What is better: Velcro or spikes for modern winter?

The ban on spikes in the countries of Western Europe and in Japan led to the appearance of a new type of tires - friction rubber, which due to the sharp tongue of our car enthusiasts was called Velcro. Now, in addition to the traditional choice between studded and classic winter tires, the question was added: "Which is better: Velcro or spikes?"

In order to answer as accurately as possible the question of what to give priority to, spikes or velcro, you need to know the features of both types of tires. Since in our world nothing is perfect, then each type of tire has its undeniable advantages and its weak points. To understand what is better, spikes or Velcro, we will try to disassemble in detail both types of rubber. So, in order.

Studded tires

Spikes in many regions of Russia have become an integral part of winter gear. However thorns thorns different. Ordinary metal elements are inserted into the cavity of the tire so that a few millimeters of the stud protrude above the surface. This is a kind of engaging element, providing the car with steady traffic on the icy road. The disadvantage of traditional studded tires is the loss of almost 15% of the studs by the middle of winter. Metal elements can not stand traffic on the asphalt. If you really compare here, which is better - Velcro or spikes, the preponderance will clearly not in the direction of the latter.

A newer invention is the "claw claws". By its design, the engaging elements are similar to the claws of an animal. Clawed spikes ensure the safety and stability of the machine during acceleration and braking. When moving on a clean dry surface, the claws "claws" are removed into the body of the tire, like a cat's claws. Here, in terms of quality (winter tires), the thorns and stickies occupy one position.

Friction Rubber

At its core friction tires are a modified and improved type of classic winter tires. The designers improved the relief of the tread. On the friction tires, the protector has a complex pattern in the form of deep winding slats. Due to this pattern, the protector removes water from the point of contact of the tire with the roadway, and the tire is as if sucked to the asphalt. Hence the name - "Velcro".

If you evaluate what is better: Velcro or spikes, then according to the parameters of acceleration and braking on wet and dry asphalt frictional tires noticeably surpass spiked ones. Another advantage of Velcro is the noiselessness of the movement. Metal engaging elements, whatever they are by design, produce a rather strong noise when driving on pure asphalt.

However, the Velcro is inferior to the spikes when driving on pure ice. No matter how hard the tire does not "stick" to a clean or wet road, it can not provide an adequate level of safety on an icy road, especially if the sections of the road are covered with rough ice.

Which is better: Velcro or spikes?

Summarizing all of the above, we can confidently say that if the car is supposed to be used only in urban conditions or if it is necessary to travel abroad to the EU countries, then in this case friction rubber is undoubtedly preferable.

If frequent trips outside the city are planned, where snow machines are not to be found throughout the winter period, then there are no alternatives to faulty tires. It is necessary to reconcile and with noise at driving, and with high deterioration шипованой rubber, but safety in this case is more important. It is better not to take chances.

So, it's up to you to decide whether you're winter tires: spikes or stickies, it's up to you.