Rubber “Kama Euro” winter: customer reviews

Each driver selects tires for his car, based on the requirements for performance and financial capabilities. In search of the golden mean, he has to research a large number of reviews, reviews, and analyze all this information. In this article on Kama Euro Winter tires, reviews are analyzed specifically for those who do not have the opportunity to sacrifice their time. In order to add up a three-dimensional picture of the characteristics of this model, we first consider the official data from the manufacturer, and then turn to the opinion of ordinary drivers who already have experience in operating it.

A little about the manufacturer and model

Rubber "Kama" has been produced on the territory recently since Soviet times. Some models have not even undergone significant changes, while they remain relevant and can compete with budget representatives of foreign production. The main attractive factor of tires from many manufacturers is the relatively low cost. That is why the owners of budget cars often make a choice in their favor. The cost of tires is low due to the fact that most of the developments and possible improvements have already been made and the cost of new research is kept to a minimum. There are also no customs fees, which allows you to purchase domestic products at the most attractive prices.

Winter tires "Kama Euro 519", reviews of which we will consider below, are intended for use on budget cars of domestic and foreign production. This list contains only passenger sedans and station wagons, the dimensional grid and indexes of permissible loads do not provide for installation on SUVs and cars with powerful engines.

updated version

Our country has previously produced winter studded tires under this brand, but at some point it became clear that it was becoming obsolete and modern technologies could allow the development of an updated model to be launched, while maintaining the main advantage – budget cost. Thanks to this decision, in 2011, the updated Kama Euro Winter 519 went on sale for the first time, reviews of which for the first year showed that the improvement was quite successful. According to the information from the manufacturer, dynamic characteristics have increased, grip with the road surface has increased, positive results have been achieved when driving on an icy surface.

Tread design

The main change that the Kama Euro Winter studded tire has undergone, reviews of which we will consider at the end of the article, is a completely redesigned tread pattern, which began to look unusual for a domestic product. The fact is that large rectangular tread elements with wide sipes were considered the standard option, providing high rowing performance and flotation in loose snow. However, the new structure has become "herringbone".

It implies that the central part is a solid rib, not divided by slots. Along its edges there are protrusions made at an acute angle to the direction of movement. This approach to development, according to reviews of the Kama Euro winter tires, made it possible to improve the directional stability of the car in straight-line traffic, as well as maneuvering on clean asphalt. The cutting edges formed at the edges are effective both during acceleration and braking. The protrusions are directed in different directions, therefore, regardless of the direction of the applied force, there will always be an edge that provides a reliable grip on the track.

From the center to the edges are V-shaped blocks that continue the design of the central rib. Their task is to ensure confident maneuvering. During the turn, the contact patch shifts from the center to one of the edges of the working surface, so the main load is transferred to them. Each edge is divided into a plurality of smaller edges, which as a result improves their efficiency due to the greater extent of the effective sharp surface.

And finally, the tread blocks on the sidewall perform two roles at once. The first is to provide the rowing characteristics that are necessary for confident movement on loose snow, whether it is freshly fallen or mixed to a state of snow porridge. Each block in this zone is a fairly large cube, separated from the others by a wide slot. The result of their action, judging by the reviews of Kama Euro studded winter tires, is the effective distribution of snow while driving on it, the removal of loose ice and water from the contact patch with the track.

The second task of this part of the tread is to protect the sidewalls from damage. While driving on a rut, the side parts of the tire can be damaged on its edges, in which there are often sharp ice protrusions. Hidden under the snow are inconspicuous metal elements, such as armature from a dilapidated curb stone, which also poses a threat. Reinforced side tread blocks, according to reviews of Kama Euro Winter, are able to take the load on themselves and protect the tire from damage, which increases its overall service life.

Sophisticated lamella system

Another important point that improves the dynamic characteristics of automotive rubber is the correctly positioned sipes between the tread blocks. The V arrangement has proven itself over the long haul, especially when driving on paved trails.

The main role of the lamellas is to ensure the removal from the contact patch with the track of substances that can have a negative impact on the hitch. Their list includes loose snow, crushed ice, snow porridge and water during thaws. In the case of loose snow and ice, according to users in their reviews of the Kama Euro winter tires, the lamellas act as a temporary container, compressing the snow inside themselves and cleaning themselves with every turn of the wheel. In this way the cycle can be repeated over and over again, ensuring a confident movement.

Water and snow porridge must be removed from the contact patch with the road of the working surface of the tread. The shape of the slats contributes to this, because they are directed in the direction of movement and, in fact, set the first impulse to the exit. Water is directed to the edges of the tire and is thrown out without problems through the slots between the side tread blocks.

The result is not only good snow handling, but also excellent aquaplaning resistance. Indeed, in winter, thaws can be a frequent occurrence, during which even good tracks are flooded with water, and they become potentially dangerous. According to reviews of the "Kama Euro Winter 519" at 13, it also copes with blurry dirt roads, but some care should already be taken on them so as not to stall.

The presence of spikes

Strong metal spikes are provided as the main element for dealing with ice surfaces. They have a standard shape, and their number is enough to form several independent rows that complement each other’s effectiveness and allow you to confidently cling to the icy road surface. As tests and reviews of Kama Euro 14 winter tires have shown, thanks to the spikes, braking efficiency has increased, and quick acceleration on slippery roads has also become possible.

However, spikes also have some disadvantages. They make the tire noisier, and if broken in incorrectly, the acoustic effect can be quite significant. In addition, there is a risk that the spikes will fall out during careless operation of the rubber. Therefore, plan in advance after each season the revision of the studs at the tire fitting and, if necessary, the installation of new metal elements to replace the lost ones.

The composition of the rubber compound

The chemical industry also does not stand still, so changes are constantly made to the standard rubber formula. For the manufacture of tires from this model range, the manufacturer applied the latest available developments.

Thus, the use of silicic acid made it possible, on the one hand, to increase the strength and wear resistance of the tire, and on the other hand, it retained its elasticity at low temperatures overboard. This approach made it possible to operate the rubber longer, and at the same time not to worry that it would lose its dynamic characteristics during severe frosts. This is confirmed by numerous reviews of Kama Euro 519 winter tires left by experienced drivers.

To control the penetration of the spikes and maintain the shape, it was decided to use rubber compounds of different composition on different layers. The inner layer and sidewalls have high strength and rigidity, which allows them to effectively keep their shape, as well as resist various damages such as cuts and punctures. Also, spikes rest against it, which does not allow them to go deep too much, as a result of which their effectiveness could noticeably decrease.

The top layer, from which the working part of the tread blocks is made, on the contrary, is softer and more elastic. However, this does not make it too prone to wear and tear. On the contrary, such an approach, according to reviews of Kama Euro winter tires, only improves the quality of the grip on the road surface and reduces the coefficient of friction, which, in turn, also leads to fuel economy.

Size chart

Since the tires of this model are intended primarily for budget cars, you won’t be able to find anything unusual among the sizes. There are tires to choose from for rims with a diameter of 13 to 16 inches. This indicates the possibility of their installation both on very old classics like the VAZ 21-01, and on modern budget cars, both domestic and foreign.

For each of the diameters, there are several options with different speed indexes, profile heights and widths of the tread working area. Thus, drivers will always be able to choose exactly the option that the manufacturer of their car requires. Reviews of Kama Euro Winter repeatedly emphasize a wide range of options for the domestic auto industry.

Positive feedback about the model

It is time to analyze the opinion of ordinary drivers who had the opportunity for some time to operate this rubber model on their cars. It is on them that you can make the final decision whether it is worth buying these tires for yourself, since such testing in real road conditions can say much more than official tests conducted by major automotive publications. So, among the main advantages, motorists in their reviews of Kama Euro winter tires note:

• Low cost. In most stores it is difficult to find a decent model that would have a price lower than domestic development. This is the main attractive feature of many tires.

• Acceptable noise level. As the reviews about Kama Euro Winter say, with proper running-in, the rumble from the spikes is significantly reduced, so do not be afraid of the initial loud noise.

• Good rowing performance. Rubber is capable of handling loose snow, and if you live in the suburbs, then it can be a great solution for you.

• Confident course stability. Rubber, according to reviews of the "Kama Euro Winter 519", holds the track well, it does not lead during straight movement, even in a rut. It responds well to maneuvers, there is a pleasant feedback.

• High wear resistance. Another point that will please fans of saving to the maximum. Rubber is able to survive several seasons without visible signs of wear and loss of performance, subject to moderate loads.

• Effective spikes. The presence of these metal elements allows you to move through hard-packed snow and ice without any problems, feeling the car and fully controlling it. And confident braking can protect against many unpleasant and even dangerous emergencies.

• Resistance to cuts and hernias. During operation, the tires performed well for many drivers in situations where there was a potential for serious damage, which they did not fail to emphasize in their reviews of Kama Euro 15 winter tires. Reinforced cord and strong sidewalls do their job.

Despite such a large list of advantages, the rubber in question has some disadvantages that should also not be overlooked.

Negative Feedback

As some drivers note, one of the main disadvantages can be called an unpleasant hum that occurs at speeds above 80-100 kilometers per hour. However, it is worth considering the fact that in the winter season one should be careful, not to mention the banal rules of the road. Therefore, this disadvantage should not be considered too significant, and it is not so common in reviews of Kama Euro Winter.

The second minus is the drop-down spikes. This problem is solved by restocking during the change of seasonality of tires at the tire fitting. Just be aware that you may need to spend an additional amount to install the missing spikes. Otherwise, the drivers have no particular complaints about the rubber.

Conclusion

This model is one of the most successful domestic developments. It has all the necessary qualities to rightfully be considered successful and used on budget cars. If you want to save as much as possible, then you should pay attention to it. Confident behavior on the track and durability are key pluses, and the minuses can be foreseen in advance and you can buy tires already taking into account their further elimination. After reviewing the reviews on Kama Euro winter tires, you can make the right choice in favor of a domestic manufacturer.