For all those who use the car as a means of transport to get to the holiday destination, it is necessary to carry out various checks on the vehicle in order to drive in complete safety. This concerns the engine and the different levels, the functioning of the headlights and indicators, the brakes and also the tyres. Indeed, when you leave on holiday, you often have to drive long distances, even very long if you are planning a road trip across Europe! The following tips will be of great help to equip your car with the right tyres before taking to the road. Don't hesitate to check out Pneu Online to find quality models at very good prices
A few reminders about the regulations
Driving is all about following a set of rules. These are those defined by the highway code, but they also concern the general condition of the car and therefore the tyres. Passenger vehicles must meet certain criteria regarding tyres. The measures to be complied with are, of course, intended to guarantee the safety of the driver and passengers when travelling. It is necessary to mention some of these measures so that motorists are aware of them before using the car. For example, the law stipulates that the sidewall of the tyre must show product information (date of manufacture, type approval, etc.). Just as it is permitted to install different types of tyres at the rear and front of the vehicle, it is forbidden to install two tyres of different types on the same axle. The condition of the tire is also very important. There must be no cuts or tears, and when the depth of the tire is less than 1.6 millimeters, it must be changed
These few rules are important to respect because in the event of a check by the police, failure to respect them exposes the motorist to penalties. For so-called smooth tyres, a 4th class fine can be imposed: the amount is €135, which is reduced to €90 if payment is made within three days. It can reach €375 if payment is made after 45 days.
Adapting tyres to the environment
When you go on holiday, you should take stock of the place(s) you are planning to visit and the time of year you are travelling. This allows you to choose the right tyre. There are several types of tyres on the market and this is no coincidence. Summer tyres are those that are used for a large part of the year. Although they are designed to be used all year round, it should be noted that their grip is reduced when temperatures fall below 7°C. They are recommended in spring and summer, when driving on the beach or in the country and the sun is shining brightly
Winter tyres, more commonly known as snow tyres, are not compulsory in France. However, they are recommended when driving in snowy areas, as they have better grip on slippery surfaces and improve braking. In certain high mountain regions, it is even highly recommended to opt for chains. They are permitted from 11 November to the end of March and are even compulsory on certain routes. They are also the best way to avoid dangerous situations in heavy snow
You should also be aware that there are so-called "4-season" tyres. It is a good compromise for spring, summer and autumn, but they only replace winter tyres for snowy and icy roads. Finally, you should always think about having a Runflat tire in your trunk. This is a puncture-proof tyre, but it is still a spare tyre, with which you cannot drive over 80 km/hour
On a summer road trip in Europe, summer tires or 4-season tires are good choices. But when you go for a winter road trip and you know who you're going to cross mountainous territories, it's imperative to have winter tyres and chains in the trunk. Winter tyres offer better grip when temperatures are below 7°C, and that's quite common in EU countries in the middle of the winter season. In addition, tyre legislation changes from country to country in Europe, so don't forget to find out about it before heading to new areas
