How to choose winter tires for your car?

The composition of summer tires is created in such a way that at a temperature of -5℃ it noticeably changes its properties – “hardens” and stops providing normal adhesion between the car and the road surface. In winter, the situation is also aggravated by the fact that the asphalt is covered with a layer of snow or ice. It becomes difficult not only to drive, but even just to move or brake. That is why in our country, having winter tires is a must, because this is the only way to ensure the safety of all road users in the cold season.

Each car owner can decide for himself which winter tires are best to choose. It is better to do this before the cold weather sets in – in spring or summer. There is a very reasonable explanation for this: during this period, most stores sell winter collections at a good discount. In addition, by mid-autumn, this product usually becomes much more expensive.

All types of winter tires can be divided into several groups, which have specific markings:

• • • W + snowflake image – winter tires.
    • R+W (road + winter), universal product.
    • M+S – designed for snow and slush. This is the best option for domestic car enthusiasts.

Before choosing tires for your car, you need to get an idea of ​​their varieties:

1. Scandinavian . Here the tread pattern consists of “diamonds” in a checkerboard pattern. This type of rubber is ideal for severe winters with a large layer of snow or ice on the roads.
2. European . The tread pattern on it is made in the form of a “herringbone”. This type of winter tires is optimal for the “European” winter, with rain and wet snow.
3. Winter tires with studs that provide good grip on ice or snow on the road. Types of studs for winter tires can be different (by shape, material).

The use of studded tires is fully justified for frequent trips on snowy or icy roads. For driving in urban conditions, it is better to use the so-called “Velcro” (winter non-studded tires, also called friction).

In addition to the type of tires, there are other factors to consider when purchasing:

• • Date of manufacture . The product must be no more than two or three years old. After this period, the performance properties begin to deteriorate, and buying used tires will not provide you with adequate safety when driving in winter.
  • Tire size . It is best to follow the recommendations given by the manufacturer of your car brand. It is not worth buying tires that are too big or too small.
  • Load and speed indices . They depend on the type of vehicle for which the tires are purchased.
  • Price . You shouldn’t buy tires that are too cheap – their quality leaves much to be desired. However, you don’t have to choose the most expensive sets. It’s best to choose winter tires with the best combination of cost and quality.

• The appearance of tires is also an important characteristic. If they are deformed due to improper storage, they will not be able to provide good grip and safe movement on the road in winter.

To help you make a final decision on which winter tires to choose, we suggest you familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of studded and non-studded tires.

Studded tires

Their advantages include:

• excellent grip of the car wheels on a layer of snow or ice on the road;
• guarantee of the fastest possible braking on such a road.

The disadvantages include:

• loud noise when the car is moving;
• poor braking on dry road surfaces.

Non-studded tires

Their advantages:

• they are quiet, the sound of driving with such tires is no different from the sound of driving on a car with summer tires;
• provide good “adhesion” to asphalt and ice. Especially when working in the ABC system.

Disadvantages of friction tires:

• there is a high risk of skidding on uncleared road surfaces;
• Suitable for use in winter only in urban conditions.

Many car enthusiasts ask themselves – is it possible to save money when buying winter tires? We are happy to inform you – it is possible! The following recommendations will help you with this:

• • If your budget does not allow you to buy tires of the highest quality, do not be upset. Many companies offer a wide range of winter tires at an affordable price, while guaranteeing their decent quality. Choose products from such manufacturers.
  • World-famous brands often have cheaper sub-brands offering products in an affordable price category. The quality does not suffer at all. Take a closer look at their products – you will certainly be able to buy a set of tires profitably and at an affordable price.

• It would be right to consider offers from as many dealers as possible – perhaps the cost of similar tires will be significantly lower somewhere, or the product will be sold at a discount.
• If you are interested in winter studded tires, you can choose them in the store or tire center that offers discounts on tire storage or tire fitting. This is a small, but still pleasant bonus.

Here are some more useful tips on how to choose winter tires and be satisfied with your purchase:

1. Buy a full set of winter tires for all 4 wheels of the car. Do not experiment and neglect safety on the road. Tires should be the same size, with the same tread pattern, rubber composition, etc.
2. If you are a beginner, buy only high-quality, professionally studded tires for winter. Later, when you become an experienced driver, you will be able to choose other options.
3. It is important to note that the decision to buy all-season tires is not the best one, as they wear out quickly. In addition, in the frosty Russian climate, they will not be able to effectively cope with their functions, so a small saving in cost is ultimately not justified.