TIRES | Ice Driving On Winter Tires
We all know that driving in harsh winter conditions can be tricky. Starting from the need to prevent liquids and fuel from freezing due to low temperatures, up to the fact of finding yourself to face roads with poor grip due to snow, or even worse ice. In the latter scenario, not only lightning reflexes are important, but it becomes of fundamental importance to act on the steering wheel and pedals in a completely different way than usual.
Leaving aside for a moment extreme rubbers like studded ones, training your reflexes on icy surfaces is something of great importance and finally within everyone’s reach, thanks to the numerous initiatives launched by car makers, but also by tire manufacturers or even by local companies that will put expert tutors at your disposal in order to make sure that the next time you face an unexpected event, you’ll know how to deal with it
We have selected 3 tires to be analyzed quickly and explain to you why we consider them the best winter tires of the lot.
BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK WS80
Suitable for a large number of cars, the Blizzak have a tread that allows water and snow to flow away from the tire main area. In addition to the 3D design of the blocks that allow greater grip, a next-generation compound guarantees incredible properties regarding braking distances.
MICHELIN X-ICE Xi3
These are studded tires and therefore suitable for extreme weather and road conditions. The tapered nails ensure an optimum grip even in case of ice, while the Ice Powder Remover technology allows the tire to easily get rid of snow, thus increasing overall grip. Finally, the compound is silica-based and therefore assures excellent behaviors even at extremely cold temperatures.
PIRELLI WINTER SOTTOZERO 3
Used mainly for high-performance cars, it is one of the most suitable models for the winter season. One of its strength points is undoubtedly the fact of having a tread with sipes that favor its grip on snowy or icy surfaces. The rounded shoulder and the arrow-shaped blocks of the central area have the task of letting water and snow to flow out, making it one of the best proposals if you’re looking for the right tire for your performance car.
Words by Carlo Brema