The right choice of car wheels will allow you to move with comfort and safety. Rubber must strictly correspond to the season, road and temperature conditions. Incorrect use of wheels significantly increases the braking distance, the service life of the wheels, and the economy of movement. It is not surprising that manufacturers produce summer and winter tires, and today universal all-weather tires are becoming especially popular. It is worth figuring out how to distinguish winter tires from summer tires, and for this you need to study the main characteristics of the wheels.
Learning to distinguish
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Tires for the cold season are distinguished by a carved and deep tread pattern, which can look like a familiar herringbone or chaotic recesses. Lamellas or zigzag cuts on the tread are the virtues of winter tires. It is they, as well as checkers and deep grooves, that provide effective removal of snow and water, increase the coefficient of adhesion on the road. There are two main types of tread pattern for winter:
Scandinavian - the pattern is sparse, the checkers are staggered and look like rhombuses, there is a noticeably solid distance between the elements of the pattern;
European - the pattern is located diagonally, the network of channels is well developed, powerful lugs are located on the periphery of the tread, there are a large number of thin slots - lamellas on the surface.
In summer tires there are shallow tread grooves that are designed to remove water, the number of sipes is minimized. There is no micro-pattern in the wheels for summer.
Spikes are another criterion of seasonality. There are no summer studded tires, and winter studding should be chosen carefully. The studs are designed for driving on ice, providing good grip where other wheels slip. They should not be located in two rows on the sides of the tires - this will not shorten the braking distance at all, and the spikes themselves will fly out after several trips. High-quality studding suggests an asymmetric or snake-like arrangement of spikes.
touching
In addition, rubber for winter tires is softer and more elastic, it is visible to the naked eye for an experienced driver. This is easy to determine even by touch, since there is an order of magnitude more rubber in the rubber compound, which allows the tires not to freeze at low temperatures. Summer tires, on the contrary, are more elastic - there is less rubber in them, because in the heat soft tires “float” and do not hold the road. For safety reasons, summer tires are resistant to wear and high temperatures.
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During operation, winter tires warm up and therefore do not lose their elasticity and softness. On winter snowy or icy roads, this provides maximum grip, effectively shortening the braking distance. Summer tires cool down at speed, becoming more shaped and firm.
An important quality of rubber, which makes it possible to distinguish between summer and winter tires, is the maximum allowable speed. In winter, even on the highest quality roads, it is not recommended to drive faster than 140 km / h; summer tires are more democratic in this matter.
Reading
Despite everything, even a novice driver will be able to determine the seasonality of tires by special designations used by manufacturers. The letters M + S (mud and snow), as well as W (Winter - winter) guarantee comfortable driving in snow and mud, in some cases MS is the marking of all-season tires. Also, an image of the sun (for summer) and snowflakes (for winter wheels) is applied to the side surface of the wheels. It is important to know that there is no special letter designation for summer tires.
As a rule, the basis of safe driving is the use of tires that are fully suitable for the weather conditions. New cars are most often immediately sold with a mandatory set of demi-season or summer tires. But with the onset of cold weather, the operation of the car becomes unsafe. That is why it is very important to learn how to correctly distinguish summer tires from winter ones, because sometimes not only health, but also life can depend on your choice.
Definition
Winter tires- this is a seasonal variety of tires designed for high-quality grip with the road surface at an air temperature of no more than minus five degrees. There are two most common types of winter tires: studded and friction. The tread of winter tires is also of great importance.
Summer tires- this is a type of rubber with clearly defined longitudinal grooves to drain fluid from the contact patches of the tread with the road surface, as well as with weakly expressed transverse grooves and the complete absence of a micro-pattern. Among other things, they have a rounded smooth transition from the tread to the sidewalls.
Comparison
The main difference between winter and summer tires is the quality of the rubber alloy. Winter tires have better grip on the road surface, as well as provide good vehicle handling and shorten its braking distance. Winter tires have a very interesting property: they are able to warm up while driving at very low temperatures, while they become softer and more elastic. It is elasticity that provides excellent grip on the road.
Summer tires have the opposite qualities: even when driving fast and at high air temperatures, they cool down, becoming very hard and shaped. Thanks to this quality, summer tires are ideal for fast driving, but only on good roads. The difference between summer and winter tires is their shelf life. For example, summer tires are much more wear-resistant than winter tires. Therefore, it needs to be changed about three times more often.
One of the most important qualities of rubber is the maximum speed at which you can ride it. In this, winter tires are much inferior to summer tires. Even with very good road grip, it is not recommended to drive faster than 140 km/h in winter. When buying winter tires, you should be extremely careful, because traffic safety depends on their quality. Trust only proven brands that are constantly working to improve their products through numerous tests.
Differences in appearance
When it comes to the differences between summer and winter tires, first of all, they begin to pay attention to the differences in grip, to different chemical compositions of rubber. But practically no one mentions external signs of difference, and many inexperienced drivers even say that they do not exist.
Of course, it is rather problematic to immediately determine the external differences between summer and winter tires. However, this does not mean that they do not exist. Here are just the main signs of differences between tires in appearance:
Findings site
- Driving speed, on winter tires, it is much lower.
- Summer tires do not have a pronounced tread pattern or spikes, unlike winter tires.
- The alloy of winter tires is much softer and more elastic, which ensures excellent traction.
- Winter tires last longer than summer tires.
Many readers of my blog often ask me what is the difference between summer tires and winter tires, except for studs and tread. And why you can’t drive on winter tires in summer, and on summer tires in winter. I decided to reveal all these questions in the next article. For those interested, read on...
At first glance, it can be distinguished purely visually. The winter version has a rougher and deeper tread, as well as a completely different pattern, which, as a rule, does not look like a pattern on a summer model, it also has spikes for good grip on a winter road, for example, with ice (by the way, there are a lot of them now, read ). But the difference lies not only in the pattern and in the presence of spikes, here the guys are much more complicated.
Summer tires are made from a specific rubber compound that can withstand very high temperatures. Asphalt is quite hot in summer, and the wheels must withstand these temperatures during acceleration and braking. It should be noted that it is much tougher than winter. But as the temperature drops below zero, summer tires become completely inelastic, a car on such wheels can easily go into a skid. A simple example - put an ordinary eraser in the snow in the cold and leave it for two to three hours. Then take an eraser and try to bend it. The eraser will lose its elasticity and break easily. The same thing happens with the summer version in the cold, it becomes dull and wears out very quickly, and driving on such tires is simply not possible!
Remember! Summer tire - should be used to minus temperatures, that is, minus one, we immediately change it, even if there is no snow.
The winter version also has a certain composition. Only the direction here is completely different. Winter does not please us with warm days, almost always the thermometer is in the minus zone, sometimes even over -35 passes. And the task is to remain elastic in such frosts and provide maximum traction. The difference between winter tires and the opponent is in its softness, that is, it is much softer than summer tires. A high tread and are already struggling with snow and ice. Therefore, it looks much more massive, with a high tread. You just need something to cling to and dig the snow. However, it is absolutely not adapted to positive temperatures, and especially to rain. A car on spikes in puddles like a “cow on ice”, poorly controlled. Yes, and hot asphalt quickly wears out a soft winter tire. Try to heat the same eraser and run it over the asphalt, it will leave a trace of small pieces of rubber, when heated, it collapses very quickly. Approximately the same thing happens with the tire, its soft base literally melts in the heat, with hot asphalt.
Remember! This type must be used up to the plus mark. If the snow has melted and it is already plus one at night, then it is better to change it.
Sometimes it may seem, especially when driving on asphalt, that winter tires are much harder than summer tires, but this is not so. The hum that occurs when the car is moving is caused by spikes and high tread, not stiffness.
Now the guys have a very useful comparative video, though in English, but you can catch the main points, look.
That's all, I tried to be as accessible as possible, explain about the differences, I hope you liked it
How to choose the right winter tires
To change or not to change tires - the question is no longer relevant. Perhaps, today the emphasis should be on how to choose the right tires, especially for the winter season.
The fact is that the choice of winter tires is a very difficult matter, since, alas, there is no universal option. So drivers have to, deftly maneuvering between options, choose what is needed, based on several factors at once.
Initially, it is worth taking into account the activity and the average operating conditions of the car. For example, a wonderful studded tire with a rough tread pattern will be ideal for a region where the weather is usually dry in winter and the road surface is densely packed ice.
But such tires make an order of magnitude more noise, not suitable for beginners who try to drive more than 130 km / h, as well as for regions where snow porridge prevails on the roads - the spikes will not be able to provide sufficient grip and the safety of the machine will decrease. And since most of our roads are just like that, it's worth talking about winter non-studded tires.
Non-studded tires - features of choice
Winter tires of this kind are divided into two types. Manufacturers of such products supply to the world market:
European tires;
Scandinavian tires.
The choice between these two types is due to the fact that each option will be optimal in its weather conditions. Consider the rubber of each type in more detail.
European tires. Appointment. Ensuring the most effective grip of the tire with the road surface in bad weather conditions (rain, sleet).
Description. At its core, rubber is somewhat similar to ordinary anti-rain. It has a diagonal tread pattern with a large number of drainage channels, which, when connected, form a developed network together. You can also distinguish European-type rubber by the presence of thin slots (lamellas) and large lugs located along the edge of the tread.
Moreover, the ability of rubber to provide greater grip directly depends directly on the length of the slots. The higher this indicator, the longer each tread edge, with the help of which the tire literally “clings” to the road surface when the car is moving. At the same time, the same porridge gets into the slots, and the tire then contacts directly with the roadway.
Scandinavian tyres. Appointment. Ensuring optimal grip on icy
road and pavement with snow crust.
Description. It has a less developed pattern network, which is dominated not by slots, but by special figures that have a rectangular or diamond shape and alternate in a checkerboard pattern. These figures are located not too often, due to which the tread during the movement of the car easily breaks through the top layer of ice or snow crust, and then it is cleaned. Thanks to this pattern, the car is ideal for trips on rugged terrain.
Marking is everything!
Each tire is marked by the manufacturer. According to this marking, one can judge the qualities that rubber possesses. Let's start with something like this:
It looks like four digits on the sidewall of the tire (the first two digits are the week number of the year, the second two are the year itself);
Wear resistance. This parameter is called "Treadwear" and is calculated in units. Standard wear resistance - 100 units. They are usually enough for 48,000 km. mileage (for the season);
It is designated by the letters of the English alphabet - from N (140 km / h) to ZR (above 240 km / h). For those who are interested in driving speed and such an indicator as low wear, it is best to take tires marked "S";
Load indicator. At its core, it means how much weight is on each wheel. According to experts, this index should be within 30 - 35 percent of the curb weight of the car;
Tire type. For winter tires, the marking must be “M + S” (Mud + Snow) and / or “Winter”, which means “mud and snow” and / or “winter”. You should not take tires labeled "All season" - "All-weather" or "All weather" - "All-weather", since some tire manufacturers produce similar products for regions with a hot type of climate, where in winter the temperature drops only to zero and no more;
Certification. The letter "E" means compliance with the requirements of the European Union, and "DOT" - the requirements of the United States. Sometimes on some models both of these markings are present.
Additionally, indicators such as wet grip (from A to G), fuel efficiency (from A to G), as well as acoustic comfort (1 bar - optimal level, 3 bars - poor) are marked. It is also worth recalling that professional off-road and racing tires are not marked, as are welded, studded and some other types. This should be taken into account when buying.
So, let's sum up. We offer you a step-by-step educational program that will help beginners:
1. We determine which type of tires would be preferable for the car to be “on the go” (European or Scandinavian);
2. We decide on the manufacturer (branded ones (such as Michelin, Pirelli, Bridgestone); strong mid-range ones (for example, Firestone, Kleber, Toyo, etc.); cheap ones (Rosava, etc.);
3. We determine the specification, for which we study the size and type of tires acceptable for each specific car model. This information can be found in the service book. Knowing them, it is worth buying tires exclusively of the size specified in the service documentation. They provide the safest mode of operation of the machine;
4. We choose a reliable dealer who will not sell fake tires under the guise of branded ones;
5. We inspect the tires, while it is advisable to conduct a couple of practical tests. Of course, no one will allow you to put new tires on your car, but you can bring an ordinary textile work glove with you. It can be drawn in the direction of the tread pattern and if the glove glides normally, then the grip will be good;
6. We feel the tires to determine their softness. If the tires are soft and bend well under the fingers, then such tires will not harden and will perform their function well;
7. When buying, we look at the expiration date of the tire, it should not be more than 2 years (3- and 4-year-old tires may no longer have the same qualities). The date of manufacture of the tire can be found on the side of the wheel (four digits);
8. We look at the marking and ask the dealer for a certificate of conformity, which proves that this particular type of tire is suitable for operation on the territory of our state.
And the last thing to note is that you need to change tires on all wheels at once and you should not delay it so as not to risk costs and danger to your own life at the time of an accident, the likelihood of which is greatly increased due to poor adhesion of summer tires to winter roads. So as soon as the weather starts to deteriorate, and the air temperature drops to plus 7, you can safely go to the service station and change tires. Good luck!
Tires are somewhat like shoes - it's not for nothing that we put on a pair of boots for a December walk in the forest, and in the other we go to a seaside resort during the holidays. Each pair of shoes should perform different tasks and bring us real benefit and comfort. Just as it's easy to tell the difference between boots and sandals, it's also easy to tell the difference between winter and summer tires. This also applies to the visual aspect, but, above all, it is reflected in the specific parameters of the tires, which are transferred to the characteristics of the car, our comfort and safety.
Summer tires and winter tires
Tires are designed to work in certain conditions, both in terms of the weather and the vehicles they are homologated with. One product is designed for city cars and another one for sports or commercial vehicles. However, what is important is that each tire must provide the driver with safety, as it is the only element that connects the car to the road. For this reason, differences in seasonal patterns can be seen in three areas:
- applied mixture
- tread pattern
- performance.
Rubber compound for tires
The compositions of the compounds used in summer and winter tires are different because they must operate at different temperatures. Therefore, manufacturers use components such as synthetic and natural rubbers, carbon black, silica or resins and oils in various proportions, thus obtaining rubber with certain properties. Summer tires, which are supposed to be when the thermometer starts to show at least 7 ℃ most often, should work both in early spring and in the heat, when the asphalt is very hot. It is quite hard and should not soften at the highest temperatures. Winter models are definitely more flexible, so even at low temperatures they do their job. Summer tires will harden in winter, which will significantly impair their adhesion. The car will slide like a skier on a slope, not fully responsive to the steering wheel. In contrast, colder ones at higher temperatures will be consumed much faster - which is uneconomical and at the same time not environmentally friendly.
Tread
Although we cannot judge the composition of the mixture with our eyes, the appearance of the tread tells us a lot. Its appearance determines a number of parameters - from grip on different surfaces, to tire volume and rolling resistance.
Summer tires are designed to run best on dry surfaces and provide the most traction when the road is covered in water. In order for the tires to do this, the summer tread is the smoothest tread available. It is divided into large blocks, thanks to which most of the surface is in contact with the ground. The ribs share wide grooves that are responsible for removing water from the front of the tire, which reduces the risk of skidding caused by hydroplaning.
As is typical for winter tires, the tread is deeper and the pattern is more complex. You can notice numerous cuts and cuts, which, although they look inconspicuous, are indispensable in difficult conditions. They are responsible for the ejection of water, snow and mud, which makes driving easier and the braking distance becomes as short as possible.
How to recognize winter tires?
The tread pattern says a lot about the purpose of the tires. We must not forget that the tread depth is also very important. The smaller it is, the worse it works, especially when it comes to removing water and other impurities. It is recommended to replace winter tires when the tread reaches four millimeters, and summer models - three millimeters.
Where does this difference come from? Tread depth is much more important for maintaining safe performance in winter conditions than when driving on dry surfaces. The winter tire bites into the snow, causing the car to stick to the road covered with snow or ice. If the tread is flat, bald, the level of adhesion drops sharply.
Winter tire marking and summer tire marking
To recognize the season, the easiest way is to find winter markings for tires m + s (mud and snow) and 3PMSF. It should be noted that not every m + s tire is winter. This abbreviation is only a manufacturer's declaration regarding the proposed performance. You can find this designation among others on tires for the US market, where the requirements and standards are slightly different from those in Europe. M+S is also a common designation for all season tires. The 3PMSF sign, depicted as a snowflake against the background of three peaks, is a clear indication of the purpose of the model. A tire with this marking has been created taking into account the winter conditions that we can meet in Europe. It will work both during a capricious winter and during a trip to the mountains (although it is always worth having chains with you during such a trip).
The symbol of three peaks with a snowflake is typical for winter tires. Marking of all-season tires may differ depending on the manufacturer.
The designation of winter and multi-season tires is often reflected in the names of individual models. Manufacturers suggest using tires by placing names such as "Winter", "Alpin", "MS" or "4Season" and "All Weather".
All-season models are designed to provide a safe ride, no matter the conditions, without the need to replace them with seasonal tires. The universal solution is usually chosen by drivers who prefer a relaxed driving style and move mainly in the city and for short distances.
How to distinguish winter tires from summer tires?
Without even looking at the tread or looking for markings, an experienced driver recognizes which tire he is riding on. Poorly matched rubber, the car does not adhere well to the surface. The braking distance increases and you can notice the deterioration of the steering. Driving comfort is also reduced. Differences in tire wear rate and rolling resistance, which translates into fuel consumption. The most important thing is to drive on safe tires, that is, to adapt to the conditions prevailing on the road.
