The advent of the winter for drivers does not mean only snow and frost. It is also a state of a constant fuss – time of the preparations for an adverse season.
How confident will the vehicle be handled on snow- and ice-covered surface will greatly depend on the choice of winter tires. Of course, one can use summer tires throughout the whole winter thus risking his own car and exposing other drivers and pedestrians to danger. At the same time different models of winter tires ensure totally different performance in these or those conditions. Sometimes it can be extremely difficult to choose some specific winter tire. Some people use their many-year experience or buy products with excellent references. Moreover, the choice depends on the weather conditions that prevail in your region. That’s why there cannot be a definite answer. But some general recommendations on the choice of winter tires can still be made.
Studded or studless tire?
The answer to the question is quite controversial. In theory, studs are to provide higher level of traction on ice-covered surface. But in many cases studless tires show considerably better performance on the ice-covered surface than the studded ones. What is the reason?
Steering control of a vehicle on a road depends not only on the presence/absence of studs. Rubber compound and tread pattern are also crucial factors.
Now let’s try to understand what will be better in specific conditions.
Studded winter tires
On the ice-covered surface studs enable increase of traction level.
There are two options: either you purchase studded winter tires or mount the studs yourself. It is clear that the more studs a tire has the better its performance will be (braking distance will be reduced as well as wheel slip). Studs provide better effect if they are not located at one line but are chaotically scattered on the tire surface.
But you should remember that not all tires allow mounting of studs – the question must be specified at a tire store.
Studless winter tires
When driving on a deep snow-covered surface both presence of studs and tread pattern type matter. As a rule, more effective tires are those with multiple independent blocks placed in a checkered order. The tread pattern depth is also very important – for the majority of models it amounts to 0,35 – 0,40 inches. The presence of sipes also affects tire performance as they ensure better stability for both studded and studless tires.
If your roads are covered mainly with slush or light snow then you should think about the purchase of studless tires. First of all studded tires are less effective when accelerating or braking on the asphalted surface. Secondly, studs reduce contact patch what leads to the reduction of traction level and, as a result, to the worsening of steering control. Thirdly, studded winter tires increase additional noise when riding on the asphalted surface.
What should one consider when choosing studless winter tires?
On the slush-covered surface better steering control is ensured by tires with a directional tread pattern that promotes withdrawal of water from the footprint. The tread pattern of such tires resembles that of summer rain tires (fishbone tread pattern).
General recommendations on the choice of winter tires
Winter tires serve 2-4 seasons on average. They become worn when the tread depth reaches 0,16 inches.
The rubber compound for winter tires is designed to provide “sticking” to slippery surface. That’s why softer winter tires suit better for snow- and ice-covered surface. On the asphalted surface such tires are also effective but they wear faster thus requiring more rigid rubber. It’s very hard to define the softness by touch – only the seller can advice something specific.
Tires with asymmetric tread pattern turn out to be more effective in most cases. In such tires outer tread area provides performance on the asphalted surface while inner area is “responsible” for snow-covered roads. Such tires are to be mounted in accordance with the marking on them.
Size of winter tires
Size of winter (and summer) tires is to be chosen in accordance with the car manufacturer requirements. If you buy wider tires contact patch will be increased but the vehicle’s mass will be distributed in a way that will badly affect tire’s grip.
If you haven’t found the right size it is better to choose narrower tire that has higher profile.
Operation of winter tires.
Many drivers mount winter tires already after the fall of the first snow what causes bigger number of car crashes at the beginning of the winter. In general, it is recommended to mount winter tires when the temperature reaches 45 degrees.
Both studded and studless tires require careful operation throughout the first hundreds of miles. Driving without drastic braking, gradual acceleration and smooth cornering help prolong service life of the winter tire. Such driving also prolongs period for which studs will hold in the tire.
Many people want to know whether it is possible to mount winter tires only on driving axle. Certainly, it will affect the performance of the vehicle but not always favorably. Of course, it will be much easier to start the ride but you can experience some unpleasant moments a bit later. For example, on rear wheel drive cars the mass is transferred to the front wheels when braking what means that the effectiveness of winter tires will considerably fall. On the ice-covered surface a rear wheel drive car with studded winter tires can lose steering. So, mounting of tires only on the front axle is effective only when starting the ride. Rear wheels can skid when braking. Of course, if you drive calmly you may not feel the difference. But in the emergency situation your car will provide better steering control only in the case it is equipped with a whole set of winter tires.
If you buy studded winter tires and plan to drive on the asphalted surface you should be very careful. Drastic start and emergency braking are unacceptable as you may lose all the studs in one day. Do not forget to put a special mark on your car – other drivers will take into account that you have shorter braking distance and will keep greater distance.
In the end we would like to offer brands with good “winter” reputation. They are Bridgestone, Michelin, Continental, Pirelli and Nokian. The cost of all the above-mentioned tires can vary from $100 to $500 but it doesn’t mean that cheaper tires are worse.
The choice is all yours!
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