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Tire change time: why you shouldn't wait until the last day

As autumn approaches, car repair shops across Lithuania are working at an increased pace – the tire change rush has begun. Every year at the end of October, drivers often hear “there is no free time”, and those who are not in time risk not only being left without a place at the service station, but also getting into a traffic accident, which can be very expensive.

When is it mandatory to change tires?

According to the Road Traffic Regulations of the Republic of Lithuania, from November 10 to April 1 All passenger cars must be equipped with winter tires.

According to current legislation, only those tires marked with the 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol are considered suitable for use in the winter season. This mark confirms that the tire meets the requirements for winter operation and has been tested in snowy conditions. The M+S (Mud and Snow) marking alone is not enough, as it only indicates the properties declared by the manufacturer, but does not confirm that the tire meets winter tests. Drivers often believe that all universal tires are suitable for use all year round, but do not pay attention to the fact that only with the 3PMSF mark are they considered winter tires according to Lithuanian legislation.

Key requirements

  • The minimum tread depth for winter tires is 3 mm, but for safety reasons, at least 4 mm is recommended.
  • The same tires must be on the same axle – the same size, type and manufacturer.
  • Studded tires are only allowed during the winter season and must be marked with a special sign “STUDDED TIRES” on the back of the vehicle.
  • Summer tires are not suitable for winter – their rubber hardens, and grip on cold or wet roads is significantly reduced. It is not advisable to use summer tires even if the road is still snow-free – when the temperature drops below +7 °C, their rubber loses elasticity and grip.

What happens if you have an accident with unsuitable tires?

The traffic police remind you that the use of unsuitable tires may result in administrative liability. However, there are much more serious consequences from an insurance perspective.

If it is determined during a traffic accident that the car had unseasonal or worn tires, the insurance company may:

  • reduce the insurance benefit, or
  • not pay it at all if it is proven that unsuitable tires contributed to the accident.

In such a case, the driver may have to pay for the damage themselves – both to their own car and to another road user. This is especially relevant in cases of compulsory civil liability (CPL) – recourse claims from insurers can reach several or even tens of thousands of euros.

How temperature affects tire rubber

Tire rubber is not the same – different compounds react to temperature very differently.

  • Summer tires are made of a harder compound, so in cold weather they harden even more, lose elasticity and adapt less well to the road surface.
  • Winter tires contain more natural rubber and softeners, so they remain elastic even at sub-zero temperatures – they have better grip on wet or icy roads.
  • During the autumn period, when the temperature is still positive during the day and drops below 0 °C in the mornings, the braking distance increases by up to 30–40%, especially if the road is wet or covered with fallen leaves.

Therefore, it is not worth following calendar dates alone – it is worth changing tires according to weather conditions, when the temperature starts to drop below +7 °C at night.

How to check if your tires are suitable

Even if you have already replaced your tires, it is important to regularly check their condition and ensure that they still meet safety requirements.

  1. Check the tire pressure.
    This can be done with a pressure gauge, which is often built into the pump or available at a gas station. The pressure values ​​are listed on the inside of the driver’s door or in the car’s manual. Too low a pressure increases fuel consumption and impairs handling, too high a pressure reduces traction.
  1. Check the tread depth.
    In winter, it should be at least 3 mm, in summer – 1.6 mm. The depth can be measured with a special gauge, caliper or a simple ruler. Some gas stations or tire services provide this service free of charge.
  1. Visually assess the condition of your tires.
    Check for cracks, bulges, stuck screws or nails. Even a small deformation can be dangerous at high speeds.
  1. Check that the tires are the same.
    Do not use tires of different treads or manufacturers on the same axle – they will wear unevenly and the car may become unstable.
  1. Check that the tires are suitable for the season.
    Winter tires are marked with a mountain with a snowflake symbol (3PMSF). Studded tires can only be used in winter, and the car must be marked with the appropriate symbol. All-season tires can be used all year round, but they are only suitable for those who drive infrequently and mostly in the city.
  1. Check the age of the tires.
    Each tire is marked with a four-digit manufacturing date (e.g., “1219” means the 12th week of 2019). Even if the tire looks good, rubber that is more than 10 years old loses its elasticity and can tear when braking or cornering.

In summary

Properly maintained and suitable tires are one of the simplest but most important steps to safety. Although winter tires are mandatory from November 10, it is wise to take care of them earlier – as soon as the temperature at night starts to drop below +7 °C. This will avoid not only queues, but also unpleasant consequences – from unexpected skidding to loss of insurance benefits.

✅ We remind you:

You can quickly compare and purchase mandatory third party liability and CASCO insurance on the Man ramu insurance platform.

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