How to choose winter tyres

Winter tyres play an important role in road safety. Knowing some simple rules will help you choose the right tyre for the cold season.

Rule #1

In winter, you can and should drive on winter rubber. Risky experiments on your own safety and leaving summer tyres on the rear wheels, for example, are not recommended.

Winter tyres labelled «M+S» or «Matsch & Schnee», which translates as slush and snow. Such tyres will provide reliable grip on wet and slippery road surfaces. It is better to buy winter tyres in advance, because in some regions, frost comes suddenly.

Rule #2

The temperature of the road surface can affect the length of the braking distance. When the temperature outside is below +7°C the grip properties of the rubber can deteriorate, when stopped, summer rubber does not give out proper braking. Don't risk your health by changing your tyres as soon as the daily temperature reaches +7°C.

Rubbers should be replaced as soon as possible.

Rule #3

Buy tyres with studs or not? Studded tyres perform well on ice. Studded tyres are noisier and unsafe if you drive on the motorway more than 120 km/hour. Roads are not always cleaned well and ice may not disappear until spring. In such a situation studs are a necessity. You can buy 195/65 r15 winter tyres with studding or have them fitted at a car service centre.

Rule #4

Whether or not to buy all-season tyres? There are quite a lot of adherents of all-season tyres. But these tyres give average results. This rubber quickly wears out in summer and winter. Compared to special rubber, its stability is lower, which means that saving money is not justified. Of course, you can use it, but only when you do not have the money for a full set of winter tyres.

Rule #5

How to choose the size of tyres? The best size is the size that is recommended by the car manufacturers. For difficult winter conditions, tyres with a high profile are suitable. It is not recommended to put too wide tyres, they show low stability during icy conditions.

Rule #6

The maximum allowable speed is indicated on the tyre as an index. There is no need to buy the tyre with the highest speed index for winter. If you don't plan to drive the car at 200 km/h in winter, you can buy a winter tyre with a low speed index, it will be cheaper.

Rule #7

It is better to buy a new set of tyres. The rubber should be the same size, with the same tread pattern, type of rubber. The tyres should be fitted by a qualified workshop technician.

Rule #8

How to choose a car service? Poor quality car maintenance can cause an accident. When choosing a service station, pay attention to how the work is organised, what tools and equipment the mechanics use. A good car service centre will offer repair and maintenance services, help with minor faults and major repairs, diagnose the car.

Equipment «MSG equipment» used for diagnostics and repair of car units. You can familiarise yourself with the range and make an order on the company's website.

All the equipment is available on the company's website.