How to choose winter tires for safe driving

Car rental in Vinnytsia is a convenient way to ensure a comfortable and safe trip, especially in winter when road conditions become more challenging. Road safety largely depends on the quality of the tires, which are responsible for the vehicle’s grip on the road, its handling, and braking efficiency. In winter, when the temperature drops and roads are covered with snow or ice, choosing the right winter tires becomes critically important. If you opt for car rental in Vinnytsia, you can be sure that the vehicle is already equipped with appropriate, well-maintained tires. However, if you drive your own car, it’s worth taking care of tire replacement in advance. In this article, we will look at how to select the right winter tires to ensure maximum safety and comfort.

Why Winter Tires Are Essential for Car Rental in Vinnytsia

Winter tires play a key role in ensuring road safety during the cold season. Unlike summer tires, they are designed to perform in low temperatures, snow, and icy conditions. Here are the main reasons why installing winter tires is important:

• Temperature sensitivity of summer tires: Summer tires are made of a compound that loses elasticity at temperatures below +7 °C, which reduces road grip.
• Unsuitable tread pattern: Summer tires lack deep grooves and sipes required for driving on snowy or icy surfaces.
• Aquaplaning risk: Summer tires do not effectively channel away water or slush, increasing the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle.

Using winter tires in cold weather is not only a matter of comfort but also of safety. If you plan to rent a car in Vinnytsia, make sure that the vehicle is equipped with winter tires to avoid road problems.

Differences Between Winter, Summer, and All-Season Tires

To make the right choice, it’s important to understand how winter tires differ from summer and all-season options. The key differences lie in the rubber compound, tread design, and overall construction:

• Rubber compound: Winter tires are made from a soft rubber mixture that remains elastic even at temperatures as low as –20 °C. This provides reliable grip on cold, wet, or snowy roads. Summer tires, on the other hand, harden in low temperatures, while all-season tires are less effective in severe frost.
• Tread pattern: Winter tires have an aggressive tread with deep grooves and large blocks that improve grip on snow and ice. Summer tires feature a smoother tread, while all-season tires offer a compromise with a less pronounced pattern.
• Sipes: Winter tires are densely covered with sipes—thin cuts that increase the number of edges in contact with the road. This enhances handling and braking. All-season tires have fewer sipes, and summer tires have very few.

All-season tires may seem like an economical solution, but they have significant drawbacks: increased wear in cold weather, poor performance in deep snow, and higher fuel consumption. For safe winter driving in Vinnytsia, specialized winter tires are the best choice.

Legal Aspects of Using Winter Tires

In Ukraine, there are currently no clear legislative requirements mandating the use of winter tires. However, Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 1306 of October 10, 2001, stipulates that tires of different types (for example, frost-resistant and non-frost-resistant) cannot be mounted on the same axle. In addition, draft law No. 8369 of January 19, 2023, which has not yet been adopted, proposes to make the use of winter or all-season tires mandatory from November 1 to March 1 for vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons.

It is recommended to replace summer tires with winter tires when the average daily temperature drops to +7 °C. If you plan to rent a car in Vinnytsia, check whether the vehicle meets seasonal requirements to avoid fines or dangerous situations on the road.

When to Consider Replacing Tires

The optimal time to install winter tires is when the air temperature consistently stays below +7 °C. In Vinnytsia, where winters can be snowy and cold, it is important to prepare the car in advance. If you choose car rental in Vinnytsia, make sure the vehicle is already equipped with winter tires to be ready for any weather conditions.

Types of Winter Tires for Car Rental in Vinnytsia

Modern winter tires are divided into three main types: studded, friction (non-studded), and all-season. Each type has its own features to consider when renting a car in Vinnytsia or preparing your own vehicle.

Studded Tires

Studded tires are equipped with metal studs that provide maximum traction on icy and snowy roads. They are ideal for severe winters with frequent snowfalls and ice. Advantages of studded tires:

• Excellent grip on ice and packed snow.
• Improved maneuverability on slippery surfaces.
• High off-road capability in deep snow.

Drawbacks include higher noise levels and reduced performance on clean asphalt. In some countries, studded tires are prohibited because of their impact on road surfaces, so check local regulations before traveling abroad.

Friction (Non-Studded) Tires

Friction tires, also known as “velcro” or non-studded tires, have no metal studs but provide excellent traction on wet asphalt, snow, or ice thanks to their soft rubber and numerous sipes. Their advantages include:

• Effective performance at temperatures below –15 °C.
• Shorter braking distance on ice.
• Lower noise level compared to studded tires.
• Longer service life.

Friction tires are less effective on wet ice at around 0 °C but are ideal for urban conditions in Vinnytsia, where roads are often treated with de-icing agents.

All-Season Tires

All-season tires are a compromise option for regions with mild winters where temperatures rarely fall below –7 °C. They are suitable for dry and wet roads but are not recommended for driving on deep snow or ice. If you plan to rent a car in Vinnytsia, check whether winter tires are installed, as all-season tires may be less safe in harsh conditions.

How to Choose Winter Tires

To select the optimal winter tires, you should consider several key parameters: size, load and speed indexes, tread pattern, and rubber compound.

Tire Size

Tire size is the first parameter to pay attention to. The tire marking, for example 205/55 R16, means:

• 205 – tread width in millimeters.
• 55 – sidewall height as a percentage of the width.
• R16 – rim diameter in inches.

For winter conditions, it is recommended to choose tires with a narrower tread for better grip on snow and ice. For example, if you use 225/45 R17 tires in summer, in winter it’s better to choose 205/55 R16 with a smaller rim diameter while keeping the overall wheel diameter.

Load and Speed Indexes

Load and speed indexes indicate the maximum weight and speed that the tire can withstand. These parameters are marked with numbers (load index) and Latin letters (speed index) following the tire size. For example, 91H means the tire can carry up to 615 kg and maintain speeds up to 210 km/h. Always check the recommendations of your vehicle manufacturer.

Tread Pattern

Winter tires come in two main tread types:

• Scandinavian type: An aggressive pattern with large blocks and deep grooves, ideal for harsh winters with heavy snow.
• European type: A less aggressive tread, better suited for city conditions with frequent thaws and wet asphalt.

For Vinnytsia, where winters can be both snowy and wet, the European tread type is often the optimal choice.

Rubber Compound

The quality of a winter tire depends on the composition of its compound, which includes:

• Natural and synthetic rubber.
• Silica for low-temperature resistance.
• Carbon black for strength.
• Resins and oils for elasticity.

You can check the exact composition on the tire manufacturer’s website.

How to Assess the Quality of Winter Tires

Evaluating the quality of tires is an important part of the selection process. Pay attention to the markings and the brand’s reputation.

Tire Markings

On the sidewall of winter tires, you will find special markings indicating their intended use:

• 3PMSF: A snowflake in a mountain peak symbol confirming the tire has passed a snow-traction test.
• M+S: Stands for “Mud and Snow” (may also be found on all-season tires).
• Snow or Winter: Indicates that the tire is designed for winter use.

Quality is also confirmed by ECE approval or an E mark inside a circle.

Trusted Brands

When choosing winter tires, give preference to reputable manufacturers such as Michelin, Continental, Nokian, Goodyear, Pirelli, or Hankook. Their products meet high standards of quality and safety.

Car Rental in Vinnytsia as an Alternative

If you haven’t had time to change the tires on your own car, car rental in Vinnytsia is an excellent way to get a vehicle already fitted with winter tires. Car rental companies usually provide vehicles prepared for winter conditions, ensuring safety and comfort during trips. Renting a car in Vinnytsia is a convenient solution for those who want to avoid the hassle of choosing and installing tires.