Which winter tires are better: spikes or velcro? We prepare the car for the winter

Among motorists there is a lot of controversy about what kind of winter tires are better: spikes or velcro. Some argue in favor of the first, others - in favor of the second. Yes, and sellers sometimes introduce car owners into delusions, offering not at all what is needed. Today we will try to give the drivers the final answer to the question of what kind of winter tires are better: spikes or velcro.

Review of non-studded rubber

This rubber is often called a Velcro, but many beginners have no idea what it is. And everything is quite simple. Thanks to a special soft protector, this tire seems to adhere to the roadway, providing the car with maximum traction. Hence the name "Velcro". Before giving an exact answer to the question "what winter tires are better: spikes or velcro", let's consider all the pros and cons of non-studded wheels.

So, let's start with the advantages. The main advantage of Velcro is its noiselessness. On any roadway, whether it's bare asphalt or ice, there is no constant rumbling and vibrations in the car. A car with such tires consumes much less fuel than one that is equipped with a "spike". Manage this vehicle is much more convenient and safer, especially on the cleared asphalt. And one more plus - free entry to the countries of the European Union. The fact is that in many countries of Europe it is forbidden to use studded tires on cars and trucks, since most routes are regularly cleaned of snow, accordingly, the spikes will damage the upper part of the asphalt.

But the disadvantages of Velcro are present. This, in the first place, increased braking distance, as well as less handling on loose and rolled snow.

Which winter tires are better: spikes or velcro? Review of Studded Wheels

This tire appeared much earlier than described above. Its main advantages consist in effective braking on the ice and safe passage of corners. Spikes provide the car with excellent grip when braking and accelerating. In addition, they behave more effectively in the snow.

As for the shortcomings, drivers here in the first place note high noise. Inside, the characteristic sound of the wheels touching the road is constantly heard. In addition, drivers feel a slight vibration on the steering wheel, which causes them great discomfort in long trips. The fuel consumption, whatever one may say, will be 5-10 percent more. And one more thing - the fragility of thorns. They have the property of wiping and flying out when you hit a cleared asphalt surface. Because of this, the lifetime of such wheels does not exceed 2-3 seasons (the first type of tires can withstand up to 5 seasons).

So what to choose? Spikes or Velcro is better?

Of course, if you live in a big city, where the roads are regularly cleaned of snow, choose non-studded rubber. On the other, you simply lose all the spikes in a week or two. Well, and if you often drive through unsplaced areas, it is definitely a reasonable decision to purchase a "spike".

As you can see, the answer to the question "what is better: tires-stickers or thorns" directly depends on the terrain in which you operate the car.