When to Change Your Tires According to the Season

Rental cars whit winter tires

When should you switch from winter to summer tires and vice versa?

Is there a law requiring this, and when is the most suitable time to make the change to ensure road safety?

Travel Cars EOOD has gathered expert advice and legal requirements to help answer these questions.

When to Change from Summer to Winter Tires

This question starts to concern most drivers toward the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. There are two main rules for when to install winter tires:

  1. Follow legal regulations: Install winter tires by mid-November.
  2. Consider the weather: Switch to winter tires when average daily temperatures drop below +7°C.

The Legal Aspect

There is no specific law in Bulgaria mandating the use of winter tires. However, the Road Traffic Act requires all vehicles between November 15 and March 1 to be equipped with winter tires or tires with a tread depth of no less than 4 mm.

This means you are allowed to use all-season or even summer tires as long as they meet these criteria. However, if you live at higher altitudes or in areas with heavy snowfall, relying solely on legal requirements is not advisable. Your safety should be the priority.

Many tests have been conducted to evaluate the performance of different tire types. When the average temperature drops below 7°C, the materials used in all-season and summer tires harden, reducing traction and grip. Winter tires, on the other hand, are made from softer compounds and feature unique tread patterns with more sipes. This allows them to adhere better to snowy, icy, or slushy roads, providing greater contact with the surface. As a result, winter tires offer better stability and shorter braking distances compared to summer tires.

When purchasing winter tires, prioritize quality over price to ensure optimal safety. Therefore, when temperatures consistently remain around 7°C during your driving hours, it’s best to switch to winter tires. In Bulgaria, it’s a good idea to monitor the weather as November approaches.

When to Change from Winter to Summer Tires

Even if the weather forecast predicts warm temperatures in your area before March 1, don’t rush to replace your winter tires with summer ones. Although Bulgaria does not have a specific law mandating winter tires, the Road Traffic Act requires drivers to use tires suitable for winter conditions or tires with a tread depth of no less than 4 mm between November 15 and March 1.

It’s best to wait until March and ensure that warm weather is consistent for at least one to two weeks. After that, you can confidently switch to summer tires and drive safely across the country.

Why Driving with Winter Tires in Warm Weather Is Not Recommended

Keep in mind that even the best winter tires wear out quickly when used at temperatures above +7°C due to excessive heating. Additionally, winter tires are less effective at braking on both dry and wet roads in warmer conditions. This is because their softer compound and additional sipes reduce traction and efficiency compared to the channels on summer tires.

For your safety and to prevent premature tire wear, it is crucial to use tires appropriate for the season.

We hope the information provided has been helpful!

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