Is It Obligatory To Use Winter Studded Tires In The Cold Season?

2024 Author: Bailey Albertson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 12:53

5 dangerous statements about winter tires you shouldn't believe

All car enthusiasts are well aware that winter tires guarantee a problem-free and safe ride in the cold season. However, there is a lot of controversy about whether to spend money on studded tires and what their real effectiveness is. Let's look at five of the most common myths about winter tires.

Spikes will only help on thin ice

This is a very common myth. The thorns always work. On such rubber, the car behaves adequately both on snow and on ice. If the ice is covered with a small layer of water, the traction efficiency will be worse than usual, but the behavior of the car will be much more predictable, and therefore less dangerous.

Spikes blunt on the asphalt

On good tires, the rubber compound, treads and studs are matched to wear at the same time. And even if the car drives only on asphalt all winter, nothing will happen to the spikes. Another issue is the braking distance. With studded tires, it really does increase when the brake pedal is pressed hard.

Losing multiple spikes will cause imbalance

The branded spike weighs about a gram. Manufacturers of well-known brands during operation guarantee minimal loss of studs. Therefore, 2-3 spikes that have flown out will not lead to at least a minimal feeling of imbalance. This myth can only be true if the tire is covered with spikes of various sizes.

The imbalance is not due to normal driving on asphalt, but from aggressive driving with slippage or sharp turns, which provokes tire deformation.

Can be fitted with winter tires on one axle

The worst thing is when owners of front-wheel drive cars save on winter tires. It seems that the car is controlled, passable. The front wheels, "shod" in winter tires, provide normal start and braking. But on a slippery corner, the rear axle can slip into a skid. The car becomes uncontrollable. And it's good if you manage to align it and not hurt any of the traffic participants.

If thorns fall out, can be used in summer

For the manufacture of summer tires, materials with increased rigidity are used. When the temperature drops, this rubber hardens and becomes slippery. The composition of winter tires is soft and frost-resistant. This ensures good grip on the road surface. It is not a good idea to use winter tires in summer, because excessive softness reduces maneuverability, and because of the "Christmas trees" at high speed, steering can be lost on the road.

So, the use of winter tires in the cold season is a completely justified measure, which at the right time can save the driver from a serious accident.