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 today there are a huge number of models on the market. 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 different weather conditions prevail in different regions, therefore 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 adhesion of the wheels to the road, which is especially important in icy conditions. However, often friction winter tires on 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 rolling snow, the coefficient of adhesion of the wheels to the road increases with the help of studs.
You can go in two ways: either buy studded tires right away, or stud a regular one yourself winter tires.
Of course, the more studs on the tire, the more obedient the car will be (the likelihood 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 clarify this issue with the dealer immediately.
Among the imported studded tires, received a good recommendation model Nokian Hakkapeliitta. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the studs have a square, rather than a round, cross-section, which improves the quality of wheel traction.
Such a 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 spikes, but also the tread pattern affect.
The most effective were winter tires, which have many rectangular checkers 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 in your area, 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 asphalt, 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 such winter tires looks 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, in icy conditions or for driving on snow, soft tires are better suited.
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 correctly install such tires, observing the markings on them.
Winter tire size
Choose sizes for winter or summer tires necessary 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 weight distribution of the vehicle 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 profile width.
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 accidents at the beginning of winter.
To avoid this, change summer tires for the winter after the air temperature drops below 7 degrees.
Winter tires require careful handling during the first few hundred kilometers. Run in new tires while avoiding harsh braking, accelerate smoothly and carefully enter corners. Thus, they will serve you as long as possible.
Is it possible to put winter tires only 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 standstill, but on the road, unpleasant moments can 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 "Ш" 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 sort out certain points that will be useful to know before choosing a winter tire.
Correctly selected tires affect driving safety almost more than any other vehicle system. Winter tires differ from summer tires in a softer rubber compound, which does not "tan" when low temperatures as 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 the braking distance of the car increases significantly. Therefore, it is no longer safe to operate summer tires at temperatures below +4.
Types of winter tires
For winter operation, 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 studs are arranged in rows in the tire so that the track from each stud 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 outside the city, or if severe winters in your region and ice on the road are not uncommon.
Which winter tires to choose? Cold weather has come, it's time to change shoes, but how to choose winter tires for your car. Our country is famous for its severe frosts and the comfort of your trips will depend on the correctly selected winter tires. And the variability of the weather from frost and ice, to thaw and slush will make the choice not easy. There is no one size fits all, all season tires are not suitable for our area. We'll have to maneuver between the options and choose the most suitable ones.
In winter, the safety of you and your family is important. Getting dents and scratches is not the desired result of the trip. A careful approach to the choice of rubber will save you nerves and money. Unfortunately, most drivers do not know how to choose winter tires for their car.
When to change summer tires
Seasonal tire changes are a headache for many drivers. And many do not know the correct answer. Since spikes are not prohibited in Russia, changing shoes too early threatens both damage to the road surface and the spikes themselves, and creates unnecessary noise. That later increases the likelihood of skidding and accidents. The technical regulations state that from the beginning of December to the end of February, four wheels must have a winter tire tread.
If the cold has come earlier, follow the golden rule: when the temperature drops to + 5-7˚С, it's time to change tires. If the temperature is + 10˚С during the day, then at night it will probably be below zero, and the icy crust in the morning will cause trouble for you. Therefore, focus on the average daily temperature.
With regards to the purchase of the tires themselves, it is better to do this in the summer, at this time of the year the prices are lower. However, some tire manufacturers put new items on sale just before winter.
If you managed to change your shoes, and the snow did not fall, and ice is not expected, then you should drive very carefully. To avoid the loss of studs and premature tire wear, you should avoid abrupt starts and braking.
How many wheels to change shoes
There is a stereotype that only the driving wheels need to be changed, this is not correct. When installed on the front drive axle only, the vehicle will skid more. When installed only on the rear drive axle, the braking distance is increased. Regardless of the vehicle's drive, braking starts from the front wheels, so winter tires must be mounted on two axles.
Tires help not only to get under way and stop in time, but also provide stable behavior on the road and in corners. Rebuilding from row to row in ice, with the wrong tires, often causes an accident.
So, regardless of the drive of the car, all wheels are worth changing.
Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses states that the owner can be fined if studded and non-studded tires are installed at the same time. The penalty will be for those who like to install different tire brands. This is strictly prohibited, there must be one firm on four wheels and preferably one year of production.
Tires are known to wear unevenly and drive wheels deteriorate faster. Guided by this and wanting to save money, drivers buy only one pair of wheels, and the second, less worn, they leave from last year. Such a desire is understandable, nowadays it is not cheap to change shoes. But this is prohibited by safety precautions. For poorly worn rubber, the tread depth will vary; if it is a stud, then some of the studs will be lost. Which is very critical for four-wheel drive cars, because four wheels work there. It is best to swap the driving and non-driving wheels, and after complete wear and tear, buy four new tires.
There should be five winter tires, why five? As some have already guessed, the spare tire must also be winter, in the event of a puncture and replacing one wheel with a summer tire, a few tens of meters is enough for an unpleasant result.
Summer, winter or all season
How to choose the right winter tires for your car? Summer tires do not suit us at all, they have:
- The chemical composition of rubber is not suitable for low temperatures. Often, drivers do not think about this nuance, and in big cities, where they clean the snow, they neglect the behests to change the rubber, thereby increasing its wear and tear and endangering their own and other people's lives.
- The pattern and tread depth are different. In summer, it can be cut with grooves for water removal or have a V pattern for better grip on asphalt, with a depth of 4mm. Winter ones have rectangular or diamond-shaped checkers, with a pattern depth of 6-10mm.
The all-season is designed for driving in weather close to 0˚С. This is a kind of compromise, they are not suitable for high and low temperatures. The point is in the composition of rubber, at high temperatures it becomes soft and literally melts, and at low temperatures it begins to crack. It is extremely difficult to choose a tread pattern for tires and, as a result, the universal version loses in terms of its functions in each specific extreme situation.
There will be no savings either, because the wear of such tires due to the properties of the rubber will be higher, and during the whole time you will change it more times than having two sets, winter and summer. Tire wear varies depending on your ride and the quality of the material from which these tires are made. We recommend changing a set of tires for a new one after 50,000 - 70,000 thousand kilometers.
There remains the option of winter tires and it is worth considering which winter tires are best to choose.
Which winter tires are better studded or non-studded
For many drivers, the question is difficult, you can rely on the advice of friends and sellers, or on your own experience. But the most correct decision is to figure out for what conditions which winter tires to choose. Difficulties are caused by the variety of firms and types of tires, the pattern is:
- European;
- Scandinavian.
And the direction of the drawing looks like:
- directional, will provide stability on the road;
- non-directional, has a pronounced off-road function;
- asymmetrical, combines both functions.
Studded winter tires
The studded winter tire is designed for riding in dry snowy weather. It bites into ice and dense snow to provide anti-skid protection. But it is worth driving on asphalt or wet snow, and the pluses turn into minuses. The braking distance increases, the likelihood of the car skidding increases, as well as the wear of both asphalt and studs, and a lot of noise is emitted.
- Good handling in dry snowy weather.
- Reduced braking distance compared to Velcro.
- Poor handling in wet, snowless weather.
- Sliding in the slush.
- Noisy on the asphalt.
- Wear of studs and road surface.
It is important to run the tires for the first three to four hundred kilometers at a speed not exceeding 90 km / h. So that the thorns sit tightly in the nest. You should not start abruptly with a slip and drift in corners, otherwise you will lose all studs by the end of winter.
What is the best rubber for the winter in the city
The best option for city driving or during warm European winters is Velcro. The tread pattern has a series of drainage channels that will successfully divert water and sleet from the contact patch with asphalt.
For a city, the best option would be a European type of winter tire tread, it will perfectly remove slush and reagents that are sprinkled on cities. Thus, it will provide good grip in slush conditions, without the need to bite into the snow crust.
Outside the city, it is better to take the Scandinavian tread pattern, due to the diamond-shaped pattern, it will provide gnawing into the road covered with snow, which will ensure stability when cornering, and reduce the likelihood of skidding.
- Excellent handling on dry and wet asphalt.
- Lack of noise while driving.
- Good grip on ice in case of moderate frost.
- High likelihood of skidding on icy, snowy roads.
- Slip at start and slip during braking.
- Not suitable for a harsh winter.
There is no definite answer as to which rubber to choose for the winter. At -15˚С the braking distance on ice will be the same for studs and Velcro, but at lower temperatures the studs start to win, and the braking distance is shorter. On the other hand, at higher temperatures, the spikes lose almost 2 times in braking distance.
Again, the Velcro provides better grip on wet asphalt and wet ice. Makes less noise when driving. The thorns, on the other hand, bite into the snow crust and provide better stability against skids.
Which winter tires to choose depends on the region and weather conditions.
- for city driving, it is better to choose European Velcro;
- on ice at a temperature not lower than -15˚С the best option is Scandinavian Velcro;
- outside the city, with snow crust, the best choice is a Scandinavian tread with spikes;
- at temperatures below -15˚C choose studded tires.
Choice of tires with ABS
Modern cars are equipped with anti-lock braking systems, they prevent skidding when the brake is pressed hard. Therefore, it is not surprising that many car manufacturers orient their tire production towards them.
- the greatest stability with ABS, ensure the longitudinal sipes of tires;
- without ABS, on the contrary, transverse.
Which tires are better in winter wide or narrow
It all depends on the type of surface you are driving on, therefore:
- Wide, if you are planning a trip on dense snow crust, ice and asphalt.
- Narrow if you are planning a trip on loose snow or off-road.
When the question arises, which tires are better in winter, narrow or wide? Everyone begins to recommend a narrow one, referring to the example of rally racing, where snow tracks are installed narrow tires... And this is justified, because some of the tracks go off-road, where you need to crash into an uncompressed snow crust to grip the ground. After all, as the surface area of the tire decreases, the pressure on the surface increases, thereby improving burial in the snow.
But if you find yourself on the ice, then with a smaller patch of contact with the surface, the grip properties deteriorate, and a smaller number of studs are also placed. The wider the wheels, the higher the frictional force, look at formula racing. This means better grip on ice and tightly packed snow. But the disadvantage will be stronger slippage during acceleration. And also aquaplaning will be worse.
Outcome
The first thing to decide is whether studded or non-studded tires you need:
- non-studded ones behave better on dry and wet asphalt and at not low temperatures down to -15˚С;
- studded ideal for snowy trails and icy conditions.
Second, Scandinavian or European type of tire.
- Scandinavian tread is needed for country trips on snowy roads, in combination with studs, give good cross-country ability and protection from skidding;
- use European tread in the city where roads are cleaned and sprinkled with reagents. Their design perfectly removes moisture from under the wheels and provides good grip.
Third, pay attention to the braking system. Fourth, what direction the tread pattern has.
As you can see, there are no ideal tires for the winter, they need to be selected for certain conditions.
Approaching cold weather, prolonged autumn cold snap and rare morning frosts urge motorists to "change shoes" their vehicle. The question of which winter tires are better to choose has not lost its relevance since the manufacturers have singled out this type of rubber in a separate segment. This is due to the continuous process of improving production technologies and using new materials.
The improvement process has no limit. Now even winter tires are divided into several types, and this is not a marketing division, but real types of wheels for different operating conditions.
The huge selection of rubber for winter is more of an illusion. In reality, most buyers make a choice from 3-4 manufacturing companies. Consumers often form their conclusions about these products by accumulating information from several sources. For some, a sales assistant is an authority, often working for the minimum wage, accidentally getting a seasonal part-time job in a car shop. Sometimes these "advisers" do not even have their own transport themselves.
Winter tires
Someone listens to advertising slogans from TV or radio, taking on faith the enticing calls to "get high status" by buying new wheels for the car. More "advanced" motorists read forums with "experienced advice".
The most correct option would be using all this information together with reviews from real users and connecting your own logic.
But before you make a choice and decide for yourself what is better to choose winter studless tires or wheels with powerful tread on spikes, you need change the driving style to "winter":
- the speed limit should be reduced by a quarter of the summer;
- the distance is required to be kept large one and a half to two times;
- avoid sudden maneuvers.
Also, when choosing seasonal slopes, one should refrain from using “universal” types of rubber on domestic roads. Such products are more suitable for the Mediterranean climate than for the harsh Russian winter.
What is the Difference Between Winter and Summer Tires
In the manufacture of winter rubber, a more elastic material is used. It remains the same even when the temperature drops significantly. It is based on natural rubber with the addition of silicon additives. In this way, the best coefficient of friction with the road surface is ensured, the contact patch is increased, and the grip with the road surface is also increased.
Visually, winter tires will have a larger profile than summer tires and a smaller wheel width. Due to these parameters, the permeability increases and the ability to resist side drifts increases.
The tread on winter slopes is more aggressive than on summer slopes. This form helps self-cleaning from freezing plaque. The rubber profile is covered with channels dividing the surface into separate segments. Such drainage slots create a reliable grip, and their pattern is calculated by each manufacturing company using complex algorithms.
Winter tire marking
When using different types of rubber, you need to know the rules for its use:
- Summer tires the most effective above 5 C. Lower temperature conditions roughen the slopes. The rubber becomes stiff and the car becomes almost uncontrollable even on dry surfaces. The risk of drifts increases, and the braking distance increases.
- Winter tires when operating above 5 C, it starts to "float". The car loses its stability. Additional noise appears in the passenger compartment, and intensive wear of the wheel surface occurs.
- All season stingrays suitable for the temperature range from +10 C to -5 C. When outside this range, they are significantly inferior to seasonal products and exhibit negative aspects of temperature discrepancy.
Application of "spike"
In many European countries, the use of spiked rubber is prohibited by law. In our country, there is no such harsh ban. In contrast to the milder European climate, we have regions with dry, snowy winters. Often this is where thorns are most effective.
There are several types of thorns:
- steel;
- aluminum;
- plastic, with a carbide core;
- with an oval core.
Spiked rays
For latitudes in which less snowy cold months or temperature changes often make a "mess" of melted snow on the road, good and inexpensive winter tires with spikes will be not only ineffective, but also harmful.
Required number of winter tires
The statement that it is enough to install a couple of winter slopes on the drive axle and you can be calm is erroneous. After all, such wheels are placed not only in order to easily get under way on slippery surfaces, but also for safe driving in various conditions.
Stopping at a traffic light in winter is very important, but you also need to be able to avoid skidding on your car when entering a turn. If there is only one axle "shod" for the season, then this maneuver will become very risky.
Owners of SUVs with four-wheel drive, before thinking about which winter tires are best to choose, you need to immediately tune in to buying a full set of tires. After all, these cars have increased ground clearance, which gives additional windage, respectively, less stability on the road.
You may also need a spare tire. A situation with a broken wheel can find a driver anywhere, and no one will say how long it will take to get to the nearest service to correct the situation. Therefore, the correct amount for winter tires is five slopes.
Climate division of winter tires
Modern manufacturers distinguish two types of winter tires. They are conventionally called "European" and "Scandinavian". This division characterizes the conditions most favorable for the use of both types.
European
The main weather conditions for the operation of such winter slopes are wet roads with a small amount of sleet. At the same time, tires must provide high-quality traction.
Choosing between Scandinavian and European
To a greater extent, the pattern of such a product is similar to anti-rain rays. The diagonal furrows are complemented by a large number of drainage systems. Visually, it is distinguished by a large number of channels that help to cling to the ground, and lamellas, thin furrows.
More of these long slots helps to perform its function more efficiently. Wet snow enters the channel cut, and the tread edge tends to approach the road as much as possible. By literally digging into the asphalt, the tread creates a patch of contact with the road.
Scandinavian
This type of tire reveals itself to its fullest on icy roads. This brand of rubber is better for the winter, where the snow crust lasts for several months without significant thawing.
The pattern network on the Scandinavian type surface is not as developed as on the European version. The main texture is not the slots, but the diamond-shaped elements arranged in a checkerboard pattern. This arrangement is beneficial on icy roads. Ice or crust breaks under alternating "rhombuses". The tires are often used for cross-country travel in winter.
Division of winter tires by tread pattern
Visual inspection will help categorize tires into two categories of patterns: symmetrical and asymmetrical... Both categories are divided into a couple of subcategories: with directed pattern and undirected.
The most common pattern is symmetrical. Although such tires produce a slight hum in the cabin, in urban use, their positive quality is the price. They belong to the middle and inexpensive price segments. More expensive are wheels with an asymmetrical pattern. They are quieter in operation.
Rubber selection
A directional pattern is used to drain water from the point of contact with the road surface. The correct direction of rotation of the wheel must be indicated on the side surface of the tires.
Three main types of patterns are the most common: non-directional asymmetric, directional symmetrical and non-directional symmetrical. The fourth variant with an asymmetrical and non-directional pattern is a rather expensive and rare specimen.
Riding in urban conditions will be comfortable on asymmetric rubber... On the city streets of megalopolises, such a pattern will not add noise to the interior and will give confidence on the asphalt cleaned from snow. However, this type of wheel will not come in handy for country trips.
High drifts of compacted snow will help overcome directional drawing with a striking design. Even slightly melted snow will not be scary to him. Shallow snow with water will overcome the non-directional tread.
For deep snow with water you will need asymmetrical non-directional tires... Such a profile will shovel off snow, and longitudinal channels on the surface will be used for water drainage.
Browse by tire model
For central Russia, the most advantageous application would be a symmetrical directional tread pattern. It efficiently shovels away wet snowballs, while providing directional stability for the vehicle. Such tires will behave confidently during slush and snow slush. Determining specifically which rubber company is better for the winter, consider several options. When choosing high-quality rubber, you should not skimp on your own safety.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice 2 winter tires for rough terrain. Protectors show themselves with dignity on slightly frozen ground. The shape of the pattern is designed for efficient snow shoveling. The product has a long service life. Cost from $ 49.
Michelin Alpin A4 tires with directional tread. Stingrays are suitable for snowy winters and frosty weather due to the use of a special soft rubber alloy in their production. It practically does not become stiff in frost and stands confidently when maneuvering on wet surfaces. Cost from $ 46.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R used in off-road areas and during heavy snowfalls. Rubber copes with loose snow and has a long service life. There is no additional noise from it in the cabin. It is used during wet snow due to high-quality drainage of water from the contact patch. Cost from $ 44.
Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ ideal for city roads. Low-noise rubber with external hooks copes with high snowdrifts. The drainage grooves do an excellent job, providing control over the car in slushy conditions with wet snow. The tires also cope with wet roads at near-zero temperatures, keeping the car from skidding when cornering. Cost from $ 42.
