There are three types of tires on the market: summer tires, which are the ones we all know, and which are used by approximately 95% of users. The second type of tire is the mixed one: we are talking about state-of-the-art tires that are suitable for summer and winter. Finally, we are going to talk about the winter tire.
The only tire that can be used for driving on snow is the one that has on its side a mountain with three peaks with the symbol of a snowflake. This is important because if we access a mountain pass and if our tires do not bear this symbol, the Civil Guard will force us to put on chains, since driving on snow will not be safe.
Always monitor the good condition of your tires
The type of tire we carry is worth nothing if they are not in good condition. You must always watch that they have adequate pressure. In addition, each manufacturer indicates the tread depth that the covers must have.
How does a winter tire work?
Winter tires are made of materials that allow, even at temperatures of -7 ° C, their hardness is not very high. Thanks to this, the rubber remains flexible and adapts very well to snow and asphalt. When the wheel goes through snow, the tread in the center of the tire pushes the snow towards the rear and never loses its grip on the road.
What type of tire do I buy?
A mixed tire or a winter one? The problem with state-of-the-art mixed tires is that they wear out and consume a bit more. The most orthodox option would be to use a summer tire for the summer season and a winter tire for the cold season. Manufacturers usually help the user in this regard, most workshops change you and keep the tires that are not being used.
On the other hand, when is a winter tire really needed? If you live in a temperate area, like Madrid, it is not necessary, since we can circulate with summer tires and use chains when we travel to areas with snow.
The winter tire is very necessary when we live in an area with adverse weather conditions, where snow and frost are suffered very frequently. In the case of not being able to access a winter tire, which obviously entails a cost that not everyone can bear, chains can also be used. The most important thing in this case is to know how to use them , and learn to do it calmly before needing them. Learning to put chains in full snow is quite difficult.
Chain types
The metal chain is the most classic: it is placed in a circular way and hooks behind the wheel. This chain has the problem that, if we go through a point of the road that does not have snow, it can damage the tire.
Another type is the cloth chain or the so-called ‘shirt’ . It is a fabric that covers the wheel and, although it is less efficient, it is also very easy to put on. The last option is the liquid chain : it is a spray that we put around the wheel and will help us to have adhesion at a very specific moment (for example, going up the frozen ramp of a garage).
