Buy winter tires

It's time to buy winter tires if you haven't already done so.
The choice of winter tires is the most important stage of preparing your car for the winter season. Properly selected tires provide not only driving comfort but also safety on winter roads. Let's consider the key points to consider when choosing winter tires.

Studded or non-studded tires?
The first thing to think about when choosing winter tires is the choice between studded and non-studded models. Both options have their advantages depending on the operating conditions.

Studded tires are best suited for icy and snowy roads. The anti-skid studs provide additional traction on ice, and the tread pattern has wider longitudinal grooves, which ensures confident passing in both deep and compacted snow.

Non-studded (friction) tires are effective on fresh and wet snow, as well as on wet asphalt. These tires are more versatile for urban conditions, where roads are often cleared of snow and treated with reagents.

Is a large number of studs really important?
For almost 10 years, there has been Scandinavian regulation of the number of studs, or rather, restrictions on the impact of studded tires on road conditions and the environment. Surprisingly, this regulation has led to the opposite effect. Manufacturers have learned to comply with new restrictions and increase the number of studs. As expected, the more studs, the better the traction on ice. But surprisingly, at the same time, traction on dry asphalt has significantly improved. For example, the Michelin X-Ice North 4 tire with a record number of studs on the market and its non-studded counterpart, the Michelin X-Ice Snow, can be cited. Testing by Test World magazine showed that studded tires outperformed non-studded tires in almost all tests. However, it is essential to note that studded tires are less comfortable and significantly noisier, which the test does not show.
 

Tire size
Be sure to pay attention to the recommendations of your vehicle's manufacturer. Often, it is recommended to change the size for the winter period, especially if you have tires of different widths. Deviation from the recommended sizes can negatively affect handling and tire wear.

Tire softness
Winter tires are made from softer rubber compounds, which allows them to maintain elasticity at low temperatures. Pay attention to the temperature range specified by the manufacturer. Some tires may lose their properties at extremely low temperatures, while others are better suited for a milder winter with frequent thaws. As a rule, such conditions apply to all-season tires, which are not recommended for use in harsh winter conditions.

Choosing winter tires requires a careful approach. Consider the climate conditions, the type of roads you drive on most often, and the technical characteristics of your vehicle. Properly selected winter tires will not only improve driving comfort but also provide maximum safety on winter roads.