Why Installing Tires Backwards Can Shorten Your Stopping Distance on Ice.

Ice Lake Tire Testing

According to Novyny.live: Specialists from Tyre Reviews conducted a test on a frozen lake using directional tires that were intentionally mounted backwards. The study's findings revealed a complex mix of both safety benefits and significant drawbacks for winter driving.

Using a Volkswagen Golf GTI equipped with Pirelli All Season SF3 Cinturato tires, the team performed 40 test runs. They recorded that braking distance from 45 km/h to 5 km/h was reduced by 4.7%—from 19.96 meters to 19.07 meters. This unexpected result indicates a specific, situational performance gain on sheer ice. For context, directional tires are designed with a specific tread pattern to channel water and snow, and reversing them alters their fundamental behavior.

Significant Drawbacks and Expert Advice

Despite the improved ice braking, the tests uncovered major compromises. Traction on snow deteriorated by 9% during acceleration to 35 km/h, and resistance to aquaplaning dropped by 9%. Overall wet traction decreased by a substantial 14%, posing a serious safety risk in rainy conditions.

• Vehicle handling was also adversely affected: with incorrectly mounted tires, control was lost at 68.8 km/h, compared to 79.1 km/h with proper installation.
• Braking distance on wet pavement increased by 3.6%.

In summary, the test results present a mixed picture, underscoring the need for extreme caution regarding tire selection and installation for winter. Drivers should carefully consider these factors, as incorrect mounting or tire choice can critically impact road safety, especially in extreme weather. The experts' recommendations are valuable for enhancing driver security and reducing accident risk.