Why tyres should be changed as per the season?
A car’s performance depends largely on what kind of ‘boots’ it wears. World’s top car brands have the powerful tyres. The power, control and grip are all stronger with the right shoes on. When air temperature starts dropping or rising, think about your car tyres. Performance is different on slippery and dry roads too.
For example, different tyres react differently to cold weather and rain. Tyres are made of rubber but deep down they are all different. The molecules used in tyres, called polymers, can be synthetic, natural or a mixture of the two. Tyres are manufactured in such a way to ensure maximum elasticity and springiness.
Polymers and temperature
Different polymers work with different operating temperatures. Polymers at any point of time may lose flexibility and elasticity. Imagine a child’s plastic bucket. If you place it in a colder environment, it will harden up and break if it drops.
Tyres go through similar kind of transformations. They won’t smash like the bucket, but they might lose springiness in colder weather. Specialist winter tyres have the ability to react better to lower temperatures and maintain their grip on the road, because they are formulated in a way to achieve softness. However, when summer comes around, the compound in a rubber tyre gets softer with heat, so the same tyres will no longer be suitable.
The best tyre type
General Altimax Arctic is the best tyre in a snowy season. The Michelin Xice Xi3 would be a great choice for icy roads. If you wish to enjoy a comfortable and calm ride with good performance on longer drives, then go for Goodyear Nordic Winter tyre.
The final deal
Always review tyre details, including specifications and size. Compare and contrast make and models of your first and second choice tyres.
Make sure the retailer is knowledgeable enough to help you choose the tyre you want. If you receive a quote for a tyre, check it will actually fit your car first, atkign into account, balancing and valves. Do not finalise the deal by accepting an alternative, and not the one you actually want. If necessary, go to several different retailers and make a comparison of all the costs.
Itrat Batool
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