Do you need to run-in summer tires?

All drivers are aware of the run-in period for winter studded tires. When purchasing new studded tires, it is recommended to drive calmly for the first 500-1000 kilometers to allow the studs to settle into their places. However, sometimes on the internet, you can come across phrases about the need to run-in summer tires. Summer tires do not have any additional elements that require settling, but it is claimed that a certain protective layer needs to be removed from the tire. Let's figure out if this is really the case.

If we talk about the tread, there is no special protective or technical layer of rubber. None of the manufacturers do this, because tires should demonstrate their characteristics from the first kilometers after installation on the vehicle. But let's go back a bit to the tire production process. The final stage is the vulcanization of the tire under pressure and temperature in a special mold. And this mold is lubricated with a special compound so that the tire does not stick to it and can be easily separated. But this layer is erased literally within the first kilometers after tire installation. No special actions are required from the driver.

However, when installing new tires after purchase or just seasonal change, be careful and careful on the first trips. If these are new tires, first look at how the tires behave, try to get used to them. After all, the behavior of summer tires differs from winter ones and requires a little time to switch from one driving style to another.