How to choose your tires?
Whoever says the return of the sun also often says desire (re) nascent to travel the roads, hair in the wind. While the time has come to store your winter tires at the garage, and you may have to change your used tires, what are the key factors to consider when buying new tires? Follow the guide and our tips to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Winter, summer or all seasons?
The type of tire you need is determined by the area where you live and the season. Winter tires are suitable for very cold temperatures. In Luxembourg, they must be fitted as soon as the weather deteriorates and the roads become dangerous: ice, snow, ice sheet ...
As for summer tires, they are used as soon as the temperature rises above 7 ° C, around the months of March or April. With a strong eraser, they are very resistant to heat. These tires provide excellent handling (excluding snow), but are not subject to any legal obligation. Installing them in the spring, however, does not overuse winter equipment, improve grip and consume less fuel.
Finally, all-season tires have the advantage of being used in summer and winter. In Luxembourg, they are valid only in cold weather if they respect the M + S and / or carry a pictogram with a snowflake. They do not perform better on one season or another, but are well adapted to moderate climates.
When to swap?
It is essential to regularly check the condition of its tires to circulate safely (experts recommend a visual check every 3,000 km). To do this, simply rely on the wear indicator: if it is flush with the surface of the tread, it is time to change them. The rule is also valid if the sides are damaged or torn.
Theoretically, all four tires must be interchanged at the same time to maintain balanced driving behavior. They can however be renewed in pairs: in this case, the identical tires must be placed on the same axle, and the new ones preferably placed at the rear. Ask a specialist for the assembly, which will at the same time balance the wheels to avoid vibrations.
Criteria for making your choice
• The type of car
It is not a scoop, a tire is chosen in the first place depending on the vehicle you have: tourism, SUV, SUV, utility ...
• The dimensions
Make sure your tires meet the size specifications of the vehicle. These indications are present on the sidewalls under the following nomenclature: 165/60 R15 81 H. Additional information, such as for reinforced tires for example (XL), may also be mentioned.
• European labeling note This
standardized label includes a rating from A to G and informs consumers about several evaluation criteria: rolling resistance, which affects fuel consumption, wet braking performance and rolling noise.
• Value for money
There are a multitude of references, brands and prices. While industry standards are distinguished by the performance of their products, some less expensive tires are a good compromise. Consider all the factors before you buy:
seniority (DOT), longevity, comfort ...
• The driver
Last important point, choose your tires based on your annual mileage and conditions of use: long or short and repeated trips, driving in town, highway or sports ... In each case, the support of a professional will be necessary to guide you to the appropriate technologies. Good road !