Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Nighttime temperatures in the capital have stopped dropping below freezing, and the average daily temperature is already reaching seven degrees Celsius. In this regard, Traffic Management Center The Central Traffic Management Center (TsODD) recommends that drivers switch from winter to summer tires, but only when the weather warms steadily. Changing tires too early or too late directly impacts road safety and can lead to accidents.
The key to switching to summer tires is a stable average daily temperature above 7°C (45°F). This threshold is critical for winter tires. The soft compound of tires designed for low temperatures loses its properties in warm weather, so tires should only be changed when the risk of frost has passed overnight, and when driving is not early in the morning or late in the evening, when there is a high risk of icy conditions. Those traveling outside the city should be especially careful: in the Moscow region, frost is still possible at night, so it's best to plan such trips during the day.
"With the arrival of consistently warm weather, we strongly recommend drivers switch from winter to summer tires. This will significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Those traveling outside the city should be especially careful: frost is still possible at night in the region, so it's best to plan such trips during the day. We promptly inform drivers of any weather changes via messages on the traffic management system's traffic control boards. At the direction of Sergei Sobyanin, as part of the transport development strategy through 2030, we continue to improve traffic safety in the city," said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.
Neglecting to change seasonal tires directly impacts driving safety. Winter tires are not designed for use in temperatures above 7°C (45°F), and the primary consequence is increased braking distance. On dry pavement, the difference can be up to 15–20 meters (the length of three cars), and if a pedestrian or obstacle suddenly appears, this may not be enough to stop.
Furthermore, handling is impaired. Even at slightly above-zero temperatures, winter tires become too soft, causing the car to be less responsive to steering, reacting slowly to turns, and swaying when changing lanes. Driving on winter tires on wet pavement is especially dangerous. In such conditions, the risk of hydroplaning increases significantly. This occurs when a film of water forms between the tire and the road, causing the car to lose traction and control. Summer tires are designed to prevent this: a special tread pattern with longitudinal grooves effectively evacuates water from the so-called contact patch, the small area where the car meets the road.
Besides the safety risks, there are other consequences of using winter tires in warm weather. Because they are soft, they literally begin to melt, leading to overheating and accelerated wear. Furthermore, the complex tread pattern creates increased noise. For example, studded tires begin to make a distinctive rattling sound when driving on asphalt. Their use is prohibited during the summer months.
It's also important to remember the tread depth requirements. Summer tires should have a tread depth of at least 1.6 millimeters, and winter tires should have a tread depth of at least 4 millimeters.
Changing tires is a great opportunity to perform a comprehensive car inspection after winter. The Traffic Management Center recommends checking the level and condition of technical fluids (antifreeze, brake fluid, and oil), as exposure to cold weather may have affected their properties. It's also worth thoroughly washing the car, paying special attention to the wheel arches and undercarriage, to remove road chemicals and prevent corrosion. It's important to drain the winter antifreeze and replace it with spring or summer fluid, and install new windshield wipers, as they may have lost their elasticity over the winter. In spring, given the rain, good visibility is especially important, so it's worth checking the headlights (low and high beams, turn signals, and fog lights) and making sure the car has a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective vest.
Drivers are advised to monitor the weather forecast and be careful on the roads.
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