The choice of winter tires depends on many factors: the characteristics of car use, terrain, and weather.
To determine the choice, it is necessary to understand the key differences between these types of tires.
Depending on the features of the composition and surface, there are such types of winter tires:
- Studded tires. Spikes on the surface help reduce sliding. This improves driving on snow or icy roads. At the same time, on dry roads, such tires impair driving.
- Friction tires. Tires, on the surface of which, there are special sipes. The level of traction increases due to the density of the lamellae. These tires are good for driving on dry roads.
- All-season tires are the best choice for year-round operation. Of course, their technical characteristics do not perfectly correspond to the winter conditions.
- European type of tires. The surface is supplemented with grooves and notches to drain water and wet snow. They are suitable for slush and wet snow.
- Scandinavian tires. Characterized by a soft rubber compound. The surface is supplemented with a large number of cuts and blades. Relevant for driving on ice, and snow.
Peculiarities of Choosing Winter Tires
A wide range on the market allows you to choose perfectly appropriate tires for winter. First of all, it is worth determining the conditions of travel.
If you move on dry-cleaned asphalt within the city – there is no point in buying a rough studded rubber.
Tires have an index of load capacity and speed, which you can focus on when you buy winter tires.
The higher the speed index, the less passable the car is on a snowy road. They are better to use on a dry road.
They have a shorter braking distance than machines with a low index. As for the capacity index, its high value increases the usage period.
Fast wear and tear can happen when this index value is undershot.
When it is Better to Buy and Change Tires
The calendar winter begins in December and ends in February with the arrival of spring, lasting only 3 months.
However, the winter period of operation of a car in our climatic zone begins earlier and ends much later.
As a rule, it is from November till the end of March, and in some regions of the country and separate years these figures may be shifted even earlier.
In this regard, the advice to buy rubber for driving in the cold season is better in advance.
By the way, we do not recommend using the so-called “all-season tires” all year round.
They are designed for use in winter, but in a warmer climate, without such an abundance of snow and severe frosts. The right thing will be to “re-shoe” the car in seasonal tires suitable for a particular climate.
Conclusion
To get winter tires, do it in advance, in the spring or summer.
At this time, many stores get rid of the winter collection, freeing up warehouses and shelves for summer tires.
Therefore, there is every opportunity to buy a set of winter tires at a discount.