How to test winter tires

Even the most expensive rubber loses its properties over time, and before the start of the season it is important to make sure that the set is still suitable for use. Testing winter tires allows you to objectively assess their condition and make a decision - can you continue to use it or is it time to replace it?

Visual inspection of winter tires as the first stage

Before proceeding to any practical tests, you need to carefully inspect the tires. The tread height is checked - for winter tires, the minimum permissible is 4 mm. If the depth is less, the tire is no longer able to effectively remove snow and water, therefore it becomes dangerous. You also need to assess the presence of cracks on the sidewalls, cuts or hernias. Such defects reduce the strength of the structure and can cause a rupture while driving.

Even if the tread seems sufficient, after 6-7 years of operation the rubber loses elasticity and becomes hard. In such cases, testing will show that the wheels no longer provide proper grip on ice or snow.

Checking winter tires on asphalt

The easiest way to test winter tires is to evaluate their behavior on dry or wet asphalt. When braking from low speed, you can feel whether there are vibrations, whether the car keeps its course straight, or whether there is no deviation to the side. If instability is felt, the reason may be worn tires or their incorrect balancing.

On wet asphalt, you should pay attention to the effect of aquaplaning. If the tires lose contact with the road too quickly, this indicates a worn tread or loss of rubber compound properties. A high-quality winter tire should maintain stable contact even at 70-80 km/h on wet surfaces.

Winter tire test on snow

Testing tires on snow is the best way to assess their effectiveness in winter conditions. During acceleration, you can pay attention to how quickly the wheels slip. If even with a small load, the tire does not grip the surface, this is a sign of loss of properties.

The braking distance on snow is also indicative. A good winter tire provides a relatively short distance for a complete stop even without an ABS system. If the car slides for too long, you should think about replacing it.

You can also evaluate the behavior in corners. Good tires allow you to enter a corner without feeling like the rear axle is "floating". If the car constantly skids, this is a sign of poor grip.

Checking winter tires on ice

Ice is the most difficult surface for any tire. Here, it is especially important to assess how well the tire is able to hold the car during acceleration and braking. For studded tires, the ice test shows how well the metal inserts are preserved. If most of the studs are lost, the tire will no longer perform its function.

Friction tires without studs are tested for braking distance and behavior during slow maneuvers. If the car starts to slide even at low speed, this is a signal that the tire has lost elasticity or the tread is worn.

In real tests, the difference between a serviceable and worn winter tire on ice can be up to 10 meters of braking distance at a speed of only 30 km/h. This is a huge indicator that determines road safety.

Eurokoleso – the place where you can find proven tires in Kyiv

Winter tire testing shows how important it is to choose high-quality rubber and monitor its condition. If your set no longer meets safety requirements, it's time to contact the Eurokoleso store. We offer a large selection of used tires from Europe that undergo strict inspection before sale. Our range includes winter, summer and all-season tires for cars, crossovers and minibuses.

We check each tire for tread remaining, the absence of cracks and even wear. Thanks to this, you get not just a cheaper option, but a completely safe product that will last for several more seasons.

Our warehouse and office are located at: Kyiv, st. Saperno-Slobidska, 8. Working hours: warehouse from 8:00 to 18:00, office from 8:00 to 21:00. We provide delivery throughout Ukraine, offer convenient payment terms and professional consultations.