Discover the ultimate winter tire choice as we delve into the debate of narrow vs. wide tires. Our tire test on a snow-covered track with varying sizes reveals surprising insights for your winter driving.

Introduction


In the frosty embrace of winter, the perennial question echoes: Which tires are superior for navigating the snow-laden roads – the slender or the broad? A longstanding theory suggests the former, emphasizing that narrow tires exert more pressure on a compact contact surface, thereby enhancing friction. Conversely, an opposing school of thought champions wider tires, contending that a greater road surface area equates to better traction. The tire tussle has captivated automotive enthusiasts and winter drivers alike.

The Duel on Snow: Jonathan Benson's Tire Odyssey


Jonathan Benson, an automotive aficionado from Tire Reviews, embarked on a quest to settle this age-old debate. Armed with four variants of Hankook tires, he chose the sleek BMW 3 Series as his chariot for a high-stakes expedition on an indoor snow-covered track. The tires, ranging from 205mm to 275mm, adorned the vehicle's wheels in a symphony of sizes – 16-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch.

Testing the Waters: Acceleration and Braking


As the rubber met the snow, subjective nuances in feel and response between tire sizes emerged. However, as the Telegraph reported, the numbers etched an objective narrative. During acceleration, the narrower 205mm tire proved to be the maestro, orchestrating superior performance. Yet, when the challenge shifted to braking, it faltered, earning the dubious honor of being the least effective.

Lap Times Unveil Surprises


Amidst the tire duel, lap times played a pivotal role in unraveling the mystery of winter tire supremacy. The medium-sized tire, boasting a width of 225mm, emerged as the unsung hero, clinching the title of the fastest lap. Nevertheless, the revelation lay in the minutiae – the differences in lap times were so marginal that they bordered on insignificance. It became apparent that the variation in tire width within the same brand wielded a subtler impact than expected.

Beyond Width: The True Measure of Winter Tire Performance


In the wake of Benson's meticulous tire odyssey, a resounding verdict emerged – the chasm in performance widens more between a stellar winter tire and a lackluster counterpart than between the diverse widths of the same tire. The contours of winter tire excellence extend beyond mere width, delving into the intricate craftsmanship that defines a tire's winter prowess.

Conclusion: Decoding the Winter Tire Conundrum


As winter's icy grip tightens, the tire conundrum persists. Narrow or wide, the choice remains a nuanced one, with the battleground extending beyond width alone. Benson's tire test underscored that the dichotomy between narrow and wide tires pales in comparison to the broader spectrum of tire quality. In the quest for optimal winter performance, discerning drivers may find solace not in the width debate but in the selection of a high-caliber winter tire that transcends the boundaries of traditional wisdom.