When selecting winter tires, quality and a trusted brand should guide the choice. This is the view shared by a seasoned automotive expert from Evening Moscow, Vyacheslav Subbotin, who emphasizes practical buying strategies that work in real driving conditions. In many markets, foreign tires remain available but come with a price tag that pushes options toward more economical paths. The landscape of top tire brands often shifts, and what you can access in a given region depends on imports, local production, and fleet usage. The discussion here centers on options that balance safety, performance, and cost, with a focus on reliable domestic choices alongside international imports. Subbotin notes that a cost-conscious approach does not have to mean compromising safety and that understanding local supply lines and brand histories can help drivers make smarter picks, even when the biggest global names are not within reach. He highlights that regional brands, including some domestic lines, often offer solid performance for winter driving, while foreign alternatives can still serve well when their price is justified by the expected lifecycle and driving conditions in Canada or the United States.
When evaluating tires, the rubber compound is a critical element. Subbotin explains that tires described as having a very soft or overly pliable rubber can wear down quickly on dry stretches or warmer spells, while overly hard compounds may not grip as effectively on cold pavement. The best approach is to study the tire’s composition and tread pattern, along with independent testing results and user feedback. The opinions of other drivers can be a helpful guide, but ultimately the choice should align with the vehicle type, typical road conditions, and the driver’s habits. In the case of studded tires, attention should be paid to the studs themselves: if they protrude excessively above the tread ridge, they can loosen and wear after a few miles, reducing braking efficiency and cornering stability. A balanced assessment will consider stud quality, center spacing, and how the tire behaves under braking on ice and packed snow.
Choosing between studded and studless tires can depend on how often the vehicle encounters snow and ice. Subbotin points out that studless tires, sometimes referred to as Velcro tires in casual speech, perform admirably when winter roads are light to moderate and the vehicle is not required to tackle long commutes through severe storms. These tires typically offer a quieter ride and better handling on dry days while still delivering respectable winter performance. An additional cost-saving option is purchasing used tires, provided that the tread remains sufficient. As a general rule, the remaining tread depth of each tire should be at least 4 millimeters to ensure adequate grip, especially on icy patches where stopping distances increase significantly. Regular inspection for tread wear, even wear across the tire, and signs of cracking are essential steps before installation. This practice helps ensure that the tires will provide consistent performance over the winter season and reduce the risk of unexpected tire failure on hazardous roads.
Road safety in winter also depends on overall tire maintenance and timely replacement. In recent regional traffic reports near Volgograd, an emergency vehicle collided with two cars in an opposite lane and rolled over, resulting in multiple injuries. All injured individuals were transported to the nearest hospital. While this incident is location-specific, it underscores the broader point that winter driving demands extra caution, proper tire choice, and diligent maintenance. Drivers in Canada and the United States should pair careful tire selection with cautious driving, particularly on intersections, grades, and road shoulders where conditions can shift quickly. Keeping a reliable set of winter tires, ensuring correct tire pressure, and checking for signs of wear or damage before the season starts are practical steps that help drivers stay safer on frosty roads. Subbotin’s guidance remains practical: align tire type with regional weather patterns, maintain awareness of tire condition, and prioritize performance appropriate to the vehicle’s use and local climate. This approach supports safer handling, shorter stopping distances, and more predictable behavior when snow and ice are present on the road.
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