Winter and all-season tire selection and maintenance guide

Drivers should consider several technical factors when selecting and installing winter tires to ensure safety and performance. When vibrations occur after installation, it is essential to distinguish between tire defects and wheel issues. Potential causes include improper balancing, damaged rims, incorrect mounting, or uneven tread wear. Drivers are advised to note specific symptoms, such as whether vibrations occur during braking or at specific speeds, to assist mechanics in diagnosis.

There are fundamental differences between winter tires and all-season tires. Winter tires utilize silica-rich compounds that remain flexible in temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius, featuring deep grooves and dense sipes to grip ice and snow. All-season tires aim for a balance, providing elasticity in the cold while maintaining stability in warmer weather. Key certifications to look for include the M+S marking for mud and snow, and the 3PMSF symbol, which certifies minimum performance on snow according to standardized testing.