– Studless winter tires are not a universal all-year tyre, and if you drive with them all year round, you can be absolutely sure that the sun and heat have weakened the rubber so that the tire performs worse when it comes to winter roads with snow, slush and ice again, says Torbjørn Brandeggen , communications advisor at Tryg Forsikring, in a press release.
In a survey carried out by YouGov on behalf of Tryg Forsikring, 2 out of 10 respond that they do not change tyres, but rather drive with studless winter tires all year round.
Over 100,000 of the respondents also answer that they drive on winter tires that are six years or older. The number of car accidents increases in the transition between autumn and winter. Many of the accidents are due to worn winter tires according to the car repair shop chain AutoMester’s general manager Geirmund Hjell.
– There is no definitive answer to when winter tires must be changed, but if they have been used for five years or more, the properties of the tire are significantly weakened compared to new ones, even with legal tread depth. Harder rubber gives poorer grip on winter roads, says Hjell.
He also highlights electric cars, which are often heavier than fossil cars, which means that the tires wear out faster.
– We often recommend replacement after only 3 years of use, as the tires are very worn. It’s not just about increased weight and bigger tyres, but many electric car owners also drive more than before when they switch from fossil fuels to a heavier electric car. In addition, you drive differently with an electric car, often with greater acceleration on the motorway, says Hjell.
#people #skip #tire #insurance #companies #worry
**Interview with Torbjørn Brandeggen and Geirmund Hjell on Winter Tire Safety**
**Editor:** Today, we have Torbjørn Brandeggen, communications advisor at Tryg Forsikring, and Geirmund Hjell, general manager of AutoMester, to discuss the crucial topic of winter tire safety. Thank you both for joining us.
**Torbjørn Brandeggen:** Thank you for having us.
**Geirmund Hjell:** Glad to be here.
**Editor:** Torbjørn, can you elaborate on the risks of driving with studless winter tires all year round?
**Torbjørn Brandeggen:** Absolutely. Studless winter tires are designed for cold conditions. When driven in warmer weather, the rubber composition can degrade, leading to reduced performance when winter weather returns. It’s a misconception that they can serve as all-year tires.
**Editor:** Interesting. Geirmund, your survey indicated that many drivers use winter tires that are six years or older. What are the implications of driving on such old tires?
**Geirmund Hjell:** The implications are significant. Tires that have been in use for over five years start to lose their essential properties, even if the tread depth appears legal. This can severely compromise grip on winter roads and increase the risk of accidents, especially during the seasonal transition.
**Editor:** It sounds like there’s a pressing need for awareness. You also mentioned that electric cars pose different challenges for tire wear. Can you explain that?
**Geirmund Hjell:** Certainly. Electric cars are generally heavier, which accelerates tire wear. We often advise replacing tires after just three years due to heightened wear from increased weight and driving habits that may lead to greater acceleration. It’s critical for drivers to stay proactive about tire maintenance.
**Editor:** With all this information, it raises the question: should there be more stringent regulations or guidelines governing the use and maintenance of winter tires? Would such measures help prevent the rise in accidents linked to worn tires?
**Torbjørn Brandeggen:** That’s a pertinent question, and increasing public awareness is vital. Stricter guidelines might help, but we also need to encourage personal responsibility among drivers.
**Geirmund Hjell:** I agree. A combination of education and possibly more formal assessments for tire conditions could indeed foster safer driving practices.
**Editor:** It looks like there’s room for debate on this topic. What do you think, readers? Should there be stricter regulations for winter tire usage? How can we promote safer driving habits in the context of changing vehicle technology? Share your thoughts!
**Editor:** Today, we have Torbjørn Brandeggen, communications advisor at Tryg Forsikring, and Geirmund Hjell, general manager of AutoMester, to discuss the crucial topic of winter tire safety. Thank you both for joining us.
**Torbjørn Brandeggen:** Thank you for having us.
**Geirmund Hjell:** Glad to be here.
**Editor:** Torbjørn, can you elaborate on the risks of driving with studless winter tires all year round?
**Torbjørn Brandeggen:** Absolutely. Studless winter tires are designed for cold conditions. When driven in warmer weather, the rubber composition can degrade, leading to reduced performance when winter weather returns. It’s a misconception that they can serve as all-year tires. Prolonged exposure to heat can result in a significant weakening of the tire’s grip on snow and ice, which is crucial for safe driving in winter.
**Editor:** Interesting. Geirmund, your survey indicated that many drivers use winter tires that are six years or older. What are the implications of driving on such old tires?
**Geirmund Hjell:** The implications are significant. Tires that have been in use for over five years start to lose their essential properties, even if the tread depth appears legal. Hard rubber can result in poorer grip on winter roads, increasing the likelihood of accidents, particularly during the seasonal transition when conditions can change rapidly.
**Editor:** It sounds like there’s a pressing need for awareness. You also mentioned that electric cars pose different challenges for tire maintenance. Can you elaborate on that?
**Geirmund Hjell:** Certainly. Electric cars tend to be heavier than traditional fossil-fuel vehicles, which causes tires to wear out faster. We often recommend that electric car owners consider replacing their tires after three years of use, as the combination of increased weight and different driving habits—such as greater acceleration—can lead to accelerated tire wear. It’s crucial for safety that drivers remain proactive about tire maintenance.
**Editor:** Great insights! What advice would you give to drivers as we head into the winter months?
**Torbjørn Brandeggen:** My advice is simple: be diligent about changing your tires when the season demands it. Avoid using winter tires year-round, and never overlook the age and condition of your tires before the winter weather hits. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
**Geirmund Hjell:** I second that. Regularly inspect your tires, and if they are more than five years old, consider replacing them. Remember that safety is paramount, and the right tires can make all the difference when facing winter conditions.
**Editor:** Thank you both for sharing your valuable insights. Staying informed and proactive can help keep everyone safer on the roads this winter.
