Summer tires are divided into models designed for driving on paved road surfaces and off-road. Off-road tires have their own characteristics depending on the type of rough terrain. It could be:
dirt road (any dry earthen surface, after rains it becomes mud);
gravel road;
soil with grass and small shrubs;
mud cover;
sand cover.
Ground coating ("primer", soil, etc.)
Such a pavement can be described as any earthen pavement with a minimum presence of stones. After heavy rains, the dirt road sags and becomes muddy.
Features of tires suitable for unpaved surfaces:
presence of marking "M+S",
a significant negative profile (i.e. there are a large number of drainage channels with significant depth),
sharp edges of the tread blocks.
Can plain road tires be used? Yes, but only dry.
Suitable MICHELIN tires for use: .
Suitable tires for BFGoodrich: , .
gravel cover
("gravel road", rocky pavement, mountain roads without asphalt pavement, etc.)
This is a coating, which is based on stones of various sizes and shapes, fixed with sand or earth. Even after heavy rains, the "gravel road" remains a hard surface.
Features of tires suitable for gravel:
presence of marking "M+S",
high resistance to abrasive wear,
increased protection of the tread and sidewalls of the tire from cuts.
Can plain road tires be used? Limited, while it is worth being prepared for increased wear, as well as partial destruction of the tread.
Suitable MICHELIN tires: Latitude Tour HP, Latitude Cross.
Soil with grass and/or small shrubs
This surface is less stable than gravel, its density is low, and fresh vegetation prevents normal adhesion to the surface. The smallest rain will significantly complicate the passage of such an off-road section.
Features of tires suitable for soil:
presence of marking "M+S",
significant tread depth.
Can plain road tires be used? Very limited, if absolutely necessary.
Suitable tires for BFGoodrich: Urban Terrain, All Terrain KO2, Mud Terrain KM2.
mud cover
The most difficult coating to pass, is characterized by low stability of the top layer and will change its qualities depending on the amount of water. Dirt is able to "blur" the tread pattern (i.e., clog drainage channels), reducing its cross-country characteristics.
Features of tires suitable for mud:
presence of marking "M+S",
small tread blocks should be massive and strong,
maximum negative profile and significant tread depth,
increased protection of the tread and sidewall from any damage.
Can plain road tires be used? Not recommended due to low technical equipment.
Suitable tires MICHELIN: Latitude Cross.
Suitable tires for BFGoodrich: Urban Terrain, All Terrain KO2, Mud Terrain KM2.
sand cover
This coating is the most unstable of all of the above, especially insidious when dry. Requires not only special tires, but also certain driving skills!
Features of tires suitable for sandy pavement:
presence of marking "M+S",
significant negative profile,
a large number of independent tread blocks,
the ability of the tire structure to be used at particularly low pressure (about 0.5 bar), which allows the tread to fit an unstable coating on a maximum area with a minimum pressure in the contact patch, which allows you to work on sand.
Can plain road tires be used? Not recommended as the tire carcass is unable to withstand low pressure deformation.
Suitable tires for BFGoodrich: All Terrain KO2, Mud Terrain KM2.
In conclusion, it should be noted that in addition to special tires, active driving on the above surfaces also requires a specially prepared and equipped car, and sometimes special driving skills.
Attention! The inscription "M + S" stands for "MUD + SNOW" and translated from English means "DIRT + SNOW". Tires with this marking are designed to provide better traction in slush and fresh or melting snow than conventional road tires. Its presence on the sidewall indicates that the tread has a greater number of tread blocks and sipes than a summer tire, as well as a greater width and depth of drainage channels. This feature helps the tire to overcome snowy or muddy areas more effectively. However, this marking does not indicate a reliable level of grip in harsh winter conditions, such as on ice or snow, at low temperatures. The marking is voluntarily put by the tire manufacturer and does not have to be confirmed by tests. Therefore, the marking "M + S" is just an additional sign of the "off-road" tire.
Foreword
It so happened that we had two articles on a similar topic on our site. Therefore, we decided to combine these two articles into one.
Article 1. Choosing tires for the summer
Changing winter tires to summer tires is a must for every car. This is due to elementary security rules and correct
machine operation. But how to choose the right summer tires for Russian roads and what parameters should you focus on in the first place? To solve these issues, it is necessary to understand in detail the classification and consider the characteristics of popular tire models.
How to choose tires for a car for the summer?
The determining parameters of choice are the brand of the machine, its weight and operating conditions. For the summer season of 2016, manufacturers offer a number of new models and time-tested classic tire options.
The main differences between winter and summer models are the types of treads. They determine the quality of grip of the tire with the road surface and reduce the influence of external factors - moisture, dust, sand, gravel, etc. Therefore, before deciding which tires are better to choose, you should study the types of treads:
The next group of factors are the technical qualities of summer tires. They indicate the maximum load on the structure, as well as speed limits:
In addition to these indicators, it is necessary to pay attention to additional designations on tires and be able to read the full marking. Additionally, it is recommended to choose models that are wider than those of winter options.
The best summer tires of 2016, their rating. We draw conclusions from the magazine "Behind the wheel"
The official publication of the rating of tires for a passenger car by the magazine "Behind the wheel" in professional circles caused a lot of disagreement. This is due to the fact that the test results of the well-known brand "Nokian" are distorted. According to the results of the domestic edition, the Nokian Hakka Green 2 model was recognized as the official winner. But is it really so? 
To compare the test results, you can refer to similar foreign publications - Autonavigator, ADAC, AutoBild, Vi Bilagare. Almost all of them gave preference to other manufacturers. The difference between the choices is within the margin of error.
Nokian Hakka Green 2
These tires are designed for installation on mid-sized and small cars. In addition to preventing the effect of aquaplaning, it has a positive effect on reducing fuel consumption.
However, despite the positive reviews of domestic publications, the Finnish experts from Vi Bilagare determined her only the penultimate place in their rating. This is mainly due to a decrease in the operational and technical qualities of the model when tested on a dry surface.
Continental ContiPremiumContact 5
This model is the flagship of the company. In the process of its development, the latest technological innovations were used. In particular - macroblocks, due to which the contact patch of the tire with the road is significantly increased.
As a result of the tests, the tires showed themselves well on dry pavement, forming a minimum braking distance. On the highway, the results were no worse. Slightly lost ground during wet tests. As a result: Vi Bilagare - 1st place; ADAC - 2nd. In the ranking of the magazine "Za Rulem" this model of summer tires of the 2016 season got only the 6th position.
Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance
Tires have perfect grip on wet surfaces. This is facilitated by the unique shape of the tread. Active braking technology, a first for this manufacturer's tires, has led to better results in testing.
Edition tests: Vi Bilagare - 2nd line; Hungarian Autonavigator gave tires 1st place. The magazine "Behind the Rulem" ranked them in the 2nd position of their rating.
As can be seen from the test results, the top three in world rankings differ from the published selection of summer tires 2016 by Za Rulem magazine. This year, companies that specialize in the development and production of racing tires took the last positions in the TOPs. Among them there are well-known brands - Yokoham Toyo.
What tires are better to buy for the summer? Reviews of specialists 2016
Despite the credibility of the publications described, summer tires for Russian roads must be selected according to one more criterion - expert reviews. They will allow you to create an objective opinion about the quality and technical parameters of the model.
About Nokian Hakka Green 2 
“The Nokian Hakka Green 2 came out just this year. On the last version I drove about 5000 km. The main problem was poor grip on the grass, which is a priority for Russian roads in the summer (more precisely, their absence). Apparently, the manufacturer decided to take this nuance into account.
Lugs appeared in the new summer tires of 2016. They are located in the lateral and central regions. A significant drawback from the previous model was removed in the design - dividing partitions in the center. They almost completely leveled the expected effect of the lugs. Now this problem is solved. But more truthful results should be expected at least by the middle of summer.”
Eugene, Moscow, 32 years old
“Decided to purchase Nokian Hakka Green 2 as a summer tyre. First I got acquainted with the test results from "Behind the wheel". After installation, they were tested in spring conditions. At first glance, the tires behave well - the braking distance has decreased, you feel confident when cornering. Side hooks allow you to overcome the slush, do not allow you to get stuck in the mud.
The only negative point is the relatively high noise level. But it is felt only when leaving the primer. Most likely, it is connected with the tread pattern. But this is my subjective opinion.
Roman, Kaluga, 28 years old
About Continental ContiPremiumContact 5
“I put 6 Continental ContiPremiumContact 5 on my Lancer. First impressions are that summer tires are very quiet. They respond great on corners. When driving through puddles at 80 km / h, the effect of aquaplaning was not observed. I tried to accelerate to 100 km / h - ABS helps the tires. As for wear, I can’t say anything yet - the mileage is too low.
Feel confident in a rut. When entering a 90-degree turn at a speed, no skidding was observed at all, they didn’t even squeak.
Sergey, St. Petersburg, 38 years old
“Summer tires are just “fly away”: yes, they are expensive, but at the same time, the workmanship and reliability of the grip with the road are at the highest level. I noticed that they are almost silent, they behave perfectly on a wet track.
However, after checking the emergency braking from 140 km / h to 0, I observed small scuffs on the central part. I hope that this will not greatly affect the further operation.
Vladimir, Stavropol, 30 years old
About Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance 
“Our company purchased Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance tires for company cars – Opel Vivaro. Despite the soft surface, grip is good, noise is at a minimum. Have a positive effect on fuel economy. On one of the cars, after 2000 runs, two small dimples appeared on the side of the tread. So far, nothing has been done to them.
Particularly pleased with the braking distance. I had to make an emergency stop, so the tires in combination with ABS showed a good result.
Vitaly, Vladivostok, 27 years old
“Overall, Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance models can give a rating of 4.5 out of 5. They ride well on wet and dry pavement, and are durable. I tried to ride on grass and dirt - I am satisfied with the result. During the season, not a single “bump” was “caught”, although I drove often and not quite on the roads.
The disadvantage is that the noise level increases over time. And it wasn't just me."
Boris, Astrakhan. 42 years
Article 2. What is the best summer tire?
When to change the car to summer tires in 2016?
This question comes up every year. But it will not be superfluous to analyze the details of the answer to this question, and for someone, perhaps, new facts will be discovered that will shed
light on the problem. Go! When to change tires for summer in 2016?
So, firstly, it is necessary to take into account the geographical location of the region. On the territory of the Russian Federation, winter comes unevenly, which means that you need to follow the weather forecasts.
Secondly, it is important to consider your travel geography. If you drive in the general flow through traffic jams and through central highways, there is every chance that the asphalt in those places is dry and summer tires will come in handy here, like Velcro. If your trips cannot be predicted and planned, do not rush to change shoes for your vehicle. In the yards, puddles are often covered with an ice crust; certain sections of roads outside the city can also sin the same way.
In addition, do not forget the main thing - it is better to change the rubber after the moment when the temperature will be stable at +5 degrees for several nights. It is with her that puddles remain puddles, and the grip properties of summer tires with the road are revealed to the maximum.
Can you drive with summer tires in winter?
After the past 2015, the answer to this question has become unambiguous. Riding on tires that do not correspond to the season of the year is prohibited. It is important to note that, taking into account the peculiarities of the weather conditions of certain regions of Russia, the traffic police may increase the period of use of winter tires. It is definitely clear that it is not worth changing shoes after the end of the calendar winter on March 1.
But, on the other hand, there is no direct punishment for this offense. After all, they will definitely be fined only for tires with a low residual tread height or the presence of different tires on the same axle. And for using a car with summer tires in winter, a fine of 500 rubles can be charged. And also the inspector has the right to issue a warning. Everything depends on the human factor.
As a result, we get a contradictory situation - if in winter you drive on summer tires with a tread depth that meets the standards for this type of car, then the inspector will confirm this fact, but will not issue a fine for summer tires in the winter of 2016.
However, the situation at the legislative level can change at any time.
Considering driving a car on summer tires in winter, it is worth remembering that this is dangerous. This is especially true for drivers with little experience in driving a vehicle. Also, in an emergency, in addition to yourself and your vehicle, you can harm other road users. Therefore, change your car's shoes on time for tires that are in good condition, and do not skimp on safety.
When the issues related to the operation of summer tires have become resolved, it is necessary to move on to choosing the tires themselves.
The rating of summer tires 2015 - 2016 is published by the magazine "Behind the wheel"
This publication presents tire models from the most popular manufacturers - Kama Euro and Cordiant, to top models from world companies - Michelin and Pirelli. Also featured were models from Goodyear, Nokian, Hankook, Continental, Goodyear, Toyo and Bridgerstone.
So, let's start the review of the main indicators. Let's start from the end, namely with the model Kama Euro 129.
Rubber is really created taking into account the roads in Russia - durable and with increased wear resistance. From here there are positive results when passing the track and a confident exit from there. But only the transition to a good asphalt surface worsens the results. Excessive noise appears, with sharp maneuvers in emergency situations it does not behave in the best way. Hence the low rating and the last place in the rating.
The only indisputable advantage that Kama Euro manages to keep is its pricing policy. A set of 4 tires is the most affordable of all presented on the test.
Cordiant Sport 3- the next instance in this rating. The pricing policy of this manufacturer is close to the most affordable. Depending on the place of sale, prices are on a par with Kama. This model is aimed at moving on asphalt, which is additionally indicated by the Sport prefix and the appearance of the tread. Two negative points follow from this - pebbles often remain in the tread and add unpleasant sounds in motion, and when driving off-road it is easy to sit down even in the sand. According to the conclusion of Za Rulem experts, this is an example of an affordable model that does not surprise with its characteristics and is suitable for an average car owner for a measured movement.
Bridgestone Ecopia EP200- one of the most common models in the variety of the great tire manufacturer. By the way, they are made in Thailand. When tested on test vehicles, increased fuel consumption was noticed, as well as low grip during sharp maneuvers in an emergency, both on dry and wet pavement. Otherwise, when using these tires in the city without extreme loads, this is the most optimal ratio of price and balanced performance.
Toyo Proxes CF2. Test drivers of this particular model noted reduced fuel consumption. In addition, this is the most affordable copy with the inscription "Made in Japan". Otherwise, it shows excellent results on asphalt, but is absolutely useless in off-road conditions and even sand.
Nokian Nordman SX became a sensation in the price-quality category. The model shows cool handling and lack of noise, but also the absence of increased fuel consumption. There are practically no obvious flaws.
Hankook Ventus Prime 2. It was this instance that rediscovered the driver's properties of the car and was the first to please in all respects of handling and comfort. Only the price can really upset, and their off-road operation, judging by the reviews of the owners, often led to damage.
Michelin Primacy 3 opens the top four. The model will delight you with precise handling, regardless of whether the asphalt is wet or dry, as well as on all other points, including the absence of noise, reduced fuel consumption and driving comfort.
Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance- the model of the German tire manufacturer, which is the best (and even the leader of the test) showed handling on wet pavement. And if you move the car on these tires on dry asphalt, there is something to worry about. Coupling properties here are clearly not in order. But all this can manifest itself only in extreme situations. With calm driving in city traffic, you will get comfort for a very affordable amount.
Nokian Hakka Blue- the softest rubber, showing balanced performance in handling and comfort on all surfaces. Surprisingly, it combines excellent handling on all asphalt pavement options.
And, finally, the model of the Italian tire industry leader became the undisputed leader - Pirelli Cinturato P7. The model stands out in all test indicators, and it can please some sellers with a price tag.
What summer tires are better according to reviews?
By asking this question, a slightly different rating is drawn, in contrast to what the testers of the magazine "Behind the wheel" get.
Almost unanimously all tire owners Nordman SX note their excellent performance combined with an affordable price. Perhaps the last factor is achieved by the transfer of its production to the territory of Russia.
“Used 195/65/R15. Due to the presence of longitudinal grooves, they resist hydroplaning without any problems. Not a single hernia for 30,000 km, where I caught 3 pieces on Barum. And even quieter than Cordianta and Barum Brilliantis - they were before this model. With smooth driving, primarily on the highway, if judged by the wear indicator, erased by half. I am glad." Andrey
“Did it for two seasons, satisfied with the tires! According to the rating in the magazine "Behind the Rulem", it is they who occupy the 1st place in the price-quality group, which is why I took them. In other words, I recommend! You will not find anything cheaper and with better characteristics! Seryoga
"Incomparable tires! Chose between her and the Chinese brand. As already understood, he preferred it, because. psychologically unprepared to trust Chinese brands. Rubber for a year has shown itself to be healthy - it cuts water at a time, in turns on wet asphalt 100-120 km / h - easily (I'm afraid faster), in a straight line 160 - it holds the road. Vovchik
“Good road holding! In the rain, I never felt avkaplanirovanie, even when on the track from the hill drove into a huge Kalyuzha at 120 km / h! Strong, I thought a couple of times that I would catch a hernia - but no, I survived. It grips great at the start. You have to try hard to get the screeching sound! And the turns pass unusually confidently, even when loading a car for 4 people + luggage.” Arthur
Also the model from Michelin favored by car owners. Unfortunately, their price tag is not democratic, but the tires will please you with their performance characteristics.
Here are the words of the real owners of Michelin Primacy 3:
“This rubber is quieter and softer than any Bridgestone and even softer than the Pilot. Hence the different grip and braking. But it will all show up on the track. In the city and on the highway — a sweet deal! Everything with her - handling, acoustic and other comfort! At first, braking was not enough, but then he honed this habit. I recently put wheels with this rubber for the third season. ” Sanyok
“Rubber justifies the cost on all counts. For the sake of experiment, I wanted to put wheels on a smaller diameter in order to achieve comfort and put rubber with a large profile. As a result, this Michelin bought R16 wheels. Happy as an elephant! In all conditions, the tires have proven themselves brilliantly! Both in the city and outside the city, in places where no one has seen asphalt, the car rides very gently! Suspension calmly endures bumpiness, and on the track I hear only the breeze, because the noise from it is minimal! From the first days, when I put on Primacy 3, I immediately noticed that the car began to slow down much more confidently. Compared to Continental Sport, this Michelin is better in every way!” toha
Quiet. Soft. Great road holding in all weather conditions. I haven't found any flaws." Alexander
And if to the reviews about the question “Which summer tires are better?” add 16" wheel diameter?
The picture will be similar, because "Behind the wheel" tested tires on a golf-class car. And if the rubber is in the R15 dimension, all standard sizes and R16 are necessarily produced. Such is the law for a tire company.
Here are examples of reviews about Michelin Primacy 3 in R16 dimension:
“The driving style is relaxed. I drive a Focus 2 on 205 R16 tires. Terribly happy, everyone likes it! During 2 seasons I drove 10-15 thousand km, and the tires are in good condition. If you keep your driving style, a couple more seasons are guaranteed.” Zheka
“Too soft and quiet, super road holding on dry pavement! Of course, an acceptable price is also important, and with this she is in full order. And the tire fitter noted that it is well balanced. ” Oleg
Concluding this article, we note that any rubber is good for a calm driving style and driving on even surfaces. If you have deviations on one of these points - make a choice from the whole variety on the market.
Changing tires is a mandatory procedure that motorists go through twice a year.
Finding a lot of advice on the Web on how to choose winter or summer tires is easy. You can also ask the seller which tires are best suited for cold or hot weather. However, there is one feature that is very often overlooked: the fact is that in the summer season, many people go to the country. Accordingly, the asphalt is replaced by a dirt road. And this leaves a certain imprint on the choice of the right tires.
Important rules for choosing tires for trips around the city and to the country
When planning to drive on dirt and asphalt roads, it is very important to choose “fresh” tires that will last a long time and will not crack from temperature changes. The manufacturer must indicate the date of stamping. If the seller hides it for some reason, then you can determine a fresher product by color - it will be saturated black. With old rubber, the shade becomes recognizable gray. For summer active trips, tires no more than a year old are needed.
Selecting a tread pattern for summer
Sellers today offer three options for summer protectors:
- asymmetric;
- symmetrical directional;
- symmetrical non-directional.
The asymmetric pattern with deeply traced grooves allows you to keep a good grip on the asphalt road. Moreover, if it suddenly rains, it is better to reduce the speed to a minimum, such a protector does not remove water from under the wheels. Symmetric tires with non-directional patterns are good against aquaplaning. However, it is they who behave poorly on dirt tracks, as dirt gets into the grooves, small pebbles get there, which get stuck in the gaps and reduce traction. Tires with directional symmetrical patterns will be somewhat more comfortable. For such
Tires for driving on the ground. Their features and differences. Design nuances of tires MT and AT
The first cars were SUVs. All without exception! There were simply no other options then. But the asphalt surfaces that appeared later gradually divided the cars into “parquet”, all-terrain and completely off-road. Tractors, mining dump trucks and other agricultural and special equipment fell into the category of “completely off-road”. Their rubber has powerful lugs, a reinforced sidewall and is not suitable for driving at high speeds. True, they don't need it. After all, their purpose is to move around and perform a variety of work on the ground, allowing not only to drive, but also to maneuver confidently. This rubber most often has a pronounced directional herringbone pattern and, when slipping, throws adhering clods of earth out of the tread, preventing the tire from “blurring”, turning into a slick. The same or very similar tires are used by athletes participating in dirt car races.
The design and construction of the MT tires allows you to ride
on them on serious off-road and on paved roads
For snow and swamps, there is a different design of rubber - the so-called ultra-low pressure tires. They not only easily overcome any swamps, but even give the car buoyancy. Wide “dutiks” create such a low pressure on the ground that they allow you to move, leaving almost no traces. Impressive! Why aren't ordinary SUVs equipped with such tires? The fact is that special off-road tires, firstly, are badly controlled on asphalt, secondly, they are not designed for high speed and, thirdly, they wear out very quickly on hard surfaces. Therefore, for cars that often move down to the ground, they make a special, so-called "mud" rubber, which in the name has the abbreviation MT, which literally means Mud Terrain - for mud coverage. Its construction and design allow you to make both long runs on asphalt and fairly confident maneuvers on the ground. Such tires are most often produced in large sizes, because they are usually put on lifted cars. So the standard size of MT rubber may not be found.
Consider the design features of the tread of such tires using the popular Toyo Open Country MT mud tire as an example. First of all, the pattern is very aggressive, the blocks have a hook-shaped profile that allows you to literally bite into any soil with your teeth. The open, almost rectangular shoulder sipes work like gears, sink into ruts and allow you to drive out, even if these ruts are very deep and slippery. But that's not all! The tread pattern of this MT tire does not end at the shoulder but continues further into the sidewall of the tyre. What is it for? Few people know that with high suspension articulation, the tire is often only in contact with the ground with its sidewall. And, of course, a tire with lugs on the sidewall will work much more efficiently in such a situation.
AT tires are designed for high mileage on asphalt
and confident movement on the ground, except for extreme off-road
Yes, but all this serves for confident work on the ground, but what about on asphalt? How are things with handling, wear and noise? For long service life on hard surfaces, as well as reliable handling of the machine, such a tire has a construction of three layers of polyester with a high inversion of the edges (two layers in conventional tires), which also gives high strength (significantly strengthens the entire tire carcass). And for excellent grip on wet pavement (the main problem of all mud tires), there are deep sipes in the tread blocks. And to reduce noise and get rid of resonant hum, all tread parts have different sizes. But it is important to remember that such tires are still for those who often move out into real mud, that is, for real fans of off-road driving and even racing. For example, the Open Country MT model is actively used in the Dakar.
And for those who have a calmer temperament, who prefer to go around serious dirt, but still move off the asphalt, there is a special class of rubber, which is denoted by the abbreviation AT, or All Terrain, which literally means "for all surfaces". This rubber has a less aggressive tread pattern than MT and is designed for long-term use. But at the same time it allows you to confidently move on the ground. On the ground, not extreme off-road! And the dimensions allow you to install it instead of regular tires on a regular unprepared SUV or crossover. The design and construction of such tires are dictated by the specifics of their application. Consider AT tires using the example of the same Toyo Open Country, but this time with the designation A / T plus. Since these tires are driven a lot on asphalt, gravel, rolled grader roads and primers, the tread design is also quite aggressive, but far from the aggressiveness of MT. The tread pattern of the A/T plus is made asymmetrical, allowing the outer side of the tire to work as a sidewall in off-road conditions. The aggressive outer shoulder, typical for mud work, allows you to confidently cling to the ground in a rut. And the inner side of the tread is used for reliable grip on asphalt, providing excellent braking, handling and high wear resistance, while reducing noise levels. The edges of the central tread blocks are stepped, which allows you to increase the forward and reverse grip on all types of soil. Well, and, of course, high technology and a special composition of the rubber compound were also involved here. Thanks to the addition of silicon dioxide, wet performance is improved and rolling resistance is reduced, which in turn reduces fuel consumption and increases service life. It's clear? Well, let's move on.
High inversion of the carcass ply gives excellent handling and stability
REGULAR QUESTIONS
Very often the question arises of how to choose the right wheels for MT rubber when installing on a lifted car. The general rule is that the disc should be two inches narrower than the tire. This allows the tire to work correctly with a tread at different pressures and not be disassembled.
Another question is whether large size mud tires need to be balanced. Our opinion is that if the imbalance of a tire with a dimension of 33 or more inches fits into 100 grams, it makes no sense to balance the MT. It is very heavy in itself, and besides, driving along the side of the road and catching a large piece of dirt on the sidewall, you will immediately break the balance, and significantly. As a general rule, wash your tires and rims after every trip in the mud, and don't go over 110 km/h on MT tires. Then there will be no strong imbalance, and the tires will last a long time. Another thing is AT tires. They are much lighter and do not tend to carry dirt on themselves, and most importantly, they drive at much higher speeds. Here they, of course, need to be balanced.
How to choose the size of disks for mounting rubber
oversized, and do the big wheels need to be balanced?
Another important issue is the choice of pressure when driving on asphalt. If we are talking about tires of standard size, the answer is simple - see the manual. But when installing large tires on a lifted SUV, the answer is no longer so obvious. The general rule is that the larger the tire size in relation to the regular one, the lower the working pressure in it on asphalt should be. If the tire is overinflated, then the central track wears out quickly, the car easily breaks into a slip and bounces unpleasantly at every asphalt junction. An under-inflated tire heats up noticeably and wears out quickly. It slows down reactions when steering, and it flexes horribly in corners. Determining the optimal pressure is not so difficult. If you have driven a dozen or two kilometers and the rubber tread is warm to the touch, the tire pressure is normal. If it is hot, and it is obviously felt by hand, increase the pressure, it is too low. If the protector is completely cold, you can safely reduce the pressure by a couple of tenths of the atmosphere and measure again. But we will talk about what tire pressure to use when driving on the ground in the next lessons.
With the advent of heat, the issue of buying good summer tires becomes relevant. And since the cost of even the most budget kit will require considerable investment, it makes sense to seriously approach the choice of new rubber.
How to determine which summer tires are best
It is important to be aware of the fact that there is no single recipe for choosing the perfect tires. After all, cars are operated in various climatic conditions: for some, the average air temperature from April to October is 20ºC, while for someone it is only 12ºC; somewhere it is overcast all summer, it often rains, and somewhere not a drop will fall for months.
The choice is similarly influenced by such moments as the condition of the roads, the degree of risk of getting a wheel into a hole with sharp edges, and running into a curb. It also matters how often the vehicle conquers off-road areas, travels on dirt, gravel roads, etc. In addition, not the last role when buying summer tires will be played by their cost.
Look at the protector
There are three main groups of mass tire treads for passenger cars:
- Non-directional pattern. It is also called the classic one, since this format was previously the main one on the market. This protector is universal, for it there is no difference in which direction the car is moving. Accordingly, there are no requirements for observing the direction when installing the wheel. The tires cope well with dirt roads, mud, but have a weak point in the form of a tendency to hydroplaning and noise. As a rule, a non-directional pattern is used in the development of budget tire models.
- Directional drawing. It has a special marking indicating the direction of rotation. A distinct plus is the effective removal of road water from the contact zone along the grooves. The group is divided into two subgroups: symmetrical directional pattern and asymmetrical directional pattern. In any case, this is a good choice for road driving: acoustic comfort, fuel efficiency, straight-line stability.
- Asymmetrical non-directional pattern. Usually the outer part of the tread is made more rigid. Designed for driving in extreme conditions, which provides high stability with large side loads.
The most inexpensive models for Russian roads: Cordiant, Nordman, etc.
When choosing a set of summer tires, many car enthusiasts first of all pay attention to the price, and only then to product characteristics. However, you should not think that in the low-cost price segment everything is so bad with the ability to keep the car on the road.
Cordiant Sport 3 (Russia), from 2300 rubles. for dimension 195/65 R15
The tread has an asymmetric non-directional pattern with an abundance of grooves to drain water from the contact zone (WET-COR technology), which counteracts aquaplaning quite well. Also implemented proprietary technology DRY-COR, which does not allow the tires to slip and deform in corners. There is a choice of nine sizes for R15 and R16.
Nordman SX (Russia), from 2000 rubles. for dimension 185/60 R14
A group of specialists from Finland and Amtel worked on the model. The protector is asymmetric, a network of grooves for water drainage is provided. According to consumer reviews, the tire is moderately quiet, behaves well on the ground, and is stable at high speeds. As the numbers printed on the central rib wear out, the driver can judge the condition of the tread. At the same time, many note the hardness of the rubber compound, increased wear (with intensive driving it lasts only two seasons), as well as the destruction of individual pieces of the tread. An extensive list of sizes includes popular options for wheels with a diameter of 13 to 18 inches.
Formula Energy (Italy), from 2600 rubles for dimension 185/65 R15
The tire was developed by the Italian specialists Pirelli and is characterized by a low level of internal noise (1 dB), good stability on a straight line and reduced (on average by 10%) weight. Protector - with an asymmetric pattern. According to the manufacturer, this is a summer model for sports cars (speed index: from T (190 km / h) to Y (300 km / h). Among the main complaints caused by the model among drivers, it is worth noting the weak tenacity in turns.
Yokohama Bluearth (Japan), from 2900 rubles for dimension 205/55 R16
According to their characteristics, tires are not inferior to Bridgestone products, but at the same time they cost 15-20% cheaper. The model is equipped with a symmetrical non-directional tread and demonstrates high stability when rearranging on a wet track. Experts also note excellent indicators of braking efficiency. Another bonus is low fuel consumption. There are sizes from R13 to R16. Some drivers complain about excessive rigidity at the rubber break-in stage.
We try to compare good companies in terms of quality and price
The middle and upper price ranges are mainly occupied by products of world famous brands. The top three brands are traditionally held by the following brands: Goodyear, Michelin and Bridgestone. Nokian is catching up with them by leaps and bounds.
Michelin Primacy 3 (France), from 3800 rubles. for dimension 205/55 R16
Tires are sharpened for reference behavior on dry pavement and wet roads with puddles, they are distinguished by excellent performance in terms of braking distance, and are not prone to hydroplaning. The presence of five longitudinal ribs provides good stability in a straight line. Another advantage of the tire is the unique composition of the rubber compound. The consumer receives a quiet, comfortable and durable rubber. The only drawback is the thin side walls.
Nokian Hakka Blue (Finland), from 5100 rubles for dimension 215/60 R16
Finnish tire, perfectly adapted to Russian operating conditions. Among the features of the product, it is worth highlighting: the unique system of Dry Touch Suction Sipe lamellas for suction and effective removal of water in the contact zone, benchmarks when braking, maneuvering and driving in a straight line at high speed. An added bonus of Hakka Blue is best in class economy ratio. There are radii from 15 to 18 inches.
The best brand of summer tires for Ford Focus 2
On the Ford Focus 2, especially frugal owners prefer to buy budget tires Amtel Planet 195/65 R15 (1800 rubles): symmetrical directional tread pattern; compromise between cost, handling and braking performance. In search of better tire performance, it is better to look at the Hankook K115 Ventus Prime 2 205/55 R16 (3700 rubles), which are distinguished by an asymmetric tread pattern, good habits both on dry and wet roads, and excellent acoustic comfort.
What to choose for Renault Logan: owner reviews
For the "fourteenth" diameter, Renault Logan owners often recommend domestic tires Kama Euro 129 175/70 R14. Of the features of the product, it is worth highlighting the budget cost (1300 rubles), coupled with good acoustic comfort and resistance to aquaplaning. Of the more expensive options, for complete sets with 15-inch wheels, Bridgestone Turanza T001 195/60 R15 tires (speed index: V - up to 240 km / h) are popular. Their assets: low rolling resistance, uniform tread wear, asymmetric pattern with good hydroplaning resistance.
Which manufacturer's tires are better to buy at Priora in 2016
Among Prior owners, both inexpensive domestic products, such as Amtel Planet DC 185/65 R14 (1800 rubles) or Cordiant Standard RG1 185/65 R14 (1900 rubles), as well as tires of foreign brands are in demand. For example, the Japanese Yokohama A.Drive AA01 185/65 R14 (2200 rubles) differs from its competitors in its unique Slim Long tread and universal chemical composition, which retains its effectiveness both in rain and in scorching heat.
- News
- Workshop
Study: Automobile exhaust is not the main air pollutant
According to the participants of the energy forum in Milan, more than half of CO2 emissions and 30% of particulate matter harmful to health enter the air not at all because of the operation of internal combustion engines, but because of the heating of housing stock, reports La Repubblica. Currently, in Italy, 56% of buildings belong to the lowest environmental class G, and ...
Roads in Russia: even the children could not stand it. Photo of the day
The last time this site, located in a small town in the Irkutsk region, was repaired 8 years ago. The children, whose names are not named, decided to fix this problem on their own so that they could ride bicycles, the UK24 portal reports. The reaction of the local administration to the photo, which has already become a real hit on the network, is not reported. ...
AvtoVAZ nominated its own candidate to the State Duma
According to AvtoVAZ's official statement, V. Derzhak worked for more than 27 years at the enterprise and went through all the stages of career development - from an ordinary worker to a foreman. The initiative to nominate a representative of the AvtoVAZ labor collective to the State Duma belongs to the enterprise's staff and was announced on June 5 during the celebration of the day of the city of Togliatti. Initiative...
Self-driving taxis coming to Singapore
During testing, six modified Audi Q5s capable of autonomous driving will hit the roads of Singapore. Last year, such cars easily covered the path from San Francisco to New York, according to Bloomberg. In Singapore, drones will move along three specially prepared routes equipped with the necessary infrastructure. The length of each route will be 6.4 ...
Named the regions of Russia with the oldest cars
At the same time, the youngest vehicle fleet is in the Republic of Tatarstan (average age is 9.3 years), and the oldest is in the Kamchatka Territory (20.9 years). Such data are provided by the analytical agency Avtostat in their study. As it turned out, in addition to Tatarstan, only in two Russian regions the average age of cars is less than...
Helsinki to ban private cars
In order to make such an ambitious plan a reality, the Helsinki authorities intend to create the most convenient system in which the boundaries between personal and public transport will be erased, reports Autoblog. As Sonya Heikkila, transport specialist at the Helsinki City Hall, said, the essence of the new initiative is quite simple: the townspeople should have...
Limousine for the President: more details revealed
The site of the Federal Patent Service continues to be the only open source of information about the "car for the president." First, NAMI patented industrial models of two cars - a limousine and a crossover, which are part of the Cortege project. Then, the namishniks registered an industrial design called "Car Dashboard" (most likely, it was ...
GMC SUV turned into a sports car
Hennessey Performance has always been famous for its ability to generously add additional horses to a “pumped” car, but this time the Americans were clearly modest. GMC Yukon Denali could turn into a real monster, fortunately, that the 6.2-liter "eight" allows you to do this, but the mechanics of Hennessey limited themselves to a rather modest "bonus", increasing the engine power ...
The new Kia sedan will be called the Stinger
Five years ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Kia unveiled the Kia GT concept sedan. True, the Koreans themselves called it a four-door sports coupe and hinted that this car could become a more affordable alternative to the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Audi A7. And now, five years later, the Kia GT concept car has transformed into the Kia Stinger. Judging by the photo...
Snails cause accident in Germany
Snails during the mass migration at night crossed the autobahn near the German city of Paderborn. By early morning, the road had not had time to dry from the mucus of mollusks, which caused an accident: the Trabant car skidded on wet asphalt, and it turned over. According to The Local, the car, which the German press ironically refers to as "the diamond in the crown of the German...
HOW to order a car from Germany, how to order a car from Germany.
How to order a car from Germany There are two options for buying a used German car. The first option involves an independent trip to Germany, selection, purchase and transfer. But this method is not suitable for everyone due to lack of experience, knowledge, time or desire. Exit - order a car ...
