by The tire is considered “winter” if it meets the specifications necessary for safe driving in winter. This means that it should effectively work on snowy or icy roads and withstand low temperatures. These characteristics are confirmed by the corresponding marking on the tire sidewall, near the size, for example, tires 205 55 r16 M+S and 3PMSF. The tread has special grooves or sipes that are clearly marked, providing optimal grip. Winter tires have advantages in inclement weather: improved braking distance and softer rubber, which helps to ensure better road contact and reduce energy consumption. Why do you need winter tires? First of all, it’s a safety issue. Winter tires are recommended for safety reasons much more than all-season tires. Better braking and road grip create conditions for safe winter driving. And the use of winter tires is recommended from December to March. The second advantage is road comfort. Winter tires provide ideal performance, allowing you to drive quietly and confidently even on sharp turns or snowy roads. The third reason is premature wear of summer tires. Summer tire rubber is not designed for low temperatures, and it wears out faster in winter. Leaving them on your car, you risk rapid wear and the threat of accidents. And if you don’t use winter tires, it can lead to loss of grip and stability on the road, leading to increased fuel consumption. Switching to winter tires is an economic choice that will help you save your budget and ensure safety. What standards should you follow when choosing winter tires? You probably already know about the “M+S” marking, but do you know what it means? Usually, these letters come from the English language and translate as “mud + snow.” It is important to note that tires with this designation are not necessarily winter tires. Oddly enough, you can also find M+S on some summer tires. So how do you determine that tires are truly intended for winter? To make this determination, the tire must undergo testing in conditions typical of a frosty winter. If it meets all the requirements, the tire sidewall is marked with 3PMSF (Three Peaks Mountain Snow Flake), depicting a snowflake on three mountain peaks. In this case, we can talk about genuine winter tires. As for the installation of the number of tires, many people believe that it is enough to have only two winter tires 215 65 r16. Unfortunately, this is not as effective as using four. Although installing two tires is a decent option, it is better to consider it a temporary measure rather than a full alternative. However, it is strongly recommended to use four winter tires to ensure better performance and safety on the road. Regarding studded tires, they are specially designed to cope with winter conditions. For safety reasons, drivers using this type of tire should not exceed 90 km/h. Where is the best place to buy winter tires? To buy Most manufacturers offer winter tires, such well-known brands as Goodyear, Pirelli or Bridgestone have a large assortment for this season. To carefully select winter tires, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with tests and comparisons. As for prices, it is best to compare them and read consumer reviews. Don’t wait for sales, visit the comparative resource Tiregom to find the best prices on winter tires throughout the year.
