How to choose winter tires for your car. How to choose the right winter tires

What winter tires 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

The headache of many drivers is seasonal replacement tires. 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. Technical regulations states that from the beginning of December to the end of February on four wheels should be winter tire tread.

If the cold has come earlier, follow the golden rule: when the temperature drops to + 5-7˚C, 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. If 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, therefore Winter tires must be placed on two axes.

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 it is said that the owner may 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 all-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:

1. 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 covenants to change the rubber, thereby increasing its wear and tear and endangering their own and other people's lives.
2. 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, and wear and tear of both asphalt and studs increases, and a lot of noise is emitted.

1. Good handling in dry snowy weather.
2. Reduced braking distance compared to Velcro.

1. Poor handling in wet, snowless weather.
2. Slips in the slush.
3. Noisy on the asphalt.
4. 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. It is not necessary to start abruptly with a slip and drift in corners, otherwise you will lose all spikes 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.

1. Excellent handling on dry and wet asphalt.
2. Lack of noise while driving.
3. Good grip on ice in case of moderate frost.

1. High likelihood of skidding on icy, snowy roads.
2. Slip at start and slip during braking.
3. Not suitable for a harsh winter.

There is no definite answer as to which rubber to choose for the winter. At -15 ° C, the braking distance on ice will be the same for spikes and Velcro, but at more low temperatures the pimples 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 a 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 hard pressing brakes. 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, so:

1. Wide, if you are planning a trip on dense snow crust, ice and asphalt.
2. Narrow if you are planning a trip to loose snow or off-road.

When the question arises, what kind of rubber better in winter narrow or wide? Everyone starts recommending the narrow one, referring to the example of rally racing, where narrow tires are installed on snowy tracks. And this is justified, because some of the tracks pass 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 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 skid protection;
• 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 brake 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.

With the onset of cold weather, many motorists think about whether it's time to change their " iron horse"Rubber" horseshoes "- in other words, buy new winter tires. And since experienced drivers rarely buy new tires, the rules by which you need to choose high-quality tires are gradually forgotten. And novice motorists are often not at all aware of how to choose the right winter tires for their car. Today we will remind the first and tell the second what nuances must be taken into account so that the purchased winter tires provide safety and allow you to enjoy driving during snowfalls and icy conditions.

First, forget about the "miraculous" qualities of the so-called all-season tires - they are good in many climatic zones, but not in ours. No, of course, they would still fit in the Krasnodar Territory, but, as practice shows, it is still better to buy "real" winter tires designed for driving on snow and ice. With spikes, you can still think about the choice - buy tires for them or rely on the tenacity of the rubber protector. And "all-season" is better left unattended. But when choosing winter tires, you need to pay attention to several factors, attention to which should be increased.

1. Country of origin and brand

A fairly common misconception among newbies that the best tires are made in the Scandinavian countries. No, of course, we do not beg for the achievements of the same Finns from Nokian, but there are many companies in the world that make winter tires not at all worse quality... Consequently, the geographical location of the producing country plays only an indirect role in the choice of winter tires. Moreover, most of the products of the same Finnish company have been successfully produced in Vsevolozhsk for several years now, and, as the company representatives assure, tires from the Leningrad region are of decent quality.

Tires at the Nokian Tires plant in Vsevolozhsk

The author of these lines visited that plant and had the opportunity to verify this personally, and not only in the factory workshops, but also at the test site. We note that the manufacturing country is not so important as it did not play in the past, most of the famous tire brands decided to transfer production facilities to countries with developing economies - it is cheaper to manufacture tires there, which does not mean a decrease in their quality.

Much more important than the country of origin is the brand under which the tires are produced. As you know, a large amount of money is invested in a brand, and therefore they value the brand name much more than the geographical location of tire factories. The choice of brands in Russia is incredibly wide, as is the price range. Naturally, in addition to the cost of the tire itself, the price of the tire also includes the cost of the brand. And this also needs to be taken into account in the process of choosing winter tires. We will not recommend certain brands and models, so as not to advertise to companies. Let's just say that before you start looking for tires, you need to be aware of how much money you can spend on them. We advise you to determine this amount, fix it and not deviate from it (at least, much) in the search process. That is, do not slip into the cheapest offers - after all, a high-quality, albeit relatively expensive, tire is not only an image, but also safety. Yours and your passengers.

2. The presence or absence of thorns

Having decided on the amount that you can spend without remorse on the purchase of winter tires, and several brands offering tires in this price equivalent, we proceed to perhaps the most important factor - the choice between studded or non-studded tires.

The differences between these types of tires are minimal: in a studded tire, the surface is replete with holes (their number is different - from 96 to 190), into which the studs are screwed. They help the tire grip the surface better - especially the ice. That is why manufacturers recommend using studded tires in those regions where there is relatively little snow in winter and icy roads are frequent. Non-studded tires are better suited for regions where snowy winters prevail, and there is often a snowy "mess" on the roads. In such conditions, they behave almost perfectly, providing optimal grip on the road surface. Therefore, in the region with which winter climate you live, it depends which type of tires is better to choose.

When it comes to studded tires, we recommend choosing “ the golden mean»- wheels that contain 130 steel hooks. A tire with 96 spikes, which are now recommended in the EU countries (they strictly monitor the condition of the roads, and therefore reduce the number of spikes crushing the road surface to a reasonable number that ensures safety and traction), does not have a particular advantage over 130 spike wheels. as well as the 190-spike.

Yes, 96-stud tires are quieter than 130-stud tires, but not much, as tire tests show. But the 190-spike is very noisy and delivers significant discomfort to the passengers of the car. The secret lies in the size, weight and shape of the holds. The 96-stud tire has the thickest, while the 190-stud tire has the thinnest. The 130-studded tire has the most balanced weight and grip size. As for the shape, modern spikes have basically the same geometry - a polygon with irregular angles and a flat part, which is placed in the direction of the wheel. Our advice is to go for the middle ground, and 130 studs tend to be cheaper than trendy 96 and 190 studs.

In studless tires (they are also called frictional, and in the people - "Velcro") tires, the task of adhesion to the road surface is performed by the protectors, which are replete with cavities-lamellas. The more such lamellas there are, the better tire will cling to the snowy road surface. Another important element of these tires is the lugs located on the outer edges of the tread. They act as additional "hooks", providing the tire with the maximum possible contact patch with the road.

Non-studded tires, in turn, are usually divided into two types: "European" and "Scandinavian". In the former, the tread surface is literally dotted with a network of drainage channels and sipes, while in the latter, geometric shapes (rhombuses or rectangles) are “squeezed out” on the tread, which are less densely located than the sipes of the “European” type of tires.

The peculiarity of the "Europeans" is that such a dense network of drainage channels and lamellas helps to better "filter" the snow slurry - and therefore this is the best option for a winter city tire. And the peculiarity of the structure of the tread surface of the "Scandinavians" is that such relatively rarely located "rhombs" can break the crust and quickly clear of it, providing the tire with good cross-country ability and grip. Therefore, the "Scandinavian" version is good for driving on snowy roads.

3. Date of manufacture.
Every product has its own expiration date, and winter tires are no exception. The maximum service life of such a tire is five years, so the buyer should pay attention to the numbers printed on the side of the tire - there are four of them, the first two indicate the ordinal number of the week, and the last two - the year when the tire was made.

For example, the number "2113" means the 31st week of 2013 - this tire is "fresh" and you can buy it. You will not be able to find these numbers yourself - ask the seller, but be sure to check the date before buying.

4. Optimal wear resistance.
Tires are one of the most worn-out elements of a car, and therefore such a concept as their durability is of great importance. Winter tire manufacturers indicate the Treadwear index on the sidewall of the tire. The number 100 is taken as a reference point, which means that such a tire can, on average, withstand about 50 thousand kilometers. Of course, this figure is approximate and directly depends on the conditions in which the wheel is operated. Therefore, the buyer is better off purchasing winter tires with as many Treadwear as possible (eg 400 or 500).

5. Speed ​​index.
Each tire is designed to be used with a specific high-speed mode... In the manual for your car, the manufacturer indicated the speed index, which must be taken into account when buying a tire - it indicates at what maximum speed the car can go so that the wheel has optimal grip on the road surface. Its tire manufacturer also puts on the sidewall of the tire: this is a two-digit number with the letter of the Latin alphabet - from H to Z. The slowest - "H", the fastest (and most expensive) - "Z".

6. Load index.
It is no secret that the wheels carry the greatest load when driving. Therefore, tire manufacturers determine the load on each wheel and also indicate it on the tire. It must be taken into account when choosing winter tires, taking into account the gross vehicle weight. Experts advise choosing tires with a load index of 30-35 percent of the total weight of the car.

7. Marking of tires.
This factor does not play a special role during operation, it only indicates which certification standards the winter tire meets. If the letter "E" is on the tire, it means that the wheel is certified according to the requirements of the European Union. If "DOT" - then you have a wheel with American certification. It happens that both of these markers are indicated on the tires, which means that such a winter tire corresponds to the parameters adopted on both continents.

Based on the factors listed above, you can determine what type of winter tires you need to drive your vehicle safely and comfortably in winter time... Happy shopping!

In Russia, the roads can be covered with ice in the fall, so it becomes dangerous on summer wheels. After the thermometer drops by five divisions below zero, the rubber, as they say, blues 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 car maintenance 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 the rubber protector. 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 should have a lot of 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 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 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 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 ride on ice and during snow drifts. It is not worth driving on bare asphalt with such rubber, since it will not last long in this case, and it is not very good for asphalt pavement.

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 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 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. Good appearance tires does not guarantee that they have retained the qualities originally embedded in them.

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 the tires have run.

There are criteria for choosing winter tires.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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 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.

Many foreign and domestic companies produce car tires. It is easy to get confused in the variety of products - especially since tires have many characteristics, and they are very different for each brand. How to choose the right tire type for your vehicle, goals and driving style?

The best tire manufacturers in the world: who's on everyone's lips?

Here is the TOP 5 leading tire manufacturers. Their products can be safely bought without fear of marriage.

1. Bridgestone. Japanese company, a leader in the global production and sale of tires. Manufactures products for passenger cars, SUVs, trucks and construction equipment... Equips rubber with high-strength carcasses, which makes it an excellent choice for driving on Russian roads. Average wear resistance - tires serve for about two years, then gradually lose their properties.
2. Michelin. The French brand in second place. It manufactures products of both budget and elite levels. During production, special attention is paid to driving comfort. Not so long ago, the Michelin plant appeared in Russia. Alas, the new tires of this brand cannot boast of high wear resistance - hernias appear on them rather quickly.
3. Goodyear. Renowned American manufacturer of all-season tires. Manufactures products for cars and trucks. Distinctive features are reliability and excellent traction performance. The sidewalls of the tires are shock-resistant. It is recommended to buy models developed at factories in Central Europe. Goodyear tires from the Baltics are not always good.
4. Continental. Expensive tires designed for owners of sports cars, business and executive cars. They are distinguished by excellent grip properties and provide maximum comfort on the road. The only drawback is the high price, but it's worth it.
5. Pirelli. Italian brand specializing in road and track tires. The development of standard tires draws on the experience of creating racing variants. Pirelli is the best choice for fans high speed because these tires will help maintain control and stability when driving fast. The disadvantage is low wear resistance. For Russian roads, it is better to choose options made using Run Flat technology.

Also trustworthy are the products of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Hankook, Cooper, Yokohama, Nokian, Dunlop.

There is Russian companies producing good budget tires... These include Cordiant, URALSHINA, Amtel. This also includes the products of the Belarusian plant "Belshina".

Reviews about the products of these companies

Blizzak Revo Gz.

The rubber is excellent, but it makes a little noise, but it seems to me that when it performs its immediate task, namely good grip on the road, its noise comes to naught, on ice, when you brake, it seems that it is crushing, but at the same time the car stops exactly without drifts. On the snow I drove out of the snowdrifts on this rubber, rubber class. I recommend to everyone.

Pluses: Velcro behaves well on ice.

Disadvantages: No.

Irina Antokhova

http://torg.mail.ru/review/goods/tyres/bridgestone-1745/

Goodyear Efficientgrip Compact.

Advantages: Saves fuel, does not make noise, long service life

Disadvantages: Not for high-speed driving

Commentary: I took EfficientGrip Compact to Kalina, left for 3 years, dashed off under 50 t.km, the tires were completely worn out to the indicator. All in all, these tires left a good impression, although sometimes there were problems. Given the characteristics of the tire, it would be foolish to expect anything beyond that. The most important thing, as for me, is that rubber ensures safe driving at low speeds.

guest

https://market.yandex.by/product/5070570/reviews

Continental ContiPremiumContact 5.

I wanted to buy Dunlop LM704, a friend advised. He said that they are rigid and the lateral cord is very strong. This type is very good for summer tires. And already ordered on one site. But they were not in the warehouse. Therefore, after reading various tests, I ordered a continental. Svezhak, literally 3 weeks old)). A comrade told me that the Continental's cord was weak, but I did not listen. It seems that rubber is good for everyone. Brakes well, not noisy. I didn't really drive on the water. Usually I go with my family, so I don’t have time for racing. I remembered the advice of a comrade and the fact that rubber is often tested at all sorts of landfills, when I pierced the side cord at the turn with a splinter !!! That was a shame. After all, rubber is not cheap! How did it happen? I drive (as I think) very carefully. I go around the curbs. Some mats are shorter. Probably have to finish them. All my life I will remember this when I come to the tire store! I do not recommend it shorter ... though driving performance pretty good.

anatoliy80

http://www.drom.ru/shina/continental/

Michelin Primacy HP.

For two summers I demolished two sets, I won't take the third - it's expensive. In general, I liked the tire, on dry and wet asphalt it holds average on the ground, but the wear is frantic, I have enough for one season (about 35 thousand). On the same car, the winter gislaved costs the third season and everything is ok. Due to wear and tear, I cut off the stars.

Advantages: good tire on dry and wet asphalt, average in mud, never tried it in winter.

Flaws: main drawback- very fast wear.

Roman Sosinovich

http://torg.mail.ru/review/goods/tyres/michelin-1035/

Pirelli Winter CARVING.

Otezdil 7 winter seasons, loss of thorns 20-30 percent. Balancing is always excellent, I did not do balancing for a couple of winters - there were no problems, next time everything was almost normal. It brakes evenly, without drifts, keeps the snow-ice normally. Stored between seasons in a metal garage standing on the floor.

Advantages: reliability, predictability.

Disadvantages: at high negative temperatures (for -15) the first kilometers are quite hard, then after warming up - everything is ok.

Codacoda Codacoda

http://torg.mail.ru/review/goods/tyres/pirelli-1775/

What you need to know when buying for a car: basic information

"What do you want: summer or winter?"

Types and varieties

• Road racing. Summer tires designed for use on good roads (highways). As a rule, the tread pattern includes ribs and blocks, between which there are small grooves.
• Regional. Often used in trucks carrying out transportation within Russia. Equipped with a sturdy frame. Designed for driving on poor quality surfaces.
• Urban. For those who often use a car in the city and only occasionally travel outside of it. Equipped with a rigid tread pattern with a flat profile and low pattern density. This ensures optimal maneuverability, which is important in conditions dense flow cars.
• Construction. Installed on special equipment. They have a specific tread pattern for excellent traction. They give the opportunity to move on the worst surfaces. Not designed for high speed.
• Off-road. Usually installed on four-wheel drive vehicles. Operated in soft ground and off-road conditions. They have excellent grip, provide fast acceleration and deceleration. Equipped with a longitudinal block and grooves, which reduces the likelihood of aquaplaning.

According to seasonality, they can be divided into:

• Summer.
• Winter.
• All-season.

Depending on the conditions of use:

• Road racing.
• Off-road.
• Mud.
• Rainwater.

Tread pattern options

1. Symmetrical (non-directional). The simplest option, providing a comfortable ride in normal conditions. Not suitable for fans of fast driving, but if you are traveling exclusively in the city or on good country highways, the tread with a symmetrical pattern will become the right choice.
2. Directed. V-shaped design Provides excellent handling and aquaplaning resistance. Moisture adhering to the tire is quickly removed from the contact patch, which reduces the likelihood of loss of control. The directional pattern is suitable for places with rainy climates.
3. Asymmetric. A versatile option, well suited for all conditions. Equipped with rigid tread blocks that contribute to successful cornering. This type of tread will provide the car with excellent driving characteristics and will help maintain directional stability in difficult conditions.

What can the tire parameters say + their decoding?

Width in millimeters	Each tire is matched to a specific wheel size. The correct combination is indicated in the instructions.
Proportional percentage	The ratio of the height of the profile to its width. The higher the indicator, the wider the tire, and vice versa. Experts call this value "profile". Specification is often not listed on van and truck tires
Cord type	R marking means radial cord. There are diagonal options (D), but they are rare due to lower quality characteristics.
Wheel (rim) diameter in inches	Inner tire size or outer rim size
Bus speed index	The higher this indicator, the higher the speed you can develop on a car with such tires, without fear of damage. Each letter denotes a certain speed (J - 100 km / h, K - 110, etc.)
Load index	Maximum load on each wheel. Not a very important parameter in passenger cars, but one of the main ones when choosing tires for buses and trucks.

How to choose summer tires

Softness

The softer the rubber, the more comfortable it becomes to drive. However, such tires are suitable for driving only in big cities or good highways - they wear out and wear out quickly.

The most famous manufacturer of soft tires is Michelin. Pay attention to the Primacy and Energy models. Pirelli is also slightly behind the competitor with its P6 and P7. If you prefer high speed, tires from Nokian, Bridgestone and Continental are the right choice.

Noise level

The smaller the tread pattern, the less noise the rubber will make. Softness matters too - hard tires are not for those looking for quietness. We recommend that you pay attention to Hankook products, especially the Optimo ME02 K-424 82H. It is designed for use in the hottest places on the planet. The downside is not the highest wear resistance.

Goodyear products also differ in silence, but when choosing, you need to pay attention to the mass of the tire - quiet models of this brand usually weigh a lot.

An interesting choice is the ContiSportContact 5 from Continental. It is virtually silent at its highest speed, but as it wears it gets louder.

Durability

According to test results German companies, Michelin Energy has an optimal durability indicator. However on Russian roads everything is changing - coating defects quickly lead to tires not in the best condition.

Each brand has its own fans and critics.

Bridgestone Standard and Performance are another good option. The tires of this brand are designed to withstand high loads over time.

If you are looking for durable rubber for domestic roads, pay attention not only to the tread wear rate, but also to the strength of the sidewall. These parameters work well for Bridgestone and some Chinese companies.

Road grip

All popular brands provide good grip on dry roads. The best performing products are Continental, Goodyear and Michelin.

• Michelin Primacy 3. Soft ride, excellent braking on wet surfaces, safety, lateral stability, protection against lateral and longitudinal aquaplaning. In addition, this brand's summer tires are relatively quiet.
• Hankook. The Ventus V12 evo K110 model deserves attention. It is an excellent choice for riding on dry surfaces. Helps not to lose control when cornering, protects against aquaplaning.
• Continental ContiPremiumContact 5. Mid-price summer tires. Demonstrate excellent handling on wet asphalt, reduce braking distance, perfectly drain water at high speed. However, this rubber is only suitable for good roads - it is soft, so it will wear off quickly when driving in bad conditions.
• Dunlop Sport BluResponse. Asymmetric tires. At the core - rubber compound polymer-based. Quiet tires. The manufacturer claims that its resource exceeds 80,000 km, and there is no reason to doubt this.

Michelin Primacy 3.

Bought in the dimension 225/50 R18 for the Infiniti Q50. I operate in Moscow and a couple of times Moscow-Peter. Very pleased with the tires. Much quieter and softer than the stock Bridgestone Potenza S001 RunFlat. Virtually rut-insensitive. Of the features - cool whistle in extreme modes)

Advantages: Quiet, soft, rut-insensitive.

Disadvantages: Not found yet.

einer keiner

https://market.yandex.by/product/7914484/reviews

ContiPremiumContact 5.

This is my second set of ContiPremiumContact ™ 5 tires, although the first was with an index of 2. Driving somewhere on average 50-60 thousand, very quiet, soft, braking distance just pleases, I have never noticed aquaplaning during the entire period of operation. IN general outline I recommend it to those who adhere to a reasonable driving style, think about the safety of their own and their passengers. But there is also a drawback ... Does not like rubbing against curbs. In this regard, be careful. True, in 6 years I have reeled 115 thousand on two sets. and lateral injuries were avoided, but with a "hernia" on the rib it didn't work out ... Result: the tire was scrapped. Now I plan to take the Conti again, simply because I'm used to the quiet and reliable braking both on dry and wet surfaces!

http://www.drom.ru/shina/continental/contipremiumcontact_5/

Ventus V12 evo K110.

Advantages: Soft, quiet (on the fresh asphalt the road is not audible at all, the silence is like in a library), the road keeps excellent, I left on it for 3 seasons. There were no hernias. The bumper protects the disc from curbs. The first season through puddles - like on clean asphalt, with a decrease in the tread height, of course, it became worse. You can make ABS work (lose traction) only on wet asphalt, on dry - braking like on a fighter jet with a parachute, the main thing is not to overheat the brakes))) By the way, my car weighs almost 2 tons. Disadvantages: All good things come to an end: (it was quite expensive at the time of purchase, the price is comparable to European manufacturers (8 thousand per cylinder in April 2012). There were two side cuts (not through), they survived until the end of operation. Expensive tire fitting, for seasonal Ideally, it is better to have two sets of wheels assembled Comment: 225/45 R18 Because of this size (wide and low) it is uncomfortable to ride on a track, to change over a track at speed - like on waves on a boat. , with this size on any rubber the same. Otherwise - one sheer pleasure. I was very pleasantly surprised. I can recommend to everyone who has doubts about this rubber whether it is worth paying for it. If there is a financial opportunity to purchase (or a wild desire to ride on good tires) - you will not regret it. even higher) Well, the protector is beautiful :)

sh007nick

https://market.yandex.by/product/5072222/reviews?lr=0&rtr=157

How to choose winter

The question of the selection of rubber for driving on snow, ice or just frozen asphalt also does not leave indifferent many motorists. What are the nuances here?

Driving experience and driving style - when choosing winter tires it is not an empty phrase

Studded or Velcro: which is better for the car

It is believed that the spiked rubber is only suitable for ice and snow, and the velcro is only suitable for driving on asphalt in low temperature conditions. This was the case before, but modern models break stereotypes.

"Velcro" are divided into 2 groups: "Arctic" and "European". The second option is similar in performance to regular all-season tires, so it can only be used in places with mild winters. For most regions of Russia, it is better to choose the “Arctic” model. It has a number of distinctive features:

• the presence of a large number of small slats;
• softness of the tread;
• angular shape.

Spike-free tires perform best on snow, especially on twisty trails. It outperforms the studded variety when driving in mud with a large amount of water. But on the ice, tires with spikes show themselves much better.

The studded variety is an excellent choice for an all-wheel drive vehicle that often travels on regional country roads. With its help, it will be possible to overcome areas of ice with minimal risk.

Narrow or wide: who will beat the snow and ice on the road?

Narrow tires are better suited for traversing snow drifts. Thanks to them, driving on a snow-covered road becomes fast and safe, because a wide tire has to overcome more serious resistance. The disadvantage is the worst performance during acceleration and braking, as well as weakening of the grip when passing the brakes. It is not recommended to use narrow options on powerful sports cars.

When choosing winter tires, pay attention to the products of Goodyear, Bridgestone, Continental. The studded models from Hankook, LingLong and Nokian are showing good results. Of non-studded options the best choice will become Pirelli Ice Zero FR, Michelin X-ice Xi3, Goodyear Blizzak WS80.

What brands are most popular with drivers

• Yokohama iceGUARD iG52c. On the surface there are three-dimensional wavy grooves of different widths. When driving, they are automatically cleared of water, snow and dirt. Provides good traction characteristics and relatively short braking distances.
• Michelin X-Ice Xi3. The best option when driving on snowy or wet surfaces. Does not lose flexibility at the lowest temperature. Differs in resistance to wear, ensures correct fuel consumption. Suitable for city and suburban driving.
• Bridgestone Blizzak WS80. Tires from the market leader. They provide everything you need: short braking distances, optimal traction, and driving comfort at high speeds. Suitable for use in the harshest Russian winter.

Reviews on the quality of some brands (with studs and non-studded ones)

Yokohama iceGUARD iG52c.

Advantages: Value for money.

Denis Kalin

https://market.yandex.by/product/6340089/reviews

Michelin X-Ice Xi3.

Advantages:

• Quiet! Very quiet! One of the most comfortable tires I've ridden. The Focus 2 car, in which everything was previously heard, shod with these tires, feels like a class higher.
• Very hardwearing. Previously, there were 195/65 r15 - the tires traveled for 7 years! the remainder of the tread is 4 mm. Now 215/50 r17 - bought in September, now in February - there are no signs of wear. I live in St. Petersburg.
• Absolutely insensitive to the track, the car drives in a straight line, as if on rails.

Disadvantages: Car Ford Focus 2 (without ESP) - blows the backside in bends on a skidded and icy track! In general, do not rely on these tires on ice. It slows down, of course, but not as much as we would like. However, I do not recommend driving in ice at all!)

Commentary: Ideal for the city. For country roads, it is dangerous to drive from -1 to +1 degrees.

Gladynyuk Maxim

https://market.yandex.by/product/8356258/reviews

Bridgestone Blizzak WS80.

Pluses: Excellent tires for winter. Comfort, reliability, durability. Holds to the last, even with a 3 mm tread residue.

Disadvantages: Price ... Even the more recent Revo GZ is cheaper.

Commentary: Took the WS-60 on the Skoda Octavia Tour in 2008. Size 195/65 15 ". Departure for two winters, sold the car. He left the tires for himself on the Volga. Two more winters were on the Volga. I gave the Volga to my godfather along with the tires. He has a beginning of rubber, he drove it in the summer ... And even in a state of "ejection" she kept in the winter perfectly. There is no need to talk about the new one. She keeps it on the ice, in the snow she is the queen, on dry everything is fine! The sidewall is as strong as Bridgestone.

Dorofeev Maxim

https://market.yandex.by/product/5070267/reviews?lr=0&rtr=157

Video: how to choose the right tires for a car for the winter

How profitable to buy an all-season

All-season tires are a suitable option for those who want to save money and buy one set of tires instead of two. However, it should be remembered that in terms of characteristics, this option is inferior to both winter and summer ones. Thus, all-season cars are softer than classic summer models, which improves the ride on slippery surfaces, but reduces reliability when driving on dry asphalt. At temperatures above freezing, they are quite noisy.

The all-season option is not very well suited for Russia. Such models were developed for quality American roads and the mild climate of most states. It is recommended to buy all-season tires only if your area is characterized by mild summers with little rain and warm winters when the snow melts immediately after falling.

When choosing, pay attention to the following parameters.

• Brand. Best results show models from Nokian, Cooper, Dunlop, Goodyear.
• Tread. The best option is a "double" tread that wicks away both snow and water well.
• Bus type. All-season options for summer use are suitable for city dwellers who rarely travel on a country road. There are models designed for use in late autumn, winter and early spring. They are equipped with numerous outlets for comfortable driving on bad roads. There are also "all-season" cross-country vehicles. They are great for the worst roads, but they do not allow you to accelerate well on the track.

What to take: expert opinion

• Goodyear Vector 4 seasons perform well even on ice. The braking distance is about 11% less than that of the closest competitors. A V-shaped pattern is applied to the surface, which improves directional stability in the snow. Deep grooves allow the tire to drain water and protect against aquaplaning. There are also heat dissipation grooves.
• Yokohama Geolandar H / T-S G051. One of the most popular choices among all season tire fans. Provides optimal resistance to dry and wet road... The hallmark is wear resistance - these tires are designed for a long service life.
• Pirelli scorpion Verde All Season. Inexpensive tires for different cars... There are many options to choose from. They maintain the correct directional stability in the snow, even at high speeds. Equipped with cross-shaped slats to eliminate excess moisture.

Goodyear Vector 4 seasons.

Advantages: What attracted this rubber was its versatility and adaptation to seasonal changes in the weather, and in particular, that the tread of the tire has an almost flat profile (which I liked about winter tires, and in general this is a distinctive feature of all Goodyears), which gives a stain a square shape, more acceptable from the point of view of uniformity of pressure distribution, and a kind of protector.

Disadvantages: Not identified yet. This is not a drawback: due to the specifics of the tread on the primer, it throws stones.

Every year, from the end of autumn to the beginning of winter, almost every car owner asks a very important and pressing question: whether to change summer tires to winter ones and when exactly to carry out this procedure.

To begin with, all motorists should remember that no matter how atypically mild and warm our winters have been in the past few years, it is still necessary to put winter tires, because it is this factor that determines the safety of driving in the cold season. Most road accidents in winter occur precisely because a car with tires unsuitable for winter sometimes becomes almost uncontrollable, thereby endangering the integrity of the car and even the life and health of road users.

Even if in winter it is planned to drive exclusively on city roads with a well-cleaned surface, summer tires should be changed to winter ones, just as you should slightly change your driving style.

It is worth changing tires and looking into the nearest tire fitting even when the indicators on the thermometer drop to minus 7-5 degrees Celsius - it is at this time that you should install winter tires on your car.

Important! If you use special winter tires at a higher air temperature, then there is a risk not only to damage the tires - in such cases, the stability of the car on the road is significantly reduced.

It’s okay that the "re-shoes" of the car happened before the frost hit and snow fell, no. It is possible to operate winter tires without any damage to them at a sufficiently large temperature range. At the same time, undoubtedly, it is better to ride winter tires at a low above zero temperature than to be on a snowy or icy road with summer tires!

Important! It is strongly not recommended to use summer tires in frosty weather - as the temperature approaches zero, summer tires become "oak", and this, in turn, can cause skidding even on a relatively dry road.

1. Types of winter tires and their characteristics

As for the choice of a specific type of winter tires, each motorist decides which tires to choose in his own way. The choice of winter tires mainly depends on some criteria. winter ride: on the driving skills and driving experience of the motorist, on the weather conditions in a particular region, and also on where and on what roads the car will travel most often.

Based on these factors, you should choose a specific type of winter tires, and the main choice will go between what is better - Velcro or studs? It is for these two different kinds they are mainly shared by winter tires, although winter tires may also differ in size, pattern, presence or absence of tubes, and so on.

2. Studded winter tires

Studded winter tires are very popular with us, such tires are distinguished mainly by the fact that their tread is covered with studs made of hard metal. A car equipped with studded tires will be noticeably more stable when driving on icy roads - the studs will be able to prevent wheel slippage, and the braking distance of the car in such conditions will be significantly reduced.

By the way, not all motorists know that studded winter tires can be spiked immediately, or spikes are installed on specially produced tires later (such tires have specific grooves for studs).

2.1 Varieties of thorns

In order to choose the best winter studded tires, it is worth paying attention to the fact that the studs themselves also differ from each other in shape and are divided into certain varieties. Each of these types of studs has its own purpose and its own advantages, knowing about which, you can decide which rubber is best suited for a particular case. The most inexpensive, and therefore the most common spikes on winter tires are round spikes, while they provide the weakest grip on ice-covered roads.

A slightly better option are the oval studs - they provide safer movement on ice and also reduce the noise level while driving. Oval studded tires are mid-priced winter studded tires.

There are also tires with tetrahedral and hexagonal studs, they are the most expensive. The disadvantages of such studs can be attributed to their rapid wear - the edges of the studs tend to wear off over time, while losing their main advantage. Also, four- and six-sided studs can fall out more often than others, since their retaining element is more prone to wear.

2.2 Advantages and Disadvantages of Studded Tires

Many drivers prefer to put winter studded tires on their cars, believing that it is it that provides the most comfortable and safe ride in the cold season. This statement can be considered true, but only partially, because studded tires have a number of disadvantages that will become very significant in some conditions.

All motorists should be aware that ice or compacted snow crust is the ideal surface for driving on studded tires. Well, while driving on dry asphalt (which most often happens in winter on city roads), studded tires will rather become a hindrance, interfering safe movement and increasing the braking distance of the vehicle on occasion.

In addition, such features of the "behavior" of studded tires on a dry road indicate that their installation should be dealt with later - already with the onset of frost. However, for beginners driving for winter driving (and in our country such driving can always be considered extreme), it is recommended to install tires with spikes.

Important!In all conditions when driving in a car with studded winter tires it is strongly recommended to drive at a speed not exceeding the 120 km / h threshold.

3. Non-studded winter tires

For those car drivers who have not yet decided on the choice between the so-called Velcro or studs, it will be useful to learn about some of the features of the operation of studless tires. Friction tires are perfect for driving on snowy roads, and even better for roads covered with what we call "porridge" - a mixture of snow and mud.

3.1 Types of friction rubber

Winter friction rubber can be divided into two different types: European and Scandinavian. The first is designed for milder European winters and for comfortable movement when driving in the rain or sleet. The second is suitable for driving in more severe weather conditions and driving on icy and snow-covered roads.

Also, the Scandinavian studless rubber differs from the European tread pattern, which consists mostly of diamond-shaped or rectangular figures, which are staggered. The friction rubber of the European type is dominated by a mainly diagonal pattern and a large number of drainage channels.

In addition, studless winter tires may differ in some features of the tread pattern; there are tires with a classic pattern, high-speed winter tires, off-road tires and tires with an asymmetric tread pattern (the latter is a slightly improved analogue of a tire with a classic pattern).

3.2 How Velcro Tires Work

A feature of velcro winter tires is a certain rather complex tread pattern and the presence of sipes located at a significant angle, which allow the car to be more stable on a winter road, especially during acceleration or braking. Additional grip on the winter road surface is also provided by the presence of long sipes, as well as lugs located on the side edges of the tire.

4. What to look for when choosing winter tires

Already with the final choice of winter tires and their subsequent purchase (having already decided what exactly you need - Velcro or spikes), it is advisable to pay attention to other features as well. These include the load indicator, the speed index, in fact, the specific type of rubber, its wear resistance, the available certification, and so on. All this information can be determined by the marking of the tire, the date of manufacture of the tire is also indicated there, which is also desirable to pay attention to.

Interesting fact! Curiously, the smallest tire in the world is only about five millimeters in diameter and less than one millimeter wide, this mini tire was designed to be a miniature replica of the Toyota AA.

Some car owners prefer to buy wider winter tires, however, according to experts, in this matter, the size of the tires does not greatly affect the stability of the car on the winter road.

Sometimes motorists, trying to spend as little as possible on preparing their car for the winter, opt for used winter tires, which can be bought at a significantly reduced price. Such a choice can be acceptable only if the new tires are practically not worn out, and this recommendation also applies to last year's own winter tires - it is imperative to monitor the degree of their wear.

Important! Going to "change" your vehicle in winter tires, you should be aware that you will need to purchase five identical tires, and not four and, moreover, not two. The same drivers who seek to save money and install tires for winter driving only on the driving wheels (this especially applies to the owners of front-wheel drive cars) run the risk of getting into a skid and even arranging an accident.

5. Manufacturers of the best winter tires

As for the choice of manufacturers of winter tires, the main parameter here is the car owner's ability to pay. Of course, the best winter tires will not be cheap, and they are produced by world-famous companies - Pirelli, Michelin, Nokian, Continental, Goodyear, Bridgestone and others. Relatively inexpensive winter tires made in Poland, the Czech Republic, or even Russia and Ukraine can also be a good choice.

Interesting! The status of the most expensive tires in the world can rightfully be carried by some items from the products produced by the world famous Italian company Pirelli - the cost of the Pirelli Scorpion Zero tire, which was originally developed for Lamborghini, can reach $ 900.

Well, regardless of what kind of winter tires were installed on the car, do not forget that in the cold season it is necessary to pay more attention to safe driving in order to avoid all kinds of troubles on the roads.