Since yesterday it is necessary to have chains in the car or alternatively to fit tires suitable for low temperatures. Otherwise, the risk is to incur penalties. Altroconsumo remembers him who carried out gods tests to choose the right tire and highlighting how Compared to a year ago, the online cost of tires has increased by 15%: “If a year ago, when buying online, an average of 320 euros was spent for a set of tires, after a year the same models have always increased by about fifty euros: today it takes about 370 euros for the entire train”.
“If you have decided to fit winter tires (those with M + S marking), but with a speed code (the last letter of the codes written on the tire) lower than that indicated in your vehicle registration document, starting this year – underlines Altroconsumo – you have from 15 October to 15 November to change tires and another 30 days to return to summer tires (from 15 April to 15 May) without incurring penalties. So this is the right time to buy them “.
That of November 15, notes the consumer association, “is a deadline that motorists have known for years, but this year those who want to buy a new set of winter tires have an unwelcome surprise: a decided increase in the prices of this one. produced on e-commerce sites. Compared to a year ago, in fact, the online cost of tires has increased by 15%. One of the main causes is the continuous increase in the cost of procurement due to higher costs for sea transport by container, air and road. The result is that if a year ago, buying online, an average of 320 euros was spent for a set of tires, after a year the same models have always increased by about fifty euros: today it takes about 370 euros for the entire train. . Considering all the tire models we analyzed, 8 out of 10 registered an increase compared to last winter and some models even reached a 50% increase compared to the price of a year ago “.
To save money, the only way, notes the consumer association, “is compare tire prices and, for Altroconsumo members, take advantage of the discounts negotiated with platforms such as Gommadiretto and Tirendo, with which, for example, there is an extra 3% discount for all members until 31 December. Our winter tire model test helps you compare prices but also find the best performing models. We decided to test different sizes, each suitable for different types of cars. If your car does not fit into any of these four sizes or you don’t remember exactly which tire code is suitable for your car, you can always find out how the tires performed, brand by brand, during our tests over the last 10 years. : it can be useful in choosing a producer rather than another “.
Choosing the best performing tire is not enough. “A flat tire or a tire with a pressure value lower than optimal consumes more and reduces the life of the tire itself.. Tires – underlines Altroconsumo – naturally lose pressure every 2 or 3 months (about 0.2 bar) and every time the temperature is lowered by 10 degrees. However, 85% of all pressure losses are represented by “small” losses, diluted over time and therefore not easily and immediately identifiable. Make sure you use the “highway” pressure value for your vehicle when traveling long distances or under heavy loads. The fuel consumption increases by 1-2% every 0.2 bar under optimum pressure. Finally, when choosing new tires, it is better to choose those with an A or B “energy label.
For advice Altoconsumo recommends that you subscribe for free to the new Mile21 online service: “You will be able to monitor your car’s consumption and emissions and find out if real consumption and emissions correspond to those declared by the manufacturer”.
Source-www.adnkronos.com