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Driving Tips - Guerin
Winter tires: what is the difference?
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The arrival of winter raises many questions for drivers. Should I put some winter tires on my vehicle? When is the best time to swap from summer to winter tires? To help with all these doubts and ensure your safety on the road during the coldest season, Guerin explains it all.
Winter tires, also known as snow tires, are a type of tires specifically designed to withstand low temperatures, ensuring safer driving during winter, regardless of whether there is snow on the roads or not.
But what makes these tires so special?They have some different characteristics, which provide superior grip that is essential in extreme weather conditions. The main difference of these type of tires is the rubber composition, which is more flexible, being capable of resisting lower temperatures, preventing loss of traction on roads with water, ice, snow or mud. Additionally, they have a tread design with larger gaps, allowing for better expulsion of water and snow, reducing the danger of aquaplaning.
Winter tires benefits
Snow tires provides better vehicle performance in temperatures below 7ºC. Using winter tires, during the coldest season has several advantages for the driver and all passengers.
- Increased grip: unlike summer tires, which harden in low temperatures and loose traction, winter tires offer better grip and superior traction, even in harsh weather.
- Better vehicle control: winter tires allow you an optimized handling of the vehicle and a reduced breaking distance.
Should I switch tires?
Although winter tires offer some benefits, especially in extreme weather conditions, in Portugal there is no need to use them in most of the regions of the country, given the temperate climate. Snow tires may be truly necessary only in very cold regions or mountainous areas of the country, where winter is harsh, and snow and ice are common. In the rest of the country, summer tires or all-season tires can generally ensure a safe driving.
Winter driving tips
During winter, the most important thing to do is to adapt your driving to the weather, so extra attention is needed. Guerin brings you some tips to help you keeping the maximum safety:
- Increase the safety distance
- Take good care of your tires (regardless of the type of tires)
- Avoid abrupt acceleration or braking
- Analyse weather forecasts
When you rent a car with Guerin, we are guaranteed total peace on the road. All our vehicles undergo regular maintenance and inspections, in line with manufacturer recommendations. We provide detailed maintenance reports tailored to each vehicle type and segment, ensuring that all specific needs are properly addressed. In addition, tires are regularly checked and replaced when necessary, ensuring they meet all safety standards and allowing for a smooth driving experience throughout the year. And to make your driving even more relaxed here are some tips for driving in the rain or in the snow.
When should I switchtires?
If you live in one of the coldest regions of Portugal, such as Serra da Estrela, and we are thinking of using some winter tires, it is important for you to know the best time to switch your tires. When the temperatures fall below 7ºC, summer tires harden and start to lose some grip on the road, putting you in danger. Therefore, as soon as the temperatures fall below 7ºC, you should switch to winter tires. However, if you like to be prepared, you can install your winter tires in October, when typically, it starts to rain.
Can I use winter tires all year?
In the same way there is a right moment to switch to winter tires, there is also a time when they should be removed. It is not recommended that you use these tires for a long time, as their rubber wears out more quickly on hot roads and they become less effective. Therefore, we advise you to use them between October and March, and by the end of March, you should switch back to your usual tires.
Renting with Guerin is easy, digital and secure
With Guerin’s 100% digital rental process, renting a car has become even easier. From the moment of your reservation to the vehicle return, the entire process is digital, making the rental faster and more convenient. In just 9 minutes, you’ll have your car.
By making your reservation online, you can customize your service with one of our extras. During winter, to keep you always prepared for unexpected situations, we recommend adding the road assistance extra to your reservation. This service allows you to contact Guerin in case something doesn’t go as planned and have all the support you need on the road.
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