Caravanning has been most popular in Europe for many years, especially in the Scandinavian countries, as well as in the Netherlands, Germany and Great Britain. Therefore, due to frequent and heavy snowfall, it is important to prepare your car or trailer for driving in difficult conditions during a winter trip. One of such elements is replacing summer tires with winter ones. Proper selection of tires ensures safe travel in even the most extreme weather conditions, including snowstorms and slippery surfaces.
I don't think anyone needs to be convinced of the enormous benefits of installing tires appropriate to the weather. First of all, the car is easier to drive and the braking distance is significantly shorter, without the risk of skidding, of course with balanced driving. We wrote about which country requires replacing tires here: When and in which country do you need to change tires? .
Option one: used winter tires
Replacing winter tires can be done in two variants: in the first one, we install used tires (from the previous season) or buy new ones. If we use used winter tires that have been waiting for us all spring and summer, before putting them on, we should check their condition, including whether they are cracked, bulged or other disturbing changes. We also check whether there are any foreign bodies in the tires, e.g. stones - if there are any, they should be removed. The tread height is another very important issue, as it cannot be too low. Tire parameters are usually provided by the manufacturer, so if the tread height we have tested differs from the optimal one, the tires can only be replaced. To ensure the good condition of winter tires, we must remember about the appropriate conditions in which they are stored during the summer months - the tires must be hidden (preferably in a dark and cool room) or covered so that the sun's rays, which have a damaging effect on them, do not reach them. influence.
Option two: purchasing new winter tires
When purchasing new winter tires, it is worth seeking advice from specialists. There are two types of winter tires: one is designed for travel at temperatures below 7C, the other for slightly milder conditions. It is true that this is not a cheap expense, but it is extremely necessary and even obligatory, taking into account the laws of some European countries . However, good quality tires stored in convenient conditions can last for several years (they are used only 3-4 months a year). It is certainly an investment that turns out to be invaluable for the sake of our health and life.
One more important rule: as soon as the temperature rises and there is general warming, you should take off your winter boots , because at higher temperatures they wear out very quickly.
What should you pay attention to when choosing winter tires for a camper or caravan ? First of all , the load index . Too low load capacity may result in tragic consequences - tires may burst unexpectedly while driving. In addition, we select tires marked with the letter C for the camper, which are suitable for delivery vehicles . You can also use XL tires, which are tires for regular cars, but are more reinforced. However, it all depends on the recommendations of the camper or caravan manufacturer. You can read more about camper tires here: Camper and caravan tires .
It is also worth equipping yourself with winter chains , especially if you are traveling to Alpine countries where they are required.
