Russians prefer studded winter tires
The Nizhnekamsk tire complex Kama Tyres has summed up the sales of passenger tires on the secondary market for the first nine months of 2024 and reported that studded tires were in the greatest demand.
"Traditionally, Russian car owners prefer studded tires for equipping their passenger cars, SUVs, and crossovers. This trend does not lose its relevance from year to year. And among the most popular ones are models with sizes 175/70 R13, 185/65 R15, and 175/65 R14," noted Timur Sharipov, Executive Director of Kama Trading House.
The most in-demand winter tires from Kama Tyres were the following models:
Viatti Brina Nordico. A passenger tire designed to provide a high level of safety in any winter conditions, from deep frost to unexpected thaw. The frictional central zone is combined with studs along the edges of the tread, ensuring reliable traction in any weather, while the increased softness of the rubber compound and lamellas densely arranged across the entire width of the protector improve performance on ice and rolled snow, and the pattern has been optimized, including to increase wear resistance and reduce noise. Additionally, the beveled sidewalls of the blocks in the central zone increase resistance to slash-planning, i.e., the tire effectively cuts through the layer of slush and pushes it out of the contact patch. Available sizes range from 175/70 R13 to 255/45 R18. This season, the next-generation model - Viatti Nordico 2 - is entering the market.
Kama Alga. Another passenger tire equipped with anti-skid studs and numerous lamellas that enhance traction on slippery surfaces. The production uses frost-resistant rubber compounds and carefully selected reinforcing materials that increase safety, while the wavy transverse channels improve traction on ice and snow and accelerate self-cleaning of the tread, and the wide central groove also accelerates the removal of water and slush from the support zone. In addition, the variable pitch of the tread and the optimized arrangement of the studs helped reduce the noise level. The tires are produced in sizes ranging from 175/70 R13 to 195/65 R15.
Viatti Bosco Nordico. A tire for crossovers and SUVs that, according to the manufacturer, can adapt to road surfaces, absorbing shocks and allowing confident passage of turns at high speeds. In the outer zone of the tread, a row of reinforced studs is located, improving handling, while the central rib of rigidity increases directional stability and ensures even wear. Sizes range from 205/75 R15 to 285/60 R18.
