Hello dear friends! The winter season is approaching, snow has fallen in some regions of Russia, so drivers managed to switch to winter tires. Somewhere they are only now thinking about this, since the sun remains quite active and does not allow winter to enter into its full rights. Also, many have already decided on tires. And you?
Therefore, it will be relevant to talk about such a topic as spikes or Velcro. These are two versions of winter tires, between which there is a bitter struggle. Some believe that in winter you can’t do without studs, while others are confident in the complete dominance of Velcro over studded wheels.
Who is right and who is wrong? Today we debunk myths and try to answer the most pressing questions. The topic is very multifaceted and controversial, so if I miss something, be sure to supplement me in the comments, express your opinion or give useful advice based on personal experience.
Who is who
Before the onset of frost, drivers have a dilemma regarding which tire option to choose for the coming winter. After all, each of you has seen different videos or observed personally what driving on summer tires in winter can lead to.
Moreover, this question worries literally everyone, regardless of where to put the tires:
- for rear wheel drive;
- on an SUV;
- on an urban crossover;
- on a compact city car;
- for all-wheel drive;
- front wheel drive, etc.
It is believed that an SUV with spikes is an analogue of a tractor or a tank that will go everywhere. But do not rush to conclusions, because the wheels of even the most formidable frame SUVs got stuck in those areas where there were no special obstacles for the crossover.
Much depends on the ability to drive a car and adapt to climate change, find the right route and turn the steering wheel correctly. It’s not worth writing off everything only on bad tires, if you are stuck in a snowdrift. Your fault is paramount here.
Now all kinds of tests and comparisons are carried out by many reputable magazines and experts. In Autoreview, the magazine Za Rulem publishes almost every year materials where they test different tires with and without studs.
Let's understand some concepts
With studded tires, everything is quite simple. These are tires based on soft rubber, where a deep pattern is provided that allows you to move around in the snow. The spikes allow you to ride on ice without any problems.
But when choosing Velcro for a crossover or an ordinary passenger car, the driver immediately thinks what it is and why it is called that. Yes, and the concept of friction tires is extremely common.
So. Velcro and friction are identical concepts, they just sound different. This is a winter tire made of a special composition (does not tan in the cold), which does not have spikes. Initially, it was developed for Europe, where the winter is quite mild and the quality of the roads is high. So that they do not collapse due to the negative impact of the spikes, they came up with friction clutches.
I'll say more. Studded wheels are banned in many European countries. Therefore, when you arrive there on a spike, you will have problems with the local police. As far as I know, now such a ban is definitely in effect in the UK, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, France, etc. The list is actually wider.
Especially for them, tire company engineers have developed friction kits, which we call Velcro. Why? Everything is simple. They seem to stick to the surface. Their important advantage is the fact that such rubber behaves well on thick snow and on ice. But only if you follow the correct parameters.
Operation features
The concept of "Velcro" pursues a purely marketing goal. It was invented so that domestic car owners, who are accustomed mainly to studs, buy non-studded kits.
Everyone is used to seeing names like “winter non-studded tires”, which caused some distrust in the ability of such a tire to drive in our winter conditions.
Regarding the operation of machines in winter, an important amendment should be made. A lot depends on where you live.
- Big cities. If you live in St. Petersburg, Moscow or another large settlement, then friction clutches will be the best solution for the city. This is due to the fact that now winter in a large city is completely different from the one that was 20 years ago. Roads are regularly sprinkled with chemicals that melt snow and ice. As a result, studded wheels behave worse, since there is no adhesion of rubber to the road, the studs slip, make noise, increase the braking distance and violate the stability of the car. Velcro shows its maximum in such conditions;
- Suburbs, villages, etc. Living in the Leningrad region, Moscow region, villages, small towns, where roads are cleaned poorly and extremely rarely, leaving dense layers of snow on the roadways, spikes can come in handy. But over time, when this snow mass turns into an ice crust.
- First. If you use a car within the city, making 90% of trips to and from work, then even in harsh winter conditions, the clutches will do their job perfectly;
- Second. If you plan to travel outside the city, where the roads are not cleaned and treated with reagents, for greater safety, put your car on studded wheels.
- strengths and weaknesses of spikes;
- advantages and disadvantages of Velcro.
- reduced permeability;
- worst behavior on ice;
- increased stopping distance.
- Better stability when driving on snow ruts;
- Increased permeability;
- Confident behavior on ice, shorter braking distances and better handling.
- behave poorly on asphalt;
- on clean asphalt, the braking distance increases;
- poor handling on dry surfaces;
- if there is little snow, the spikes fly out quickly (especially on cheap tires);
- increased wear of rubber;
- noise and buzz in the cabin.
In terms of driving on snow, there is not much difference between a spike and a friction clutch. Here it is impossible to say which studs are better or in what way Velcro is ahead of its studded competitor. There are different manufacturers and the corresponding quality of workmanship.
In snow, you can put an equal sign between two competitors, if we take into account tires that are approximately the same in quality.
In the case of absolute ice, solid ice on the road without spikes on a standard Velcro, you will not be very sweet. Although here, some models of modern friction kits in the framework of the latest tests show that on ice they are able to impose competition on studs.
With a standard porridge that is going on on the road and is a mixture of snow, sand, salt and other reagents, Velcro is a clear favorite.
Therefore, the choice directly depends on the operating conditions.
We draw two main conclusions from all this.
Spikes are indispensable on country roads, and Velcro is ideal for a winter city on asphalt or on a cleared track.
Advantages and disadvantages
To try to finally figure out what is better and what to put on your car, we will analyze the positive and negative sides of the two discussed options for winter tires.
Immediately I strongly advise you not to buy what is cheaper. Savings are inappropriate here, because you risk your own health and the lives of other road users. It is important to be confident in your car, regardless of the operating conditions. In the best case, you will have to do it, and in the worst case, the car will simply go to scrap.
I understand that owners of a brand new Prado, expensive foreign cars can afford top tires from Bridgestone, Michelin or Pirelli. But it's not just about the brand. Quality is not determined by cost. Not always what is more expensive is actually better. Proven many times.
Therefore, read the reviews, look through the forum where your car is being discussed. There you can find real opinions of car owners about certain tires, their cost. Roughly speaking, based on someone else's experience, you can understand which rubber will be the most optimal for you.
I propose to consider two points separately:
Do you agree? Then let's go!
Velcro
You need to understand it, it's not even discussed. At least it's worth looking into the specification of your car. So you will understand what rubber parameters are suitable for your car.
I will highlight several main advantages of friction kits:
But there are also disadvantages that should not be overlooked.
The main disadvantages of Velcro include:
Although regarding the braking distance, everything here is conditional and depends on the situation on the road. When the main road is cleared, there is no snow rut, then the braking distance remains at a normal level. When braking on ice, it is really more than spikes.
spikes
If you are more inclined towards studded wheels, I advise you to first look at their characteristics.
Let's start with the positive. These include:
That's all. Now it's time for the downsides. In fact, they are the opposite of the advantages of Velcro and are manifested in the following:
Everyone can draw their own conclusions.
I advise you to think about d in connection with the current weather, since sticking snow and rain can create problems for visibility when driving.
Objectively about the main
The presented analysis allows an objective answer to the question of who is better. The answer may surprise or upset you. Nobody.
You can't choose a winner because the comparison is completely meaningless. The spikes are designed for a real winter, where extreme cold prevails, a lot of snow falls and ice forms.
Frictions or Velcro are designed to drive on a track that has been cleaned with reagents, for a city where utilities work.
Reagents are good for everyone, except for their composition. It provokes corrosion of the body, therefore in winter I advise you to visit more often, where you can cheaply and quickly knock down all the mixture that has stuck there from the bottom. I categorically do not advise leaving a car with reagents on the body.
Otherwise, you will have to apply in the spring. The thing is good and effective, but it’s better not to bring your car to such a state.
Therefore, choose tires based on the conditions in which you have to operate your car in the coming winter. Make no mistake.
A little about spikes and traffic police
Finally, we will touch on another topical issue that has often come up to me lately.
Users often ask whether the spike sign is required or not in the current 2017 and the upcoming 2018. I am talking specifically about the Russian Federation.
Back in April of this year, a resolution was adopted (4.04 came into force), according to which motorists are required to place a sign on the vehicle indicating the use of studded tires. If it does not exist, this equates to malfunctions that prohibit the operation of the car.
If we talk about the question of interest to most car owners, then yes, a fine for the absence of a sign is provided. It is 500 rubles.
But it's not about the fine. Such a sign, placed on the rear window or body of the car, informs the cars coming behind that you have spikes. Consequently, the stopping distance may increase, which other cars must be aware of. It's a safety issue, nothing more. Therefore, do not forget about your responsibility to yourself and other road users.
Life moves inexorably forward. Winter is coming, which means that the topic of winter tires is again relevant. Which winter tires are better - spikes or Velcro? according to most motorists, it does not show itself on dry and relatively clean asphalt. Roads covered with ice and snow are their element. Friction tires are great for city driving only. Is it true? We learn from the article.
Velcro winter tires - what is it?
So called friction rubber. It is not very popular when compared with studded models. However, the popularity of Velcro is growing every year. For those who do a lot of city driving, this tire is perfect. Manufacturers think so.
This is a studless tire. It differs from an ordinary non-studded tire in a special rubber composition. So, the tire perfectly adapts to a variety of temperature extremes. These friction tires are distinguished by a special tread pattern, and they are also softer.
The tread pattern here differs in depth and the number of sipes. The special composition allows much better absorption of water from the roadway. The tire literally sticks to the road. From this effect, motorists began to call this rubber so.
Production does not stand still. And if earlier it was believed that there was simply no alternative to spikes for winter, today the situation is changing. According to the manufacturers, there is practically no difference in behavior on dry or wet roads, and the performance of friction tires is getting better from year to year.
Both on a wet road and on a dry one, a car with Velcro rubber will ride much more confidently than on spikes. In the first case, the braking distance and driving noise are reduced. On icy surfaces, Velcro is only slightly inferior to a studded tire. On snow-covered surfaces, the studs practically do not function, and since the entire load goes to the tread, the friction option wins here.
What are Velcro
There are Arctic (Scandinavian) tires and European models. The latter are suitable for those who live in regions with a milder climate. Characteristics, rather, all-weather. European tires perform well in a slight frost. For those who live to the north, Scandinavian models are best suited.
Scandinavian tire: choose the right one
In order not to fall for deception when choosing which Velcro winter tires to buy, you need to remember a few nuances. So, rubber sales specialists write that this is the choice for mild winters. Such tires are distinguished by a huge number of small sipes, the rubber composition is softer, and it is more angular. "Europeans" are more rounded and firm. They can also be distinguished by So, for European latitudes, higher-speed models are created with markings H and V, while northern models are designed for lower speeds.
Pure asphalt
For our country, only "Arctic" models are relevant. Let's check how good Velcro tires are, what kind of product it is, and why it is a better choice on asphalt. We will not go into theoretical research, but will immediately begin to consider the results.
The asphalt test is considered the weak point of studded tires. It is believed that they do not brake well at speeds under 80 km / h. But according to the test results, the spikes still slow down, and quite well. These tests were carried out by independent experts from Finland, they can be trusted. Velcro, on the other hand, have different results. So, the braking distance ranged from 33.1 m to 41.1 m. The “toothy” tires showed from 35.3 to 38 m. Unexpectedly, because it was believed that the spikes would lose on wet asphalt. We can say that Velcro lost, but not all, but only a part. For example, Bridgestone Velcro tires performed worse than cheap models from Kama.
On dry pavement, frictions, of course, were the winners, but they did not win too much over spikes. According to the results of the Finnish study, it is difficult to say which is better on asphalt. Modern studded models are in no way inferior to Velcro.
On ice and on snow
Let's look at the same Finnish test of Velcro tires, but in the worst winter conditions. Perhaps urban asphalt tires will show unexpected results?
According to the data of one of the most authoritative automotive publications - Autoreview, friction tires performed excellently on snowy surfaces. The car was accelerated to 50 km / h. So, Velcro showed a result from 7.7 to 9.5 s, while tires with spikes accelerated from 8.7 to 10.5 s. The difference is clearly visible.
On a road with winding turns, the “asphalt tires” slightly hurt the “toothy” brothers for a few seconds. And again the question: winter tires are studded or Velcro?
Our roads rarely delight motorists with rolled snow. A more frequent case is a thick porridge of snow with water. Here friction clutches significantly benefit in the stability of movement. Even the best, most expensive and top-rated studded model loses traction already at a speed of 21.2 km/h. This is lower than the worst Velcro tires. What is it if not a gain in favor of friction? The numbers show that cheap Velcro only loses traction at 22.6 km/h.
Therefore, if you drive in such mud more often, this is your choice, otherwise you will have to slow down. Also, spikes in the described conditions lead to drifts, loss of control and accidents.
On ice, the opposite is true. Here metal "teeth" are eternal leaders. For a complete stop at a speed of 25 km/h, a “toothy” tire needs 13 m. For Velcro, it took from 13.2 to 14.8 m. Only models from Pirelli and Nokian won the Velcro test in this category.
By the way, if you want to see the results between the "Arctic" and "European" models, then we note that the representative of tires for a milder climate, Dmack Winter Safe, was able to stop only after 16.2 m.
On an icy winding road
With such races, you have to gain a higher speed. During the test, the safety performance of tires was checked. On spikes, the testers overcame the ice circle in 25.8-29.8 seconds. Velcro - for 34.3-38.3 s. The worst studded model on a twisty track showed 88 s. And winter Velcro tires managed only in 96 seconds. This once again proves that friction rubber is much weaker on ice and loses to “toothy” representatives in everything.
As for the noise level, Velcro is on top here. Therefore, if you mostly drive on city roads and do not like excessive noise, this is definitely your choice.
In theory
Why do drivers make mistakes in their judgments about winter tires? On a hard road surface with a studded tire, everything is clear. It is believed that this rubber clings to the asphalt with spikes. But in fact, they are recessed inside. So, the contact patch of two representatives of this camp is the same. Moreover, the “toothy” tread is more solid. That's why on asphalt, studded tires easily outperformed friction models.
But something was overlooked in the tests. The test on ice was carried out in frost from fourteen to seventeen degrees, on asphalt the thermometer readings rose above zero.
Spiked Metamorphoses
In severe Russian frosts, such a wheel noticeably changes its behavior. Very hard ice pushes the stud into the tire tread. It's the same as without spikes at all. In addition, the rubber becomes very hard in the cold, which also significantly worsens the grip parameters. This is true both on ice and on asphalt.
So, in a strong crackling frost, winter Velcro tires are the best in all respects. The behavior of the car with them is more reliable and predictable, and therefore safer. Even in Siberia, people choose friction models. It is also correct when Velcro is purchased for a city where most of the streets are regularly cleared of snow.
Of course, this solution is not suitable for ice. This is a weak point for friction tires. Even the top-rated Velcro tires of the 2013-2014 season are only slightly catching up with the “toothy” classics. But again, it all depends on the type of road surface. For the city, winter Velcro tires are the best at the moment.
TOP 5 best Velcro
The experts who conducted the tests selected five models from different manufacturers.
- The first place was taken by the X-ice model from the legendary manufacturer Michelin (France).
- In second place is Nokian Happelita R2.
- The third place was taken by the Blizzak WS70 model from the Japanese brand "Bridgestone".
- Pirelli Ice Control are in fourth place.
- ContiVicing Contact from the global manufacturer "Continental" complete this rating.
Velcro tires "Dunlop"
For some reason, there were no products from this manufacturer in the rating. And very in vain. For example, the model of 2013 - "SP Winter Sport 4D" - is produced using innovative technologies. The manufacturer "Dunlop" tried to maximize safety, as well as significantly improve the information content of this rubber. With this tire, drivers can feel confident in any conditions and in any frost.
Tests were carried out, as a result of which independent experts noted excellent handling, an incredibly short braking distance, and excellent lateral stability of the car. Among the disadvantages are high rolling resistance and high noise level in the car. Experts recommend these Velcro splints. That this is a good choice for the Russian winter, there is no doubt.
So, we found out which car tires are best in certain conditions. The choice is yours!
The fact that non-studded tires - we will also call them Velcro (this word reflects the nature of the tire) - can perform better than studded tires on ice, I happened to encounter about ten years ago in Finland. Representatives of Turvanasta, a company engaged in the development and manufacture of studs, decided to prove in practice that studded tires (then it was Nokian Hakkapeliitta 1) are more effective than non-studded Nokian RSi, which have recently appeared on the market. To do this, they even organized demonstration performances of two identical Volkswagen Passat, shod in the appropriate tires. The winter was not a little severe: on the appointed day the temperature dropped below -45°C. What was the general surprise when a car on rubber without studs turned out to be on average 15-17% faster than a fellow on studs! Experts justified themselves: frozen ice is harder than concrete and the spikes are simply unable to pierce it; the rubber in studded tires is stiffer and tans in extreme cold so that it stops releasing spikes in the contact area with the road. And Velcro, they say, are made of a softer composition ...
FROST AND SUN
In our tests, which have been carried out for more than a dozen winters (and winters, of course, have been different - from 30o frost to thaw), we periodically encountered this phenomenon. Finally, in order to give a clear answer to the question of whether Velcro can slow down better than spikes on ice, and if so, under what conditions, we conducted this study.
Of course, we were interested in the opinion of specialists from different companies, but received rather cautious answers. Engineers at Continental and Michelin, for example, claim that the "equilibrium" temperature of studded and non-studded tires is -15oC. If warmer, spikes are more effective on ice, colder - Velcro. At the same time, the state of the ice and ... the weather are very important. Rough ice helps Velcro, which cling to micro-roughnesses, and on a glossy surface, spikes will cope with the task more successfully - this is obvious and does not require explanation. But the bright sun, even in frost, can slightly melt the ice and make it more slippery, especially for Velcro. Therefore, in the bright sun and clear ice, spikes may be better even at -20-25 ° C.
During the temperature test of summer tires (ЗР, 2008, No. 8), we gained some experience in such comparisons (by the way, leading tire companies were very interested in our results). Now let's try to determine the effectiveness of spikes and Velcro on ice at different temperatures. An example from life - a section of the road rolled to a shine in front of the stop line ...
The tests took place in February - March 2008. Studs 195 / 65R15 and Velcro of a slightly larger dimension - 205 / 55R16 participated in them. A small difference does not affect our main task.
In the “clawed” group we included the Michelin X-Ice North, known for its high stability of stud protrusion, and the Continental ContiWinterViking 2, which has wider studs. Opponents were selected from new products, primarily promising not to be afraid of water on ice. These are Nokian Hakkapeliitta R, Michelin X-Ice 2 and Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60.
We will work on a Skoda Octavia car, braking from a speed of 50 to 5 km / h in order to eliminate errors in the operation of ABS (short-term blocking of the wheels) at low speed.
To ensure that the state of the ice was affected only by the air temperature, the measurements were carried out in cloudy weather or after sunset, which could quickly melt the ice.
TEMPERATURE FIELD
It turned out that the “balance point” of spikes and Velcro is smeared in the range of 13–15 degrees of frost, therefore we take these results as base ones.
In a frost of about 20o, Velcro outperforms spikes by almost 20% of the braking distance! The results obtained allowed us to conclude: the lower the temperature, the greater the difference in favor of Velcro. The explanation is simple: as already noted, with decreasing temperature, the force required to pierce the ice with a spike increases. In addition, cold ice is rougher, and Velcro is at hand.
Warming up to -5°C has the opposite effect: spikes begin to win back the stopping distance. And with a huge, almost 90% advantage! The water that appears between the ice and the tire acts as a lubricant and the Velcro slides on. At the same time, softened ice allows the claws to go deeper, which means that the spikes brake more effectively.
The closer to zero, the more water in the contact patch. It already interferes with spikes - the spikes do not hold well in softened ice, tear it and lose effectiveness. But not as threatening as Velcro. It turns out that studded tires are more versatile on slippery surfaces.
A word of caution: on smooth ice, especially on a sunny day, both tires brake worse even at lower temperatures.
Frosty
The best braking properties of a non-studded Michelin: 30.3 m. The average braking distance of Velcro is 31.3 m. In spikes, the Conti slows down better than the Michelin by 5.5 m. In such a frost, the advantage is still on the side of the wider " diamond" spikes. With a margin of 6.1 m, or 19.5%, Velcro wins!
COLD
The best was the studded Conti, the worst ... the studded Michelin. The difference between them was 6.7 m. Velcro, which needed 33.2–35.2 m, were located in the middle. The average value for spikes is 34.4 m, for Velcro - 34.7 m. The difference is less than 1%. Under these conditions, Velcro and spikes slow down almost the same.
WARMING
Studs further reduce the stopping distance: Michelin by 5.8 m, Continental by 4.5 m. The average is 29.2 m. But Velcro fails: their results are 52.1–56.5 m. Michelin caught up with Bridgestone, and ahead of Nokian. The average stopping distance on non-studded tires is 54.9 m. Too much! Under such conditions, spikes are almost twice as effective.
ALMOST ZERO
In such conditions, the spikes also gave in, increasing the braking distance by an average of 3.9 m. Even the Conti with its “bruliks” gives 3.2 m. The Velcro finally failed! Nokian slows down with a score of 77.1 m, Michelin and Bridgestone exceed the mark of 80 m. The average value is 82.3 m. At this temperature, Velcro on ice unconditionally, almost two and a half times, lose to spikes.
When choosing tires, consider the climate of your region: severe snowy winters, frozen roads - non-studded wheels are preferable; mild winters, frequent thaws, followed by ice, are better than spikes.
FEEDBACK
We noticed that at first, subsequent braking of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R on ice was better than the previous ones, the results stabilized only by the sixth attempt. It was assumed that such a change in characteristics is associated with the presence in the tread of special "capacities" designed to remove water from the contact patch. When approaching the ice rink along a snowy road, snow gets into them. As a result, the car slips on snow grains, and after several passes, the snow shakes out of the tires and braking occurs already on clean ice.
Nokian Tires specialists did not encounter such problems in their tests. But their tires were stored at positive temperatures (we have them in a cold container), and they were changed in a warm box. Warm tires easily shed snow when the car is on a snowy road to an icy area. It turns out that any car on these tires after a long stay in the cold will slow down worse until they warm up.
To get rid of this effect, the designers decided to make the inner surface of the "pockets" smoother so that the snow does not linger in them. To do this, the elements of the molds that form the walls of the "tanks" were carefully polished. Before comparative tests, upgraded and conventional tires were kept in the cold, and not in the heat. During the tests, a braking distance difference of several meters was recorded - of course, in favor of the upgraded ones.
Thus, not only our assumptions were confirmed, but also the effectiveness of the modernization carried out. Since the end of April 2008, all Nokian Hakkapeliitta R and Hakkapeliitta R SUV tires come off the production line with smooth pocket walls. It's nice that this is the merit of the magazine "Behind the wheel".
Even in the summer, it is worth taking care of the choice of winter tires. This will allow you to make a choice without haste and with savings for the wallet. The question of what is better studded tires or Velcro remains relevant among car owners to this day. How to know when to choose a Scandinavian type of non-studded tires, and when to trust the safety of a studded tire?
Features and benefits of each type
No automotive expert will give an unequivocal opinion which rubber is better. It is noted that with regular use of the car in urban conditions, non-studded tires are more suitable. This is due to regular snow removal, the use of reagents. Even if the roads are not cleared, loose snow masses are not the best conditions for studded tires.
When driving on dense packed snow or icy asphalt, studded tires show better traction. However, this does not mean that Velcro will not cope in these conditions. Therefore, the debate about which rubber is better continues to this day.
spikes
When driving, both on a straight section and on a road with many turns, the spikes cling equally tenaciously to a surface covered with a layer of ice and snow. In such conditions, the advantages of spikes are well manifested:
- Short stopping distance. It is noted that each additional tenth of the protrusion of the stud (in mm) reduces the braking distance by 2.5-3%.
- The best acceleration dynamics. This indicator is provided by increasing the coupling properties of the spike.
- Good directional stability. This indicator is associated not only with the presence of spikes around the entire circumference of the wheel, but also with the number of installed elements.
The disadvantages of studded tires include the following indicators:
- Increased noise. This is especially evident when driving on asphalt without snow cover.
- Limited temperature range of use. According to various estimates, the comparison of Velcro or spikes does not turn out in favor of the latter at temperatures below -20 ° C (or -30 ° C, according to various estimates).
- Useless on clean or wet pavement. There is an increase in the braking distance and a deterioration in directional stability.
- Speed limit. This indicator is associated not only with safety, but also with an increase in the likelihood of losing spikes at high speed.
Do not forget about the restriction on the use of studded tires in the summer months. This leads to the need for timely replacement, and the total resource of spikes is small.
Velcro
If the owner of a car is wondering which tires to choose for the winter - Velcro or spikes, and at the same time lives in the city, the answer suggests itself without hesitation. We buy non-studded tires. This type of winter wheels has the following advantages:
- Highly flexible and flexible rubber. The properties are retained over a wide temperature range.
- Have a large contact patch with the roadway. This figure is not only greater than that of models with spikes, but also increases in the process of driving on snow due to the expansion of individual elements. In addition, the wheel will easily overcome the snow blockage.
- Fuel economy. Tires have a low rolling resistance coefficient, so despite difficult road conditions, fuel consumption will increase slightly.
The main disadvantage is the deterioration of grip on ice. At the same time, during a thaw, it is difficult for the wheel to remove a layer of water from the contact patch, which impairs vehicle controllability. Only a sufficient tread depth of winter tires saves a few. But it doesn't hurt to be extra careful.
Design differences of winter tires
With a potential choice of which tires to choose for the winter for a car, attention is paid not only to the advantage of a separate type. It is important to know the design differences of each type. This is the only way to buy really the best winter tires.
studded
For studded tires, a spike protruding above the tread surface is of tangible importance. Regardless of what external shape the head has, according to the new requirements, this value after running in should be in the range of 1.2 ± 0.3 mm.
Some models, according to reviews, reach indicators of protruding spikes up to 2 mm. And here it is incorrect to compare - spikes or Velcro are better, since such “prickly” samples will outplay even classmates. It should be noted that no one is engaged in measuring the length of the spike in road conditions.
Some Chinese models are distinguished by an "economy" class spike. Its height, even with a new tire, does not exceed 0.9 mm. It is doubtful that the owner will feel tangible benefits from such a product, even in comparison with a good Velcro.
Pay attention to the design of the spikes. Modern samples have an alloy structure of two components and a complex core structure. The original design of a well-known brand will not only give certain advantages in movement, but will also become a guarantee against imminent destruction or loss.
not studded
When choosing non-studded tires, the ratio of the tread of new wheels and softness is of no small importance. On the one hand, a larger margin of up to critical 4 mm affects the duration of operation. When critical wear occurs, the Velcro diamonds can no longer push through the rolled snow.
On the other hand, if rubber is endowed with excessive softness, abrasion of the “working” layer will occur in a few emergency braking. This is due to the use of natural rubber for the manufacture of Velcro. The material, as you know, is very elastic, but pliable, poorly resists abrasion. Therefore, it is important to choose a reasonable balance between wear resistance and tire softness.
As a conclusion
For the successful operation of a high-quality winter tire, it is necessary not only to correctly approach its choice. Expect decent performance for all characteristics should be only after the first run-in of a new tire.
Rubber will work better after a run of 300 km for Velcro, 500 km for studded models. During this period, intensive acceleration and deceleration should be avoided, and the car should not be put into extreme driving mode. Remember, running in is a conscientious attitude towards the tires of the owner himself!
When choosing a studded tire, you should pay attention to the safety of the studs in a separate model. If carrying out even a single test leads to the loss of 2-3 spikes by one wheel, you should refuse such an acquisition. Keep in mind that self-studded tires do not differ in increased safety of protruding elements.
The ever-changing climate creates a lot of problems for car owners. Previously, in a harsh winter, no one even had questions about which tires are best to choose for the winter. Studded tires have always been a priority. However, when a liquid mixture of mud, snow and water appears on the road, which is periodically covered with a thin layer of ice, car owners are faced with a choice - to purchase the usual spikes or modern Velcro.
To decide on this issue, it is worth saying right away that Velcro has nothing to do with all-season tires, as is commonly believed. Such products belong to one of the classes of winter tires, which differs in its characteristics from "studded tires".
Features of the "thorns"
Some refuse to buy "studs", as it is believed that it is quickly erased on the asphalt. It really is. Especially when you consider that current winters often indulge car owners with a lack of snow. However, progress does not stand still, and today it is easy to find models on sale that are equipped with spikes that “hide” in the tread under the influence of the pressure that asphalt exerts on them. In a situation where the car is driving on ice, the spikes, on the contrary, “crawl out” outward, and since the ice is less dense than the standard road surface, the spikes under the weight of the car begin to dig into the icy road.
Equally important is the fact that while driving, the tires of the car rub against the road with force, which is why a layer of moisture always forms under the wheels, whose temperature differs from that of the environment. In this situation, the usual "spike" noticeably loses its characteristics.
Healthy! Therefore, for snow-covered tracks, it is recommended to choose anti-skid studs that improve the level of adhesion of the wheels to the roadway.
It is also difficult to compare "spikes" and "Velcro" due to the fact that the first products may differ in the level of protrusion of the spikes. As a rule, after running in, standard studs protrude 1.2 mm above the tread, however, there are models in which this value reaches 2 mm. In this case, such wheels will be beyond any competition, as they show the best result in tests.
Weather conditions, the quality of the road and the driving style of the car owner are of great importance. Depending on this, the “thorns” will be more profitable or, on the contrary, not the best acquisition.
Pros and cons of "spike"
Tires of this type are more suitable for those who live in the suburbs or even decided to move out of town. In such conditions, the wheels should have good flotation. The car should handle tight turns and sharp turns without any problems.
As you know, such roads are rarely cleaned and are almost always covered with loose snow or ice. Spikes suit this situation the most, as they boast:
- small braking distance;
- better grip;
- good stability;
- so that you do not have to deal with drifts.
A car on which “studs” are installed slows down better and develops speed faster in icy road conditions. Velcro is a little behind in these indicators.
However, "spike" has several disadvantages:
- quite high noise level;
- increased fuel consumption;
- loss of their characteristics in conditions of severe frost (at -20-25 degrees, spikes often turn into a completely useless attribute).
In terms of frost resistance, friction tires show the best performance.
Velcro features
Friction tires are not equipped with spikes. They are made from a special rubber compound that is able to maintain its elasticity at lower temperatures. Even at -30 molecular bonds are broken, but then restored. Due to this, when heated during friction on the road surface, only the outer edge of the tire begins to work, while its inner part remains quite solid. In addition, these tires are characterized by increased adaptability depending on weather conditions. Due to the softer surface, these tires literally stick to the wet road surface (which is why they are called "Velcro").
Also, such models have a lot of other advantages.
Pros and cons of Velcro
Among the main advantages of friction tires:
- no noise, like studded analogues;
- reduced fuel consumption;
- short braking distance on dry or snowy pavement;
- improved car control.
Velcro also has quite serious drawbacks. For example, if it is a sunny day in winter, then a thin layer of water forms on the roadway. In such a situation, friction tires cause a deterioration in the controllability of the machine. However, only beginners are more concerned about such a problem; experienced drivers can easily cope with such shortcomings.
Another disadvantage is that at elevated temperatures or while driving on dry asphalt, the rubber of the friction tires “softens” and begins to “float” during braking and cornering. Because of this, the controllability of the car worsens, the braking distance becomes longer. If, in such conditions, there is a “spike”, then due to the rigidity of such tires and the presence of “hooks”, the car will remain “obedient”.
Another important nuance is “velcro strife”. The fact is that friction tires are:
- Arctic (also called Scandinavian). Only such tires are suitable for a harsh winter. The manufacturer must indicate that the products are suitable for the northern winter. Also, such tires are produced with maximum speed indices Q (160 km/h), T (190 km/h), R (170 km/h). In this case, several indicators can be specified at once.
- European. These tires are more like "all season" tires, so they are more suitable for use in regions with a mild climate and warm winters. On the packaging of such tires is usually indicated "for mild winters." In addition, European tires differ in other speed indices. They are usually marked H (210 km/h) or V (240 km/h).
Thus, a lot depends on the specific model. To determine the best choice, you can conduct an independent test drive or read the results of ready-made checks.
Comparative Tests
Only Scandinavian Velcro and spikes took part in the checks. In order to determine the best tires, several tests were carried out, the results of which will be interesting to read.
| Name of discipline | Conditions | The result of "stickies" | The result of "studding" | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed - 80 km / h ABS use Wet asphalt | Braking distance 33.1-41.1 m | Braking distance 35.5-38.7 | A small difference (from the "thorns" many expected meager results) | |
| Braking on wet pavement | Speed - 80 km / h ABS use dry asphalt | Braking distance 30.2-33.1 | Braking distances 33,5-35,7 | small spread |
| Maneuver "rearrangement" ("elk test") | dry asphalt | Maneuver speed 63.7-59.7 km/h | Maneuver speed 62.4-60.0 km/h | Both types of tires performed well. |
| Ice braking | Speed 25 km/h | Braking distance 13-13.5 m | Braking distance 13.2-14.8 | The Spikes are clearly winning |
| Driving on the ice ring | Driving on ice tracks | Time of passage of the route 34.3-38.3 s | Time of passage of the track 25.8-29.8 s | "Spikes" again show the best result |
| Driving on the ice ring | Driving on icy winding roads | Track time 96.0 (result of the best Velcro) | Track time 88.3 s (the result of the worst studded tire) | "Spikes" show the best result |
Of course, on icy tracks, the spikes perform much better. However, when braking on wet and dry pavement, both varieties show high returns. Therefore, the choice of winter products directly depends on the operating conditions (but, of course, the manufacturer, type of tire and its characteristics are also important).
The best models of friction and studded tires
There are several rubber models that show the best results. If we talk about the best friction tires, then below are the five products that successfully coped with all the tests.
| Model | Manufacturer country | Maximum speed index | Cost, rub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV | Finland | R | 9 500 |
| Bridgestone Blizzak VRX | Japan | Q/S/T | 4 300 |
| Michelin X-Ice Xi3 | France | T | 3 800 |
| Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice 2 | America | T | 3 200 |
| Nokian Nordman RS | Finland | R | 3 000 |
If we talk about studded models, then the following products are considered the best.
| Model | Manufacturer country | Maximum speed index | Cost, rub |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV | Finland | T | 11 100 |
| Gislaved NordFrost 100 | Sweden | Q | 4 500 |
| Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02 | Great Britain | T | 4 400 |
| Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic | America | T | 3600 |
| Michelin X-Ice North | France | T/H | 3 400 |
