In the fall, an unpleasant period begins for motorists - it rains or snows during the day, and frost and ice set in at night. Of course, winter riding is different in its features. So, while insignificant management errors are not so critical in the summer, in the winter this is fraught with serious problems. The installation of winter tires should be taken care of in advance. It does not hurt to read reviews about winter tires that experienced motorists leave. This will not only allow you to avoid long lines for tire fitting, but also insure against any oddities from the weather.
Of course, the advantages of winter tires, in comparison with summer and all-weather, are obvious for Russian road realities. But if the summer tires in chemical composition are simply not designed to operate at temperatures below +4 ° C, then all-season tires are created in an effort to combine the best qualities of both types of tires. But the best, as you know, is the enemy of the good. Very often, according to its characteristics, the “all season” is not suitable for severe Russian winters. So, these tires should not be used at temperatures lower than -7 ° C, especially if you are the owner of a car that does not have front-wheel drive. According to all experts, it is better to buy two sets of tires for different seasons.
Another thing is how to choose the right winter tires: reviews, consultations in the auto parts store - all this will help you decide on the optimal solution. So, winter tires can be studded and studless. The latter is often called frictional. Much depends on the particular region and the climate prevailing in it.
In addition to the presence of spikes, winter tires are classified according to the tread pattern: Scandinavian or European. If you read reviews about European winter tires, it will immediately become clear that such tires are more focused on the climatic features of Central Europe. Such tires, of course, are not studded. For their manufacture, fairly soft rubber is used, which is characterized by a developed network of drainage grooves.
Winter Scandinavian tires, reviews of which also say a lot, look more “toothy”. They are distinguished by a special tread pattern in the form of rhombs or checkers with wide drainage grooves and sharp edges. Due to this form, the tread is able to push through the snow layer and even a small crust of ice. The material used to make these tires is better suited to frost, so this type of “winter shoe” is more preferable for your four-wheeled friend.
If in the winter season you most of all have to travel on icy roads, then you should buy not just winter tires. Customer reviews say that for such conditions you need to choose studded tires. They are also recommended for those who live near the sea coast, where winter roads are often covered by an impressive ice crust. On such a slippery surface, the benefits of studs are obvious. They are distinguished by a short braking distance, faster and more confident acceleration and more reliable entry into turns. Reviews of winter tires of this type indicate that their disadvantages consist only in a significant level of noise and higher prices.
If snow is constantly loose under your wheels in winter, then the spikes will be useless, moreover, they will show poor coupling characteristics due to a reduction in the contact surface area. In this situation, it is advisable to purchase studless winter tires.
With constant driving on snowy roads, it all depends on the "compacted" snow. So, if it is rolled and tight, then it is better to opt for spikes, this will increase the stability and patency of the car. If the snow is constantly soft, you can do with friction tires.