How to choose studded tyres for winter?
When choosing winter tyres, ask yourself these three questions: Where do I drive? How often do I drive? How experienced am I? Don’t rush into choosing the winners of tyre tests announced in popular car magazines because our climate is not the same as in Northern Finland, Northern Sweden or Northern Russia.
A good studded tyre has perfect traction on icy surfaces both when braking and making a turn. Whatever the manoeuvre, a studded tyre does its job. It is the perfect choice for the Latvian climate.
One of the advantages of a studded tyre is slower wear; however, many users complain about distressing noise created by studded tyres. It should be noted that after 1,000–2,000 kilometres the studs will “sit” at their place and create less noise.
Why can the choice made based on the test results published in car magazines be wrong? Many people buy tyres based on what they have read in magazines or websites, and the general assumption is that a tyre with higher ranking is automatically one of the best in the world. We have tested many tyres in the Latvian climate and know that it is not that simple. Majority of tests have been carried out in places that differ significantly from the conditions in Latvia. When was the last time we had freezing cold winter that lasted long? Whereas the problem with noise pointed out in tests cannot be associated with our climate at all because at temperatures as low as –30°C it is totally quiet outside as the noise is muted. Naturally, the noise created by tyres inside the car is louder than under normal circumstances. We at Rehvid Pluss are convinced that you shouldn’t always choose the winner of a test. Instead, consult our specialists who know which tyre is the most suitable for you.
There is a common perception that studded tyres cause damage to asphalt, which happens to be true. However, choosing a tyre with fewer studs will ease this problem significantly. Security is the priority. Studded tyres will bring your car to a safe stop even in extreme winter conditions. Modern studded tyres are designed for ABS brakes and function perfectly even with fewer studs.
We also recommend planning your purchase before the season begins. This way you will have more time to make a decision and to receive your tyres on time.
Read more about the advantages of
all-season tyres in winter.
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