Choosing tires for the winter. How to choose tires for your car

Every year before the onset of winter, every motorist (who does not yet have a new set of winter tires) racks his brains about which tires to buy. This article will tell you how to choose winter tires for a car, its types and popular brands.

Feature of car tires for the winter period

Tires are one of the necessary needs and constant material costs in maintenance car. But what are winter tires, which tires to choose? Winter tires are specially designed for use in the cold season, when the temperature does not exceed + 6 ° C.

According to many motorists, the main distinguishing feature of winter tires from summer tires is the tread pattern and studs. In fact, this is not the main difference between them. The main parameter is the chemical composition of the rubber, which is able to withstand a certain range of temperature fluctuations.

The tire industry develops every year, modernizing and improving the chemical composition of rubber. Manufacturers often carry out tests on winter tires in order to upgrade and improve the quality of the tires, thereby increasing the safety of driving in winter period... It is necessary to consider the types of winter tires presented today, after which each motorist will understand which rubber to choose specifically for him.

Existing types of winter tires

The choice of winter tires should be justified, it should be made before the first frost and snow. To understand how to choose the right winter tires for a car, the first step is to understand existing types... Winter tires can be divided into 3 types:

1. Studded. The main task of thorns is to break ice and snow crust. There are two types of spikes: round and quadrangular. Studded tires are great for driving on icy and snowy roads.
2. Non-studded (frictional)... Friction rubber is ideal for warm winters with little snow, driving on slush and mud. The main function of such rubber is the best grip on the road surface in rain or wet snow.
3. Scandinavian. This type of rubber is intended for vehicle operation in severely snowy and frosty climatic conditions.

So when choosing winter tires, you must be guided by the factor climatic conditions in which the car will be operated. Also, with regard to the choice of winter tires, then, as the saying goes "ready to sled in the summer", to buy tires better in summer, since the prices for them will pleasantly please. Now you should talk about each species in more detail.

Main characteristics of studded rubber, pros and cons

Studded tires should be used only on icy and snowy roads, driving on bare asphalt will significantly reduce its service life. And with sudden braking, you can completely lose all the spikes. Also, such driving develops in a negative way on the road surface, increases the degree of deterioration and the speed of the asphalt becoming unusable several times.

Before using rubber with spikes, it must be run in before the upcoming loads. The break-in rules are as follows: the first 500 - 1000 km should be driven no higher than the speedometer mark of 80 km / h and sharp braking should be avoided. Running-in allows the studs to grind in and securely fasten them in the tread. The advantages of using studded rubber are as follows:

1. Braking distances . As numerous tests have shown, braking distances shorter on icy surfaces when using studded tires, which significantly reduces the risk of collision.
2. Hitch with road surface... Excellent traction performance on snowy roads, even with a thick crust of ice.

Along with the advantages of choosing studded tires, there are a number of disadvantages, which are as follows:

1. Comfort. Due to the noise from the studs, the ride comfort is reduced.
2. Fuel consumption . The use of such tires is negligible, but still increases fuel consumption.
3. Road conditions... Driving on dry or wet asphalt significantly increases the braking distance and reduces the vehicle's resistance to skidding.

Friction rubber characteristics, pros and cons

The selection of winter friction rubber should be based on the climatic conditions in which the car will be used. The main task of this type of tire is to provide the best grip on wet or sleet-covered roads.

The main distinctive feature in the choice of this type of rubber is a network of drainage grooves in the tire tread and high rates of soil engagement. From huge assortment brands of manufacturers, which rubber is better to buy, a question that is asked, perhaps, by every motorist. When choosing winter friction rubber, special attention, in addition to the manufacturer's brand, should be paid to the tread pattern.

According to the tests carried out, and as shown by the positive reviews of car owners, a tire with a directional tread pattern is much better at removing water and dirt from under the wheel. Now it's worth talking about the advantages of using of this type tires:

1. Specifications . Excellent performance when driving on wet and dry road surfaces.
2. Comfort. Low noise from riding on friction tires increases ride comfort.
3. Road surface... While driving on such tires, the road surface does not deteriorate.

Along with the pluses, there is one minus when choosing friction rubber - it is unsuitable for driving on an icy road, so it will be difficult to drive the car.

Characteristics of Scandinavian rubber

Scandinavian tires are designed for driving on heavily snowy roads. In those regions where there is a huge amount of snow, this type of tire should be bought for the winter. In addition to the high cross-country ability in snowy regions, the reviews of car owners also show that this rubber copes with its task. The advantages and disadvantages of using Scandinavian rubber are the same as those of friction rubber.

Which winter tires to choose (studded, non-studded or Scandinavian) is a question that depends on many factors: the climatic conditions in which the car will drive, the driving style of the motorist, the speed limit, and others. So there is no definite answer which tires are better. Before choosing a set for the winter car tires, attention should be paid to these factors. There are some small recommendations for choosing tires, which will be discussed below.

Before choosing Winter tires, you should know a few recommendations. For driving on snowy and icy roads, it is better to give preference to softer tires. It is also possible to ride on bare asphalt on such a tire, but it will wear out faster, on such a surface it is better to move on solid rubber.

It is quite difficult to independently determine this factor by touch, a sales assistant can help in this, or you can get information about a specific model by reading customer reviews on the Internet.

As practice shows, tires with an asymmetric pattern on the wheel tread cope more effectively with driving a car in winter. The main thing is to correctly install the tires according to the marks applied on it. After tire fitting, the label should be located next to the nipple. By following these little tips when choosing a kit new rubber, the motorist will protect himself and the car while driving in the winter.

Risks when buying used tires

Since the cost of a new set of winter tires in material terms is not a cheap pleasure, some car owners are trying to save money by buying used tires. Despite the pretty good appearance used tires, they do not retain the qualities that were originally inherent in them. You can of course pick up and good quality, however, the choice to buy or not, as well as the risks for the consequences, remain with the person.

As a rule, the service life of winter tires is 2 - 4 seasons, and it is not possible to find out exactly how many thousand kilometers the previous owner drove in a used car. It's better not to save money and buy a new set. Often, motorists choose rubber on the basis that it passes its entire service life, and when buying a used one, there are no guarantees for its service life.

Important points when choosing winter tires

Which tire brand to choose is a rather difficult and controversial question, because how many people - so many opinions. There are several criteria when choosing winter tires:

• manufacturer;
• the age of a particular model;
• planned mileage.

Before choosing winter tires, you should pay attention to these criteria, which need to be discussed in more detail.

Manufacturer

Which company is the best to buy rubber? A question that is asked by almost every car owner, because among the huge number of brands it is difficult to give preference to one or the other. It should be noted brands that have deservedly proven themselves with better side for quality and customer reviews. Here's a small list:

• Nokian;
• Michelin;
• Bridgestone;
• Pirelli;
• Gislaved;
• Toyo;
• Fulda.

As customer reviews show, these brands of manufacturers have recommended in all respects. And what brand to buy, each motorist will decide for himself. For an SUV it is worth buying only famous brands, it is better to consult with a sales assistant who will help in the selection.

Model age

It is worth paying attention to the date of manufacture, which is indicated on the tire. How newer model, so, accordingly, the price for it will be higher than, for example, last year. The only drawback when buying outdated models is the difficulty in finding a tire (if, for example, you only need one piece).

The best prices are often set for outdated models, but if a short shelf life has passed (no more than two years), then you can safely buy tires for promotional offers. This is done in order not to return the tires back to the plant for processing, but to sell them at the purchase price.

Planned mileage

An important factor when buying tires is the planned mileage. If a person initially knows that he will overcome an impressive distance during the season, then you should not skimp and purchase good tires... I buy an inexpensive tire, there is a possibility that it will not last long and will have to spend money on buying a new set.

Outcome

Upon completion, it is worth summing up a little. Which winter tires are better is a question, for the answer to which it is necessary to take into account many influencing factors before buying. After reading this article, each motorist, based on a number of conditions, will be able to determine for himself what type of rubber he should buy.

The winter period of time brings a lot of problems to the car owner, what can I say only extremely low temperatures, impassable drifts on the roads, can make anyone nervous. In general, you need to survive this season, some do not operate cars at all in winter, perhaps this is correct - you can’t better not risk it! However, others should prepare properly, and the very first thing that comes to mind is winter tires! More precisely, how to choose it and when to buy it, if for some reason they have not yet installed it. Today I will introduce 8 simple steps that will help you decide on this not an easy question. As usual it will be written in simple words, without unnecessary "cleverness" ...

I would like to immediately weed out all questions about summer wheels - guys, do not ride them in winter, it is very dangerous! The summer composition is not designed for low temperatures, and already at minus five degrees, the rubber finally dubs - the effect of “cows on ice” appears, your car simply cannot be controlled, there is not even a hint of traction on snow or ice. Difficult to start, brake and drive! And the law is for us, although in my opinion they are not fined yet. BUT in the middle lane and in the north, the presence of winter wheels, in my opinion, is MANDATORY, this significantly reduces road accidents!

In fairness, I would like to highlight the southern regions, where freezing temperatures are very rare, in which I think, at the local legislative level, it is worth allowing the use of summer options! Still, winter tires are already unstable at plus five degrees, it just starts to "float", because of its extra softness, handling falls, but the braking distance increases. At this point, I think, we will no longer remember about summer wheels, yet a large number of motorists have a completely normal winter in their regions. Well, let's take the 8 steps I said about:

Tire size

What's so strange you ask? Just buy the same as mine (summer) for a car! This is true and can be justified, but there is a perception that in winter it is better to choose a tire with a smaller radius and size - but within the tolerances of your manufacturer. It is usually indicated on the car body which radii and dimensions should be used. How is this justified?

Look - in the summer it is worth choosing, on the contrary, a large width and a low profile, this is done so that the mesh with the road is large, and a low profile will give "rigidity" when cornering at high speeds.

However, winter is completely different - high speeds just dangerous (snow and ice everywhere), so the low profile is practically not used. Instead, you can increase the profile, that is, take a smaller radius. For example, in the summer there were R16, and in the winter you can use R15, this gives us a smooth ride and allows us to save on the tire!

The same is the case with the width of the tire, if the summer tire, say - 205 mm, then the winter one can take 195 mm. Narrow "track" will allow you to effectively cut snow drifts and get to the hard surface. Again, the narrower option is cheaper.

Spikes or Velcro

I want to note right away that I have already, read, there are battles in the comments. Again, I will repeat myself a little. Both the one and the other type of rubber, sharpened for the winter - this is unambiguous, but you should choose only one type, which is designed specifically for your area! What I mean, for example, you are a resident of a megalopolis (St. Petersburg or Moscow), do not leave (or leave, but extremely rarely) out of town, and the car in 95% of cases rolls on the asphalt with reagents, then why do you need spikes? Velcro is perfect for you!

Another situation is you are a resident of a village far from civilization, your tractor rarely cleans the roads, you only saw reagents on the roads on TV, so there is a dense crust of ice and snow on top of the roads. Then - definitely SPIKES, you need to "fight" this ice, and Velcro loses this battle, but the "spike" simply bites into the ice and holds the car perfectly.

Thus, in order not to breed "demagoguery" - Velcro in warm areas and big cities, where there is very little snow. Spikes, in northern regions and small towns (villages), where roads are not well cleaned.

I remember the words of a friend who has been living in Moscow for 5 years now, he says that there is simply very little snow here, it is localized almost immediately after a snowfall - therefore, for the last three years he has been chasing with Velcro and says that it is just wonderful. Personally, in our city, this is not permissible!

Tread pattern

There are only three main ones. Let's not go into the jungle, and look for others, we also need which are sold with us in a wide range. And I already.

1) This is an ordinary drawing, it is also symmetrical. ... One side is similar to the other side, usually built in "bridges" or "waves". Effectively fights snow, and is also "good" on an ice surface, however, with a thaw or reagents that form a snow slurry, it is ineffective!

2) Directed ... To all the advantages of the first type, we count excellent behavior in case of slush and rain. Practically perfect option, however, quite noisy on dry and wet asphalt, it is also not for high-speed trips, if such are the case in winter. Usually such rubber has an inscription with an arrow on the sides "ROTATION", it must be mounted according to these recommendations, it should not be confused!

3) Asymmetric pattern ... It is good for everyone, efficiently removes moisture (in case of snow porridge), holds the road well at speed, and is not so noisy. It is also mounted by tags, the outer and inner sides are labeled - INSIDE and OUTSIDE, respectively. One minus is quite expensive.

If you have money, you need to take an asymmetric profile, if you save a little, then it's directional.

Thorn shape

If you choose a studded version, it is worth noting - now many manufacturers are struggling with the perfect shape of this "iron tooth", which will be able to more effectively keep the car on the road surface.

The standard spike is in the shape of a nail, which is the cheapest to use and quite durable.

There are also options different forms and sizes, now if you do not lie, about 10 - 15 different - square, rectangular, cruciform, etc.

I will say this, if there is money, then you can consider these options, they are really more effective. BUT if there is no money, then the usual ones are also not bad, and the braking distances up to 60 km / h are not much different. And more in winter, I do not recommend you to drive!

For example, if you take rubber with a regular spike and with a square or rectangular, then the difference can be 1000 - 2000 rubles per wheel, depending on the radius.

date of manufacture

In all developed countries, last year's tires are cheaper than this year. This is a simple pattern, however, in our country, very few people pay attention to the date and it is in vain. About this I, be sure to read!

Such ignorance is used by dishonest sellers who can sell you last year's tire, priced fresh! If we say how dangerous it is, then this is the elasticity of the tire, every year it falls by about 3 - 5%, even if it has not been used, this means that it will wear out faster - the resource is slightly shortened.

Ours or not ours?

At this point, I want to touch upon the choice in terms of manufacturer and country. There is an opinion that imported rubber is entirely of high quality and runs for almost 10 years, but the Russian one is simply "g..no" and is falling apart in a year. They say that imported ones have different technologies and, most importantly, other materials! Guys, this is nonsense! Now on the territory of Russia there are a large number of factories of foreign manufacturers that make their rubber on our territory, from our own raw materials! Take the same Bridgestone, also Nokian, Yokohama, etc. Of course, they have other technologies, other thorns, which they are in no hurry to share, but our manufacturers should not be written off either. Personally, I have been for 4 seasons now, and you know it surprises me, there are a lot of studs left, in my feeling it is the same in strength as the NOKIAN Hakkapeliitta 5, which I had on the previous car.

The most important thing is that our tires are much cheaper than imported ones, for example, I gave about 2.5 times less for all 4 wheels R16 205/55 than for a similar foreign manufacturer.

From foreign manufacturers, which I will advise you:

From domestic which you can choose:

2) KAMA EURO

I would like to separately note the rubber ROSAVA (ROSAVA), personally I came across both summer and winter, I must say "g .. but" rare, do not take it! Summer after 5000 km, two wheels bump, although there were no big hits, winter after a season lost 50% of the studs, the operation was moderate!

Winter tires are different from summer ones, and it's not just a tread pattern. Manufacturers select the chemical composition for a certain temperature range, therefore, when outside of this range, tires lose their properties. At low temperatures, summer tires become less elastic and can no longer provide adequate grip, minimum braking distances and other inherent characteristics.

Contrary to popular belief, all season tires not meant for a real winter.

They are designed for moderate weather conditions and quality road surfaces that are usually dry and only occasionally wet. In an amicable way, they can only be used in the off-season as an addition to winter and summer tires.

That is why it is imperative to change tires depending on the season. As a rule, it is recommended to change the shoes of the car into winter tires if the air temperature does not rise above 5–7 ° С during the week. This is usually late October or early November.

As in the case with, you need to choose winter ones taking into account several important criteria and nuances. Let's try to figure them out together.

What type of tires to choose

There are two main types of tires: studded and friction tires. The latter, in turn, are divided into tires of the Scandinavian and European type. As a result, there are only three types of winter tires, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for certain climatic conditions.

1. Studded tires

Thanks to their metal anti-skid studs, these tires provide better grip and effective braking. They are designed for driving on hard dry ice and are used in countries with harsh winters. Due to their specific nature, tires of this type are quite noisy. When driving on dry asphalt, they lose their advantages and quickly wear off. In some European countries, studded tires are prohibited.

These tires are suitable for everyone who spends a lot of time outside the city and lives in regions where there is ice. Residents of megalopolises with roads that are regularly sprinkled with reagents do not need studded tires.

2. Scandinavian type friction tires

They are similar in their properties to studded tires and for the most part differ from them only in the absence of studs. Tires of this type are designed to operate at low temperatures and a large amount of snow and provide the necessary traction with the road due to the many sipes on the tread, which push through snow and crust. Because of its softness scandinavian tires do not behave in the best way on ice and also quickly wear off on dry asphalt, literally starting to swim.

Scandinavian type tires are suitable for snowy areas with long and. With such tires, you can not be afraid of snowdrifts and shifting, but you have to observe speed mode, be careful with cornering, as well as sudden acceleration and braking.

3. Friction tires of European type

This is the complete opposite of Scandinavian. These tires are ideal for regions with mild, wet winters, in which sleet and rain are more common. They do an excellent job with snow porridge and are able to provide safety when driving for more high speeds... But in ice and on packed snow with such tires you should be careful.

They are suitable for driving in the city, where you can often find slush than ice, as well as when driving on clean asphalt at low temperatures.

Having decided on the type of tires, you can move on to considering specific models from different manufacturers... To compare tires and choose the most suitable ones, you need to be able to read the markings in which the features of a particular tire are encrypted. Let's understand the conventions using a specific example.

• P- standard size of the tire. In this case, it is an abbreviation for Passenger, which indicates a tire for a passenger car.
• 215 - profile width in millimeters.
• 65 - profile height in percent.
• R- radial design.
• 15 is the landing diameter in inches.
• 95 - load index.
• T- speed index.
• M + S- Mud + Snow, winter or all-season tires.
• Treadwear 220- wear index (the higher the better).
• Traction A- an indicator of the effectiveness of braking. Marked from A to C, where A is the best.
• Temperature A- an indicator of resistance to heat. Marked from A to C, where A is the best.

Additional Information:

• All seasons(or AS) - all-season tires.
• Snowflake icon- winter tire.
• Tubeless- tubeless tire.
• Max pressure- maximum pressure.
• Outside and Inside- designations for outdoor and inside on asymmetric tires.
• Rotation- direction of rotation for directional tires.
• Water, Rain, Aqua, umbrella icon- resistance to aquaplaning.

Most of the designations when choosing are only for informational purposes, but some are worth paying close attention to. These parameters include section width and height, load and speed indices, as well as wear and braking indicators.

How to choose the size

When choosing a tire size, it is worth setting aside all the myths and advice of garage neighbors describing the advantages of a low profile or an increased diameter. Do not deviate from the recommendations of the car manufacturer: he has already calculated everything, found the most the best way and indicated it in the instruction manual.

If you want to save money, get a second set of rims for winter tires with a smaller rim diameter. Buying such rubber will be cheaper.

Before buying, be sure to check when the tires were manufactured. The fact is that manufacturers guarantee the unchanged properties of the tire for two years of storage. If the tires are in the warehouse longer, then the rubber loses its quality and the tires will no longer be able to fully provide traction and effective braking.

hometyre.co.uk

Finding out the date of manufacture and understanding whether it is worth taking the set of tires you like is quite simple. Manufacturers indicate it on the side surface of the tire using a four-digit code. The first two represent the week, and the second represents the year of issue. For example, 5016 is Week 50 or Mid December 2016.

What else needs to be considered

And several useful tips in the end:

1. Stop buying used tires. Over time, rubber loses its properties, which, coupled with the existing wear and tear, can nullify all the savings.
2. Under no circumstances should you buy tires only for the drive axle of a car. Due to uneven grip of the wheels different axes the risk increases.
3. To prolong the life of your tires, it is recommended to move them from the front axle to the rear axle and vice versa every 8,000 km.
4. If you have been using a set of tires for more than a year, install the best pair on the rear axle of the car to eliminate the possibility of skidding.
5. Buy a second set of rims specifically for winter tires so you can change shoes yourself and not waste time in the tire line.

Which winter tires to choose? Cold weather has come, it's time to change shoes, but how to choose winter tires for your car. Our country is famous for its severe frosts and the comfort of your trips will depend on the correctly selected winter tires. And the variability of the weather from frost and ice, to thaw and slush will make the choice not easy. There is no one size fits all, all season tires are not suitable for our area. We'll have to maneuver between the options and choose the most suitable ones.

In winter, the safety of you and your family is important. Getting dents and scratches is not the desired result of the trip. A careful approach to the choice of rubber will save you nerves and money. Unfortunately, most drivers do not know how to choose winter tires for their car.

When to change summer tires

The headache of many drivers is seasonal replacement tires. And many do not know the correct answer. Since spikes are not prohibited in Russia, changing shoes too early threatens both damage to the road surface and the spikes themselves, and creates unnecessary noise. That later increases the likelihood of skidding and accidents. Technical regulations states that from the beginning of December to the end of February on four wheels should be winter tire tread.

If the cold has come earlier, follow the golden rule: when the temperature drops to + 5-7˚С, it's time to change tires. If the temperature is + 10˚С during the day, then at night it will probably be below zero, and the icy crust in the morning will cause trouble for you. Therefore, focus on the average daily temperature.

With regards to the purchase of the tires themselves, it is better to do this in the summer, at this time of the year the prices are lower. However, some tire manufacturers put new items on sale just before winter.

If you managed to change your shoes, and the snow did not fall, and ice is not expected, then you should drive very carefully. To avoid the loss of studs and premature tire wear, you should avoid sudden starts and braking.

How many wheels to change shoes

There is a stereotype that only the driving wheels need to be changed, this is not correct. If installed on the front drive axle only, the vehicle will skid more. When installed only on the rear drive axle, the braking distance is increased. Regardless of the vehicle's drive, braking starts from the front wheels, so winter tires must be mounted on two axles.

Tires help not only to get under way and stop in time, but also provide stable behavior on the road and in corners. Rebuilding from row to row in ice, with the wrong tires, often causes an accident.

So, regardless of the drive of the car, all wheels are worth changing.

Article 12.5 of the Code of administrative offenses it is said that the owner may be fined if studded and non-studded tires are installed at the same time. The penalty will be for those who like to install different tire brands. This is strictly prohibited, there must be one firm on four wheels and preferably one year of production.

Tires are known to wear unevenly and drive wheels deteriorate faster. Guided by this and wanting to save money, drivers buy only one pair of wheels, and the second, less worn, they leave from last year. Such a desire is understandable, nowadays it is not cheap to change shoes. But this is prohibited by safety precautions. For poorly worn rubber, the tread depth will differ, if it is a stud, then some of the studs will be lost. Which is very critical for four-wheel drive cars, because four wheels work there. It is best to swap the driving and non-driving wheels, and after complete wear and tear, buy four new tires.

There should be five winter tires, why five? As some have already guessed, the spare tire must also be winter, in the event of a puncture and replacing one wheel with summer tire, a few tens of meters is enough for an unpleasant result.

Summer, winter or all season

How to choose the right winter tires for your car? Summer tires they do not suit us at all, they have:

1. The chemical composition of rubber is not suitable for low temperatures. Often, drivers do not think about this nuance, and in big cities, where they clean the snow, they neglect the covenants to change the rubber, thereby increasing its wear and tear and endangering their own and other people's lives.
2. The pattern and tread depth are different. In summer, it can be cut with grooves for water removal or have a V pattern for better grip on asphalt, with a depth of 4mm. Winter ones have rectangular or diamond-shaped checkers, with a pattern depth of 6-10mm.

The all-season is designed for driving in weather close to 0˚С. This is a kind of compromise, they are not suitable for high and low temperatures. The point is in the composition of rubber, at high temperatures it becomes soft and literally melts, and at low temperatures it begins to crack. It is extremely difficult to choose a tread pattern for tires and, as a result, the universal version loses in terms of its functions in each specific extreme situation.

There will be no savings either, because the wear of such tires due to the properties of the rubber will be higher, and during the whole time you will change it more times than having two sets, winter and summer. Tire wear varies depending on your ride and the quality of the material from which these tires are made. We recommend changing a set of tires for a new one after 50,000 - 70,000 thousand kilometers.

There remains the option of winter tires and it is worth considering which winter tires are best to choose.

Which winter tires are better studded or non-studded

For many drivers, the question is difficult, you can rely on the advice of friends and sellers, or on your own experience. But the most correct decision is to figure out for what conditions which winter tires to choose. Difficulties are caused by the variety of firms and types of tires, the pattern is:

• European;
• Scandinavian.

And the direction of the drawing looks like:

• directional, will provide stability on the road;
• non-directional, has a pronounced off-road function;
• asymmetrical, combines both functions.

Studded winter tires

The studded winter tire is designed for riding in dry snowy weather. It bites into ice and dense snow to provide anti-skid protection. But it is worth driving on asphalt or wet snow, and the pluses turn into minuses. The braking distance increases, the likelihood of the car skidding increases, and wear and tear of both asphalt and studs increases, and a lot of noise is emitted.

1. Good handling in dry snowy weather.
2. Reduced braking distance compared to Velcro.

1. Poor handling in wet, snowless weather.
2. Sliding in the slush.
3. Noisy on the asphalt.
4. Wear of studs and road surface.

It is important to run the tires for the first three to four hundred kilometers at a speed not exceeding 90 km / h. So that the thorns sit tightly in the nest. You should not start abruptly with a slip and drift in corners, otherwise you will lose all studs by the end of winter.

What is the best rubber for the winter in the city

The best option for city driving or during warm European winters is Velcro. The tread pattern has a series of drainage channels that will successfully drain water and sleet from the contact patch with asphalt.

For a city, the best option would be a European type of winter tire tread, it will perfectly remove slush and reagents that are sprinkled on cities. Thus, it will provide good grip in slush conditions, without the need to bite into the snow crust.

Outside the city, it is better to take the Scandinavian tread pattern, due to the diamond-shaped pattern, it will provide gnawing into the road covered with snow, which will ensure stability when cornering, and reduce the likelihood of skidding.

1. Excellent handling on dry and wet asphalt.
2. Lack of noise while driving.
3. Good grip on ice in case of moderate frost.

1. High likelihood of skidding on icy, snowy roads.
2. Slip at start and slip during braking.
3. Not suitable for a harsh winter.

There is no definite answer as to which rubber to choose for the winter. At -15˚С the braking distance on ice will be the same for studs and Velcro, but at lower temperatures the studs start to win, and the braking distance is shorter. On the other hand, at higher temperatures, the spikes lose almost 2 times in braking distance.

Again, the Velcro provides better grip on wet asphalt and wet ice... Makes less noise when driving. The thorns, on the other hand, bite into the snow crust and provide better stability against skids.

Which winter tires to choose depends on the region and weather conditions.

• for city driving, it is better to choose European Velcro;
• on ice at a temperature not lower than -15˚С the best option is Scandinavian Velcro;
• outside the city, with a snow crust, the best choice Scandinavian spiked protector;
• at temperatures below -15˚C choose studded tires.

Choice of tires with ABS

Modern cars are equipped with anti-lock braking systems, they prevent skidding when hard pressing brakes. Therefore, it is not surprising that many car manufacturers orient their tire production towards them.

• the greatest stability with ABS, ensure the longitudinal sipes of tires;
• without ABS, on the contrary, transverse.

Which tires are better in winter wide or narrow

It all depends on the type of surface you are driving on, so:

1. Wide, if you are planning a trip on dense snow crust, ice and asphalt.
2. Narrow if you are planning a trip to loose snow or off-road.

When the question arises, what kind of rubber better in winter narrow or wide? Everyone begins to recommend a narrow one, referring to the example of rally racing, where snow tracks are installed narrow tires... And this is justified, because some of the tracks go off-road, where you need to crash into an uncompressed snow crust to grip the ground. After all, as the surface area of ​​the tire decreases, the pressure on the surface increases, thereby improving burial in the snow.

But if you find yourself on ice, then with a smaller patch of contact with the surface, the grip properties deteriorate, and a smaller number of studs are also placed. The wider the wheels, the higher the frictional force, look at formula racing. This means better grip on ice and tightly packed snow. But the disadvantage will be stronger slippage during acceleration. And also aquaplaning will be worse.

Outcome

The first thing to decide is whether studded or non-studded tires you need:

• non-studded ones behave better on dry and wet asphalt and at not low temperatures down to -15˚С;
• studded ideal for snowy trails and icy conditions.

Second, Scandinavian or European type of tire.

• Scandinavian tread is needed for country trips on snowy roads, in combination with studs, give good cross-country ability and skid protection;
• use European tread in the city where roads are cleaned and sprinkled with reagents. Their design perfectly removes moisture from under the wheels and provides good grip.

Third, pay attention to braking system... Fourth, what direction the tread pattern has.

As you can see, there are no ideal tires for the winter, they need to be selected for certain conditions.

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 time- this is the most dangerous period for motorists, therefore the choice of shoes for wheels at this time of the year should be approached with the 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

By and large, 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 the usual universal or summer tires at low temperatures, it loses its basic properties, therefore, special formulations are required to ensure optimal adhesion and rigidity. However, when deciding which winter tires to choose for your car, you don't have to chase the most solid tire. 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 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 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 lamellas-slots and massive lugs, which are placed along the edges. The harder these components are made on the rubber surface, the more confident the car will behave.

As for 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 studs are based on the concept of separating Scandinavian and European tires. That is, spiked rubber, due to the active surface, more effectively resists hazardous surfaces. This is the optimal solution when it comes to driving on ice or frozen snow crust.

Non-studded rubber, devoid of active elements, would seem to be completely useless during bad weather, but this is not so. The fact is that these types of winter tires mutually exclude 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 ​​direct 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've identified the right tire type, you can begin to study in more detail 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, wear resistance can be indicated 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 km of run.

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 limit amateurs driving fast and at the same time is characterized by 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 taking a closer look at the question of how to choose winter tires for your 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 the 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 trait is the main factor that differentiates products within a family. In general, the advantages of the products of this manufacturer include a well-thought-out rubber compound, optimal rolling resistance and, at the same time, low cost.

Kumho tire reviews

The South Korean brand has become famous for its successful non-studded model for passenger car WinterCraft series. The developers did not dwell on this, and quite recently a modification of the WS31, intended for the crossover segment, was released. Car owners tire Kumho note the specific composition of rubber 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 grip 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 largest manufacturers winter tires, logically oriented towards the characteristics of the Scandinavian type. 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 best rubber for winter in the category of non-studded models. Car owners point to the increased durability 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 function of adhesion to the coating.