The main purpose of tires is to ensure stability during road traffic. The rubber mixture used for their manufacture should be sufficiently flexible, but at the same time wear-resistant. Under the influence of the weight of the car, the tread surface must adapt to the unevenness of the road surface. Otherwise, the machine will be unstable, which can lead to various emergency situations. If the rubber, on the contrary, is too soft, then there is a risk of slippage when it is unable to withstand lateral or longitudinal loads.
Winter tire features
Winter tire options are produced taking into account their operation in the cold season. Therefore, the composition of the rubber compound for them is developed taking into account low temperatures. The optimal ratio of rubber, carbon, sulfur and silicon gives the desired result, due to which the tires acquire the necessary qualities. This is what the manufacturer is seeking to produce tires that are optimal in their properties.
It is recommended to change winter tires at a time when the average daily temperature drops below +7 ° C. During operation, new tires require break-in. Gently accelerate and pre-press the brake pedal. In addition, it is recommended that identical tires be used on all four wheels. Experts do not recommend installing winter tires only on the drive axle. In this case, the risk of instability in cornering, as well as instability during complex maneuvering, is increased.
In anticipation of the cold season, many motorists begin to think about purchasing winter tires. In this situation, serious difficulties always arise with the choice between two types of rubber: studded and friction. Both types of winter tires demonstrate reliable traction and braking performance, but in completely different road conditions. Their properties should be described in more detail.
Friction tires
Friction tires are also called “Velcro”, as they demonstrate effective braking on slippery sections of roads. This type of tire is made from a special composition of the rubber compound, in structure resembling a sponge, which quickly absorbs excess moisture generated between the wheel and the road surface. Why is this necessary?
During winter, asphalt roads are often covered with ice crust. During the ride, the uppermost thin layer, heating up from the active movement of cars, melts, and a film of water forms on the surface, which provokes a strong slippage of the wheel. Special microporous rubber quickly and efficiently absorbs the formed water, drying the contact spot, as a result of which the stopping distance is shortened during braking.
In addition, the tread pattern of friction tires is always developed taking into account the improvement of traction and braking properties. Most often, manufacturers increase the number of special lamellas that improve resistance when braking or accelerating. The best operating efficiency is for protectors with numerous rectangular checkers.
Also in the tires are drainage grooves that increase the drainage effect. In addition, the shoulder zones of the tread are equipped with large grousers, which improve the all-terrain properties of the tire and contribute to the self-cleaning of rubber during operation in snow conditions. Friction tires show excellent performance in a mixed road cycle. An important advantage of the Velcro is their noiselessness, even with high-speed operation on highways, these tires do not produce a hum.
The main disadvantage of "Velcro" is their poor performance when moving on snow porridge and during snow drifts. This type of rubber when operating a car in snowy roads can let a motorist down, as the wheels will stably slip, burrowing into a snowdrift.
Studded tires
The main braking element in studded rubber is the spike itself. Therefore, when choosing this type of winter tires, you need to know the quality and technology of its installation. Tire manufacturers offer a variety of spike shapes, touting their product as unsurpassed in quality. Each company prefers its own types and shapes of spikes.
Continental, for example, prefers multifaceted spikes. Barum, Kumho, Michelin, Yokohama, Goodyear, Hankook firms produce tires with round spikes, and Nokian Tires manufacturers guarantee effective braking on tires with square spikes. In addition, various manufacturers are constantly in search of new ways to install these elements, trying to create the highest quality options to increase their wear resistance.
Not only quality, but also the number of spikes plays a big role in the adhesion of the wheel to the road. The most effective is their arrangement in several rows. Many manufacturers offer eight-row or ten-row studs. Moreover, the spikes are arranged in a chaotic manner - this improves braking and acceleration characteristics of the wheel.
Unlike friction rubber, studded tires show excellent performance in completely opposite road conditions. Studded tires “behave badly” on dry or wet, icy asphalt. But in the conditions of snowfall it will be an ideal option. Many consumers note high noise of studded tires, this is especially evident on dry asphalt - tires produce a sharp hum, distracting the driver in traffic.
What winter tires is better to buy
When buying winter tires, you need to analyze the conditions in which the car is operated in the cold season.
Professionals recommend purchasing friction tires for residents of large cities, in which asphalt sections are regularly cleaned of snow. On such roads, studded tires can quickly suffer, losing most of the studs. But the Velcro will perfectly cope with traffic, guaranteeing effective acceleration and braking performance. If you have doubts about which winter tires are best to buy, do not forget that the car can skid on friction tires in snowy yards or near garages, where city services do not always clear areas on time. Also, Velcro tires may not be suitable if frequent out-of-town trips are planned.
Studded tires are excellent for use on roads in small cities, where snowdrifts are often found on asphalt, and road cleaning is delayed. In such conditions, just such a variant of tires will be optimal for the car.
Russian motorists predominantly use a studded version of winter tires. This is primarily due to the weather conditions of the snowy Russian winter.
Winter tires for Renault Duster
Many car owners are interested in the question about specific car models, for example: "What winter tires are best to buy at Renault Duster?"
The tire size for this car is 215/65 R16. As a spare wheel, you can purchase 205 / 80R16, 235/75 R15, 215 65 / R16, 235 / 70R16. In addition, professionals recommend buying narrower tires for the winter season. For example, if the diameter of the wheels is 215 / 65R16, then in the cold weather you can buy 205/70 R16. This size will be convenient when passing difficult roads. Mark, spikes or friction option is a matter of personal choice. If there is any doubt as to which winter tires are best to buy at the Renault Duster, you should prefer a better one.
Vaz-2114
What winter tires are best to buy on a VAZ-2114? Winter tires R13 are perfect for this domestic car, as this choice will be the most reliable and economical. This mainly concerns the consumption of gasoline - tires will significantly save fuel consumption. Experts advise purchasing tires from Mishelin, Cordiant Polar, Dunlop.
"Lada Priora"
If the question is which winter tires are best to buy at the Priora, you should listen to the opinion of professionals. Experts advise buying tires of 175/65, R14 size for this car brand. As for manufacturers, many advise to purchase products from companies such as Nokian, Cordiant, Kama Euro, Bridgestone.
Kia Rio
What winter tires is better to buy at the Kia Rio? Winter tires R15 are perfect for a Korean car. According to the recommendations of the automaker, it is possible to supply tires of sizes 185 / 65R15 and 195 / 55R16. As for the optimal price / quality ratio, the recommended brands are: BF Goodrich G-Force Stud, Gislaved NF5, Vredestein Arctrac. You can buy cheaper options, but their properties can bring the driver to the most crucial moment.
Tires for VAZ cars
What winter tires are better to buy on a VAZ-2107? To choose the right winter tires for this car, you must choose the engine size, and also take into account the year of manufacture. You can consider the tire sizes recommended by the manufacturer, as well as options for replacement and tuning. According to the passport recommendations, for VAZ-2107 winter tires of a standard size 175/70 R13 are suitable. Most often, the owners of the domestic "seven" are interested in cheaper tires. From budget models, products from companies such as Amtel, Cordiant, Nordman, Dunlop are suitable. Wear-resistant tires are offered by Continental, Hankook.
"Lada Kalina"
For domestic new cars, it is advisable to buy better tire options. VAZ cars are small in size and lightweight, so for better stability you should buy reliable tires.
What winter tires is better to buy at Kalina? The nominal size of the disks of this brand: 175 / 70R13, 175 / 65R14, 185 / 60R14, depending on the configuration options.
Winter tires provide the most stable stability on slippery roads: Nokian Hakkapelitta, Michelin X-Ice North, Nordman, Kleber (Michelin). Of course, you can consider other, more budget tires. Good characteristics have models of companies Gislaved, Godyear, Cordiant.
Hyundai Solaris
South Korean brand has won the hearts of many Russian motorists. The Hyundai brand is one of the leaders in the sale of foreign cars on the territory of the Russian Federation. "What winter tires is best to buy at the Hyundai Solaris?" - on the eve of winter, this question can be heard from many Russian motorists. The tire size for this car is 185/65 R15. As for the recommended brands, the most popular among buyers deserve such as Gislaved Nord Frost 5, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7. You can also consider Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5. These tires show an excellent combination of price and quality.
VAZ-2110
Wheel sizes designed for winter tires on a VAZ-2110 car, depending on the configuration: 175/70 / R13, 175/65 R14, 185/60 R14, 185/55 R15, 195/50 R15.
What winter tires are better to buy on a VAZ-2110? Many motorists, using personal experience, advise such options. Budget models: Matador-Omskshina MP-57 Sibir, any options Amtel, Barum. Expensive, but better: Cordiant Nord Master, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 (7), Goodyear.
Output
About which winter tires it is better to buy, you can lead long and futile disputes. Each opinion on this subject will ultimately come down to personal experience of use. However, in conclusion, car owners should be reminded of the need for timely use of winter tires. In the cold season, traffic on roads becomes much more dangerous than in the summer season. The safety of all participants in the road traffic of passengers is the main task of the driver, so you should carefully approach the choice of winter tires.