Correctly selected tires affect driving safety almost more than any other vehicle system. Winter tires differ from summer tires in a softer rubber compound that does not "dull" when low temperaturesas well as a deeper and more aggressive tread pattern that helps provide traction and braking on snowy surfaces.
When to change tires for winter
On this issue, all tire manufacturers are unanimous and propose to replace them during the period when the average daily temperature drops to +7. At temperatures from +4 to +7, the summer rubber compound begins to lose its qualities, becomes more rigid, as a result of which braking distances the car increases significantly. Therefore, it is already unsafe to operate summer tires at temperatures below +4.
Types of winter tires
For use in winter period Various manufacturers have developed three types of tires: studded, non-studded (friction) and all-season.
Studded ones are equipped with special metal inserts - studs that provide traction on icy surfaces. The spikes are arranged in rows in the tire so that the track from each spike does not coincide with the neighboring one. Studded tires provide maximum safety on ice, but with less grip and more noise on dry asphalt. Therefore, you should choose them if in winter there are expected frequent trips out of town, or if severe winters are in your region and ice on the road is not uncommon.
One of the most costly and crucial points in service iron horse becomes a choice 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 constitute one of the essential items in the owner's budget. That is why motorists have doubts about the advisability of having two sets of wheels, one for the summer season, and others for operating 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 novice motorists pay 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 different 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 a motorist is not indifferent to saving 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 hot autumn-winter seasons.
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 only a small part of those elements that are used in the manufacture 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, there are several important points to know when using it.
- The first 500-1000 km need 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.
- 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 in February the snow can melt. 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);
- preservation of 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 translating dry numbers into real meters of stopping distance, it turns out that during 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Continental ContiWinterViking tires are made with a 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 at winter time;
- 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” of 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, and also 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, one should dwell 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 restrictions 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.
- 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.
- An important point when choosing winter tires is the age of the model. New products that have just appeared are definitely more expensive than old samples. But you don't have to give up your tried and true tires.
- 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.
In Russia, in autumn the roads can be covered with ice, so it becomes dangerous on summer wheels. After the thermometer drops by five divisions below zero, the rubber, as they say, dubs and loses adhesion to the ground. The snow cover, and even more so the ice crust, makes it impossible to slow down, make maneuvers and even get under way. Therefore, the availability of winter tires is a guarantee of reducing the number of accidents.
Winter tires are specially designed for maintenance cars in harsh weather conditions. The main difference is in the chemical composition of rubber, which allows it to withstand temperature changes in winter. An important element of winter rubber is the rubber tread. It is responsible for reducing jolts when driving on uneven surfaces. The beads are protected by a rubber carcass. Closer to the wheel, a fender tape is soldered, which is responsible for shock absorption.
Another difference between winter tires is the tread pattern. If you remember the school physics course, then you know that in order to increase the friction force, which is what we need in winter, you need to increase the surface roughness. Therefore, winter tires must have many grooves, notches, notches. Also in winter, low-profile tires, although they look impressive, create a lot of troubles for the driver (noise in the cab and the requirement for increased attention on the road).
Tires with a high profile will relieve constant worry about the condition of the wheels.
Main varieties
European
European rubber is designed for wet asphalt and a slight deviation of the thermometer towards the "minus" side. The tires have a diagonal pattern, special grooves for water outflow, a large number of thin slots.
The main task european type - to ensure tight adhesion of tires to the road asphalt during snow and rain. These tires are best suited for southern latitudes.
Scandinavian
Scandinavian rubber will be most useful in very harsh weather conditions. Instead of longitudinal patterns on the tires, there are peculiar staggered patterns that allow the car to confidently "run" on a snow-covered track.
Necessarily in the picture there are small stripes, and there is a large distance between the elements of the pattern. All these subtleties of the pattern are necessary in order for the tread to push the snow cover well while driving and at the same time to be cleared of dirt and snow.
Studded
The studs are designed to break ice on the road. Spikes on tires are round, in the form of a quadrangle, cruciform. The best choice is in the shape of a nail. These tires provide a comfortable and safe driving on ice and during snow drifts... It is not worth driving on bare asphalt with such rubber, as it will not last long in this case, and it is not very good for an asphalt surface.
These tires require compulsory break-in, which is necessary for grinding in the studs and securing them in the tread. One of the advantages of studded rubber is the short braking distance. This means that the risk of collision is reduced. The studs adhere perfectly to the surface, the car has a high friction force, which ensures a comfortable ride even on ice.
Non-studded
This type of rubber provides maximum good grip with the road in the rain and sleet. Such rubber is practically useless in the conditions of the Russian snowy winter.
If you expect to ride in snowy places and with frequent icy conditions, then the rubber should be softer. You can also drive on asphalt, but the shelf life of such a coating will be significantly reduced. Of course, not every motorist can determine the quality of rubber by eye, so it is better to use the services of a sales consultant.
It is also best to choose tires with an asymmetrical pattern. But remember that they should also be installed correctly, in accordance with the marks that, after installation, should be located next to the nipple.
Some drivers buy used tire sets in order to save money. Good appearance tires does not guarantee that they have retained the qualities originally embedded in them.
The service life of tires is from 2 to 4 seasons. But it is unlikely that you can visually determine how long the tires have been in operation and how many kilometers have "run".
There are criteria for choosing winter tires.
- First, you should decide with the manufacturer. There are, of course, a large number of them, and it is easy to get lost in this variety. Nokian, Michelin, Pirelli, Toyo, Fulda, Gislaved have proven themselves best in the market. These brands have good recommendations for all metrics.
- Pay attention to the date of manufacture. This is usually indicated on the tire. More new model will cost more. Of course, last year's model will be economically viable, but if you only have to change one tire, it will be difficult to find the same one.
- It is important to pay attention to the planned mileage. If you know that your steel horse will run a lot, then it is better to buy a set with high mileage... It will cost, naturally, more.
If you choose a low profile and a wider tire in the summer, then tires with a smaller width and radius are taken for the winter. Thus, some savings can be made without compromising driving comfort.
Outcome
Summing up, we note that when choosing winter tires, several factors should be taken into account.
How safe it will be to drive on ice or on a snowy road directly depends on the quality of the tires.
But before choosing winter tires, you need to thoroughly understand them, since there are a huge number of models on the market today. different brands and brands that behave differently under different operating conditions.
Of course, you can drive all winter on summer tires, but is it worth risking your car, and even more so your life, the lives of pedestrians and other road users?
Choosing winter tires is not easy today. To do this, you either have to rely on your many years of experience, or buy products that have proven themselves well in your region. The fact is that in different regions different weather conditions prevail, so it is unambiguous to say that there are some of the most best tires you just can't.
Studded or friction (non-studded) rubber
It is very difficult to give an unequivocal answer to which rubber is better to take for the winter - studded or non-studded. Theoretically, the studs should increase the coefficient of wheel adhesion to the road, which is especially important in icy conditions. However, friction winter tires are often slippery road behaves much better.
This is due to the fact that the behavior of the car depends not only on the presence or absence of studs. Determining factors also include tread pattern and rubber chemistry.
Let's take a closer look
Studded winter tires
In case of ice or on rolling snow, the coefficient of adhesion of the wheels to the road is increased by means of studs.
You can go in two ways: either buy studded tires right away, or stud with ordinary winter tires yourself.
Of course, the more studs on the tire, the more obedient the car will be (the probability of slipping will decrease, the braking distance will be shortened).
Greater efficiency can be achieved if the studs are not located in one line, but are scattered in a chaotic manner over the entire surface of the tire.
It is important to know that not any rubber can be studded, so immediately clarify this issue with the dealer.
Among the imported studded tires, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta has received a good recommendation. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the studs have a square rather than a circular cross-section, which improves the quality of wheel traction.
This model will cost you from $ 100 to $ 450. per unit, depending on the standard size.
Studded winter tires
On the handling of the car when driving on deep snow not only the studs, but also the tread pattern affect.
The most effective were winter tires, which have many rectangular checkers arranged in a checkerboard pattern. In addition, the depth of the pattern is also important, which in most models is 9-10mm.
Also, the presence of sipes (small strips) positively affects road grip. They help studded or non-studded winter tires to grip the road better.
If your area is dominated by wet snow or none at all for most of the winter, buy studless winter tires.
And that's why:
Spikes are ineffective during acceleration and braking on asphalt;
Studs reduce the contact patch of the tire with the road, thereby reducing the coefficient of grip and impairing handling;
On the pavement, studded winter tires are an additional source of noise.
What you need to know before choosing studless winter tires. On wet snow, rubber with a directional tread pattern, which removes slush from under the wheels, performs best. The tread structure of these winter tires is like a herringbone.
Among the best winter tires is the Continental ContiVikingContact3. Their cost ranges from $ 75 to $ 210. depending on the standard size.
On average, winter tires last two to four seasons. It needs to be replaced when the tread depth is less than 4 mm.
Winter tire developers select the composition rubber compound so that the wheel "sticks" to slippery surface... In this regard, soft tires are better suited for icy conditions or for driving on snow.
It should be noted that soft tires in winter are no less effective on asphalt surfaces, but they wear out faster. The softness of the wheel is difficult to determine by touch, so ask the seller.
Winter tires with an asymmetric tread pattern are often more effective. In this case, the outer part of the tire is responsible for driving on asphalt, and the inner part is responsible for snow, or vice versa.
It is important to install these tires correctly, observing the markings on them.
Winter tire size
It is necessary to choose the sizes of winter or summer tires from those recommended by the automaker.
To increase the contact patch of the wheel with the road, you can take more wide tires, but the distribution of the vehicle's mass will occur in such a way that as a result grip is reduced.
If you could not find the right size, then it is better to choose a model of winter tires that is slightly higher in height and smaller in width of the profile.
Operation of winter tires
Most drivers "change their shoes" only after the appearance of ice or the first snow. As a rule, this causes an increase in road traffic accidents at the beginning of winter.
To avoid this, change summer tires to winter ones after the air temperature drops below 7 degrees.
Winter tires require careful handling during the first few hundred kilometers. Run in new tireswhile avoiding harsh braking, accelerate smoothly and carefully enter corners. Thus, they will serve you as long as possible.
Can winter tires only be used on the drive wheels?
Many motorists are wondering if they can save money by buying only two tires for the drive wheels. This decision will not in the best way affect the behavior of the car.
Naturally, you will feel a noticeable positive change when starting from a place, but on the road, unpleasant moments may arise in the behavior of the car.
For example, on cars with rear wheel drive during braking, the weight of the car is transferred to the front wheels, so there is little benefit from winter tires at this point. In addition, when entering a corner, a rear-wheel drive car with studded tires on the drive wheels will not respond well to the steering wheel.
Front-wheel drive cars are not without problems. Putting winter tires only on the front wheels will allow you to start faster. But during braking rear wheels skidding.
If you have studded tires, but the weather has changed and you have to drive the car onto the asphalt, then drive very carefully. It is unacceptable to start abruptly and brake urgently if you do not want to lose all the spikes on the way.
Important! Don't forget to stick on rear glass sign "W" so that other drivers know that your braking distance is shorter than theirs.
Foreign companies - BridgeStone, Pirelli, Continental, Michelin, Nokian.
Domestic companies - KYa (Krasny Yar) and Amtel.
On "our" winter tires you can leave for several seasons. Although imported tires are more expensive, they can be used twice as long.
We hope that we have helped you understand certain points that will be useful to know before choosing a winter tire.
Safety on the road in the winter season depends on many factors, the determining of which is high quality and reliable winter tires. In this article, we will understand the features and nuances of choosing one or another winter tire for a car.
1 Types of tires for the winter season - studded or friction?
It is better to choose rubber long before the onset of cold weather and changes in road conditions. Firstly, during this period, you can buy tires for more favorable price... Secondly, you will have time to evaluate and compare different models tires, select the appropriate manufacturer and configuration that best suits your vehicle.
Car with winter tires Today, there are several types of tires for driving in the winter season. Each of the options has both pros and cons, which we will analyze further. Almost all variants of winter tires are reduced to two types - without studs and with studs. The first type of tires behaves better on asphalt surfaces with a minimum amount of snow or ice, the second type (frictional) is recommended when driving on snowy roads and off-road conditions.
- - convenience, practicality, safety!
- to get the most out of your device?
- - a reliable combination or a marketing ploy of the manufacturer?
- - update software do it yourself!
- - modern practicality and safety
There is conditionally a third type of winter tires - all season tiresthat can be operated both in summer and winter at universal temperatures. Good all-season tires are produced by few manufacturers and are designed mainly for high-quality roads, which are constantly cleared of snow and ice. Such tires are strictly not recommended for use during severe frosts, in addition, their properties are noticeably deteriorated in the presence of snow or mud on the road.
2 Non-studded tires - Scandinavian or European type?
A sophisticated technology is used in the manufacture of winter tires, but the main element of any tire without studs is the tread. The tread type can be roughly divided into two types:
- Scandinavian type. Longer tread spacing and deeper sipes. Suitable for driving on snow or winter mud.
- European type. Diagonal patterning with good drainage network of canals. More suitable for driving on wet and icy asphalt.
Non-studded tires on cars The first type of tires has a low speed index, different manufacturers rubber it varies in the range of 160-170 kilometers per hour. This type of tire is suitable for moderate and calm, even slow driving without sharp turns and acceleration. Among the popular models of winter tires with a Scandinavian type of tread are such as Nokian Nordman RS, Bridgestone Blizzak VRX, Michelin X-Ice 3,ToyoTiresGartG4,G5,ContinentalConticrossViking.
The European version of tires has a higher speed index, which reaches 240 kilometers per hour for some manufacturers, as well as better braking performance on wet and dry asphalt, they are suitable, including those who drive aggressively even in winter. But they are also suitable for motorists with a calm style, who often move on a snowless asphalt surface. Among the popular models of this type, the following models stand out: Dunlop Winter Sport, Pirelli scorpion Ice, Nokian WR Series,YokohamaDriveV.
Among the advantages of friction winter tires are:
- reliable grip parameters on wet and dry asphalt;
- lack of noise when driving on asphalt roads without ice and snow;
- stable characteristics in different temperature ranges.
Regardless of the type of tread and chemical composition, non-studded winter tires are more suitable for motorists living in Europe and the European part of Russia, where winter is not characterized by constancy and the presence of a large amount of snow on the roads. In addition, it is recommended to install such tires if the car is equipped with complementary systems providing safety such as ESP and ABS, they are able to compensate for some of the disadvantages of friction tires in certain driving situations.
3 Winter tires with studs - the main advantages
Studded winter tires are designed for driving on constantly icy or snowy roads. The studs in the rubber are necessary to increase traction on such roads, as they can break up the ice crust. Such rubber is characterized by a balanced and medium degree of hardness, while tires of this type can be used on other types of road surface. Among the disadvantages of studded rubber can be distinguished a high level of noise and greater braking distance in comparison with Velcro.
Winter tires with studs Among the popular and well-proven models of studded tires are the following:
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta Suv 7,8,9;
- Continental IceContact;
- Michelin X-Ice Nord;
- Bridgestone Ice Cruiser;
- GoodYeear UltraGrip.
It is entirely up to you to choose a studded wheel option for your car or not. It should be understood that spikes are not a guarantee of road safety in winter. On dry and wet pavement, these tires have reduced grip, longer braking distances and an increased tendency to skid, they generate noise and fall out. Some modern models friction tires, especially those with a Scandinavian tread type, are not inferior to studded counterparts even on an icy road.
If you travel more around the city than outside, it is best to use any type of friction winter tire. If you often have to go off-road in winter, buy special anti-slip chains that you can install and remove yourself in front of a difficult section of the road.
4 Two tires on one axle - is it worth saving this way?
Among motorists, there is an opinion that for winter season it will be enough to install winter tires only on the driving wheel axle. This is fundamentally wrong. The main danger of installing winter tires only on the drive wheels is uncontrolled skidding. Even with four winter wheels on a slippery road, when entering a turn, it can be very difficult to get the car out of a skid, and if a pair is installed behind or in front summer tires, it will be almost impossible to do this, and the consequences can be very different.
Installation of winter tires As for the installation of tires of the same parameters and characteristics, but with a different tread pattern, this is allowed if the car has a mono-drive. However, this state of affairs will make adjustments in the event emergency braking on a snowy road - the car may be skidded or the braking distance will increase. On four-wheel drive car all tires must be the same and with the same tread pattern.
5 Does the choice of tread affect the overall performance of the rubber?
It should be understood that on certain road surfaces and in certain driving situations, tires can perform different functions. If the car is moving on rolled snow (not ice), then the tires should scoop up the snow as efficiently as possible, literally biting into it, preventing slipping and improving traction. On roads with mud and mud, the tire's ability to deflect flows is at the forefront, providing maximum stability and skid resistance.
Car protector Thus, a tire with one tread pattern cannot meet all the requirements of the road conditions in both winter and summer seasons. Of course, many manufacturers try to make their tires as versatile as possible, but each model ends up with advantages in one or two road components. To choose the right rubber, it is enough to know how the treads differ from each other. As described above, there are four types of tires for winter, which differ in their tread pattern. Accordingly, by looking at the tread, we can conclude which tire is in front of you and whether it is worth buying for your car.
