Tips to buy from summer tires

Tires are an important part of the equipment of a vehicle in terms of safety. The quality of the tires is of central importance for the driving and braking behavior. While a lot of emphasis is placed on the safety-related extras in a vehicle and also the performance of the engine is important, the importance of tires is often underestimated and neglected as a result. On the one hand, a high-quality tire better transmits the performance of the engine to the road, and on the other hand, the effect of driving assistance systems such as the ABS on the tires is influenced. Play it summer tires due to the weather conditions in Germany the biggest role.

advantages of summer tires

Every year, the question arises when the tires have to be changed and how the legal situation is up to date. The fact is that until today there is no obligation to change tires depending on the calendar season. The legislature merely stipulates that the tires must be changed depending on the weather. Although there are studies that question the weather dependence more and question the benchmark, but a roadway temperature of 7 ° C is a rough guide. Above this temperature are summer tires either winter tires, as well as all-season tires clearly superior. The harder rubber compound offers better adhesion especially on dry roads. As a result, both the braking power, and the acceleration is much better. In addition, the cost factor plays a role. Good tires are without a doubt expensive. That’s why it’s especially important early on summer tires because they are less likely to wear out in warmer temperatures than winter tires or all-season tires, and thus help save money in the long run, since newer, rarer tires have to be bought. Also, the driving behavior causes a cost savings. The better grip of the summer tires and the resulting better handling of the vehicle, less fuel consumed and saves even more money.

quality features

When choosing a summer tire, it depends on the pure technical data. These include the tire size and the operating characteristics that make up the dimensions and maximum speed. These data must be correct in order for a tire to be suitable for the respective vehicle at all. The best quality statement is the UTCQ or Uniform Tire Quality Grade. This classification is available for summer tires from a rim diameter of 13 inches. The classification is based on wet traction in the categories AA, A, B and C, the temperature resistance of the tire in the categories A, B and C, as well as the abrasion resistance. The abrasion resistance is relatively measured by setting a standard tire as a reference value of 100 (percent). The abrasion resistance of the comparative tire is given as 200, for example, if it lasts twice as long. The abrasion resistance is valued at a maximum of 480. Thus, a tire with AA / A / 480 is the highest quality model available. In addition to the American UTCQ grade, there is a mark in the EU according to EU Regulation 1222/2009. This makes three more statements about the quality of a tire. The first statement concerns the energy efficiency of a tire, which is synonymous with fuel consumption. The classification is made in categories A to G. The second figure refers to the adhesion of the tire in wet conditions and a speed of 80 km / h. This information is given in categories A to F and makes relative statements about the braking distance. While category A tires have the shortest braking distance, they are already 3 meters longer in category B and even 6 meters longer in category F. The last statement refers to the noise emission and is marked with symbolic sound waves. Three sound waves are equivalent to the limit, which was valid until the end of 2015. Two sound waves correspond to the current limit value or are 3 dB lower and a sound wave is even quieter. Finally, especially with used tires, the DOT number with the statement about the date of manufacture and the tread depth counts.