Understanding Spike Wear and Electronic Aids on Winter Tires
Across extensive testing on ice-covered tracks, researchers observe that the harshest conditions for nub-focused acceleration with slipping occur when the electronic traction limit is turned off. In practical terms, this means watching lap times and assessing handling under icy surfaces without electronic help. In this setup, the inside slipping wheel tends to spin with high angular velocity, and once the studs bite into the ice, they endure shock loads strong enough to push the spikes out of the rubber. This demonstrates how crucial electronic control and precise tire behavior are for maintaining predictable grip on slippery surfaces.
The second most challenging scenario is emergency braking on dry or wet asphalt at positive temperatures, commonly described as braking on the floor. In these conditions, the spikes experience significant torque and deformation. Braking at higher speeds increases the load on the studs, particularly without ABS that helps modulate braking forces, leading to faster wear and possible misalignment of the studs. Drivers should preserve spike integrity by avoiding abrupt, hard stops on asphalt and by relying on suitable traction control settings when ice is not present.
Practical guidance stresses extending spike life: never disable electronic assistants on icy roads, and avoid aggressive braking on asphalt. Instead, adopt a measured driving style that respects surface conditions and allows the studs to engage the ice gradually.
- For longer spike life, tires should go through a proper break-in process. Detailed guidance on the break-in procedure is available here.
- Customers can choose the preferred winter tire option in the online store.
- Further insights are available in the online publication Behind the Wheel on the platform Yandex.Zen.
Requires 7,000 tires in popular sizes
Without careful coordination of tire supply, public safety and emergency response may be at risk, highlighting the practical stakes involved. Proper tire coverage ensures essential services can operate where they are needed most.
Behind the Wheel, in partnership with national safety initiatives, has begun funding drives to buy winter tires for vehicles used by police and emergency services in key regions. The program supports ambulances, emergency response fleets, humanitarian aid delivery, and military logistics in affected zones. Contributions can be made through the collection page.