Sharp evening and night temperature drops from “plus” to “minus” make drivers rather choose the right answer for themselves when figuring out what is better in winter: sticky tape or spikes. The result is based on several factors, among which decisive are the region of use, driving experience, vehicle class, as well as the driving style of the vehicle.

Most European countries at the legislative level do not allow the use of studded rubber. However, these states are located in milder climatic conditions, which allows them to use stingrays during near-zero temperatures. So, today we take a closer look at which winter tires are better: spikes or velcro.

Content

• 1 What are the "Velcro"
• 2 What is studded tires
• 3 Comparative rubber characteristics
  • 3.1 Positive qualities
  • 3.2 Negative qualities

What are the "Velcro"

Experiments with a fully universal tire have not yet led to success, so the appearance of constantly emerging new versions of highly specialized tires. Even a simple division into "winter" and "summer" has become insufficient. Winter shared on the "spike" and "Velcro". Next, the "sticky" is divided into "Arctic" (Scandinavian) and "European". The last two types found their fans in different weather belts.

The main parameter, making a comparison of stickies and spikes, is the ability to stop as quickly as possible. This is controlled by the braking distance. Soft rubber behaves almost ideally on cleared asphalt pavement at sub-zero temperatures. In such ideal greenhouse conditions, the use of Scandinavian type skates will be most effective.

Similar reference conditions for a car are rarely found in reality. Although the roads of modern megacities, in contrast to provincial settlements, can often be found without snow. Therefore, such tires will be more appropriate for cold regions with a dry climate.

Often there are borderline temperature regimes in which porridge of melted snow, water, mud and reagents forms on the road. In this case, too soft rubber may not be suitable. European quality velcro will show its qualities in a more favorable light.

See also: What is wheel ripping and how to recognize it

What is studded tires

The braking of a car with tires fitted with spikes is carried out thanks to these metal or plastic inclusions in the surface of the slope. The shape of such hooks for asphalt is different, from rounded to multi-faceted. The design helps on a completely ice surface and on the road with a crust of ice crust.

Using studded rubber on ice

The difference between the wheels of this type is usually in the number of spikes. In the Scandinavian countries, where care about the road surface, it is prohibited to use ramps with more than 50 units per square meter square For a standard sixteen-inch wheel, you get about a hundred spikes on one tire.

Making the choice of winter tires: spikes or velcro, it is worth mentioning exchange rate stability. For slippery coating, it is higher in toothy rubber. This type of wheels will demonstrate positive characteristics for residents of the suburbs or country houses. In this case, it will be necessary to perform a greater number of maneuvers than when driving along the long streets of megalopolises. Keep a higher average speed with spikes get better. Also in the drifts on the corners the car will go much less often.

Weak result "spike" shows on pure asphalt. In this case, the braking distance becomes greater, so cars with such slopes should be changed after the winter earlier than others.

Using Velcro on snow

Moving around the city on such tires, you need to warn others about it. Triangular sign with the letter "W" inside will tell you that the distance must be kept a little more than usual. Also at the speed can fly out of a used rubber separate, loosely fixed spikes.

Comparative rubber characteristics

We define the advantages and disadvantages for each type of tire. Of these characteristics, each driver can independently make a choice in favor of the most suitable slopes for his conditions.

Velcro or spikes?

Positive traits

Studded tires feel cozier on the icy road. With such coverage, the car starts more easily at traffic lights, gently enters the turn and stops faster. "Velcro" prefers to rely on the road surface through a layer of snow. Due to its elasticity, it maximizes the contact patch when in contact with asphalt. The softness of the material is not reduced even with a significant decrease in temperature. These slopes are well managed on the road with a relatively small snow cover.

See also: How to paint your own wheels

Negative qualities

On velcro pavement cleaned from ice and snow, a low-frequency hum forms. In this case, there is an intense wear rubber on the hard surface. Strong ice increases the stopping distance of friction rubber.

Shipovka produces poor performance on wet surfaces at near-zero temperatures. In a snowy place, the spikes will also not be able to pull the car out of a snowdrift, as soft winter tires will do.

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