Winter tires have several varieties, each of which corresponds to different operating conditions. 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 the right option, in accordance with 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 the chemical composition of the rubber. Summer tires, low temperatures hardens, which leads to a decrease in adhesion to the surface and, as a result, increased danger during use.

The materials used in the production of tires for low temperatures solve this problem. However, using winter tires during the warmer months will also reduce your car's handling as the tires 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, studded wheels can significantly shorten both your car's braking distance and 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 to create 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 studs. 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.

An important and even critical point is the rule that the use of studded tires implies their replacement 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

Whatever the conditions of the air temperature or the presence of precipitation on the road, the car must, in any case, clearly keep contact with the road in winter, and in summer, and in transitional seasons. This is extremely important in order to achieve a normal level of security. With a limit of 7 ° C, which all drivers are guided by for “changing shoes” of a car, you can protect yourself from most road troubles associated with the change of seasons. But here one important additional point should be noted: for some time, summer, winter and all-season tires were distinguished among tires. To date, the Regulations of the Customs Union, which also apply on the territory of Russia, no longer recognize such a thing as "all-weather tires". In Europe, to which Ukraine and the Baltic countries are actively reorienting, there is also no such concept. By and large, practical analysis shows that the features of tires that are presented as "all-season" are simply a reduced version of either summer or, more often, winter. Thus, the task is to understand very clearly the difference between these basic types, then on the off-season tire it will be possible to distinguish which type it actually gravitates to.

Winter types of tires are softer - just touch them, the rubber content in them is much higher. When it's cold outside, the winter type of rubber keeps the temperature from friction against the road, as a result of which it becomes more elastic, due to which the grip on the road is an order of magnitude more dense and of high quality. But if you use it in the summer, then it simply melts, quickly wears off, and even spoils the road surface.

Harder summer-type tires, when driving on hot asphalt, on the contrary, cool down and retain the shape and degree of rigidity required for the road. But in the cold, such rubber becomes hard to the point of brittleness, its contact area with the road decreases, the stability of the car also decreases, and the risk of an accident in case of loss of control increases. Distinctive feature winter tires may have studded treads. There can no longer be any doubt about the seasonality of the tire by definition. But if it is friction, there are no spikes on it. However, here the patterns on the tread can suggest.

Summer tires have a deeper tread pattern. Whereas a similar figure for winter version has a characteristic diagonally oriented structure, on which there is a very developed network of channels through which water is drained from the tread. In general, this drawing strongly resembles a Christmas tree (this European type tires). Or on the tread there are a lot of diamond-type figures, which are placed at a noticeable distance from each other (this is the so-called Scandinavian type).

If there are problems with the constant velocity joint, it is not always necessary to replace it. Quite often, a repair kit is sufficient. At the link http://www.trialli.ru/catalogue/transmissiya/remontnye-komplekty-shrusa/ you can find CV joint repair kits for VAZ cars of different models.

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In this review, we will tell and show: how to distinguish winter tires from summer tires.

Such a description will help motorists to choose the wheels they need for the season for their car, to make their movement safe. Installing the "correct" tires will also help to avoid claims from traffic police officers.

The modern industry produces a large number of seasonal "shoes" for cars.

All of them differ from each other in the following factors.

By tread

Products for winter have a pronounced pattern with embossed details, deep channels, numerous lamellae. They serve to remove snow and water from under the wheels of the car and reliable adhesion to the road surface.

There are two types of drawing: European and Scandinavian.

First characterized by a wide web of grooves arranged diagonally. This option is more suitable for normal weather conditions in winter.

Second- with deep sipes and prominent relief, it is used for snow-covered roads.

The tire for summer does not have a fine network of grooves, the channels have small depressions.

The presence of spikes

They help to "keep" the road well.

The second option is Velcro. It must be remembered that this is not an all-weather tire, it is not recommended to use it in the summer. It is made of a softer material and is equipped with a powerful network of miniature transverse lamellas.

Fewer outlet channels on the summer tread make it less noisy compared to winter tires. This affects the comfort of driving.

By material

The tire for warm weather is made of a stiffer material, as traction is provided by friction. Tire for winter - soft, elastic. This affects at low sub-zero temperatures, when the rubber does not tan, but retains its working qualities.

By marking

In addition to size and other specifications the sides display seasonal information. The product for cold weather can be distinguished by an asterisk, marking M+S.

I hope that you have figured out the issue of determining winter and summer wheels. Right choice tires are a guarantee of trouble-free movement on the roads.

The rubber provides grip on the road and transfers engine power to the asphalt. It is important to choose the right kit for your car so that the operation of the car is as efficient as possible. Each set has such a parameter as tire seasonality. Next, information will be provided on all-season tires, the features of their marking and the properties of this rubber.

In order to identify all-season tires by marking, such tires have an additional designation in the form of the letters M + S. The abbreviation Mud+Snow means that the kit provides reliable traction in difficult weather conditions. In addition, all-season tires are indicated by the symbols 4S, AS or AW (4 Season, All Season or All Weather).

However, it should be understood that, in fact, all-weather tires lose to winter tires at low temperatures and lag behind summer tires at serious air temperatures. In fact, these tires are considered rather off-season.

Various sets of seasonal tires are offered for the car, which differ in their characteristics and composition. Tires for the winter are made of soft grades of rubber, which will allow the tire not to tan. In addition, such products have a developed tread pattern and a high profile, which allows you to cling to snow porridge and effectively drain water.

The difference between summer tires in hard rubber. This tire perfectly tolerates high loads and does not melt while driving, confidently clinging to the surface. The profile height is small, and the contact patch with the road is the most extensive. However, in low-temperature conditions, it hardens and does not provide proper grip, which results in a long braking distance.

Finding out summer or winter tires is quite simple. Kits without any additional marks are considered summer. All-season tires are marked with the letters 4S, AS, M+S, and the Velcro or studded tires are marked with snowflake patterns.

Rubber parameters and characteristics

Each set has a concept of tire seasonality. Despite the fact that tires of a certain composition are labeled as all-season tires, such a set is demi-season tires. This all-season tire has a softer compound rubber compound. In summer, the all-season will overheat and “float”, which will lead to premature wear.

In the case of ultra-low temperatures, tires will lose to their winter counterparts. Such kits work most effectively at near-zero levels, providing proper grip on cold asphalt, slush or rain. In such conditions, rubber can be used, but it is not worth riding it all year round; it is worth putting profile shoes for the winter or summer season.

Pros and cons of operation

Each kit has its pros and cons. All season tires are no exception.

Advantages:

• allow you to save money by purchasing only one set of wheels;
• feel good at zero temperatures, on wet or snowy asphalt.

Disadvantages:

• significantly lose to profile tires, subject to seasonality. At high temperatures, the tire “floats”, and when the thermometer table drops, it becomes dull. In winter, the car must be on winter tires, and in summer - on summer tires.

Manufacturer information

Mandatory on the side surface of the tire are regulated inscriptions. capital letters the logo and name of rubber manufacturers, as well as the brand name are applied. Some car manufacturers may recommend certain brands as the most suitable for the model. This is what Chevrolet or VAZ do.

Tire size

Also on the sidewall of the tire is the size of the rubber. There is a European type of marking. For example, readings 205 * 35 * R17 make it clear that the width of the tire is 205 mm, the profile height is 45, and the inner diameter is 17 inches. The letter r means that we have a shoe with a radial cord weave.

The American way is similar to the European one, only there are additional letters in front of the numbers, which signal the "orientation" of the rubber (P - Passanger, LT - Light Track). There is another way in which the standard size is indicated, where the values ​​\u200b\u200bare given in inches. For example, if there is a number 29*11*R18 on the side, its decoding will mean the following:

• 29 - outer diameter in inches;
• 11 - tire width;
• 18 - inner diameter.

Speed ​​index

Another mandatory parameter is the speed index. This is a letter designation that indicates that the car can move at a given speed for several hours. The closer the letter is to the end of the Latin alphabet, the higher this indicator. Now the most common are kits with indices S, T, U, H V or W, allowing you to reach speeds of 180-190-200-210-240 or 260 km / h, respectively.

Load index

Together with the speed category, tire manufacturers put down two more numbers - the index maximum load. This parameter means that the tire is capable of driving under the specified weight on one wheel, subject to maximum pressure. The indicator is indicated in kilopascals closer to the inner radius.

The higher the indicator, the greater the load that the wheel can carry. The minimum value in the industry is 1 - 46.2 kg per wheel, and the maximum figure is 279 - 13.6 tons per cylinder.

Marking

Sometimes the marking of all-season tires can be supplemented with various icons. Among additional designations you can see the inscription "Retread". The fact is that some sets are subject to repair and the mixture is re-fused on them and the tread is cut. Remanufactured products bear this designation. Riding on such rubber does not threaten anything, however, the tire bought by the driver will wear out a little earlier. Fortunately, the price is cheaper.

Some car tires and the discs do not fit together, having cardinal differences in design. So, if you are going to change the tires of a car with your own hands, it is worth remembering that chamber kits must be installed on the corresponding wheels with the designations LK, GK or RK. The symbols LB, GB or RB indicate a combination with tubeless type kits (TubeLess).

Tire installation rules regulate the presence of colored marks. If there is a yellow triangle icon on the sidewall, then this is the lightest part of the rubber. All that needs to be done is to align it with the label on the disk. The red dot indicates the hardest point and should also be aligned with the L mark on light alloy wheels.

Date of manufacture

Be sure the tire is marked with four digits indicating the date of manufacture of the kit. In the first two, the ordinal number of the week is encrypted, and the last - an indicator of the year in which the wheels were made. The number 2517 indicates that the rubber was produced in the 25th week of 2017.

Selection for an SUV or crossover

We told you how to distinguish winter tires from summer tires - by the snowflake icon. However, for choosing shoes for a non-trivial car, this knowledge may not be enough. When purchasing wheels for a crossover, you should imagine where the car will spend most of the time. If in the city, it's good. standard rubber with the designation AW (All Weather or Aqua - improved drainage and increased resistance to aquaplaning).

If the car goes beyond the definition of a SUV and trips to nature are planned, then it is better to give preference to kits with a developed tire tread, improved lugs and cross-country ability. Such kits are designated by the letters AT - All Terrain.

For real SUVs, a special Bridgestone Dueler type rubber is required, which has proven itself in combat conditions and has high load resistance and excellent hooking. Such a kit is more expensive than the standard one, but its price is justified by its excellent qualities.

Many will say that the main difference between one automotive rubber and another is the tread pattern. The pattern is really different, the side of the winter tire is covered with a large number of zigzag-shaped cuts called sipes. Such frequent notches increase the grip of the tires on the road covered with snow or ice. But this is far from the only feature.

Imagine what will happen to the school eraser in the cold? It will lose its flexibility and be easily broken. illustrative example. The same principle of exposure to cold on summer tires. Therefore, winter tires are formulated with special tread additives that provide additional flexibility and elasticity, which is maintained even at low temperatures. Typically, the chemical composition of rubber is developed by the manufacturer, taking into account different temperature conditions.

Tires for all weather

Currently, the so-called all-season tires are popular, combining the qualities of summer and winter tires. However, it cannot be argued that such versatility can be safe and acceptable at any time of the year. It is recommended to use such tires only in fairly warm climatic conditions, in those areas where the thermometer rarely drops below zero in winter.

When to use winter tires

Velcro is a more durable winter tire than studded tires, and also cheaper.

Winter tires should be used at temperatures up to +5 °C. The higher the temperature, the more plastic and softer the rubber becomes, thereby reducing the stability of the car on the road. Winter tires sometimes studded and without thorns, popularly referred to as "Velcro". Studded tires are used for maximum safety on icy roads. Velcro has the same short braking distance as studded tires, but makes less noise and vibrates on asphalt.

As for summer tires, their feature is the possibility of full implementation dynamic characteristics car on a dry road. As well as the ability to ensure the fight against aquaplaning, due to the presence of a large number of longitudinal grooves that help drain water from the tire.

According to the rating of the magazine "Behind the wheel", the best summer tires 2013 became the Continental ContiPremiumContact 2.

Tires should be changed on time. But after the replacement, the question arises about the proper storage of the second set of rubber. If the tires are off the rims, it is recommended to place them vertically. If the wheels are stored together with the disks, then they can be placed horizontally on top of each other. With this method of storage, periodically turn the rubber over.