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 proper adhesion to the road surface, minimum braking distance and other inherent characteristics.
Contrary to popular belief, all season tires not meant for a real winter.
They are designed for moderate weather conditions and quality road surfaces that are usually dry and only occasionally wet. In an amicable way, they can only be used in the off-season as an addition to winter and summer tires.
This is why it is imperative to change tires depending on the season. As a rule, it is recommended to change the shoes of the machine in Winter tires if during the week the air temperature does not rise above 5–7 ° С. This is usually the end of October or the beginning of November.
As in the case with, you need to choose winter ones taking into account several important criteria and nuances. Let's try to figure them out together.
What type of tires to choose
There are two main types of tires: studded and friction tires. The latter, in turn, are divided into tires of the Scandinavian and European type. As a result, there are only three types of winter tires, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for certain climatic conditions.
1. Studded tires
Thanks to their metal anti-skid studs, these tires provide better 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 are quickly erased. In some European countries, studded tires are prohibited.
These tires are suitable for everyone who spends a lot of time outside the city and lives in regions where there is ice. Residents of megalopolises with roads that are regularly sprinkled with reagents do not need studded tires.
2. Scandinavian type friction tires
They are similar in their properties to studded tires and for the most part differ from them only in the absence of studs. Tires of this type are designed to operate at low temperatures ah and a large amount of snow and provide the necessary grip due to the many sipes on the tread, which push snow and crust. Because of its softness scandinavian tires do not behave in the best way on ice and also quickly wear off on dry asphalt, literally starting to swim.
Scandinavian type tires are suitable for snowy areas with long and. With such tires, you can not be afraid of snowdrifts and shifting, but you have to observe speed mode, be careful with cornering, as well as sudden acceleration and braking.
3. Friction tires of European type
This is the complete opposite of Scandinavian. These tires are ideal for regions with mild, wet winters 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 move on to considering specific models from different manufacturers... To compare tires and choose the most suitable ones, you need to be able to read the markings in which the features of a particular tire are encrypted. Let's understand the conventions using a specific example.
- P- standard size of the tire. In this case, it is an abbreviation for Passenger, which indicates a tire for a passenger car.
- 215 - profile width in millimeters.
- 65 - profile height in percent.
- R- radial design.
- 15 - landing diameter in inches.
- 95 - load index.
- T- speed index.
- M + S- Mud + Snow, winter or all-season tires.
- Treadwear 220- wear index (the higher the better).
- Traction A- an indicator of the effectiveness of braking. Marked from A to C, where A is the best.
- Temperature A- an indicator of resistance to heat. Marked from A to C, where A is the best.
Additional Information:
- All seasons(or AS) - all-season tires.
- Snowflake icon- winter tire.
- Tubeless- tubeless tire.
- Max pressure- maximum pressure.
- Outside and Inside- markings on the outside 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 for informational purposes only, but some are worth paying close attention to. These parameters include section width and height, load and speed indices, as well as wear and braking indicators.
How to choose the size
When choosing a tire size, it is worth setting aside all the myths and advice of garage neighbors describing the advantages of a low profile or an increased diameter. You should not deviate from the recommendations of the car manufacturer: he has already calculated everything, found the best option and indicated it in the owner's 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 the unchanged properties of the tire for two years of storage. If the tires are in the warehouse longer, then the rubber loses its quality and the tires will no longer be able to fully provide traction and effective braking.
hometyre.co.uk Finding out the date of manufacture and understanding whether it is worth taking the set of tires you like is quite simple. Manufacturers indicate it on the side surface of the tire using a four-digit code. The first two represent the week, and the second represents the year of issue. For example, 5016 is the 50th week or mid-December 2016.
What else needs to be considered
And a few useful tips in the end:
- Stop buying used tires. Over time, rubber loses its properties, which, coupled with the existing wear and tear, can nullify all the savings.
- Under no circumstances should you buy tires only for the drive axle of a car. Due to uneven grip of the wheels different axes the risk increases.
- 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.
- 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.
- Buy a second set of rims specifically for winter tires so you can change shoes yourself and not waste time in the tire line.
High-quality rubber is not only a guarantee of good vehicle handling and driver comfort while driving, but also the basis for ensuring safety while driving. Winter is the most dangerous period for motorists, so the choice of shoes for wheels at this time of the year should be approached with utmost responsibility. And the question of whether for a car should be entrusted to professionals familiar with the specifics of difficult driving in harsh conditions.
Features of winter tires
Generally speaking, all tires can be divided into three categories: summer, general purpose and winter tires. Perhaps, winter tires have the greatest number of specific characteristics due to difficult operating conditions. First of all, the rubber composition itself is oriented towards use at temperatures below 7 ° C. The fact is that ordinary universal or summer tires at low temperatures lose their basic properties, therefore, special compounds are required to ensure optimal grip and stiffness. However, deciding which one to choose winter tires for a car, you don't have to chase the solid state bus itself. Elasticity is a necessary property for any road; it is another matter that a measure of the softness index must be observed.
A separate topic is the tread pattern. Active corners, grooves, dense notches and serrations are a must outside winter tires. Their presence is due to the fact that the wheels must withstand ice, snow and watery surfaces.
The question of how to choose the right winter tires for a car cannot but touch upon the nuances of noise reduction. An overly active and dense profile inevitably contributes to the development of a characteristic hum and even whistle, therefore this nuance is taken into account in the selection process.
Varieties of rubber
The entire tire market can be roughly divided into two segments: European and Scandinavian rubber.
The first option involves ensuring effective traction with the surface in rain and sleet conditions. That is, on the one hand, the material is designed for not the most severe weather conditions, but from the point of view of driving, they are extremely difficult. Technically, European rubber is characterized by the presence of a diagonal tread pattern, in which there are many drainage grooves. This feature makes European tires similar to the so-called anti-raincoats.
Now it is worth answering the question of how to choose the right winter tires for a car from the Eurosegment. First of all, it is important to pay attention to the quality of execution of thin lamellas-slots and massive lugs, which are placed along the edges. The tougher these components are made to the rubber surface, the more confident the car will behave.
As for the Scandinavian rubber, it is designed for driving on snow and icy roads. Such a tire is characterized by a developed network on the tread surface, which is formed not by cuts, as is the case with European analogues, but by specific figures applied in a checkerboard pattern.
Studded or non-studded?
Actually, the differences between velcro and studs are based on the concept of separating Scandinavian and European tires. That is, spiked rubber, due to its active surface, is more effective against hazardous surfaces. This is the optimal solution when it comes to driving on ice or frozen snow crust.
Non-studded rubber, devoid of active elements, it would seem, is completely useless during bad weather, but this is not so. The fact is that these types of winter tires mutually exclude each other's disadvantages. Although studded tires perform best on icy flooring, they should not be used on dry or wet surfaces. This is due to the fact that the presence of a pronounced tread pattern minimizes the area of direct contact of the wheels with the road - as a result, the braking distance increases. Non-studded tires, which are close in characteristics to European ones, are devoid of this drawback.
Basic selection parameters
Once you've identified the right tire type, you can begin to study in more detail the optimal rubber performance. So, the main characteristics on which the working properties of tires will depend are wear resistance, and a load indicator.
In the marking, wear resistance can be indicated as Treadwear and is calculated in units. To understand how to choose winter tires for a car according to this parameter, you can give the following example: 100 units. wear resistance on average corresponds to 50 thousand km of run.
As for the speed index, it is denoted by the Latin letters N, ZR, S, etc. The S format is optimal, since it does not limit amateurs driving fast and at the same time is characterized by low wear.
The load indicator, in turn, is calculated from specific data. This figure should be no more than 35% of the vehicle's curb weight.
Bridgestone tire reviews
The brand is well popularized, which allows products to regularly take places in the first positions in sales. Users appreciate these tires for stable, albeit not premium, but optimal quality, almost always impeccable working properties of the rubber compound, as well as increased wear resistance.
Now it is worth taking a closer look at the question of how to choose winter tires for your car. Reviews of the latest series put the Blizzak Spike model in first place. The features of the modification include the presence of a V-shaped directional pattern, as well as an increased number of lamellas with a modified shape of the cross grooves. In practice, these qualities contribute to the effective removal of the snow-water slurry from the contact spot.
Dunlop tire reviews
This manufacturer is less known, but the quality of the tires produced deserves attention. Much of the firm's success stems from its specialization. The manufacturer places particular emphasis on the development of rubber for the SUV segment, that is, the target audience, one might say, is formed by the owners of crossovers. According to them, the tires can cope with high loads without losing the primary qualities of grip.
In the question of how to choose winter tires for a car from Dunlop's offers, it is worth being guided by the requirements for braking performance. This trait is the main factor that differentiates products within a family. In general, the advantages of the products of this manufacturer include a well-thought-out rubber compound, optimal rolling resistance and, at the same time, low cost.
Kumho tire reviews
The South Korean brand has become famous for its successful non-studded model for passenger car WinterCraft series. The developers did not dwell on this, and quite recently a modification of the WS31, intended for the crossover segment, was released. Car owners tire Kumho note the specific composition of rubber with increased rigidity in the tread blocks. Therefore, if the question of how to choose winter tires for a car under severe icy conditions is being decided, then this option will suit both SUV drivers and car owners. Driving practice confirms decent handling characteristics and, what is especially important, confident braking on ice. It should also be noted that sufficient grip is maintained on dry roads and in heavy rain. This effect was achieved through the introduction of a large number of sipes in the tread pattern.
Nokian tire reviews
Finnish products need no introduction. Nokian is one of largest manufacturers winter tires, logically oriented towards the characteristics of the Scandinavian type. But, of course, the European class is also widely represented in the line of this brand. For example, modifications of the WR A3-A4 are considered by specialists almost as best rubber for winter in the category of non-studded models. Car owners point to the increased durability of this rubber, as well as confidence when driving on snow. The developers have achieved a significant improvement in performance properties through the use of a special mixture, in which, in addition to natural rubber, canola oil was added, which provides a more effective adhesion function with the coating.
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 the rubber, which allows it to withstand temperature changes in winter. An important element of winter rubber is a rubber tread. It is responsible for reducing jolts when driving on uneven surfaces. The beads are protected by a rubber carcass. Closer to the wheel, a fender tape is soldered, which is responsible for shock absorption.
Another difference between winter tires is the tread pattern. If you remember the school physics course, then you know that in order to increase the friction force, which is what we need in winter, you need to increase the surface roughness. Therefore, there should be a lot of grooves, notches, notches on winter tires. 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 worries about the condition of the wheels.
Main varieties
European
European rubber is designed for wet asphalt and a slight deviation of the thermometer towards the "minus" side. The tires have a diagonal pattern, special grooves for water outflow, a large number of thin slots.
The main task of the European type is to ensure tight 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 down 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. You should not ride 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 stopping 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.
Unsticked
This type of rubber provides the best possible grip during rain and sleet. Such rubber is practically useless in the conditions of the Russian snowy winter.
If you expect to ride in snowy areas and with frequent icy conditions, then the rubber should be softer. You can also drive on asphalt, but the shelf life of such a coating will be significantly reduced. Of course, not every motorist can determine the quality of rubber by eye, so it is better to use the services of a sales assistant.
It is also best to choose tires with an asymmetrical pattern. But remember that they should also be installed correctly, in accordance with the marks that, after installation, should be located next to the nipple.
Some drivers buy used tire sets in order to save money. The good appearance of tires does not guarantee that they have retained their original qualities.
The service life of tires is 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 confused 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 a high mileage. It will cost, naturally, more.
If you choose a low profile and a wider tire in the summer, then tires with a smaller width and radius are taken for the winter. Thus, some savings can be made without compromising driving comfort.
Outcomes
Summing up, we note that when choosing winter tires, several factors should be taken into account.
If you have already thought about what to “put on” your car for the winter, we will tell you about the trends of this season, help you with the choice and guide you in understanding the issue. So, winter tires are a way to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Winter tires: what? where? when?
Tires are one of the main and constant expense items for car maintenance, and if you still have not figured out what winter tires are, we will try to get to the bottom of it.
Winter tires are car tires, which are specially designed for operation in the cold season at temperatures not exceeding + 7 ° С. And what is the difference between winter tires and summer tires, and how fundamentally is this difference?
Winter tires will help your car through the winter without incident
It is generally accepted that the main difference winter tires from the summer is the tread pattern, but in fact this is not the main difference. You should remember from childhood what happened to an ordinary eraser in the cold - it literally broke and crumbled. In other words, rubber is a material that loses its properties (in this case, elasticity) at low temperatures. That is why modern manufacturers car tires use all their experience in order to invent such chemical compositions of rubber, which would be "sharpened" for a particular season, a particular temperature range.
When to change and buy winter tires
Legislatively, the time of changing summer tires to winter tires in our country is not stipulated. In principle, in Russia, no one forbids driving in severe frosts on summer tires, so if you don't care about your own life from a high bell tower, you can close this page, forget about the existence of winter tires and continue your suicidal race.
The bulk of car owners know that the car should be “changed” when the thermometers sleepily creep up to + 5 ° C, and the temperature continues to fall every day, like the ruble exchange rate against the background of news from the Persian Gulf countries. If we talk about this in terms of calendar measurements, then this is October-November.
As for the purchase of winter tires, it is important to remember that you need to prepare the sled in the summer. Summer prices will delight you. And then you will need no more than half an hour to change summer wheels for a prepared winter kit.
Types of winter tires and their characteristics
The construction of winter tires is rather complicated. Their main element is the tread, which is made of wear-resistant rubber. The base connects the tread to the inner layers of the tire and is responsible for reducing rolling resistance and dampening bumps.
Steel cord works to increase the stability of the tire shape, increase driving stability and increase the mileage.
Under the steel cord there is a liner made of textile cord to resist internal overpressure.
The tire beads are protected by a carcass made of special strips, which, in turn, are made of rubber.
Smooth shock absorption, as well as stability of handling is ensured by means of a fender tape, which is soldered into the edge of the tire, closer to the wheel.
However, all these are just general characteristics that are inherent in all winter tires. We need to understand their main types in order to understand what our car will be wearing this winter.
Studded winter tires
This type of tire is designed for driving on an icy road. If you try to conquer the asphalt on thorns, know that your attempt in absentia is doomed to complete failure. On tarmac road surfaces, the grip of the studded tires is poor.
Studded tires designed for icy roads
Studded tires have an extremely negative effect on the road surface, increasing the degree of wear in just one winter by 5-8 times. Despite this, about 70% of Russian car owners prefer this particular type of tire.
On such a surface, you can only ride on studded tires.
For those who have decided to purchase "spikes", it will be useful to know that such tires must be run in before serious loads, which will allow the spikes to grind and fix them in the tread. For the first 500 or 1 thousand kilometers, try not to develop a speed of more than 80 km / h and exclude emergency braking from the "diet" of your car.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Studded Tires
| pros | Minuses |
|---|---|
|
Spikes work great on snowy and icy roads |
A wet road negates all the positive qualities of studded rubber. On wet and dry asphalt, the studs significantly lengthen the braking distance and reduce skid resistance. V loose snow, as well as on a swampy primer, studded tires "dig in" the car faster and can even put it "on the belly". |
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The braking distance on ice for a studded tire is much shorter than that of a "smooth" tire. |
Ride comfort is reduced by the noise of the studded tires |
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Spikes destroy the asphalt road surface (in some countries, for this reason, studded tires are illegal) |
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Such tires, albeit slightly, but still increase fuel consumption. |
Non-studded winter tires
Rubber without studs is divided into European and Scandinavian grades. The first was designed to provide best grip with a wet or sleet-covered road. The main feature of such tires is a network of drainage channels on the tread and powerful lugs on it.
Non-studded winter tires do a great job with wet snow
The Scandinavian class of winter tires was developed for roads that winter hides under the snow. They are perfect for Russia. The sparse tread pattern, consisting of rectangles and rhombuses, provides ideal grip on icy or snowy roads.
Colored marks on tires
Each tire manufacturer applies labels to their products, which are designed to guide you when installing tires. After installation, the label should be located next to the nipple. By the way, this is a great way to check the qualifications of the tire service workers you are servicing. Every professional should know the nuance about color marks.
Tire-ABS connection: a problem that doesn't exist
The bulk modern cars equipped with anti-lock braking system, which is often referred to as an "electronic collar". That is why it should not be surprising that many foreign tire manufacturers focus their products specifically on cars with electronic systems. For example, if vehicle equipped with a stability control system, then when cornering best result will be achieved if the tire tread is cut by longitudinal sipes. The same situation is with the ABS. If the tire slip rate is less than 10%, slotted tires will have a significantly higher pavement rate than “grooved” tires, which can be called classic. In the event that there is no anti-lock braking system, then the situation is exactly the opposite - it is the transverse sipes that work best when locking the wheels.
Thus, the designers of modern tires are wondering how to find a compromise between the properties of tires with or without electronic systems... The tendency of the last decade is such that preference is most often given to qualities that are manifested only if there is an ABS and a system of exchange rate stability.
And what about those who drive a car without an ABS? Do you constantly use intermittent braking? It is unlikely effective solution because tires designed for cars equipped with ABS will not brake better. The thing is that it is simply impossible for a person to ensure the constancy of the slippage coefficient within 10-15 percent. It would be like if a person were able to provide the brake pedal frequency that the anti-lock braking system is capable of - up to 15 brake strokes per second. Therefore, there is only one way out - to choose "shoes" for your car, which would be ideal for a car without electronic systems.
At first glance, all this may seem insignificant and petty, but the difference in stopping distance between tires that are designed for cars with ABS and tires that are capable of showing good results with a high coefficient of slippage can be up to 10 or even 15 percent. If we translate these numbers into more familiar values for us, it turns out that when braking to the floor at a speed of 50 km / h in the presence of ABS, the difference can be almost 10 meters. Do you still think these are small things?
We will try to sort out some of the tire models that are very popular among drivers. And we will do it on a non-obvious basis - along the braking distance that a car travels without an anti-lock braking system.
Best winter tires 2011 - 2012
| Drawing | Brand |
|---|---|
 |
Tires come first Michelin x-ice north, the soft composition of the rubber compound of which and the presence of a large number of transverse sipes make braking as effective as possible. Even when the wheels are completely blocked, these tires provide an acceptable stopping distance. |
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Second place was given to tires Goodyear ultra grip, which demonstrate good braking qualities both with complete blocking of the wheels and on the verge of blocking. Among other things, the goodyear winter tires feature is that the driver can quite easily sense the moment when the wheels begin to lock and apply intermittent braking. These tires are the best option for those drivers who are proficient in intermittent braking on vehicles without ABS. |
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Third place went to domestic tires Amtel Nordmaster... Apparently, the designers of these tires took into account the fact that the bulk of cars in Russia are not equipped with an anti-lock braking system. That is why these tires allow you to feel well the locking moment of the wheels. |
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Tires are in fourth place Nokian Hakkapeliitta, which slow down well by "skidding", but the moment when the blocking starts is felt on them, frankly speaking, it does not matter. This greatly complicates the application of the intermittent braking method. However, in a car equipped with ABS, these tires behave just fine. |
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TOP-5 is closed by tires Continental ContiWinterViking, which are ideally geared towards "electronic assistants". |
Specific brands of tires were not specifically indicated, because the problem of the behavior of this or that rubber on cars without ABS can be called more ideological than technological. That is why all manufacturers choose their own strategy: Continental is focusing on cars with "electronic assistants", Michelin prefers balance of performance, Nokian is betting on ... unpredictability.
Ways to save on winter tires
Illiterate economy
Use of summer rubber in winter.
Here and to speak, by and large, there is nothing. Driving in icy conditions on summer tires is an unjustified and fatal risk.
Use of used winter tires.
50% worn out winter tires, despite the fact that they look like new ones, do not have the qualities that are characteristic quality tires for driving in winter. Considering that you can use such a "used" for no longer than one season, then the savings in this case is a phantom that gave rise to your desire to save.
The service life of winter tires, as a rule, is no more than 2-4 seasons. It all depends on the thousands of kilometers that the odometer of your car had to measure.
Use of "all-season".
Immediately it is worth telling blindly believers that there is no all-season rubber in nature. You should also realize the fact that there are only summer and winter tires, and "all-season" is just a way of compromise. In the West, this compromise is quite justified, because the mild winter of Europe is far from the harsh climate of Russia, in which the annual temperature range is something around 60 degrees. Are you going to walk in the snow with flippers if there are skis in the corner?
Choose tires with the same tread to avoid skidding
Using an incomplete set.
If you don't have enough money for four tires, and winter is already breathing down your neck, then buy ... four tires. In this case, the difference between two and four winter tires could cost you your life. And this is without exaggeration or unnecessary intimidation.
Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses states that a car owner may be fined if studded and non-studded tires are installed on the car at the same time or if there are different tires on the same axle of the car.
Competent economy
You can save on the purchase of tires by playing with the sizes. Nobody tells you to radically deviate from the recommendations given by the car manufacturer regarding the tires used. But you also shouldn't take everything literally. The cost of tires depends on parameters such as rim diameter and profile.
In addition, pay attention to the tire speed index - the higher its value, the more "green American presidents" will move from your wallet to the seller's pocket. If you never drive faster than 150 km / h, there is no point in buying tires with a speed rating higher than P.
Indexes maximum speed tire
| index | max speed km / h |
|---|---|
| F | 80 |
| G | 90 |
| J | 100 |
| K | 110 |
| L | 120 |
| M | 130 |
| N | 140 |
| P | 150 |
| Q | 160 |
| R | 170 |
| S | 180 |
| T | 190 |
| H | 210 |
| V | 240 |
| W | 270 |
| Y | 300 |
How to choose the right winter tires
Manufacturer.
If you keep quality in sight, then immediately give up domestic tires, the quality of which is, to put it mildly, unstable. You should pay attention to the products of such famous brands as Nokian, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Gislaved or Michelin. If budget is important to you, then be prepared for the fact that such tires will have a rapid degree of wear. Domestic tires cost in the range of 2-2.5 thousand rubles, while a product of overseas production will cost about 3.5-4.5 thousand rubles per wheel.
Tread pattern.
The choice of this parameter depends entirely on the conditions in which the car is operated. If you are fortunate enough to drive on a good road in winter that is regularly cleaned, opt for small checkers. But in the event that you constantly have to conquer the Chomolungma of snowdrifts, choose a more aggressive pattern.
Model age.
The new models are definitely more expensive than the old ones, but at the same time it is not necessary to abandon what was relevant a year ago. The only downside to older models is that it can be difficult for you to find one tire to replace a failed tire when needed.
Planned mileage.
In the event that you know for sure that the car's mileage for the season will be impressive, do not skimp on good tires, because cheap ones will wear out quickly enough, and your savings will play into the box before you realize it.
The best manufacturers and brands of winter tires
Many publications conduct independent tests of winter tires, and if you compile the results, you get a good guide to choosing tires.
| Drawing | Brand | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Nokian(minimum price 2.5 thousand rubles): excellent braking performance on an icy road, as well as unrivaled vehicle control in any conditions. |
| 2 |
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Michelin(minimum price 3.2 thousand rubles): products of the highest quality, the company built a plant on the territory of the Russian Federation, which made it possible to significantly reduce prices. |
| 3 |
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Gislaved(minimum price 2.8 thousand rubles): winter tires of the series “ nord frost»From this Swedish manufacturer. |
| 4 |
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Pirelli(minimum price 2.55 thousand rubles): a huge selection of standard sizes, low noise and high speed characteristics. |
| 5 |
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Goodyear(minimum price 2.65 thousand rubles): a variety of technical characteristics and a wide range, allowing you to choose tires for any car. |
| 6 |
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Dunlop(minimum price 2.65 thousand rubles): the British company Dunlop is the world's oldest manufacturer of tires. |
| 7 |
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Vredestein(the minimum price is 1.5 thousand rubles): the most reliable adhesion to the roadway and comfort while driving. |
| 8 | Cordiant(minimum price 2.1 thousand rubles): excellent tires, designed specifically for use on Russian roads. | |
| 9 |
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Bridgestone(minimum price 2.8 thousand rubles): strong side cords make it possible to use tires on poor-quality road surfaces, and modern technologies are a guarantee of confident control over the car. |
| 10 |
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Hankook(minimum price 1.4 thousand rubles): tires from a Korean manufacturer provide quite high quality at a relatively low price. |
| 11 | Kama(minimum price 1.5 thousand rubles): maximally adapted to the harsh conditions of the Russian winter and domestic roads. |
- Nokian
- Bridgestone
- Michelin
- Continental
- Goodyear
- Vredestein
In the next article on winter tires, we will provide an overview best models tires this season. Don't switch!
Road safety in winter time the year depends on many factors, the determining of which is high-quality and reliable winter tires. In this article, we will understand the features and nuances of choosing one or another winter tire for a car.
1
It is better to choose rubber long before the onset of cold weather and changes in road conditions. Firstly, during this period, you can buy tires for more favorable price... Secondly, you will have time to evaluate and compare the different ones, to choose the right manufacturer and configuration that will best suit your vehicle.
Car with winter tires
Today, there are several types of tires for driving in the winter season. Each of the options has both pros and cons, which we will analyze further. Almost all variants of winter tires are reduced to two types - without thorns and with thorns. 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.
Conventionally, there is a third type of winter tires - all-season tires that can be used both in summer and in winter period 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 to be used during severe frosts, in addition, their properties noticeably deteriorate in the presence of snow or mud on the road.
2
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 clearances and deeper sipes. Suitable for driving on snow or winter mud.
- European type. Diagonal design 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; for different rubber manufacturers, it varies between 160-170 kilometers per hour. This type of tire is suitable for moderate and calm, even slow driving without sharp turns and acceleration. Among the popular models of winter tires with Scandinavian type tread can be distinguished 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, it should be noted:
- reliable grip parameters on wet and dry asphalt;
- lack of noise when driving on asphalt roads without ice and snow;
- stable characteristics in different temperature ranges.
Regardless of the type of tread and chemical composition, studless winter tires are more suitable for motorists living in Europe and the European part of Russia, where winter is not characterized by constancy and the presence of a large amount of snow on the roads. In addition, it is recommended to install such rubber if the car is equipped with 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
Studded winter tires are designed for driving on constantly icy or snowy roads. necessary to increase traction on such roads, as they are capable of breaking the ice crust. Such rubber is characterized by a balance and a medium degree of hardness, while using tires of this type possible on other types of road surface. Among the disadvantages of studded rubber are a high noise level and a greater braking distance in comparison with Velcro.
Winter tires with studs
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta Suv 7,8,9;
- Continental IceContact;
- Michelin X-Ice Nord;
- Bridgestone Ice Cruiser;
- GoodYeear UltraGrip.
It is entirely up to you to choose a studded wheel option for your car or not. It should be understood that spikes are not a guarantee of road safety in winter. On dry and wet pavement, these tires have reduced traction, 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 type of tread, are not inferior to their 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
There is an opinion among motorists that for the winter season it will be enough to install winter tires only on the drive wheel axle. This is fundamentally wrong. The main danger of installing winter tires only on the drive wheels is uncontrolled skidding. Even with four winter wheels on slippery road when entering a turn, it can be very difficult to get the car out of a skid, and if a pair of summer tires is installed behind or in front, it will be almost impossible to do this, and the consequences can be very different.
Installation of winter tires
As for the installation of the same parameters and, but with a different tread pattern, this is allowed if the car has a mono-drive. However, this state of affairs will make adjustments in the event 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
It will be appreciated that tires can perform different functions on certain road surfaces and in certain driving situations. If the car moves on rolled snow (not ice), then the tires should scoop up the snow as efficiently as possible, literally biting into it, preventing it from going off the road. On roads with mud and mud, the tire's ability to deflect flows is at the fore for maximum stability and skid resistance.
Car protector
Thus, a tire with one tread pattern cannot meet all the requirements of the road conditions 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, looking at the tread, we can conclude which tire is in front of you and whether it is worth purchasing it for your car.
