Not only the fresh production date and tread pattern are important when choosing winter tires, but also other factors. This was stated by an expert from the "Cordiant" holding Oleg Markov. He shared advice on what to look for when buying winter tires.
According to the specialist, it is important to consider a number of technical and operational characteristics. Markov reminds that there are two main types of winter tires: studded and friction ("Velcro").
Studded tires are effective on bare ice and packed snow, but can create a higher noise level. While friction tires are better at handling changing conditions, diverting water and reacting to melting snow.
For a temperate climate, where the temperature is often close to zero and the roads are covered with snow slush, it is preferable to use friction tires. If, on the other hand, the region more often experiences stable stable frost and packed snow, studded tires are suitable.
When choosing winter tires, it is important to pay attention to the size and marking 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake), confirming their suitability for harsh weather conditions. The marking guarantees that the tire has passed the necessary tests for grip on snow. Unlike the M+S symbols, it confirms the real winter functionality of the tire.
The tread pattern determines how the tire will interact with various surfaces. A directional tread effectively removes water and slush, making it ideal for high-speed performance on wet surfaces. An asymmetric pattern is more versatile for urban conditions, as it is optimized for grip and resistance to aquaplaning.
Sipes, small grooves in the tread blocks, increase grip on ice and packed snow. The more sipes, the better the tires perform in difficult weather conditions.
Particular attention, the expert emphasizes, should be paid to the production date of winter tires, as over time the rubber loses its elasticity and grip properties. Ideally, the tires should have been manufactured no earlier than 1–3 years ago, and the maximum service life should not exceed 10 years. Before buying, you must visually check them for damage.
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