For many people, it is a real enigma why every driver has to have two sets of tires – one for summer and one for winter. Particularly those living in countries with extreme weather conditions, it is crucial that they change their tires before the start of each period. Once you understand the real truth behind winter tires, it’ll change your perception forever.

Here in Macedonia, it is also mandatory to have both sets, or at least, universal tires that cover all seasons. This is primarily for safety reasons because all tire types have a different structure, different rubber compound, and tread pattern.

Here at Hertz Macedonia, we offer the free winter tire option to all our past, current, and future customers. We want all our clients to have a worry-free experience when diving into a winter adventure. All Hertz Macedonia rental cars are fully equipped with their winter "skin".

So the next question would be, what is the actual difference between both types of tires, right? If you think that the only reason this rule exists is to plow through the snowy surfaces, you couldn't be more wrong. Read on to discover the genuine details.

Summer or winter tires – they’re all the same, right? Wrong.

Compared to summer tires, which harden quickly in cold temperatures, winter tires perform best in temperatures below 7 degrees C. Winter tires are made with a higher amount of natural rubber which keeps them more flexible and soft in the cold. Softer tire means better grip and handling.

Also, there are thousands of tiny grooves in the tread blocks of winter tires that are used to disperse water and prevent aquaplaning. These grooves bite into the snow and ice, providing an optimal grip with the road. Deep tread pattern provides a cavity for snow, because, strangely, nothing grips snow better than snow. Now you can hit the road to the ski tracks of Mavrovo, with a Hertz SUV equipped with all 4 winter tires completely out of charge. Here at Hertz Macedonia, we care about the safety of our customers.

Summer tires, on the other hand, perform much better in the warmer months. They are made of a relatively hard compound that softens in warmer temperatures in order to adapt better to dry as well as wet roads. But when the temperature drops below 7 degrees C, they begin to harden.

Compared to winter tires, summer tires have fewer grooves, but they also have specially designed tread bars to minimize aquaplaning. Summer tires tend to have a simple block-shaped tread pattern, providing a large footprint with the road. This results in shorter braking distance and provides excellent handling.

See the difference? At Hertz Macedonia, we definitely do. Our client's safety comes first and we are always ready to meet winter's challenges. Buckle up, it's time for a winter adventure!