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The head of Ikon Tires’ Customer Technical Support, Testing and Certification Group, Alexander Parkhomchuk, commented to Rossiyskaya Gazeta that the main myths about winter tires are being clarified. These insights come from a sounding of common beliefs and practical experience gathered by tire experts and engineers who study winter road behavior, tire mechanics, and driver responsibility.

One prevailing myth claims that the tire itself does not matter as much as the driver’s skill and experience. The expert underscores that the most decisive and unpredictable factor behind safe winter driving is the person behind the wheel. On snowy or icy roads, all responsibility rests with the driver who must follow traffic rules, maintain safe distances, and observe speed limits. The tires set the foundation, but skill, caution, and attention determine outcomes in critical moments.

A second misconception holds that all-wheel drive negates the need for winter tires. The expert notes that four-wheel drive provides enhanced traction but does not replace the necessity for winter tires when conditions demand it. Winter tires work with the drivetrain to deliver safer acceleration, braking, and steering—attributes that AWD alone cannot guarantee in cold, slippery weather.

Another common belief is that installing wide winter tires is always better. Parkhomchuk advises following the vehicle manufacturer’s tire specifications. The tires recommended by the automaker are chosen to balance grip, steering response, and ride comfort for a given vehicle, and deviating from those specifications can compromise handling in winter months.

There is also a myth that one can buy studless winter tires and use them year-round, including during summer. Parkhomchuk makes a clear distinction: summer tires offer the safest and most economical performance for warm months, while winter tires are designed for cold temperatures and different road conditions. Using winter tires in hot weather can wear them faster and reduce efficiency, whereas summer tires lack the necessary grip on cold, icy surfaces.

Another point of contention is whether studded tires are unnecessary in cold weather. The expert emphasizes that studded tires often provide noticeable traction advantages across varied winter temperatures and road conditions, especially on ice or compacted snow. They can improve control when other tire options struggle on slick surfaces.

Previously, it was suggested that a vehicle equipped with low-profile tires is more likely to be involved in a crash on wintry roads. On slippery winter surfaces, snow porridge reduces the contact area between the tire and the road, making handling more difficult. Such tires can skid more easily and may experience faster wear in winter. Hidden potholes and bumps under the snow can surprise drivers, increasing the risk. This underscores the need to match tire choice to weather and road conditions rather than relying on aesthetics or a perceived performance edge.

Sergey Mishin, another tire expert, notes that repeated studding of winter tires can negatively affect handling properties and, in turn, increase the chance of an accident. The repeated mounting of studs changes the tire’s tread pattern and contact behavior, which can compromise stability if not managed properly. This points to careful maintenance and appropriate usage rather than assuming indefinite benefits from studded configurations.

Earlier reports from Mishin debunked the idea that winter tires wear out quickly when driven on asphalt. In practice, winter tires are designed to function in cold weather and provide reliable performance on wintry roads, while asphalt-only wear concerns are often overstated in casual discussions. For winter safety, it is essential to choose tires that match the season, road conditions, and the vehicle’s design parameters, and to follow guidance from tire and automotive manufacturers for optimal results. (Citation: Rossiyskaya Gazeta)

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