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Guide for Driving on Snowy Roads

Tire knowledge Be prepared for snow! Learn about winter tires

  • Q1 What kind of anti-slip tires are there?

    A1 The basics are winter tires and tire chains. Let's know its features!

    The essential equipment for running on winter roads, "Tire Slip", can be broadly divided into "Winter Tires" and "Tire Chains". "Winter tires" is a generic term for studless tires and snow tires. Wear winter tires when driving on a winter Expressway. In addition, always have tire chains ready in case of sudden weather changes such as heavy snowfall.
    Here are the characteristics of winter tires and tire chains.

    studless tire
    A type of winter tire that can exhibit high performance under conditions such as snow and freezing. It is made of specially formulated rubber that is hard to be hard even at low temperatures below 0 ° C. The shape of the groove and the depth of cut (siping) have been improved, and braking performance has been greatly improved over conventional snow tires.
    • studless tire
    Snow tire
    A type of winter tire that can demonstrate its ability even under conditions such as snow and freezing. In order to improve braking on snowy and frozen roads, this tire has larger irregularities on the surface than ordinary tires, so that it can catch (grip) snow with a wide and deep groove.

    * There is STUDLESS or SNOW on the side of winter tires (studless tires, snow tires).
    * All-season tires (with M + S, MS, M & S or M / S on the side) can be used on snowy roads to some extent, but their braking performance is inferior to winter tires. You may not be able to run.

    tire chain
    If you wear studless tires, you will be able to run on bad road surfaces, but tire chains will have more power on snowy roads. However, running on a road other than a snowy road can be very dangerous, as it can break and lead to accidents, so it is necessary to frequently attach and remove tire chains before and after long tunnels.

    * On the Expressway, "Winter tire regulations" and "Chain regulations" may be implemented. "Chain regulations" are regulations that are enforced during unusual heavy snowfalls, such as when a special heavy snow warning or "emergency announcement for heavy snow" is issued. Even winter tires such as studless tires pass through vehicles without a tire chain. No, be sure to bring your tire chain with you when you go out.

    Related Links
    ★ One point from NEXCO CENTRAL!
    Snow and frozen roads slide so much!
    It is said that when comparing the slipperiness of a car on a dry road and a snow-covered or frozen road, it is 3.2 times more slippery on a snow-covered road, 5.4 times on a frozen road, and 8.0 times more slippery on a frozen road than on a dry road. I am.
    Drive carefully and at a safe speed, keeping in mind that braking will be very poor on winter surfaces.
    • Comparison table of the slipperiness of the car on the dry road surface and the snowy road surface and the frozen road surface

  • Q2 What should I keep in mind when installing studless tires?

    A2 Always installed with a four-wheel set. Don't forget to check before installing!

    Studless tires can be run at any time if they are changed once before the season, so there is no hassle and a sense of security. However, there are some points to keep in mind when wearing studless tires.

    Be sure to put on a four-wheel set
    The idea of putting it on just two front wheels is dangerous! If studless tires are installed only on the front wheels, only the rear wheels will slip when the brake is applied due to the difference in grip between the front and rear wheels. Be sure to wear studless tires in a four-wheel set.
    Check how worn down before mounting!
    The limit of usage of studless tires is when the depth of the surface groove has been reduced to less than 50% of the new one. Let's check how worn down before mounting. Don't forget to check the air pressure.
    Do not drive with the same feeling as normal tires
    When riding on dry or wet roads with studless tires, avoid sudden operation of the steering wheel, brakes, and accelerator, and be more conscious of safe driving.
    • Always installed with a four-wheel set. Don't forget to check before installing!
    ★ One point from NEXCO CENTRAL!
    Wear studless tires
    You cannot drive on Expressway winter tire regulations unless all wheels have studless tires or drive wheels with tire chains. Tire chains may need to be removed depending on the situation, so wear studless tires that are safe even if snow falls while driving.
    • studless tire

  • Q3 What kind of tire chains are there?

    A3 There are various types depending on the shape and material!

    The shape and material of tire chains vary widely. Make sure you understand the characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of each, and then choose the one that suits your usage. In addition, since the size varies depending on the tire to be attached, please check carefully before purchasing.

    Material
    If it is mounted on ordinary tires, it is a little expensive but easy to install, and vibration and noise during running are less than those made of metal. Urethane and rubber are also candidates. On the other hand, if you are running in deep snow with studless tires all the time or running only a few times a year on winter roads, there are options to choose metal items that are relatively inexpensive, have high grip, and do not bulky when storing. There is.
    • tire chain
    形状
    A typical example is a "ladder-type" tire chain. The grip in the front-rear direction is stable, but it is weak in lateral sliding. In that regard, the "Tortoiseshell type" has a shape that can firmly cope with both forward and backward sliding. There are many other types, such as the shape between a ladder type and a turtle shell type, but it is generally said that the closer the shape is to the turtle type, the higher the running performance on snowy roads.
    ★ One point from NEXCO CENTRAL!
    Please use the chain attachment / detachment area
    There is a place on the Expressway where tire chains can be attached and detached. In some cases, it may be located just before the snow deepens, before or after a long tunnel, or as a service area or parking area.
    The tire chain may be broken if used for a long time, so please attach and detach it frequently. In that case, please be sure to use the chain attachment / detachment area without installing it on the shoulder.
      Chain attachment / detachment area