As temperatures drop, tires, being the only part of a vehicle in contact with the road, directly determine grip, braking distance, and driving stability based on their low-temperature performance.
Many car owners have misconceptions about winter tire maintenance, focusing only on tire pressure or neglecting tire tread, which can easily lead to hidden dangers.
I have compiled a winter tire maintenance guide to help everyone get through the winter safely.
1. The Severe Challenges of Low Temperatures to Tires
Rubber hardens and becomes brittle at low temperatures (below 10°C), leading to multiple problems:
(1) A sharp drop in grip, manifested as a drastic reduction in the coefficient of friction, making tires extremely prone to skidding and fishtailing in rain and snow, increasing braking distance by 5-8 meters compared to summer.
(2) Increased tire pressure fluctuations. For every 10°C drop in temperature, tire pressure naturally decreases by approximately 0.1 bar. Insufficient tire pressure increases the contact area with the ground, accelerating wear and increasing fuel consumption.
(3) Furthermore, low temperatures accelerate rubber aging and cracking. Tires older than 3 years are prone to developing cracks on the sidewalls, significantly increasing the risk of tire blowouts at high speeds.
The complex road conditions in winter amplify these effects, making proper tire maintenance crucial.
2. Four Core Steps for Winter Tire Maintenance
(1) Accurate Tire Pressure Calibration is Paramount.
Tire pressure should be adjusted strictly according to the vehicle’s labeled values. Considering the impact of low temperatures, a slight increase of 0.1-0.2 bar is acceptable, but never exceed the manufacturer’s maximum pressure. It is recommended to check tire pressure weekly during winter, and recheck after rain or snow, ensuring the spare tire pressure remains at a usable 2.5-2.8 bar.
(2) Rigorous Tread Inspection is Equally Crucial.
When the tread depth is below the legal replacement limit of 1.6 mm, the water drainage and anti-skid capabilities are severely insufficient.
For frequent driving in rain or snow, it is recommended to replace them with dedicated winter tires or use tires with a tread depth of≥3 mm, and regularly remove embedded stones, nails, and other foreign objects.
(3) Comprehensive Hazard Investigation is Essential.
Focus on inspecting the tire sidewalls. If cracks, bulges, or missing pieces are found, the tire must be replaced immediately. Even small cracks are dangerous under low temperatures and high pressure.
Simultaneously check for uneven wear. If wear is present, a four-wheel alignment is necessary. Repaired tires have reduced load-bearing capacity and are not recommended for use on the front wheels. Replacement is best done before long-distance travel.
(4) Proper Replacement and Maintenance
Ordinary tires have a lifespan of 4-6 years. Even if the tread is still good, replacement is recommended after 6 years. Rotate and dynamically balance all four wheels every 10,000 kilometers to reduce uneven wear.
In winter, after a cold start, drive at low speed for 2-3 minutes to warm up the tires. Avoid prolonged parking on roads with standing water, ice, or de-icing agents to prevent corrosion or freezing.
3. Three Common Misconceptions to Avoid
(1) “The higher the tire pressure, the better” is incorrect.
Excessive tire pressure leads to excessive wear in the center of the tire tread, reducing the effective contact area, weakening grip, and increasing braking distance.
(2) “If the tread is deep enough, you don’t need to replace the tire” is also incorrect.
Aging, hardening, and cracking of tire rubber are more hidden and dangerous hazards than tread wear. Tires must be replaced after 6 years of use.
(3) “Spare tires can be used as normal tires for a long time” is a serious misconception.
Non-full-size spare tires (T-type tires) have strict speed and load limits, and their performance differs from the original tire. They can only be used as temporary replacements for short-distance emergency use.
Tires are the lifeline for maintaining driving safety in winter. Precisely adjusting tire pressure, rigorously checking tire tread depth, comprehensively investigating potential hazards, and promptly replacing aging tires are effective means of avoiding risks such as skidding and tire blowouts.
