How to increase the life of winter tyres?

11.02.2016
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Poor road surface quality, icy conditions and various chemicals deteriorate the condition of winter tyres, shortening their service life. However, the situation can be remedied by proper tyre care. Below you'll find tips on how to prolong the life of your winter tyres.

Winter tyre maintenance

Save money on buying another set of winter tyres and drive confidently on snowy roads with a few simple rules:

  1. Responsible car maintenance

Installation and replacement of winter tyres should be carried out by a specialist workshop using the recommended lubricant. Otherwise, if you rely on your own strength, you run the risk of damaging the cord layer and compromising the tyre geometry.

The integrity and service life of your winter footwear is also directly dependent on the condition of your car's running gear. That means – remember about timely wheel balancing, so that during the movement of the vehicle there are no unnecessary vibrations that destroy the tyres.

Winter shoe integrity and service life directly depend on the condition of the vehicle's running gear.

Don't ignore wheel alignment to prevent uneven tyre tread wear.

  1. Tire pressure

Monthly monitor your tyres for any deviations from the factory recommended pressure. Over-pressurised tyres will quickly wear out the inner tread surface and under-pressurised tyres will wear out the outer tread surface.

  1. Storage

First of all, clean the winter tyres of dirt and dry them well. Then label the tyres so that you can tell them apart and do not confuse the front and rear tyres when you use them next time.

Winter tyres should be stored in a dry, ventilated room during the off-season. The permissible air temperature – up to 25 ̊ warm. If these rules are ignored, the tyres may develop micro-cracks and delamination of the rubber is possible.

All winter tyres should be stored in a dry, ventilated room.

Rubber on discs should be stored horizontally or suspended, without discs – upright (standing).

Make sure that tyres are securely secured and do not fall from racks 0.5 metres or more high. Otherwise the bead rings will deform and you'll need new winter tyres.

Check that the tyres are properly secured.

  1. Winter tyre cushioning

This procedure helps to prepare the tyres for long-term use, as well as wipe off the lubricant that prevents the tyres from grip the road. To do this, drive the car for 100-200 kilometres at an average speed.

If the tyres are studded, drive approximately 500km at a gentle speed to allow the studs to settle into position under the weight of the car.

It is advisable to re-balance the wheels at the end of the run-in period.

  1. Reposition of winter tyres

Wear on the front and rear tyres is uneven. By «castling» the front and rear tyres of car wheels every 8-10 thousand km of mileage, you will achieve their even wear on different axles.

Wheel rotation scheme:

  • On front-wheel drive vehicles, the rotation is crosswise towards the front axle or crosswise (Fig. B)
  • On vehicles with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, the rotation is crosswise in the direction of the rear axle (Fig. C) or crosswise (Fig. B)
  • Rear right-front right and rear left-front left tyres with a directional tread pattern (Fig. D)
  • Different size tyres with non-directional tread patterns are reversed with respect to their axles (Fig. E)

 

  1. Care

After driving on muddy or chemically treated roads, don't forget to wash your tyres. For winter tyres, buy a mild detergent, such as car shampoo. Rinse the tyres well with clean water after washing.

Make sure your tyres don't get cracks or punctures. If not, visit a tyre shop to have your tyres repaired.

All tyres should be cleaned and rinsed with clean water.

Take our tips to heart, and if you like, share your own tried and tested ways to keep your winter tyres safe.

Save your winter tyres.