Residents of regions where winter is especially harsh, always stock up on sets of winter tires for their cars, because without this they will not be able to drive. Such rubber is capable of overcoming the most difficult paths, including ice and deep snow. It has a number of advantages that only real motorists can appreciate.
In the article, you will learn what to look for when choosing rubber, who is the best manufacturer and what exactly is the best winter tires in demand among motorists.
How to choose tires for the winter?
When buying rubber for a car for the winter, problems often arise, since there are many options, and each of them is good in its own way. To choose the best product for yourself, you should heed the advice:
The well-known Finnish concern manufactures tires for many vehicles. He has been supplying rubber for over 80 years, and during that time, customers have never once complained about poor quality or non-compliance with safety requirements.
2. Goodyears
A leading American firm creates tires that drivers love for their high quality. Products are manufactured in as many as 50 factories located in various parts of the world.
3. Bridgestone
The Japanese manufacturer sells innovative products for cars and other vehicles. His products serve their owners for a long time.
4. Dunlop
A modern company based in Northern Ireland that develops products through computer simulations. People always pay attention to the products of this brand, because in addition to quality, they also have a pleasant design.
5. Michelin
A well-known French company is engaged in the production of tires, which are distinguished by their durability, fairly high manufacturability and fuel efficiency.
Read also: Which tire brand is better. TOP 10 best tire manufacturers
So which winter tires to choose?
TOP 6 best studded tires
Motorists who prefer studded tire options should consider models that already have many positive reviews and high popularity in Russia and many other countries. This rating will certainly leave no doubt about which tire to choose. Among them:
1. Pirelli Ice Zero
Rating 4.62 / 5
The Italian model amazes all motorists with one unique advantage. It consists of a double tungsten carbide stud. Thanks to this, the tires pass the ice perfectly.
2. Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 9
Rating 4.69 / 5
The model of the new generation of the already renowned line has been developed for 4 years, but experts have nevertheless created an ideal product in almost everything.
The main highlight of rubber is the presence of two types of studs. This improves traction on icy and snowy roads.
Rating 4.74 / 5
4. Continental IceContact 2
Rating 4.74 / 5
This model performs best on the off-road. She feels great at rather low temperatures, not only on snow, but also on ice.
5. Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000
Rating 4.55 / 5
Excellent city rubber copes well with not too deep snow. It perfectly overcomes asphalt and dense snow, does not emit unnecessary noise and is most suitable for areas where the temperature does not often fall below -15 degrees.
6.
Excellent road holding on ice and snow. Works great on dry asphalt. Spikes hold well (do not fly off). Quiet enough. Plus, good cross-country ability.
TOP 6 best non-studded tires for winter (velcro).
Tires without spikes, also called velcro in the common people and friction in professional slang, are ideal for roads where there is not too much snow.
They find excellent traction, so they are ideal for mild winter climates.
These include:
1. NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA R2 SUV
The main advantage of the model is its precise controllability. Such rubber holds the road perfectly in any conditions.
It is not scary to fall into a rut with her, since a way out of it will be instantly found.
Crystals are provided inside that prevent the wheel from freezing, which explains the cost of the rubber.
2. MICHELIN X-ICE XI3
The variant, which does not have any drawbacks, adheres perfectly to the road, in which it is helped by the tread pattern, quick removal of liquid and snow from under the wheel.
The movement of this model is soft and almost silent. Its high quality surprises all drivers, as it is able to serve its owners for more than 3 seasons, compared to its competitors.
3. GOODYEAR ULTRA GRIP ICE 2
It costs up to 11,500 rubles. This type of rubber is one of the best examples of value for money. It has amazing braking properties, stability on snow slurry. Buyers call the only drawback uncertain acceleration during icy conditions, but few people pay attention to this nuance.
4. BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK VRX
The price is 13 thousand rubles. The model was created using unique technologies that made it possible to make the ride more comfortable and soft. Tires perform well in rural and urban areas. They easily pass through a high layer of snow, slow down well and remove the snow gruel. Because of such opportunities, the rubber wears out rather quickly, so it is not designed for more than 3 seasons.
5. YOKOHAMA ICE GUARD IG50
The price is about 10 thousand rubles. The last option in this category shows itself perfectly during icy conditions. The rubber ensures safe cornering and is ideal for all types of terrain. But with all the advantages, it should be borne in mind that during freezing temperatures, you do not need to use tires, since they are intended exclusively for cold weather.
Compliant and manageable rubber, has a low noise level. Quiet in operation, confidently accelerates and decelerates.
Of the shortcomings, motorists single out one drawback - the price
New items 2018/2019
In addition to the two previous categories, a few more tires of 2019 cannot be ignored. They are also distinguished by high quality, reliability and a number of other advantages. This list includes:
1. Dunlop SP Winter ICE 02
For most men, choosing tires for their faithful friend, which is a car, is a very important and serious process. It's like sending a woman to a huge store and giving money for just one dress.
The assortment of car tires is very large, and making a choice of the right model, you need to have some knowledge in order to find excellent tires. The most popular models presented in most automotive markets can be found in this article.
A few more links on the topic:
When buying spare parts for a car, most motorists do not spare any money, purchasing the best and proven spare parts, and in this number, the choice of car tires does not stand aside.
Many factors will depend on the purchased car wheels, such as:
- the behavior of the car on the road in different weather conditions;
- how the car will overcome various obstacles;
- and most importantly, your safety and the safety of passengers in the car with you.
All produced car tires are divided into categories, depending on the season for which they are intended. There are three main groups: for the summer period, winter tires, and universal car tires for all seasons.
This article will focus on on studded tires for the winter period ... (in another rating). Winter tires are made of special rubber that can be fully exploited at temperatures below +5 degrees Celsius. The first thing to know about winter tires is that they are made from soft rubber compounds. This technology does not allow the rubber to harden in frosty weather, which makes the wheels quickly shed snow adhesions from their surface, guaranteeing better grip on the road surface.
But not everyone agrees with this opinion. Some fans of fast driving prefer sports car tires, which have significant rigidity, which, however, does not prevent them from keeping on the road as well as other types of wheels. There are no clear rules here. Everyone chooses what suits their driving style more.
Not so long ago, various companies of car studded tires were tested, and the most popular models were determined based on the results of these tests. In determining the best models, the opinion of buyers, as well as a comparison of the price and quality of the selected tires, played an important role. The results of this testing will be disclosed in detail in this article.
Popular winter tires with spikes
Let's start at the end
#9. Nokian nordman 5
The ninth place in the ranking of the best winter tires is opened by the model Nokian nordman 5... Second name "Bear Claw", and is a completely new development at Nokian Nordman. The feature of this model is a completely new development using special lugs designed to support the studs, which allows for much better traction on the road.
Behave very well on icy surfaces. The developers did a lot of work on a completely new tread pattern, and as it turned out later, they did not lose a bit. They easily and effortlessly leave the snowdrifts, while driving the snow is quickly cleared from the surface of the wheel.
But, even with such, one might say, almost ideal wheel, there was still a small but drawback. On dry asphalt surfaces, these wheels have some difficulty when making sharp turns.... It is hoped that this error will be eliminated in new models. (about the brand)
#eight. Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01
Next, on the eighth line, is the model Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01... These tires feel very comfortable on ice, as well as on loose or compacted snow. The development of such a model took a lot of time, the creators of these tires did a great job. Getting into the rating of this model was guaranteed thanks to the development of the latest cruciform studs. Thanks to this, the car behaves perfectly on slippery road surfaces (about the brand).
# 7. Michelin X-IceNorth 3
This tire model is also very interesting. Everyone is trying their best to surprise their buyer, and Michelin X-IceNorth 3 also does not lag behind in these indicators. The newly developed rubber compound as well as the installed so-called “smart spikes” work perfectly. It is worth admitting the idea is very interesting.
Only the air temperature decreases significantly, as, due to the thermal activity of the rubber compound, the wheel becomes stiffer and presses with greater force on the surface of the stud, thereby strengthening the adhesion to the road surface. It is worth noting the very good marks given by the results of the wear resistance test (about the brand).
# 6. Pirelli icezero
The next model to look out for is Pirelli icezero... These tires deserve respect for their person. Most car enthusiasts would easily place these tires, if not in the top three, then in the top five, that's for sure.
But automotive experts have a very different opinion.
The designers of this model very competently approached all the subtleties of the tires, and the buyers quite liked it. Cars, shod with such wheels, feel quite well, both on ice, and on wet and dry road surfaces. In a word, the Italian company has done a great job, and this has earned the seventh place in this rating (about the brand).
#5. Goodyear ultragrip ice arctic
When the development team was working on the model UltraGripIce Arctic They clearly had the harsh winter in mind and how they had to dig their car wheels out of the snow. These tires quite cope with the tasks assigned to them.
Manufactured by Goodyear using technology MultiControl Ice, provided these tires with excellent grip, and full control over the car while driving on an icy surface. Convenient grooves on the tread remove water from the surface in a very timely manner (about the brand).
#4. Dunlop SP Winter ICE01
This brand Dunlop SP Winter ICE01 I had to fight pretty hard to get to the fourth step of the rating. Good grip, elasticity appropriate for all wheels of this company, as well as the presence of drainage are all present in these tires. Before use, a little running-in is required first. Good tread pattern helps to overcome snow drifts. To many, such a drawing is somewhat reminiscent of a tractor, and it is difficult to argue with that.
# 3. Continental IceContact 2
These spike wheels passed many different tests and only then went on sale. If the previous model had small omissions, such as poor handling on dry asphalt, then in the new version the developers took into account all their mistakes, and the Continental IceContact 2 model was born. These tires behave perfectly on absolutely all road surfaces (about the brand).
# 2. YOKOHAMA Ice Guard IG55
A little was not enough to win the rating for YOKOHAMA, which everyone knows for the fact that they are always trying to progress and improve their products. And now, this company is located on the second line, with its new model YOKOHAMA Ice Guard IG55.
And here we will once again make sure that the tread pattern on the wheel surface plays an important role in the coupling of the wheel to the road surface. And in this model, we cannot leave this fact without special attention. A clearly pronounced central zone, also equipped with small grooves, all this improves the already good "friendship" of the wheel with the road. This model has passed all the tests provided and received excellent results (about the brand).
#one. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
And, the leader of the rating, located on the first line, rightfully becomes the model Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8... These wheels have long proved to be a good side in the auto parts market. On the ice, they have the best behavior among all contenders for leadership in this rating. Also, according to other indicators, they show good grades.
Driving with these tires is one sheer pleasure. The tread was slightly altered by the developers. The studs now cover absolutely the entire surface of the wheel, and there are exactly 190 of them. Also, it is worth noting that they are not prone to loss, which is a very important fact. Admiring this model, you understand that engineers have provided everything that is possible.
A well-known proverb says, "Prepare the sled in summer and the cart in winter," and this statement contains time-tested wisdom. During the summer season, motorists should carefully study the main market trends, answer the important question "Which is better: spikes or Velcro?" In order to choose the optimal winter tires for their car for the next season. We have compiled a rating of winter tires, which includes models from the world's best car tire manufacturers.
The 2018 winter tires rating is the result of marketing research of the main directions of the car tire market. Here you will find a short description of tires by brand, a comparative analysis of technical characteristics and recommendations for the use of each of the models presented.
How to choose winter tires for your car?
To determine the main criteria when choosing car tires, a few words should be said about the features of winter tires.
- Firstly, the performance characteristics of automobile tires at low temperature indicators must ensure the speed of the vehicle and traffic safety. In the conditions of a snowy or icy track, the tires must have good grip on the road surface. This is ensured by the presence of a special protector, including a studded one;
- Secondly, the material from which winter tires are made must retain the necessary elasticity and strength. Whole laboratories are conjuring over the composition of the material for the production of winter tires, which allows achieving high performance and, therefore, the well-deserved popularity of the brand among motorists.
Basic principles of winter tire classification
- Studded tires - tires equipped with anti-slip studs. Spikes significantly increase the cross-country ability of a car on snow or ice surfaces, but worsen the quality of traffic on a dry road surface. The presence of studs in most brands of winter tires is associated with an increase in their "noise";
- Friction - tires with high tread lamellae. They are also called "Velcro". Adhesion to the road surface is ensured by the shape of the tread and the density of the sipes. "Stickers" show themselves well on dry asphalt and worsen their performance on a snowy road;
- An all-season tire is a versatile type that can be used in both summer and winter. Demonstrate not the highest characteristics for a single season.
Non-studded tires, in turn, are subdivided into:
- European - the tread relief is not so aggressive, it resembles a summer rain protector by the presence of drainage grooves. Recommended for driving in wet snow, slush;
- Scandinavian - the rubber compound is softer, the tread contains a large number of sipes and slots, which provides good cross-country ability on snowy or icy roads.
Winter tires rating 2018
Nokian Hakkapeliitta - No. 1
For the next season, Finnish manufacturers have prepared a new model WR A4, which is made of a special Performance Traction Silica rubber compound. Contained in it, in addition to rubber and silica, canola oil provides excellent performance.
The grip on the road surface becomes as much as possible, so that the car can safely drive at high speed, not only on winter roads, but also in changing weather conditions.
The rubber compound differs from the Finnish tire workers by its high wear resistance, which also adds points to it among competitors.
A characteristic feature of the tread is some asymmetry and the presence of longitudinal and sharp "snow claws". Everything in the complex gives the positive effect of combining speed and stability on snow.
Continental Conti lce Contact - No. 2
The rubber compound for tires from the German manufacturer Continental contains new synthetic elastomers, and the Brilliant Plus studs are made in the form of a rectangular truncated pyramid. Earlier versions of the cleats were round in shape, and ice crushed around them, reducing the grip area of the road.
The updated studs, in addition to having a new shape and channels for removing ice chips, are also attached inside the tread using a new technology. The cleats contain carbide inserts that grip the road surface for good acceleration and braking.
All this in a complex significantly increases the car's handling in winter conditions and in the off-season. The model is one of the leaders in the winter tires market, reviews, ratings and quality of tires are only positive. It is highly likely that these tires will retain their leadership in the winter season 2018-2019.
Pirelli Winter Ice Zero - No. 3
The third place is occupied by the best winter tires from the Italian Pirelli - studded for passenger cars.
According to the manufacturer, Pirelli Winter Ice Zero has been tested in harsh winter conditions, showing excellent results in basic technical parameters. The designers of Pirelli in their development of tires, including winter tires, use many years of experience in the rally. This time, the tire makers made a double stud and doubled the number of sipes by simply "stuffing" them into the surface of the tire.
The improved tread profile is designed to ensure even tire wear along with stability and handling.
It should be noted some "noise" of this model and a slight decrease in grip when cornering.
Nokian Nordman - No. 4
This model is the answer to the question "Which winter tire is better?" If we proceed from the ratio "price / quality". High quality workmanship and excellent functionality are combined with a very reasonable price that will appeal to many car owners.
These tires from the best Finnish manufacturer Nokian Nordman also feature a special tread element called "bear claw". Its functionality is to grip the road surface and ensure steady traffic.
Nokian Nordman 4 - No. 5
Once again, Finnish quality prevails in our ranking of the best winter tires 2018. In fifth place is the studded Nokian Nordman 4, which is characterized by a lower noise level when driving. This effect is achieved through softening pads on the tread and wear-resistant studs.
In the rating, this model is in the middle of the list, since it has both a sufficient set of excellent performance properties and some vulnerable parameters. For example, in wet conditions or driving on icy surfaces, these tires are not always perfect.
However, the reasonable price of this model can become a significant plus.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic - No. 6
The studded tires from GoogYear this time feature a model made using a unique technology that allows you to shorten the braking distance in European winter conditions. More precisely, Grip Ice Arctic is designed for consumers from the Baltic States, Ukraine and Russia.
The tread is made in the form of a V-shape with acute-angled sipes and channels for moisture removal. The peculiarity of the protector is to perform the function of both a "breakwater" and its distributor over the entire surface and output to the outside.
This design feature, combined with the use of a special rubber compound in the production of the tire, make this model quite stable on snow, ice and wet asphalt. Among the disadvantages should be noted a decrease in speed when driving on a dry surface.
Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 - No. 7
This model is a solid mid-range in the rating of winter studded tires for passenger cars. The manufacturer is a Swedish company that is part of the Continental concern. Its products are Swedish quality and thorough knowledge of the driver's needs when driving on a snowy or icy road.
The constructive shape of the tread provides good and quite confident adhesion to the road surface, however, on a dry road, there is a significant decrease in the vehicle's maneuverability and speed. Noise vibrations during operation of this tire model are in the middle of the range and are considered acceptable.
Hankook Winter i * Pike RS W419 - No. 8
The model of winter studded tires from Korean manufacturers is distinguished by a V-shaped tread, which has a symmetrical pattern. The tread pattern has undergone some changes compared to the earlier model: a massive separation barrier is located in the middle of the tire. The tread blocks have become larger and the distance between them has increased.
In addition, the engineers made a higher density of the lamellas - now there are more than 120 of them. All these design changes are made in a composition with an updated rubber material, which is characterized by better elasticity at low temperatures.
Formula Ice - №9
The model is distinguished by the presence of a hexagon spike and excellent driving characteristics due to the directional tread pattern with a central rib. Taken together, this gives an excellent steering effect on wet or dry asphalt road surfaces. Driving with these tires will be comfortable and safe when driving on wet surfaces or melted snow.
This model is used for passenger cars, particularly SUVs. Experts note that a car with such tires can easily cope with winter challenges in urban conditions, with heavy traffic, since it has good maneuverability both on snow and on dry surfaces.
An additional advantage of this model is considered to be a completely democratic price, which is also of no small importance for consumers.
Michelin X-Ice North 3 - No. 10
Michelin engineers have tried to reduce the braking distances made on these tires by almost 10% compared to its predecessor. Thanks to the shape of the tread and other design features, the car will handle well on these tires both on snow and on ice chips or slush.
Tests have shown that on dry roads the braking distance is the shortest thanks to these tires. The low price and rather high performance characteristics allowed Michelin tires to take a place in the rating of winter tires for the 2018-2019 season.
Which winter tires are better: spikes or Velcro?
There are constant discussions among motorists about which type of winter tires is better and what are the advantages of some over others. Perhaps, today there is no single answer, since it occurs in different climatic conditions, in a city or rough terrain, in a remote village or a large metropolis.
Spikes or Velcro? If you live in an area where most of the roads are covered with snow, which is smoothed by road services, but not removed right down to the asphalt, the answer is “Take Velcro”. As a rule, this condition is perfectly fulfilled in northern European countries, for example, in Finland or Sweden.
In our country, the roads are either not cleaned at all, or they are cleaned to the very asphalt. If the car is operated in the city, it would be wiser to “put on” it in non-studded tires: both the speed will not decrease, and the maneuverability will remain.
A qualitative leap in tire production by Barum began in 1993, when it was bought by the German concern Continental. Since then, the characteristics of the products manufactured by the plant have risen to a very high level. The most popular among motorists in our country are the non-studded winter tires BARUM Polaris-2 and the winter model with studs BARUM Norpolaris. In the line of Barum models there is also rubber for minibuses and light trucks, which is in great demand due to its low price and excellent quality.
Rubber "Goodrich" is part of the Michelin concern and is of very high quality, controlled by the parent company Michelin. In the assortment of BFGoodrich tires produced by BFGoodrich, tire models with a special tread pattern, which was developed specifically for extreme driving enthusiasts, have become widely popular. At the same time, ordinary road models also have very decent characteristics.
Bridgestone winter and summer tires are a symbol of the highest quality and safety in any weather and on a variety of road conditions. The company currently produces a huge range of products for almost all types of cars and various vehicles - tires for cars, tractors, jeeps, trucks, etc.
One of the most popular winter models is the BRIDGESTONE ICE Cruiser 7000 winter tires, which are available in a huge range of sizes from 13 to 20 diameters and have outstanding cross-country ability. It is also worth paying attention to BRIDGESTONE Blizzak DM-V1, this winter non-studded SUV tire was specially developed for all-wheel drive vehicles.
What can you say about Continental tires, except that this concern owns such well-known brands as: Gislaved, Uniroyal, General Tire, Viking, Barum? Probably the fact that these are generally one of the best, both summer and winter tires, that exist now on the market. Such winter studded asymmetric tire model as CONTINENTAL WinterViking 2 successfully competes with the best Nokian models in terms of performance, while Continental tires have always had one remarkable feature - they are very soft and quiet when driving.
So if you have never come across the products of this company, then it makes sense to buy winter tires from this manufacturer.
Cooper Tire is represented in the tire market by six brands - Cooper, Mastercraft, Avon, Starfire, Roadmaster and Dean. These American tires are a good "good average". Buying tires from this company, you get quality tires for reasonable money. A big plus of this brand is the presence of a large number of "American standard sizes" in the catalog of winter tires and a wide range of sizes for all-wheel drive vehicles.
The Cordiant brand belongs to the SIBUR holding - Russian tires. This rubber appeared relatively recently on our market, but managed to surprise many with its good quality and low price. Let's just say, this is the first domestic manufacturer to make truly high-quality tires. In general, the prices for winter tires of this brand are pleasantly pleasing, especially when you do not want to spend a lot of money on tires, and you still need new wheels for winter.
For commercial vehicles, the company manufactures products under the TyRex brand. The model range of this company includes industrial, agricultural, cargo, as well as all-steel cord models of the most common and popular standard sizes.
The main specialization of the Dunlop company is the release of summer and winter studless models, which have a sporty orientation and excellent handling characteristics. One of the most popular models of non-studded winter car tires is undoubtedly DUNLOP Graspic DS3. It is produced in many standard sizes, which allows you to choose it for almost any car. For the excellent handling and sporty character of these tires, they are loved and appreciated by motorists who prefer an aggressive driving style.
Part of the giant Goodyear, Fulda has expanded its large tire production facilities in Germany and Slovenia. At the moment, in Germany, the Fulda brand occupies one of the leading positions among the most famous tire manufacturers, due to its "quality" and financial affordability.
We can talk about Gislaved winter tires, which is part of Continental, for a very long time. In fact, these are the first imported tires (along with Nokian tires) that appeared on the domestic market. The GISLAVED Nord Frost -2 model immediately won the love of motorists, because having driven two or even three winter seasons, one could not lose a single thorn! It seems incredible, even now, when technology in tire production has taken a big step forward in 10 years. The GISLAVED Nord Frost -2 had one special feature, they had a hard-alloy spike shell made of hard plastic, and thanks to this, the spike did not oxidize or shrink in size from corrosion. Unfortunately, now, due to environmental requirements, such spikes are no longer made on Gislaved tires. Nevertheless, Gislaved winter tires are still one of the best among the best.
A long time ago, back in 1839, an extremely important invention was made by Charles Goodyear. From sticky rubber, by adding sulfur and vulcanization, he was able to make the material that we now call rubber. Now, probably, there is no such person who would not know this famous brand. The company produces a huge assortment of all kinds of rubber products for various equipment, and of course, winter tires for almost any car. Very popular and best-selling winter models are GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Extreme and GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice +.
The Asian manufacturer GT Radial has very low prices for winter tires and quite good quality. This is not to say that these are some of the best tires, but nevertheless, these are good tires that can be bought for minimal money and at the same time all products have important international certificates TUV, DOT, ISO-9001. GT Radial also produces rubber for jeeps, trucks and various special equipment.
By the way, GT Radial tires are installed as original equipment on many Korean and Japanese cars. This brand is the most famous and popular in Asian countries.
The South Korean company Nankook is the official supplier of tires for many leading car manufacturers, especially Korean cars. The average price of products and good quality made this brand famous in our country and abroad.
The French company Kleber, engaged in the production of auto rubber, is also engaged in the manufacture of various rubber products for medical and household use. Controlled by Michelin, Kleber produces such high-quality products that it is supplied to the conveyors of factories: Peugeot, Volkswagen, Renault, Opel and the Japanese Suzuki.
South Korean company Kumho has won numerous motorsports titles, which is a testament to its high-tech products and places the company alongside the renowned global tire manufacturers. As for winter tires, the asymmetric spike model KUMHO KW-27 has a good price / quality ratio.
Michelin has always been the standard of quality for us, and the Michelin word is not just a tire brand, it is a whole era in the production of car tires. Michelin winter tires installed on your car is not only prestige, but also high driving safety associated with confident behavior of your car on any road. Winter tires are not the main specialization of the company (like Nokian's) and are slightly inferior to Nokian in terms of characteristics, but at the same time they still remain one of the best in the segment of winter tires.
The most popular winter studded model in the catalog is MICHELIN X-ice North 2 tires, which is an evolution of another not bad and previously popular X-ICE North model.
The largest company in Southeast Asia - NANKANG is one of the ten largest tire manufacturers in the world. Rubber is made in South Korea, China and Taiwan and, like everything made in Asia, it has a low price. If we talk about quality, then Nankang winter tires do not differ in any high performance and characteristics, however, its low cost makes it a very advantageous offer on the tire market. For many, it is the low prices for winter tires with acceptable quality that will be an important buying argument.
Nokian Tires is an innovative tire manufacturer in the Nordic countries. It is the only manufacturer in the world that focuses specifically on winter tires. This is not to say that summer tires of this brand are bad, but Nokian tires for winter are something special! Nokian winter tires, prices for which are sometimes one and a half times higher than those of their nearest competitor, and sometimes even twice, are still highly respected among motorists all over the world. These tires have unique characteristics and deservedly occupy a leading position in the tire market.
The company conducts very serious research in the field of the applied studs, which in themselves are already an innovation of the highest order, as well as research is carried out in the unique application of multi-layer rubber on the tread and sidewall of the tire.
Nokian has a wide range of tire models, and according to numerous tests, Nokian winter tires regularly perform at their best. At the moment, the studded models Hakkapeliitta 7 and the asymmetric NOKIAN WR G2 are very popular. Another great advantage of Nokian is that almost all models have a version (in a huge number of standard sizes) of rubber for jeeps. These models have an SUV prefix.
Choosing footwear for our iron horse, each of us is looking for the optimal ratio of quality and price. It is a serious matter to put on shoes for the winter. There are several options: take studded or friction tires.
What is the difference?
Studded tires are designed for use on icy surfaces, on packed snow. Non-studded tires - popularly "Velcro", are suitable for driving on icy asphalt, wet and loose snow. Therefore, the choice depends on the conditions of use. Friction tires are mainly chosen for driving in the city, studded ones are designed for extreme operating conditions. You need to choose based on the climate, weather of those areas in which the car will "run".
Besides, an important criterion influencing the choice of winter tires will be their price. Depending on the cost, they can be divided into budget, middle price segment and premium class.
However, looking back at the price, one should not forget about the main thing - safety on the road. Therefore, the quality of the tires should be of decisive importance. As practice shows, the best quality goods are offered by leading manufacturers with a worldwide reputation. Which tires are best for the winter? Consumer feedback is not always critical here. Consider which mastodons of this industry you should focus on.
Manufacturer selection criteria
When we talk about the leaders in tire manufacturing, we base ourselves on the market share of these corporations, ratings compiled by experts, and customer reviews. So which tire brand is better? Car tires produced by the companies listed below have been at the top of various tops for many years.
Three world leaders in the production of car tires
Since 2007, the world leader in rubber for automobiles is the Japanese company Bridgestone, founded in 1931. The products manufactured by this corporation are of a high quality level and belong to the premium class. tires pass at landfills owned by the corporation. In the production of winter tires, prerogative is given to non-studded tires designed for extreme operating conditions.
Another Japanese firm, the Yokohama Rubber Company, which was founded in 1917, has firmly secured its second position. Her recommendation is long-term cooperation with such automotive corporations as Mercedes Benz, Subaru, Porshe, Mazda, Toyota. The tires of this company will be able to satisfy the most discerning buyer.
"Bronze" in the rating of the leading tire manufacturers goes to the French company Michelin. This corporation was founded in 1889. One of the many Michelin finds is the invention in the 90s of the last century Energy tires with low rolling resistance, which saves fuel.
4-5 places in the rating
The fourth place in the list of the best "makers" of rubber for cars is rightfully taken by the American Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. The history of this company begins back in 1898. Indicative is the fact that it was this organization that was the first supplier of tires for the legendary Ford car. The specialty of the company is the production of products from natural ingredients. It was the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company who pioneered grooved tires for draining fluids, and they also invent tires that do not change their characteristics even if damaged.
The first five leaders are closed by Continental AG, which is generally recognized as the European number 1 in tire production. The German company has a long history, in 2016 it will be no less than 225 years old. Over the period of its existence, a small joint-stock company has turned into a monster of the tire industry with branches all over the world.
6-10 places in the TOP manufacturers
The sixth place in the ranking of 10 leading tire manufacturers went to the Italian Pirelli & C. The company has been specializing in tires for sports cars for more than 140 years, which ensures the possibility of their operation in extreme situations. Buying tires of this brand, you can be confident in the handling of your iron horse in any weather conditions.
Nokian Tires is in seventh place. The Finnish manufacturer was originally part of the Nokia concern, created in 1904. Nokian Tires became a separate company, the factories of which exclusively manufacture car tires, in 1988. The specialization of this company is the production of studded winter tires. The first tire with retractable studs was manufactured by Nokian Tires.
The eighth place was firmly occupied by the South Korean company Hankook Tires. It was founded in 1941. Today Hankook Tires has subsidiaries in many countries around the world. The tires from this manufacturer are durable, show excellent braking performance, which increases the car's handling.
The penultimate place in the ranking is held by the American manufacturer Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. The company was founded in 1914. Today the corporation has branches in 13 countries of the world. A distinctive feature of the tires of this corporation is a relatively low price with the highest quality.
Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. This fast growing Japanese company was founded in 1909. It specializes in producing excellent quality all-season rubber.
A question that worries all car owners
Which tires are best for the winter? Having an idea of the world's leading tire manufacturers, let us consider specific models that, according to the results of numerous expert assessments, were included in the top ten winter tires of the 2015-2016 season. This rating will give an answer to the question "Which studded tires are better for the winter?" Feedback from car owners is what you should rely on in the first place.
Top 3
Finnish studded tires are in the lead in the list, designed for severe winters with a large icing of the surface. These tires have undergone significant changes in comparison with their earlier version:
- the number of tread blocks has been increased;
- the arrangement of the anchor-type studs has been optimized;
- modified rubber composition, which includes rapeseed oil.
All this allows us to speak about high wear resistance of products, easy handling on ice, environmental friendliness and relative noiselessness of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires. According to customer reviews, their disadvantage is their high price. Many people note excessive noise, but, unfortunately, this is a common disadvantage for studded tires. Here is the answer to the question "Which tires are better for the winter?" Reviews of the studs are called the main argument in favor of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires.
The second place in the ranking of the best winter tires of 2015-2016 belongs to the Michelin X-Ice Xi3. This non-studded winter tire allows the car to bite into the ice thanks to the Z-shaped siping. The edge of the tread block is equipped with large cylindrical holes that act as micro-pumps to remove water and slurry. All this allows the Michelin X-Ice Xi3 to be operated not only in urban environments, but also on expressways. According to motorists, these tires are durable, soft, quiet, and make it easy to control the car. Which tires are best for the winter? Feedback from friction tire enthusiasts speaks in favor of the Michelin X-Ice Xi3.
The third place is confidently taken by the products of the German plant Continental - ContiIceContact. These tires live up to the German reputation for quality. A studded tire shows excellent results regardless of the place of use: ice, asphalt, wet snow, rolled snow. The permeability is excellent, despite the presence of spikes, the acoustic load is minimal.
4-5 position in the rating of winter tires 2015-2016
Ice + is in fourth place. This friction tire is of high quality, allowing you to easily control the car, feel the road comfortably, and do not experience the inconvenience of excessive noise.
The honorable fifth place belongs to Nokian Nordman 5. production is intended for driving on snow-covered tracks.
Getting this product into the TOP-10 is, rather, a marketing ploy of paid experts, rather than a real assessment of the merits of tires. According to customer reviews, tires wear out very quickly and are unstable on ice. Not everyone can cope with such rubber while driving on a slippery road. This raises the question of security. Despite the negative aspects, these tires are still popular.
6-10 places
The sixth place is confidently taken by the Yokohama iceGUARD Stud iG55. The Japanese manufacturer, in this case, pleased with the quality. The Yokohama iceGUARD Stud iG55 studded tire has a unique rubber compound designed to remain soft at low temperatures, which improves the vehicle's agility and traction.
On the seventh place settled Their production is carried out by the Russian concern Continental. The quality of these tires is adequate for the urban type. Studded tires proved themselves worthy on ice, ice, and snow porridge. Winter tires, reviews of which are very flattering are the Gislaved Nord Frost 100.
The eighth place is taken by the non-studded Vredestein Snow Trac 3 tires, which show excellent results when used in mild climates - on dry and wet asphalt. They are poorly suited for ice. Reviews of tires (how to choose the best tires based on the presented rating, the reader probably already understands) indicate that many motorists choose the Vredestein Snow Trac 3.
Continental VikingContact 6 tires are one notch to the bottom of the list. Here German quality demonstrates its consistency. Non-studded rubber, through the original tread pattern and the presence of sipes, demonstrates good handling and allows you to feel comfortable in a harsh winter.
The TOP-10 is completed by Spike-01 tires. Japanese manufacturers have developed an original cruciform spike shape that allows you to confidently maneuver on ice, asphalt, and wet snow.
So which tires are best for the winter? There are both positive and negative reviews about the last-ranked company. Any product finds its buyer.
