Home Chassis Tests of Russian winter tires. Spikes or Velcro - ZR experts choose tires for the winter. Conclusions and video

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Tests of Russian winter tires. Spikes or Velcro - ZR experts choose tires for the winter. Conclusions and video

Owners of SUVs, hatchbacks or sedans who care about a comfortable and safe ride in winter period, it is important to change your car in time to friction or studded tires. Of course, there is still time before winter. But it is important to take care of safety in advance. In addition, today a huge number of models are presented on the tire market at seasonal discounts. Which option is right for you? Especially for you, we have compiled a rating of winter studded tires 2018-2019. Using this rating, you can choose in the shortest possible time optimal solution just for your vehicle.

Price - from 2056 rubles

These are inexpensive winter tires with symmetrical pattern tread designed for driving on ice and hard-packed snow for cars which have proven themselves in the territory Russian roads. Tire type: for northern winter. Maximum load for one tire Nokian Tires Nordman 5 is 630 kg.

The advantage of this car tire is low rolling resistance, low fuel consumption - everything practically corresponds to the summer version. Such high-quality tires are not noisy enough, keep the trajectory well, and are stable on the road. They have a very strong sidewall. Among the shortcomings of this model, as users note, is that they do not brake well on bare pavement.

Nokian Tires Nordman 5

No. 9 - Pirelli Ice Zero

Price - from 2777 rubles

These are reliable tires designed specifically for driving in winter time, on snow and ice. This model is in high demand because it has low resistance rolling. At the same time, it stands out for its good strength and minimal wear. Among the advantages of Pirelli Ice Zero- directional stability, good grip on ice, on porridge and on ordinary asphalt, as well as an adequate price. According to numerous user reviews, braking on wet and dry asphalt during acceleration practically does not differ from a summer tire, despite the presence of spikes. Among the shortcomings is that Pirelli Ice Zero is quite noisy at the very beginning of the break-in due to the large number of spikes, this is especially noticeable at speeds that exceed 55 km / h.

Pirelli Ice Zero

#8 - Continental IceContact 2

Price - from 3162 rubles

Such inexpensive, but very high-quality tires with an asymmetric tread pattern are designed for passenger cars for use in the winter, they stand out for their excellent braking performance. Among the advantages of this model are stud landing, cornering stability, excellent directional stability, good handling on snow, mixed surfaces, ice, on wet and dry pavement. The tires are not noisy, there is no discomfort during use. At speed, there is practically no noise, the braking distance is minimal. After running in, after a while, Continental IceContact 2 become even quieter.

Continental Ice Contact 2

No. 7 - Yokohama Ice Guard

Price - from 4003 rubles

Modern tires of high quality with a symmetrical tread pattern, designed for northern winters. The uniqueness of this model is concentrated in stable indicators for various evaluation criteria, which indicates their balance. They do a great job with Russian snowy winters. They are quiet and have excellent wear resistance. According to multiple user reviews, the tires hold asphalt well, including wet ones, and behave well on ice. Rubber in comparison with other models is not noisy. ABS almost does not work, slows down well, is well controlled. Yokohama Ice Guard on ice it is predictable, it keeps perfectly.

Yokohama Ice Guard

#6 - Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02

Price - from 5040 rubles

Popular winter tires with a maximum load per tire of 750 kg, designed for SUVs to operate in harsh Russian winter conditions. They are distinguished by an original design, which gives the product excellent adhesion properties. Among the advantages of this model are sealing on the sidewalls, the presence of a strong tire, good grip, the tread is not clogged with dirt, the tires are quite rigid, with good coverage. Bridgestone Blizzak Spike are not noisy enough, when braking they demonstrate a high level of braking quality and a short braking distance.

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02

No. 5 - BF Goodrich g-Force Stud

Price - from 5084 rubles

BFGoodrich g-Force Stud due to its functionality takes its rightful place in the top 10 best winter studded tires. These tires with a symmetrical pattern of high-quality directional tread are designed for off-road vehicles, for the northern winter. The BFGoodrich g-Force Stud performs well in icy conditions, has a reinforced sidewall and rides well even on a water-filled road. From the very beginning of use it is quite noisy, but after running it becomes much quieter. The tire to the track is quite sensitive, but not critical. The model is distinguished by excellent predictable handling and excellent braking on winter roads, wet and dry pavement, as well as good wear resistance.

B.F.Goodrich g-Force Stud

#4 - GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice WR

Price - from 6115 rubles

GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice WR - tires with a symmetrical tread pattern are designed for off-road vehicles, for the northern winter. This model is quite quiet and soft. The tread is quite deep, stands out for wear resistance. Users note that thanks to such tires, the chassis starts to work more pleasantly, the responsiveness of the steering wheel increases. Other advantages include excellent braking on wet and dry pavement, good cross-country ability, fairly confident movement and handling on slush and snow. The disadvantage is the roll characteristic of aggressive maneuvering.

GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice WR

#3 – Dunlop Grandtrek Ice

Price - from 7320 rubles

Dunlop Grandtrek Ice is a high quality winter tire with a symmetrical tread pattern and reinforced sidewall, for northern winter, with studs, designed for off-road use. The maximum load per tire is 875 kg. Among the advantages of this model is the fact that there are no drifts on the ice, the tires provide a confident ride on snowy porridge, and guarantee good cross-country ability even off-road. They are soft, not afraid of ruts, they are distinguished by normal balancing. Among the shortcomings, many users highlight noise, especially in the early days. After running in, the noise is significantly reduced.

Dunlop Grandtrek Ice

#2 - Gislaved Nord Frost 200

Price - from 4500 rubles

Gislaved Nord Frost 200 is a quality winter tire with studs and an asymmetric tread pattern designed for SUVs. The maximum load per tire is 875 kg. Tires are the best option especially for big city and regular trips out of town. The model has good braking on dry and wet pavement and even in the snow. On loose snow - braking leaves much to be desired. The sidewall of the tires is soft but strong enough. Among the advantages is a quite acceptable noise level, which noticeably decreases after running in. The tires are not sensitive to ruts, they sit very well, which is very important for aggressive driving.

Gislaved Nord Frost 200

No. 1 - Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 9

Price - from 15762 rubles

Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta are high-quality tires with studs and symmetrical tread pattern for SUVs. The maximum load per tire is 975 kg. Tire type - for the northern winter. Tires fully comply with the characteristics declared by the manufacturer. This model has excellent handling, excellent braking on winter roads, firm fit spikes.

Thanks to the excellent characteristics of the tires, rutting is practically not felt. Among other advantages - a short braking distance, predictable handling, various spikes for cornering and straight. Such a product fully corresponds to the description as the best winter tires, since it fully meets the declared characteristics and functionality.

Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 9

Optimal choice

The top 10 winter tires presented in our review combined models selected according to consumer reviews and the characteristics declared by manufacturers. All of these options do an excellent job with tests and delight users with their parameters - braking, handling, stability. All these properties are very important to consider when choosing, because what you should pay attention to in the first place is always safety. And good tire quality is your ally in this matter. However, the choice also depends on personal needs, as well as financial capabilities. That is why the decision is yours.

There is very little time left before winter, so it's time for every motorist to think about winter tires. After all, it is on the type of rubber chosen with the onset of cold weather that not only the safety of the driver during icy conditions and heavy rainfall will depend, but also comfortable driving on domestic roads. Given the set important factors, we have compiled a rating of the best winter tires 2020 for Russian roads.

Before settling on any particular brand, you first need to figure out the type that is right for your situation.
There can be two varieties:

Studded. Suitable for areas where the driver regularly needs to deal with ice and heavy rainfall in winter. The spikes on the tires are designed to cut into the road surface and thus allow the driver to avoid slipping. The disadvantage of such tires is that they greatly harm the asphalt.
Friction or Velcro. They do not have studs, but are distinguished by a greater sipe of the tread blocks. Velcro grip on dry asphalt is worse than studded rubber.

Other selection criteria

There are some important tips that drivers should not forget:

If the driver decides to give preference to all-season Russian R14 tires, instead of getting even inexpensive winter tires, he must understand that such a decision can be very risky. Universal tires for all seasons harden faster, as they are not made of such flexible rubber as winter ones. Subsequently, "all-weather" badly adhere to the road surface, and it will be more difficult to drive on ice or snow.
In order not to get confused when choosing, you need to pay attention to the designations that are on the side of the tire. They will help determine what weather conditions are optimal for a given type of tire.
Pay attention to tests and reviews experienced motorists, they carry out tests for rubber in various areas, including wet and dry pavement. The tests are characterized by measuring acceleration, fuel consumption and noise. The braking properties and comfort conditions for a certain type of tires are also determined.

winter roads

Before you think about which company is better to choose tires for winter season you need to decide which type of road prevails in the area where the car is constantly located, for example, icy or snow-covered asphalt, slush or the usual dry surface.

If the tires are selected for a car that constantly drives in mild winter conditions in a city where they work stably and well road services, then the friction ones will come in handy, with them the ride will be more comfortable, and the road surface is safer.

But in the conditions of the northern winter, with poorly cleaned roads and frequent driving on dirt and off-road, it is better to opt for studded tires, and of the best quality, because the safety and ease of use of the vehicle depend on this.

driving style

For drivers who prefer a quiet slow ride, friction tires are suitable, but for reckless drivers with an aggressive driving style, frequent abrupt starts and choosing high-speed modes, it is definitely better to take studded tires.

Experience

For beginners driving, it is better to look at studded tires, they are safer and will help to avoid many critical situations on the road. And for drivers who are confident in their professionalism with good driving experience, Velcro will be just right.

Size

After the type of tires you need is determined, you need to start choosing the size for your car and wheels. In order not to guess for a long time, you can use the recommendations of the manufacturers, they are usually displayed on the tires themselves next to the indices.

Indices

There are two indexes that you need to determine for yourself before buying winter tires.

Speed index. For each type of tire, it is determined at the test drive stage and later marked on the rubber itself. This is the maximum allowable speed setting for safety and gentle operation. If, while driving, the speed is exceeded above the parameter value, there is a risk of an accident, as well as early wear and deformation of the tires.

Speed indices assigned different types rubber can be:

T (up to 190 km / h) - typical for studded tires.

All other indices are assigned, as a rule, to different types of Velcro:

S - up to 180 km / h;
R - up to 170 km / h;
Q - up to 160 km / h;
H - up to 210 km / h;
V - up to 240 km / h;
W - up to 270 km / h.

Next to the first index, an index is usually indicated that determines permissible load. It is calculated based on the indicator of the maximum possible weight of the car. For passenger cars, this indicator is not as important as for crossovers or SUVs.

By price

When all other selection criteria are determined, you can pay attention to the cost of the most suitable brand in all respects.

Sales statistics

According to the indicators of past years, it can be seen that motorists for the winter period largely prefer studded models - almost 75%. Velcro typically accounts for about a quarter of total sales each year.

average price

Popular models of winter tires can be divided into three classes according to pricing policy:

Budget - inexpensive, with different functionality and quality level, can do within:

R14 up to 2500 rubles;
R15 up to 3000 rubles;
R16 up to 4000 rubles;
R17 up to 6000 rubles.

Middle class. Here, the minimum cost starts from 3000 rubles and can reach up to 8000 rubles.
Premium class - these are the most expensive and high-quality tires from well-known brands, the range of their pricing policy can be in the range of 4000-10000 rubles. influenced by the country and the popularity of the models of the manufacturer.

Video tips on how to make right choice winter tires:

Rating of quality winter tires

NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA R2 SUV

A new product from the Finnish manufacturer for SUVs and crossovers. In this model, good braking properties can be emphasized on almost any road surface. All the advantages of a similar product for cars are present, but other properties are noticeably improved. They are distinguished by a symmetrical tread with crystal particles in rubber, the number of sipes is increased, ideal for driving in any winter conditions.

How much does it cost - 10800 rubles.

NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA R2 SUV

Advantages:

Good road holding;
you can not be afraid of falling into a rut;
confident braking on any type of asphalt;
excellent handling;
practically silent;
quite soft;
the sidewall is durable;
reliability;
long service life.

Flaws:

There is a slight yaw on the asphalt;
price;
designed more for urban conditions.

Professional review of tires of this brand - in the video:

GOODYEAR ULTRA GRIP ICE 2

Considered ideal based on the ratio of the two parameters affordable price for good quality. Production - Poland. Excellent braking properties are noted for Velcro.

They have proven themselves on the world market as a reliable, wear-resistant and safe product. Upgraded technologies that have been successfully used in previous models and innovations have made GOODYEAR ULTRA GRIP ICE 2 tires in demand among motorists throughout Russia.

GOODYEAR ULTRA GRIP ICE 2

Price - 5600 rubles.

Video review of characteristics:

Advantages:

Directional tread pattern;
thoughtful arrangement of hybrid lamellas;
excellent self-cleaning;
optimized tread pressure;
sure acceleration.

Flaws:

Acoustic discomfort due to unevenness on the road surface;
Side thickness.

Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ

One of the most popular models among domestic motorists, with above average quality at an affordable price. When creating, a modern rubber compound was used, as a result of which the rubber has a microporous structure that is able to break a thin water film, thereby increasing the grip of wheels on wet surfaces.

The unique pattern on the tread has an asymmetric structure. Due to the small grooves, excess water cannot reach the contact patch and thus the effect of hydroplaning is prevented, which means more safety when driving on wet roads.

The average price is 6500 rubles.

Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ

Advantages:

Excellent traction and grip on wet roads;
good directional stability in different driving modes, including high-speed and maneuvering;
comfort with low noise and vibration;
short braking distance, regardless of environmental conditions and the quality of the road surface;
modest fuel consumption during high-speed driving.

Flaws:

Low lateral grip on ice;
weak braking on wet pavement.

Michelin Alpin 5

The novelty from the French brand is focused on use in regions with mild winter. The main emphasis is made to ensure increased driving safety, these tires are not suitable for driving on ice, but they will perform well on wet and snowy asphalt.

The Michelin A5 features a high directional tread pattern that helps create your trail in the snow and provides increased stability. The location of the lateral grooves in the shoulder areas contributes to the effective removal of water and reduces the risk of aquaplaning. And multiple sipes help improve traction in the snow.

The average price is up to 9000 rubles.

Michelin Alpin 5

Advantages:

Good grip;
Rubber compound with a high content of silicon-containing components, providing elasticity at low temperatures;
The increased number of tread blocks provides excellent grip when driving on snowy roads;

Flaws:

Not designed for driving on ice;
noisy;
Price.

Overview of winter tires Michelin Alpin 5 - in the video:

Michelin X-Ice Xi3

It is valued for the stability of indicators according to all criteria in any winter conditions. The manufacturing company is located in France and deservedly occupies a place among the leaders in the manufacture of car tires. This model is a novelty, which included a complex of innovative technologies. Manufacturers have managed to realize the concept of "Smart Spike" and have created a truly unique product.

The inner tread layer consists of a thermosetting rubber compound that can change elasticity under the influence of the environment. The removal of ice crumbs takes place according to the Ice Powder Remover technology, which is a system of 6 wells around each spike, which absorb the crumbs into themselves. The spike is designed in the form of a cylinder with a cone-shaped tip on a wide base, which provides a more secure fixation of the spike.

Price - up to 8500 rubles.

Michelin X-Ice Xi3

Advantages:

Performed well on snowy pavement;
Excellent handling;
Braking performance at a high level;
exchange rate stability;
Comfort in operation;
Good permeability;
Quiet work.

Flaws:

Coupling properties and directional stability on ice are still rather weak;
Increased fuel consumption.

Professional assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of these tires - in the video:

Hankook W419 iPike RS

The manufacturer of these tires is one of the top companies in this area from South Korea. Tires of this model have a V-shaped directional symmetrical tread, it consists of three longitudinal rows that provide directional stability and grip on winter road surfaces.

Also on the tread on each side are separate shoulder blocks, which are responsible for flotation on a snowy road. The rubber compound used in this model does not lose its elasticity even when low temperatures, it contains silicon, which improves adhesion to asphalt.

The average price is up to 6000 rubles.

Hankook W419 iPike RS

Advantages:

Excellent braking on any road surface;
Good grip when driving on rolled and light snow cover;
exchange rate stability;
Long service life.

Flaws:

Not suitable for driving in slush or deep snow;
there is an annoying noise.

Dunlop SP Winter Ice02

This English brand is the oldest in the tire industry. It is famous for constant innovation in this segment and therefore the new development will no doubt please many car enthusiasts.

The first thing you notice is the unique bizarre tread pattern, which consists of a large number of drainage grooves located against the movement and at an acute angle. Tires guarantee slip resistance on slush, and studs, which are arranged in 16 rows, provide optimal grip on ice.

Price - up to 7500 rubles.

Dunlop SP Winter Ice02

Advantages:

Excellent braking on snowy roads;
Normal permeability.

Flaws:

On ice, grip leaves a lot to be desired;
Not very good braking when driving on wet asphalt;
Noticeable fuel consumption.

Video review Dunlop rubber SP Winter Ice02:

Continental ContiIceContact 2

This is a modernized model of one of the most popular products from manufacturers from Germany. The number of spikes in a new tire reaches almost two hundred. The studs are thoughtfully smaller to minimize disruption to the road surface.

Also, in the manufacture of spikes, an even more reliable adhesive was used, which is able to withstand a greater load than the previous model of the brand. The rubber compound is also of improved quality, which allows the tire to maintain elasticity in an extended temperature range.

Price - up to 11,000 rubles.

Continental ContiIceContact 2

Advantages:

Excellent braking in all conditions;
Good grip when driving on ice and snow;
Comfort in management;
patency;
Noiselessness.

Flaws:

Price.

A detailed video review of this rubber:

What winter tires did you choose?

According to the results of testing winter tires, we have selected for you 5 studded tires and 2 Velcro tires made in Russia.

The best Russian-made studded tires 2016

Champion of champions, most frequent tire test winner. It's nice that passenger tires are produced in Vsevolozhsk. Nokian are the best on ice, snow and snowy roads.

Autoreview experts write about it: “on ice, tires with figured spikes step on the heels of the test leaders.” Pirelli tires in Russia are produced at factories in Kirov and Voronezh. Strengths Pirelli: cross-country ability, traction on snow and ice.

“For any winter roads, they will like it on long trips,” the “Behind the Wheel” testers say about tires manufactured in Davydovo, Moscow Region. Of the benefits: they make little noise, are soft, behave well on rolled snow.

Average in tire tests, but the most affordable of this rating, and they are “brewed” in the Cordiant holding, which includes factories in Omsk and Yaroslavl. Pretty quiet, good grip on snow, good accelerating dynamics.

The best Russian-made non-studded tires 2016

To meet the growing demand in the market, friction tires are also produced in Russia.

Balanced, including, and for the price, tires.

According to the results of tests of friction tires 205/55 R16 of 2017

In the middle of winter tests, they are especially good on ice, with excellent directional stability on asphalt.

Made in Russia, they slow down well on snow, another plus is directional stability.

The car market offers a huge range of tires, it is very difficult to choose the best ones. Therefore, to simplify the choice of motorists, independent experts compile ratings of winter tires, they indicate the advantages and disadvantages of tires of various brands.

In the winter season, drivers have a question: “to stud or not to stud tires?”. Studded products are designed for harsh winters, ensure the normal stability of the machine when driving on ice or deep snow. Studless tires are not only suitable for driving on icy or snowy roads, they can be used on dry or wet road surfaces. There is an alternative option - these are the so-called "Velcro", they have a large lamella of the tread blocks, this design, in the absence of spikes, ensures the stability of the car on snow or ice. Which of these tires is better depends on the preferences of the driver and the operating conditions of the vehicle.

When choosing tires for the winter on your own, use the ratings of winter tires, when they are compiled by independent experts, the following characteristics of tires of various brands are taken into account:

stopping distance of a car on a dry, snowy, slushy, ice-covered road;
maximum acceleration of the car;
fuel consumption;
rubber noise;
driving comfort.

Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of rubber of different brands allows you to identify leaders in the manufacture of high-quality tires.

Leaders and outsiders of budget classes of studded tires

First place

Tire Sava Eskimo Stud

Tire designed for extreme winter conditions, occupies a leading position among models of budget classes of tires. It consists of a silicon-containing polymer, which provides the elastic properties of products at a sufficiently low ambient temperature.

Advantages:

low noise;
vehicle stability on ice, snow, dry and wet asphalt;
average course stability.

Disadvantages: average handling, directional stability when tested on a wet road surface.

Second place

Tire Matador MP30 Sibir Ice 2

Tires are designed in compliance with world standards and taking into account the peculiarities of the Russian climate. The composition of rubber provides elasticity, resistance of products to low-temperature operating conditions.

Advantages:

wear resistance;
low weight due to the use of aluminum spikes;
good acceleration on winter roads;
short braking distance on wet and dry road surfaces;
average grip on ice and snow.

Drawbacks:

average directional stability and handling on roads covered with ice;
noisy.

Third place

Tires Cordiant Snow Cross

These tires are designed for harsh Russian winters. The resistance of products to wear is ensured by the presence of silicon in the composition of rubber. These tires proved to be excellent when driving on packed snow, in some respects they even surpassed middle-class tires.

Advantages:

average braking on the road covered with ice;
good acceleration on packed snow and icy road surfaces;
average exchange rate stability among test participants.

Flaws:

not the shortest braking on dry and wet paved surfaces;
spikes protrude strongly, creating extra noise while driving;
increase in fuel consumption when moving the car at high speeds;
there is a chance of getting stuck when driving on loose snow.

Fourth place

Rubber Kama Euro 519

Structurally tires consist of two layers of rubber. One makes the studs resistant to falling out, the second makes the tires flexible at very low temperatures.

Advantages:

fast braking on snow and dry pavement;
average cross-country ability on winter roads;

Drawbacks:

increased braking on icy roads and wet pavement;
tires respond slowly to steering commands;
low stability on snowy, icy roads.

Fifth place

Tire Viatti Brina Nordico V-522

The products have an asymmetric tread pattern that provides traction with the road surface. The outer part of the tread ensures the stability of the machine during cornering.

Advantages:

good directional stability of the car on a snow-covered road;
elasticity.

Flaws:

for all types of testing, tires showed low results;
increased braking on any type of road surface;
a small patch of rubber contact with the surface when driving on ice.