The quality of the car wheels’ grip on the road directly depends on the tires. The question of which ones are better has divided car owners into two camps. Some are prone to studded models, others prefer to do without metal rods in the wheels. This article examines the behavior of cars with different types of tires, in different climatic conditions, in winter.
Classification according to the method of traction
The chemical composition of rubber determines its use in summer or winter. Winter tires include components that soften rubber and affect its frost resistance.
Winter tires are divided into friction and studded.
- Studded tires.
Anti-slip spikes located on the tires cut into the road, which provides traction. They are suitable for driving on snow-covered areas. In comparison with the friction type, they show better performance on icy areas. Performance indicators are the number of spikes and their location on the tire. An arbitrary arrangement and a large number of spikes reduce the path traversed during braking and reduce the likelihood of slipping. The best adhesion effect is demonstrated by spikes having the shape of a square.
The disadvantages of this type include excessive noise and susceptibility to wear on asphalt. The governments of a number of European countries have refused to use this type of tires due to damage to the road surface.
- Friction tires.
The adhesion of the wheels to the road is provided by slats (cuts on the tire) that pinch the roadbed. Their depth is 6-7 mm (for studded tires – 9-10 mm). It is advisable to use non-studded tires in regions that are least susceptible to snowfall. They show better performance when driving on asphalt and wet snow. The effectiveness of the clutch depends on the tread pattern and its depth.
Classification by tread pattern
A pattern of one of the following types is applied to the tread of tires used in winter:
- European type.
The lamellae have a zigzag shape, a pronounced network of grooves. They are used when operating a car on flat roads, in regions with mild climatic conditions. This type of tire does not lend itself to pinching.
- The Scandinavian type.
The pattern is characterized by a variety of wide lamellae. Such tires are made of tougher rubber. They are available with anti-skid spikes or can be pinned. Designed for use on slippery and snow-covered roads, in harsh winter conditions.
When choosing tires, it is necessary to pay attention to the parameters of the lamellae. The width and depth of the groove affect the behavior of the car on snow-covered roads, with icy areas. The depth of the slats is normalized, and on winter tires of passenger cars should be at least 5 mm. The optimal solution for a harsh climate will be a groove depth of 9-10 mm. Tires with grooves 5-6 mm deep will provide fast movement on wet snow and dry asphalt.
The tread pattern of friction products of the herringbone type is effective when driving on snow. The small depth of the rigid wedge-shaped tread and the asymmetry of the pattern indicate the possibility of moving only on asphalt.
Geometric indicators of friction tires that efficiently cope with the road situation in frosts are:
— A small number of lamellas;
— Spikes;
— The minimum level of disclosure of the tread pattern.
The speed index of the tires also affects the cross-country ability of the car. The higher it is, the less likely it is to overcome snow-covered areas.
Conclusions
The choice of tires depends on:
— climatic conditions of a particular region;
— the level of preparation of roads for winter;
— noise class.
Summarizing the pros and cons of studded products, we can talk about the nature of their operation:
— moving through icy areas;
— reliable adhesion to dry asphalt pavement;
— minimum operating temperature -20 degrees;
— increased noise, especially when driving on asphalt.
Non-studded tires characterize the properties:
— high movement speed;
— low noise;
— reliable contact with dry road surface;
— the ability to work at -20 degrees and below.
The confrontation of car owners will end when tires appear that do not exhibit the effect of “aquaplaning”, working at subzero temperatures, creating an equally strong grip on snowy, icy areas and a dry road. Until then, the choice should be based on the average traffic situation in a particular region.
Avaruosad.ee – online auto parts store
Need spare parts for your car? Call for free consultation:
- +372 56 812 812
- info@avaruosad.ee
