As you change to new tires, they need a short break-in period to reach optimal performance. Read how to break in new tires.
New tires are like shoes: it takes time to get used to them. With tires, the first few hundred miles are the so-called break-in period, after which the tires have properly settled in. This is something the driver should be aware of because breaking in new tires affects road safety.
What does breaking in tires mean
Generally, a tire break-in takes about 300 miles (about 480 kilometers) of driving. The purpose of breaking in tires is to reach their optimal performance and ensure they are safe to drive. Although brand-new tires have more tread depth than older ones, they can still be less reliable before they are driven in.
For example, new tires tend to “squirm” during their adjustment period. You can notice this kind of tread squirm as you steer the vehicle. Tread squirm and other signs of brand new tires will go away after the first few hundred miles, however.
One reason new tires are less reliable is the release lubricant used during tire manufacturing. The purpose of the release lubricant is to prevent the tires from getting stuck to their molds. Additionally, the tires may still contain antioxidants, which are used to prevent the newly manufactured tire and its material from getting damaged. Both take time to wear off as the tires are in use.
How to break in new tires
It takes time for your tires to reach optimal performance while still new. However, there are some things to keep in mind when breaking in new tires:
- Avoid sudden braking and acceleration. New tires do not yet provide optimal traction and do not perform as well when accelerating or breaking forcefully. We recommend keeping a good distance from the vehicle in front of you while your new tires adjust.
- Pay attention to your driving speed. Whether driving with old or new tires, be mindful of your driving speed. However, pay extra attention to how fast you drive when breaking in new tires.
- Check your tire pressure. Check and adjust the inflation pressure of your tires not just when driving in new tires but also to prolong the service life of older tires. Driving with correct tire pressure is safer, too.
- Retorque lug nuts. If you have changed new tires to your vehicle, make sure to check and tighten the lug nuts after about 30-60 miles (or about 50-100 kilometers) of driving to ensure they have not loosened. In the worst-case scenario, your new tires can come off if the lug nuts loosen while driving.
How tread depth influences tire safety
When still brand new, fresh tires are at their maximum tread depth. However, this does not mean that the tires are at their safest. As your tires wear out, they will have less tread depth over time. With very little tread depth, old tires become unreliable, especially in difficult driving conditions and do not perform well when braking or steering.
Check regularly how much tread depth your old tires have left and change to a new set to prevent dangerous situations in traffic. Visit your local Nokian Tyres dealer when it is time to change to new tires - find out where below:
Please remember that it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure their tires are safe and suitable for their vehicle and to follow the vehicle’s manufacturer´s guidelines for proper use and maintenance. Consult your closest Nokian Tyres dealer or your vehicle’s manufacturer for specific advice.
