Guide to Breaking in New Tires

New tires must be run in carefully. We'll tell you why and how to drive with new tires to get the best performance and safety.

Have you just bought a new vehicle? Or have you replaced your old, worn-out tires with a set of brand new tires?

Before you hit the gas pedal to test your new tires, there is one thing you should take to heart: just like a new pair of shoes, new tires take time and need to be run in before they can perform at their best. Read our tips and learn how to break in your tires safely so that they will serve you for as long as possible.

What makes new tires so different?

There are a number of factors that can cause your new tires to perform a little differently than your old ones.

Lubricant:

A release lubricant is used during manufacture to help the tires detach from the mold. Residues of this lubricant adhere to the tread until it is removed by the rolling movement on the roadway. These residues can affect the road grip.

Antioxidants:

Antioxidants prevent the tire rubber compound from becoming porous over time due to environmental factors such as fluctuating temperatures or oxygen. However, this can initially make the surface of the tire a little smoother.

Tread depth:

New tires have a maximum tread depth. This fresh profile is stiff, smooth, and deep. It can feel like unyielding, thick padding between you and the street at first. This can deform the tire.

Remember that the tire only develops its full performance after it has rolled on asphalt for a few kilometers and the surface of its tread has worn down a little. Only then does it offer optimal adhesion and handling properties.

This is how you can safely run in new tires

For the first 800 kilometers, you should take it slowly, accelerate and brake carefully and drive gently around the corners. In this way, you can break in your tires optimally and prepare them for everyday use. After that, lubricants and other substances used in the manufacturing process are completely removed.

Here's what you should do:

• If possible, drive on a dry road surface
• Drive at a moderate speed
• Maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front of you, as the braking distance could be longer.

You shouldn't:

• Speed up hard
• Brake suddenly (unless it cannot be avoided)

Breaking in phase for tires and drivers

Even if you equip your vehicle with the same tires (same make, same model) as before, you may experience a different driving experience. The tread on your old tires was probably badly worn, which is why you bought new tires.

A gentle acclimatization period not only gives your tires the chance to adapt to perform at their best, but also gives you the opportunity to get used to your new tires.

If you take it easy with your new tires at the beginning, they will serve you well for a long time. To keep your tires in good condition for as long as possible, you should regularly check their condition.

How long does it take to break in new tires?

If you break in your tires in the colder months of the year, the break-in time will be longer. This is due to the cold ground temperatures, which cause the tires to warm up more slowly.

The run-in period is around 200 kilometers. A few more kilometers for the run-in phase, up to around 300 kilometers, can only improve the result furt