Winter tires “velcro” or studs: what is better, pros and cons, reviews

With the onset of cold weather, car owners think about rewiring their vehicle from summer rubber to winter tires. Manufacturers offer winter tires, studded and with a sticky coating. Both types provide good traction on snow, but have some differences, which we'll talk about below. Before choosing tires, you need to consider the weather conditions of your region: the average temperature, the annual amount of precipitation. Also important is the place of use: village, city, highway with a good surface, etc. After that, you can choose the right model in the tire store.

Advantages and disadvantages of studded rubber

This is a popular type of winter rubber, with which, probably, every motorist is familiar. It is characterized by the presence of studs on the entire surface, due to which the braking distance of the vehicle is reduced. Such tires are usually distinguished by the tread pattern. It can be directional and well drain water, quickly self-cleaning. There is an asymmetric tread, when on the inner side is applied a fine pattern, and on the outer large. Universal tire surfaces are available.

Crossovers and SUVs are equipped with rubber with a deep tread pattern. As a material for studs, hard metal alloys are used. They can have a round, oval, hexagonal or tetrahedral shape.

Studded tires are suitable for driving on snowy, as well as ice-covered tracks and streets. Their advantages:

• Good cross-country ability in deep snow.
• Good traction in icy conditions.
• Shorter braking distance during snow drifts and ice.

Such rubber has its own disadvantages. On the asphalt surface it creates noise, it is not recommended for driving on wet pavement. Due to the high tread and studs there is a slight vibration of the steering wheel. When the temperature drops to -20˚C, the tire gets stiff, the stud can not break through the ice crust, resulting in reduced traction. In addition, the studs after 4-5 seasons are worn out and they have to be replaced with new ones. Motorists also note a slight increase in fuel consumption.

When is it advisable to use velcro tires?

Winter tires with Velcro solve two problems: they hold the vehicle both on the icy surface and on wet asphalt. This is achieved thanks to the unique chemical composition of the rubber. In snow and ice it becomes soft, so it is easy to drive. In warm weather, on the contrary, its surface becomes more rigid. The entire surface of the rubber is riddled with sipes or thin slits. They quickly divert melt water and snow, and also “cling” to poor pavement. Produce such tires different brands.

Advantages of winter tires with velcro:

• Provides good traction during rain, melting snow.
• Does not make noise.
• No vibration of the steering wheel.
• Long service life: more than 7 years.

But, as noted by car owners, unlike rubber with studs, sticky tires worse shows itself on snowy and ice-covered roads. They have a longer braking distance and the permeability is much lower.

Rubber for winter is selected depending on the operating conditions, climate, as well as the condition of the road surface. So, if the car will be used in those regions where the condition of roads is poor, in winter there is a lot of precipitation, often there is ice, it is better to give preference to studs. If the winter is mild and warm, the temperature drops to -10˚C, then the best option will be Velcro. Also on studded rubber will be more comfortable to move on a poorly cleaned road from snow drifts. It is important to take into account that Velcro is not an all-season rubber and it is dangerous to use it in summer.