking the condition of your tires and replacing them when necessary is essential to your car's safety and performance.
Changing tires from winter to summer
So what should you do to find out if your tires are in good working order? Does the age of the tires matter?
Here are some steps you can take to thoroughly inspect your tires:
- Check the tire tread: The minimum tread depth is 1,6 mm, but it is recommended that the tread be deeper than 3 mm. This can be checked using a special tread gauge or using the tread wear indicator on the tyre. If the tread is too worn, the tire must be replaced.
- Check the condition of the tire sidewall: The tire should be free of cracks, abrasions, creases or other damage. If the sidewalls are damaged, the tire must be replaced.
- Check the age of the tire: The date of manufacture of the tire is located on the sidewall and consists of 4 digits, the first two of which indicate the week and the last two indicate the year of manufacture. Tires older than 6 years should be thoroughly checked and replaced.
- Check tire pressure: The tire pressure should meet the car and tire manufacturer's recommendations. Low pressure can lead to faster tire wear, increased fuel consumption and reduced traction. Too high pressure can also affect the traction and handling of the car.
- Check for even tread wear: Tires should be evenly worn. If you notice uneven tread wear, it could be an indication of wheel alignment or suspension issues.
Aging tires lose their properties
Why is it worth and should you check the age of tires? There are several important reasons for this.
Firstly, tires are one of the most important safety features of a car because they are the only thing in contact with the road. As tires age, they lose their properties, which can lead to a loss of traction and an increased risk of an accident. Tires that are too old may also develop cracks, which can lead to them falling apart while driving, posing a serious risk to your vehicle. driver safety and passengers.
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Secondly, tire manufacturers recommend that tires be replaced every 6 years, regardless of their tread. The materials used to produce tires are subject to natural aging and loss of properties, even if the car is rarely used. Tires that are 6 years or older should be carefully inspected to ensure they are still safe for use.
Third, the age of the tires can affect their performance. Tires that are too old may have difficulty maintaining the correct air pressure, which can lead to increased fuel consumption and faster tire wear. Older tires can also make it difficult to get the wheel alignment right, which also affects tire performance and can lead to faster tire wear.
In conclusion, regularly checking the age of your tires is important for the safety and performance of your car. Remember that tires are not only a cost, but above all your safety on the road.
Electric cars - replacing tires yourself
Electric cars usually have the battery located under the car and will therefore be vulnerable to damage. This may happen if, for example, we place the lift incorrectly. The battery pack is by far the most expensive component of an electric car, so damage in this case can be very costly.
It should also be noted that electric cars, due to their weight, require different tires than other cars.
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