The number of studs in some tires has more than doubled in recent years. However, some manufacturers settle for a noticeably smaller number of “carnations”. Why?
The fact is that the number of nails in tires produced since the beginning of 2016 is limited by the technical regulations for the safety of wheeled vehicles – no more than 60 nails per running meter of tread. For example, a tire size 235/60 R18 has a profile length of 2 meters 32 centimeters. The maximum allowed number of spikes in it is 139 pieces.
But there is a loophole. The number of studs is not limited if the tire wears the roadway within acceptable limits. To prove it, you have to pass a special “wear and tear” test, which is very expensive.
First, economy class tire manufacturers refuse to charge extra for this procedure by complying with the basic requirements of the technical regulation.
Second, limiting the destructive effect of studs on the road is not so easy. This can be achieved through unusual, expensive technical solutions and repeated tests, which only advanced tire manufacturers can do. Well, the manufacturers of the “middle link” are just balancing between the number of studs and their load on the road.
And how does the behavior of a car on a slippery surface differ, depending on how many spikes are in the tire and how much they protrude above the tread? You will find the answer to this question in a comparison test of eight models of studded tires for 235/60 R18 crossovers, which was published in the magazine Za Rulem No. 10/2022. The online version of the test is being prepared for publication on our website – check back often!
- In order for the studs to last longer, tires must be properly broken in and well maintained. How to do it right is described here.
- “Behind the wheel” can also be read in Telegram.
Photo: depositphotos
Source: Z R
