Everything you need to know about tires.

Summer, winter and all-season tires

Choosing the right tire is crucial for a safe and comfortable ride. There are three main types of tires: summer, winter, and all-season. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Summer tires are designed for high temperatures, dry and wet roads. They are made from a solid rubber compound that provides maximum grip and stability in hot weather.

• Pros: Better grip on dry and wet roads, at high speeds, and lower fuel consumption.

• Negative: Loses grip at low temperatures (below 7°C) and wears out quickly in cold weather.

Winter tires are designed for driving in low temperatures, snow, and ice. Their rubber compound is softer, which allows them to not harden in the cold. The deep grooves in the tread effectively grip the snowy road.

• Pros: Superior grip on snow, ice, and cold, wet roads. Improves braking distance.

• Negative: Wears out quickly at high temperatures and increases fuel consumption. Noisy on dry roads.

All-season tires (or All-Season) are a compromise option. They combine the properties of summer and winter tires, allowing you to use them all year round.

• Pros: Practical and economical, as it does not require seasonal replacement. Offers acceptable grip in both summer and mild winter.

• Negative: Not as effective as specialized tires in any conditions. Not recommended in heavy snow or ice conditions.

How to find out the year of a tire (DOT code)

The tire's manufacturing date is easy to understand and can be determined by its DOT code . The DOT (Department of Transportation) code is a ten-digit combination of characters, the last four digits of which provide information about the manufacturing date.

How to read a DOT code

Look for the DOT code on the sidewall of the tire, which usually starts with the letters "DOT" and ends with four digits. These four digits are the most important data.

• The first two digits indicate the week number.

• The last two digits indicate the year of manufacture.

For example, if the last four digits of the DOT code are 2522 , this means that the tire was manufactured on the 25th week of 2022 .

Tips to extend tire life

1. Check your blood pressure regularly.

The optimal level of tire pressure is crucial. Too low a pressure causes uneven tire wear, increases fuel consumption, and impairs handling, while too high a pressure reduces grip and increases wear in the center.

• How to check: Use a pressure gauge and check the pressure at least once a month, preferably when the tires are cold (before starting the trip).

• Optimal pressure: Information about the correct pressure can be found in your vehicle's owner's manual, on the driver's door frame, or on the fuel tank cap.

2. Perform tire rotation

The front and rear tires of a vehicle wear unevenly. Rotating tires (periodically changing their positions) ensures even wear and extends their life.

• How often: It is recommended to perform tire rotation every 10,000-12,000 kilometers.

3. Check the balancing and dispersion (displacement)

Proper balancing is essential to ensure that tires roll smoothly and prevent vibration at the wheel. Alignment ensures that the tires are at the correct angle to the road.

• Why it's important: Incorrect alignment causes rapid and uneven wear on the sidewalls of the tire. It's recommended to check at least once a year, or if the car hits a pothole or curb hard.

4. Drive carefully.

Your driving style directly affects the life of your tires. Avoid sudden braking, quick turns, and sudden acceleration. These actions not only damage your tires, but are also dangerous. Also, try to keep your car away from potholes and sharp curbs.

5. Protect tires from improper storage

If you have seasonal tires, storing them properly is critically important.

• Where to store: Store in a cool, dry, and dark place out of direct sunlight. Sunlight and heat damage the structure of the rubber.

• How to store: It is best to store tires vertically to prevent deformation.

Georgian Legislation: Tires and Technical Inspection

Georgian legislation pays great attention to vehicle safety. During periodic technical inspections, tires are strictly checked against several criteria:

• Tread depth: The legal minimum depth is 1.6 mm. If the tire tread is less than this, the vehicle will fail the inspection.

• Damage: The tire must not be damaged, torn, or have bulges. Such defects pose a serious safety hazard.

• Size and type: Tires on one axle must be the same size and type (for example, summer). Also, the tire size must comply with the manufacturer's recommendations.

• Year of manufacture: The tire must not be more than 10 years old.

Winter tire obligation in mountainous regions

An amendment to the Law of Georgia, which was added to the Law on Road Traffic, entered into force on January 1, 2024. This amendment obliges drivers to equip their vehicles with winter tires in mountainous regions from November 15 to March 15. Specifically, the law stipulates that:

• Winter tires are mandatory in settlements defined by the Mountain Law of Georgia, as well as in regions where temperatures frequently drop below zero.

• If a vehicle is not equipped with winter tires, its operation is prohibited during the specified period and in the specified territories.

If you often have to drive in mountainous regions, be sure to take this regulation into account, because in case of non-compliance with the requirements for winter tires and anti-skid chains, you will be fined 100 GEL and the number of points assigned to your driving license will be reduced by 5 points.