MISTAKES and FACTS ABOUT TYRES
False
We can check by hand andfind out whether tyres have a soft or hard structure
True
Theexterior surfaces of the sidewall and tread can only give a hint about somematters. There are many other layers beneath the exterior surface thatcomprises the tyre anatomy and the tyre completes its characteristics alongwith these.
False
Tread patterns arerequired particularly for delivering an excellent handling on dry surfaces.
True
Apart from the aesthetic appearance they add to tyres,the main role of tread patterns and grooves is to discharge water on wetsurfaces.
On dry surfaces, as the amount of rubber in contactwith the surface increases, the handling performance of the tyre increases. Treadpatterns cause losses in adhesion because of groove gaps. So, most dry surfaceracing tyres are designed without patterns, therefore delivering an outstandinghandling.
False
With four season tyreshaving a sufficient tread depth, winter tyres are needed less.
True
The tests show thatwinter tyres outperform in handling and traction by 25% in all winderconditions.
False
It’s enough to use only two winter tyres.
True
If usedon the same axle, it will surely provide an advantage in terms of drivingsafety. Still, there are differences defying comparison with four winter tyres.
Rememberthat the cost of additional two tyres being avoided is much less than anytangible and intangible damages in any possible accident. A small yet striking statistic;according to the report of accident statistics issued by TÜİK, the number ofaccidents occurred on snowy or icy surfaces and ending in deaths or injuries in2010 is unfortunately as high as 1,171.
False
The tyre pressure shouldbe reduced by a few PSI in order to increase handling in wintertime.
True
In every3-4 degree cooling of the air, the inner pressure of the tyre decreases by 1 PSI.Reducing the tyre pressure even more just because it’s wintertime will shortenthe life of the tyre and lead to serious safety hazards. The optimum tyrepressure should be kept along the year and even be increased by 2 PSI in harshwinter conditions.
False
Because the air in the tyreis going to expand due to high temperatures, the tyre pressure should bereduced by a few PSI.
True
Thereason why the tyre gets warm too much is sidewalls bending even more due tothe air pressure, rather than the hot temperature outside. So, please do notfall under the recommended optimum pressure values during summer months.
False
Because low-pressure tyreshold better on wet surfaces, they skid less.
True
Becausegrooves are shut due to low pressure, tyres do not deliver an optimum waterdischarge and skid even more on wet surfaces.
False
I always inflate tyresaccording to the pressure values provided on the sidewall.
True
Thevalues on the sidewall specify the maximum pressure value, but not therecommended pressure value. The car navigator, inner side of door or full filllid should be checked where the ideal pressure values recommended by the carmanufacturer are provided.
Pleaseinflate tyres according to those values and make every endeavour to keep thosepressure values.
False
Winter tyres are notrequired as long as there is no snowfall.
True
Contraryto popular belief, winter tyres are recommended not only on icy and snowysurfaces, but also whenever the temperature drops below 7°. As befits the name,we call it a winter tyre, not a snow tyre. The features that make those tyresdifferent is the tread pattern that increases handling on icy and snowysurfaces and the special rubber structure that prevents the tyre fromstiffening in cold weather conditions.
False
4x4 vehicles do not need winter tyres.
True
As thename implies, a 4x4 is, of course, has a better traction compare to two-wheeldrives. Still, the winter performances of a 4x4 with winter tyres on and a 4x4with four season or summer tyres on are incomparable.
Rememberthat while 4x4’s are good at advancing on snowy surfaces, they are no betterthan one-wheel drives in braking and turns on icy surfaces. It should also benoted that braking is much more important that moving.
False
Large tyres deliverbetter traction in any weather conditions. For example, because larger snow tyresdeliver better traction, they should be preferred in wintertime.
True
As thesize enlarges, it gets more difficult for winter tyres to go beyond the snowysurface and reach the ground in order to deliver handling. And because this isgoing to increase the possibility of the tyre floating on snow, narrower sizesshould be preferred in wintertime.
This islike the difference between one sharp and one blunt knife. Because the contactof the sharp knife with the surface it cuts through is narrower, it’s easier toget over to the lower surface.
False
New tyres should be mounted on the traction axle.
True
If onlyone pair of tyres is replaced, it should be the rear axle.
It isrecommended to prevent the rear of the vehicle from being driven away in sharpturns and sudden movements. After all, it’s always under the driver’s controlto some extent thanks to the front axle steering link. In addition, most of thecar load is carried to the front axle in emergency braking and the handling ofthe tyres on the rear axle decreases. The said hazards are more frequent on wetsurfaces.
False
If the tread depth isabove the permissible legal level, it can be used safely regardless of its life.
True
As faras JATMA (Japanese Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association) is concerned, ifused or unused (including spare tyres) tyres for passenger and light commercialvehicles are older than ten (10) years after the date of production, theyshould be replaced even if there is no visible damage or abnormality or thetread depth is sufficient for use.
False
Should tyres be replacedwhen the tread depth reach the minimum legal limit of 1.6mm?
True
Theanswer can legally be “yes,” but considering possible rainy conditions in reallife, it’s better to comply with the minimum level of 3mm to reduce the risk of“aquaplaning” which is highly dangerous.
False
Do valve caps prevent tyresfrom losing air?
True
Inshort, no.
Atlength, valve caps do not have such a function. Those caps help prevent dust,water, and mud from entering the vale and cause air loss, and are much moreimportant than estimated.