How to choose studded winter tires. Which winter tires are better to choose - Tips for beginners and experienced motorists

Choosing shoes for your iron horse, each of us is looking for the best ratio of quality and price. This is a serious matter - to put on shoes for the winter. There are several options: take studded or friction tires.

What is the difference?

Studded tires are designed for use on icy surfaces, packed snow. Non-studded tires - popularly "Velcro", suitable for driving on icy asphalt, wet and loose snow. Therefore, the choice depends on the conditions of use. Friction tires are mainly chosen for city driving, studded tires are designed for extreme operating conditions. You need to choose based on the climate, the weather of those areas in which the car will "run".

Besides, important criterion Influencing the choice of winter tires will be their price. Depending on the cost, they can be divided into budget, mid-price segment and premium class.

However, looking back at the price, one should not forget about the main thing - safety on the road. Therefore, the quality of tires must be of decisive importance. As practice shows, the best quality goods are offered by leading manufacturers with a worldwide reputation. What tires are best for winter? Consumer reviews are not always decisive here. Consider which mastodons of this industry should be stopped.

Manufacturer Selection Criteria

Talking about leaders in production car tires, we are based on the market share developed by these corporations, ratings compiled by experts, consumer reviews. So which tire brand is best? Car tires produced by the companies below have been at the top of various tops for many years.

Three world leaders in the production of car tires

Since 2007, the Japanese company Bridgestone, founded in 1931, has been the world's leading manufacturer of rubber for cars. The products manufactured by this corporation are of a high level of quality and belong to the premium class. tires pass through landfills owned by the corporation. In the production of winter tires, the prerogative is given to non-studded tires designed for extreme operating conditions.

Another Japanese company, Yokohama Rubber Company, which was founded in 1917, has firmly established itself in second position. The recommendation for her is long-term cooperation with such automobile corporations as mercedes benz, Subaru, Porsche, Mazda, Toyota. The tires of this company will be able to satisfy the most demanding customer.

"Bronze" in the ranking of leading manufacturers of automobile tires goes to the French company Michelin. This corporation was founded in 1889. One of the many discoveries of Michelin is the invention in the 90s of the last century of Energy tires with low rolling resistance, which saves fuel.

4-5 places in the ranking

The fourth place in the list of the best "makers" of rubber for cars is rightfully occupied by the American Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The history of this company begins in the distant 1898. It is significant that this organization was the first supplier of tires for legendary car Ford. The chip of the company is the production of products from natural ingredients. It was the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company that was the first inventor of corrugated tires to drain fluid, in addition, it owns the invention of tires that do not change their characteristics even in the event of damage.

The top five leaders are closed by Continental AG, which is the universally recognized European number 1 in the production of tires. The German company has a long history, in 2016 it turns no less than 225 years. During the existence of a small Joint-Stock Company has grown into a tire industry monster with subsidiaries all over the world.

6-10 places in the TOP of manufacturers

Sixth place in the ranking of the top 10 tire manufacturers went to the Italian Pirelli & C. The company has been specializing in tires for more than 140 years. sports cars which makes it possible to use them in emergency situations. Buying tires of this brand, you can be sure of the handling of your iron horse in all weather conditions.

In seventh place is Nokian Tires. The Finnish manufacturer was originally part of the Nokia concern, established in 1904. a separate company, whose factories make exclusively car tires, Nokian Tires became in 1988. This company specializes in the production of winter studded tires. The first tire with retractable studs was made by Nokian Tires.

Eighth place is firmly occupied by the South Korean company Hankook Tires. It was founded in 1941. Today, Hankook Tires has branches in many countries around the world. The tires of this manufacturer are wear-resistant, show excellent results when braking, which increases the controllability of the car.

The penultimate place in the ranking was assigned to the American manufacturer Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. The company was founded in 1914. Today the corporation has branches in 13 countries of the world. A distinctive feature of the tires of this corporation is a relatively low price with the highest quality.

Rounding out the top ten is Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. This fast growing Japanese company was founded in 1909. It specializes in the production of all-season tires of excellent quality.

A question that worries all car owners

What tires are best for winter? Having an idea of ​​the world's leading tire manufacturers, let's consider specific models included in the results of numerous expert assessments in the top ten winter tires of the 2015-2016 season. This rating will allow you to answer the question "Which studded tires are better for winter?". Feedback from car owners - that's what you should rely on first.

Top 3

Leading the list are Finnish studded tires Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, designed for harsh winters with a lot of icing. These tires have undergone significant changes compared to their earlier version:

• increased the number of tread blocks;
• the location of the anchor-type spikes has been optimized;
• changed the composition of the rubber, which included rapeseed oil.

All this allows us to talk about the high wear resistance of products, easy handling on ice, environmental friendliness and relative noiselessness of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires. According to customer reviews, their disadvantage is their high price. Many note excessive noise, but, unfortunately, this is a common drawback for studded tires. So the answer to the question "Which tires are better for the winter?" Reviews of spikes are called the main argument in favor of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires.

The second place in the ranking of the best winter tires in 2015-2016 belongs to the Michelin X-Ice Xi3. This studless winter tire allows the car to bite into the ice, thanks to the Z-shaped cutting of the sipes. The edge of the tread block is equipped with large cylindrical holes that act as micropumps that remove water and slush. All this allows you to operate Michelin X-Ice Xi3 not only in urban areas, but also on highways. According to motorists, these tires are wear-resistant, soft, quiet, and make it easy to control the car. What tires are best for winter? Feedback from friction tire enthusiasts speaks in favor of the Michelin X-Ice Xi3.

The third place is confidently occupied by the products of the German plant Continental - ContiIceContact. These tires live up to the German reputation for quality. A studded tire shows excellent results regardless of the place of operation: ice, asphalt, sleet, rolled snow. The patency is excellent, despite the presence of spikes, the acoustic load is minimal.

4-5 position in the ranking of winter tires 2015-2016

In fourth place is Ice+. This friction tire is different high quality, which allows you to easily control the car, feel comfortable on the road, and not experience inconvenience from excessive noise.

Honorable fifth place belongs to Nokian Nordman 5. The production is designed for driving on snowy roads.

Getting this product into the TOP-10 is more likely a marketing move by paid experts than a real assessment of the merits of tires. According to customer reviews, tires wear out very quickly and are unstable on ice. Not everyone can cope with such tires with driving on a slippery track. There is a question about security. Despite the negative aspects, these tires are still popular.

6th-10th places

Sixth place confidently occupies Yokohama iceGUARD Stud iG55. The Japanese manufacturer and in this case pleased with the quality. The studded tire has a unique rubber compound designed to maintain softness at low temperatures, which allows you to increase the level of maneuverability of the car, improve traction.

In seventh place settled Their production is carried out by the Russian concern Continental. The quality of these tires is adequate to the urban type. Studded tires adequately showed themselves on ice, ice, slush. Winter tires, opinions, reviews of which are very flattering, are Gislaved Nord Frost 100.

Eighth place is occupied by non-studded tires Vredestein Snow Trac 3, showing excellent results when used in mild climates - on dry and wet pavement. They are not suitable for ice. Tire reviews (how to choose the best tires based on the rating presented, the reader probably already understands) indicate that many motorists choose Vredestein Snow Trac 3.

One step down from the bottom of the list are the Continental VikingContact 6 tires. Here German quality demonstrates its persistence. Non-studded rubber, through the original tread pattern and the presence of sipes, demonstrates good handling and allows you to feel comfortable in harsh winter conditions.

Rounding out the TOP-10 tires Spike-01. Japanese manufacturers have developed an original cross-shaped studs that allow you to confidently maneuver on ice, asphalt, and wet snow.

So what are the best winter tires? There are both positive and negative reviews about the company that got to the last place. Any product finds its buyer.

Already at the end of autumn, before the onset of cold weather, car owners are faced with the problem of choosing winter tires. Driving in winter on summer tires is very risky and dangerous. We recommend that you solve this problem in advance and buy winter tires. In this article, we will tell you in detail what types of rubber are and how to choose the right tires for you.

First of all, we list the main factors that you should pay attention to when choosing winter tires:

• Tread pattern. It all depends on the surface on which you will drive in the winter. If you will drive on a good road, cleared of snow, choose a tread with small elements in the pattern. If you often have to deal with snowdrifts and a thick layer of snow, it is better to stay on a harder pattern.
• Company manufacturer. If you want to buy really high-quality and safe winter tires, then it is better to refuse to buy domestic ones. Of course, the products famous brands like Nokian, Michelin, Bridgestone, Hankook and others will cost more, but you know exactly what you are paying for. You can buy cheap domestic rubber, but it wears out quickly and can only last one season. Thus, the savings are questionable.
• Tire model. Naturally, newer models will cost more than older ones. But this does not mean that the time-tested model is worse. Of course, manufacturers try to use new technologies that improve performance, but this does not happen so often. Thus, you can save money by buying a model 1-2 years old.

When should I buy and install winter tires?

As mentioned above, we recommend following the old Russian proverb "Prepare the sleigh in the summer, and the cart in the winter", namely to buy winter tires in advance, even in the summer or early autumn. You will be ready to put winter tires on your car at any time, and in addition, save money by buying them outside the peak of the season.

Winter tires are designed for operation in the cold season, while the temperature should not exceed +7 degrees Celsius. There is a logical explanation for this. These tires have a special chemical composition rubber, which is designed for certain conditions. At warm temperatures, winter tires literally begin to melt, which dramatically worsens their performance on the road and increases the wear rate by several times.

Of course the law Russian Federation does not regulate the time of changing summer tires to winter, but if you are worried about your life and its safety, it is worth setting this species tires when the temperature drops below +5 degrees Celsius.

What are the types of winter tires and how to choose them?

Winter tires may differ in various ways. This may be the tread pattern, the chemical composition of the rubber compound, density, elasticity, etc. You need to understand the main thing that it is impossible to find the perfect winter tires that would show the same results on clean asphalt, snow, ice or mud. Any rubber is designed for certain conditions of use, and the more versatile it is, the worse individual performance will be. Therefore, you need to take into account your driving style, the surfaces on which you will most often drive in winter and many other factors.

"All-weather" tires

We immediately want to warn you against using this rubber. No matter how much you want to save money, there is no universal rubber for the weather conditions of our country. You will have to use summer and winter tires, depending on the season. "All-weather" tires are suitable for European countries with a temperate continental climate, where the temperature in winter rarely drops below zero. It's the same as trying to find something between summer sandals and winter boots.

Studded winter tires

Studded tires are great for snow-packed or icy roads. In ice it best choice rubber, due to its excellent grip on the road surface. But these tires behave much worse on asphalt, where their grip leaves much to be desired. There are no lamellas in studded tires, in their place there are places for spikes.

We will list the main advantages and disadvantages of this rubber, and the choice is yours.

Pros:

• Good grip on packed snow and ice.
• Better handling on such surfaces.
• Shorter stopping distance on ice than conventional winter tires.
• Easier to move on ice.

Minuses:

• Lose their usefulness on wet roads. They lengthen the braking distance, reduce the resistance to skidding, impair handling.
• Loose snow can also become an obstacle for such rubber.
• More noisy than regular winter tires, especially felt when driving on dry pavement.
• Slightly increase fuel consumption.
• Prohibited by law in some countries, due to the fact that they destroy asphalt.

There are also already established myths and misconceptions about the use of studded winter tires, which we want to talk about.

1. Winter studded tires will be effective even on one axle. This is a fairly common misconception. If you want to install studded tires, then buy four wheels at once. If you have spikes on one axle and ordinary winter tires on the other, you are at great risk. This is dangerous because of the different grip on the road, it is likely to get into a skid. No need to save on your safety, buy a complete set of winter tires.
2. The spikes work only on thick ice, more than 2 mm thick. This statement is also fundamentally wrong. Studded tires show their best qualities even on thin ice. Of course, if there is a layer of water on top, its effectiveness will decrease, but even in this situation, it will be better than ordinary winter tires.
3. If a few studs fall out of the tires, this can significantly impair their performance and overall balance. This can only apply to tires studded with homemade studding. If you bought factory studded tires, then there is nothing to worry about. Spikes in such rubber fall out extremely rarely, and this does not affect the efficiency of the tires.

So, you choose whether you need studded tires or not. Here you need to build on how often you drive on a road covered with ice or packed snow. It should be noted that spikes can have problems on loose snow. Quite often, in our cities, the snow is not removed and you have to drive through a porridge of snow and sand. Although if we talk about routes between cities, then studded tires are unmatched. The main thing to understand is that even the best studded tires will not allow you to keep your summer driving style in winter.

Scandinavian type rubber or Velcro

This type of rubber is specially designed to provide good grip on wet snow covered roads. It copes well with snowy and icy surfaces. Scandinavian tires softer than European ones, due to the composition of the rubber mixture, which is why they are called "Velcro". If we talk about the tread, then such tires have a large number of slots and sipes to create additional grip with the surface. Also, this rubber wicks away water well. You can find models in which manufacturers add silicon chips.

This type of rubber is perfect for Russia, due to the fact that it is designed for snowy or icy roads. Rubber will create good grip with such a surface. Of course, studded tires show the best results on ice, but Velcro is more versatile and has no problems when driving on dry asphalt.

European type rubber

European rubber is more rigid than Scandinavian type rubber. The tread has a smaller number of sipes, from which we can conclude that the rubber is designed for dry asphalt. Indeed, such tires are designed to fast driving during the cold season. But it is worth understanding that they are created for the warm winter of European countries. Usually, these tires are designed for speeds of 210 km / h or more. This rubber is perfect for people who travel all winter on high-quality dry tracks, cleared of snow and ice. For the weather and road conditions of Russia, European-type tires do not fit well.

When choosing the type of winter tires, you need to pay attention to various factors. Studded winter tires perform best on ice, cope with loose snow a little worse, but lose their positive qualities on dry pavement. Velcro or Scandinavian type of rubber is slightly worse than studded on ice, but stable on dry and clean tracks. The European type shows itself perfectly in the cold season when driving on a quality track on high speed, it is not suitable for snowy or icy roads. So, for the inhabitants of Russia, it makes sense to choose between studded tires and Velcro. Listed above are their strengths and weak sides, and the decisive word always remains with the buyer.

The best winter tires for 2015

Once you have decided what type of winter tires to buy, we will provide a rating of the best models of 2015. The rating consists of two Top 10 for friction (non-studded) tires and studded tires.

The rating was compiled on the basis of tests by the Finnish company Test World, which conducts them at its high-tech training ground above the Arctic Circle. The results of their tests are considered very accurate and authoritative, and are regularly published in the world's specialized automotive magazines.

friction rubber

1 place occupied rubber Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice 2. She is very balanced, shows stable high performance in all disciplines. This model has a low noise level. What is most surprising is that good results this Goodyear model has both on ice and on wet pavement.

2nd place honorably occupies the Nokian brand with the Hakkapeliitta R2 model. It has excellent grip on ice and snow. On this surface, this rubber showed better results in braking than some studded models. Only one minus of this rubber is problems on wet pavement.

For 3 seats e new model ContiVikingContact 6 from German company Continental. These tires perform well on snow and dry surfaces. They have low rolling resistance, which makes them more economical. Only on wet pavement can they be too slow and inaccurate, this is the only surface where they performed poorly.

4th place occupies the French brand Michelin with rubber X-ice Xi3, which showed some of the best grip on ice and snow. This tire will provide you with a comfortable and safe driving experience. Problems can only arise on asphalt. In addition, these tires have high rolling resistance, which can slightly increase fuel consumption.

5th place got a little unexpected Chinese company Maxxis with SP02 Arctic Trekker tires. This rubber showed very consistent results on all surfaces, while outperforming most friction tires on snow and wet pavement. Rolling resistance and noise levels are not the most outstanding, but at a sufficient level. Very good tires, especially in terms of price / quality ratio.

6th place, uncharacteristically, were Bridgestone's Blizzak WS70 tires. Although more recently this brand has occupied a leading position in this category of tires. This model has quite effective braking on snow and ice, but lateral grip fails. The main disadvantage is unexpected drifts on wet pavement, which is why such a low place. The noise level is relatively low, but the rolling resistance is high.

7th place at Pirelli with the Winter IceControl model, which showed excellent results in acceleration and braking on snow. On ice, stability indicators cannot be called good. The directional stability of this rubber model is also weak side. But pleased low level noise, which will allow you to move more comfortably.

8th place deservedly received enough budget Chinese tires Ice Blazer WSL2 from not very famous company Sailun. Rubber shows good results on snow and asphalt, has low rolling resistance. The disadvantages include a high noise level and some problems with grip on ice.

9th place we have tires from Dunlop SP Ice Sport, which unexpectedly performed poorly on ice. A strong surface for this model is wet asphalt, on which rubber is one of the best. On snow shows stable average results. Another disadvantage is the very high noise level.

Closes our rating of friction tires Nord-Trac 2 rubber from not very famous brand Vredestein. She takes 10th place. In general, the performance on the ice is good, the weak link is only acceleration on this surface. This tire performs well on wet pavement. Tires have low rolling resistance, but directional stability is poor.

Studded winter tires

1st place Hakkapeliitta 8 studded tires from the Finnish company Nokian deservedly settled down. They showed good results on all types of coatings. I would like to note their high level of safety and fast braking in extreme conditions. small problems This tire only works on wet roads.

2nd place got rubber ContiIceContact from Continental, which is slightly inferior to the Finnish competitors. TO strengths these tires should be attributed to high performance on ice, especially in the clarity of control and speed of braking. On snow, this tire is also good, but still a little worse than the Nokian.

3rd place at Pirelli with a model Ice Zero, which is a very stable rubber with excellent grip on any surface. Only on wet pavement does this rubber have a fairly long braking distance. In addition, tires have a high level of noise.

4th place occupies the UltraGrip Ice Arctic model from the Goodyear brand. They don't have any obvious flaws. Rubber sound, very predictable, comfortable and quiet. It performs well on snow and ice.

5th our rating includes Nord*Frost 100 tires from Gislaved. Shows itself well on snow and wet pavement. Slightly worse results on ice and dry pavement. Due to the high rolling resistance slightly increases fuel consumption.

6th place winter studded tires Hankook Winter i*Pike RS W419 which perform best on snow. Unfortunately, on ice, this rubber is inferior to the leaders of this list. But you can add good handling on wet pavement to the asset.

7th place occupies the model Tire Ice Touch from Dunlop. Surprisingly, they show poor grip on ice. They behave just as insecurely on a dry surface. The strengths of these tires include wet asphalt, on which rubber is one of the best in terms of handling and tenacity.

8th place got Michelin with the X-Ice North 3 model. They show stable results on most surfaces. The quietest among all studded tires. The only negative is the braking and control on ice.

9th place from the former leader in the production of winter tires Bridgestone with the Blizzak Spike-01 model. This rubber showed itself perfectly only on snow and dry pavement. On other surfaces, the model behaves unpredictably, and some indicators leave much to be desired.

10th place The Arctrac model from the Vredestein brand completes our rating. These tires showed below average results on all types of coverage. Only on ice they can be more or less effective. The strengths include sufficient directional stability.

In these ratings, we have listed the strengths and weaknesses various models friction and studded tires. It is logical that the leading positions are occupied by new premium models, which are more expensive. But there are also quality budget models which are quite affordable.

Rating of manufacturers of winter tires

1. Nokian (price from 3650 to 13200). Tires with unsurpassed braking performance on icy roads and excellent vehicle control regardless of the conditions. Tires meet all the requirements of the European Union.
2. Bridgestone (minimum price 2750 rubles and up to 6000). Tires can be easily used on poor quality surfaces, thanks to reliable side cords. They also allow you to have full control over the car.
3. Yokohama (price from 3000 to 7200). Japanese firm, which produces tires that exhibit excellent braking performance on an icy road.
4. Michelin (minimum price 3350 and up to 8600). The plant in Russia made it possible to reduce prices for these tires of the highest quality.
5. Hankook (price from 2470 to 5800). Korean tires are quite affordable and have attractive technical characteristics.
6. Dunlop (minimum price 2900 to 7100). The oldest British company produces a wide variety of tires, including friction ones.
7. Continental (price from 3350 to 8950). Tires that are rightfully considered one of the best in the world. They have unsurpassed characteristics and are presented in a wide range.
8. Good Year (minimum price 2900 and up to 5700). You can pick up tires for absolutely any car, thanks to the large assortment and variety of technical characteristics.
9. Pirelli price from 2870 to 14050. Tires come in a huge variety of sizes and different types. They have minimal noise characteristics, but at the same time high speed.

In this article, we told in detail when to install winter tires, how to choose them, and listed the best friction and studded models. In addition, they made a rating of the best manufacturers, based on their share in the Russian market. We recommend buying a complete set of winter tires in advance and calmly wait for the onset of cold weather. Remember that even the best winter tires are no guarantee. safe driving, it's up to you.

The winter period of time brings the car owner a lot of problems, what can I say only extreme low temperatures, impassable drifts on the roads, can make anyone nervous. In general, you need to survive this season, some do not operate cars at all in winter, probably, this is correct - you can’t better not take risks! However, others should prepare properly, and the very first thing that comes to mind is winter tires! Or rather, how to choose it and when to buy it, if for some reason it has not yet been installed. Today I will present 8 simple steps that will help you decide on this simple question. As it will usually be written in simple words, without too much "abstruse" ...

I would like to immediately weed out all questions about summer wheels - guys, don't drive them in winter, it's very dangerous! Summer composition is not designed for low temperatures, and already at minus five degrees, the rubber finally becomes dull - the effect of a “cow on ice” appears, your car is simply not controllable, there is not even a hint of grip on snow or ice. Difficult to start, brake and steer! Yes, and the law to us, although in my opinion they are not fined yet. BUT in the middle lane and in the north, the presence winter wheels, as I consider it a MUST, it significantly reduces accidents on the roads!

In fairness, I would like to single out the southern regions, where sub-zero temperatures are very rare, in such regions, I think, at the local legislative level - it is worth allowing the use of summer options! Nevertheless, winter tires are already unstable at plus five degrees, they just start to “float”, because of their extra softness, handling drops, but the braking distance grows. On this, I think we will no longer remember about summer wheels, nevertheless a large number of motorists has a quite normal winter in their regions. WELL, let's go through the 8 steps that I talked about:

Tire size

What's strange here, you ask? Just buy the same as I have (summer) on the car! This is true and can be justified, but there is an opinion that in winter it is better to choose a tire with a smaller radius and size - but within the tolerances of your manufacturer. On the body of the car, they usually indicate which radii and dimensions should be used. What is the rationale for this?

Look - in the summer it is worth choosing, on the contrary, a large width and low profile, this is done so that the engagement patch with the road is large, and the low profile will give the “rigidity” of cornering at high speeds.

However, winter is completely different - high speeds are simply dangerous (snow and ice everywhere), so the low profile is practically not used. Instead, you can increase the profile, that is, take a smaller radius. For example, in the summer we used R16, and in winter we could use R15, this gives us a smooth ride and saves on tires!

This is also the case with the width of the tire, if you have summer, say, 205 mm, then you can take 195 mm for winter. The narrow "track" will allow you to effectively cut snow drifts and get to a hard surface. Again, the narrow version is cheaper.

Spikes or Velcro

I want to note right away - that I already, read it, there are battles in the comments. Again, I'll repeat myself a bit. Both types of rubber are sharpened for the winter - this is unambiguous, but you should choose only one type that is designed specifically for your area! What do I mean, for example, you are a resident of a metropolis (St. Petersburg or Moscow), do not leave (or leave, but extremely rarely) outside the city, and in 95% of cases the car rolls on asphalt with reagents, then why do you need spikes? Velcro will be perfect for you!

Another situation is you are a resident of a village far from civilization, your tractor rarely cleans the roads, you saw reagents on the roads only on TV, so there is a dense crust of ice and snow on top of the roads. Then - definitely SPIKES, you need to "fight" this ice, and the Velcro loses this battle, but the "Spike" just bites into the ice and keeps the car perfectly.

Thus, in order not to breed "demagoguery" - Velcro in warm areas and large cities, where there is very little snow. Spikes, in northern areas and small towns (towns) where the roads are not so well cleaned.

I recall the words of a friend who has been living in Moscow for 5 years now, he says that there is simply very little snow here, it is localized almost immediately after a snowfall - therefore, for three recent years rides Velcro and says it's just wonderful. Personally, in our city, this is unacceptable!

Tread pattern

There are only three main ones. We will not climb into the jungle, and look for others, but we need which are sold with us in a wide range. And I already.

1) This is a normal pattern, it is symmetrical . One side is similar to the other side, usually built - "jumpers" or "waves". It effectively fights snow, and is also “good” on an ice surface, however, with a thaw or reagents that form snow porridge, it is ineffective!

2) Directed . To all the advantages of the first type, we rank excellent behavior in slush and rain. An almost ideal option, but quite noisy on dry and wet pavement, and it is also not for high-speed trips, if such are the case in winter. Usually such rubber has an inscription with an arrow on the sides “ROTATION”, it must be mounted exactly according to these recommendations, it must not be confused!

3) asymmetrical pattern . It is good for everyone, effectively removes moisture (with snow porridge), holds the road well at speed, and is not so noisy. Mounted also by marks, external and inner side have inscriptions - INSIDE and OUTSIDE, respectively. One minus is quite expensive.

If you have money, you need to take an asymmetric profile, if you save a little, then directional.

Spike shape

If you choose a studded version, it is worth noting - now many manufacturers are struggling with perfect form this "iron tooth", which can more effectively keep the car on the road surface.

The standard spike is shaped like a nail, which is the cheapest form to use and is quite strong.

There are also options various forms and sizes, now, if you don’t lie, about 10 - 15 different ones - square, rectangular, cruciform, etc.

I will say this, if you have money, then you can consider these options, they are really more effective. BUT if there is no money, then the usual ones are also not bad, and the braking distances up to 60 km / h are not much different. And more in the winter, I do not recommend you drive!

For example, if you take rubber with a regular spike and with a square or rectangular one, then the difference can be 1000 - 2000 rubles per wheel, depending on the radius.

date of manufacture

In all developed countries, last year's tires are cheaper than this year's. This is a simple pattern, however, in our country, few people pay attention to the date and in vain. About this I, be sure to read!

This ignorance is used by dishonest sellers who can sell you last year's tire, at the price of fresh! If you say why it is dangerous, then this is the elasticity of the tire, every year it falls by about 3 - 5%, even if it has not been used, this means that it will wear out faster - the resource is slightly shortened.

Ours or not?

At this point, I want to touch on the choice in terms of manufacturer and country. There is an opinion that imported rubber is all high-quality and lasts almost 10 years, but Russian tires are simply “g..no” and fall apart in a year. Like, imported ones have other technologies and, most importantly, other materials! Guys, this is bullshit! Now on the territory of Russia there are a large number of factories of foreign manufacturers that make their rubber on our territory, from our own raw materials! Take the same Bridgestone, also Nokian, Yokohama, etc. Of course, they have other technologies, other spikes, which they are in no hurry to share, but you should not write off our manufacturers either. Personally, I've been here for 4 seasons, and you know, it surprises me, there are quite a lot of spikes left, in my opinion it is the same in strength as the NOKIAN Hakkapeliitta 5 that I had on the previous car.

The most important thing is that our tires are much cheaper than imported ones, for example, I paid about 2.5 times less for all 4 R16 205/55 wheels than for a similar foreign manufacturer.

Of the foreign manufacturers that I will advise you:

From domestic which you can choose:

2) KAMA EURO

I would like to separately note the tires ROSAVA (ROSAVA), I personally came across both summer and winter tires, I must say “r..but” rare, don’t take it! Summer after 5000 km, two wheels bumps, although there were no big blows, winter through the season lost 50% of the spikes, the operation was moderate!

Savings - we buy used

Not always car owners can afford new wheels, for example, you have a radius of 18 or 20. Therefore, many people look at used tires, you need to choose it wisely! I recommend the article. To reiterate a bit:

1) There should be as many spikes as possible, preferably not worn and broken.

2) There should be no age cracks on the court.

3) The tread height must be at least 7 - 8 mm

4) Date of production, no more than 3 - 4 years.

5) There should be no cuts and overlays.

See for yourself, it is not difficult to choose such used tires, you can immediately see fresh ones, as well as badly worn ones. It is ideal to buy a one-year or two-year-old tire, after a short run. Save up to 40%, as you bargain, maybe more.

When is the best time to buy?

In conclusion, I would like to say about the best prices for winter options. Oddly enough, this is January-February. In spring and summer, it is already hidden in (distant chests) warehouses until next winter. But January, February, well, maybe even the beginning of March, you can buy at good prices and with a decent discount.

But the most inappropriate time to buy is October and November, at this time our whole country is intensively changing shoes after the first snowfalls! Therefore, sellers raise prices for rubber!

Now small video version of the article, look.

This concludes my story, I think it was useful to you! I tried to convey information in the simplest possible way.

Every year, before the onset of winter, every motorist (who does not yet have a new set of winter tires) puzzles over which tires to buy. This article will talk about how to choose winter tires for a car, its types and popular brands.

Feature of car tires for the winter period

Tires are one of the necessary needs and constant material costs in car maintenance. But what are winter tires, which tires to choose? Winter tires are specially designed for use in the cold season, when the temperature does not exceed +6°C.

According to many motorists, the main distinguishing indicator of winter tires from summer tires is the tread pattern and spikes. In fact, this is not their main difference. The main parameter is the chemical composition of rubber, which is able to withstand a certain range of temperature fluctuations.

The tire industry is developing every year, modernizing and improving the chemical composition of rubber. Manufacturers often test winter tires in order to upgrade and improve the quality of tires, thereby increasing the safety of driving in winter period. It is necessary to consider the types of winter tires presented today, after which each motorist will understand which rubber to choose specifically for him.

Existing types of winter tires

The choice of winter tires should be justified, it should be done before the first frost and snowfall. To understand how to choose the right winter tires for a car, the first step is to understand existing types. Winter tires can be divided into 3 types:

1. Studded. The main task of the spikes is to break the ice and snow crust. Spikes are of two types: round and square. Studded tires are great for driving on icy and snowy roads.
2. Non-studded (friction). Friction tires are ideal for warm winters with little snow, driving in slush and mud. The main function of such rubber is the best grip with pavement in rain or sleet.
3. Scandinavian. This type of rubber is designed to operate a car in very snowy and frosty climatic conditions.

So when choosing winter tires, you need to be guided by the factor climatic conditions in which the vehicle will be operated. Also, with regard to the choice of winter tires, then, as the saying goes “ready to sled in the summer”, it is better to buy tires in the summer, as the prices for them will pleasantly please. Now we should talk about each type in more detail.

The main characteristics of studded tires, the pros and cons

Studded tires should only be used on icy and snowy roads, driving on bare asphalt will significantly reduce their useful life. And with sudden braking, you can completely lose all the spikes. Also, such a ride develops in a negative way on the road surface, increases the degree of deterioration and the speed of asphalt becoming unusable several times.

Before using studded tires, it must be run in before the upcoming loads. The break-in rules are as follows: the first 500 - 1000 km should be driven no higher than the speedometer mark of 80 km / h and sudden braking should be excluded. Running in allows you to grind the studs and securely fix them in the tread. The advantages of using studded tires are as follows:

1. Braking distances . Numerous tests have shown that the braking distance on icy surfaces is shorter when using studded tires, which significantly reduces the risk of a collision.
2. Road hitch. Excellent traction performance on snowy roads even in the presence of a thick crust of ice.

Along with the advantages of choosing studded tires, there are a number of disadvantages that look like this:

1. Comfort . Due to the noise from the spikes, the ride comfort is reduced.
2. Fuel consumption . The use of such tires is insignificant, but still increases fuel consumption.
3. Road conditions. Driving on dry or wet pavement significantly increases the stopping distance and reduces the car's ability to skid.

Friction rubber characteristics, pros and cons

Winter friction tires should be selected based on the climatic conditions in which the car will be operated. The main task of this type of tires is to provide best grip on a wet or snow-covered road.

The main distinguishing feature in choosing this type of rubber is a network of drainage grooves in the tire tread and high traction rates. From huge assortment brands of manufacturers, what kind of rubber is better to buy, a question that, perhaps, every motorist asks. When choosing winter friction tires, in addition to the manufacturer's brand, special attention should be paid to the tread pattern.

According to the tests carried out, and as shown positive reviews car owners, a tire with a directional tread pattern is much better at evacuating water and dirt from under the wheel. Now it’s worth talking about the advantages of using this type of tires:

1. Characteristics . Excellent performance on wet and dry road surfaces.
2. Comfort . The low running noise of the friction tires increases comfort while driving.
3. road surface. While driving on such tires, the road surface does not deteriorate.

Along with the pluses, there is one minus when choosing friction rubber - it is unsuitable for driving on an icy road, so it will be difficult to drive a car.

Characteristics of Scandinavian tires

Scandinavian tires are designed for driving on hard snowy roads. In those regions where a huge amount of snow falls, this type of tire should be bought for the winter. In addition to high cross-country performance in snowy regions, car owner reviews also show that this rubber does its job. The advantages and disadvantages of using Scandinavian rubber are the same as those of friction rubber.

What winter tires to choose (studded, non-studded or Scandinavian), a question that depends on many factors: on the climatic conditions in which the car will drive, the driving style of the motorist, speed limit and others. So there is no single answer which tires are better. Before choosing a set of car tires for the winter, you should pay attention to these factors. There are small recommendations for choosing tires, which will be discussed below.

Before choosing winter tires, you should know a few recommendations. For driving on snowy and icy roads, it is better to give preference to softer tires. It is also possible to ride on bare asphalt on such a tire, but it will wear out faster, it is better to move on hard rubber on such a surface.

It is quite difficult to determine this factor on your own by touch, a sales assistant or a professional can help with this. specific model You can get information by reading customer reviews on the Internet.

As practice shows, tires with an asymmetric pattern on the wheel tread are more efficient in driving a car in winter. The main thing at the same time is to correctly install the tires according to the marks printed on it. After tire fitting, the label should be located next to the nipple. By following these small tips when choosing a set of new tires, the motorist will protect himself and the car while driving in the winter.

Risks when buying used tires

Since the cost of a new set of winter tires is not cheap in material terms, some car owners are trying to save money by buying used tires. Despite being pretty good appearance used tires, they do not retain the qualities that were originally built into them. Of course you can choose good quality, however, the choice to buy or not, as well as the risks for the consequences, remain with the person.

As a rule, the service life of winter tires is 2-4 seasons, and to find out exactly how many thousand former owner does not seem possible. It's better not to save and buy new kit. Often, motorists choose rubber based on the fact that it goes through the entire service life, and when buying used, there are no guarantees for the service life.

Important points when choosing winter tires

Which brand of tires to choose is a rather complicated and controversial question, because how many people - so many opinions. There are several criteria when choosing winter tires:

• manufacturer;
• age of a particular model;
• planned mileage.

Before choosing winter tires, you should pay attention to these criteria, which you need to talk about in more detail.

Manufacturer

Which company is best to buy tires? A question that almost every car owner asks, because among the huge number of brands it is difficult to give preference to one or another. It should be noted brands that have deservedly proven themselves from the best side in terms of quality and customer reviews. Here is that little list:

• Nokian ;
• Michelin ;
• bridgestone;
• Pirelli ;
• Gislaved ;
• Toyo ;
• Fulda.

As customer reviews show, these brands of manufacturers have proven themselves in all respects. And what brand to buy, each motorist will decide for himself. For an SUV worth buying only famous brands, it is better to consult with a sales consultant who will help in the selection.

Model age

It is worth paying attention to the date of manufacture, which is indicated on the tire. The newer the model, the correspondingly the price for it will be higher than, for example, last year's. The only drawback when buying older models is the difficulty in finding a tire (if, for example, you only need one piece).

The best prices are often set for outdated models, but if a short shelf life has passed (no more than two years), then you can safely buy tires for promotional offers. This is done in order not to return the tires back to the plant for processing, but to sell them at the purchase price.

Planned mileage

An important factor when buying tires is the planned mileage. If a person initially knows that he will cover an impressive distance during the season, then you should not skimp and buy good tires. I buy an inexpensive tire, there is a possibility that it will not last long and I will have to spend money on buying a new set.

Outcome

At the end, it is worth summing up a little. Which winter tires are better is a question that needs to be answered by many influencing factors before buying. After reading this article, each motorist, based on a number of conditions, will be able to determine for himself what type of rubber he should buy.

The approach of cold weather, prolonged autumn cooling and rare morning frosts urge motorists to “change shoes” for their vehicle. The question of which winter tires are better to choose has not lost its relevance since manufacturers have singled out this type of rubber in a separate segment. This is due to the continuous process of improving production technologies and the use of new materials.

The process of improvement has no limit. Now even winter tires are divided into several types, and this is not a marketing division, but real types of wheels for different conditions operation.

A huge selection of tires for winter is more of an illusion. In reality, most buyers make a choice of 3-4 manufacturers. Consumers often form their conclusions about these products by accumulating information from several sources. For some, the authority is a sales assistant, who often works for the minimum wage, accidentally getting a seasonal part-time job in a car shop. Sometimes these "advisors" do not even have their own transport.

Winter tires

Some listen to advertising slogans from TV or radio, taking on faith the enticing appeals to "get high status" by buying new wheels for the car. More "advanced" motorists read forums with "experienced advice."

The most correct option would be using all this information along with real user reviews and connecting your own logic.

But before you make a choice and determine for yourself what is better to choose winter non-studded tires or wheels with powerful studded tread, you need to change driving style to "winter":

• the speed limit should be reduced by a quarter from the summer one;
• the distance is required to keep a large one and a half to two times;
• avoid sudden maneuvers.

Also, when choosing seasonal slopes, you need to refrain from using on domestic roads"universal" types of rubber. Such products are more suitable for the Mediterranean climate than for the harsh Russian winter.

What is the difference between winter and summer tires

In the manufacture of winter tires, a more elastic material is used. It remains the same even with a significant decrease in temperature. Based on natural rubber with the addition of silicon additives. In this way, a better coefficient of friction with the road surface is provided, the contact patch is increased, and traction with the roadway is also increased.

Visually, winter tires will have a larger profile than summer tires and a smaller wheel width. Due to such parameters, the cross-country ability increases and the ability to resist side skids increases.

The tread on winter slopes is more aggressive than on summer slopes. This form helps self-cleaning from freezing plaque. The rubber profile is inscribed with channels dividing the surface into separate segments. Such drainage slots create a reliable grip, and their pattern is calculated by each manufacturing company using complex algorithms.

Winter tire marking

When using different types of rubber, you need to know the rules for its use:

• Summer tires most effective above 5 C. Lower temperature conditions roughen slopes. Rubber becomes stiff, the car becomes almost uncontrollable even on a dry surface. The risk of skidding increases, the braking distance increases.
• Winter tires when operating above 5 C, it begins to “float”. The car loses stability. There is additional noise in the cabin, and intensive wear of the wheel surface occurs.
• All season stingrays suitable for the temperature range from +10 C to -5 C. When leaving this range, they are significantly inferior to seasonal products and exhibit negative sides temperature mismatch.

The use of "spike"

In many European countries The use of studded tires is prohibited by law. There is no such strict ban in our country. In contrast to the milder European climate, we have regions with dry snowy winters. Often it is there that the spikes are most effective.

There are several types of spikes:

• steel;
• aluminum;
• plastic, with a core of carbide material;
• with an oval core.

Studded stingrays

For latitudes in which less snowy cold months or temperature fluctuations often make the road “porridge” from melted snow, good and inexpensive winter tires with studs will not only be ineffective, but also harmful.

Required number of winter tires

The statement that it is enough to install a pair of winter slopes on the drive axle and you can be calm is erroneous. After all, such wheels are placed not only in order to easily get under way on slippery surfaces, but also for safe driving in various conditions.

Stopping at a traffic light in winter is very important, but you also need to be able to avoid skidding on your car when entering a turn. If there is only one axle "shod" according to the season, then this maneuver will become very risky.

SUV owners with all-wheel drive before you think about which winter tires are better to choose, you need to immediately tune in to buying a complete set of tires. After all, these cars have increased ground clearance, which gives additional windage, respectively, less stability on the road.

You may also need a spare. The situation with a broken wheel can catch the driver anywhere, and no one will say how long it will take to get to the nearest service to correct the situation. Therefore, the correct amount for winter tires is five slopes.

Division of winter tires by climate

Modern manufacturers distinguish two types of winter tires. They are conditionally called "European" and "Scandinavian". This division characterizes the conditions most favorable for the use of both types.

European

Main weather conditions for the operation of such winter slopes are wet roads with a small amount of wet snow. Tires must provide good grip on the road.

Choice between Scandinavian and European

To a greater extent, the pattern of such a product is similar to anti-rain slopes. Diagonal furrows are complemented by a large number of drainage systems. Visually, it is distinguished by a large number of channels that help to cling to the ground, and lamellas, thin furrows.

More of these long slots helps to perform its function more efficiently. Wet snow enters the channel section, and the tread edge tends to get as close as possible to the roadway. Literally digging to the asphalt, the tread creates a contact patch with the road.

Scandinavian

This type of tire is fully developed on icy roads. This brand of rubber is better for the winter, where the snow crust lasts for several months without significant thawing.

The pattern network on the surface of the Scandinavian type is not as developed as on the European version. The main texture is not slots, but diamond-shaped elements arranged in a checkerboard pattern. This arrangement gives advantages on icy roads. Ice or crust breaks under alternating "diamonds". Tires are often used for cross-country travel in winter.

Division of winter tires by tread pattern

Visual inspection will help to divide the tires into two categories of patterns: symmetrical And asymmetrical. Both categories are divided into a couple of subcategories: directed pattern and non-directional.

The most common pattern is the symmetrical version. Although such tires produce a slight rumble in the cabin, during urban use, their positive quality is the price. They belong to the middle and inexpensive price segments. More expensive are wheels with an asymmetric pattern. They are less noisy during operation.

Tire selection

A directional pattern is used to drain water from the point of contact with the road surface. The correct direction of rotation of the wheel must be indicated on the side surface of the tires.

Three main types of patterns are the most common: non-directional asymmetrical, directional symmetrical and non-directional symmetrical. The fourth option with asymmetric and non-directional pattern is quite expensive and rare.

Riding in urban conditions will be comfortable on asymmetric tires. On the city streets of megacities, such a pattern will not add noise to the interior and will give confidence on the pavement cleaned from snow. However, this type of wheels will not come in handy for country trips.

High drifts of packed snow will help to overcome directional pattern With bright design. He will not be afraid of even slightly melted snow. Shallow snow with water will overcome the non-directional tread.

For deep snow will need with water non-directional tires with an asymmetrical pattern. Such a profile will remove snow, and longitudinal channels on the surface will be used for water drainage.

Browse by tire model

For central Russia, the most advantageous application would be a symmetrical directional tread pattern. It productively rakes off wet snow clods, at the same time provides directional stability for vehicle. Such tires will behave confidently during slush and snow porridge. Determining specifically which rubber company is better for the winter, we will consider several options. When choosing high-quality rubber, you should not save on your own safety.

Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice 2 winter tires for rough terrain. Protectors show themselves worthy on slightly frozen ground. The shape of the pattern is designed for efficient snow raking. The product has a long service life. Cost from 49 dollars.

Michelin Alpin A4 tires with directional tread. The stingrays are suitable for snowy winters and frosty weather due to the use of a special soft rubber alloy in their production. It practically does not become stiff in cold weather and stands confidently when maneuvering on a wet surface. Cost from 46 dollars.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R used in off-road areas and during heavy snowfalls. Rubber copes with loose snow and has long life operation. No additional noise from it in the cabin is not felt. It is used during wet snow due to high-quality water removal from the contact patch. Cost from 44 dollars.

Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ Ideal for city road. Quiet tires with external grips cope with high snowdrifts. The drainage grooves do an excellent job of keeping the vehicle under control in slushy, sleet conditions. The tires also cope with wet roads at near-zero temperatures, keeping the car from skidding in corners. Cost from 42 dollars.