Life moves inexorably forward. Winter is coming, which means that the topic of winter tires is again relevant. Which winter tires are better - spikes or Velcro? according to most motorists, it does not show itself on dry and relatively clean asphalt. Roads covered with ice and snow are their element. Friction tires are great for city driving only. Is it true? We learn from the article.
Velcro winter tires - what is it?
So called friction rubber. It is not very popular when compared with studded models. However, the popularity of Velcro is growing every year. For those who do a lot of city driving, this tire is perfect. Manufacturers think so.
This is a studless tire. It differs from an ordinary non-studded tire in a special rubber composition. So, the tire perfectly adapts to a variety of temperature extremes. These are different friction tires special tread pattern, and they are also softer.
The tread pattern here differs in depth and the number of sipes. The special composition allows much better absorption of water from the roadway. The tire literally sticks to the road. From this effect, motorists began to call this rubber so.
Production does not stand still. And if earlier it was believed that there was simply no alternative to spikes for winter, today the situation is changing. According to the manufacturers, there is practically no difference in behavior on dry or wet roads, and the performance of friction tires is getting better from year to year.
Both on a wet road and on a dry one, a car with Velcro rubber will ride much more confidently than on spikes. In the first case, decrease braking distances and traffic noise. On icy surfaces, Velcro is only slightly inferior to a studded tire. On snow-covered surfaces, the studs practically do not function, and since the entire load goes to the tread, the friction option wins here.
What are Velcro
There are Arctic (Scandinavian) tires and European models. The latter are suitable for those who live in regions with a milder climate. Characteristics, rather, all-weather. European tires perform well in a slight frost. For those who live to the north, Scandinavian models are best suited.
Scandinavian tire: choose the right one
In order not to fall for deception when choosing which Velcro winter tires to buy, you need to remember a few nuances. So, rubber sales specialists write that this is the choice for mild winters. Such tires are distinguished by a huge number of small sipes, the rubber composition is softer, and it is more angular. "Europeans" are more rounded and firm. They can also be distinguished by So, for European latitudes, higher-speed models are created with markings H and V, while northern models are designed for lower speeds.
Pure asphalt
For our country, only "Arctic" models are relevant. Let's check how good Velcro tires are, what kind of product it is, and why it is a better choice on asphalt. We will not go into theoretical research, but will immediately begin to consider the results.
The asphalt test is considered the weak point of studded tires. It is believed that they do not brake well at speeds under 80 km / h. But according to the test results, the spikes still slow down, and quite well. These tests were carried out by independent experts from Finland, they can be trusted. Velcro, on the other hand, have different results. So, the braking distance ranged from 33.1 m to 41.1 m. The “toothy” tires showed from 35.3 to 38 m. Unexpectedly, because it was believed that the spikes would lose on wet asphalt. We can say that Velcro lost, but not all, but only a part. For example, Bridgestone Velcro tires performed worse than cheap models from Kama.
On dry pavement, frictions, of course, were the winners, but they did not win too much over spikes. According to the results of the Finnish study, it is difficult to say which is better on asphalt. Modern studded models are in no way inferior to Velcro.
On ice and on snow
Let's look at the same Finnish test of Velcro tires, but in the worst winter conditions. Perhaps urban asphalt tires will show unexpected results?
According to the data of one of the most authoritative automotive publications - Autoreview, friction tires performed excellently on snowy surfaces. The car was accelerated to 50 km / h. So, Velcro showed a result from 7.7 to 9.5 s, while tires with spikes accelerated from 8.7 to 10.5 s. The difference is clearly visible.
On a road with winding turns, the “asphalt tires” slightly hurt the “toothy” brothers for a few seconds. And again the question: winter tires are studded or Velcro?
Our roads rarely delight motorists with rolled snow. A more frequent case is a thick porridge of snow with water. Here friction clutches significantly benefit in the stability of movement. Even the best, most expensive and top-rated studded model loses traction already at a speed of 21.2 km/h. This is lower than the worst Velcro tires. What is it if not a gain in favor of friction? The numbers show that cheap Velcro only loses traction at 22.6 km/h.
Therefore, if you drive in such mud more often, this is your choice, otherwise you will have to slow down. Also, spikes in the described conditions lead to drifts, loss of control and accidents.
On ice, the opposite is true. Here metal "teeth" are eternal leaders. For a complete stop at a speed of 25 km / h, a “toothed” tire needs 13 m. For Velcro, it took from 13.2 to 14.8 m. Only Pirelli and Nokian models won the Velcro test in this category.
By the way, if you want to see the results between the “Arctic” and “European” models, then we note that the representative of tires for a milder climate, Dmack Winter Safe, was able to stop only after 16.2 m.
On an icy winding road
With such races, you have to gain a higher speed. During the test, the safety performance of tires was checked. On spikes, the testers overcame the ice circle in 25.8-29.8 seconds. Velcro - for 34.3-38.3 s. The worst studded model on a twisty track showed 88 s. And winter Velcro tires managed only in 96 seconds. This once again proves that friction rubber is much weaker on ice and loses to “toothy” representatives in everything.
As for the noise level, Velcro is on top here. Therefore, if you mostly drive on city roads and do not like excessive noise, this is definitely your choice.
In theory
Why do drivers make mistakes in their judgments about winter tires? On a hard road surface with a studded tire, everything is clear. It is believed that this rubber clings to the asphalt with spikes. But in fact, they are recessed inside. So, the contact patch of two representatives of this camp is the same. Moreover, the “toothy” tread is more solid. That's why on asphalt, studded tires easily outperformed friction models.
But something was overlooked in the tests. The test on ice was carried out in frost from fourteen to seventeen degrees, on asphalt the thermometer readings rose above zero.
Spiked Metamorphoses
In severe Russian frosts, such a wheel noticeably changes its behavior. Very hard ice pushes the stud into the tire tread. It's the same as without spikes at all. In addition, the rubber becomes very hard in the cold, which also significantly worsens the grip parameters. This is true both on ice and on asphalt.
So, in a strong crackling frost, winter Velcro tires are the best in all respects. The behavior of the car with them is more reliable and predictable, and therefore safer. Even in Siberia, people choose friction models. It is also correct when Velcro is purchased for a city where most of the streets are regularly cleared of snow.
Of course, this solution is not suitable for ice. This is weakness for friction tires. Even the top-rated Velcro tires of the 2013-2014 season are only slightly catching up with the “toothy” classics. But again, it all depends on the type of road surface. For the city, winter Velcro tires are the best at the moment.
TOP 5 best Velcro
The experts who conducted the tests selected five models from different manufacturers.
- The first place was taken by the X-ice model from the legendary manufacturer Michelin (France).
- In second place is Nokian Happelita R2.
- The third place was taken by the Blizzak WS70 model from the Japanese brand "Bridgestone".
- Pirelli Ice Control are in fourth place.
- ContiVicing Contact from the global manufacturer "Continental" complete this rating.
Velcro tires "Dunlop"
For some reason, there were no products from this manufacturer in the rating. And very in vain. For example, the model of 2013 - "SP Winter Sport 4D" - is produced using innovative technologies. The manufacturer "Dunlop" tried to maximize safety, as well as significantly improve the information content of this rubber. With this tire, drivers can feel confident in any conditions and in any frost.
Tests were carried out, as a result of which independent experts noted excellent handling, an incredibly short braking distance, and excellent lateral stability of the car. Among the disadvantages are high rolling resistance and high noise level in the car. Experts recommend these Velcro splints. What is it a good choice for the Russian winter, there is no doubt.
So, we found out which car tires are best in certain conditions. The choice is yours!
Studded rubber or Velcro? What is better for Russian winter? Why do some motorists drive only on spikes, while others buy only Velcro? Which tires are the right ones for the city, and which are the right ones for the country primer? How does the weather influence the choice of winter tires? And is there a universal option for all occasions? Read about all this in the article.
So, friends, winter is coming and therefore today we will talk about choosing winter tires. Namely - about what is better for the harsh Russian winter: studded tires or the so-called Velcro.
The main thing in winter driving is the good handling of the car and its high cross-country ability. That is, ideally, the car should not experience problems either on icy asphalt or in uncleaned yards.
I am sure that among you there are both those who consider spikes to be the only right solution for our winter, and those who do not see any sense in them at all in urban conditions. Have any of you made a choice based on personal experience, someone trusted the opinion of friends or relatives.
Are you satisfied with the selected rubber? Have you regretted your purchase? After all, new tires are not cheap, and it is very disappointing if they do not justify hopes, do not cope with the tasks set.
So, in the article we will figure out how studded rubber differs from Velcro, what is the fundamental difference, and what kind of rubber is still better in winter.
Spike: purpose and features
The appearance of studded tires at one time was a huge breakthrough in the automotive business. And for motorists - a real salvation. We were given the opportunity to storm the icy slopes, not being afraid to move back, and feel confident even on the most slippery winter road.
In fact, a spike is just a strong metal rod that is built into the body of the tire to cling to the road surface and minimize slipping in ice. The removal of liquid and snow from under the wheel is the task of the tread pattern, and the spikes are needed precisely in order to literally bite into the ice.
By the way, metal is not the only material used in the manufacture of spikes. Sometimes ceramics are also used, but ceramic spikes are not so common due to the high cost.
When driving on a snowy road, studded tires provide a shorter braking distance, improve the car's cross-country ability, and reduce the risk of skidding. The car goes better on ice, even if it is covered with a layer of loose snow. Velcro car in such conditions will simply burrow. If the road is thawed, again, without thorns in any way.
But in big city the situation is fundamentally changing. When there is clean asphalt under the wheels, the spikes lose their effectiveness, the braking distance increases by 20-30%. Let's say from 70 to 90 kilometers. In contact with such a dense coating, the spikes wear out quickly and fall out. And if the asphalt is also wet, the spiked car becomes less manageable. In addition, spikes add noise to the car and increase fuel consumption.
Separately, I want to say about the frost. When the ambient temperature reaches minus 30–40 degrees, the ice density increases to such an extent that no spikes are able to push through it. A car on a spike in these conditions is little controllable. Usually in such a situation, drivers try to drive as carefully as possible. And if in 40-degree frost you have to overcome snow drifts (under which there is strong ice), experienced motorists take chains out of the trunk.
"Smart" spikes
There is no limit to perfection, so manufacturers are working hard to improve the quality of winter tires. At different times Continental companies and Nokian were developing "hiding" spikes so that, on command from the dashboard, you could quickly retract or release the "claws". This one would be almost perfect option for urban roads that are not always cleaned on time.
There are even test samples. Cars on these tires were tested in Finland. But in practice, such ultra-modern winter wheels turned out to be either too expensive (45–70% more expensive than the market price) or imperfect in terms of design (the spikes deformed and fell out, the guide bushings became clogged and corroded).
Today best option- Tires with recessed studs. This works on the difference in road surface densities. The density of rubber under the stud is such that the rod digs into the ice, but at the same time goes deep into the tire, in contact with bare asphalt.
This helps improve the traction of the studded tires on clean pavement and at the same time reduce the wear rate of the studs. back side medals: such rubber is sensitive to wear. Every millimeter of profile height is important here.
Velcro: purpose and features
When choosing what to buy for the winter, many city dwellers stop at Velcro (the official term is friction tires). It shows excellent performance on asphalt in almost any winter temperature.
The secret of Velcro is in the combination of materials. So that in winter the rubber does not become dull in the cold and does not float in the thaw, an interesting chemical composition was created, in which molecular bonds, depending on temperature conditions, break and restore themselves on their own.
Thus, Velcro is quite soft, but at the same time hard tires. The inner layer remains hard, providing the wheels with rigidity and optimal handling. And the outer layer of the tread is softer so that it can give better traction.
Without this soft layer, Velcro's braking distance would be 55-65% longer, and the very name "Velcro" would no longer make sense. It means that while driving, the tread practically sticks to the roadway. Excess liquid from the contact patch is drained through the grooves, and the sipes help the wheels to cling to the snow.
In general, Velcro shows itself much better than studded rubber on cleared asphalt roads. On wet highways, Velcro stopping distance increases, but for experienced drivers this is not a problem. On a rolled snow primer, the difference between these types of tires is almost imperceptible.
But in ice Velcro is just a disaster. The car loses traction, the wheels slip, the car “wears” and wraps. In order not to get into an accident, in such weather it is better not to drive at all.
Which is better: studded rubber or Velcro. comparison table
Studded rubber or Velcro? What is better to choose for the winter? It is impossible to give a definite answer, because it all depends on the conditions in which you plan to use the car, as well as on your driving style. In the meantime, see the comparison table of these two types of tires:
| Studded tires | Velcro | |
|---|---|---|
Advantages | Short stopping distance on ice. A quick set of speed on an icy section of the road. Good cross-country ability in snowdrifts. Better lateral stability in turns. | All season. Larger contact patch with the roadway. Noiselessness. Non-aggressive to the road surface. Fuel economy. |
disadvantages | Reduced car handling on wet roads. Reduced efficiency on clean asphalt. Noisiness Increase in fuel consumption. Asphalt destruction. Loss of spikes. | Unsuitability in ice. Less deep tread. Powerlessness before deep snow. |
Spikes against roads
Please note: in the table in the shortcomings, the destruction of asphalt is mentioned. We all know that studding slowly spoils the road, but as a rule, we don’t care about this.
Actually, why should we think about roads, which are often practically non-existent?! This is likely to be the case until normal roads appear everywhere in Russia. In the meantime, we are forced to kill our car (for which, by the way, we paid a lot of money), overcoming failures, bumps and the notorious consequences of patching, we will not give up spikes just because they harm the asphalt.
In Europe, this factor is taken very seriously. In many countries, the use of studded tires is completely prohibited and punishable by a huge fine. So if suddenly in the winter you are going to private car(with a spike) to visit Europe, check if you are violating local laws by doing so.
What to choose?
What to choose? Which rubber will show itself best in winter: studded or Velcro? Focusing on the theory, and on the reviews, we can say that to each his own.
If you live in a region where winters are cold, long and snowy, studded tires are more suitable for you. If you have little snow in winter and there is often slush on the roads, buy Velcro.
If you have winter “and this way and that”, that is, it’s frost below minus 30, then a sharp thaw and a snowstorm, then you need to think ... If it’s easy for you to leave your car at home on ice and go to work by bus, take Velcro. If it is fundamentally important for you to drive your own car in any weather, put spikes. But then on bare or wet asphalt, try to drive more carefully.
Likewise, if you live in a big city where the expensive ones are cleaned regularly and you rarely hit country roads, Velcro is your option. Conversely, if your locality utilities are not accustomed to work conscientiously, or you constantly travel out of town - it is obvious that spikes will be better for you for the winter.
Personal example: Even 2 years ago, I drove only on studded tires, because the roads in my city were cleaned terribly, there was a lot of snow, and ice was not uncommon. But last year, we changed the service company, and the new company decided to return to the old way of dealing with snow - to the abundant sprinkling of the entire city with salt. The result is a wet, dirty mess under the wheels even at minus 20, white stains on shoes that cannot be removed, and a complete mess on the bottom of the car. And now in my city for the winter it is better to buy Velcro, not spikes.
Comparison of tires by braking distance
very interesting to evaluate different types and brands of winter tires in comparison. Depending on what interests you, you can immediately see what would be better for your particular case for the winter: studded rubber or Velcro. Look: the two diagrams show the braking distance of 12 different tires. In the first diagram, braking occurs on snow, on the second - on ice.
Stopping distance on snow (35-5 km/h, with ABS), meters As you can see, the Nokian 8 and Vichelin XIN2 studded tires are the clear leaders. Please note that non-studded tires of the same brands are much better in performance than studded tires from other companies.
Stopping distance on ice (25-5 km/h), meters And now, especially for you, I have compiled a pivot table. It shows how the braking distance of a car on studded tires or Velcro varies depending on the conditions. For comparison, I took the most popular tire brands among car owners: 2 of them are studded tires (marked with the “Sh” icon) and 3 are friction models.
| Tire brand | Braking distance, meters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50–5 km/h on ice at -20 | 50–5 km/h on ice at -1 | 80–5 km/h on wet pavement | 80–5 km/h on dry pavement | 50–5 km/h on snow | |
| Continental ContiWinterViking 2 (W) | 34,6 | 28,4 | 35,3 | 35,4 | 26 |
| Michelin X-lce North (W) | 40,1 | 37,7 | 36,7 | 34,7 | 25,4 |
| Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60 | 31,5 | 83 | 45,3 | 31,92 | 28,3 |
| Nokian Hakka R | 32,2 | 77,1 | 39 | 29,81 | 28 |
| Michelin X-lce 2 | 30,3 | 86,7 | 37,2 | 32,6 | 28,3 |
The information is more than visual, and draw your own conclusions.
I hope all this information will help you decide on the choice of winter tires! Good luck!
With the approach of the cold season, the agenda of the car owner includes winter tires. It is necessary to choose the right tires not only among numerous models and manufacturers, but also taking into account the efficiency and individual conditions.
Features of the use of studded tires in winter
Any automotive expert will tell you that the comparison itself - spikes or Velcro - is incorrect. According to the principle of operation, these are wheels of two different systems. The additional protruding elements built into the body of the tire have proven themselves well on roads covered with rolled snow or with a dense ice crust.
Not infrequently, another situation arises during the winter. Due to a sudden thaw or after the active introduction of reagents, snow porridge is observed on the asphalt or there is a layer of melt water at all.
Different conditions allow you to reveal the pros and cons of studded tires. In offset studded wheels say the following indicators:
- The main disadvantage of studded tires is their increased noise. As soon as the car leaves on clean asphalt, obsessive noise haunts you all the time. In addition, there are other disadvantages:
deceleration efficiency. This indicator is especially noticeable on the ice cover. In case of exceeding the height of the spike by 0.1 mm from the standard, an additional reduction is up to 3% per share.
Accelerating dynamics. The figure improves with a better coefficient of grip on ice.
Limitation of efficiency by temperature. It is noted that at a web temperature of less than -20 °C, a sharp decrease in adhesion properties is noted.
Wet or clean asphalt. The studs protruding like a layer prevent effective braking and normal grip of the tire on the road.
Do not forget that studded tires are forbidden to be used in the warm season, while this rule does not apply to winter wheels. In addition, studded tires have a limited resource and will not last 4-5 seasons.
Features of Scandinavian type tires in winter
As you know, road reagents are practically not used in Scandinavian countries. On a cleared road with snow cover, other ways of ensuring the adhesion of the wheel to the road are required. To answer the question what better spikes or Velcro, you need an understanding of the principle of the protector. In the process of movement, individual blocks not only push through the snow flooring, but also increase the contact patch when expanding.
Additionally, Velcro rubber has the following advantages:
High softness and elasticity due to the use of natural rubber. Properties are maintained in a high temperature range.
Low rolling resistance. Thanks to this indicator, Velcro tires show excellent fuel efficiency even on snowy roads.
Noise level. When driving on a snowy flooring, only the crunch of snowflakes in the cold will annoy.
Taking into account the use of natural rubber, it is not necessary to use a new tire in the summer and on clean asphalt. Emergency braking and unjustified acceleration lead to accelerated tread wear. And when the pattern height approaches a critical value of 4 mm, the protruding elements cannot effectively push through the snow crust - the advantages of Velcro are lost.
What is better spikes or Velcro - what tests say
Taking into account the above features, in resolving the dispute, which is better in winter, spikes or Velcro, the main thing is still braking efficiency. Winter tire specialists note that more equal conditions for the two types of tires are frost at the level of “-15 ° C”.
WATCH VIDEO
In other conditions, the layout is as follows:
In warmer weather, studded wheels will be effective. Rough ice will help save some efficiency for the "Scandinavians".
As the temperature drops, Velcro winter tires will perform better. True, even in frost under the rays of the sun, a thin layer of water will play against Velcro.
Winter ice road test results
For comparison, which is better - Velcro or spikes, we will reflect the results of two tires from the same manufacturer. Studded Michlen X-Ice North tires against the Michelin X-Ice 2 model. Here are the results of braking from speeds from 50 to 5 km/h at different temperatures:
- Frost -19 °C. The braking distance is 30.3 m for Velcro versus 40.1 m for a studded tire.
- Temperature -13 °С. Stopping distance: 33.2 m and 37.7 m respectively.
- Light frost -5 °C. Indicators: 56.5 m and 33.2 m, respectively.
Thaw -1 °С. Indicator: 86.7 and 33.7 meters.
WATCH VIDEO
As you can see, Velcro winter tires are simply not safe to use on wet ice. At the same time, the spikes definitely lose on ice during frost.
How tires behave on dry pavement
Driving on clean, dry asphalt in winter is rare, and therefore it is not often found that a certain type of rubber is superior. However, they say that Velcro rubber is the best way for clean coverage.
Taking into account the design on dry pavement, one should expect a slight decrease in the handling of studded tires, an increase in the braking distance.
results tire tests demonstrate the following performance in different disciplines for two tire classes:
Braking from 80 km/h to a stop. The braking distance for the "linden" is from 33.1 m to 41.1 m, and for the "spike" - from 35.3 m to 38.7 m.
When performing the “rearrangement” exercise, the spread also turns out to be close: 62.4-60.0 km/h for studded tires, 63.7-59.7 km/h for Velcro.
As can be seen, the results are not absolutely contrasting. In practice, the best Velcro winter tires will outperform a studded tire. But the best studded samples outperform budget rubber models. scandinavian type.
WATCH VIDEO
TOP-5 modern Scandinavian tires
Given the variety of models, it is difficult to single out a leader among Scandinavian-type tires. It is more convenient to name individual models in different categories and choose Velcro for the winter, taking into account your own preferences:
The best rating. Continental tire Conti Viking Contact with an index of 6, in addition to excellent performance on snow, has good lateral grip and braking performance on ice. The price for a sample for a dimension of 16 inches will not exceed 6 thousand rubles.
We take into account reviews. Model Dunlop SP Winter Maxx has no significant drawbacks, and is recognized great option for every day for urban conditions. Among the advantages - low noise, efficiency, predictable behavior in any weather. The price for a 16-inch wheel is about 6 thousand rubles.
Famous brand. Tire Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2. Has some complaints about the behavior on the pavement. The price exceeds 7.3 thousand rubles. for 16 inches.
For those who have all-wheel drive
As you know, cars all-wheel drive more docile in a normal cycle, but unpredictable in critical situations. Here it is better to use tires with balanced properties.
In the category of alternative we will assign the model Pirelli Ice zero. Has balanced properties, and only in the indicator roll stability on ice slightly inferior to rivals. The price is also average - about 5.2 thousand for a dimension 16 (in inches).
TOP 5 modern studded tires
WATCH VIDEO
Among the studded models there are also leaders in their categories:
Positive reviews. The Pirelli Winter Ice Zero model has a non-studded sister. Inferior to other models only on snow. The price is almost the same as the non-studded version.
In terms of price / quality ratio. The Gislaved Nord Frost 200 handles slightly worse on snowy roads. The price is from 4.5 (for a dimension of 16 ") thousand rubles, it has an option for crossovers with a reinforced sidewall.
For cars with rear wheel drive
As you know, cars rear wheel drive most of all "suffer" in winter. As a reliable alternative, one can consider the model Nokian Nordman 7. The model has good lateral lugs. The price will not exceed 4 thousand rubles. For 16" wheels.
What conditions are thorns or linden suitable for?
Regardless of the qualities of the wheel, the choice should be made taking into account the conditions for the predominant operation of the car. If the car is used more often in the urban cycle, then the best Velcro for the winter will gain an advantage here.
Long kilometers on a suburban snow-covered highway will be better studded tires. The wheel seems to pull on icy asphalt, and directional stability will be on top.
When starting to use a winter wheel, remember that a minimum of 500 km break-in is required first. After that, the wheel will demonstrate its best qualities.
When choosing winter tires often the question arises: "Which is better, rubber - Velcro or studded tires?". You can make a choice by studying the advantages and disadvantages of both types of tires.
friction tire
The name "Velcro" is a kind of marketing ploy, as friction tires are called. For many motorists, the term "friction", meaning friction, is unfamiliar, puzzling, and the designation "Velcro" is associated with tires that differ in their properties from ordinary winter tires. Therefore, Velcro tires are bought much more readily than friction tires, while both concepts imply the same type of tires.
Velcro differs from winter studded tires in the composition of the rubber mixture, as well as in the pattern of the tread layer. The composition of the rubber used for the manufacture of this type of tire has sufficient softness and elasticity to achieve good traction. At the same time, the tire is characterized by moderate stiffness, which allows maintaining excellent controllability of the machine while driving on a snowy surface. Such tires provide safe driving on a wet road surface and high grip when driving on a road covered with a layer of snow. The tread pattern of tires - Velcro - has a large number of grooves that allow squeezing out moisture and various contaminants, such as dust, from the contact patch of the tire with the road. The removal of excess water contributes to an increase in the effect of sticking tires to the road surface.
When buying winter tires, you can pick up studded tires or rubber - Velcro. Tires equipped with spikes are made from a special rubber compound that can withstand very low temperatures outside the car. These tires are quite rigid, they are designed for driving on country roads, off-road, provide high directional stability of the car, even when performing various turns on ice. And also contribute to a good cross-country ability of the car while driving on a snowy or icy road surface. Such indicators are achieved due to the special composition of rubber and the presence of spikes protruding 0.6 mm above the tread layer of the product.
Comparison of friction and studded tires
Tire - Velcro and studded tires, respectively To determine which tires are better, you can compare their main characteristics:
- Driving on a wet paved road. In winter, clean and dry asphalt is rare, mostly you have to drive on slightly wet asphalt, covered with a slurry of snow and dust. In such conditions, tires with spikes lose to rubber - Velcro. The second type of rubber provides good grip and quick braking of the car due to the timely displacement of water from the contact patch of the wheels with the road surface.
- Driving on dry pavement is difficult for both types of winter tires: tires quickly overheat and begin to wear out. And in the case of spikes, the spikes break out of the attachment points, while they can damage the road surface.
- Driving on a snowy road. The results of comparing tires in such conditions are rather ambiguous. Testing in most cases is carried out on packed snow, which is rare in real conditions. In practice, the road in winter is often covered with an admixture of snow, dirt, dust, chemicals used to reduce snow cover. On such a mixture, rubber - "Velcro" shows excellent results, slightly superior to studded tires. At the same time, spikes perform better on packed snow than Velcro.
- Driving on an icy road. When comparing the speed of braking, it turned out that a car equipped with Velcro brakes much more slowly than a car “shod” in rubber with spikes. If the asphalt is covered with a crust of ice, then studded tires will definitely provide better controllability of the car. "Velcro" in such conditions becomes less effective: during the entry into a turn, the friction tires provide poorer controllability and stability of the car, while a complete loss of control over the vehicle is possible.
- Noise. When using tires equipped with spikes, there is a certain noise. And the friction tires ensure a quiet ride, even when driving. vehicle at high speed.
Based on the foregoing, studded tires should be used in severe winters with a lot of precipitation, and friction tires should be used in mild winters with moderate precipitation. The first type of rubber is suitable for off-road driving, and the second is better to use in urban conditions.
Advantages and disadvantages
Tires with spikes What type of winter tires is better to use, you can unambiguously decide by specifying the advantages and disadvantages of studded and friction tires.
Advantages of rubber - Velcro:
- Good grip and directional stability on wet paved surfaces.
- No noise.
- Lamellas do not harm the road surface.
- When visiting one of the European countries by your own car, it may turn out that only lamellas are allowed on the territory of the country and the use of spikes is unacceptable.
- At negative temperatures, these tires have sufficient elasticity to ensure driving comfort and safety.
- Help reduce consumption fuel mixture, fuel consumption is slightly less than with studded tires, but more than with summer tires.
- No steering vibration.
- The operating period is longer than that of tires with spikes.
Disadvantages of friction tires:
- Bad grip with ice or icy surfaces.
- Great stopping distance on ice.
- Passability on snow is lower than that of studded products.
Advantages of studded tires:
- Good grip on ice and snow.
- Rapid braking on an icy surface or on ice.
- Excellent flotation in deep snow.
- The handling and directional stability of the car when driving on packed snow is much better than that of Velcro.
Spike Disadvantages:
- Spikes increase the noise of products: driving comfort is reduced.
- Studded tires can damage dry asphalt surfaces.
- They are characterized by higher fuel consumption than friction tires.
- Less operational period than the opponent.
- The presence of slight steering vibration due to the high tread layer and spikes.
- The spikes can wear out and fly out.
- At too high sub-zero temperatures (more than 20 0 C), the grip of tires with ice decreases, the spike scratches the ice, but cannot break through it. In this case, the stability and controllability of the car are reduced.
Conclusion
It is worth taking spikes or it is better to use rubber - Velcro depends on the operating conditions of the car. If you live in a city where there is very little snow in winter (it is poured with special reagents, cleaned intensively), then it is better to use Velcro, it will provide a comfortable and safe driving and also last much longer than studded tires.
In rural areas or frequent driving on country roads, where snow is practically not removed, ice forms, you need to give preference to spikes. It will ensure the stability of the car when driving on an icy surface or rolled snow, guarantees good cross-country ability of the car. Studded tires are irreplaceable in the conditions of country roads.
When traveling abroad in your own car, check whether it is permissible to use spikes on the territory of the country you are interested in. In many European countries, the use of spikes is unacceptable due to the possibility of destruction of the road surface.
Russia is a country with a huge territory. Each region has its own climatic conditions. Somewhere they stand very coldy, it is snowing heavily. And somewhere the sun is shining, a stable positive temperature. In each region, the motorist has to decide which better rubber install on the car so that the ride is comfortable and safe.
The main problem is related to winter tires. Literally 10 years ago, it was solved quite simply. A “snowball” was put on the car, which ensured a free ride on a snow-covered icy road. Everything has changed today. Many manufacturers have appeared, producing a variety of rubber using special technology.
Along with the usual studded tires, non-studded winter tires also appeared. Since not every car owner is able to figure out which wheels are better, Velcro or classic spikes, and why, it is worth taking a closer look at the features of both types.
Studded tires
In most regions of Russia, studded tires are installed on cars. But the spikes are not the same. They differ in design and material of manufacture. Standard steel spikes fit snugly into the tire, protruding 1.3 millimeters above the surface.
Such a protrusion allows the rubber to catch on the icy road surface. The machine acquires additional stability. True, you can’t drive on asphalt on such wheels - about 15% of all spikes are lost during the ride. In this case, if you plan to travel on "combined" roads, the installation of Velcro will be more correct.
friction tires
This is winter tires that have undergone modernization. The improvement affected the tread relief. He acquired a complex pattern. Deep lamellas appeared on the surface of the tire. This pattern makes it possible to divert water from the point of contact with the road. The tire seems to stick to the road surface. For this property, the rubber was nicknamed "Velcro".
Velcro benefits
The wheels are made from rubber that doesn't go "oaky" in cold weather. Due to its softness, the braking distance is significantly reduced. When driving with Velcro in winter at a speed of 80 km / h, the braking distance reaches 70 meters. At summer tires this parameter exceeds 110 meters.
Velcro wear after driving on an asphalt road is no more than that of ordinary summer wheels.
The original shape of the tread makes it easier to drive the car in winter, when the car is driving on a snowy road or asphalt cleared of snow.
Tires do not create additional noise.
disadvantages
Braking efficiency at pure ice much worse than studded tires. However, due to the softness, the machine stops very quickly.
If the air temperature does not drop below minus 10 degrees, Velcro completely loses to spikes.
What tires are better to drive in Russia?
Winter tires that do not have studs are divided into two groups:
- European (Alpine).
- Scandinavian (Nordic).
The latter is considered an alternative replacement for studded tires, which provides a more comfortable ride. But in damp, rainy weather, you can’t ride on such a Velcro, the car starts to float. These tires are perfect for icy road or deep snow.
European tires without studs are designed for driving in slush. If the car gets into loose snow, driving becomes more difficult. It starts to slip, the braking distance becomes large.
Classic studded tires are distinguished by their versatility. They provide a stable position of the car on an icy road. If they are properly exploited, then the shortcomings of such tires become invisible.
Of course, Velcro differs from them in greater comfort. However, they are only good to use on a clean road. They don't do well on icy surfaces. Grip with such a roadway is minimal.
Each driver himself determines which tire to use. You can ride on spikes, you can put Velcro. It all depends on the preferences of the driver and operating conditions.