Summer tyres

Function

Essentially, car tyres can be divided into summer tyres, winter tyres and all-weather tyres depending on their main application. Summer tyres are made of a special rubber compound that provides excellent traction and handling characteristics on dry and wet roads in warmer weather. Summer tyres also have a lower rolling resistance, which leads to better fuel efficiency and a quieter journey. The profile of a summer tyre is less complex than that of a winter tyre and has fewer grooves for water displacement. This increases the contact area with the road, which means that the vehicle has better traction and braking action on a dry road in the summer months.

The special rubber compound and the more simple profile make summer tyres unsuitable for winter driving conditions. If temperatures fall below 7 degrees Celsius, the rubber becomes stiff and brittle. The tread profile cannot therefore function properly in snow and ice.

Safety

Tyres are safety critical components. As a result, tyres should be checked and maintained regularly to guarantee safety.

Value retention

Careful handling and regular checking and maintenance contribute to value retention for tyres. Drivers should regularly check the air pressure, avoid bumping into kerbs and always have new tyres balanced by a specialist dealer.

Protection of the environment

The well-known manufacturers place considerable value on protecting the environment. They go to considerable lengths to make their tyres more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Disposal of used tyres in landfill is illegal in the European Union and other countries. Many tyre dealers offer disposal of used tyres for their customers when they buy new tyres.