How to choose studded tires. What winter tires are better for choosing - Tips for beginners and experienced car enthusiasts! What to take: expert opinion

How to choose the right winter tires

To change or not to change tires is no longer an actual question. Perhaps today the emphasis should be on how to choose the right rubber, especially for the winter season.

The fact is that the choice of winter tires is a very difficult matter, since, alas, there is no universal option. So the drivers have to, deftly maneuvering between the options, choose what is needed, based on several factors at once.

Initially, the activity and the average operating conditions of the car should be taken into account. For example, the excellent rough-tread studded rubber is ideal for an area where winter is usually dry and the road surface is densely packed with ice.

But such rubber makes an order of magnitude more noise, it is not suitable for beginners who try to drive more than 130 km / h, as well as for regions where snow porridge prevails on the roads - the spikes will not be able to provide sufficient grip and the safety of the car will decrease. And since most of our roads are exactly like this, it is worth talking about studless winter tires.

Non-studded tires - features of choice

Winter tires of this kind are divided into two types. Manufacturers of such products supply to the world market:

European rubber;

Scandinavian rubber.

The choice between these two types is due to the fact that each option will be optimal for its weather conditions. Let's take a closer look at each type of rubber.

European rubber. Appointment. Providing the most effective tire grip road surface in bad weather conditions (rain, sleet).

Description. In its essence, rubber is somewhat similar to a conventional rainproof rubber. It has a diagonal tread pattern with a large number of drainage channels, which, when connected, form a developed network together. Distinguish rubber european type It is also possible by the presence of thin slots (sipes) and large lugs located along the edge of the tread.

Moreover, the ability of rubber to provide greater grip directly depends directly on the length of the slots. The higher this indicator, the longer each edge of the tread, with the help of which the tire literally "clings" to the road surface when the car is moving. In this case, the same porridge gets into the slots, and the tire then contacts directly with the roadway.

Scandinavian rubber. Appointment. Ensuring optimal grip on icy

road and road surface with snow crust.

Description. It has a less developed network of patterns, in which not cuts prevail, but special figures that have a rectangular or diamond shape and alternate in a checkerboard pattern. These figures are not located too often, due to which the protector during the movement of the car easily breaks through the top layer of ice or snow crust, and then is cleaned. Thanks to this pattern, the car is ideal for driving on rough terrain.

Marking is our everything!

Each tire is labeled by the manufacturer. This marking can be used to judge the qualities that rubber has. Let's start with such an indicator as:

Looks like four digits on the sidewall of the tire (the first two digits are the week of the year, the second two are the year itself);

Wear resistance. This parameter called "Treadwear" and is calculated in units. Standard wear resistance is 100 units. They are usually enough for 48,000 km. mileage (for the season);

It is designated by letters of the English alphabet - from N (140 km / h) to ZR (above 240 km / h). For those who are interested in driving speed and such an indicator as low wear, it is best to take tires marked "S";

Load indicator. At its core, it means how much weight is on each wheel. According to experts, this index should be within 30 - 35 percent of the weight of the equipped car;

Tire type... For winter models of tires, the marking must be “M + S” (Mud + Snow) and / or “Winter”, which means “mud and snow” and / or “winter”. You should not take tires marked "All season" - "All-weather" or "All weather" - "All-weather", since some tire manufacturers produce similar products for regions with a hot climate, where in winter the temperature drops only to zero and no more;

Certification. E stands for EU compliance and DOT for US requirements. Sometimes both of these markings are present on some models.

In addition, signs such as the adhesion indicator are marked on wet road (A to G), fuel efficiency (A to G), and acoustic comfort (1 bar is optimal, 3 bars are weak). It is also worth recalling that professional off-road and racing tires are not labeled, as well as welded, studded and some other types. This should be considered when buying.

So, let's summarize. We offer you a step-by-step educational program that will help beginners:

1. Determine what type of tires will be preferable for the car to be "on the move" (European or Scandinavian);

2. Determine with the manufacturer (branded (like Michelin, Pirelli, Bridgestone); strong middle peasants (for example - Firestone, Kleber, Toyo, etc.); cheap (Rosava, etc.);

3. Determine the specification, for which we study the size and type of tires acceptable for each specific car model. This data can be found in service book... Knowing them, it is worth buying tires only of the standard size that is indicated in the service documentation. They provide the safest mode of operation of the machine;

4. Choose a reliable dealer who will not sell fake tires under the guise of branded tires;

5. We inspect the tires, while it is desirable to conduct a couple of practical tests. Of course, no one will allow you to put new rubber on your car, but you can bring an ordinary textile work glove with you. It can be held in the direction of the tread pattern and if the glove slides normally, then the grip will be good;

6. Feel the tires to determine their softness. If the tires are soft and flex well under the toes, then the tires will not harden and will perform well;

7. When buying, we look at the tire's shelf life, it should not be more than 2 years (3- and 4-year-old tires may no longer have the same qualities). The tire production date can be found on the side of the wheel (four digits);

8. We look at the marking and ask the dealer for a certificate of conformity, which proves that this particular type of tire is suitable for use on the territory of our state.

And the last thing to note, you need to change tires on all wheels at once and do not delay with this, so as not to risk costs and danger to your own life at the time of an accident, the likelihood of which increases significantly due to poor grip summer tires with a winter road. So as soon as the weather starts to deteriorate, and the air temperature drops to plus 7, you can safely go to the service station and change the tires. Good luck!

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 tireswhich 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 their main difference. The main parameter is the chemical composition of the rubber, which is able to withstand a certain range of temperature fluctuations.

The tire industry is developing every year, modernizing and improving the chemical composition of rubber. Manufacturers often conduct 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 winter tirespresented to date, 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 done 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 rectangular. 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 through slush and mud. The main function of such rubber is better grip with a 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 conditionsin which the car will be operated. Also, with regard to the choice of winter tires, then, as the saying goes "ready to sled in summer", buy tires better in summer, since the prices for them will pleasantly please. Now we 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 wear and tear 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 rules for running in 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. Break-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 on snowy roads, even with thick ice.

Along with the advantages of choosing a studded rubber, 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 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. Of huge assortment brands of manufacturers, what kind of 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 this type of tires:

1. Characteristics . Excellent performance when driving on wet and dry road surfaces.
2. Comfort. Low noise from riding on friction tires increases driving 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, reviews of car owners also show that this rubber does its job. 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: on the climatic conditions in which the car will drive, the driving style of the motorist, 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 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, however, 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 with 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 efficiently with driving a car in winter. The main thing is to correctly install the tires according to the marks printed 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 is not cheap in material terms, some car owners are trying to save money by buying used tires. Despite the rather good appearance of 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 lasts 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 complicated 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 another. It should be noted brands that have deservedly established 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. Than 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.

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 it, 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 mild weather 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.

This is why it is imperative to change tires depending on the season. As a rule, it is recommended to replace the car with winter tires if the air temperature does not rise above 5–7 ° C 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 Scandinavian and European type tires. 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 traction 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 wear out quickly. 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 in 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 entering corners, as well as sharp acceleration and braking.

3. European type friction tires

This is the complete opposite of Scandinavian. These tires are ideal for regions with mild, humid winters where 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 proceed 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 - tire standard size. 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 - indicator of braking efficiency. 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 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 best option 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. Buying such rubber will be cheaper.

Before buying, be sure to check when the tires were manufactured. The fact is that manufacturers guarantee that the properties of the tire remain unchanged 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. Avoid buying used tires. Over time, rubber loses its properties, which, coupled with the existing wear and tear, can nullify all the savings.
2. Never 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 that you can change shoes yourself and not waste time in the tire line.

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Winter, as usual, comes unexpectedly, and few people worry about buying tires from us before the "tinsmith's day". After that, dancing begins with a choice and a purchase. Some motorists have already passed this stage, but many are still only at the beginning. The main question is traditional - spikes or Velcro? It is impossible to know absolutely all the subtleties of tires, since technology does not stand still. But, it will not hurt to study the general specifics of the subject.

Spikes or Velcro: how to choose the right winter tires for your car in a car shop?

Transition time from summer tires known - this is an average daily temperature of + 7 ° C. In these conditions rubber compound for warm weather operates at the limit of grip properties. Therefore, experienced motorists prefer to change their shoes in advance. The only difficulty raises the question of what to choose: friction or spike wheels? Therefore, it makes sense to briefly explore the features of these types of tires.

Friction tires

To know how to choose winter tires for a car, you need to know that studless cylinders for winter differ from summer ones in a large number of sipes on the tread blocks. This factor contributes to better contact with surfaces such as ice and snow. In the same time, are divided into two subspecies:

1. Scandinavian - intended for harsh winters. They have a soft rubber composition and an increased number of lamellas.
2. European - used in mild winters. The number of lamellas is minimal, but the structure is more rigid.

Externally, it is easy to distinguish between these two types of "friction clutches": the Scandinavian joint of the joint of the supporting part of the tread and the sidewall is beveled at an angle. In European models, this place is rounded like summer tires. Anyone who still does not know how to choose winter tires for a car should keep in mind that European non-studded wheels are very close in characteristics to all-season ones.

Recently, some motorists have begun to argue that since winters have become snowless, it is quite possible to get by with all-season, and sometimes you can hear that summer tires. The danger of such delusions is misunderstanding design features... First of all, the rubber compound of summer and all-season specimens is not designed to work in negative temperatures, which means that it is not able to provide decent grip.

In the EU countries, drivers from such illusions have long been “cured” at the legislative level, forcing them to use appropriate tires in the cold season. In Russia such still in development, but, fortunately, most domestic motorists are reasonable people, and have been using seasonal wheels for a long time.

Studded tires

Numerous tests show that the temperature range when pins and Velcro are equally effective in braking is -12 to -15 ° C. At lower temperature readings, "friction clutch" show better results than because the thorn is no longer able to pierce the hard ice. A completely different picture is observed at temperatures above -15 ° C, in tests, the bulk of spiked wheels are leading in almost all types of exercises:

• Fast acceleration on ice.
• Short braking distances.
• Good handling when maneuvering.

The difference between the tires is especially noticeable at near-zero temperatures, when ice and snow are as slippery as possible. Anyone who is interested in how to choose winter tires for a passenger car should take into account that modern "studs" and on the asphalt are in front of the friction wheels. The results of tests at different temperatures from the editorial board of "Behind the wheel", which are presented in the table, are very informative.

The best technology allows spiked wheels to perform fairly predictably on both dry and wet trails. There is nothing surprising here - the soft mixture of a Scandinavian studless tire on clean asphalt is already playing a negative role. Another thing is a spiked wheel, in which the rubber composition is stiffer to hold the spikes, therefore such a tire is preferable for asphalt.

On the snow, spikes no longer affect the cross-country ability and handling of the car, that's why different types tires are mixed. In addition, there is a belief that the spikes slide when braking on the asphalt. This disadvantage occurs only in the case of tires of outdated designs.

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Today's manufacturers use a soft rubber backing under the stud body, which allows them to sink when moving on clean asphalt. True, this innovation has a small drawback - at temperatures below -15 ° C, the spikes can retract and give way to "friction clutches". However, a simple rule will help here - to ride in severe frost on studded tires more accurately.

Tread: how to choose winter tires for a car for a specific climate?

Until now, no one has invented to make a universal tire with unsurpassed properties. By shifting the balance point in one direction or another, each manufacturer produces the lineup tires for winter, which have different grip strengths on ice, snow and asphalt. In some cases, motorists tune the friction wheels themselves. , thereby increasing the vehicle's cross-country ability.

Car enthusiasts wondering how to choose the right winter tires for their car should consider the bottom line special tests... They help the car owner find the best option "Shoes". At the same time, the tread pattern is able to indicate which tires should be used in each specific case, without too much damage to the drive:

• Wedge-shaped tread (V-shaped) - effective in combating aquaplaning phenomena, copes well with snow slurry and drifts.
• The directional tread with longitudinal grooves - behaves confidently on dry roads, and also removes water from the contact patch.
• The asymmetric tread is a compromise between the two above drawings, but, unfortunately, not always successful, therefore snow drifts can become a serious obstacle for such a wheel.

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Features of European tires

Non-studded tires of the European type are mostly produced with a lowered tread height of 5-6 mm and with speed indexes T, H and V, which corresponds to the range 190-240 km / h... The main regions where such wheels are used are the southern regions of the country, where winters are mostly snowless, i.e. they do not differ in special passability.

Features of Scandinavian tires

On the other hand, the Scandinavian are more "sharpened" to overcome the snowy road. However, before choosing such winter tires for your car, it should be noted that the index R and Q limits their speed limit to 160-180 km / h... The pattern has a high tread of 8-9 mm with small checkers, which are separated by wide channels.

Let's sum up

In the matter of choice, it is necessary to take into account the regional climatic situation, the level of training and functionality of utilities, as well as the level of cylinder noise. Other than that, it's a good idea to think about at home. Disadvantages of dignity tire with spikes form a set of features of their scope:

• The studs effectively penetrate the top layer of ice, thus guaranteeing excellent acceleration and braking.
• The layer on which the spikes are mounted is quite hard, but in conjunction with the damping system, a strong and informative contact with the road surface is formed.
• Studded tire performance drops sharply after frost-15-20 ° C.
• Regardless of the cost, metal spikes can disrupt acoustic comfort even in a premium car.

Friction rubber characterized by a set of the following properties:

• High speed parameters.
• Low noise level.
• High level of adhesion to dry and wet surfaces.
• High coefficient of resistance to the aquaplaning effect.
• At temperatures below -15 ° C, the frictional properties are higher than that of studded tires.

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One of the most costly and critical points in service iron horse becomes the choice of winter tires. Winter in Russia differs significantly from European or Asian climatic conditions. To safely move on frozen roads, you need to know what kind of rubber to choose for the winter for your car.

Features of the use of winter tires

Car tires are one of the most significant expenses in the owner's budget. That is why motorists have doubts about the advisability of having two sets of wheels, one of which is for the summer season, and the other for the operation of the car in winter. The problem arises before the car enthusiast, which tires to choose in order to safely transport themselves and their loved ones along snow-covered streets and highways?

Winter tires are a specially designed automotive product that can be operated at temperatures below + 7 ° C. The main difference between such tires and summer models lies not in the pattern and tread depth, which first of all beginner motorists pay their attention to. The main difference lies in the properties of the rubber.

As you know, rubber is a material whose elasticity depends on temperature. environment... So tire manufacturers have to invent various chemical compositions to get a soft and at the same time wear-resistant wheel. For the winter, tires are required that retain elasticity at low negative temperatures.

Laws in many countries do not strictly regulate the use of winter tires, but only recommend using it. But if the motorist is not indifferent to the preservation of the lives of loved ones, including his own, then he will not save on safety.

Car shoes for winter

The choice of winter tires must be made long before the onset of winter. Indeed, already in the middle of autumn, the weather can present an unpleasant surprise in the form of frost or sleet. For some cars with summer tires, this can play a cruel joke. And the cost of winter tires in summer is much lower than in the hot autumn-winter season.

Winter tires have a rather complex structure.

• The main element of the tire is the tread, which is made of wear-resistant rubber. Distinguish between European and Scandinavian types of protectors. Scandinavian wheels are distinguished by a large distance between tread blocks, and the sipes in them are deeper and wider. European models of winter tires have proven themselves well on wet and dry asphalt. And the advantage of Scandinavian winter tires appears when driving on roads with loose snow or dirt.
• The connection of the tread to the inside of the tire is made through the base, which is responsible for reducing rolling and for leveling shocks from bumps in the road.
• A steel cord should maintain a stable wheel shape. Thanks to the metal structure, the tire is stable and durable.

This is just a small part of those elements that are used in the manufacture of winter tires. The quality of the tire ultimately depends on the properties of the material and compliance with the technological chain.

When visiting the car market or after talking with experienced drivers, a novice car enthusiast can learn about studded types of winter tires. And in addition, the question arises, which winter tires to choose, studded or without studs?

Winter studded tires

Studded winter wheels are designed for driving on icy roads. Metal studs dig into the ice crust, increasing grip on the winter road. But with frequent driving on asphalt, metal spikes fall out, and the roadway is also destroyed. If the car owner has decided to give preference to studded tires, you should know a few important points during its operation.

1. The first 500-1000 km, it is necessary to run in new wheels, limiting the speed of movement at around 80 km / h. This will allow the studs to “grind” in and fix them in the tire more securely.
2. When using studded tires, the driver needs to change from sporty driving style to quiet driving. Avoid driving habits such as spin-off or emergency braking.

The pluses of studded rubber include:

• excellent work on icy and snowy roads;
• reduced braking distance on ice compared to smooth tread.

The disadvantages of such wheels will be:

• lengthening the braking distance on dry and wet surfaces;
• burying wheels on a swampy road;
• increased noise;
• destruction of asphalt pavement;
• slight increase in fuel consumption.

Studded winter tires

In the European part of Russia, winter is not constant. After severe frosts prolonged thaws may come, under New Year it rains and snow can melt in February. Therefore, when choosing tires for the winter, motorists will give preference to studless wheels.

The Scandinavian version of winter tires is becoming an ideal option for Russian conditions. Excellent adhesion to the road surface is provided by a discharged tread pattern, which consists of rhombuses and rectangles.

The main advantages of studless rubber are as follows:

• excellent parameters for moving on asphalt (dry or wet);
• maintaining its parameters during operation in warm weather;
• minimal increase in noise level;
• "Respectful attitude" to asphalt roads.

The main disadvantage of studless rubber is that it is unsuitable for driving on roads covered with an ice crust.

Influence on the choice of tires type of brake system

Most modern vehicles are equipped with anti-lock braking systems brakes. They prevent the occurrence of a skid, preventing the wheels from skidding when hard pressing on the brake pedal. It is not surprising that many foreign tire manufacturers produce wheels for vehicles with electronic systems.

Which tires to choose depending on the type of brake system? When the machine is equipped with a vehicle stability control system, the best cornering results are obtained by using tires with longitudinal sipes. A similar situation is observed in the case of ABS. In the absence of electronic anti-lock braking devices, the opposite is true. When the wheels are blocked, best result shows rubber with transverse sipes. It is not possible to find a compromise on this issue, therefore manufacturers give preference to the production of tires for modern cars with ABS.

So before choosing winter tires, you should pay attention to braking system your car. And if to someone this question seems far-fetched, then under equal conditions the difference in the slip coefficient can reach 10-15%. When converting dry numbers into real meters of stopping distance, it turns out that at emergency braking at a speed of 50 km / h, the difference is 10 m.

The best winter tires in recent years

If we abstract from the price indicator, the most popular winter tires are produced abroad. In recent years, motorists have experienced the excellent properties of the following brands.

1. Michelin is considered one of the undisputed leaders in the production of winter tires. The X-Ice North model is distinguished by its softness, the presence of a large number of transverse slats. Even when the wheels are completely locked, the tires provide maximum braking performance.
2. The next leader among winter species the tire is Goodyear Ultra Grip. The tires provide an acceptable stopping distance not only in the event of wheel blocking, but also on the verge of stopping rotation. Driving in a vehicle without ABS, experienced driver can sense when a blockage occurs and initiate step braking.
3. Excellent winter tires are made in Russia under the Amtel Nordmaster brand. At the design stage, the designers took into account the peculiarity of the Russian fleet, where many cars are not equipped with electronic braking systems. This rubber allows you to clearly determine the moment when the wheels are locked.
4. The highest quality is demonstrated by winter nokian tires Hakkapeliitta. They work well when braking with a "skid", but the moment of blocking is practically not felt. This type of rubber is best purchased for vehicles with ABS.
5. Continental ContiWinterViking tires are made with the focus on modern vehicles. They work great on a winter road paired with electronic system braking.

Many motorists, not knowing anything about tires, want to get a specific model. But in this case, a lot depends on the motorist's braking skills.

Savings options

When buying winter tires, many motorists want to save at least a little. In most cases, however, savings can negatively impact safety.

Among the absolutely unacceptable ways of saving, it is necessary to highlight:

• using summer tires in winter;
• buying used winter tires;
• the use of "all-season";
• installation of new winter tires on 2 drive wheels only.

There is also a competent approach to saving when "changing shoes" a car for the winter. You can spend less money if you buy smaller tires. It is important to note that in no case should you deviate from the recommendations of the automaker. But on the same car, wheels with different profiles can be used, as well as differ in speed index. The higher the indicated values, the more expensive the tire is. If in winter the motorist does not exceed the speed of 100 km / h, then you should not choose tires with an index greater than K (110 km / h).

Main characteristics of winter tires

In order for a novice car enthusiast to understand how to choose winter tires, you should focus on the following basic parameters.

With sufficient financial resources, give preference to better proven foreign brands. These are world leaders such as:

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

When there are limitations in the family budget, then the best option can be found in domestic products. It is best to turn your gaze to rubber, created with the participation of foreign partners.

1. When choosing tires for winter driving, you need to decide on the tread pattern. If you have to operate a car on good roads that are regularly removed from the snow, then it is better to stop at small checkers. For the assault on deep snowdrifts, an aggressive type of pattern is required.
2. An important point when choosing winter tires is the age of the model. New items that have just appeared are definitely more expensive than old samples. But you don't have to give up your tried and true tires.
3. When choosing tires for the winter, the planned mileage of the car decides a lot. When the car leaves its yard or garage only on weekends, then you can think about saving. But if vehicle runs hundreds of kilometers every day, then you need to buy quality winter tires.