When to put winter tires? What kind of winter tires?

Tires of the car, regardless of its brand, are one of the most important components of the safety of the driver and passengers. Worn or out-of-season skates can cause not only problems with management, but also cause accidents. To avoid this, it is important not only to know when to put winter tires, and when summer, but also to understand how different types of tires behave in different temperature modes and weather conditions. This knowledge will also help to choose the right skates when buying.

Types of tires and their differences

All car tires for seasonal use are divided into the following types:

• Summer - for driving on any kinds of road surfaces in the spring-autumn period;
• Winter - for operation in winter;
• All-weather - universal for year-round use;
• Road - for driving on a dry or wet hard road surface;
• Speed - are used in sports cars and have high coupling properties;
• All-season high-speed - an improved version of universal tires, giving the possibility of driving on snow and ice

The last three types of skates are most often used in motorsport, and motorists are used very rarely. Therefore, we will stop at the most common tires for us, which can be purchased at any specialized auto store.

Summer tires

Summer and winter tires differ significantly in composition, density and porosity. In addition, they have a different pattern and area of the tread. Summer tires have a more rigid structure, ensuring maximum traction. During the movement between the ramp and the road surface, a certain friction occurs, due to which the temperature of the tires increases. Because of this, the rubber becomes softer and supple.

Usually the protector of summer rays has a simple pattern. Its main task is to drain water when driving on a wet road. Due to such properties, summer tires are absolutely not suitable for use at low temperature conditions.

All season tires

This type of ramp is designed for those who do not want to wonder about when to put winter tires, and when - summer. All-season tires make it possible to use them in different temperature modes. However, this solution involves more shortcomings than advantages.

Plus, in the application of the all-weather only one - the replacement of summer tires for winter will not be required. In return, the driver will receive year-round tire wear, additional noise when driving on a dry and hard road, unstable skate behavior in high and low temperatures. In addition, motorists who prefer an aggressive way of driving, will have to give up a sharp start and braking.

All-season tires will suit motorists who do not use personal transport in the winter or to tidy drivers who do not exploit their "iron horse" for long trips in extreme conditions. In this case, the change of summer tires to winter tires, and vice versa, will simply be unjustified.

Features of winter tires

Winter rubber has a lower density due to its porosity. It is much softer than the summer, which allows you to significantly increase the grip of the coating, even on an icy road.
The tread of winter tires has a more complex pattern, making it possible to remove from under the wheels not only water, but also snow mush. Its increased area is also designed to provide maximum traction.

What kind of winter tires?

Winter tires can be divided into two types: studded and "Velcro". The first are a ramp, in the working surface of which the metal spikes are specially placed. Such tires are ideal for driving on snow-covered trails and off-road, but on a wet or icy surface it is better not to use them. The test of winter rubber, equipped with spikes, under such conditions showed a significant increase in braking distance due to a decrease in the quality of adhesion to the road.

The best solution for a little snowy winter and for driving in the city are Velcro. This type of tire is also called friction. Their special feature is a specially selected rubber composition that allows them to adapt to different temperature regimes. A small protector, applied to the entire working surface, absorbs and removes water, as if sucking to the surface of the road. The brake test of winter rubber-Velcro and studded tires, carried out on ice at a temperature of -15 ⁰ C, showed that the friction rays definitely have an advantage. However, with an increase in the temperature index to 0 ⁰ C, spikes win.

When to put winter tires?

There is no definite answer to this rhetorical question. Some car owners do this, focusing on the beginning of the heating season, others - on the transition to winter time, still others wait for the first snow.

The optimal option for changing tires is to stabilize the average daily temperature at + 5 + 7 ⁰ C. With a further cooling, it's not safe to ride the summer ramps - they become stiff and their grip on the road surface deteriorates. With this, tire manufacturers also agree. It is such a temperature, according to their recommendations, is a signal to the change of rubber.

And in any case, do not wait until the snow falls. First, this is an additional factor of danger, and secondly, the queue for tire fitting during this period will not allow it to be done in one day.

Features of winter tires

For novice drivers it will be important to learn not only when to put winter tires, but about some features of its operation in cold and inclement weather conditions. In addition to the fact that the tires become more rigid with decreasing temperature, the pressure in them decreases. This is due to the physical ability of any substance to narrow and expand. The air in the tires is no exception. With a decrease in temperature, it is necessary to check and, if necessary, to pump up the rays. Low tire pressure not only worsens the running ability of the car in winter, but also leads to an excess of fuel consumption.

When installing winter tires, you need to pay attention to the extent of its wear. Usually in front-wheel drive cars, the front tires wear out in the middle, and the rear tires wear on the sides. In order for the development to be uniform, it is recommended that each 8,000-10,000 km be replaced by their places.

Transition to summer tires

With the end of winter, some motorists rush to change tires for summer, fearing their rapid wear and tear. Indeed, soft winter tires very quickly wear out when driving on an asphalt surface under the influence of an elevated temperature caused by frictional force. But we must take into account that the weather conditions in early spring in our latitudes often change, and even in April there are frosts, not to mention the March snowfalls. Therefore, there is no need to rush here. It is better to wait for a stable average daily temperature of +10 ⁰ C, as well as to get acquainted with the synoptic forecast for the next month. If the weather permits, you can safely "change shoes." And in case of a sharp drop in temperature or snowfall, it is worthwhile to refrain from planned trips.

How best to store rubber?

Some motorists prefer to use two sets of disks: one with winter tires, the other with summer tires. This is convenient in its own way, and you can change the wheels yourself. Firstly, during the period when you need to change the tires, there will not be a question about recording for tire service and paying for the services of the SRT. It is enough to have a jack and a balloon key at hand. Secondly, tires put on discs will not be deformed during seasonal storage.

But here there are some nuances. Such a decision will be correct under certain conditions. First - when installing wheels in the kit they should be carefully examined for deformation. A bent or cracked disc may cause an accident. The second - the wheels need to be balanced. Otherwise, problems with the running gear of the car can not be avoided. The imbalance of the wheel during rotation creates a vibration that will gradually destroy the bearing of the hub. And, of course, do not forget about the pressure in the tires. If its indicator is not enough, you need to use a pump or a compressor.

Without tires, the tires are also perfectly preserved. It is enough to put them vertically on the floor, before it is covered, and your rubber is calmly up to its next season. In no event can you stack tires without wheels horizontally one on top of another or hang them.

Also, do not store stingrays outdoors in the open air. The sun and minus temperatures have a disastrous effect on the rubber. If there is no garage or other similar premises, it is better to use the services of storing rubber on special services. There, in addition, the condition of the tires will be checked, and "change shoes" will help.

Whatever tires are installed on your car, do not forget about the high-speed mode. On the winter road, it is more important not the quality and condition of the rubber, but the care and caution of the driver.