The time has come: with the change of season, you must remember to change your tires. The obligation to fit winter tires expired on April 15, and from May 15, the obligation to use summer tires will come into effect. There is a one-month window to make the change. Last year, the deadlines were postponed due to the pandemic, but at the moment, no exceptions are foreseen for 2021.
Is the change mandatory for everyone? Yes, with two exceptions. It is not necessary if the car is fitted with all-season tires, a type adaptable to different climates and terrains, but which should only be used in areas where winter temperatures are predominantly mild. And there is no need to change if the tires have a speed rating equal to or higher than the "standard" rating for the car, indicated in the registration document.
What differentiates the two types of tires, winter and summer? First, the tread. In winter tires, the block thickness and design are specifically designed to reduce the risk of aquaplaning and improve grip even on ice and snow. Then there's the compound, which is softer and richer in silica in winter tires, ensuring grip on the asphalt even at temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius.
Okay, I'll risk paying the fine and won't change the tires. What can happen if I use winter tires in summer? Mainly two things. The first, serious for the wallet: tire wear is much faster, and fuel consumption increases, both consequences linked to the soft compound. The second thing is dangerous for safety: the stopping distance increases considerably. To stop, you need more space available. Tests by a major tire manufacturer show that driving with winter tires in summer increases braking distance by at least 10% on dry surfaces and 26% on wet surfaces. In an emergency, it can make the difference between an accident and a near miss.
One last consideration: used throughout the summer with safety risks, winter tires will arrive at the next cold season very worn and unable to guarantee the road safety for which they were designed. Is it worth it?
