High-quality rubber is not only a guarantee of good vehicle handling and driver comfort while driving, but also the basis for ensuring safety while driving. Winter is the most dangerous period for motorists, so the choice of shoes for wheels at this time of the year should be approached with utmost responsibility. And the question of whether for a car should be entrusted to professionals familiar with the specifics of difficult driving in harsh conditions.
Features of winter tires
Generally speaking, all tires can be divided into three categories: summer, general purpose and winter tires. Perhaps, winter tires have the greatest number of specific characteristics due to difficult operating conditions. First of all, the rubber composition itself is oriented towards use at temperatures below 7 ° C. The fact is that ordinary universal or summer rubber at low temperatures loses its basic properties, therefore, special compounds are required to ensure optimal grip and stiffness. However, deciding which one to choose winter tires for a car, you don't have to chase the solid state tire itself. Elasticity is a necessary property for any road; it is another matter that a measure of the softness index must be observed.
A separate topic is the tread pattern. Active corners, grooves, dense notches and serrations are a must on the outside winter tires... Their presence is due to the fact that the wheels must withstand ice, snow and watery surfaces.
The question of how to choose the right winter tires for a car cannot but touch upon the nuances of noise reduction. An overly active and dense profile inevitably contributes to the development of a characteristic hum and even whistle, therefore this nuance is taken into account in the selection process.
Varieties of rubber
The entire tire market can be roughly divided into two segments: European and Scandinavian rubber.
The first option involves ensuring effective traction with the surface in rain and sleet conditions. That is, on the one hand, the material is designed for not the most severe weather conditions, but, in terms of driving, they are extremely difficult. Technically, European rubber is characterized by the presence of a diagonal tread pattern, in which there are many drainage grooves. This feature makes European tires similar to the so-called anti-raincoats.
Now it is worth answering the question of how to choose the right winter tires for a car from the Eurosegment. First of all, it is important to pay attention to the quality of execution of thin slotted lamellas and massive lugs, which are placed along the edges. The tougher these components are made to the rubber surface, the more confident the car will behave.
As for the Scandinavian rubber, it is designed for driving on snow and icy roads. Such a tire is characterized by a developed network on the tread surface, which is formed not by cuts, as is the case with European analogues, but by specific figures applied in a checkerboard pattern.
Studded or non-studded?
Actually, the differences between "Velcro" and "spikes" are based on the concept of separating Scandinavian and European tires. That is, studded rubber due to its active surface resists dangerous surfaces more effectively. This is the optimal solution when it comes to driving on ice or frozen snow crust.
Non-studded rubber, devoid of active elements, it would seem, is completely useless during bad weather, but this is not so. The fact is that these types of winter tires are mutually exclusive of each other's disadvantages. Although studded tires perform best on icy flooring, they should not be used on dry or wet surfaces. This is due to the fact that the presence of a pronounced tread pattern minimizes the area of \u200b\u200bdirect contact of the wheels with the road - as a result, the braking distance increases. Non-studded tires, which are close in characteristics to European ones, are devoid of this drawback.
Basic selection parameters
Once you have identified the right tire type, you can begin a more detailed study of the optimal rubber performance. So, the main characteristics on which the working properties of tires will depend are wear resistance, and a load indicator.
In the marking, durability can be designated as Treadwear and is calculated in units. To understand how to choose winter tires for a car by this parameter, you can give the following example: 100 units. wear resistance on average corresponds to 50 thousand kilometers.
As for the speed index, it is denoted by the Latin letters N, ZR, S, etc. The S format is optimal, since it does not restrict those who like fast driving and at the same time has low wear.
The load indicator, in turn, is calculated from specific data. This figure should be no more than 35% of the vehicle's curb weight.
Bridgestone Tire Reviews
The brand is well popularized, which allows products to regularly take places in the first positions in sales. Users appreciate these tires for stable, albeit not premium, but optimal quality, almost always impeccable working properties of the rubber compound, as well as increased wear resistance.
Now it is worth considering in more detail the question of how to choose winter tires for a car. Reviews of the latest series put the Blizzak Spike model in first place. The features of the modification include the presence of a V-shaped directional pattern, as well as an increased number of lamellas with a modified shape of the cross grooves. In practice, these qualities contribute to the effective removal of snow-water slurry from the contact spot.
Dunlop tire reviews
This manufacturer is less known, but the quality of the tires produced deserves attention. Much of the firm's success stems from its specialization. The manufacturer places particular emphasis on the development of rubber for the SUV segment, that is, the target audience, one might say, is formed by the owners of crossovers. According to them, the tires cope with high loads without losing the primary qualities of grip.
In the question of how to choose winter tires for a car from Dunlop's offers, you should be guided by the requirements for braking performance. This feature is the main factor that differentiates products within a family. In general, the advantages of this manufacturer's products include a well-thought-out rubber compound, optimal rolling resistance and at the same time low cost.
Kumho tire reviews
The South Korean brand became famous for its successful non-studded model for the WinterCraft series passenger car. The developers did not dwell on this, and quite recently a modification of the WS31, intended for the crossover segment, was released. Car owners of Kumho tires note a specific rubber compound with increased rigidity in the tread blocks. Therefore, if the question of how to choose winter tires for a car under severe icy conditions is being decided, then this option will suit both SUV drivers and car owners. Driving practice confirms decent handling characteristics and, most importantly, confident braking on ice. It should also be noted that sufficient traction is maintained on dry roads and in heavy rain. This effect was achieved through the introduction of a large number of sipes in the tread pattern.
Nokian tire reviews
Finnish products need no introduction. Nokian is one of the largest winter tire manufacturers with a logical focus on Scandinavian-style performance. But, of course, the European class is also widely represented in the line of this brand. For example, modifications of the WR A3-A4 are considered by specialists almost as the best rubber for winter in the category of non-studded models. Car owners point to the increased wear resistance of this rubber, as well as confidence when driving on snow. The developers have achieved a significant improvement in performance properties through the use of a special mixture, in which, in addition to natural rubber, canola oil was added, which provides a more effective adhesion function to the coating.
Every year, from the end of autumn to the beginning of winter, almost every car owner asks a very important and urgent question: whether to change summer tires to winter ones and when exactly to carry out this procedure.
To begin with, all motorists should remember that no matter how atypically mild and warm our winters have been in the past few years, it is still necessary to put winter tires, because it is this factor that determines the safety of driving in the cold season. Most road accidents in winter occur precisely because a car with tires unsuitable for winter sometimes becomes almost uncontrollable, thereby endangering the integrity of the car and even the life and health of road users.
Even if in winter it is planned to drive exclusively on city roads with a well-cleaned surface, summer tires must be changed to winter ones, just as you should slightly change your driving style.
It is worth changing the tires and looking into the nearest tire fitting even when the indicators on the thermometer drop to minus 7-5 degrees Celsius - it is at this time that winter tires should be installed on your car.
Important! If you use special winter tires at a higher air temperature, then there is a risk not only to damage the tires - in such cases, the stability of the car on the road is significantly reduced.
It’s okay that the “re-shoes” of the car happened before the frost hit and snow fell, no. It is possible to operate winter tires without any damage to them at a sufficiently large temperature range. At the same time, undoubtedly, it is better to ride on winter tires at a low above zero temperature than to be on a snowy or icy road with summer tires!
Important! It is strongly not recommended to use summer tires in frosty weather - as the temperature approaches zero, summer tires become "oak", and this, in turn, can cause skidding even on a relatively dry road.
1. Types of winter tires and their characteristics
As for the choice of a specific type of winter tires, each motorist decides which tires to choose in his own way. The choice of winter tires mainly depends on some criteria for winter driving: on the driving skills and driving experience of a motorist, on the weather conditions in a particular region, and also on where and on what roads the car will travel most often.
Based on these factors, you should choose a specific type of winter tires, and the main choice will go between what is better - Velcro or studs? It is into these two different types that winter tires are basically divided, although winter tires can also differ in size, pattern, presence or absence of tubes, and so on.
2. Studded winter tires
Studded winter tires are very popular with us, such tires are distinguished mainly by the fact that their tread is covered with studs made of hard metal. A car equipped with studded tires will be noticeably more stable when driving on icy roads - the studs will be able to prevent wheel slippage, and the braking distance of the car in such conditions will be significantly reduced.
By the way, not all motorists know that studded winter tires can be spiked right away, or spikes are installed on specially produced tires later (such tires have specific grooves designed for studs).
2.1 Varieties of thorns
In order to choose the best winter studded tires, you should pay attention to the fact that the studs themselves also differ from each other in shape and are divided into certain varieties. Each of these types of studs has its own purpose and its own advantages, knowing about which, you can decide which rubber is best suited for a particular case. The most inexpensive and therefore the most common spikes on winter tires are round spikes, while they provide the weakest grip on ice-covered roads.
A slightly better option are oval studs - they provide safer movement on ice and also reduce the noise level while driving. Oval studded tires are mid-priced winter studded tires.
There are also tires with tetrahedral and hexagonal studs, they are the most expensive. The disadvantages of such studs can be attributed to their rapid wear - the edges of the studs tend to wear off over time, while losing their main advantage. Also, four- and six-sided studs can fall out more often than others, since their retaining element is more prone to wear.
2.2 Advantages and disadvantages of studded tires
Many drivers prefer to install winter studded tires on their cars, believing that it is it that provides the most comfortable and safe ride in the cold season. This statement can be considered true, but only partially, because spike tires have a number of disadvantages that will become very significant in some conditions.
All motorists should be aware that ice or compacted snow crust is the ideal surface for driving on studded tires. Well, while driving on dry asphalt (which most often happens in winter on city roads), studded tires will rather become an obstacle that interferes with safe movement and, if necessary, increases the braking distance of the vehicle.
In addition, such features of the "behavior" of studded tires on a dry road indicate that their installation should be done later - already with the onset of frost. However, for beginners driving for winter driving (and in our country, such driving can always be considered extreme), it is recommended to install tires with spikes.
Important!In all conditions, when driving in a car with studded winter tires, it is strongly recommended to drive at a speed not exceeding the threshold of 120 km / h.
3. Non-studded winter tires
Those car drivers who have not yet decided on the choice between the so-called Velcro or studs, it will be useful to learn about some of the features of the operation of studless tires. Friction tires are perfect for driving on snowy roads, and even better for roads covered with what we call "porridge" - a mixture of snow and mud.
3.1 Types of friction rubber
Winter friction rubber can be divided into two different types: European and Scandinavian. The first is designed for milder European winters and for comfortable movement when driving in the rain or sleet. The second is suitable for driving in more severe weather conditions and driving on icy and snow-covered roads.
Also, the Scandinavian studless rubber differs from the European tread pattern, which consists mostly of diamond-shaped or rectangular figures, which are staggered. The friction rubber of the European type is dominated by a mainly diagonal pattern and a large number of drainage channels.
In addition, studless winter tires may differ in some features of the tread pattern; there are tires with a classic pattern, high-speed winter tires, off-road tires and tires with an asymmetric tread pattern (the latter is a slightly improved analogue of a tire with a classic pattern).
3.2 How Velcro Tires Work
A feature of velcro winter tires is a certain rather complex tread pattern and the presence of sipes located at a significant angle, which allow the car to be more stable on a winter road, especially during acceleration or braking. Additional grip on the winter road surface is also ensured by the presence of long slots, drainages, as well as lugs located along the side edges of the tire.
4. What to look for when choosing winter tires
Already with the final choice of winter tires and their subsequent purchase (having already decided what exactly you need - Velcro or spikes), it is advisable to pay attention to other features as well. These include the load indicator, the speed index, in fact, the specific type of rubber, its wear resistance, the available certification, etc. All this information can be determined by the marking of the tire, the date of manufacture of the tire is also indicated there, which is also desirable to pay attention to.
Interesting fact! Curiously, the smallest tire in the world is only about five millimeters in diameter and less than one millimeter wide, this mini tire was designed to be a miniature replica of the Toyota AA.
Some car owners prefer to buy wider winter tires, however, according to experts, in this matter, the size of the tires does not greatly affect the stability of the car on the winter road.
Sometimes motorists, trying to spend as little as possible on preparing the car for the winter, opt for used winter tires, which can be bought at a significantly lower price. Such a choice can be acceptable only if the new tires are practically not worn out, and this recommendation also applies to your own last year's winter tires - it is imperative to monitor the degree of their wear.
Important! If you are going to “change” your vehicle into winter tires, you should know that you will need to purchase five identical tires, not four, and even more so, not two. The same drivers who seek to save money and install tires for winter driving only on the drive wheels (this especially applies to the owners of front-wheel drive cars) risk getting into a skid and even causing an accident.
5. Manufacturers of the best winter tires
As for the choice of manufacturers of winter tires, the main parameter is the car owner's ability to pay. Of course, the best winter tires will not be cheap, and they are produced by world-famous companies - Pirelli, Michelin, Nokian, Continental, Goodyear, Bridgestone other. Relatively inexpensive winter tires made in Poland, the Czech Republic, or even Russia and Ukraine can also be a good choice.
Interesting! The status of the most expensive tires in the world can rightfully be borne by some items from the products produced by the world famous Italian company Pirelli - the cost of the Pirelli Scorpion Zero tire, which was originally developed for Lamborghini, can reach $ 900.
Well, regardless of what kind of winter tires were installed on the car, do not forget that in the cold season it is necessary to pay more attention to safe driving in order to avoid all kinds of troubles on the roads.
Safety on the road in the winter season depends on many factors, the determining of which is high-quality and reliable winter tires. In this article, we will understand the features and nuances of choosing one or another winter tire for a car.
1
It is better to choose rubber long before the onset of cold weather and changes in road conditions. First, during this period, you can buy tires at a better price. Secondly, you will have time to evaluate and compare different ones, to choose the right manufacturer and configuration that will best suit your vehicle.
Car with winter tires
Today, there are several types of tires for driving in the winter season. Each of the options has both pros and cons, which we will analyze further. Almost all variants of winter tires come down to two types - without studs and with studs. The first type of tires behaves better on asphalt surfaces with a minimum amount of snow or ice, the second type (frictional) is recommended when driving on snowy roads and off-road conditions.
There is conditionally a third kind winter tires - all-season tires that can be used both in summer and in winter at universal temperatures. Good all-season tires are produced by few manufacturers and are designed mainly for high-quality roads, which are constantly cleared of snow and ice. Such tires are strictly not recommended for use during severe frosts, in addition, their properties are noticeably deteriorated in the presence of snow or mud on the road.
2
Complex technology is used in the manufacture of winter tires, but the main element of any tire without studs is the tread. The tread type can be roughly divided into two types:
- Scandinavian type. Longer tread spacing and deeper sipes. Suitable for driving on snow or winter mud.
- European type. Diagonal patterning with good drainage network of canals. More suitable for driving on wet and icy asphalt.
Non-studded tires on cars
The first type of tires has a low speed index, with different rubber manufacturers it varies between 160-170 kilometers per hour. This type of tire is suitable for moderate and calm, even slow driving without sharp turns and acceleration. Among the popular models of winter tires with a Scandinavian type of tread are such as Nokian Nordman RS, Bridgestone Blizzak VRX, Michelin X-Ice 3,ToyoTiresGartG4,G5,ContinentalConticrossViking.
The European version of the tires has a higher speed index, which reaches 240 kilometers per hour for some manufacturers, as well as better braking performance on wet and dry asphalt, they are suitable, including those who drive aggressively even in winter. But they are also suitable for motorists with a calm style, who often move on a snowless asphalt surface. Among the popular models of this type, the following models stand out: Dunlop Winter Sport, Pirelli Scorpion Ice, Nokian WR Series,YokohamaDriveV.
Among the advantages of friction winter tires are:
- reliable grip parameters on wet and dry asphalt;
- lack of noise when driving on asphalt roads without ice and snow;
- stable characteristics in different temperature ranges.
Regardless of the type of tread and chemical composition, studless winter tires are more suitable for motorists living in Europe and the European part of Russia, where winter is not characterized by constancy and the presence of a large amount of snow on the roads. In addition, it is recommended to install such rubber if the car is equipped with additional safety systems such as ESP and ABS, they are able to compensate for some of the disadvantages of friction tires in certain driving situations.
3
Studded winter tires are designed for driving on a constantly icy or snowy road. necessary to increase traction on such roads, as they are capable of breaking the ice crust. Such rubber is characterized by a balance and an average degree of rigidity, while tires of this type can be used on other types of road surface. Among the disadvantages of studded rubber are a high noise level and a larger braking distance compared to Velcro.
Winter tires with studs
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta Suv 7,8,9;
- Continental IceContact;
- Michelin X-Ice Nord;
- Bridgestone Ice Cruiser;
- GoodYeear UltraGrip.
It is entirely up to you to choose a studded wheel option for your car or not. It should be understood that spikes are not a guarantee of road safety in winter. On dry and wet asphalt, these tires have reduced grip, longer braking distances and an increased tendency to skid, they generate noise and fall out. Some modern models of friction tires, especially those with a Scandinavian type of tread, are not inferior to studded counterparts even on icy roads.
If you travel more around the city than outside, it is best to use any type of friction winter tire. If you often have to go off-road in winter, buy special anti-slip chains that you can install and remove yourself in front of a difficult section of the road.
4
There is an opinion among motorists that for the winter season it will be enough to install winter tires only on the drive wheel axle. This is fundamentally wrong. The main danger of installing winter tires only on the drive wheels is uncontrolled skidding. Even with four winter wheels on a slippery road, when entering a turn, it can be very difficult to get the car out of a skid, and if a pair of summer tires is installed behind or in front, it will be almost impossible to do this, and the consequences can be very different.
Installation of winter tires
As for the installation of the same parameters and, but with a different tread pattern, this is allowed if the car has a mono drive. However, this state of affairs will make adjustments in the event of emergency braking on a snowy road - the car can be thrown into a skid or the braking distance will increase. On a four-wheel drive vehicle, all tires must be the same and have the same tread pattern.
5
It should be understood that on certain road surfaces and in certain driving situations, tires can perform different functions. If the car moves on rolled snow (not ice), then the tires should scoop up the snow as efficiently as possible, literally biting into it, preventing it from the road. On roads with mud and mud, the tire's ability to deflect flows is at the fore for maximum stability and skid resistance.
Car protector
Thus, a tire with one tread pattern cannot meet all the requirements of the road conditions both in winter and summer seasons. Of course, many manufacturers try to make their tires as versatile as possible, but each model ends up with advantages in one or two road components. To choose the right rubber, it is enough to know how the treads differ from each other. As described above, there are four types of tires for winter, which differ in their tread pattern. Accordingly, by looking at the tread, we can conclude which tire is in front of you and whether it is worth buying for your car.
In Russia, in autumn the roads can be covered with ice, so it becomes dangerous on summer wheels. After the thermometer drops by five divisions below zero, the rubber, as they say, dubs and loses adhesion to the ground. The snow cover, and even more so the ice crust, makes it impossible to slow down, make maneuvers and even get under way. Therefore, the availability of winter tires is a guarantee of reducing the number of accidents.
Winter tires are specially designed for car maintenance in harsh weather conditions. The main difference is in the chemical composition of rubber, which allows it to withstand temperature changes in winter. An important element of winter rubber is a rubber tread. It is responsible for reducing jolts when driving on uneven surfaces. The beads are protected by a rubber carcass. Closer to the wheel, a fender tape is soldered, which is responsible for shock absorption.
Another difference between winter tires is the tread pattern. If you remember the school physics course, then you know that in order to increase the friction force, which is what we need in winter, you need to increase the surface roughness. Therefore, winter tires should have a lot of grooves, notches, notches. Also in winter, low-profile tires, although they look impressive, create a lot of trouble for the driver (noise in the cab and the requirement for increased attention on the road).
Tires with a high profile will relieve constant worry about the condition of the wheels.
Main varieties
European
European rubber is designed for wet asphalt and a slight deviation of the thermometer towards the "minus" side. The tires have a diagonal pattern, special grooves for water outflow, a large number of thin slots.
The main task of the European type is to ensure tight grip of the tires on the road asphalt during snow and rain. These tires are best suited for southern latitudes.
Scandinavian
Scandinavian rubber will be most useful in very harsh weather conditions. Instead of longitudinal patterns on the tires, there are peculiar staggered patterns that allow the car to confidently "run" on a snow-covered track.
Necessarily in the picture there are small stripes, and there is a large distance between the elements of the pattern. All these subtleties of the pattern are necessary in order for the tread to push the snow cover well while driving and at the same time to be cleared of dirt and snow.
Studded
The studs are designed to break ice on the road. Spikes on tires are round, in the form of a quadrangle, cruciform. The best choice is in the shape of a nail. These tires provide a comfortable and safe ride on ice and during snow drifts. It is not worth driving on bare asphalt with such rubber, as it will not last long in this case, and it is not very good for an asphalt surface.
These tires require compulsory break-in, which is necessary for grinding in the studs and securing them in the tread. One of the advantages of studded rubber is the short braking distance. This means that the risk of collision is reduced. The studs adhere perfectly to the surface, the car has a high friction force, which ensures a comfortable ride even on ice.
Non-studded
This type of rubber provides the best possible grip during rain and sleet. Such rubber is practically useless in the conditions of the Russian snowy winter.
If you expect to ride in snowy places and with frequent icy conditions, then the rubber should be softer. You can also drive on asphalt, but the shelf life of such a coating will be significantly reduced. Of course, not every motorist can determine the quality of rubber by eye, so it is better to use the services of a sales assistant.
It is also best to choose tires with an asymmetrical pattern. But remember that they should also be installed correctly, in accordance with the marks that, after installation, should be located next to the nipple.
Some drivers buy used tire sets in order to save money. The good appearance of tires does not guarantee that they have retained their original qualities.
The service life of tires is from 2 to 4 seasons. But it is unlikely that you can visually determine how long the tires have been in operation and how many kilometers have "run".
There are criteria for choosing winter tires.
- First, you should decide with the manufacturer. There are, of course, a large number of them, and it is easy to get lost in this variety. Nokian, Michelin, Pirelli, Toyo, Fulda, Gislaved have proven themselves best in the market. These brands have good recommendations for all metrics.
- Pay attention to the date of manufacture. This is usually indicated on the tire. The newer model will cost more. Of course, last year's model will be economically viable, but if you only have to change one tire, it will be difficult to find the same one.
- It is important to pay attention to the planned mileage. If you know that your steel horse will run a lot, then it is better to buy a set with a high mileage. It will cost, naturally, more.
If you choose a low profile and a wider tire in the summer, then tires with a smaller width and radius are taken for the winter. Thus, some savings can be made without compromising driving comfort.
Outcome
Summing up, we note that when choosing winter tires, several factors should be taken into account.
