Content sponsored by CHOPO Automoción
Tires are the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road. Therefore, choosing the right type according to the temperature and road conditions is essential for safety, driving comfort, and vehicle efficiency. CHOPO Automoción in Fraga explained that, in today's market, there are mainly two types of seasonal tires: summer tires and winter tires , designed with different compounds and structures to perform optimally in different temperature ranges.
In central and northern European countries, it's common to change tires according to the season, while in Spain many drivers use summer tires year-round . However, car manufacturers like Toyota and BMW recommend adapting tire type to the climate, especially in areas where winter temperatures regularly drop.
Differences between summer tires and winter tires
The main difference between the two types of tire is in the rubber compound and the tread design.
summer tires
Summer tires are designed to work in moderate to high temperatures. They use a harder rubber compound , which maintains stability when the asphalt reaches high temperatures. Their tread pattern has fewer sipes and larger blocks , increasing the contact patch with the road.
Its technical characteristics include:
- Greater stability and precision on curves.
- Improved braking performance on dry asphalt.
- Good drainage of rainwater thanks to longitudinal channels.
- Lower rolling resistance, which helps reduce fuel consumption.
This type of tire offers its optimal performance when the ambient temperature is above approximately 7 °C.
winter tires
Winter tires are designed for cold climates and roads with snow, ice, or low temperatures. They use a rubber compound with a higher proportion of silica , which remains flexible even when the temperature drops below 7°C.
The tread pattern includes a greater number of sipes , small incisions that increase grip on slippery surfaces and improve traction.
Its main features are:
- Greater cold adhesion.
- Improved traction on snow or ice.
- Shorter braking distance on cold or wet roads.
- Increased snow and water evacuation.
Winter tires are identified by the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) marking , a mountain symbol with three peaks and a snowflake that certifies their performance in winter conditions.
The 7 degrees rule
In the automotive sector, the so-called 7°C rule is commonly used to determine when to change tires.
- Above 7°C: the summer tire offers better performance.
- Below 7°C: the winter tire provides greater grip and shorter braking distance.
This is because the rubber in summer tires hardens in the cold, reducing their grip.
When to change tires
Tire changes are usually carried out following the seasonal cycle:
- Autumn (October or November): Switch to winter tires if temperatures start to drop.
- Spring (March or April): I switch back to summer tires when the weather gets mild again.
In mountainous areas or areas with cold winters, this change is especially recommended. In areas with mild climates, many drivers choose to keep summer tires year-round.
All-season or all-weather tires
Between these two options there is a third alternative: all-season or all-weather tires.
These tires combine features of both summer and winter tires:
- intermediate rubber compound,
- more sipes than a summer tire,
- ability to operate in a wider temperature range.
Many models also include the 3PMSF marking, which means they are approved for use in winter conditions in countries where it is mandatory.
However, all-season tires are a compromise . They don't achieve the performance level of a dedicated tire in extreme conditions, whether it's sporty driving in summer or heavy snow in winter.
Recommendations from manufacturers such as Toyota and BMW
Manufacturers such as Toyota and BMW emphasize in their technical driving guides that using tires appropriate for the season improves both vehicle safety and performance.
Among the most common recommendations are:
- Use winter tires when temperatures drop continuously.
- fit the same type of tire on all four wheels,
- Regularly check pressure and wear,
- Replace tires when the tread depth falls below 3 mm, even though the legal minimum is 1,6 mm.
Maintenance and security
Regardless of the type of tire, proper maintenance is key to safety. Experts recommend checking the following regularly:
- inflation pressure,
- tread wear,
- alignment and balancing,
- possible deformations or damage.
A tire in good condition improves vehicle stability, reduces braking distance, and contributes to more efficient fuel consumption.
The importance of choosing the right tire
Choosing the right tire depends on several factors: typical climate, driving style, annual mileage, and vehicle characteristics. For this reason, consulting with industry professionals allows you to select the safest and most efficient option for each driver.
In specialized workshops like CHOPO Automoción , analyzing the condition of the tires and the type of vehicle use helps determine whether it is preferable to fit summer tires, winter tires or an all-weather solution, thus guaranteeing the best balance between safety, durability and performance.
