Are Summer Tyres Worth Buying?
When it comes to summer in the UK things can be a bit up and down, but generally it is warm. Before it comes around and it puts your tyres through their paces especially on the motorway and long journeys, have your summer tyres checked and fitted before you set off.
What Are They?
These type of tyres are designed for warmer climates typically between April and September. Summer tyres are engineered to perform best in warmer months, typically between April and September. The engineering of the tread pattern on them is designed for optimum performance on both wet and dry roads when the temperature is above 7 degrees centigrade.
What Are The Benefits?
They are manufactured using a soft rubber compound which allows them to flex on the road surface. Fewer grooves or sipes in the tread allow for dispersion of water and increase road contact for better traction and braking. They provide for a more comfortable ride and give off less noise from the engineering that has gone in to them.
Can I Use Them All Year Round?
Fortunately for UK residents then can be used all year round because of our mild weather conditions, but it is recommended to swap them in the winter months as they are safer.
Preparing Summer Tyres
Follow these simple steps when fitting them:
- Measure your tread depth, like winter tyres they start at 8 mm, but if you are at 3 mm or below you should replace them. If they are 2 mm this is getting close to the legal limit of 1.6 mm.
- Consult your owners manual for the right tyre pressure for the load being carried and check them. According to a survey done by TyreSafe, an average of nine million cars travel with incorrectly inflated tyres which is dangerous. You should check these monthly.
- Check your tyres carefully for wear and tear first to ensure the wheels are setup correctly for your vehicle. From driving you may find that debris such as stones ad gravel get caught in the tread and weaken the rubber over time. Safely remove this debris from the tread to hold an optimal lifespan.