Winter tires have several varieties, each of which corresponds to different conditions operation. The article will talk about when and what winter tires to use, what are their advantages and how to save tires in the offseason.
Winter tires: varieties, differences and conditions of use
With the advent of cold weather, all motorists begin to actively prepare for winter season. The main point of preparation of a car is the replacement of rubber. Let's look at what should be guided by when "changing shoes", what properties winter tires should have and how to choose correct option, according to the expected operating conditions.
Fully universal tires are a myth. There is no rubber that behaves the same under all conditions.
The main properties that distinguish winter tires from summer tires are not the presence of spikes or the tread pattern, but chemical composition rubber. Summer tires, low temperatures ah hardens, which leads to a decrease in adhesion to the surface and, as a result, heightened danger using.
The materials used in the production of tires for low temperatures solve this problem. However, the use winter tires in the warm season, also leads to a decrease in the handling of your car, as such wheels become too soft.
There are also so-called all-season tires. But, in fact, these are tires that are safe to use only with a very small temperature gap. Approximate temperature for such wheels: from -7 to +10 degrees.
Tires used at low temperatures are divided into two types:
studded
- Friction (Velcro)
Let's take a closer look at all the pros and cons of each type of tire, and perhaps dispel, for some, the myth of the unconditional advantage of studded tires.
Winter tires with studs
Spikes are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, on ice and dense snow cover, studded wheels can significantly reduce both braking distances your vehicle and reduce acceleration time. But, on the other hand, on clean asphalt, the spikes significantly reduce grip, which can easily lead to uncontrolled skidding, as well as a significant increase in braking distance.
Friction tires - Velcro
Modern technologies, used in the creation of tires for low temperatures, have taken a big step forward. To date, not studded winter wheels, in terms of their performance, are in many ways comparable to studded ones - on slippery road, and on dry pavement - in many ways they are superior.
Due to the special structure of the tread, such tires seem to stick to the surface, for which they got their name.
Finnish tire manufacturer Nokian has recently introduced a new generation of its products. Tires with retractable spikes. This is only a concept so far, but it is possible that such high-tech products will go into mass production soon.
How to understand when the hour "H" has come
You need to put winter tires in such a way that when the first signs of ice appear, you do not have to urgently run to a tire shop. When the average air temperature drops to +5 degrees, it is already possible to change shoes.
At this time, the queues for tire fitting are not very long, and the weather conditions are quite consistent with the indicators under which it is recommended to drive on winter tires.
The more versatile a tire is, the less stable it is for any specific operating condition.
Several reasons to choose
In order to make the right choice between studded and friction tires, you need to think about the coverage on which you will have to move most of the time. If you are a city dweller and do not intend to often travel outside the stone jungle, then Velcro tires can definitely be your choice.
But in the case of frequent travel on snowy non-urban roads, the studded wheels of your car will be more appropriate.
Important and even critical important point, is the rule that the use of studded tires involves replacing them for all wheels of the car. In no case should such wheels be put on only one axle. This will almost certainly lead to a loss of control and the creation of critical situations on the road. 2) Indicate on which axle and on which side the particular tire was placed
3) Cover the tire with preservative
4) You can use polyethylene, but you should not pack the wheels hermetically so that condensate does not accumulate
5) It's best to store tires on rims
With the end of summer, car owners face the question of the need to replace rubber. The most responsible motorists approach this issue in advance, without waiting for frosts and ice on the roads. But, choosing tires for the winter for your car, it is difficult to understand the many details that fall on the head of the owner.
It should be noted right away that there is no universal rubber that is suitable for all cars and drivers. There are many factors to consider when choosing winter tires.
Which winter tires should be chosen in certain options - detailed instructions on the example of typical situations.
Spikes or not?
Sooner or later, every car owner faces the question of whether to buy studded tires or choose Velcro. If you look at various automotive forums and sites, you can see the ongoing wars of supporters of both one and the second option. The answer to this question is simple and complex at the same time. It is simple because studded tires with a rough tread pattern are well suited for those regions where winter weather is usually dry and the road surface is densely packed ice. But at the same time, when driving, such tires make more noise.
If there is slush on the roads in winter, the spikes do not provide sufficient grip of the car with the road. Also studded tires the best choice when driving in winter on clean asphalt. Spikes are not recommended for those who like to drive their cars.
Non-studded tires are an alternative to studded tires.
Winter non-studded tires are represented by two types:
- European tires;
- Scandinavian tyres.
The difference between these types of tires lies in the characteristic weather conditions faced by the driver in winter on the road.
In the first case, tires are designed to grip the road surface in bad weather conditions (rain, wet snow). The European type of winter tires allows you to drive on high speeds. There are four speed indices for it: W (270 km/h), V (240 km/h), H (210 km/h) and T (190 km/h).
But such tires perform poorly when driving on ice or packed snow. Fans of dynamic driving need to remember that on slippery surface You need to be especially careful when riding on these tires. It is not recommended to use this rubber when driving in warm weather, as heat degrades the braking performance of these tires.
In the second case, optimal wheel traction is ensured on an icy road and a road surface with snow crust. Due soft rubber tires of this type feel good at very low temperatures.
But when using such tires, it is necessary to abandon the aggressive driving style: hard braking and rebuilding or sharp entry into a turn.
Importance of tread pattern
In a store from one manufacturer, several models of winter tires are presented and, in addition to the presence of spikes, it differs in a different tread pattern. This is due to the fact that on different roads tires perform different functions, which is reflected in the nature of the tread pattern:
- if the car is moving along the road on which it lies good layer rolled snow, it is necessary that the wheels provide good braking and no slippage while driving. To do this, the tires should "bite" into the snow as much as possible. In this case, winter tires are required, the tread of which consists of separate diamonds, cubes, snowflakes, which are separated from each other by sufficiently large gaps;
- when driving on a road on which snow porridge lies, the removal of water and snow from under the wheels and resistance to drifts come to the fore;
- if you are driving on dry pavement in cold weather, the tires require maximum grip.
Read tire labels correctly
The tire manufacturer puts on it all the properties that are important for the consumer, you just need to know how to read them. With this knowledge, the process of choosing winter tires for your needs can be minimized.
When inspecting the surface of a winter tire before buying, you can get the following information:
- Manufacturing date. Designated as four digits on the sidewall of the tire (the first two digits indicate the week of the year, the second two indicate the year of manufacture).
- Wear resistance. On the surface of the tire is indicated by the inscription Treadwear and is measured in units. Standard wear resistance - 100 units, which is enough for 48,000 km (average mileage per season).
- Speed index. It is encrypted with the letters of the English alphabet - from N (140 km / h) to ZR (above 240 km / h). For those who are interested in driving speed and such an indicator as low wear, it is best to take tires with the S marking.
- Load indicator. At its core, it means how much weight is on each wheel. According to experts, this index should be within 30-35 percent of the curb weight of the vehicle.
- Tire type. Winter tires must be marked M+S (Mud + Snow) and/or Winter, meaning "mud and snow" and/or "winter". You should be very careful when choosing tires marked All season - "All-weather" or All weather - "All-weather". A number of manufacturers produce tires with similar markings for countries with a warm climate, where the temperature drops only to zero in winter.
- Certification. Compliance with the quality of rubber to the requirements of the European Union is indicated by the letter E, and to the requirements of the USA - DOT. On some tires you can find both of these markings.
Additionally, signs such as the index of adhesion on wet road(A to G), fuel economy (A to G), and acoustic comfort (1 bar is optimal, 3 bars is weak). It is also worth recalling that professional off-road and racing tires do not mark, as well as fatty, studded and some other types. This should be taken into account when buying.
Regardless of which winter tires the owner of the car chooses, you need to remember some simple rules.
- It is necessary to change summer tires on all wheels at once, installing the same type of winter tires.
- You can not pull with the replacement of tires. As soon as the air temperature drops to plus 5 degrees, you can safely go and change your car's shoes into winter set tires.
- In winter, you should be more careful on the roads and, if possible, avoid an aggressive driving style.
- If the car is wearing studded tires, then you should be especially careful when driving on bare asphalt, it is recommended to reduce your speed limit.
And, perhaps, the most important criterion when choosing winter tires is quality. It is necessary that the seller guarantees that the tires available to him correspond to the declared properties.
When to change tires for winter? The answer to this question must be sought in the regulatory requirements. However, there are a few more nuances associated with the replacement procedure. For example, what characteristics should optimal winter tires have? Under what conditions to change? What tires to change - with spikes or without? We will try to give a detailed answer to these and other questions.
So when to change tires and what to focus on? On the first snow and ice? This will not be true, because the climate in our country is changeable and heterogeneous. Better look at the thermometer - if it shows the temperature +7°C±5°C, this indicates the need to change the shoes of your car. stay on summer tires unsafe, because at this air temperature, the rubber loses grip and becomes rougher. You can take a chance and wait until such a decrease in the average daily temperature for a whole week, but be aware that at any moment the car can skid on a turn and it will become uncontrollable. Since frosts on the ground at night form a thin crust of ice on the asphalt. That's why it's better not to risk it.
Taking into account design features winter tires, the optimal time for their installation, according to most manufacturers, is a week period from the moment the temperature drops to +5 ... 7 degrees Celsius.
Alas, not all car owners follow this recommendation. Some change their car into winter tires when the temperature drops to +12, while others wait for the air temperature to reach 0.
It is the recommendations of tire manufacturers for replacing rubber that are the most correct and capable of ensuring the proper level of safety on the road. There is also a regulation that clearly spells out the time requirements for replacing rubber.
When to change tires to winter according to the law
In the regulatory requirements, there is also a fad about when to change tires according to the rules. We can read about this in the “Technical Regulations of the Customs Union TR TS 018/2011 On the Safety of Wheeled Vehicles”. In particular, paragraph 5.5 says the following:
It is forbidden to operate vehicles that are not equipped with winter tires that meet the requirements of paragraph 5.6.3 of this annex in winter period(December January February). Winter tires are installed on all wheels of the vehicle. government controlled Member States Customs Union.
Designation of winter tires
Based on this information, it can be concluded that in winter months(December, January, February) only winter tires are allowed. You can put both studded and non-studded tires on the car. They must have the “M+S”, “M&S” or “M S” badge and the corresponding drawing (see picture).
You can find more information on our website:
Due to the variety of weather conditions in different regions RF local authorities may extend the ban on the use of studded tires. For example, studded tires will be banned from May to September.
For clarity, we give you a table with information about the periods of possible use different rubber during a year.
| Season | Summer | Winter studded | Winter without studs |
| Winter (December, January, February) | |||
| Spring (March, April, May) | |||
| Summer (June, July, August) | |||
| Autumn (September, October, November) |
As for everything seasonal tires, then the rules allow its use only if it has one of the following inscriptions "M + S", "M & S" or "M S". If there are no corresponding icons, then such tires cannot be used in winter.
Penalties for misuse of rubber
Traffic police officers have the right to punish the driver for misuse winter tires or their untimely installation. In particular, in 2017 there is no article in the Code of Administrative Offenses that would provide for the imposition of a fine for the fact of the absence of winter tires. However, a draft of such a law exists, but has not yet been adopted.
At the same time, you can be fined 500 rubles for using worn winter tires. However, there is a more humane method - a verbal warning. A fine is imposed when the tread depth of winter tires is less than 4 mm. In addition, the imposition of a fine is possible only if the vehicle is operated on an icy or snowy road surface.
There is an unofficial day for replacing summer tires with winter tires in the central zone of the Russian Federation. Its date is November 15th. However, it is still better not to wait for this day, but to replace it under the conditions described above.
What tires to install on your car?
When to change tires
We have discussed in detail with you when to change the tires. At the same time, we have open question- what to change summer tires for? Most motorists are advised to carry not only winter and summer tires, but also a third set. In particular, summer, winter studded and winter non-studded tires. For what? It's simple - when during the cold period the temperature will be in the range of -3 ° C ... + 5 ° C, it is advisable to use winter non-studded tires, and in case of a sharp cold snap, winter studded tires can be used. However, due to the high cost this method will not suit everyone. Therefore, you can do it easier - choose studded or non-studded tires.
At the same time, it must be remembered that non-studded tires perform better on dry and wet track, and studded - on snowy and icy. It has been experimentally proven that on dry and wet pavement, studded tires have a braking distance that is 7% longer than that of non-studded tires. However, when driving on snowy and icy surfaces, the spikes work 20% more efficiently.
Progress does not stand still, and now technologies of “floating” and “active” studs are used, which allow achieving perfect behavior of rubber on any surface, even with the worst ice. And these tires are commercially available. Their only drawback is the high price. However, over time, it will certainly decrease, and that's all. more people can afford to buy such tires.
Differences between winter tires and all-season tires
Despite the fact that all-weather tires allow you to save a lot on tire fitting and the need to purchase two sets, in the conditions of the Russian climate given type rubber works poorly. Manufacturers have set the optimal range of use of all-weather tires - from -5 to +20°C. As a result, having opted for all season tires, you automatically sacrifice security for the sake of economy. Moreover, the danger exists both in summer, when the air warms up over 30 degrees, and of course in winter, when the thermometer is below 30 ° C.
Which is better - "Scandinavian" or "European" type of rubber?
Winter tires are divided into "Scandinavian" and "European" according to the tread pattern.
At "Scandinavian" rubber type, the pattern is more sparse, with a large number of small diamond-shaped checkers arranged in a checkerboard pattern. The distance between the checkers is significant. Thanks to this, the tread easily pushes through the upper surface of the ice, and is cleared of mud and snow without any effort. Maximum grip on the snowy track- the main advantage of such tires. Scandinavian-type tires are great for cross-country trips and residents of remote cities, that is, where there is a lot of snow. With them stuck in snowdrifts you are not threatened. Scandinavian type rubbers are widely used in all-Russian conditions and in the northern regions of Europe.
The main feature of rubber "European" type is a diagonal pattern with multiple drainage channels and big amount small cuts. The purpose of these tires is to provide maximum grip on the road surface. during rainy and wet weather as well as in wet snow. If the winter is not snowy and wet (the countries of Central and Southern Europe, the southern regions of the Russian Federation) - you should opt for tires European type. But you need to remember - ice is contraindicated for such rubber. Almost always on tires of the European type there is a marking "M + S", which means snow and mud.
Rules for the use of winter tires
Whatever winter tires the car owner chooses, he must remember about the five rules its use:
- Studded tires in no case are rearranged from the left wheel of one axle to the right.
- During the first 800...1000 km of running in winter tires, do not exceed the speed of more than 70 km/h. Let the tires “grind in”.
- During winter temperature fluctuations, tire pressure changes. So be sure to check your tire pressure. To prevent the consequences sudden changes temperatures, can be increased by 0.1-0.2 atm. But not more.
A pressure mismatch can adversely affect the vehicle's handling and, consequently, driving safety.
- Be sure to install winter tires on both axles. Don't fall for the misconception that putting tires on one (drive) axle will improve driving safety - it's not.
- If the residual tread depth of studded rubber is less than 4.7 - 5 mm, do not use it.. At this depth, the lower flange is located, through which the studs are held in the tire. When installing studded tires, the studs can simply fly out. As for ordinary winter tires, the same value is 4 mm.
You should also dwell on the question of whether it is possible to drive on winter tires in the summer. The answer is simple - it is possible, but highly undesirable. Let's start the argument from a technical point of view. So, the use of winter tires in the warm season threatens you and your car:
- Decreased driving safety. The composition of the tire material changes its characteristics, due to which the rubber does not fully fulfill its functions, including protective ones.
- Increase in fuel consumption by 5...10%. After all, the engine needs more power for untwisting rubber “smeared” on the asphalt. Accordingly, it will hit your pocket.
- Significant. The surface of winter tires is softer and wears out faster on bare pavement.
- Low level of driving comfort for the driver and passengers.
- Increased wear on the undercarriage of the vehicle.
Now let's touch on the legal aspects of this issue. In 2014, the Bill on the use of automotive rubber by season with the imposition of appropriate fines. The estimated amount of the fine was to be 2,000 rubles. However, at present, the law has not yet been adopted, respectively, traffic police officers can only make an oral remark and explain to the driver the harm of using winter tires in summer.
Features of mounting winter tires
New wheels should be well balanced. This rule should be observed regardless of whether you change tires yourself or trust this to a tire fitting master. Also check the wheel alignment. When installing wheels it is necessary to take into account the direction of their movement.
Also give up alloy wheels . Let your car not look so presentable on a snowy and slippery track, but the likelihood of dirt getting inside the disc and subsequent imbalance when driving will be significantly reduced. Follow the above guidelines to avoid emergencies or an accident.
Results
Don't forget to change your winter tires in the fall. As soon as the temperature reaches +5...7°C, immediately go to the tire shop or replace it yourself. Don't wait until November 15th. Also make sure that the tread depth on all tires is more than 4 mm. And remember that winter tires are designed primarily to ensure the safety of the driver, passengers, and other people in the cold season! Don't neglect its use.
It would seem that a little more than a year has passed since the heated debate about the mandatory use of seasonal tires on cars and fines for driving on summer tires in winter. Now many drivers are looking for information about the so-called law on winter tires, according to which amendments are made to traffic rules.
Although Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 588, amending the Rules traffic concerning the use of tires from January 1, 2015, was adopted on July 15, 2013 (“ Russian newspaper"- the official website where you can read the text of the amendments introduced by this resolution No. 588).
IMPORTANT:Many drivers ask a question: there was a rumor that from December 1, 2017, those who did not change summer tires to winter ones will be fined. Is it so?
On this moment should be answered like this:
At the moment in State Duma The Russian Federation is considering a bill on the introduction of administrative fines in the amount of 2 thousand rubles for using car tires out of season. If it is adopted promptly from December 1, 2017, a driver who violates the rules for using seasonal tires may be fined.
But so far there are no grounds for bringing to administrative responsibility those drivers who did not have time to change their tires!
At the same time, I would like to advise car owners to show their experience and prudence: do not wait for a “command from above”, but “change shoes” on time - depending on climatic conditions your region.
Read more about the requirements for using tires by season.
We analyze the law on winter tires (which is the decision No. 588 and the technical regulation TR CU 018/2011)
Decree No. 588 itself does not say a word about the need for the mandatory use of seasonal tires. It only changes the conditions for admitting a vehicle to operation (the decree changes Appendix 5.1 to the main provisions for the admission of wheeled vehicles to operation from January 1, 2015).
The main innovation is minimum depth tread for various types tires on different vehicles in the absence of a factory wear indicator. When a wear indicator is provided on the tires, the fact of wear is established by it.
Yes, for cars the minimum tread depth of a summer tire is set to 1.6 mm.
However, the resolution introduced as the very concept of winter tires(marking "M + S", "M & S", "M S", as well as a pictogram in the form of a three-peak peak with a snowflake in the center), and the minimum tread depth for it is already 4 mm.
For other vehicles, the restrictions look like this:
- Motorcycles, mopeds, ATVs, etc. (category L) - 0.8 mm;
- Trucks, with a license maximum weight more than 3.5 tons (categories N2, N3, O3, O4) - 1 mm;
- Passenger cars (categories M1, N1, O1, O2) - 1.6 mm;
- Buses (categories M2, M3) - 2 mm.
In addition, the rubber should not be damaged - various side cuts, frayed to the cord or uneven wear. But the requirements for rims are a thing of the past - previously there should not have been cracks, traces of welding, damage, deformation of mounting holes, etc. on the rims.
Extract from the list of malfunctions and conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited (Appendix No. 3 to the SDA of the Russian Federation), taking into account the amendments introduced from January 1, 2015:
5. Wheels and tires
5.1. The remaining depth of the tire tread pattern (in the absence of wear indicators) is no more than:
for vehicles of categories N2, N3, O3, O4 - 1 mm;
for vehicles of categories M1, N1, O1, O2 - 1.6 mm;
for vehicles of categories M2, M3 - 2 mm.
Residual tread depth of winter tires intended for operation on icy or snowy road surfaces, marked with a sign in the form of a mountain peak with three peaks and a snowflake inside it, as well as marked with signs "M + S", "M & S", "M S" ( in the absence of wear indicators), during operation on the specified coating is no more than 4 mm.
Video - whether or not the Spikes sign was canceled, whether it needs to be glued in the fall of 2018:
Note. The designation of the vehicle category in this paragraph is established in accordance with Appendix No. 1 to the technical regulation on the safety of wheeled vehicles, approved by a government decree Russian Federation of September 10, 2009 N 720.
5.2. Tires have external damage (punctures, cuts, ruptures), exposing the cord, as well as delamination of the carcass, delamination of the tread and sidewall.
5.3. There is no mounting bolt (nut) or there are cracks in the disk and wheel rims, there are visible violations of the shape and size of the mounting holes.
5.4. Tires by size or permissible load do not match the vehicle model.
5.5. Tires of various sizes, designs (radial, diagonal, chamber, tubeless), models, with different tread patterns, frost-resistant and non-frost-resistant, new and retreaded, new and with a deep tread pattern are installed on one axle of the vehicle. On vehicle studded and non-studded tires installed.
Tire Mismatch Penalty
The fine is set at 500 rubles (clause 1, article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
Excerpt from the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation:
“Article 12.5. Driving a vehicle in the presence of malfunctions or conditions under which the operation of vehicles is prohibited, or a vehicle on which the identification mark "Disabled" is illegally installed
1. Driving a vehicle in the presence of malfunctions or conditions under which, in accordance with the Basic Provisions for the Admission of Vehicles to Operation and Responsibilities officials to ensure road safety, the operation of the vehicle is prohibited, with the exception of malfunctions and conditions specified in parts 2 - 7 of this article - entails a warning or the imposition of an administrative a fine of five hundred rubles.»
It must be understood that this is not a fine for driving in winter on summer tires (or vice versa), but to a greater extent for the discrepancy between the tire tread depth and their standard values (until other amendments are made).
Tire seasonality
But in the document described above there is not a word about the seasonality of the rubber used, unless, of course, the very definition of winter tires is taken into account.
However, the requirements for the use of seasonal tires are indeed introduced from January 1, 2015 on the basis of technical regulations Customs Union TR TS 018/2011 "On the safety of wheeled vehicles" ().
Excerpt from the regulation:
5.4. Tires with anti-skid studs, if used, must be fitted to all wheels of the vehicle.
5.5. It is forbidden to operate vehicles equipped with tires with anti-skid studs in summer period(June July August).
It is forbidden to operate vehicles that are not equipped with winter tires that meet the requirements of paragraph 5.6.3 of this annex during the winter period (December, January, February). Winter tires are installed on all wheels of the vehicle.
The terms of the prohibition of operation can be changed upwards by the regional government bodies of the states - members of the Customs Union.
5.6. A tire is considered unusable when:
5.6.1. The appearance of one wear indicator (a protrusion along the bottom of the groove of the treadmill, designed to visually determine the degree of wear, the depth of which corresponds to the minimum allowable depth of the tire tread pattern);
5.6.2. The remaining depth of the tire tread pattern (in the absence of wear indicators) is not more than:
for vehicles of categories L - 0.8 mm;
for vehicles of categories N2, N3, O3, O4 - 1.0 mm;
for vehicles of categories M1, N1, O1, O2 - 1.6 mm;
for vehicles of categories M2, M3 - 2.0 mm.
5.6.3. Residual tread depth of winter tires intended for use on icy or snowy road surfaces, marked with a sign in the form of a mountain peak with three peaks and a snowflake inside it (Figure 5.1), as well as marked with the signs "M + S", "M&S", " M S "(in the absence of wear indicators) during operation on the specified coating - no more than 4.0 mm;
This regulation establishes the need to use:
- During the calendar winter (December-February inclusive) - winter tires;
- In summer (June-August inclusive) - summer tires;
- The rest of the time the tires used are not regulated.
Concepts all season tires, in the new regulation is simply not. However, they will be interpreted as summer in summer, and, accordingly, winter in winter.
But there are requirements, but there is no punishment for their non-fulfillment yet. Those. there is no penalty for driving in winter on summer tires (or vice versa) (yet).
What is this all for
Theoretically, legislators care about the safety of users road transport. The point is that, statistically, most traffic accidents associated with low-quality (worn out, out of season, etc.) rubber. Therefore, they are trying to restore order in this area.
However, in the end it turned out to be a rather mild innovation, which practically does not change the situation.
As for destruction pavement studded tires, here the situation is regulated through the rubber manufacturers themselves, where the factor of destruction of the coating by studs is now regulated by standards. That's why the choice of studded or non-studded winter tires is up to the car owner.
Will there be a penalty for driving in winter on summer tires?
Considering that only half-measures have been taken, it should be assumed that in the future the requirements will be tightened. Already, news is coming from the State Duma of the Russian Federation that at the very soon a fine for driving in winter on summer tires in the amount of 2,000 rubles will be introduced. However, this bill is still being discussed and finalized, and when it will come into force is not yet known.
Difficulties in introduction are caused by different climatic zones, as well as the general unpredictability of the weather. It is also possible to introduce restrictions on the actual weather condition. At the same time, it is not clear how to behave if the path is long, through many climatic zones. Carry an extra set of tires with you?
But while all this is not there, it is pointless to argue. In the meantime, it is important to monitor the condition of the tires themselves, depending on their type.
Is the driver required to use seasonal tires?
Funny (ha-ha!), it would seem, the question! After all, it is well known that the technical regulation of the Customs Union (TR CU 018/2011), which came into force on the territory of the Russian Federation, requires the use of winter tires in the winter period (from December to February), and summer tires in the summer (from June to August).
In addition, there is the possibility of expanding this chronological framework. For example, if you need a more detailed account of regional climatic features. (Well, really, how can Murmansk and Krasnodar, for example, be put in the same row? How can one demand the same terms for winter tires for fundamentally different climatic zones).
And here the most natural driver's question arises: "And how will they punish those who ignore this requirement of the technical regulations?". We will answer boldly: “Not yet!”. That is, there is a requirement, but failure to comply with it will not lead to sanctions (for example, a fine). What will happen next, we do not know. Well, for now? As they say, go for a walk!
Another Russian paradox?
Immediately make a reservation: there is nothing paradoxical in this! The practice of the Russian legal field has the following examples:
- "kenguryatniki" cannot be installed, and there are no fines for this;
- it is obligatory to stick the “Beginner driver” sign, but there is no responsibility for failure to comply with this requirement;
- the maximum speed of movement cannot be exceeded, but in reality it is possible by 20 km / h, etc., etc., etc.
Normal legal "collisions" and "gaps".
That is why the inspector's claim about the discrepancy between the "shoes" of your car and the notorious technical regulations can be culturally sent to ... this most paradoxical situation. Namely: the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation does not provide for punishment for violation of the norms of an international regulatory legal act - technical regulations.
And that's it! The conversation with the inspector can be completed with the following words: “Allow me, gr. Inspector, keep moving! Be healthy, you have more stars and shoulder straps in two gaps! (the last sentence is optional).
What are we, the drivers, worried about?
And yet the possibility of punishment associated with innovation is present. In the famous "List of faults ...", with which the operation of transport is prohibited, two adjustments were made - one insignificant and the second, on the contrary, important. And both changes affected only the first paragraph 5 of the section "List ...".
A minor change concerns the tread of summer tires. Now residual height The tread varies not by vehicle type - cars, trucks, etc. (as it was before), but by categories - L, M, N, O (in accordance with the notorious technical regulations).
For example, for cars (M1) and trucks with a GVW of not more than 3.5 tons (N1), the residual tread height should be at least 1.6 mm, for "real" trucks (N2, N3) - 1 mm, buses (M2, M3) - 2 mm, motorcycles and others like them (L) - 0.8 mm. As can be seen from the innovations, the form has changed, but not the content of the requirements.
But a significant innovation is the newly introduced requirements for winter tires. If the driver “changed” his car into winter tires with the appropriate marking (an abbreviation for “mud and snow” or an image of a three-peak mountain peak with a snowflake), then minimum height tread must be at least 4 mm. Indeed, there is an option special indicators wear and tear that should not be subject to mechanical damage from exploitation.
In case of violation of the 4 mm residual height of the tread, the driver’s responsibility should come, provided for by the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation - a fine of 500 rubles. But there is a big “BUT” here too…
Who will control and punish the violation of the notorious 4 millimeters?
Here is the question! Let's ask it differently: will the traffic police inspector be able to fine the driver if the residual height winter tread tires of his car is less than 4 mm? Of course, he cannot, because the inspector does not have special diagnostic equipment and the corresponding powers.
Only a diagnostic point that has the right to prevent the operation of a vehicle with such a tire malfunction will be able to prevent it. And then - only at the time of the passage of the periodic technical inspection. And who will punish? It turns out, no one? What a paradox!
It is quite possible that the situation will soon change, but at the moment it is the case in this way. And even if this norm is adjusted, then here the driver will have a chance to avoid liability.
The fact is that the insufficient residual height of the tire tread is a malfunction with which it is allowed to drive the vehicle to the place of repair or parking.
Therefore, a driver caught “red-handed” will always be able to fend off the inspector’s threats by going to a tire shop to replace a worn tire. There was a car in the garage, stood for itself, stood ... I decided to go, and the mice ate the tread. Direct road - to the tire service! Nobody took away this right from the driver.
We wanted the best, but it turned out ...
As always, there are more questions than answers: there are innovations, but the mechanism of their work is not spelled out and not regulated. Therefore, alarmed drivers can calmly exhale. But it doesn't seem to be for long.
And now about the serious. Is it worth the risk when driving on summer tires in winter, and on winter summer? Answer this question for yourself. And be careful, prudent and careful! Live in harmony with the road and be healthy!
How best to behave as a motorist
First of all, use common sense, which excludes driving on summer tires in winter and on winter tires in summer. In addition, the tires must not be damaged, as well as wheel disks.
Disks
Despite the fact that the items about rims have been removed from the regulations, they should not be underestimated. This one, apparently simple design directly affects security.
Cracks are unacceptable (as well as their repair by welding), because. the integrity of the power structure of the part is violated. At emergency braking the disk can simply fall apart with the corresponding consequences.
And violation of the geometry of the mounting holes leads to uneven wear tires, together with additional vibrations and instability of the tire contact patch with the coating.
Summer tires in winter and winter tires in summer
The need to use seasonal tires is obvious. However, often individual drivers do not listen to common sense. If riding in winter summer tires most drivers are still afraid (because summer tires simply harden at low temperatures), then driving on winter tires in the summer is not.
Video discussing whether compulsory use winter tires in winter:
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