Winter tires are an investment that directly affects our safety on the road. Although they are extremely sensitive to operating conditions, automotive experts claim that with the right approach and care, their service life can easily be extended to a remarkable five or six seasons. The key to this longevity lies in three pillars: careful operation, precise maintenance and a smooth driving style.
The mandatory “break-in“ period
The path to long tire life begins with their installation. According to leading experts, new winter tires require a gentle break-in period during the first 800 to 1000 kilometers. During this time, it is absolutely imperative to avoid any sudden maneuvers – braking, accelerating or cornering. This smooth start allows the tire to adapt properly to the rim and "settle in", ensuring optimal grip and durability.
Maintenance
Pressure: In winter, regular pressure measurement is particularly important and should be carried out once every two weeks. Under-inflated tires wear unevenly, especially at the edges, and lose critical grip, while over-inflated tires lose contact with the wet pavement.
Balance is the law: After each seasonal tire change, wheel balancing is mandatory. This procedure guarantees even tread wear and protects the suspension from unnecessary vibrations.
The safety threshold: Remember that the safe threshold for the height of the winter tread is 6 mm. Driving with a shallower tread is extremely dangerous, as it dramatically increases the risk of aquaplaning on wet or slushy roads.
But driving style is crucial. One of the easiest ways to shorten the life of your winter tires is by driving aggressively.
Smooth movements are the most important advice from experts. Frequent wheel spin when starting off and hard braking literally tear the softer rubber of a winter tire. Even a 20% loss drastically reduces traction in winter. Careful driving not only saves fuel, but also allows your tires to serve you faithfully during very cold seasons.
Avoid mixing: Never mix tires of different models or wear levels on the same car, especially in winter. This can lead to serious handling problems and cause an accident.
Cleanliness: In winter, wash your tires regularly with mild detergents to remove aggressive road chemicals and salt that accumulate in the tread grooves and can damage the rubber.