There is a lot of talk about the shortcomings of studded rubber, but it is necessary when driving in winter, when ice freezes on the roads. According to experts, only studded tires allow braking in icy conditions, and also contribute to better vehicle handling.
Conditions for compliance
It is necessary to understand that only winter tires are subject to studding. This factor is supported by the high density of the product, due to which products made of metal will be retained. In priority, the choice should stop on tires, with the presence of special holes necessary for mounting studs. The choice of this method will be characterized by greater durability and reliability. In this case, the existing studs must be formed into a new pattern with a uniform arrangement.
For self-studding, you need to know that such work is possible only on new tires. If you neglect this condition and install the spikes in worn rubber, then there is a high probability that the metal inserts will not hold and will lead to a decrease in road safety and reliability of the trip with damage to the product itself.
To carry out independent work, you will need a special drill equipped with a flexible adjustment of the rotational speed of the tubular hollow drill and the spindle. For further work, you can use any equipment, the type of which will fully depend on the priority of the master and his needs.
How to insert thorns. Several ways
The advantage of this method is availability, and its disadvantage is labor intensity.
When choosing this method, it is necessary to clearly trace the correct position of each spike.
The advantages of this method are the reduction in labor intensity, the strength of the work performed. The disadvantages include the high cost of the required equipment.
Necessary fixtures and tools
· For the manual method, you will need: a special key, a screwdriver and a hammer;
· For semi-automatic method: drill or screwdriver, necessary attachments.
· For the automatic method, you will need to prepare a special pneumatic gun, a compressor and a system of pneumatic lines.
Choice of spikes
Studs are designed to provide a secure grip on the road. This element bears a heavy load when the car accelerates and decelerates. Each driver has his own operating conditions for the car, which affects the wear of not only rubber, but also studs. This means that if you buy studs after they are correctly selected (for your driving style), you can significantly extend the service life of the wheels.
The following types of thorns are most common:
· Round (oval);
· Rectangular (square);
· Multifaceted.
It is not hard to understand that more sharp edges contribute to a stronger grip on the road surface. So, it is best to stop your choice on multifaceted or acute-angled thorns. The only drawback of this choice is the cost of the product, which increases with the number of edges.
Another spike parameter that is worth paying attention to is the way it is attached to the rubber. Preference should be given to two or multi-flanged studs, at the base of which there are several extensions, thanks to which a secure fixation is achieved.
What choice to make?
Many drivers are wondering: what to opt for - Velcro or spikes? There is no definite answer to this question. When choosing one or another option, you will have to adhere to the following factors:
1. Region of residence - in case of a long, cold and snowy winter, it is best to choose studded tires. With light rainfall in winter, with slush on the roads, it is best to buy Velcro.
2. If the frost is often replaced by a thaw and a blizzard, then it is worth considering. If it is possible to leave a car on the ice in the parking lot and travel by public transport, then it is better to choose Velcro. And if the need makes you always be behind the wheel, then give preference to the spikes. But in this case, be careful when driving on wet or bare asphalt.
3. If you live in a city where the roads are always cleared and there is no need to travel outside the city, then the choice should be stopped with Velcro. Conversely, if you regularly travel outside the city and in the absence of regular cleaning of the roads, it is best to choose spikes.
