When is it legal to change winter tires to summer tires?

When to change tires

The optimal time for seasonal tire replacement varies from year to year due to weather vagaries. And this is normal even for one city - let alone different regions, where ideas about winter and summer can differ significantly. Therefore, legislative initiatives on the forced seasonal “change of shoes” of cars in strictly defined months look rather strange: nature will still make adjustments.

An analogy with utility workers who begin and end the heating season not according to the calendar, but when a certain average daily air temperature is reached - that is, based on objective thermometer readings - is appropriate here. Motorists should follow the same approach when choosing the time to change tires.

At what temperature should tires be changed? Manufacturers believe that +7 degrees Celsius is the optimal moment for seasonal “change of shoes”. At this point, the graphs of the grip levels of winter and summer tires converge: at temperatures above +7°C, winter tires work ineffectively and wear out quickly. And at lower temperatures, the performance of summer tires drops.

But this graph reflects the properties of some average tires. In reality, the composition of the rubber mixture differs significantly between different tires. The same winter tires can be soft “Scandinavian” (Shore hardness 50–55 units), or “Central European”, with a hardness 60–65 units. Obviously, their performance differs greatly: the first ones will “float” even at a slight plus, while the second ones will work tolerably even at +10°C.

Read more: Which tires are better? Scandinavian, European, studded

The choice of temperature is also somewhat arbitrary. In a sharply continental climate, it can be +7 during the day, and -3 at night, and in the morning you will be greeted by a dangerous ice film on the road. Therefore, it is better to be guided by logic: switch to summer tires when there is no chance of encountering ice on the road. That is, if the thermometer does not go negative during the day, and the long-term weather forecast does not promise colder weather. Conversely, install winter tires before the onset of near-zero temperatures and the first frosts, which threaten to turn puddles into ice.

But still, it is the temperature, and not the presence of precipitation, that is the key signal for tire replacement. For example, at -5°C, summer tires are ineffective even on completely dry asphalt. And when the temperature rises from +4 to +11°C (just in the “transition” region of +7°C), the braking distance on winter tires immediately increases by half a meter. With the further rise in temperature, winter tires are already losing several car body lengths to summer tires in braking. Therefore, driving on winter tires in the summer is very fraught.

Read more: To inform or change shoes? Is it necessary to change winter tires to summer tires in summer?

Weather conditions suitable for changing tires

If you take into account only weather conditions, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

• dry or wet road - summer or all-season tires;
• road covered with snow - winter;
• road covered with ice - studded.

But it is recommended to install winter tires before the snow falls, also taking into account the ambient temperature. As a rule, on the tires themselves, the manufacturer independently indicates the optimal conditions for their operation - they should be adhered to. In most cases, winter tires retain their properties at temperatures of +7 °C or below, and summer tires retain their properties at temperatures of +7 °C or above.

What happens if you use summer tires in the cold? It will lose its elasticity, the tread will be excessively hard, which will cause poor grip on the road surface. And when performing a maneuver, there is a high risk of slipping or skidding.

With winter everything is a little different. At temperatures above +7 °C it becomes too soft. The grip on the road surface is excellent, but the tread wears out very quickly. Accordingly, in such conditions, tires can only be used for 3–4 months, after which their further use is dangerous.

How to check whether tires can be used in the new season? =»ltr»>

Before going to a tire shop, conduct a visual inspection of the tires. The main thing you need to pay attention to is the remaining tread height. It should be no lower than 1.6 millimeters. It is better to take measurements in several places at once.

After checking the tread height, it is a good idea to inspect the tires for mechanical damage. It is also important to consider how the rubber was stored. The surest and safest way is horizontal, when the tires lie on top of each other.

In any case, a control check of the combat readiness of the rubber must be carried out at a tire station. If there are any doubts, it is better to specifically ask the technician to carefully inspect the tires.

Maybe change it yourself?="ltr">

In theory, you can change your shoes yourself. Especially if the summer tires have not been removed from the rims, and you have a jack and wheel wrench at hand. Only in this case there is a risk of missing a couple of important manipulations and adding to your problems with further driving.

It is worth remembering: in addition to installation, the tires must be properly inflated - it is better if this is done in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Controllability, wear, and braking depend on this point.

When changing tires, you must do balancing. It does not matter whether the tires were removed from the rims during storage or not. This moment also affects handling, braking and tire wear.

How to change tires correctly

If you bought a new set of tires, you can immediately begin installing them. But old tires, which have been waiting in the wings for six months, require certain checks.

First of all, make sure the tires are still drivable. According to the Road Traffic Regulations, the minimum permissible tread depth for passenger car tires is 1.6 mm (summer tires) and 4 mm (winter tires). With a smaller balance, you can no longer drive on tires.

You can measure the remaining tread with a special tool - a caliper. There are also special wheel tread depth meters, including digital ones.

Another important traffic regulation requirement for tires: they must be the same (at least on each axle). Modern cars, equipped with a variety of smart electronics - ABS, directional stability and braking force enhancement systems - are sensitive even to uneven tire wear, not to mention different sizes or tread patterns. But dangerous experiments by drivers with the so-called mixed tires (sets assembled from different tire models) are already becoming a thing of the past.

Also, before installation, you need to visually assess the condition of the tires. During long-term storage, especially in unsuitable conditions (for example, with high humidity, which is not uncommon in private garages), the rubber may become deformed, crack or dry out. It is impossible to install tires with such defects: at high speed, any crack in the rubber becomes extremely dangerous and threatens to explode the tire.

By the way, for seasonal tire storage you can use the “Hyperauto Tire Hotel”, where the correct temperature and humidity are constantly maintained. Hyperauto specialists bear full financial responsibility for the tires, and on the day you designate, they themselves bring the wheels to the tire shop, which is very convenient.

In addition to the tread depth and the absence of external defects, before installing the tires, you need to check the uniformity of their wear (the tire should not be “eaten” on one side), as well as their age. The natural rubber from which rubber is made retains its properties for 5 years from the date of production of the tire. The aging of rubber greatly affects the effectiveness of road grip, so you should not drive on old, even if not worn, tires.

Tire rotation when changing

When changing tires, do not forget about their periodic rotation - rearrangement, a diagram of which can be found in the instructions for the car. Rearranging the wheels ensures uniform wear, which extends the life of the entire set. Standard tire rotation patterns are presented below, but it is better to check the instructions for your specific car. It is recommended to change tires every 10,000 km.

On rear- and all-wheel drive vehicles, the front tires are moved to the rear axle diagonally (pattern A), or changed in a cross pattern (B). On front-wheel drive vehicles the situation is reversed: the rear tires are moved forward diagonally (diagram C).

Tires with a directional tread pattern cannot be rolled out without re-boarding. To rotate them without removing them from the rims, the front wheels are simply swapped with the rear wheels on each side of the car (diagram D).

If your car is equipped with a full-size spare tire rather than a spare tire, and you bought a set of five new tires, be sure to include the spare tire in the rotation (patterns E and F), rotating the wheels every 10,000 km. This will allow you to use the set longer and easily replace any of the main ones with a spare wheel in case of damage - their wear will be the same. Thanks to this scheme, buying five tires ultimately turns out to be more profitable than buying four due to longer service life.

To ensure rotation, mark the old tires with a colored marker before they are removed from the car; If you forget about this, it will be difficult to figure out where each tire was.

How to store tires

Photo: TASS/Valery Matytsin

First of all, it is worth assessing the condition of the tires. It is better to immediately throw out those that have become unusable. However, it is not necessary to immediately purchase new ones; it can wait. The main thing is that tires that have become unusable do not become a surprise during the first autumn frosts.

You don't have to rush to part with studded wheels. Such rubber can be taken for additional studs: new studs are inserted into the holes where the old ones were, only with wider caps so that they do not fall out.

Whole wheels will go to the balcony or garage. The storage location is not so important: according to experts, the tires should not be damaged either in the cold or in the rain, but it is better to cover the wheels from the sun. But the most important thing is to store the rubber in a horizontal position.

If the rubber stands, over a long period of time it will deform, take on the shape of an egg, and it will be extremely difficult to restore it to its original state. Stack the tires. Just don’t forget to swap them from time to time—put the top one down, for example, to equally distribute the pressure on each one. Dmitry Popov

independent auto expert

It is also not necessary to store wheels in cellophane. Popov is sure that it’s even better without it: “The moisture that collects in it is not scary for rubber. But, it seems to me, there is a risk that some parasites will appear there, feeding on inorganic matter.”

Differences between individual tire types

Before answering the question about the timing of replacing used tires with new tires, let’s take a closer look at the various options for car tires. The market offers a wide range of models from different manufacturers. All options can be divided into 3 main categories:

• Winter tires;
• summer tires;
• all-season.

Tires from the first group are also divided into studded and friction (so-called “Velcro”). All tires differ in their performance properties, as they have different tread patterns and a special rubber compound composition corresponding to the nature of the operation. For example, in winter it is important that the car maintains high maneuverability in deep snow, can freely drive through slush and mud, brake effectively on ice and accelerate just as quickly. In this regard, tires used in the cold season are equipped with the following characteristics:

• large blocks and deep tread;
• a large number of multidirectional lamellas in the pattern;
• the use of a compound that maintains elasticity at low temperatures.

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Unlike summer tires, winter tires can additionally be equipped with metal toe studs. This helps maintain stability on icy roads. However, the use of spikes is not always appropriate, and in some countries it is completely prohibited. The thing is that metal inserts increase the weight of the wheel, spoil the asphalt surface and increase the noise level. Therefore, it is worth using studded winter tires in regions with a cold climate or if you often travel outside the city, where the roads are not covered with reagents and are not cleaned as often. A special marking will help you understand that you have winter tires: M&S (sometimes may be designated as M+S). This indicates that the rubber properties are designed to work in mud and snow. Additionally, the tires may have a pictogram depicting a snowflake against the backdrop of the Trek Mountains. This marking indicates that the tires are suitable for use in harsh and cold winter conditions. There is no pictogram or M+S inscription on summer tires.

You need to change summer tires to winter tires and back in a timely manner. Otherwise, fluctuations in weather conditions may take you by surprise and reduce your safety while driving. Practical drivers who want to save money on tire fitting often refuse to use winter and summer tires, and therefore prefer all-season tires. Such tires are suitable for use in warm and cold weather, but still cannot cope as effectively with ice and snow, braking on wet or dry asphalt, as their seasonal counterparts.

When should you change your car to summer tires in 2021?

April, and in some cases the beginning of May, is one of the most difficult times in the life of a motorist.

At this time, it is necessary to decide whether it has already warmed up enough, whether it will snow again, whether it will be possible to break through the queues at tire shops, and so on. But there are drivers who are not interested in these questions, because they do not even think about changing their shoes to summer tires. In traffic rules and Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation, the topic of using winter tires in the warm season is rewritten with enviable regularity, so it is necessary to clarify whether it is possible to drive better this way every season. Is it safe to drive a car with winter tires in the warm season? No matter how expensive and high-quality the tires are, they are much worse do not work during the season for which they are intended.

Author: Polina Mustafina - 11/02/2015 So, the “law on winter tires” is, perhaps, an already established expression this year - a new bill providing for the obligation of drivers to drive, relatively speaking, on summer tires in the summer and on winter tires in the winter. The law on winter tires began to be promoted in 2014 and at the end of the year it acquired official status.

As for its status for the current 2021, it has been accepted, it is valid throughout Russia and obliges drivers to drive on winter (or all-season in special cases) tires. But it's not that simple! In recent months, information has increasingly begun to appear in the media about alleged raids by traffic police inspectors to identify drivers of cars with summer tires and charging as much as 5 thousand rubles for summer tires.

And supposedly the law on winter tires provides for liability starting in November of each year. Of course, things are completely different, and let's be clear

Some drivers, in order not to change tires twice a year, drive all year round on universal tires.

You can drive in winter on all-season tires, but you need to pay attention to some rules.

All-season tires are considered a compromise between summer and winter tires.

In hot weather, all-purpose tires soften faster than summer tires, and in cold weather they harden faster than winter tires. It follows from this that the temperature properties of such tire models are equally suitable for use in both winter and summer. The tread pattern of all-season tires is selected taking into account summer and winter operation so that the tire provides the best grip on the road in all conditions.

Like winter tires, they have deep grooves to keep them from getting clogged with snow.

Like summer ones, they are equipped with V-shaped openings for water drainage. The main advantage of all-season tires is the ability to use them throughout the year.

The classic rule that tells us when we change summer tires to winter ones is: “as soon as the first night frosts begin and the average daily temperature drops below +5°C, it’s time for tire fitting!” The effectiveness of summer tires decreases as the temperature drops; they become tanned and do not provide the necessary grip.

The terms of use of winter and summer tires are specified in the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union “On the Safety of Wheeled Vehicles”. In accordance with it, the use of studded tires is prohibited on the territory of the Russian Federation in the summer months (June, July, August).

During the winter months (December, January and February), vehicles must be fitted with winter tires. This rule applies only to cars of category “B” (M1 cars and N1 trucks).

So, as mentioned above, technical regulations require that the driver change shoes from winter tires to summer tires for 3 months. Paragraph 5.5 of the Technical Regulations may make exceptions for some regions.

For example, in warm latitudes there may be driving bans in May or April, as temperatures are already rising above 20 degrees.

In the northern regions the law may be the opposite.

Normative base

Legal regulation in the field of installation and use of tires on vehicles in the summer is carried out by the following legislative acts:

• Technical regulations TR CU 018/2011 – regarding the timing of replacement of winter tires.
• Appendix 1 to Government Decree No. 1008 of December 5, 2011 - on what criteria tires must meet in order for the car owner to successfully pass inspection.
• Section 5 of the “List of faults and conditions under which the operation of the vehicle is prohibited”, contained in Government Decree No. 1090 of October 23, 1993, states that if the tires do not meet which parameters, the operation of the vehicle is prohibited.
• Chapter 12 of the Code of Administrative Offenses – on liability for non-compliance with the legislation on the use of tires.

Riding on Velcro during the summer months of the year

Among motorists, “Velcro” (friction tires) are winter tires that are not equipped with studs.

In accordance with Technical Regulations TR CU 018/2011, you can drive on such tires all year round. After all, tires with studs are prohibited in summer, but Velcro does not have them. Just as you can drive in winter, because it is winter and has the appropriate markings (MS, M & S, M + S).

However, like all-season tires, Velcro tires are highly not recommended for use in the hot season, primarily due to the “softness” of the rubber compound used in their manufacture. Otherwise, the following consequences are possible:

• loss of controllability;
• increase in braking distance;
• acceleration of tire wear;
• increased fuel consumption.

Current legislature

The latest amendments to the legislation and technical regulations of the Customs Union were made in 2021, if we talk about the issue of operating seasonal tires. That’s why there were no innovations in 2021 or in 2021.

If you study this document, you can draw several main conclusions.

• Summer. This refers to the summer months from June to August. According to the rules, the car should not have winter studded tires at this time. It is forbidden. Here it would be logical to recall the material where I discussed spikes and Velcro;
• Winter. This is the period from December to February. Drivers are required to use only winter tires that bear the MS mark and a badge that shows a snowflake;
• Local authorities. All drivers in Russia cannot be brought under one rule. Indeed, in Crimea and the Krasnodar Territory, for example, weather conditions differ from those observed in St. Petersburg, the Rostov region, the Orenburg region or Volgograd, for example. At the local level, decisions are made regarding extending the service life of different types of tires. This is due to differences in climate. In this case, the regional leadership can only extend the period. But they cannot reduce generally accepted norms.

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Winter Velcro or studded tires should be used during the period when summer tires are not able to cope with possible icing of the road surface. Equally important is the quality of the selected kit. Here I want to remind you about the material about Chinese tires.

Practical application of laws

Switching to new tires or tires that have been used for 1-2 seasons in a timely manner is important for your personal safety. It’s not difficult to imagine what usually happens when a car ends up with summer tires during cold weather. There are many videos with similar extreme sports. Although here I would focus on people’s lack of common sense.

It follows from the regulations that a motorist can use studless winter tires throughout the year. This is not allowed with spikes.

If the period of the year is warm and the car is shod with summer tires, then the transition to winter tires should be carried out between September and March. In the opposite direction, the operation is carried out from March to May. It all depends on how quickly warming or cooling occurs specifically in your region.

I will give several examples in specific cities.

• Moscow. Winter tires must be installed from October 15 to October 25. The transition to summer tires is regulated from April 10 to April 16;
• Novosibirsk Winter wheels should be installed from October 12 to the 17th of the same month. And to change the winter set to the summer set the period is given from April 24 to April 30.
• Perm (and the entire Perm region). Winter kits are delivered from October 12 to October 17. You should return for summer from April 17 to April 24.

These are conditional and deadline dates, since most sensible people switch to winter tires earlier, but are in no hurry to return to warm sets. Winter often drags on, the temperature during the day can be quite high, but at night the roads still freeze. Because of this, riding kits for the warm season is potentially dangerous.

Will there be fines for using tires incorrectly?

Pictogram

According to the winter tire law, there is no penalty for using tires that are not suitable for the season. But there is a bill that provides for a certain penalty for driving on summer tires in winter.

There is a fine that is imposed when using tires with worn tread; it amounts to half a thousand rubles. This penalty applies to a driver who uses tires with a tread height of less than 0.4 cm in winter. Please note: a fine is imposed if the car is operated on snowy or icy road surfaces.

Please note that there are no penalties in 2021 for using tires that are not suitable for the season. But if a violation of the law on winter tires is proven on the part of the driver who caused an accident with a fatal outcome or causing serious harm, criminal liability will be aggravated, and penalties will be toughened. Thus, the law provides for liability for using unsuitable tires in winter, so it is worth changing the tires on your car in a timely manner for your own safety.

What does the law say?="ltr">

How simple it would be if the law prescribed something like: change winter tires to summer tires on April 1st. However, there are no clear instructions on exactly when to change the shoes of the car. The only thing it is proposed to focus on is the technical regulations of the Customs Union.

From January 1, 2015, the document prohibits the use of summer tires in the three winter months (December, January and February) and winter tires with studs in the summer months (June, July, August).

In other words, the regulations allow driving on winter tires with studs from September to May. An important point: the document allows you to ride on tires without spikes, so-called “Velcro”, all year round.

When is it time to change summer tires to winter ones?

According to traffic regulations, the use of summer tires in winter is strictly prohibited. The technical regulations of the Customs Union force motorists to put winter tires on their cars before December 1 - the norm is relevant for all regions of the Russian Federation

It is important to note that time frames may vary further for individual areas. For example, in Moscow and surrounding regions in 2021, local authorities have set a mandatory transition date of November 1. For Siberia, where sub-zero or near-zero temperatures are typical even in summer, snow tire models are used all year round.

In what month should you install winter tires?

All drivers should know when it is legal to put on winter tires. But a lot also depends on the region, and there is even a provision in the law that allows local authorities to regulate this issue in one direction or another. Drivers should also not increase or decrease the temperature on their own.

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For example, if the temperature constantly stays around 7-9 degrees Celsius, then there is no point in changing tires to winter ones. The tires will quickly wear out, and their soft structure will not allow you to maneuver the car with high quality. If the temperature is too low, the driver may suffer in an accident, since the slippery road will not provide the opportunity to react in time to various emergency situations, reduce the braking distance or make a maneuver.

So, in what month should you install winter tires? This usually occurs in November, although, again, it all depends on climatic conditions and the region. If we focus on other circumstances, then the following features are taken into account: the car is constantly in use - you will have to replace winter tires earlier, when the temperature is 6-8 degrees; The car is used irregularly, then you can change the tires even at 0 degrees, if traveling by public transport or in a taxi does not bother you.

Under what weather conditions is it necessary to change tires?

The fact is that in the last weeks of autumn, an unstable weather situation occurs in our latitudes. First there may be heavy snowfalls, then the temperature will warm up to +17 degrees. And so the weather can change several times. Naturally, novice drivers may have a natural question: “Will you really have to change tires every time the weather changes?” No, you don't need to do this.

First of all, traffic safety is influenced by the correct perception of the road situation. It is necessary to understand that not all road users change tires on time, and the weather needs to be perceived adequately and during its changeable moods, simply behave more carefully on the road.

And even if there are no questions about when you should put winter tires on your car, you need to be extremely careful regardless of whether your own car has winter tires or not. You should always remember that the majority of Soviet-era motorists, and even more modern ones, install winter tires when the first snow falls. And this adaptation period occurs for about two weeks.

At this time, it is worth adhering to some rules on the road that will allow you to avoid unpleasant situations and difficult moments. Be sure to reduce the speed limit, increase the distance between cars on the road, and increase vigilance and caution.

But there are requirements for any type of rubber

And they are already stated directly and clearly in the Rules of the Road, specifically in the List of conditions under which the operation of a car is prohibited. This application has a whole section containing a list of faults that prevent you from driving your car on public roads.

Wear

For summer and winter tires, different levels of possible wear apply, at which you cannot drive.

For “summer” you can’t drive on tires with the following tread depth:

• less than 0.8 mm for motorcycles, scooters and mopeds,
• less than 1 mm for trucks over 3.5 tons and trailers for them,
• less than 1.6 mm for passenger cars and trucks less than 3.5 tons and trailers for them,
• less than 2 mm for all types of buses (with more than 8 seats).

But for winter there is no division into categories of cars - the permissible wear for them is the same - at least 4 mm, and here it no longer matters whether you have spikes. Therefore, if the wear of winter tires is less than 4 mm, then they need to be replaced with summer tires, unless, of course, your summer tires comply with traffic regulations for wear.

Damage

It is also prohibited to drive a vehicle whose tires have operational defects, including the following:

• torn damage and cuts (including side ones), if the rubber cord is visible,
• peeling in the tread area,
• peeling on the side,
• punctured tires.

Different tires

You cannot ride on wheels in the following cases, when the tires on them are different on the same axle (one at the front or rear on the left, another on the right):

• by size (radius, profile width and height),
• by design (radial and diagonal),
• one with a camera, the other - tubeless,
• different models,
• along the tread.

It is also important to know that it is prohibited to use wheels with different tires based on the presence of studs: if all are studless and at least one with studs, and vice versa.

Does not match the vehicle

And the last prohibition is if the tires do not match the car in terms of load or size.

How will the inspector determine the wheel size? Everything is very simple. If, for example, you install 16-radius wheels on a Lada Granta, the inspector may issue a fine under Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of 500 rubles, since the design of the model does not provide for such tire sizes.

Same with the load. The table for the correspondence of the load index to the vehicle weight is contained in Table 5.2 of the regulations.

Thus, if you have winter tires, at least one of the parameters of which does not comply with traffic regulations, then you need to switch to summer tires by law, if the latter is new enough and the same enough to satisfy all the above conditions. Otherwise, the only thing left to do is buy new tires.

What else can a fine be imposed for?

Penalties may be imposed for any violation of the requirements for tires included in the List of Faults.

These include:

• lack of tread depth (less than 1.6 mm for passenger cars);
• sidewall detachment;
• any external damage with exposure of the cord;
• the tire size does not meet the requirements for a specific car model (set by the manufacturer);
• discrepancy between tires installed on the same axle (any differences are considered: size, pattern, type, wear).

For violation of any of these requirements, the inspector may impose a punishment under the already mentioned article. 12.5: warning or fine 500 rub. If you pay off the fine within 20 days from the moment it was assigned, then its amount will decrease to 250 rubles, thanks to the “discount” established by Art. 32.2 Code of Administrative Offences.

What should the temperature be?="ltr">

Considering that Russia is a country of weather surprises, it would be imprudent to focus only on the regulations. Tire manufacturers and experts advise relying primarily on temperature conditions.

The Tire Manufacturers Association recommends changing your car's shoes in winter, when the average daily temperature drops below 7 degrees. Accordingly, as soon as the temperature outside becomes 7 degrees or higher in the spring, you can unpack your summer set. The risk of night frosts by this time is minimized.

In addition, at this temperature, summer tires, which differ in composition from winter tires, will not harden, which means that road grip will not become worse.

Choosing a tire shop

If you have experience, tools and certain skills, you can change tires yourself. But it’s easier to contact tire fitting specialists. For little money they will quickly and efficiently replace tires. In order not to make a mistake when choosing a service, you should pay attention to the following points:

• availability of tire manufacturer certificates;
• quality of tools and organization of their storage;
• approach to the work (for example, the responsible foreman uses a dynamic wrench to check the tightness even after working with a wrench);
• how is communication with the client conducted, do specialists answer all questions;
• price does not always indicate the level of service;
• reviews from friends and on the Internet;
• It may be easiest to contact an authorized dealer to carry out the work.

Pressure and balancing

If a replacement set of wheels is mounted on separate rims, check the pressure in them before installing them on the vehicle. If a tire deflates during storage, look for the reason - the air does not just go away. Under the weight of the car, the air leak will only intensify, and the next morning after “re-shoeing” you will have a flat tire waiting for you if you don’t fix it in advance.

Do not forget that the pressure in tires of different sizes may vary - do not inflate the old one after getting used to it in six months. Look for the recommended pressure values ​​for different tire sizes on the sticker in the doorway.

Don’t forget about the importance of wheel balancing: it ensures uniform rotation, absence of vibrations on the steering wheel and body, and also protects the life of wheel bearings. Each wheel of the car needs balancing, including the spare one - in case of emergency installation on the road, as well as for planned tire rotation.

Even if you use two sets of wheels on different rims, check the balance of each before installation. Over the course of a season, the tire tread wears out (not always evenly), and installed weights often fall off—as a result, the wheel’s balance may be disrupted.

Several reasons to change tires in advance

When to change tires to winter ones in 2021 is up to you to decide; we will only outline the obvious reasons why it is better to do this earlier.

• Preparedness for sudden changes in weather conditions

• 
  When you change your tires to winter ones in advance, you insure yourself against the vagaries of the weather. You can safely leave the yard in the morning, even with an unexpected overnight snowfall. At the same time, your neighbors will try to get out of the parking lot on summer tires or frantically change plans and call a taxi service.

• Queues at the tire shop Every year after the first snowfall, a line of people line up at the tire shop to change their tires to winter ones. Typically, 90% of car enthusiasts put off changing tires until the last minute, creating an unhealthy rush at the first signs of real winter. To avoid wasting time standing in line, it is better to change your tires in advance.
• Breaking in a new set of winter tires After installing a new set of winter tires (especially models with studs), you need to break them in. This means that for approximately the first 100 km, it is important to avoid slipping and emergency braking. It is better to move at a speed of no more than 80 km/h. Experts recommend changing tires and running them in before the first snow falls.

What tires are suitable for winter

According to current laws, in winter it is allowed to operate vehicles with the following types of tires:

• winter ones with appropriate markings;
• studded;
• all-season, if there is a marking allowing operation in winter.

However, all-season tires, as practice shows, provide poorer traction with the road surface in the cold season. At the legal level, there are no fines for their use, but experienced drivers do not recommend using them from a safety point of view.

What is the difference between a winter tire and an all-season tire? The latter has a less pronounced and branched pattern. And in composition it is more similar to summer tires; on snowy or icy roads, traction deteriorates significantly.

Consequences of untimely replacement of winter tires

In addition to fines, sluggish vehicle owners will face a lot of negative consequences. If you use winter tires in summer, you may encounter the following difficulties:

• rapid tread wear;
• increased fuel consumption;
• poor vehicle handling on dry roads.

Summer tires in winter even increase the risk of getting into an accident. These tires are not designed for driving on ice and snow; they instantly harden even in light frost and lose traction on wet and dry roads.

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A powerful car can offset the negative consequences of installing inappropriate tires, but still, correctly selected tires will help not only increase the level of safety, but also unlock the full potential of the vehicle. As for fines for incorrectly installed tires, they are small. In most cases, you can get away with a warning. However, the traffic police inspector may impose a fine of 500 rubles.

Is there a fine for driving in winter on summer tires?

Today in Russia there is no regulation on whether to change summer tires, so motorists need not be afraid of fines for using off-season tires in winter - there is simply no such type of punishment. There are also no sanctions for using the “wrong” tires. Car owners must assess the weather conditions themselves, take into account the average daily temperature and decide when to replace summer tires. There are only recommended dates when to change winter tires in Russia. For the middle zone, this is November 15 and March 15 for changing summer and winter sets, respectively.

Of course, you need to focus primarily on common sense, and not the onset of a specific date. Depending on the region of the Russian Federation, weather conditions may vary greatly. Drivers must decide whether to change tires based on the actual, rather than calendar, seasons. If there is snow in the first days of March, then there is no point in changing the set to a summer one. And if in warm regions - for example, Crimea or Sochi - it was a sunny and dry November or even December, then car enthusiasts will not think of urgently changing their tires to winter ones.

You will not receive a fine even if your car has summer tires during the winter months of the direct ban: December, January, February. However, there is another penalty that can be applied in case of insufficient projector depth on both summer and winter tires.

Among car enthusiasts, there is an expression about driving on “bald tires” - those where the tread is almost completely worn out. Driving on such tires is dangerous and they need to be changed. Under the new rules, driving on bare tires is punishable by a warning or, more likely, a fine. According to the traffic rules, if a vehicle does not meet the requirements, then it should not be used for transportation. The remaining height of the tire tread pattern is indicated in the regulations on the vehicle's approval for operation.

This value should not be:

• for trucks - less than 1 mm;
• for passenger cars - less than 1.6 mm;
• moped, motorcycle - less than 0.8 mm;
• bus - less than 2 mm.

If a traffic police officer discovers a violation of this rule, he has the right to issue a fine of 500 rubles in accordance with Art. 12.5 COAP.

Now deputies are discussing the possibility of increasing the fine for driving on “bald” tires by 4 times. This position seems quite justified - given that a significant proportion of accidents occur in winter, when the roads are often icy, due to the fault of drivers using worn out tires.

When do you need to switch to summer tires from winter tires according to the new law?

In the east and north of the Rostov region, the first frosts were recorded on November 15 and the first snow fell in some places. To avoid accidents on the roads, the State Traffic Inspectorate strongly recommends changing summer tires to winter tires early.

Of course, if the temperature drops below 7 degrees so early, the braking distance of summer tires increases, the rubber hardens, and the car becomes practically uncontrollable. The replacement of tires must be done in advance, preferably on November 1, so as not to stand in tire service queues and not celebrate Tinsmith's Day.

The southern part of the European part of Russia, the center of the Ciscaucasia and the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus is occupied by the Stavropol Territory. Due to the changeable topography, the nature and weather here are varied, the main zone being the steppe.

The temperate steppe belt provides a mild climate. In winter it is moderately cold, in summer it is hot and dry. There are frosts in the first half of May.

Due to this location of the region, it is better to wear winter tires from November 15 to May 15. And choose the type of tire according to the terrain. In the steppe and foothills, different tires are needed. The height of snowdrifts outside the city and how roads within the city are cleared also play a certain role. The car owner knows in which area he travels most often.

Manufacturers of summer tires advise removing summer tires at +4 degrees. According to the law, there is no specific deadline in Crimea for changing tires to winter tires. But the traffic police management advises doing this on November 1, because the weather conditions of the peninsula are difficult to predict. For the safety of travelers, it is advised to ride on winter tires until March 31st.

The maritime climate makes its own adjustments, sometimes unexpectedly and dramatically. In late autumn and early winter, there is often ice on the roads here, both in the city and outside the city.

The terrain is mountainous in many places. Climbing up an icy serpentine road to Mount Ai-Petri, for example, is practically very difficult and dangerous. On summer tires, without studs and chains, this is tantamount to suicide.

On the territory of Crimea, the owner of a car is not brought to administrative responsibility for not changing summer tires to winter ones.

Although the inconsistent weather begins here already in mid-October, when in the morning the air temperature is zero, and in the afternoon it heats up to 10 degrees Celsius. If the weather is still warm during the day, then at night the material of a summer tire becomes dull and does not hold the road. Drivers should take this fact into account.

Are you fined for wearing summer tires in winter? Stories about heavy fines for not having winter tires turned out to be greatly exaggerated. So far, the maximum that a motorist can face for a bald tire is 500 rubles.

The reason for concern is the draft law submitted to the State Duma in January 2013. Vadim Tyulpanov, a member of the Federation Council, proposed introducing a fine of 5 thousand rubles if winter tires are not installed on a car from December 1 to March 1.

In the explanatory note, the senator noted that individual regions of the country can set their own deadlines for changing seasonal tires. The bill has not yet been adopted, so it has no legal force.

At the same time, a fine ten times smaller can be obtained if you use cars in December, January, February, on all wheels of which tires marked M+S, three mountain peaks, with a snowflake inside, are not installed, when the tread is worn below 4 mm. This rule applies to the tread pattern of all-season tires.

The rest of the time, the driver must be guided by weather and temperature conditions. Everyone should remember that at temperatures below 6 degrees Celsius, the material of summer tires becomes tanned and the car skids. This is fraught with accidents.

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“All-season” is tires that are designed for use at any time of the year - both winter and summer.

These types of tires are not equipped with anti-skid studs, which means that they can be legally driven in the summer (after all, in the summer months it is prohibited to drive only a vehicle with studded tires).

However, during the hot season in Russia, it is still not recommended to use all-season tires, since they are intended for countries with a mild climate - where there are no significant differences in air temperature between seasons. It’s better to go to a tire shop and install standard summer tires.

A separate group should include drivers who use so-called all-season tires (intended for use throughout the year).

All-season tires can be used during the winter months (December - February) only if they are marked as “M+S”, “M&S” or “MS”.

Otherwise, the use of all-season tires in the winter months is not allowed.

useful links

• General Prosecutor's Office
• Committee on Legal Statistics
• Submit an application to the prosecutor's office
• Check availability of insurance policy
• Check technical inspection

To begin with, it is worth recalling that in reality it is almost impossible to see a heavy truck or bus in Russia with winter tires. The fact is that winter tires for trucks are themselves a rather rare product (and therefore expensive). Imagine how much it costs to buy a set of winter tires, for example, for a three-axle KAMAZ dump truck - that’s 10 tires. Considering the gigantic mileage of trucks per year, purchasing a separate set of tires is not economically feasible.

In addition, trucks and buses are much heavier than cars, so the tires have better traction. That is why trucks drive on the same tires in summer and winter. The most important thing is that the tires have sufficient tread depth. Most of the problems trucks have on winter roads arise from “bald” tires - on such tires it is difficult to climb even the slightest hill in icy conditions.

Just recently, truck and bus owners were officially released from the obligation to install winter tires. On November 11, 2018, changes to the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union TR CU 018/2011 “On the safety of wheeled vehicles” came into force.

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The official date for replacing tires in Russia is not set at around one date. This is due to the large number of regions and climate zones. In Moscow and the surrounding region, the requirement to change tires comes into force from November 1 inclusive. For the southern regions, the current date is December 1. Thus, from what date you are supposed to change your shoes, you need to follow the instructions of the local traffic police departments.

Traffic rules in the Russian Federation imply changing summer tires to winter versions before a strictly established date - December 1. It should be understood that the deadlines for individual regions may be revised upward.

Thus, you need to know which month to replace your tires based on the order of the regional authorities and weather conditions.

There are a huge number of adherents of both modifications of tires intended for the winter season. Now on the market there is an abundance of manufacturers producing seasonal tires, among which are the brands Viatti, Michelin, Pirelli and Yokohama - all produce both types of tread.

You should figure out what the essence of the debate is and start with the advantages and disadvantages of tires of Scandinavian and European construction.

At first glance, installing winter tires on a car is a simple task that does not require special knowledge. If you dig deeper, details emerge.

Asymmetrical tires have two sides and their own direction, even if the pattern indicator is not visible. The sidewalls of such a product are marked INSIDE and OUTSIDE. In human language, Inside is the internal part, and Outside is the external part of the product.

If the tires are placed incorrectly on the rims, their driving characteristics will be reduced. Since the product does not work correctly, the braking distance increases, and clutch slippage occurs even on a well-cleaned road. To ensure correct installation, it is recommended to follow the instructions.

The sample order to change summer tires to winter modifications does not have any penalties. In fact, such a restriction does not exist in Russia. The only regulation is the act regulating movement on worn tires, which provides for punishment in the form of a fine of 500 rubles or a verbal warning.

The question of using tires according to the season is entirely at the discretion of the driver.

So, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has prepared a draft of the Basic List of Malfunctions and Conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited (this is an appendix to the Traffic Rules, for those who are not in the know) in a new edition. Formally, as the ministry explained, the document is brought into compliance with the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union on Wheeled Vehicles (TR-TS), adopted back in 2011 (however, since then the document has been repeatedly amended).

Again, from a formal point of view, this document was supposed to be valid on the territory of all countries participating in the Customs Union, but... in reality it was only advisory in nature. Because according to our laws, all its provisions should have been duplicated in the main document for all drivers - the Traffic Rules, and penalties for violations should have been prescribed in the Code of Administrative Offenses (CAO). To do this, the ministry decided to update the long-outdated list of conditions and malfunctions under which the operation of transport is prohibited.

Currently, the List of faults and conditions under which vehicle operation is prohibited contains 46 items, grouped into seven sections. The Ministry of Internal Affairs wants to expand this list at least twice and, most importantly, clarify the wording. For example, in the chapter “External Lighting Devices” it is clarified that it is strictly forbidden to install light sources in a headlight that “do not have an official approval mark or do not comply with the light source class, base, power, color temperature, as specified by the manufacturer in the operational documentation.” adapters from the base of a light source of one class to another” and not corresponding to the “operational documentation”.

What else to do when changing tires

Whenever dismantling wheels, it is worth carrying out a quick inspection of the suspension parts, checking the condition of the brake hoses and the thickness of the brake pads. In general, it is useful to combine seasonal tire changes with chassis diagnostics: it is better to identify any unpleasant surprises in advance.

After changing tires, be sure to adjust the wheel alignment angles (“wheel alignment”), because winter and summer tires differ in height, tread pattern, and degree of wear; often - by dimension and pressure. All these factors disrupt the suspension geometry, which can lead to uneven tire wear, increased fuel consumption, uneven steering wheel position and vehicle pull to the side.

To avoid these problems, it is better to change tires where you can immediately adjust the camber and toe. For example, in Hyperauto service centers, equipped with separate tire fitting areas.

Recommendations for replacing tires with summer tires

A frequent question from car owners is “what should the air temperature be to replace tires with summer tires?” Manufacturers recommend focusing on plus 5 Celsius, which will remain stable for some time. However, there are nuances, because spring never comes overnight.

You should not change to summer tires if:

• Frosts still occur at night;
• trips out of town, etc. are not uncommon;
• there is snow or ice on the road;
• the driver’s path runs where the road dries out later than in other places;
• The machine is mainly used very early in the morning and/or late in the day.

In these conditions, it is probably worth waiting for a more stable high temperature, otherwise summer tires will harden in cold weather, which will significantly reduce driving safety (driving a car on such tires is harder).

At the same time, you shouldn’t delay too much with replacing wheels. If the average daily temperature is around o, it’s time to change the tires to summer tires, because winter tires will wear out and the car will “eat” more fuel.

It is impossible to say the exact date of tire replacement, because spring comes to our latitudes differently every year. You need to change wheels based on weather conditions and personal experience.

Is it worth installing all-season tires: the opinion of car enthusiasts

• “The problems started in the spring”
  “I had a short experience of driving an all-season vehicle. In winter it suited me quite well. There is still snow porridge in the city, why change it if it doesn’t matter what you use to mix it with. Outside the city it turned out to be a little worse than the thorns. The only difficulties were with climbing up the mountain in icy conditions. It got much worse in the spring. The wheels simply began to “float” in every more or less deep puddle. I didn’t even ride them in the summer – it was just scary.”
• “Our weather is not right!”
  My opinion is this: all-season tires are not for all of Russia, but only for the southern parts of the Krasnodar Territory. The rubber composition is designed for different weather conditions, which is why the tires are all different. When I drove a jeep with Goodyear's all-season tire from March to October (I installed a stock one on the car), I managed to catch both snow and a dry road (I was driving from Moscow to Krasnaya Polyana). So, despite the large tread, it felt like I was driving on bald tires. It glides in the snow, but immediately floats in a puddle! You still need to change the tires. Even non-studded winter tires (I had Dunlops) gave better handling in spring puddles.”
• “This kind of extreme is not for me!”
  “I had experience in all-season driving. The car then had rear-wheel drive and a heavy engine. Driving like this in winter turned out to be very extreme. If you drive into a snowdrift, guess whether you will get out or not. I was completely disappointed after one incident. I left the car in the parking lot during a thaw; in the evening, of course, frost hit and everything was frozen. The wheels ended up in shallow holes. So I couldn’t even move! The next winter I changed it - I took used studless winter tires, and I was happy.”

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• "The experience is sad"
  “On an all-season car you can drive up to -5 maximum. Then it hardens. I had an accident on these tires: 50 km/h, snowfall, when I skidded straight into a pole. It turned out to be easier to sell the car after that accident than to restore it. Since then, I have sworn not to change - in the summer only summer tires, in the winter - winter tires. There are such colds and snowfalls that you don’t even really count on thorns.”

• "Nothing good!"
  “I didn’t like driving like that! Too noisy in summer and no grip in winter. Now I won’t even install an all-season version for nothing. They are fooling our brother. There is no cure for all diseases, and so it is with tires. They need to be changed."
• "It's up to you to decide"
  “The question is often asked here whether it makes sense to buy and install an all-season vehicle. Well, there are two different opinions:

  1. It doesn’t matter to me, it’s only the bourgeoisie who change tires all the time, and one set is enough for me.

  2. I am for safety, so I change tires for the winter, putting them on WINTER ones (if you drive mainly on asphalt, then you can take a set without studs).

  What can I say? Everyone makes the decision whether to change for themselves.”

This is interesting: What is wheel offset ET

Expert advice on replacing winter tires

From year to year, the seasons change at different times, which confuses car owners. Many vehicle drivers rely on specific weather conditions when changing tires. Thus, experts recommend removing winter tires when the temperature is above +7 degrees. It’s good when the daily average reaches +10 degrees. At this time, the risk of night frosts is minimized, which means you can install summer tires that will last until August, or even until the end of October.

According to statistics, in 2021, car owners began changing tires to summer tires in April. The peak of calls to tire service centers occurred on the weekend of the 14th-15th. In 2021, this deadline shifted by a week, as the winter was quite snowy. In 2020, it was possible to change shoes in March. The winter was not rich in precipitation, and the temperature in a number of regions rose above +5 degrees by the end of February. To save money, some auto experts recommend changing the wheel assembly. This will help avoid damage to the rim and cord during storage in the summer or winter months, and will also reduce costs, since you will have to go to tire service centers much less often.

Sources

• https://HyperAuto.ru/articles/poleznaya-informaciya/sezonnaya-pereobuvka-kogda-i-kak-menyat-shiny/
• https://BlackTyres.ru/informaciya/informatsija-o-shinah/kogda-menjat-shiny-na-zimnie/
• https://bostonauto.ru/text-livehuck/pravila-zameny-zimney-reziny-na-letnyuyu-v-2020-godu/
• https://Shinomontazh-Penza.ru/to/kak-ezdit-na-shipovannoj-rezine-zimoj.html
• https://tvoikolesa.com/kogda-nado-stavit-zimnyuyu-rezinu/
• https://AutoTonkosti.ru/q/kogda-nuzhno-perehodit-na-letnyuyu-rezinu-s-zimney-po-novomu-zakonu
• https://rad-star.ru/pressroom/articles/kogda-menyat-rezinu-na-letnyuyu/
• https://rad-star.ru/pressroom/articles/kogda-menyat-rezinu-na-zimnyuyu/