Hard and soft rubber summer tires. Rigidity characteristics of the tire Is it possible to drive on summer tires in winter

Tires with a strong sidewall take a hit well and resist hernias to the last. Let's find out which inexpensive tires the strongest.

How to identify strong tires

Oleg Rasstegaev from Autoreview conducted the following experiment: he fixed a granite bar 7 cm high on the asphalt. At an angle of 45 degrees, he runs into it with one side of the car. Starts at a speed of 40 km / h, after successful passages, accelerating more strongly.

Available tires of dimension 185/65 R15 participated in the test.

Imagine, four tires and did not break through at a speed of 90 km / h!

Top 4 tires with the strongest sidewall 2016

According to the results of tests 225/45 R17 in 2018

This time, the journalists changed the technique: they used a metal border with a sharp edge as an obstacle. It was run over at an angle of 45 °, starting at a speed of 20 km / h, increasing it in increments of five kilometers per hour.

• the best are Korean Kumho Ecsta LE Sport tires, which are the only ones that reached 45 km / h;
• the second result is at a breakdown speed of 40 km / h. When buying these tires, you get good hydroplaning resistance and handling on dry pavement as a bonus;
• Rounding out the top pair are the Continental ContiPremiumContact 6 and Michelin Pilot Sport 4, which received a breakdown at 35 km/h.

Based on test results 2019

Among 215/65 R17 the strongest -. Breakdown at a speed of 65 km / h.

At the rate of 255/45 R19 three tires are stronger than the rest, but they got a breakdown already at a speed of 35 km / h 😱:

• japanese, behave well on wet pavement;
• German with good directional stability;
• Japanese available tires with a good balance of characteristics.

P.S. See others too.

Tires are one of the most important factors in ensuring the comfort and safety of any vehicle. Neither a powerful engine nor a high-speed gearbox will help a car drive quickly and confidently if bad tires are installed on it. Unfortunately, if almost all motorists understand the need to use high-quality winter tires, then the situation with summer tires is much worse. Many people choose the cheapest summer tires without much interest in their performance apart from the price. And someone drives all year round on winter tires. However, there are good reasons why the seasonality of tires should not be neglected.

Firstly, summer tires are stiffer, which allows them not only to hold the road better, but also to wear out less. Winter tires at positive temperatures heat up too much, which leads to a quick "eating" of the tread.

Secondly, the tread pattern is different. If in winter it is necessary to have a large number of sipes in order to confidently cling to a slippery surface, then in summer it is more important to maintain stability during hydroplaning, and even better to prevent it. In addition, the tread of summer tires is less deep, which increases the stability of the car when cornering. Finally, summer tires are much more economical and quieter.

If we talk about the cost, then the larger the car, the more aggressive the driving style, the more difficult the operating conditions, the more expensive the set of tires will cost. Given the fierce competition among manufacturers, even companies that produce premium products are trying to have several budget options in their lineup. In any case, no matter what price segment the rubber is in, you can list the main selection criteria in descending order of importance:

1. Stability on the road.
2. Hydroplaning resistance.
3. Ride comfort.
4. Strength.
5. Wear resistance.
6. Profitability.
7. Noise.

It should be understood that there is no absolutely universal rubber. One will handle dry pavement better, another will handle wet pavement, and a third will be quiet but not too stable.

• popularity with car owners;
• number positive feedback real buyers;
• tire test results in independent laboratories;
• price-quality ratio.

Best Inexpensive Summer Tires

In this category - tires, the maximum landing diameter of which does not exceed 17 inches. This is quite natural, since budget rubber options are usually bought for inexpensive cars, which, in turn, are rarely equipped with large diameter discs.

In addition, it should be borne in mind that the best of budget tires may have good basic characteristics - handling, wet grip, softness, but are designed almost exclusively for driving on good asphalt and drivers with a restrained driving style. Do not expect high wear resistance or exceptionally low noise from them.

3 Triangle Group TR928

The most budget
Country: China
Average price: 2,700 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

A tire from a purely Chinese company has managed to surprise quite a few car owners. Due to the alternation of the size and step of the checkers, the tire clings well to the road. Also pleased with the excellent directional stability provided by the central longitudinal rib.

Triangle Group TR928 is a vivid confirmation that everything cannot be all at once. Due to the high rigidity, the rubber confidently keeps grip with the road surface and has good reliability, excellent resistance to hernias. back side medals -most of the small irregularities are felt.

2 Yokohama Blu Earth AE01

Sustainable and economical
Country:
Average price: 3,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Development of the famous Japanese Yokohama brand considered among experienced drivers one of the most wear-resistant and durable tires in your price range. Many note a reduction in fuel consumption when using this rubber. Holds confidently on dry and wet roads at reasonable speeds.

Some owners complain about the lack of stability on wet roads - you have to significantly reduce speed. It is better not to use these tires on the primer and grass, their purpose is asphalt.

What type of protector to choose? Comparison table of three types of tread patterns: symmetrical, asymmetric and directional (V-shaped):

1Nokian Nordman SX2

The best comfort among inexpensive tires
Country: Finland (produced in Russia)
Average price: 3,190 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The main advantage of this rubber, which is noted by almost all buyers, is its comfort. The tires are soft and have good stability even at high speeds. The other side of the coin is fast, uniform wear, also on excellent roads and a relaxed driving style.

Owners note low noise and a good tread pattern that allows you to feel confident on the track even in heavy rain and believe that the tires have an excellent price-quality ratio.

The best mid-range summer tires

Goods from the middle price segment in the vast majority are the perfect combination of price and quality. Tires are no exception. Choosing budget options, you obviously agree to a mediocre option. Premium tires have excellent parameters, but the overpayment is often too high. Figuratively speaking, to get a 5-10% advantage, you will pay 30-40% more.

Mid-range rubber has a fairly good set of characteristics and at the same time does not frighten with its price. In addition, unlike goods in the budget segment, tires in this category are not distinguished by any one parameter, but have fairly balanced characteristics.

4 Toyo Proxes CF2

Better Handling
Country: Country of origin: Japan (manufactured in Malaysia)
Average price: 4 850 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Thanks to a specially designed tread pattern and a well-chosen composition of materials, the tires of this model are stable and quiet. At the same time, most buyers who have already tried it for several seasons are definitely going to buy the next set of the same brand.

It should be noted that these tires are best suited for driving on good asphalt. In such conditions, they behave perfectly both on dry and wet roads - excellent grip and no aquaplaning. If there are pits or other obstacles on the way, care should be taken - the tire bead is quite soft, which has a positive effect on comfort, but reduces strength.

3 Michelin Energy XM2

High sidewall strength
Country: France
Average price: 3,862 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

To one of the quietest summer tires the middle segment can be attributed to Michelin Energy XM2. Almost every car owner, listing the advantages of Michelin Energy XM2, points to their low noise. Distinguishes this model and increased sidewall strength, which is very important when driving on Russian roads. The carcass threads are made of materials of increased strength and flexibility, and the unique sidewall design evenly dissipates the load at the moment of impact throughout the entire sidewall structure. This can significantly reduce the risk of hernias (for example, when hitting a deep hole).

Praise Energy XM2 and for good performance grip on the road. Rapid drainage of water from the contact patch is achieved through a system of wide drainage channels. The downside is that the tires are only available in 13, 14, 15 and 16 inches.

2 Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31

The optimum ratio of price and quality
Country: South Korea
Average price: 8,700 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Kumho is one of the most popular South Korean brands whose car tires have won the trust of car owners due to such qualities as wear resistance and low noise. Peculiarity tire Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31 (like other brand products) is a unique ESCOT technology that allows you to make the sidewall seamless. This eliminates vibration from contact with the road surface at high speeds, improves handling, reduces braking distances and reduces noise.

Technological rubber compound and tread pattern provide excellent grip with a wet road. According to some reports, the longitudinal annular channels and the V-shaped pattern when creating tires were borrowed from cars participating in Formula 1. Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31 is recommended for active driving on good tracks in any weather.

1 Yokohama Geolandar SUV G055

Excellent wear resistance
Country: Japan (manufactured in Russia and the Philippines)
Average price: 7 868 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

When creating Yokohama Geolandar SUV tires, Japanese engineers used a unique technology for obtaining rubber compound using orange oil. Oddly enough, they managed to solve the main task that they set for themselves: to create environmentally friendly tires with increased mileage and good grip.

With Yokohama tires, the driver can not only enjoy driving, but also influence the environment. Numerous European tests have shown that Yokohama tires Geolandar SUVs have excellent wear resistance. So, in the authoritative German edition of Auto Bild, Yokohama took an honorable third place in this indicator and first place in dry handling.

The best summer tires for the wet

Perhaps most motorists are familiar with the effect of aquaplaning. This is a situation where a thin layer of water forms between the tire and the asphalt, which makes the car completely uncontrollable. An important part of the problem is that drivers often simply do not attach importance to a seemingly innocent puddle. That is why it is necessary to choose rubber, which, among other things, copes well with wet surfaces.

But how to distinguish good tires to ride in the rain from the bad? Of course, the most reliable option is independent professional tests and comparisons. But you can do with your own eyes, because such tires have specific kind. Firstly, they must have at least one continuous longitudinal furrow into which water will be discharged. Secondly, a herringbone pattern is preferred, due to which water will be more efficiently removed from the contact patch with the road. Finally, we must not forget that insufficient tread depth has an extremely negative effect on grip.

3 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx

Excellent wet grip at top speed
Country: UK
Average price: 10 311 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

This model is the flagship in the tire line of the company. Thanks to the joint work of Japanese and German tire manufacturers, the SP Sport Maxx turned out to be extremely successful. It combines excellent handling on wet surfaces and a fairly high speed index - Y (up to 300 km / h).

Hydroplaning stability is provided by four longitudinal grooves. Also worth noting is the central part, which drains water well and allows you to maintain controllability. Disadvantages - rigidity and high price.

2 Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 K120

Optimum grip, softness and wear resistance
Country: South Korea
Average price: 9 250 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Summer tires Hankook Ventus V12 - one of the best in terms of wet grip, handling and durability. Removal of water from the tread occurs instantly due to the improved drainage system. It consists of four large drainage channels and a large number of small notches and cuts. The directional tread pattern allows you to confidently drive the car at high speeds.

AT Hankook tires The Ventus V12 features a central continuous rib that reduces feedback time. The increased wear resistance of tires is due to the use of a new rubber compound containing unique components. The Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 K120 is available in diameters from 15 to 21 inches.

1 Uniroyal RainExpert

The best indicator of longitudinal and transverse hydroplaning
Country: Germany
Average price: 6 650 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

According to the test results of the authoritative German publication Auto Bild, Uniroyal RainExpert summer tires were recognized as the best in terms of longitudinal and transverse aquaplaning. In terms of confidence in the passage of wet roads, they are confidently ahead of all competitors, including Hankook and Viking tires.

The Uniroyal RainExpert performs best in the rain, showing excellent wet grip. This is achieved thanks to the directional V-shaped tread pattern - grooves that serve to drain water from the contact patch. Special narrow sipes in the tread help to significantly reduce the braking distance of the car. Water is the element of Uniroyal RainExpert summer tires. Among the shortcomings, the owners mention the fact that small stones can clog into the tread, as well as minor balancing problems.

The best silent summer tires

Among motorists there are completely different people. Some people like complete silence, comfort and measured driving, others - the roar of the engine and the squeal of tires, but certainly no one will like the monotonous rumble from rubber. Therefore, manufacturers from all over the world, in addition to providing better traction, are increasingly aiming at reducing noise levels. For this, softer grades of rubber are used, as well as tread blocks of various shapes and sizes, which reduces rumble.

But do not forget that the noise level depends not only on rubber. This is also affected by the quality of the road surface, its properties, the level of tire pressure and many other parameters.

2 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2

Minimum stopping distance
Country: USA
Average price: 14,730 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Of course, this tire belongs to the premium segment, which is confirmed not only by a huge price tag, but also by excellent performance and innovative technologies. Take, for example, RunFlat, which allows you to drive even with a punctured cylinder up to 160 kilometers. Also worth noting is the Active Braking technology, which provides expansion of the tread blocks during braking, which increases the contact patch and, accordingly, reduces the braking distance.

Owners consider this rubber quiet, very "tenacious". They also praise its softness and durable sidewall. Of course, the price is too high for criticism.

1 Bridgestone MY-02 Sporty Style

Quietest sports tires
Country: Japan
Average price: 5 530 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Bridgestone MY-02 Sporty Style tires can be recommended to those who love a sporty driving style and for whom such a characteristic as noise isolation is important. The manufacturer did a good job and released designer tires with an aggressive appearance. At the same time, in terms of noise level - one of the quietest among competitors.

The low noise level is achieved thanks to five randomly arranged shoulder blocks of the tread of varying size. Bridgestone MY-02 Sporty Style is a very popular summer tire trusted by millions of car owners around the world. The disadvantage of this rubber, according to buyers, is the lack of resistance to hydroplaning.

The best summer tires for fuel economy

A very rare motorist would not like to save on fuel. Still, the prices for "fuel" are growing regularly, and because of this, few want to part with their iron horse. A little help in the pursuit of economy can be special tires labeled “E” - “Economy”. In such models, manufacturers are trying to reduce rolling resistance, because it is because of it that the notorious 1-2% of fuel is lost, which eventually results in large amounts.

2 Continental ContiEcoContact 5

Safe and economical driving
Country: Germany
Average price: 6,407 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Continental ContiEcoContact 5 is a perfectly balanced energy saving tire. The introduction of new technologies in the creation of the carcass has made it possible to optimize rolling resistance for greater fuel economy. According to some reports, the overall fuel savings from using ContiEcoContact 5 is 3% compared to conventional tyres.

However, fuel economy is not the last high indicator of this rubber. The durability and safety of the ContiEcoContact 5 are also at a high level. A new rubber compound and an improved tire profile have resulted in increased flotation and better handling on wet roads.

1 Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance

The best in terms of economy
Country: USA
Average price: 6 460 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance - one of the most economical car tires. The new base component, which is based on FuelSaving technology, reduces rolling resistance by 18% and reduces fuel consumption. Compared to competitors, the difference can reach up to 0.3 liters per 100 km. This is also confirmed by multiple tests. The manufacturer claims that when creating the product, special materials (rubber compound) are used to lighten the weight of the tire.

Tires Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance, according to the manufacturer, save fuel by an average of 5%. Also, the owners consider them very comfortable and quiet, although somewhat overpriced.

The best wear-resistant summer tires

In the previous section, we managed to save a little on fuel by choosing the right tires. In addition, choosing wear-resistant tires that will have to be changed much less often than conventional competitors will help save money. But here it is worth considering that you will have to endure small inconveniences, such as high rigidity and not very good grip.

1 Michelin Latitude Tour HP

The best solution for an urban crossover
Country: France
Average price: 12,537 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

An equally popular model of car tires, which is in particular demand among owners of urban crossovers. The developers of the Michelin Latitude Tour HP used a special rubber compound based on the polymer used to make truck tires. As a result, they managed to get tires with an increased service life. Michelin Latitude Tour HP can last 30 to 50% longer than most competitor tires.

The model is distinguished by improved properties of resistance to punctures, cuts, abrasion and abrasive wear. These are some of the most reliable and durable car tires on the market. Buyers note that the rubber is quiet, gently passes bumps and pits, and saves fuel. Owners are confused by the high price and the fact that the minimum landing size of the model is 15 inches

Specialized magazines, forums, car clubs, international associations often form the rating of summer car tires, especially in February-March, when, according to the law, it is necessary to change winter tires more suitable for the season. Independent test drives, contests, controls over the product line are preliminarily carried out in order to determine the existing problems in the field of manufacturing and marketing of products, as well as to outline a list of entrepreneurs who are able to find the most profitable solution in the current situation. The entire foreign and domestic auto industry is aimed at creating safe and comfortable tires, and all innovative technologies and experiments with the production scale are aimed at this. new tire. Market competition stimulates leadership large companies continuously develop, upgrade tires. Successful companies everyone is on the hearing, because the authority of the innovator is already deserved, and besides, such a terrible word as “rating” hangs over everyone. The list of leaders is based on different parameters, most often tires are divided into domestic and foreign models, and they are also formed according to quality classes and innovations, and price policy, the more there is a wide variation in the cost of goods, the price of rubber varies from 2,000 to 15,000 rubles.

Summer tires

There are brands that most often occupy leading positions in the rankings, mainly tires from large corporations that have their own research laboratories, regularly innovate and conduct test drives, but also special resources inform consumers about class B products. , C, which is credited with versatility and affordability.

Premium Summer Tire Rating

Class B universal rubber rating

Rating of summer passenger tires of economy class

Just not enough wheels? Save your time and read this article. Especially for you, my guide to skateboard/longboard/cruiser wheels.
One of the first questions for beginners who build their own skateboard is how to choose wheels for a skateboard so that both speed is good and tricks are obtained? How to narrow down the choice between huge selection brands, and choose exactly what you need? There are two key parameters that affect the quality of the ride and the style of riding in general: the rigidity of the wheels and their diameter.

What softness of wheels suits you?

The softness marking is always indicated on the wheel (sometimes only on the packaging).

Soft wheels are great for skating outside of skateparks with their flat, smooth surfaces. Soft wheels perfectly cope with small bumps and obstacles, dampen strong vibrations. However, soft wheels can deform under pressure and wear out faster.
Stiff wheels roll faster on smooth surfaces, but on rough and uneven roads they cause a lot of vibration, which slows down the speed and makes the ride not very comfortable.
Street riders opt for hard wheels. For most tricks, they are better suited than soft ones: due to their smaller size, better maneuverability, the ability to do flips, and so on.
For more clarity, see the picture below and choose the wheels of exactly the softness that is more suitable for your purposes.


Measuring scale according to DUROMETER Durometer is a measure of the hardness of rubber. The "Shore A" scale is used to indicate the range of wheel hardness in skateboarding. The method and scale were proposed by Albert F. Shore in the 1920s. He also developed a corresponding measuring device called a durometer. Read more at.

In addition to the A scale, there is also a B scale, it is used by bones and some other brands. For example: for Bones 84B wheels, the stiffness will be 104A, that is, the density is even higher than that of A. For clarity, see the picture below.

My personal experience: Softness 73A. Usually such wheels are put on cruisers or longboards. They have a large diameter: from 60mm above, and softness when riding. Such wheels do not give very fast start, but they keep the speed very well. Even on poor pavement, you don’t really feel the shaking, besides, such wheels practically do not make noise.
Do you want to become a master of sliding with different combinations of tricks? 100A/101A stiffness with wheel diameters from 51mm to 56mm is great for both street and park. But you can’t ride on bad asphalt on such wheels for a long time, and at the same time they make noise.
You can also settle for something in the middle. For example, take universal wheels 54-55 mm with an average hardness of 90A-97A. On such wheels it is convenient to perform tricks and on bad asphalt they roll well.

What wheel size is right for you?

The most common wheel diameter: from 51mm to 56mm. Here again, too, there are peculiarities. If you need speed, take a large diameter. You need a quick start from a place, then take a small diameter. Look at the picture below and decide what you need.

On a note: the wheels should not be too big, so that they don’t slosh against the board. Embarrassment can occur: at speed or when performing a trick, when the wheels bite, you can fall very painfully. There should always be a small margin between the wheel and the board, always keep this in mind when buying. Although, in principle, all wheels are good if chosen according to your goals.

If you often brake with power slides, the wheels can noticeably wear off on one side, after which an unpleasant vibration is formed when driving. If so, then the wheels should be changed.

From personal experience. I bought bones wheels with a diameter of 54mm and a hardness of 100a, during the year of skating they were worn off so much that they became about 52 or even 51 mm in diameter. In general, the wheels are good, I'm not complaining. For local guys - I bought wheels at the Everest store.

Perhaps you have more questions. You can ask them in the comments and get an answer to them, and also look at the Rubric. Also subscribe to our public

What summer tires are better soft or hard, is of interest to many car owners. When choosing new wheels for your car for the summer, it is imperative to pay attention to the hardness and softness of the tire rubber. The comfort and safety of movement depends on the chosen rubber.

With the advent of the Internet, the task of choosing summer tires for cars has become much easier and faster, thanks to numerous reviews. However, when thinking about the softness and hardness of the wheel rubber, there are several important points to consider that will help in deciding which rubber is better soft or hard for the summer season, when soft summer tires are needed, and when it is better to use hard.

Rigid summer tires for a car

Hard summer tires are quite common in tire shops at various price points, and hard summer tires have both pros and cons to consider when choosing.

Cons of hard summer tires:

• Noisiness
• Increase stopping distance
• Worse overclocking performance
• Poor traction
• Demolition in corners
• Slippery on wet surfaces

Soft summer tires

In the shops automotive rubber you can find soft tires of various densities. Tire manufacturers strive to achieve the ideal rubber compound for a tire to maximize the benefits of using it. Soft summer tires have their own advantages and disadvantages, and when choosing the softness of a tire, a number of features must be taken into account, which will be discussed later.

Advantages of soft rubber tires:

• Low road tread noise
• Increased grip on dry and wet asphalt
• Improving acceleration dynamics
• Shortening the braking distance
• Better handling through traction
• Softness of the passage of irregularities
• Increased ride comfort

Is soft or hard rubber on a car better for summer?

What to choose summer tires hard or soft? If there is a question of choice, a hard or soft tire for the summer, it is worth starting from the conditions of use and the load that awaits it.

If the car is operated in a region with hot summers, then you should not take a very soft tire, in hot weather the rubber will float, significantly worsening its properties and performance. For comfortable city and highway movement, it is best to choose a car tire model with medium softness or hardness. Such a tire will allow you to get maximum driving pleasure with balanced rubber wear, with maximum grip and safe handling of the car, on the permitted traffic rules (Rules road traffic) speeds.

If the car is powerful, it is operated in a region with hot summers, a sporty driving style is used and frequent trips along the highway, then when choosing summer tires, you should pay attention to more rigid tire models that will increase speed mode wheel, increase its reliability and reduce the effect of deformation.

• Pick up optimal dimensions tire and disk for your car conveniently and quickly allows Tire online calculator.
• With the advent of summer, the holiday season begins, and many people go on a trip in their cars. A special online service will help determine the distance and the best route