With the approach of cold weather, most motorists think about changing summer tires. The experience of recent years suggests that the quirks of unpredictable winter significantly complicate the choice of suitable tires. Regular severe frosts, sharply alternating with short periods of almost spring thaw, leave their imprint on the condition of the road surface - ice, snow drifts or “porridge” on the roads change each other throughout the winter. Therefore, it is the universality of the tire that determines the security of all road users in all weather conditions. Properly selected “winter shoes” of the car are the key to an effective and safe ride in extreme conditions of unpredictable weather.
What are winter tires?
Despite a certain similarity of car tires, they are all very different. In addition to the fact that "automobile shoes" can be summer or winter, there are some of its types of one kind or another. Today, two types of winter tires are distinguished: studded and friction rubber, the so-called Velcro.
Most motorists, changing their car, prefer reliable and proven Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 tires. Reviews of these winter tires indicate that many car owners in our country have already tested this type of rubber on Russian roads and were very pleased with its quality and technical and operational characteristics.
Studded winter tires: advantages and disadvantages
Studded tires are rubber tires in the tread of which there are special carbide spikes. Depending on the model range of the tire and its manufacturer, these elements can be of different designs, and the tread itself may have a unique pattern. The principle of operation of tires of the Scandinavian type is reduced to the fact that when the car is moving, metal spikes are stuck in ice, providing an increase in the coefficient of friction and reliable adhesion to the roadway. Studded tires guarantee stable movement of the machine on a road covered with ice. As the rubber wears away, the metal inserts also wear out.
Noisiness of rubber and uselessness when driving on wet roads are significant disadvantages of studded models. But this option of "winter shoes" is perfect for those who travel a lot on country roads. Studded tires meet all the requirements for high traffic when driving on icy roadways or on roads covered with wet and loose snow. They keep the car perfectly in turns and in turns, provide a short braking distance and a quick start without slipping in icy conditions.
Friction rubber
Velcro has a softer composition and a unique tread pattern. Thanks to a large number of grooves and a special pattern, tires of this type literally absorb moisture from the surface of the roadway and thus “stick” to it. A good traction result is enhanced by the presence of a large number of grooves along which excess water or snow porridge is discharged. Small cuts (lamellas) provide excellent traction with small irregularities in the roadway.
Nevertheless, studless tires are significantly inferior to studded tires in their operational characteristics. This type of winter tires will be the best option for urban residents who rarely go on country roads.
Winter tires review
From year to year, motorists discuss and argue about the choice of winter tires. In automotive forums, everyone tries to prove the viability or worthlessness of certain models. However, it is extremely difficult for an average layman to assess the full range of capabilities and disadvantages of car tires. Usually motorists give preference to a particular manufacturer, based on their own experience and feedback.
Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000, Michelin X-Ice, Nokian Nordman and many other brands undergo endless test drives on icy tracks in harsh terrain, at different temperatures and various atmospheric conditions. However, only special experts of research centers are able to determine the true quality and best technical characteristics.
The best tires of the Scandinavian type - official information of news agencies
According to information collected by specialized publications (in our country this is Za Rulem magazine and the Avtorevyu newspaper) and published on thematic sites, it became known that the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 showed good qualities of winter types of tires. Reviews about them were the most positive and promising.
Modern developments of the Japanese manufacturer
When developing this tire model, the Japanese manufacturer Bridgestone primarily focused on deliveries to the Scandinavian and CIS countries, where, as you know, winters are usually frosty and snowy. That is why the developers of the company paid special attention to maximizing the performance of the tire.
According to company representatives, the amendments to the draft were to provide a significant increase in the adhesion of the wheel to an icy or covered with loose snow track. At the same time, the rubber itself should have become soft, but very durable. They had to work hard on a new type of rubber, but the result met all the manufacturer's expectations.
Another task of the developers was to ensure reasonable prices for the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000, since the release of these models was aimed at average citizens.
Special rubber composition
The secret to the strength, reliability and durability of Bridgestone tires is the special composition of the rubber. Thanks to the addition of special shaped synthetic crystals added during the rubber manufacturing process, the tires acquire excellent grip. The latest development of Japanese scientists, allows the car tire to maintain all the necessary technical properties even with a minimum residual height. Moreover, the special rubber composition ensures the long life of the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000. Reviews of Russian motorists indicate that tires regularly serve about 3-5 autumn-winter seasons.
The technology of opposing thorns to fall out
When comparing the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 spikes with previous models of manufactured winter tires, one can hardly notice any serious differences. An innovative change in design is hidden inside the rubber rim.
Manufacturer “Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000” - has developed a new type of Scandinavian type automobile tires and modernized the design of the metal “fang” so that the fixing strength is as reliable as possible. As a result, the problem of spikes was almost completely solved. At the same time, for example, the price of the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 R15, compared with the cost of the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000 R15, increased by about 30%.
Powerful inner tire frame
The universality of the operation of this type of tires and the presence of high operational and technical indicators are achieved due to the powerful inner frame. Bridgestone Ice Cruiser tires , besides being designed to serve reliably in harsh weather conditions, provide excellent resistance to external factors of damage, wear resistance and durability. They guarantee a wide "spot of contact" with the road and a safe ride under any conditions.
True Japanese quality
In 2009, the Japanese company Bridgestone began producing new models of Scandinavian type rubber tires. In Russia, these models have been available since 2010.
Bridgestone’s improved running performance, winter tires that do not lose excellent performance when the temperature drops to -35 ° C, reinforced tire construction and special technology to withstand studs to fall out, long service life - indicators of excellent quality and reliability of car tires. It is thanks to them that these models are so loved by car owners.
Judging by the reviews, "Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000" - a modern series of studded tires of the Scandinavian type, designed specifically for harsh conditions in harsh conditions of the Russian winter. Japanese tires guarantee a safe ride on icy and snowy tracks. Bridgestone products are ideal for use in all weather conditions in the northern regions.
Optimum price-quality ratio
It should be noted that the cost of each model depends on the size of the tire. The novelty of the Japanese tire industry is aimed at owners of cars, mid-size sedans and small-sized hatchbacks, characterized by excellent dynamics and a sporty character. Many car owners, in addition to the quality of Japanese tires, are quite happy with the price of the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000.
Inexpensive tires, in comparison with other import brands, provides a safe and comfortable ride in all weather conditions. In Russia, the average price of a Bridgestone Ice Cruiser R17 can vary from 6 to 9 thousand rubles - it all depends on the region of sale and the honesty of the seller. Perhaps for some, these figures may seem sky-high, because analogues of tires of Russian manufacturers can be purchased 2-3 times cheaper. However, there is absolutely no guarantee as domestic models - our developers have not yet learned how to produce models that meet international standards. Therefore, drivers who prefer a safe ride, choose products from foreign manufacturers. They believe that the asking price is consistent with the quality and reliability of a trusted brand.
To summarize
The new Japanese-made product has proven its worth. All the shortcomings noted in the previous version of the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser studded winter tire were eliminated and improved: the tires became durable, acquired a reinforced rim frame, an improved design of the metal stud and reliable fixation, which prevented it from falling out. At the same time, the rubber itself became much softer, which, of course, affects the comfort of the driver and passengers.
Bridgestone winter tires show excellent performance in all kinds of test drives and demonstration races. Thanks to excellent technical characteristics, members of the expert jury award them prizes. According to driver reviews, the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 is clearly the leader among many brands of brand tires of Western and European production: they show excellent performance in off-road conditions in any situation, allow you to smoothly fit into the corner and keep the car well in turns, ensure a normal start without slipping and short braking distance. The advantages of this type of tires should also include a large selection of sizes and reasonable cost of Japanese models.
That is why the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 tires are the clear favorites of many not only Russian but also foreign motorists.