Tire manufacturers are the best at understanding the importance of their products in terms of safety, so they are constantly improving them. For tires, new mixtures are being developed, the shape and material of the stud, the methods of its fastening, the tread pattern are changing, which improve the characteristics of the car. In some situations, studded tires show the best result, in some - non-studded tires (they are also called "Velcro" because of the principle of the tire). Let's try to figure it out in which situation what works best.

But first, some of the features of studded tires and Velcro. In addition to, in fact, the presence of a spike in the first type of tires, there is a more rigid block in which it is installed so that it holds better and does not fall into the depths, and a multi-layer tread. Non-studded tires have a much softer rubber compound (which is why such tires wear out much faster in summer), and the tread is replete with many grooves and sipes to drain the snow slurry and the thinnest layer of water formed when the tire contacts the ice from friction.

Influence of temperature

When creating tires, manufacturers are guided by average negative temperatures from 0 to -20 ° C. In this range, on ice, tires with spikes behave better, which "bite" into the ice and hold the car. If the temperature is lower, then the ice becomes harder and acquires the properties of concrete - spikes from hooks turn into skates, and Velcro shows the best results here. But, for example, in a situation of low temperature and sun, the upper layer of ice becomes warmer and the velcro does not have time to drain water from the contact patch, losing to the thorns. For areas where winters are mild and temperatures rarely drop below freezing, Velcro is more suitable.

Surface properties

The rougher the surface, the easier it is for the Velcro to cling to bumps and the better the result compared to studded tires. This applies to broken ice, asphalt and dense snow. But as soon as the surface is covered with ice, tires with spikes feel better on it. On virgin snow, the shape of the tread plays an important role, regardless of the presence or absence of studs. Large blocks begin to act as lugs and allow the car to make its way to its intended target.

Driving style

Several parameters can be included here. The first is where the car most often drives: if outside the city, it is better to use spikes, because ice can be found anywhere. If in a city where the streets are cleaned to asphalt, then you can use Velcro. Another plus for using Velcro in cities is the active use of reagents that negatively affect the lifespan of thorns. The second is management skills: it is better for beginners to be confident in any situation and to put spikes, drivers with experience better understand critical situations and react to them better - Velcro is suitable for them. And the third is driving style: when driving aggressively, it is important to be sure that the car behaves the way the driver wants, so the studded tire will be more reliable.

Acoustic comfort

One of the biggest disadvantages of studded tires is the constant noise while driving. Velcro is noticeably quieter and softer.

Life time

The advantages of a studded tire come to naught when studs fall out, which happens in a couple of seasons. After the tire has nothing to cling to with, it, due to the design features, becomes noticeably worse than Velcro. The same retains its properties until the tread is completely worn out.

Finally, you need to pay attention to the fact that these characteristics belong to the average tire, but there are tires with outstanding results both in the direction of improvement and in the direction of deterioration - even within the same brand. When choosing a specific model, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the characteristics that the manufacturer gives, and with the results of tire tests, which are periodically carried out by major automotive publications and safety institutes.

After the article, it turned out that most of the owners still ride on studded tires (although the preponderance is not so great, depending on the vote). But this rubber really has a big disadvantage, which manifests itself over time - the spikes can fly out! Almost all of them flew out on the rubber of a neighbor in the yard, and his tires were from a good company DUNLOP, and the tread had not yet worn off. You can try to insert. But the question is - is it possible to ride without studs? Will rubber cling to snow and ice? Is it safe and what does the law tell us? Let's figure it out ...

Actually the question is rhetorical, as I think - if the spikes from the winter tires flew out, then the tire needs to be replaced! Ideally, this is real, many of you and I pay little attention to this, continuing to ride on such a bald tire and in vain, because performance is deteriorating simply at times.

How does studded rubber work?

At the very beginning, I would like to remember how studded tires work. She has only three tasks:

• Snow passability
• Ice grip (mainly acceleration, braking)
• Also leave controllability on snow porridge and water (thaw)

However, for me personally, there are only two main tasks - cross-country ability on snow, handling on ice.

Perhaps I'll start with the snow cover - to be honest, here the spikes do not work at all, a high tread is important here, it is he who works in the snow - literally "digs", thereby clinging and moving.

But the thorns work on the ice surface - this is their main purpose. Up to - 18, - 20 degrees, they pierce the ice, and thus the wheel EFFECTIVELY hooks onto the road. But after - 20 degrees, the efficiency drops, because the ice becomes very strong, but the tire still "scratches" the ice cover and the car continues to move and brake effectively.

But during a thaw, studded rubber is not as effective, all because on the surface of the tire there are special squares or rectangles (places for studs). In a thaw, they cannot effectively catch on the road surface. That is why many say that "spike" is like "rolling" on skates, and the braking distance increases.

What happens when the spikes fly out?

No thorns, winter rubber is like a "jaw without teeth", like it can chew, but not all! What I want to say. Of course, there are sipes on a winter studded tire, that is, they help to grip on ice, but they are not as effective as Velcro. Let me remind you that it is much softer, it has a friction layer on top, and the number of lamellas exceeds studding at times.

It turns out that if a spike loses its steel elements, then on ice it is practically useless. It becomes similar in characteristics to, by the way, and the number of lamellas they have is very similar. Adhesion properties literally fall at times. However, in snow and during thaw, the characteristics remain practically unchanged.

That is, the surface spike is needed for the ice. To improve traction and braking properties.

But they are lost precisely on asphalt and other dense surfaces.

How many spikes are the norm?

However, for many, not all thorns fly out. Let's say - half flew out, and half remained! What to do then? And how much is considered the norm?

On average, there are about 60 elements on a tire, sometimes a little more or a little less. The critical indicator is 50%, that is, if half of it flew out (or wasted off), then it is no longer recommended to ride. Such a tire goes to the secondary axle, the leading one must be equipped with normal tires.

If about 30% have flown out, then it is still possible to ride, and quite effectively. I will say this from 10 to 40% - tolerable. That is, if there are 60 elements (40% flew out, that's 24 pieces), there are 36 left - this is ACCEPTABLE.

But if the indicator is 70 - 90% (as a rule, no one waits for 100%, they simply change it), this is already very dangerous. You will not be able to move on the ice, and the braking distance will increase significantly. DON'T RUN UNIVERSE!

About the law

The law has not yet been adopted, there are rather "heated" disputes. This is because they want to introduce into the law not only a ban on worn-out winter tires, but also a ban on the use of summer tires in winter! For the middle lane, this seems to be nonsense, WE ARE ALMOST EVERYTHING OVERWEARING, but for the southern regions this is very important, all because their winter temperatures are often in the plus zone.

In general, the law has not yet been adopted, but the readings have already passed, and I think this is a matter of several weeks. If they accept, then in winter it will not be possible to ride in summer, but in summer, on the contrary, in winter. Wear will also be taken into account, if all the elements have flown out on a winter tire, then it will be trivially ordered to change, nevertheless, this is safety.

To summarize - WITHOUT SPINS, DO NOT RIDE ON WINTER SPINKED RUBBER!

• The braking distance is increased, up to five times
• It's almost impossible to get under way on the ice
• Can lead to a skid or corny to pull into a ditch

Therefore, it is better to change tires. I would like to note, as in the case of my neighbor, if the tread is still good, try to restore the tires, install repair spikes. THIS IS A REAL OUTPUT.

For the domestic driver, the beginning of the winter season is associated not only with the first snow, the onset of cold weather, but also with turmoil. All this is due to the need to prepare the vehicle for use in the winter. Special weather conditions make you think and choose which is better: “spikes” or “Velcro”?

Currently, there are the following types of winter tires.

1. Studded. It is used when driving on snow and ice surfaces, demonstrating the minimum braking distance. However, vehicle handling while driving on asphalt may vary. All models are characterized by high noise levels.
2. Non-studded Scandinavian type... Designed for driving in snowy weather. Although it is less noisy, the lack of studs does not guarantee perfect handling on asphalt surfaces, which translates into longer braking distances.
3. Non-studded Central European type. It is used during mild winters and at low temperatures. It is not particularly suitable for icy surfaces, and also has an average result on a snowy road. It shows itself well on the asphalt.

Basic requirements of the law

Many drivers, especially those who do not have enough driving experience, often forget or do not have time to start changing seasonal tires on their vehicle. As a result, a motorist can be stopped by a traffic police officer, as well as get into an accident, where he is found guilty, due to violation of the rules for operating the vehicle, in the event of an insured event.

Until 2015, the legislation of the Russian Federation did not provide for penalties for driving on winter tires in summer and other seasons. According to the updated regulations, a new regulation was introduced, according to which it is forbidden to use summer tires during the winter months.

For car owners with tires marked with the M + S index (all-season), the main thing is to ensure that the residual tread depth is not less than 4 mm. Otherwise, a fine is stipulated - 500 rubles.

Characteristics of winter tires

When buying winter tires, vehicle owners have to take into account many more factors than when purchasing summer tires. First of all, you need to take into account the operating conditions of the car. Every car owner knows that there is no universal set of tires that would fit under any weather conditions. However, with the help of many tests, you can identify their strengths and weaknesses.

Taking into account the results of such studies, the consumer can decide which option is most suitable for his case. Those wishing to acquire winter tires should study the characteristics of products presented in the table, which have the appropriate marking.

You can find more detailed information on how to make a car in the material of our specialist.

Most modern manufacturers use the TWI (Tread Wear Indiration) marking. It serves as a tread wear indicator. A similar inscription on the wheel can also be in the form of an arrow, which indicates the minimum allowable depth.

The main characteristic of tires of this type can be considered the speed index, which is associated with the softness of the tire rubber: the lower its value, the softer the tire rubber is, and the wheels with such tires will have a higher grip coefficient on the winter road. But these tires will wear out faster on a hard surface.

Benefits of studded tires

Winter studded tires provide the desired grip when driving in snowy conditions. The tread of such tires should have a characteristic pattern, which will ensure the removal of the snow mass from the contact zone. Such products are distinguished by high adhesion characteristics due to the addition of a specific component to the rubber compound. This allows you to maintain the desired properties even at very low temperatures.

The advantages of studded tires include:

• excellent grip on ice and snow;
• good handling on slippery and snowy roads;
• short braking distance compared to other types of tires;
• confident maneuvering on slippery roads (cornering).

The disadvantages of these tires include an increased noise level while driving and increased fuel consumption.

Improving grip performance leads to a decrease in vehicle handling on dry surfaces.

Best Studded Tires

Studded winter tires are designed for use in harsh conditions with ice and snow. All this is quite relevant for our road, both in large cities and beyond. Many car owners in cities prefer not to tempt fate, but to be reinsured. For this purpose, they choose the "spike". Consider the most popular models of winter tires from this category according to Swedish experts.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9

Optimally balanced parameters allowed to achieve the best-in-class performance for dry surfaces and for snowy road surfaces. The products have proven themselves well in any other application and are distinguished by the fact that they lead to a reduction in fuel consumption. Among the disadvantages, only the increased noise level can be noted.

Continental IceContact 2

Having become the test leader from Finnish specialists, the tires of the German manufacturer are distinguished by a long service life and excellent handling both on the street and on a snowy road.

Hankook Winter i * Pike RS + W419D

South Korean products are notable for their low prices. Despite this, the rubber showed excellent directional stability, as well as the stability of performance on all road surfaces.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic

Differs in optimal dynamic characteristics for most driving situations. The decrease in stability when changing the road surface, as well as high noise at low speed prevented us from reaching the top three in the presented test.

Pirelli ice zero

Experts agreed that the rubber has a relatively weak grip for driving on snow and ice. Despite this, the model closes the top five, which is due to the brilliant performance of test drives on wet and dry roads. By purchasing such tires, motorists will notice a significant reduction in fuel consumption and a minimum level of noise in all cases.

Michelin X-Ice North 3

The product of a French company, manufactured in the Russian Federation. Distinctive features of use are predictable behavior of the vehicle, stable and safe reaction to changing conditions on the road. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the rubber from this manufacturer differs in a small number of spikes, which led to poor performance on ice.

Studding of tires

Currently, there are four types of spikes:

• Round... The simplest and cheapest type of studs found on most winter tires. The only advantage of such spikes is their low cost. The main disadvantage is the low degree of adhesion to the icy road surface.
• Oval... A more advanced type of stud that provides a larger contact area between the tire and the road surface, thus increasing traction and reducing the possibility of sliding. In addition, tires with such studs have a lower noise level than tires with round studs. Accordingly, the price tag for such rubber will be higher.
• Quadrangular. Exclusive studs designed by Nokian. These cleats have edges and sharp edges that cut into the ice for superior traction. The fastening of such studs is very reliable, which will allow you to use the tires for many seasons. Of course, you will have to pay a lot for quality.
• Hexagonal (diamond). These cleats are equipped with even more edges than the quadrangular ones, so they provide even better traction. The disadvantages of these spikes include the rapid abrasion of the edges and the highest price.

Most of the cleats are single flanged with one retaining element and different body shapes. There are also double-flanged pins, which are less common, but are characterized by high resistance to falling out. Such studs are equipped with an additional flange that better holds the element in the tire.

Characteristics of studless tires (velcro)

Frictional (non-studded) winter models, which are called "Velcro", are gradually gaining popularity among car owners in large cities of the country.

In many European countries, they are considered to be the only possible winter tire option. This is due to the fact that thorns are prohibited by law there. According to experts, on dry and wet asphalt, the characteristics of the presented models significantly exceed studded tires.

Advantages of non-studded tires (velcro)

Non-studded tires have the following advantages compared to studded tires:

• lack of noise when driving;
• lower fuel consumption;
• better handling on wet asphalt;
• longer service life.

But in spite of these advantages, "Velcro" are significantly inferior to their studded "brothers" in the handling of the car on snow and ice.

TOP 5 non-studded tires

ESA Tecar Super Grip 9

The tested tires have pleasantly surprised many car enthusiasts with good performance for any surface. The product also featured reduced fuel consumption and balanced travel. A good advantage can be the cost, which is significantly lower than the products of well-known brands.

Hankook Winter i`cept RS2 W452

South Korean velcro has shown contradictory results. However, among their advantages are low price and stability of indicators. Despite this, many experts agreed that the characteristics of the rubber are not sufficient to safely ride on wet snow or ice.

Fulda Kristall Control HP 2

Goodyear's Fulda brand has also shown rather controversial results. The rubber showed excellent performance on snow and ice. However, the test results were unsatisfactory for both wet and dry asphalt.

Hankook Winter i * cept evo2 W320

The rubber produced in Hungary is a strong "average". Despite the fact that the result of maneuvers on wet asphalt leaves much to be desired, for dry and snowy road surfaces, the characteristics are quite acceptable.

conclusions

The use of winter tires for the vehicle plays an important role. It is these tires that will provide decent grip on the road surface. Even in snowy weather with icy asphalt, this will help to hold the vehicle well, increasing its handling. The car owner can only choose which tires suit him better: studded or non-studded. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, but, in general terms, we can say the following: if in winter you only drive on city roads that are well-cleared of snow, Velcro will definitely suit you, but if in doubt, choose a good studded rubber. which will not fail in any situation.

(9 estimates, average: 4,67 out of 5)

Life is moving inexorably forward. Winter is ahead, 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 traffic only. Is it true? We learn from the article.

Winter velcro tires - what is it?

This is the name of friction rubber. She's not very popular when compared to studded models. However, the popularity of Velcro is growing every year. For those who travel a lot around the city, this rubber is perfect. Manufacturers think so.

This is a non-studded tire. It differs from an ordinary studless tire in its special rubber composition. So, the tire perfectly adapts to a wide variety of temperature extremes. These friction tires are distinguished by a special tread pattern, and they are also softer.

The tread pattern here differs in depth and number of sipes. The special composition allows for much better water absorption 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 thorns for winter, today the situation is changing. According to 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 car, on which there is Velcro rubber, it will drive much more confidently than on spikes. In the first case, the braking distance and driving noise are reduced. On ice, the Velcro is only slightly inferior to the studded tire. On a snow-covered surface, the spikes practically do not function, and since all the 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. The characteristics are rather all-season. European tires perform well in light frost. For those who live to the north, Scandinavian models are best suited.

Scandinavian tire: choosing the right one

In order not to fall for a deception when choosing which winter Velcro tires to buy, you need to remember a few nuances. So, experts in the sale of rubber write that this is the choice for mild winters. Such tires are distinguished by a huge number of small sipes, the composition of the rubber is softer, and it itself is more angular. "Europeans" are rounder and firmer. They can also be distinguished by So, for European latitudes, they create faster models with markings H and V, while northern models are designed for lower speeds.

Clean asphalt

For our country, only “Arctic” models are relevant. Let's see how good Velcro tires are, what kind of product they are, and why they are a better choice on asphalt. We will not go into theoretical research, but will begin to immediately consider the results.

The asphalt test is considered the weak point of studded tires. It is believed that they slow down poorly 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 has different results. Thus, the braking distance ranged from 33.1 m to 41.1 m. "Toothed" tires showed from 35.3 to 38 m. Unexpectedly, 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 Kama models.

On dry asphalt, the friction clutches, of course, were among the winners, but they did not win too much over the spikes. It's hard to tell which is better on asphalt from a Finnish study. Modern studded models are in no way inferior to Velcro.

On ice and snow

Let's take a look at the same Finnish velcro tire test, but in the worst winter conditions. Perhaps urban asphalt tires will show unexpected results?

As the data of one of the most authoritative automobile publications - "Autoreview" show, friction tires showed themselves excellently on a snow surface. The car was accelerated to 50 km / h. So, Velcro showed the 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 the road with winding bends, the "asphalt rubber" slightly hit the "toothy" brothers for a few seconds. And again the question: winter tires are spikes or Velcro?

Our roads rarely delight motorists with packed snow. A more common case is a thick porridge of snow with water. Here the friction clutches significantly benefit from driving stability. Even the best, most expensive and rated studded model loses grip as early as 21.2 km / h. This is lower than the worst Velcro tires. What is this if not a win in favor of frictional ones? The numbers show that the cheap Velcro only loses grip at 22.6 km / h.

Therefore, if you often ride in such mud, 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.

The opposite is true on ice. Here metal "teeth" are the eternal leaders. For a complete stop at a speed of 25 km / h, a "toothy" tire requires 13 m. For velcro, it took from 13.2 to 14.8 m. Only models from Pirelli and Nokian won the velcro tire test in this nomination.

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 these races, you have to pick up a higher speed. During the test, the safety performance of the tires was verified. The testers covered the ice circle on thorns in 25.8-29.8 seconds. Velcro - in 34.3-38.3 s. The worst studded model on a twisty track clocked 88 seconds. And winter velcro tires coped only in 96 seconds. This proves once again that on ice friction rubber is much weaker and loses in everything to "toothy" representatives.

As for the noise level, the Velcro is great here. Therefore, if you mostly drive on city roads and do not like excessive noise, this is definitely your choice.

In theory

Why are drivers wrong about winter tires? On hard pavement 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 for two representatives of this camp is the same. Moreover, the protector of the "toothy" is harder. This is why, on asphalt, studded tires easily outperform the friction models.

But something was overlooked during the trials. The test on ice was carried out in a frost from fourteen to seventeen degrees, on the asphalt the thermometer readings rose above zero.

Spiked Metamorphosis

In severe Russian frosts, such a wheel noticeably changes its behavior. The very hard ice deeply sinks the stud into the tire tread. It's the same as without thorns 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 severe, crackling frost, winter Velcro tires are the best in all respects. The behavior of the car with them is more reliable and predictable, which means it is safe. Even in Siberia, people choose friction models. It is also correct when Velcro is purchased for the city, where most of the streets are regularly cleared of snow.

Of course, such a solution will not work for icy conditions. This is a weak point for friction tires. Even the top-rated Velcro tires of the 2013-2014 season only slightly catch 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 Michelin manufacturer (France).
• In second place is Nokian Happelita R2.
• The third place was taken by the Blizzak WS70 from the Japanese brand "Bridgestone".
• Pirelli Ice Control are in fourth place.
• ContiVicing Contact from the world manufacturer Continental round off this rating.

Velcro tires "Dunlop"

For some reason, the rating did not include the products of this manufacturer. And in vain. For example, the 2013 model - "SP Winter Sport 4D" - is produced using innovative technologies. The Dunlop manufacturer has 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, incredibly short braking distances, excellent lateral stability of the car. Among the disadvantages are high rolling resistance and high noise levels in the vehicle interior. Experts recommend these Velcro tires. There is no doubt that this is a good choice for the Russian winter.

So, we found out which car tires are best in certain conditions. The choice is yours!

Which tires are better suited for the Russian winter - studded or friction? Many Russian motorists have the opinion that spiked tires are irreplaceable on snow or ice cover, but dangerous on clean asphalt, but Velcro is necessary when you move mainly on city roads, cleared of snow. But both judgments are erroneous, which is proved by modern "rubber".

If everything is clear with studded tires, then an educational program on friction options will not be superfluous.

"Velcro" are divided into two types- "arctic" (aka Scandinavian ") and" European ". The former, in their characteristics, are focused on use in harsh winter conditions, and the latter are suitable for warm regions where the air temperature is kept in the near-zero zone.
Distinguishing between "European" and "Arctic" wheels is quite simple, you should know only a few rules:

• "Scandinavians" have many small slits, soft tread and angular edges,
• while the "Europeans" have a harder protector (even to the touch) and a more rounded shape.

More precisely, different types of "sticky" can be distinguished by the speed index - tires for warm regions are designated by the letters "H" and "V" (210 and 240 km / h, respectively), and the "severe" options are slower and are indexed "Q", " R "and" T "(160, 170 and 190 km / h).

“Arctic” tires are more common on Russian roads, so we will focus on them.

And the first question is how the “spikes” and “Velcro” behave when braking from a speed of 80 km / h on wet asphalt surfaces? And here, to the surprise of many motorists, spike and friction tires perform about the same: the spread of results is not too noticeable.

And when passing the exercise called "moose test" on dry asphalt, the results turned out to be similar: both "toothed" wheels and "Velcro" coped with it at a similar speed.

But when braking on a dry surface, the situation changes somewhat - friction tires spend much less distance to stop than “spikes”.

One conclusion can be made: modern studded tires are not much inferior to Velcro on asphalt, so it is impossible to say with certainty which of the categories of “rubber” is preferable on this surface.

But on snow tests, friction tires showed unexpectedly good results, ahead of their "toothy brothers". On the snow"Rubber" without spikes allows you to accelerate faster to a certain speed, and when passing a winding track - spend less time and feel much more confident.
But after all, rolled snow on the roads of Russian cities practically does not occur, but snow-water porridge(or "suga") is a regular! And on such a surface, Velcro behaves much more stable than spikes - they lose grip at higher speeds, which has a positive effect on traffic safety.

On ice, of course, the leadership of the studded rubber is obvious - the metal "teeth" bite into such a cover, providing confident braking. So in order to stop, for example, from a speed of 25 km / h, most of the "spikes" need an average of 13 meters, while the main part of the "stickies" falls far beyond this figure (and this is despite the "Arctic" specification, on On "European" wheels, the car slows down even longer).
Another demonstrative test is the passage of the icy track. And here again, without surprises, the advantage of tires with spikes became even more obvious - when overcoming the ice ring, and the winding road, they took much less time than friction "brothers". Yes, and safer "toothy" on the ice.

In terms of acoustic comfort"Rubber" without spikes, of course, literally "smashes" tires with metal "teeth" - so lovers of silence should still opt for the first option.

After a series of tests, a completely logical question arises - why are not only inexperienced, but also experienced drivers mistaken about winter tires? With "spikes" on the asphalt, everything is clear - there is such an opinion that they rest on the roadway not with a tread, but with spikes. But in reality, everything is completely different - under the weight of the car, the "teeth" are recessed into the tread, and all because of the peculiarities of the design of such "rubber". This means that the area of ​​contact with asphalt for studded and friction tires is practically the same. But the "toothed" options are usually made of harder rubber, which is why they performed better than "sticky" in some "asphalt procedures".

But one very interesting effect was missed during the tests, since they were carried out at rather sparing air temperature indicators. Everything is very simple - in severe frosts, when the thermometer drops below “-20 ° C”, the ice cover becomes very hard, which is why the metal “hooks” under the weight of the car go inside the tread, losing their functionality. In addition to this, the tough rubber of the tread hardens even more, which negatively affects traction.

From the above it follows that soft friction tires with a "big minus" are often preferable to studded options, and not only in words, but also in deeds - this was confirmed by tests. And for cities where snow and snowy-water mash dominate the roads during the winter period, Velcro is better suited.

But in settlements where the roads are more like a skating rink, studs are definitely indispensable, and no matter how hard tire manufacturers try, they cannot bring friction models to the level of classic "studs" in "ice" disciplines.
That is why many drivers, driving mainly on cleaned surfaces, choose exactly "toothed" wheels - this is something like additional insurance. But it should be remembered that the payment for such insurance is an increased fuel "appetite" and a low level of acoustic comfort.