When choosing winter tires, questions often arise: which tires better in winter- wide or narrow. There is an opinion that if the tires are studded, then they are effective on ice until they are completely worn out. To answer these questions, at the end of last winter we spent two non-standard test. In one of them, we compared the braking performance and acceleration dynamics of winter tires with different tread widths on ice and snow, and in the other, on the same winter surfaces, we checked the similar properties of a new studded tire and a worn one. The results were as follows.
Wide versus narrow
205/55R16
225/45R17
In a dispute over which tires are better on ice and snow - wide or narrow, supporters of the latter build their arguments on the fact that narrow tires have more specific pressure in a smaller contact patch. The opposite side has different arguments: wide tires have a large total length of the sipes, which provide grip on slippery surfaces. We decided to find an answer to this controversial issue and compared on ice and snow two sizes of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 tires - 205/55R16 and 225/45R17. To compare traction, we ran four tests: accelerating on ice, braking on ice, accelerating on snow, and braking on snow. The result was ambiguous. So, on ice, a wider tire (225 / 45R17) slows down and accelerates better. Lamellas with a greater total length really improve traction on ice. The difference in the graphs may seem small, but it should be noted that acceleration was carried out only up to 30 km / h, and braking from 30 to 5 km / h. On lightly packed snow, the braking effect is the opposite. Here the lamellas are already ineffective. A significant role is played by a smaller area of contact with the road surface. Accordingly, a greater specific pressure in the contact patch, which allows the tire to push through the snow. But the accelerating dynamics in the snow is the same.
old vs new
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5
We decided to check the difference in grip properties on ice between a new and worn-out studded tire using Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 as an example. The tread of the latter was worn down to a depth of 4 mm, while the new one had more than 9 mm. The spikes were also worn out at the “five”. Their carbide core protruded only 0.4 mm above the worn stud body (for new ones - 1.2 mm or more). The ice temperature during the test was -5°C. These are the optimal conditions for the operation of the studs, since at a very low temperature the ice becomes very hard - and it is difficult for the stud core to push through it. At temperatures closer to zero, the ice, on the contrary, is soft, so it is easier to “plow”, which contributes to less braking force. The test result was as expected. The accelerating dynamics on ice of the new Hakkapeliitta 8 with its progressive hexagonal stud in a very narrow speed range of 5-30 km/h was almost 1.5 seconds better. When braking from a speed of 50 km/h to a deceleration of 5 km/h, the stopping distance is new tire shorter than 3 m. speed modes, then the difference in braking distance can be from 10 to 20 m. This is very dangerous, because on a public road it can lead to tragedy. Here is another proof of the low grip properties of worn tires.
new thorn Nokian tires The Hakkapeliitta 8, thanks to its large width and height of the core, provides more effective deceleration on ice than the worn NHKPL 5 stud.
Photo by Evgeny Sokur
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In the process of choosing winter tires, no unnecessary questions should arise - in the instructions for the car, the manufacturer clearly gives all the sizes of tires that can be installed. But, wanting to give the car a sporty character, to make it taller and softer, motorists are ready to violate the recommendations of manufacturers. And they break them. And the automakers themselves in the recommendations indicate several different sizes of tires for disks. Larger and wider wheels look more spectacular. But is everything so simple? Let's try to figure out which tires are better in winter - narrow or wide.
What is the profile width?
Before talking about the characteristics of wide and narrow rubber, it is necessary to find out what the width of the profile is and what it affects. So, this is the distance between the side parts of the tire, which is inflated to the usual condition recommended by the manufacturer. The profile size and tread width may not always match. However, there is a pattern - the greater the width of the profile, the greater the width and tread. Everyone needs to know this.
Wide and narrow
There have always been disputes about which tires are better in winter - narrow or wide. Thus, fans of narrower tires claim that they have a higher specific pressure with a smaller contact patch with the roadway. The opposite side is sure that wide tires have longer sipes that are responsible for traction in slippery areas.
Experts compared two tire sizes on ice and on snow. So, Nokian Happelita tires with dimensions 205/55R16 and 225/45R17 took part in the experiment. To compare grip performance, four tests were carried out. The car was accelerated on ice, then the braking was checked. Next, acceleration was carried out on snow, followed by a decrease in speed. The test results were mixed. Winter tires should be narrower or wider - it all depends on the characteristics of operation and the climate of a particular region.
On slippery surfaces, wider tires brake best. Due to the sipes, the total length of which is longer, the grip properties on ice are really better. But it can be taken into account that the car was accelerated to 30 kilometers per hour. Braking was carried out from 30 to 5 kilometers per hour. On a packed snow surface, the test results were the opposite. In the snow, the length of the lamellas has little effect. The reduced area of contact with the road also plays an important role. And, therefore, the pressure in the contact patch is also greater. This allows the tire to push through the snow. As for the dynamics of acceleration, then on the snow it is the same.
Test results
Let's see a comparison of narrow and wide winter tires. On snow on narrow tires, the car accelerated to 50 kilometers per hour in 3.66 seconds. On wide - also for 3.66. And here are the results of braking tests - on narrow tires, the car slowed down from 50 to 5 kilometers per hour with a stopping distance of 27.11 meters. On wide the result was - 28.99 seconds.
And here is how the rubber performs on ice. Acceleration on narrow wheels took 3.84 seconds. On the wide car accelerated a little longer - in 3.55 seconds. The braking performance on ice is as follows: the braking distance on narrow ones is 17.91 meters, on wide ones - 17.62 meters. Braking was carried out from 30 to 5 kilometers per hour.
As can be seen from the results, what is wide, what is narrow is about the same, and in different conditions different tires are needed. Therefore, it is difficult to answer the question of which tires are better in winter - narrow or wide.
Wet road tests
The most minimal braking distance on wet pavement is provided by wider tires. In addition, a car equipped with such tires drives better. But as far as hydroplaning is concerned, here wide tires proved to be bad, much worse than the narrow ones.
Dry winter road
Here, winter tires are not in their element. But, as tests of winter tires (wide and narrow) have shown, the first ones significantly improve the car's handling characteristics and shorten the braking distance. But you have to pay for it in fuel consumption. The wider the rubber, the higher its rolling resistance. This means that fuel consumption goes up.
Spikes or Velcro
It is also a topic of constant debate between motorists. Someone thinks that non-studded winter tires are ineffective in our country, someone thinks the opposite. Let's see what to choose for an ordinary motorist for winter operation car.
Studded tires
In terms of chemical composition, winter tires are much softer than summer tires. But it should be noted that it is rougher, unlike Velcro. Naturally, these tires have special inserts, spikes. You can often hear that these very spikes are erased on the pavement, and also fly out. Yes, indeed, it is. But modern technologies are constantly evolving - today you can find on sale the most modern tires who can hide spikes on the pavement. But when the car hits a snowy track, the spike reappears and bites into the ice or snow.
In addition, a water film may be present between the tire surface and the road surface. This significantly reduces tire grip on ice. The spike is teeth that literally cut this film, thereby significantly improving grip. Studded wheels are very popular and effective, which is why they are now sold in huge quantities in countries with harsh climates.
Advantages and disadvantages of studded tires
Reviews say that these tires are distinguished by high grip on ice and snow surfaces under any loads exerted on them. It can be turns, acceleration, braking. They provide shorter stopping distances on icy roads. They have a lot of traction in deep snow.
Among the minuses, reviews highlight high noise, especially when driving on asphalt. In the wet grip is not just bad, but terrible. Due to the protrusion of the stud, the contact area between the tire and the road is reduced. The grip decreases already at a frost of minus 20 degrees - the ice becomes stronger and denser, and the spike is no longer able to break through it effectively. Fuel consumption also increases due to the fact that the tire is very rough. There are slight vibrations on the steering wheel. Spikes often fly out and also grind off. Service life - no more than 4-5 seasons. At first glance, there are more pluses than minuses. But it will not give comfort, as the reviews say. She will give you confidence high permeability, as well as manageability.
Velcro
Velcro or non-studded winter tires are a completely different thing. She can solve two problems. The tire is able to keep the car on wet pavement with little ice. It can also keep the car on ice. To do this, soft rubber is used so that the tire can stick to pavement. But at the same time, the tire material must also be rigid enough to provide normal handling. Riding on dry asphalt is contraindicated for Velcro - as a result, it overheats. Because of this, controllability will deteriorate. And in all other conditions, these tires are only slightly inferior to their studded counterparts.
Among the advantages can be identified the lack of noise. Fuel consumption will be only slightly more than summer tires. There are no vibrations in the steering wheel, tires behave well on wet pavement. The service life is higher than that of studded counterparts. There are also disadvantages. A car on such tires will be worse controlled on ice and snow compared to spikes. Braking distances on an icy road is also increased. In snow conditions, the permeability is slightly lower.
What's better?
Experts give advice on choosing winter tires. If the region is characterized by severe winters, then here you need to buy a studded tire. But for the southern regions, you can get by with Velcro. As for parameters such as width, everything is not so simple here.
Narrow tires are needed, for the most part, in order to rut in snow and snowdrifts. Then, when she hits the asphalt, she will hook onto it with spikes. Therefore, narrow tires for the winter are suitable for those places where there is a lot of snow, and the roads are not cleaned. Here narrow tires will let you be king on the road. But there is also a minus - this is a contact patch. Reviews say that narrow tires have a smaller contact patch on hard surfaces. In addition, it is simply uncomfortable to move on ice or icy asphalt on narrow tires.
With wide studded tires in winter, you can be really confident on icy roads, but without snow. The contact patch here is maximum, so the car will hold well on the ice. Significantly increases directional stability from lateral drift.
Now it’s clear which tires are better in winter - narrow or wide. For most cases, wide is better.
Actually, it's already mid-November and most motorists have already changed their shoes. But today I saw a couple of cars on summer tires, as for me, this is completely wrong. Not only are they risking their health and their cars, but they are also setting up pedestrians. In general, change your shoes on time and it does not matter that the snow has not yet fallen.
They asked me such a tricky question in the mail about the width winter tires, because you know perfectly well that you can take tires of more than one width to your car. And if it is better to take a wider one, then you will have to deal with the winter one. Go…
You all know perfectly well that the first parameter, which you can see from the marking, is responsible for the width of the tire. That is, the tire 215 / 65R16 in width will be exactly 215 mm. But there are also wide ones 265 mm and narrow ones from 175 mm.
Let's take for example the popular ones - excellent "breeches" that have collected many positive feedback. However, that's bad luck - the size range is very wide, for a diameter of r16 the narrowest tires will be 185/55, and the widest tires will be 275/70. The difference in width is as much as 9 cm. What tire size should I choose for winter so that I can ride comfortably?
Look - a narrow, high profile tire is designed primarily to cut through drifts/snow to get to a hard surface and hook onto it with studs. Therefore, narrow tires are more suitable for deep snow when you need to bite into the snow and get to a hard surface.
When the tire rows well in the snow, this is just fine, many cities in Russia are cleared of snow only on holidays, so in a good snowfall, being shod in narrow tires, you will be “on horseback”. However, there are also disadvantages, which, you probably guessed it yourself)) I'll tell you - the contact patch. A narrow tire will have a much smaller contact patch on a hard surface than a wide one. And therefore, it will be very uncomfortable to ride on bare ice or icy asphalt on narrow tires.
Tall tires make the car unstable, so the car will roll more when cornering. So for winter it is justified to take high wheels if you drive purely through snowdrifts and snowy impassability.
Wide winter tires, and even studded ones, will allow you to feel confident on any icy road without snow, the contact patch of the middle part of the tire will be maximum, thanks to which the car will hold firmly on ice, and directional stability from side drifts will also increase noticeably. 
Everything seems to be clear, but there are still nuances - the recommended tire size for your car and the maximum possible deviations (they are also called tolerances). Before buying winter and indeed any rubber, read the booklet of your car, find out the recommended tire size and possible deviations. Based on this, already make a purchase.
But remember that when buying a tire slightly larger than the recommended size, you run the risk that the wheel will touch the arch (albeit not when the steering wheel is in a straight position, but in a turn for sure). That is why SUVs for and lift (raise by 2 or more inches) in order to be able to put a wider and larger tire, for mud this option will be better than regular and narrower sizes.
Imagine the picture - they put narrow rubber on the Niva, she began to cut through the dirt and "cut" to the point that she sat on her belly. We have seen this more than once, especially in the spring slush on the field, the car is even on regular tires goes into the dirt to the very "belly", it is worth a little pressure on the pedal. For under the mud you can’t reach a hard surface))
Often puts motorists in an uncomfortable position. You have to pay a lot of money for some branded products, and more budget options raise a lot of doubts. True, it is quite simple to solve the issue of buying the “right” tires, for this it is enough to read the instructions for the car, which is provided by the manufacturer. As a rule, it indicates not only the typical size of the required tires, but also various options for upgrading your vehicle. Given the recommendations of experts, you can give your vehicle, making it high and soft. Of course, not all motorists take these data into account, some choose large and wide tires, due to which the car looks spectacular, while others, on the contrary, are used to buying standard-sized tires. We learn about which tires are better in winter: narrow or wide?
Selection of winter tires.
Profile width: what affects?
If the motorist is in doubt about buying the most optimal rubber, it must take into account the width of its profile. This value is the distance between the side sections of the tire, inflated to the point specified by the manufacturer. As a rule, profile size and tread width do not always have the same meaning. True, one should take into account the fact that the width and tread directly depend on the width of the profile. Repeatedly, motorists and experts in the field of auto set up experiments, checking tires of different sizes in the same weather conditions. Some people are sure that it is worth choosing only wide tires, while others prefer only narrow ones. Among the advantages of narrow tires, it is worth noting a high specific pressure, as well as less contact with the road. In turn, wide tires benefit from the length of the sipes, which are extremely important at the moment of grip on slippery asphalt.
Experiment
To find out how right the experts are, consider a test in which various tires participated. It is worth noting that the tested tires proved their effectiveness not only on snow-covered asphalt, but also on ice. The clutch was tested as follows: accelerated on ice, then slowed down, and picked up speed on snow, then reduced it. As practical studies have shown, the choice of tire should not depend on the personal preferences of the owner of the car, but on the characteristics of the operation of the car and the climate in which it is operated.
Wide wheels proved to be excellent directly on slippery asphalt, you can reduce the speed with their help as quickly and efficiently as possible. It was the presence of lamellas of sufficient length that provided excellent grip on ice. True, the car picked up speed of only 30 km / h, while throwing it off only up to 5 km / h. On well-packed snow surfaces, narrow tires were much more useful, where the ability to have minimal contact with the road was put forward in the first place, making the pressure at the point of contact greater. Due to this, narrow rubber pushes through the snow cover.
Speaking about buying the most optimal pair of tires for winter, it is worth considering the vehicle's handling on a snow-covered road. As practice shows, the difference when driving on different tires is simply colossal. It is easiest to notice the difference between wide and narrow tires when cornering. The narrowest tires provide excellent handling, allow you to completely. When cornering, the car behaves calmly, the movement is extremely fast and safe. If the same car is equipped with a set of wider tires, handling on a snowy road will take on a completely different color. The motorist can feel the nervous behavior of the car, its attempts to go into a skid. Separately, it is worth noting the dynamics of acceleration, since on a snowy road it is almost the same.
Ice test
When driving on an ice-covered winter road, it is difficult to say in advance which tires are better - wider or narrower. To adequately evaluate the performance of the two types of tires, it is worth using expert data. It is much more difficult to accelerate on narrow tires, it will take 3.84 seconds, the second tires need less time, they reach fifty km / h. in 3.55 sec. Speaking directly about the braking properties, we can say that they do not differ much from each other. The speed reduction on narrow tires will take place after 17.91 m, while on wide tires - after 17.62 m.
Snow tests
If a motorist is perplexed as to why narrow tires are better in winter, he should learn about the results of the experiment, familiarize himself with the data that clearly indicate the superiority of the tire option under consideration. According to the results of the study, on a snowy road with narrow tires, the vehicle will accelerate to fifty kilometers per hour in no more than 3.66 seconds. A car with a larger tire will need the same amount of time, however, at the moment of speed reduction, the narrow tire will slow down after 27.11 seconds, and the wide one in 28.99 seconds.
Acceleration and braking on ice
To decide unequivocally which tires are better in winter - narrow or wide, it is worth learning about the indicators that the wheels participating in the experiment provided to the specialists. The mid-width wheel makes it easier to grip the ice surface, providing excellent braking performance.
The pros and cons of a narrow tire
To sum up and understand which tires are better in winter - narrow or wider, it is worth noting their advantages. According to research, narrow tires are more stable on ice, although they can lead to a sharp stall when cornering. High profile tires are preferred for those Vehicle that have ESP. However, a motorist should not relax while driving on a snowy road.
When should you choose wide tires?
It is best not to wear wide tires on your car in winter, unless you regularly drive on an icy road. Such rubber fits as tightly as possible to the road, in contact with ice at a small specific pressure. On snowy roads, a car with such tires can drive in different directions, demolish, which requires the concentration of the driver’s attention, a strong impact on steering and limit control of the road.
Mas MotorsToday, the choice of winter tires is huge - dozens of sizes, almost all brands, expensive and cheap models. How to do right choice how to spend a lot of money and then not regret the choice? we have already considered the advantages and disadvantages of studded and non-studded tires. Basically, this choice is influenced by the operating conditions of the car in the city or on a suburban highway. But there is one more important characteristic tires and it is worth talking about it in more detail - this is the width of the tire. There are two opposing opinions among motorists - some say that narrow tires should be installed for the winter, while others prefer wide ones. Let's try to consider the pros and cons of narrow and wide tires.
Benefits of wide winter tires
From a physics point of view, wide tires have a larger area of contact with the road surface, in other words, we have a larger contact patch. Hence, it can be assumed that the grip properties of the tire with the surface increase. As a result, you can count on increased grip during acceleration and braking, as well as when cornering. But there are some concerns when driving on a road with a pronounced wet surface, with the presence of puddles - the effect of aquaplaning may occur, i.e. the wheel will “float” and sharply lose its grip. This phenomenon is extremely dangerous for the driver, because. the car can get completely out of control. Another disadvantage of wide rubber is the weight. The wheel becomes heavier, increasing the unsprung mass of the wheel and, as a result, the load on the suspension.
Features of driving on narrow winter tires
Probably many have seen rally cars prepared for races on a snowy track - they are "shod" in narrow tires. This is where the second, opposite opinion came from, that it is better to put a narrow tire in the winter. It can be assumed that a narrow wheel “cuts” the snow porridge more effectively and allows you to drive at an increased speed. But this is all good in sports conditions, where drivers have special training. It is difficult to say how it will be during normal operation, it can only be verified empirically. But there is one indisputable advantage of a narrow spike compared to a wide one - it is lighter, therefore, the load on the suspension of the car is less. Yes, and the price narrow rubber slightly lower, which can also be attributed to the pluses. In addition, there is a common misconception, taken from school physics lessons, that a narrow tire puts more pressure on the road and, therefore, has more grip.
