The ban on studs in Western Europe and Japan led to the emergence of a new type of tire - friction rubber, which, thanks to the sharp tongue of our motorists, became known as Velcro. Now, in addition to the traditional choice between studded and classic winter tires, the question has been added: "Which is better: Velcro or spikes?"
To as accurately as possible answer the question of what to give priority to spikes or Velcro, you need to find out the features of both types of tires. Since in our world there is nothing perfect, then each type of tire has its undeniable advantages and its weaknesses. To understand which is better, spikes or Velcro, we will try to disassemble in detail both types of rubber. So, in order.
Studded tires
Spikes in many regions of Russia have become an integral part of winter equipment. However, spikes spikes differ. Conventional metal elements are inserted into the cavity of the tire so that a few millimeters of the tongue protrude above the surface. This is a kind of engaging element that provides the car with steady movement on an icy road. A disadvantage of traditional studded tires is the loss of almost 15% of studs by the middle of winter. Metal elements do not withstand movement on asphalt. If we compare here, which is better - Velcro or spikes, the advantage will obviously not be in the direction of the latter.
A newer invention is the bear claw spike hooks. By design, the engaging elements are similar to the claws of an animal. Clawed spikes ensure safety and stability during acceleration and braking. When moving on a clean, dry coating, the claw spikes “tidy up” into the body of the tire, like
cat's claws. Here, in terms of quality
(winter tires), the spikes and Velcro occupy one position.
Friction rubber
At its core, friction tires are a modified and improved type of classic winter tires. Designers modified the tread relief. On friction tires, the tread has a complex pattern in the form of deep winding lamellas. Thanks to this pattern, the tread removes water from the point of contact of the tire with the roadway, and the tire seems to stick to the asphalt. Hence the name - "Velcro."
If you evaluate which is better: Velcro or spikes, then friction tires are noticeably superior to spike tires in terms of acceleration and braking on wet and dry asphalt. Another advantage of Velcro is noiseless movement. Metal engaging elements, whatever their design, emit quite a lot of noise when driving on clean asphalt.
However, Velcro is inferior to spikes when moving on clear ice. No matter how much the tire “sticks” to a clean or wet roadway, on an icy road, it cannot provide the proper level of safety, especially if sections of the track are covered with rough ice.
Which is better: Velcro or spikes?
To summarize all of the above, we can say with confidence that if it is intended to operate the car only in urban conditions or is to travel outside the Russian Federation to EU countries, then in this case friction rubber is undoubtedly preferable.
If you plan frequent trips out of town, where snowplows are not found throughout the winter period, then there is no alternative to studded tires. You will have to come to terms with the noise when driving, and with high wear of studded tires, but safety in this case is more important. Better not take the risk.
Thus, to decide - winter tires: spikes or Velcro, it is up to you.