A traditional question that has set the teeth on edge for more than one car enthusiast before winter is the choice of winter studded tires. This is very important for SUVs and crossovers: cars of this class need careful selection of tires due to their parameters and high weight. The following ranking is compiled from the most popular studded winter tire models on the market.
Let's start with the last, tenth place - Yokohama ice Guard Stud iG35. Opinions about these tires are very diverse: there are enough both positive and negative reviews. This is a novelty of 2012, which is still successfully present in sales. Directional tread technology was used in their creation, but now you will not be surprised by this.
According to manufacturers, their products should have the following advantages:
- reliable adhesion to all types of surfaces, including those cases when they are covered with an ice crust or snow slurry, thanks to the "multidimensional" sipes. They should also increase the braking performance, especially on ice, dense snow, while maintaining the rigidity of the main tread elements;
- special projections near the spikes for the reliability of their fastening;
- improved shape of the grooves, which makes the process of drainage of water and snow, grip more efficient. Grooves on the sides increase the reliability of deceleration on ice and packed snow;
- an innovative rubber compound that prevents tire deformation around the protruding stud.
In practice, these advantages turned out to be mostly just PR. Here the main negative should be noted: the spikes do not hold well and fall out. The tread loses its rigidity, and the grooves show themselves rather mediocre: the car yawns perceptibly when braking. Negative reviews of motorists primarily relate to the scanty life of the thorns.
It's not so bad - there are positive aspects as well. The tires are designed for urban conditions and moderate snow conditions. Here they feel good enough. The price is also an advantage. This is an acceptable choice on a limited budget, when you do not want to ride on budget Velcro, and there is no money for normal studded tires.
In ninth place is the Nokian Nordman 5 SUV. Externally, the rubber is a copy of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV, but the material itself is slightly worse.
Their behavior on the road surface deserves not the lowest, but rather mediocre marks. It is worth noting that lateral grip on icy and snowy surfaces is above average. Experts note excellent stability on asphalt roads and a good, clear response. On the other hand, the control of the car on snow, ice is poor. Nothing really bad, but good things can not be said about the rubber, it is satisfactory.
When the temperature is above zero on the asphalt, the car, shod in the Nordman 5 SUV, does not pull to the side during maneuvers, it does not "float". We should also say about the noise level. The tires themselves are quite quiet, after warming up, the noise becomes even less, as it should be for winter tires.
An important issue that interests motorists are thorns. There are no special complaints here, they sit firmly in the rubber and do not dangle, although during aggressive driving there is a minimum number of torn or torn off. This is a budget rubber with mediocre performance.
The tread has a directional pattern, with wide channels, good siping, it is similar to other tires of this brand, here you can immediately see the brand features. The tread copes with its functions for average ratings, this is confirmed in practice: the rubber behaves decently on loose and rolled snow and on an ice crust. For this, you can give a solid satisfactory mark.
Somewhat disappointing is the fact that the rubber is studded not with the proprietary multi-edge spike, but with the usual round-cored one, which is less effective. On the other hand, it may be better, because the adhesion properties will not noticeably decrease after 2–4 thousand km on asphalt, since the spikes do not have sharp wear-out edges. The next drawback is the price. With all the positive qualities as for a budget rubber with a lightweight construction, it is quite high.
Eighth place was taken by the Gislaved Nord Frost 100 SUV. This Swedish brand is popular all over the world. The Nord Frost 100 SUV is the successor to the popular fifth Nord Frost. Studded tires with a speed limit of 190 km / h. Their cost is in the middle price range.
Separately about the appearance and tread pattern. He is cocky, brutal and will clearly stand out from others. But this is not at all the point, but in the adhesion and running properties of rubber. Here you can put the mark above satisfactory.
This model has fewer spikes, but now they are triangular and gnaw ice with increased efficiency. The tread pattern is not only beautiful, but also practical. It fulfills its functions to drain water, snow (loose and "porridge") in full, and the spikes provide stability on an icy road. The indisputable advantage of rubber is good handling, according to this indicator they are in the top three.
The XL version is produced especially for off-road vehicles, which has an increased load index and a reinforced sidewall.
The rubber is soft, so it feels great on ice, but less wear-resistant. Reasonable price, moderately soft rubber, special shape of studs - this is an excellent choice in the middle price range. Due to its softness, the machine "swallows" joints, irregularities. The tires are quiet: maybe by reducing the number of studs. The lamellas of the protectors are not clogged with dirt, gravel, and tend to self-clean.
The car behaves well on a snowy road. Judging by the reviews of those who tested it at 140 km / h, yaw was not noticed. Rubber paddles well downhill on a loose snow cover, but some note that tires quickly burrow into powdery snow. Nord Frost 100 SUVs hold the road well, have average grip, braking on ice, do not float and are quite predictable. This rubber is among the leaders in braking performance in all conditions, including icy conditions.
Relative disadvantage: as the aluminum base wears out during braking, the spikes break out or break off.
The seventh place in the rating is occupied by the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000. In the market they replaced the Ice Cruiser 5000. In the updated model, the developers tried to improve the advantages, to minimize the disadvantages of the previous one.
The first improvement is the spike. "Claws" have an original shape that creates additional grip areas. The hardness of the spike itself is optimized, the rubber layer in which it is placed is harder.
The tread has been improved for spikes. The tire leaves a 16-lane mark (the Ice Cruiser 5000 had 12), which makes the car good handling on ice. The area of contact between the spike and the road surface is increased. Over two winters in urban operation, more than 30% of the spikes should not fly out - this is what the manufacturer says. The rim of the tire is rigid, which protects it from being pushed through.
The top of the spikes is cruciform, which increases the amount of clinging edges. The spike itself is made of aluminum, and the hardened center insert makes it stronger. A distinctive feature of this rubber is the firmness of the claw attachment.
The tread pattern differs from the Ice Cruiser 5000 in details, which means that the car's good stability on loose snow cover is preserved. The car perfectly keeps the trajectory in turns. At 60 km / h, they can be overcome with little drift. On average, the Ice Cruiser 7000 reduces the braking distance by a meter compared to its predecessor.
Judging by the reviews of car owners, the tires are a little noisy, but they hold the road confidently. They were created and tested specifically for Russian roads. They keep the road on the ice mediocre; slight slippage is observed at the start. In loose snow, there are no complaints about the behavior of the car, the rubber copes with its functions perfectly.
The sixth place in the rating belongs to a fairly new product - Pirelli Winter Ice Zero. This is the first P Zero studded tire. The manufacturers say that the rubber was developed taking into account 40 years of experience in the brand's participation in the rally and is able to most effectively cope with the harsh winter conditions of the northern regions, dense snow, and extremely low temperature conditions. The tires are equipped with a new method of stud installation - Pirelli Dual Stud.
They are located in the upper middle segment in terms of quality and are the leader among the “middle peasants”. On snow and ice, the rubber behaves clearly in a racing way, maybe even too much, and requires more attention and good reaction. Asphalt is also good for her.
Ice Zero cleats are equipped with trapezoidal carbide inserts. Advantages of this rubber: good grip on ice, wet, dry asphalt. Cons: unpredictability on ice and snow, noise.
On the icy track, there are sharp breaks in side drifts and sliding, although the longitudinal dynamics on ice is reliable. A feature not only of this model, but of all tires of the brand is that they give the car sharp, sporty reactions. The latter circumstance is a little annoying, since the driver must always be concentrated and react in a timely manner to the behavior of the car. You can also characterize the behavior on snow, but here the longitudinal grip is at an average level. Excellent deceleration performance on paved roads (dry and wet).
The ride is excellent, but the tires are a little noisy. Many experts note the sufficient quality of these tires, but recommend them only for driving in the city and with periodic trips to suburban tracks.
The Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic SUVs come in fifth. This is a fresh generation of studded tires, produced and tested for the climate of the Scandinavian and Russian regions with temperatures of -20 ° C and below. The rubber is studded using Multicontrol Ice technology: directional studs have a large hard alloy insert, their placement on the tread is improved, which significantly shortens the braking distance, increases traction efficiency and reduces noise.
"Claws" have a new shape at the base, this gives them stability. They feature wide edges for better deceleration on ice.
The developers paid a lot of attention to the behavior of tires on loose snow. For this, there are V-shaped sipes and grooves in the side zones. They have sawtooth cuts to overcome deep snow, grip the edge of the tire and guide it through wide grooves.
Excellent braking performance on dense snow and ice is also ensured by the stud geometry, which increases the contact area with the road. Silicone rubber makes wet braking more efficient.
According to the test results, Ice Arctic SUVs are among the leaders in the following categories on the snow: braking distance, grip, handling. Good results were demonstrated on the ice in terms of: "the most effective braking", "handling" and "traction". It is this rubber that opens the second part of our rating, in which its leaders are presented.
Car owners note little tire noise, good acceleration and braking performance. Behavior on wet roads is rated at "four", directional stability at 5 with a minus: sometimes you have to steer, probably, the tread pattern without a guide affects. The weak point of these tires is poor cornering, but acceleration and braking are at altitude.
In fourth place is Michelin Latitude X-Ice North 2. It should be said right away that this is a fairly hard rubber, and as you know, hard tires on ice have worse characteristics. The same non-studded soft X-Ice 2 performs better on icy surfaces. In addition, X-Ice North 2, according to some motorists, has pimples that are too short: they protrude only about 1.1 mm, which is not very good for ice.
Now about the merits. The tires in question feel great on asphalt, they win in these indicators not only in their subgroup, but also among the leaders of our rating. Apparently, the X-Ice North 2 model was developed primarily for residents of large cities, that is, for those who drive on asphalt in winter more often than on snow or ice. These are the quietest tires in our rating and the softest along with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8. But due to their softness, they do not hold impact well and often break through.
The protectors are made of two layers. The protrusions in the lower layer are located in place of the thorns, which improved their fixation by 10%. The two-layer composition of tires is their main feature. This improves the reliability of the stud fixation and guarantees excellent grip on icy surfaces. Rubber is able to change its hardness depending on temperature. In warm weather, it is flexible enough to keep the studs pressed into the tread. At the same time, the grip on dry and wet surfaces is improved and the sliding effect is reduced.
At low temperatures, the rigidity increases - the "claws" get a solid foundation, which allows them to actively bite into the ice.
Tests show that even with a 5% spike loss, the tires perform well on ice. The branded double-layer stud retains the "claws" for a long time, and their location at different angles makes them much more effective. The lamellas are 6% longer than the predecessor X-Ice North for better grip and acceleration.
In the next place is the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV, which opens the top three. As tests show, for two thousand kilometers the tires have never failed, the car behaved perfectly. The thorns deserve special praise: during this time, not one fell off, but some were slightly deformed. The only relative downside is noise, but this is common with most studded tires.
The tires are quite expensive, but worth it: excellent braking performance as well as rolling and high-speed performance. On ice, dense snow, wet asphalt, no attempts to scour were found.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV, like the 8 SUV, was specially designed for urban SUVs and crossovers.
The weak point of the tires is low wear resistance and noise. These disadvantages are more than offset by the high characteristics of handling, braking, acceleration on any type of road surface. In these categories, the tires received the highest scores in the tests.
The ability to adapt to all types of road surfaces is achieved thanks to the following features:
- a structure with air cavities in the form of a drop, which enhances shock absorption, reduces noise and vibration;
- the cleats have an improved hexagonal shape. Together with the air pockets, they create the new Air Claw Technology clutch system;
- additionally improves the lateral braking of the diamond-shaped bevel of the hexagonal stud;
- the rubber contains environmentally friendly natural components and silicone, which reduces slipping.
Rubber behaves almost perfectly on all types of road surface in winter, but gives mediocre results on dry asphalt.
The second place belongs to the Continental Ice Contact 2 SUV. According to the test results, the spikes hold on tightly: in two seasons, only 5 pieces were lost on one wheel. Compared to the leader of our rating - Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, Continental slipping sharply, but at the same time faster.
The tires have a new asymmetric tread pattern, the outer side of which has sinusoidal sipes for increased cornering stability, and the sipes with steps on the inner side are responsible for grip during acceleration and braking.
The thorns are located so that they always come into contact only with fresh ice, and not with ice crushed by other thorns. It does not build up around them thanks to special "ice pockets" - closed reservoirs along the perimeter of the thorns, which serve to accumulate crushed ice, which is then removed from them by centrifugal force.
The car becomes clearer in control, even too much, it is felt especially at the entrance to the turn. In the snow, the rear of the car breaks down a bit, that is, the Continental Ice Contact 2 SUV holds loose snow worse.
These tires have the smallest braking distances and the best acceleration dynamics, surpassing the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8. Ice Contact 2 SUVs, as tests show, have excellent impact resistance. On the ice, they are great, acceleration and deceleration are the best among the ratings. The balance of drift, skid and handling is close to ideal.
On the snow, their behavior is slightly worse, since there is a slight tendency to skid the stern. The tires are designed specifically for ice and snow, so they have mediocre performance on asphalt. The car reacts somewhat poorly to the first impulses, but then the tires are "crimped" and keep the overloads on the sides decently.
The next weak point is noise. Both on the straight lines and in the corners, they pretty much howl. In addition to the good durability and the property of excellent impact holding, you can add the excellent quality of the studs and their fastening. To pull out a spike planted on an adhesive base, you need to apply much more force compared to other tires.
The leader of the rating is Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8. A feature of this rubber is the highest handling performance. The tires are excellent in cornering and provide precise control over the car. On wet pavement, they give a slightly worse result when braking. Another disadvantage is noise and high price.
The tires have the largest number of studs - 190. But the advantage over the Continental Ice Contact 2 SUV is insignificant, and in terms of acceleration dynamics they are worse than them. The reason lies in the size of the spines: they are small. Their diameter, height, width of the carbide insert is less than that of Continental. But this disadvantage is relative: on "soft" ice, such spikes are much more effective.
On snow, the Hakkapeliitta 8 traditionally has a high performance: accurate and timely responses to steering, gas and deceleration are observed. On dry surfaces they show excellent deceleration, but on wet surfaces they cannot boast of special results, showing the longest braking distances. On pavement, the stability is rather mediocre.
A relative disadvantage of studded winter tires is the itchy noise from the studs, and the Hakkapeliitta 8 are not without it. After running-in, the noise decreases. Motorists first of all note starting without slipping, predictability, excellent behavior on slippery slopes.
As a result: the first four places are occupied by products of high quality and value. These tires, with their overall high performance, differ only in nuances. Places from third to sixth - good solid, but not perfect rubber. The last two points in the ranking belong to the budget segment, recommended mainly for moderate snow cover and urban conditions.
Changing seasons is a process that cannot be avoided (unless you live at the equator, of course), and following the seasons, car owners are forced to think about changing the type of tires on their iron horse. And if 20 years ago the choice was small, but now the market has just a mind-boggling number of different brands. The pangs of choice are aggravated by the presence of a large number of models from each manufacturer, which are also divided into separate types (in accordance with the technology of the tire structure).
Of course, there is always an option to just “score” and drive as it is. However, as practice shows, the difference in the characteristics of winter and summer tires is really colossal.
And the laws regulating the seasonality of car tires are tightened from year to year both in Europe and in Russia. Therefore, you should not neglect the need to change tires.
Whatever one may say, but not a single ordinary driver can independently test all available tire models, and no one believes in advertising for a long time. That is why numerous publications annually conduct their own tests of tires of different manufacturers and models.
Until now, no one has invented any standards (for example, by analogy with EuroNCAP), so everyone does it as he sees fit. We will try to collect all the information together.
In general, the set of tests for different communities is often similar and includes testing for braking, handling and stability on different surfaces, as well as the level of rubber noise.
Expert publications
Teknikens Varld Is a Swedish magazine that has regularly tested tires for the past 15 years. In order to cover all possible winter road conditions (dry and wet asphalt, ice and snow), the Swedes compared all three types of tires (studded, non-studded Scandinian and non-studded European tires). Seat Leon was taken as a test bench for 205/55 R16 wheels.
Auto Zeitung, together with the German Technical Supervision Organization GTU, tested the non-studded winter tires 205/55 R16 installed on the Volkswagen Golf. Among other things, the experts took into account the fuel consumption for each model, which made its own adjustments to the final result.
Finnish Tuulilasi compared exclusively studded winter tires with dimensions 205/55 R16 (taking into account the peculiarities of the national climate). Separate points, "hot guys" were credited for overclocking on an icy surface, the time of entry to a snow-covered hill, etc. In general, the Finnish tests are geared more towards “out of town” conditions, where roads are rarely dry and clean in winter.
All-German Automobile Club ADAC conducted several tests for different types of tires. First, they tested the increasingly popular all-season model of 16-inch tires (dimension 205/55). Given the high culture of road services, not every self-respecting European has to leave roads cleared of snow and ice in winter, and this option may well turn out to be a profitable acquisition within Europe.
Then the models of compact dimension 185/65 R15 for cars of the budget segment were tested. As expected. the smaller width (and as a result the contact patch) negatively affects the rubber tenacity, which is why even the top models showed not the most outstanding results in races on the Renault Clio.
At the same time, the severity of the tests of the German ADAC did not bring any special laurels to expensive tires of a higher segment with dimensions of 225/45 R17. Most of the subjects were able to achieve only the result "Satisfactory", and the owner of the first position received the mark "Good".
TestWorld is another Finnish edition that has tested a wide range of models, dividing them by type: studded and non-studded Scandinavian type tires. The Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 was tested to demonstrate the difference in behavior of the European-style suction cups. The main emphasis of the testers was made on ice tests, taking into account the specifics of the local climate.
In contrast to the European experts, the Korean experts, in collaboration with AutoView and JoongAng Libo... The 17-inch 225/45 wheels have been tested in icy and snowy conditions, on dry and wet roads. And all this despite the fact that even sub-zero temperatures are rare in Korea.
Of course, we could not ignore the results of Russian tests.
Edition AutoMail. ru set itself the task of testing cheap models of non-studded winter tires with dimensions 205/55 R16. As a reference, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 was used, the price of which is on average twice the price of the tested wheels. Testing included acceleration, braking and stability on packed snow and ice, flotation in loose snow, braking and stability on wet and dry asphalt. As a bonus, the ride was tested on chipped pavement as well as side cut resistance.
Behind the wheel, meanwhile, has tested the most popular segment of winter tires in our country: 15-inch spike tires with dimensions 195/65 of the lowest price segment. For clarity, both cheap and branded models were taken, and half of the tested tires are produced in our country. At the end of the tests, the testers also measured the residual number of spikes, based on this, making a conclusion about the survivability of a particular model.
What types of winter tires are there?
But let's get down to business. First you need to figure out what is the difference between Velcro and Spike and what they are.
At the moment, the most common are 3 types of winter rubber tread: studded, non-studded Scandinavian and non-studded Central European type.
Tires with metal spikes have long been known to all car owners. For a long time, similar rubber was used in rally competitions, and then it got to civilian use. These tires are originally designed for driving on snow and ice. Due to the "gnawing" into the surface of the ice crust, studded tires cope better with braking on slippery surfaces, but this also has negative consequences. Firstly, such tires make a lot of noise, and secondly, on dry, clean asphalt, steel needles turn into small "skates", which makes the rubber more "slippery". Although technology does not stand still, there is no escaping this fact. Yes, and the roadbed "spike" spoils much more, which is why in many countries driving in the summer on winter tires is subject to fines.
An alternative is to use frictionless studless tires. They are divided into two subtypes.
"Velcro" of the Scandinavian type, as well as "spikes" are focused on driving on snow and ice. They have very soft rubber and a well-developed tread (often with side sipes). This allows you to increase the contact patch and, as a result, adhesion to the surface. Such tires can be recommended for the vastness of our vast country, where the roads are hidden most of the time in winter.
Well, for megalopolises, studless tires of the Central European type are more suitable. They are originally created for a milder climate and cleaner roads. They hold on to snow and ice worse, but feel great on the asphalt. They have fewer soft elements and better drain water from under the wheels.
Do not forget about the existence of "all-season" tires. These are still installed from the factory on domestic cars and assume year-round operation. However, universal in any situation are worse than specialized ones, especially in the conditions of the Russian climate with its large temperature difference and road conditions.
UNINPRESSEDRUBBER
Continental WinterContact TS 860 -winternon-studdedtires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Tires Continental The WinterContact TS860 is the second generation of a directional tread pattern for mild European conditions (M + S), focused on ice traction. In the WinterContact TS860 tires, Continental specialists have applied a new principle of water drainage from the contact patch: not abduction with the help of grooves, but pushing from the contact patch, plus a larger number of sipes and, as a result, more free space (inner cavities of the sipes) for snow disposal. This allows the tire to effectively cope with the removal of moisture and slush.
Test results
Continental WinterContact TS 860 this season they replaced the 850th model, which in recent years held a leading position in the tests. The update also did not disappoint: in the Teknikens Varld tests, this tire took the third line of the rating, and Auto Zeitung ranked Continental in first place in terms of the aggregate characteristics.
The main positive qualities of the Continental WinterContact TS 860 are excellent grip on asphalt in winter conditions. The tire is not very susceptible to aquaplaning, keeps its course during sharp maneuvers, is quite quiet and has an average efficiency indicator. WinterContact has one of the best braking results on dry and wet asphalt, but relatively poorly copes with ice and loose snow. In general, the Continental WinterContact TS 860 is suitable for use in the city and on cleaned country roads
Goodyear UltraGrip 9
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Goodyear UltraGrip 9- winter tire, has a directional V-shaped tread pattern with an aggressive appearance. Well suited for driving not only on wet roads, but also in rather deep snow conditions. Thanks to the proprietary 3D-BIS technology, this model has a reduced braking distance, as well as a good response to all driver actions. To create a tire, a rubber compound with a special composition is used, which includes vegetable oils and special resins. The new rubber compound has a high degree of elasticity, making Goodyear UltraGrip 9 effective in a wide range of temperatures.
TEST RESULTS
Friction tires Goodyear UltraGrip 9 were tested in two dimensions at once: Auto Zeitung tested 16-inch 205/55 tires, while ADAC tested the budget version 185/65 R15. In both cases, German experts praised the performance of the model, in particular the braking performance and "grip" on loose snow and wet asphalt. In addition, the Goodyear UltraGrip 9 demonstrated high fuel efficiency and noise comfort, but it was not without its drawbacks. The soft non-studded tire on dry asphalt behaves rather "roll", reacting slowly to steering turns, and in the snow, there is a noticeable tendency to understeer.
Michelin CrossClimate- winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
A summer tire that can be used in sudden snow conditions. Strong directional tread pattern with deep drainage channels reduces the risk of aquaplaning. The large number of Michelin CrossClimate tread sectors, complemented by sharp edges on one side, allow the tire to work efficiently on snow. And the smooth edges of the blocks on the other hand, reduce deformation and increase the reliability of grip on dry surfaces
Compound rubber compound used in Michelin CrossClimate(silica, functional polymers, new plasticizers) improves traction on different surfaces (wet and dry roads, snow), increases wear resistance and fuel efficiency.
TEST RESULTS
Michelin CrossClimate- the only all-season tires in this rating. Despite its wide purpose, this model was able to compete with its highly specialized opponents, primarily due to its excellent performance in dry and wet conditions. Auto Zeitung put in its CrossClimate rating one step with the non-studded Goodyear UltraGrip 9 winter tires, which already shows a high indicator. However, on snow-covered areas, "all-season", as expected, proved to be worse than many. It should be noted that in none of the tests Michelin did not take the last place, thus surpassing even some winter models of competitors in handling and grip on the snow. If the operation of the car is limited to the snowless roads of the metropolis, the Michelin CrossClimate can be a good alternative to two sets of wheels.
Nokian WR D4- winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The new winter tires Nokian WR D4 are specially designed for Central European countries. Unique innovations guarantee safe and balanced driving in variable weather conditions, on wet or snowy roads. The Nokian WR D4 tire is specially designed for countries with mild winter climates and has excellent grip on wet surfaces. The Nokian WR D4 is the world's first winter passenger car tire with EU wet grip level A. Special innovations - Nokian Block Optimized Siping technology and Nokian Twin Trac Silica rubber compound - offer controlled handling and confident grip. In Russia, Nokian WR D4 tires are recommended for use only in the Southern Federal District.
TEST RESULTS
Studded winter tires Nokian WR D4 were able to participate in three tests of different standard sizes. Auto Zeitung gave second place to tires with dimensions 205/55 R16, ADAC gave an honorable third place to 15 wheels 185/65, but relative to 17-inch tires with a wide profile (225/45 R17) Nokian WR D4 turned out to be a complete average m place in the standings. Overall, the Nokian achieved good results in handling on snow and braking distances on dry surfaces, but the WR D4 proved to be too tough in the wet test, and rubber wear is relatively high.
Dunlop Winter Sport 5- winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The increased number of blocks has increased the number of sipes, improving handling and grip in winter conditions. The lamellas in the central part of the steel are parallel to the edges of the blocks, and the grooves of the steel are 6-10% deeper, which reduces the risk of aquaplaning. The frame structure has been optimized to keep weight down, resulting in lower fuel consumption.
TEST RESULTS
Dunlop Winter Sport 5- American friction tire tested by Auto Zeitung magazine. According to German experts, Dunlop, with all its advantages in the form of short braking distances on snow and dry surfaces, high resistance to lateral aquaplaning and high efficiency, took only 7th place in the rating. Such a low position was justified by the tendency to drift of the front axle in snowy conditions, low braking efficiency on wet surfaces, as well as the "roll" of the wheels during sharp maneuvering.
The performance of the 17-inch version of the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 (225 mm wide, profile height 45% of the width) turned out to be much better. Perhaps the larger contact patch contributed to all the flaws of the younger model, thanks to which the rubber acquired a more balanced performance. The 17-inch Winter Sport 5 earned first place in the ADAC rating due to its balance (good results on wet and snow, as well as on dry asphalt and icy conditions) and high fuel efficiency.
HankookWinteri* ceptevo2 W320 - winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The Winter I’cept evo tire with its polar bear print provides excellent traction, which significantly improves the tire's performance on snowy, wet and dry roads. The use of an advanced silicon compound, three-dimensional sipes and an asymmetrical tread pattern improves the performance of this winter tire, suitable for sports sedans and premium sedans.
TEST RESULTS
Hankook Winter i * cept evo2 W320 replaced Hankook Winter i * cept evo W310 and are a fairly new model. Hankook was able to demonstrate better handling on dry asphalt, where, according to experts, it performed at the level of all-season tires, however, in tests on snow and ice, the tires were not able to achieve good results. As a result: 5th place in the 17-inch rubber tests conducted by ADAC and Auto View.
Pirelli Cinturato Winter- winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Pirelli Cinturato Winter is a winter touring tire for middle class city cars and compact SUVs. In the absence of spikes, anti-skid devices provide a high level of reliability in all winter conditions. They are also characterized by a long service life and good resistance to aquaplaning and slash planning.
TEST RESULTS
The Pirelli have done well for non-studded winter tires. Germany's ADAC and AutoZeitung reported strong performance on snow and ice. The test cars retained their information content and grip even on wet surfaces, but the test results on dry asphalt were poor. This model should definitely not be considered as an option for operation in megacities.
MichelinAlpin 5 - winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Redesigned tread pattern contributes to confident grip on snowy roads MichelinAlpin 5 with 17% increased negative profile, more sectors and directional pattern with high tread depth1. Thanks to the large number of grooves and the special configuration of the blocks, a "gear effect" is created and the traction force of the tire on the snow-covered surface is increased. And with the re-positioning of the lateral grooves, water dispersion has also been improved and the risk of aquaplaning has been reduced.
For the first time in a rubber compound MichelinAlpin 5 added functional elastomers. The purpose of these elastomers is to improve the homogeneity of the rubber compound while increasing the proportion of silica required to increase grip on cold wet roads. Thus, it was possible to improve safety in winter conditions while maintaining a high level of energy efficiency.
TEST RESULTS
Non studded rubber MichelinAlpin 5 got on tests in a single dimension 205/55 R16. Experts from Teknikens Varls and Auto Zeitung noted the sufficiently high tractive effort that these tires are able to develop on snowy roads, and the handling on wet asphalt left positive reviews. However, the decisive factor for the Swedish publication was the inability to quickly brake the car on snow, hence the ninth line in the ranking.
HankookWinteri* ceptRs2 W452 - winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The Hankook Winter i * Сept RS2 W452 tires have been developed using 3D Technology, which has been specially developed for this range, helping to provide them with the highest performance, safety and grip on snow.
The use of the most advanced technologies in their design has led to the fact that the Hong Kong Winter I Sept RS 2 B 452 tires have an increased surface of grooves and a large contact spot. This helps vehicles equipped with these tires to be stable on snow and successfully resist slipping that occurs on wet road surfaces.
The Hankook Winter i * Сept RS2 W452 rubber has a reinforced lower cord and side panels, resulting in efficient driving on all roads and adequate cornering control.
TEST RESULTS
Hankook Winter i * cept RS2 W452- friction model with a long name from a Korean manufacturer. Auto Zeitung tests have shown excellent aquaplaning resistance, low noise levels as well as high traction, predictable behavior and short braking distances. But the tires were let down by their too "roll" behavior and the inability to brake the car quickly enough on a damp road. And in terms of noise, Hankook turned out to be not the best companion on a long journey.
MichelinX- iceXi3 - winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Stable tire performance on all types of surfaces, improved grip and shorter braking distances on ice are achieved through the use of a unique combination of three structural elements in MICHELIN X-Ice 3: micro-pumps - sipes - sawtooth edges. Micropumps are small cylindrical holes located on the top edge of the outer tread block. They are designed to reduce the negative effect of the water film that forms on the ice surface and significantly impairs the tire's grip.
The highly silica-rich Flex-Ice compound ideally complements the new MICHELIN X-Ice 3 tread configuration. This compound retains high elasticity at low temperatures and sufficient stiffness at elevated temperatures, which improves traction on all types of winter roads. Flex-Ice offers high wear resistance and improved wet grip.
TEST RESULTS
The Michelin can be said to be a really good tire that will perform well in all conditions. While they lack the grip to match the top-ranked tires, the Michelin was confident and logical on snow and ice. However, experts noted that there is a clear need to increase the number of spikes.
In AutoView tests, the X-ice Xi3 ranked first in overclocking efficiency and performed well in most other tests, however poor results on dry pavement resulted in relatively none of the bottom line results.
BridgestoneBlizzakLM001 - winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Bridgestone Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 - friction winter tires for passenger cars, which, according to the manufacturer, are designed to provide safety in absolutely any winter conditions. Designed for winter operation in Central European countries.
Element Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 - snowy roads. The tread, due to its tenacity even in the absence of anti-skid studs, reliably bites into the snow. Good tractive effort and effective braking on packed and loose snow provides a directional multi-block design with multiple sipes. It will also help you easily drive up a snow slide, provided your car has an engine with sufficient traction to overcome the hill with acceleration.
TEST RESULTS
BridgestoneBlizzakLM001 , like many of the tested tires, showed a fairly high result on the snow, which at first would not be expected from friction rubber. However, the fact remains, and this can be confirmed by both the Swedish Tekniken Varld and the German association ADAC. However, most often the winter turns out to be not so monotonous, and sooner or later the snow is replaced by rain, and frosts dry up the track to the state of "clean asphalt". This is why Bridgestone was judged by poor performance in all conditions except snow. Such an imbalance in performance can mislead any car owner and lead to tragic consequences.
Goodyear ultragrip ice 2 - winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Optimized road contact: ActiveGrip technology maintains optimal contact with extremely slippery road surfaces. Combined with cryo-adaptive materials, ActiveGrip technology provides excellent performance on ice.
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 achieves confidence in deep snow due to: Open side grooves combined with flanged sawtooth blocks improve melt snow and water drainage and improve tire performance in deep snow.
Excellent braking on ice in Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 is achieved by: active notches on the blocks that increase lateral force transfer during maneuvers, providing excellent braking distance on ice and improving performance.
Test results.
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 took the lead in its class (Scandinavian type friction tires) in the Teknikens Varld and TestWorld tests. This model was able to achieve relatively high results thanks to good longitudinal and lateral grip on ice. While the tires generally behave in a fairly predictable manner on ice, including during high-speed maneuvers, sometimes grip is lost too quickly. This was the reason for the low position in the overall standings compared to other types of rubber. In the rain, UltraGrip Ice 2 was the best according to TestWorld magazine.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2- winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Modern friction winter tire Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 Suitable for drivers looking for absolute driving comfort, markedly reduced fuel consumption and technology for producing studless winter tires with the best safety characteristics.
Added to the rubber compound, the smallest particles, shaped like polyhedral crystals, gnaw into the road surface, provide traction while driving and improve longitudinal and lateral grip on ice.
TEST RESULTS
Velcro Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 has been rated as effective in winter conditions by Teknikens Varld and TestWorld magazines. And although on the ice they were not among the absolute leaders, they had good handling and control even after the start of the skid. On the snow, the Nokian received high marks for both braking performance and behavior during emergency maneuvers.
The Nokian has serious problems with grip on wet asphalt, and on dry surfaces it can also be difficult, as during a sharp maneuver, traction on the rear axle can be lost. At the same time, acoustic comfort and efficiency are at an acceptable level.
FirestoneWinterhawk 3 - winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The optimized design of the Firestone Winterhawk 3 features an increased number of tread blocks and thicker sipes, which have increased the overall number of grip edges for better grip on snow and ice. The tread depth, constant from shoulder to shoulder, in combination with zigzag lateral and longitudinal grooves, contributes to the Winterhawk 3's resistance to aqua and slash planning.
The specially engineered groove shape allows the tire to provide first-class grip throughout its entire operating life.
TEST RESULTS
Rubber FirestoneWinterhawk 3 during testing by the German community, ADAC has shown an amazing set of characteristics. On the one hand, these tires demonstrated good handling qualities both on dry asphalt and on snowy and icy areas. The results of the experiment on fuel efficiency and wheel noise turned out to be high, but the tires did not manage to win high positions. And the reason for this was the frankly disastrous results of testing on a wet track. It turned out to be especially difficult to keep the car on the trajectory, since the handling suffered seriously when the car drove out into damp areas.
UniroyalMSplus 77 - winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The volumetric, multi-level tread pattern allows the Uniroyal MS plus 77 tires to easily shed water and adhere perfectly on slippery, wet surfaces, and adhere well to asphalt. The special composition of the thermoplastic resin (compound) allows the tires to easily cope with any road surface, even an unpleasant, rough road surface. The special tread pattern on the tire edges reduces tire deformation, prolonging the rubber life.
The increased number and width of the sipes also allows water to be removed from the road surface and ensures that the Uniroyal MS plus 77 tires adhere directly to the road surface, or snow, rather than a water film. This is a guarantee of reliability and safety of driving in any weather and at any time of the year.
TEST RESULTS
UniroyalMSplus 77 - this is another “snow” non-studded tire. ADAC tested two tire sizes, 185/65 R15 and 225/45 R17, but in both cases the results were similar to each other. "Juniroyal" successfully copes with snow obstacles, and wet asphalt does not cause any difficulties in car control. But the ability to stay on the road quickly passes as soon as the wheels of the car hit dry, even asphalt or ice. As for the durability and economy of Uniroyal MS plus 77, the result here was not worse than most competitors.
VredesteinWintracXtremeS- winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The next step in the development of the Wintrac xtreme series, the new Wintrac xtreme S tires are designed to withstand tough operating conditions at the lowest temperatures. With superior traction and high steering precision, Wintrac xtreme S tires offer exceptional safety when driving on snow, ice or slush, and on wet or dry cold surfaces. Internal Groove Locking Technology (ISLT) provides exceptional performance for the Wintrac xtreme S, which improves stability at top speeds, and thanks to the Y speed rating, these tires can be used on the world's fastest cars (up to 300 km / h). In addition to excellent snow and slush performance and high speed capability, these winter tires, developed in collaboration with Giugiaro, are characterized by superb styling.
TEST RESULTS
Tire characteristics VredesteinWintracXtremeS according to the test results, they are knocked out of the big picture. These wheels turned out to be very stable on dry and wet asphalt, and in fact they were not afraid of ice. Although Auto Zeitung noted too long braking distances on wet asphalt, the tires' biggest problems arose on snow tests. Moreover, the wide profile of the tires (225/45 R17) tested by ADAC did not have a positive effect on the performance, and the result completely repeated the tests of 16 wheels by the Temets Auto Zeitung.
In addition, the Germans noted a strong susceptibility to rubber wear and high rolling resistance, which negatively affects fuel consumption.
VikingSnowTechII- winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Viking SnowTech II - non-studded winter tire designed for use in difficult winter conditions in Europe and North America. To achieve high safety performance and directional stability, engineers have designed an original directional tread pattern with a large number of engagement edges, which are formed due to abundant siping of the tread blocks. This design guarantees excellent self-cleaning properties of the tread, which allows you to move confidently in deep snow.
TEST RESULTS
VikingSnowTechII belong to the budget category of studless winter tires. Despite this, the Vikings demonstrated high performance in handling and braking on the snow. Unfortunately, in all other characteristics, these wheels turned out to be not so good at all, and this is especially true for wet asphalt conditions. And the noise of the rubber leaves much to be desired.
Sava Eskimo Ice- winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Small radius multi-radius recess in Sava Eskimo Ice Provides ideal contact patch on icy road for improved handling. Creates a long and wide contact patch with an even pressure distribution between the tire and the road. Reinforced lower tread layer improves dry handling. A harder, special polymer bottom tread layer delivers more power while riding.
Increased mileage potential - longer service life - saving money over the entire life cycle. Extra rubber tread for extended tire life.
TEST RESULTS
For its price category Sava Eskimo Ice Accelerate and brake fairly well on ice. However, according to TestWorld experts, these tires have poor lateral stability, which makes it difficult to control the car. The front wheels can easily lose traction. On snow the situation is better and the Sava is able to provide good control and grip.
On wet pavement, the Sava has long stopping distances and erratic behavior, which is generally typical of this class of tires. Fortunately, traction is higher on the rear axle than on the front, so it is relatively easy to drive.
Among other things, Teknikens Varld appreciated the acceptable level of comfort and economy of this rubber.
Pirelli IceZero FR- winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
It is an excellent choice for those who value driving comfort, high level of stability and control on the road in harsh winter conditions. Pirelli... ICE ZERO FR is the alternative to the studded tire in the Pirelli ICE ZERO collection: performance and control at a high level. The tire is specially designed for owners of city cars, premium sedans and crossovers.
TEST RESULTS
Studded Pirelli IceZero FR Predictably poorly accelerated and slowed down on icy conditions, which, according to TestWorld, may cause difficulties in entering and descending hills. The situation is aggravated by the extremely weak lateral stability, from which it can be concluded that driving the Pirelli on icy roads can be difficult. On snow, things are much better, and controllability is good enough, although there is a danger of a sudden loss of traction on the rear axle.
On asphalt, the Pirelli IceZero FRs react slowly to steering turns, and during a dry maneuver, the rear wheels can slip. The negative picture is complemented by the result of the Teknikens Varls tests, which noted the poor resistance of the tires to aquaplaning.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS80- winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Tires Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 are manufactured with the latest technology, using an improved rubber compound, and have a modern tread pattern. Manufactured using electronic quality control of finished products. Provide optimal vehicle behavior on the road.
TEST RESULTS
Despite very good grip on ice and confident handling on snow, Teknikens Varld and TestWorld delivered Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 to very low positions. This is due to poor tire balance and difficult handling on dry and wet asphalt. Blizzak is poorly resistant to aquaplaning, and in general, damp conditions can cause a lot of inconvenience to the car owner. Collectively, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 is no match for other premium tires.
Yokohama iceGUARD iG50 plus - winter studless tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Inner part of the protector Yokohama iceGUARD iG50 plus has an increased contact area and a larger number of sipes, due to which the grip and edge effect on the ice surface are improved. The outer tread has more grooves for superior edging and snow traction. Three-dimensional sipes in the center of the tire allow for a larger contact patch, thereby contributing to stable handling on any winter surface.
TEST RESULTS
As shown by tests TestWorld and Teknikes Varld, Japanese winter tires Yokohama iceGUARD iG50 plus poorly suited for Russian conditions. Perhaps the main problem for Yokohama was the weak grip on the ice. Tires are generally predictable, but the lack of grip makes them difficult to ride. Poor lateral stability impairs handling and prevents traction from being restored after skidding both on ice and in snow. Longitudinal grip is slightly higher, which allows more confident acceleration and braking, but only along a straight path.
In wet weather and wet asphalt Yokohama iceGUARD iG50 plus easily lose traction on the rear axle when turning the steering wheel quickly. On a dry surface, the characteristics of the tires are slightly better, and although the rubber has a rather "roll" temperament, the wheels still behave logically and do not present unpleasant surprises. In addition, Yokohama has a fairly short braking distance on dry surfaces.
conclusions
There is simply no unequivocal conclusion about which tires are better and which ones are worse. Each tire type and model is better suited for some conditions and worse for others. Famous NokianHakkapeliitta 8 , and Continental IceContact 2 showed outstanding qualities on snowy and icy roads, taking first places in many tests. However, when it comes to dry and wet conditions, soft tires with a lot of metal studs fall short of even significantly cheaper competitors. And this is not surprising, because these tires are designed for northern climatic zones with their frosty snowy winters and icy tracks.
Meanwhile, most of the domestic vehicle fleet spends the winter in more "civilized conditions" of cleaned city roads and winter thaws, and here friction tires come to the rescue. Continental WinterContact or Goodyear UltraGrip 9. Of course, they are inferior to “spikes” in cross-country ability in snow and “tenacity” on ice, but they hold dry or wet asphalt much better.
Well, in the southern regions with their near-zero or even above-zero temperatures, too harsh winter tires can generally be dangerous, given its "roll" at high temperatures and poor behavior in the rain.
How to improve headlights in 5 minutes?
When driving on dark winter roads, I really want the headlights to be brighter and illuminate as much of the road as possible. But, unfortunately, from year to year, the glow of the headlights is getting dimmer. We will tell you how to fix it quickly and on a budget.
Preparing a car for the winter season is a responsible business, and you need to approach it as seriously as possible, especially if there is a question of buying tires for operation in conditions with a predominance of snow and ice cover. In this case, only studded tires will help, and so that buyers do not make a mistake with their choice, road tests organized in a "combat" situation are necessary.
For the cold season of 2016-2017, we tested winter studded tires at one of the polygons in the northern hemisphere, where real winter reigned. For the tests, a typical mid-size car (D-segment according to the European classification) was selected, for which twelve relatively affordable sets of tires with the dimension 195/65 R15 were selected (it is this that is most often found on inexpensive foreign cars and domestically produced cars).
Eight participants in the tests fit into the pricing policy from two to three thousand rubles, but among them a very variegated company was selected:
- The most affordable were the Chinese tires Triangle IceLink and the updated Cordiant Snow Cross, and the most expensive were the Hankook Winter i * Pike RS +, which had 170 studs on them, and the novelty for the winter of 2016-2017 in the person of Dunlop SP Winter Ice 02.
- Matador Sibir Ice 2, Toyo Observe G3-Ice, Pirelli Formula Ice and Nordman 5 became the "middle" ones.
- In addition, the test included four sets of tires that are not so affordable, but no less successful in Russia - Michelin X-Ice North 3, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 and Continental ContiIceContact 2.
It is also worth noting that half of the "test subjects" are produced on the territory of our country, due to which acceptable price tags are hung on them.
At the training ground, studded tires went through the whole range of snow and ice exercises at air temperatures from –20 to –2 ºC. True, due to the lack of dense, rolled snow, it was not possible to carry out the rearrangement, but the controllability was assessed on two tracks at once - both snow and ice.
The tests started with methodical measurements, and on each set of tires there were six to eight races, and in some cases all ten because of the "jumping" results. At the same time, checking the condition of the coating using basic tires was carried out after every two or three sets of "studs".
The first disciplines that all test participants faced were acceleration and braking on snowy surfaces with anti-slip and anti-lock braking systems on, which prevent the wheels from slipping when accelerating and locking when decelerating.
When accelerating from 0 to 40 km / h, the championship was taken by Cordiant, Formula and Nokian, who managed to keep within 6 seconds, while Toyo became outsiders, losing half a second to the leaders. It was this high-speed interval that was used to measure the time for the following reasons: from scratch - to prevent the tires from "hanging" when starting off, and up to 40 km / h - because you can accelerate to this figure in first gear.
When braking from 40 to 5 km / h (not to a full stop in order to avoid interference with ABS), the situation changed somewhat, and Michelin tires performed the best here (with them the car needed a distance of 16.2 m), and the Chinese Triangle became the worst (20.7 m).
The same procedures were carried out on ice, but only with a different end point of acceleration and initial deceleration (30 km / h). And the acceleration time began to be recorded not from zero, but from 5 km / h due to the use of equipment with an optical sensor instead of a device with a GPS module. After each measurement, the car had to be slightly shifted onto clean ice, since the small ice crumbs carved with spikes reduced friction, thereby preventing accurate numbers from being shown.
The best time when accelerating on ice was shown by Nokian, whose time did not exceed 4.5 seconds, the second place was awarded to Continental with a lag of 0.3 seconds, and Matador trailed "in the tail" (as much as 7 seconds). The braking did not make any changes to the list of leaders and outsiders.
The final exercise in measurements is determining the time to overcome the ice circle, where a large number of repetitions was required on each set of tires. And here the top positions on the “podium” were taken by Continental and Dunlop, ahead of all competitors.
The next test cycle started with an assessment of the behavior of a car moving on a snow road at high speed, for which a site about 15 meters wide and about half a kilometer long was involved. Such a route not only made it possible to check the clarity of straight-line movement at a speed of 90-100 km / h, but also to make soft rearrangements from one lane to another and simulate obstacle avoidance.
The test car showed the most confident behavior on Goodyear, Cordiant and Nokian spikes, while Matador tires showed a wide and uninformative “zero”, solid steering angle when adjusting the course and delays in steering responses. The Chinese Triangle, despite the low information content of the steering wheel, pleased with their clarity, for which they received a plus in the piggy bank.
The next exercise became much more interesting - driving on a closed track with snow cover, turns of various steepness and small descents and ascents, perfectly imitating Russian roads.
But if the outsider remained the same in comparison with the previous discipline, the leaders changed - the car, shod with Cordiant, Nokian, Hankook and Toyo tires, distinguished itself with clear reactions and predictable behavior even during a skid.
No less important for winter tires is handling on a very low surface, so this particular test turned out to be the next in line, and for its implementation, a track with high-speed and slow turns, as well as short and long straight sections was used.
When taxiing on the ice, everyone was left behind by the spikes Cordiant, Hankook, Nokian (they were the most successful in handling on the snow) and Nordman, who demonstrated clear behavior and quick reactions, while in the rear guard due to poor steering information and an unexpected slip into a skid trudged along Goodyear.
But to check the cross-country ability, snow with a depth of a little more than the ground clearance was perfect, which made it possible to establish how much a car, shod with certain tires, simply and clearly starts from a place, is controlled and gets out in its own footsteps if it gets stuck.
And here the Goodyear tires completely played out for the previous fiasco, on which the car more than confidently moved in deep snow, while the Chinese Triangle tires did not work at all.
After testing with snow and ice, it is time to find out if all the thorns are still in place. And the highest reliability was shown by Continental and Formula, which managed not to lose a single "stud", but the outsiders were Cordiant, Dunlop and Hankook, who lost ten, thirteen and fifteen studs, respectively. Michelin, Nordman and Nokian were rated good for two claws, while Goodyear, Triangle and Matador were forced to part with three or four studs. As for Toyo, their losses amounted to seven "studs" - not the best result.
The matter was not limited to snow and ice exercises, because any car shoes (even studded ones) from time to time have to be operated on the asphalt. Moreover, such tests were carried out under more favorable weather conditions, when the asphalt was already dry and the air temperature was from 4 to 7 ºC. And after all, these are the conditions that prevail at the turn of the seasonal change of "shoes".
First of all, all subjects underwent measurement of fuel consumption, and immediately before measurements on the warm-up circle, directional stability and the level of comfort (noise and smoothness) were assessed along the way on roads with different surfaces.
The least "voracious" at city and suburban speeds were Nokian, Formula and Nordman, but the worst figures showed Cordiant, albeit with a very small difference (only 200 ml of gasoline per "hundred"). With directional stability at a speed of 110-130 km / h, the Michelin tires were in the best position - the car shod in them distinguished itself by clear keeping of the given trajectory and soft rearrangements. But in the “catching up” we found ourselves Triangle: here there is no information content on the steering wheel, and the “zero” is wide and smeared, and to maintain the direction it is necessary to work with the steering wheel at solid angles.
In terms of noise level, all subjects are approximately at the same level - each of them rustles with pinches on the asphalt. And if we take into account the smoothness of the ride, then the Continental, Hankook and Michelin have proven themselves better than others.
The final exercise for all sets of tires was braking on wet and dry asphalt, which was performed from speeds of 60 and 80 km / h to 5 km / h (in order to exclude ABS interference).
The shortest distance to slow down on wet surfaces was needed by the Continental spikes (19.8 m), while the Dunlop and Cordiant rolled the farthest (22.4 and 22.5 m, respectively).
On a dry road, the Triangle tires (31.6 m) felt more confident than others, and the Cordiant (35 m) showed the worst results.
The first place in the tests went to the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires, which distinguished themselves with good performance in all exercises, followed by the Continental ContiIceContact 2. By and large, both tires have only one drawback - high cost. "Bronze" went to Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic tires.
ContiVikingContact 6
This studless tire is specially designed for the Scandinavian and Russian winter. When changing the model, the developers have made a special emphasis on high adhesion on all types of surfaces. This versatility is achieved thanks to a three-part asymmetric tread made from an innovative rubber compound optimized for softness. The outer part of the tread provides traction on dry asphalt, the middle part on ice, and the inner part on snow. The combination of tread design contributes to good performance in constantly changing city road conditions. The design of the sipes makes the tire resistant to aquaplaning on wet asphalt, and the bridged tread blocks work like snow chains in the snow. This season, ContiVikingContact 6 includes 97 titles for both passenger cars and SUVs.
CONTINENTAL IceContact 2
New generation glued-in studded tire with more edges and less weight. Starting this season, IceContact 2 has the ContiSeal anti-puncture technology, which seals punctures up to 5 mm in diameter without subsequent repair, as well as the ContiSilent technology, which, thanks to a layer of special foam, significantly reduces noise and vibration levels. Also in the tire, in comparison with its predecessor ContiIceContact, the handling on dry roads was improved by 9%, on ice by 2%, and the indicators of braking and traction on ice transmission increased by 8%. Another feature of the tire is its asymmetrical tread pattern. Increased tire life and stud safety are ensured by the double-fired technology, due to which the tire and stud are practically one piece. The IceContact 2 tire line will include 112 passenger car and SUV tire names this season.
CORDIANT SNOW CROSS
A characteristic feature of this tire is the new patented Spice-Cor stud produced by the renowned company Scason. The body of the cleat is made of aluminum and the carbide insert is made of tungsten carbide. The optimal cleat hole shape ensures both a secure grip of the cleat in the tire and the transmission of high traction on ice. The modified design of the base layer enhances the impact of the spike on the ice. In addition, the original design of the spike body prevents its rotation in the tread layer and increases the reliability of the spike retention in the tire. The new chemical composition of the rubber compound of the tread extends the temperature range of the tire to -53 ° C. According to the results of tests, new technologies have reduced the braking distance on ice, in comparison with the previous generation of tires, by 12%. In 2016, the Cordiant Snow Cross tire line was expanded by 25 sizes, and now the range is 35 sizes with rim diameters from 14 to 18 inches. The range also includes reinforced tires for the SUV segment (13 standard sizes with rim diameters from 16 to 18 inches).
DUNLOP SP WINTER ICE02
Studded tire with a spike having a rectangular core. This shape, like the large stud base, provides increased penetration and stability on ice performance. A seat was specially developed for the size and shape of the spike, which increased the reliability of the fastening. The cleats are arranged in 16 rows for optimal grip on ice. The triangle pattern of the center of the tread contributes to the stability of the handling. For the same purpose, the blocks of the shoulder area are interconnected - a similar design ensures the rigidity of the tread blocks. The intersecting grooves effectively drain water and snow from the contact patch. On the Russian market, the tire is presented in 46 standard sizes with rim diameters from 13 to 20 inches.
DUNLOP GRANDTREK ICE 02
These studded tires use a unique technology - Miura-Ori 3D sipes with special edges that prevent tread blocks from breaking, stabilizing performance and promoting uniform wear. Extra long zigzag sipes improve tire grip on snow and ice. The upper tread layer, composed of a soft rubber compound, provides improved traction on snowy and icy roads, while a stiffer base layer is responsible for stud retention and further enhances handling characteristics. The tire is available in 42 standard sizes with rim diameters from 15 to 21 inches.
DUNLOP WINTER MAXX WM01
Non-studded tire created using a material with optimal elasticity and durability. Its features are: increased length of sipes with sharper edges, durable block material that prevents them from breaking, tread stiffness with an asymmetric design that provides stability in turns and when changing lanes, increased belt rigidity. The tire is available in 50 sizes with rim diameters ranging from 13 to 19 inches.
DUNLOP WINTER MAXX SJ8
The material from which the tire is made has become stronger, but at the same time has not lost its elasticity, which contributes to reliable grip on the irregularities of the icy road, and the strength of the rubber prevents the tread blocks from breaking. And here, as in the Grandtrek Ice 02 model, the MiuraOri 3D lamellas are used. The combination of lateral and longitudinal grooves provides not only confident grip on snow, but also self-cleaning of the tread. The increased stiffness in the shoulder area improves the tire's cornering and lane behavior, and the center rib provides stable directional stability. The tire is available in 50 standard sizes with rim diameters from 15 to 21 inches.
GISLAVED NORD FROST 200
The new studded tire is specially designed for the harsh winter conditions, with an emphasis on value for money and with an emphasis on safety and durability. The tire, produced at the Continental plant in Kaluga, has a directional asymmetric pattern instead of the usual symmetrical swept tread pattern. This scheme, which has been tested on several generations of Continental winter tires, has proven to be effective. The new model features an ultra-light spike with a special triangular shape of a carbide tip, which improves the dynamic performance on ice compared to the previous model. In addition, the tire uses an innovative rubber compound that retains elasticity and a high level of grip in severe frosts. The tire line this season will include 64 names for passenger cars and SUVs.
GISLAVED SOFT FROST 200
The new friction tire is specially designed for urban use, where wet asphalt and slush predominate. But German engineers made sure that this tire behaved reliably both on ice and in deep snow. The main difference between the new item and its predecessor lies in the asymmetric tread pattern, in which the outer part is responsible for handling, and the inner part is responsible for traction on different types of winter roads and for the rapid removal of water and snow slurry from the contact patch. The new tread pattern and soft rubber compound have significantly improved traction, lateral grip and handling on ice, snow and wet pavement compared to the previous model. The Gislaved SoftFrost 200 line this season will include 31 titles for both passenger cars and SUVs.
HANKOOK Winter i * Pike RS (W419)
Studded tire with improved performance on ice and snow. The tire profile has been modified to distribute the pressure more evenly across the tire-to-road contact patch. This improves traction, cornering handling and roadholding. A specially shaped narrow rib in the center of the treadmill effectively squeezes snow and slush into wide grooves that lead them out through the arcuate grooves in the shoulder areas. This solution improves traction and traction on snowy roads. The updated tread compound has a higher grip coefficient, which also improves traction and braking performance.
HANKOOK Winter i * cept evo2 (W320)
Winter i * cept evo2 is a high-speed tire in which the number of rows of tread blocks located around the circumference has been increased from 64 to 80. Such a solution directly in the contact patch provides more efficient penetration of the tread elements into the snow surface and improved traction. The technology of three-dimensional sipes ensures their blocking, which, in turn, limits the deformation of the blocks and allows the use of softer rubber compounds in the tread compound. The grooves located at the optimal angle contribute to the self-cleaning of the tread, and the edges of the tread blocks effectively bite into the packed snow. To drain water from the contact patch, only two longitudinal grooves are used, but their width is increased by 30%, and the angle of inclination is optimized in such a way that such a design not only increases the volume of water passed through, but also helps to reduce the noise level. The bus is available in 46 standard sizes.
HANKOOK Winter i * Cept iZ2 (W616)
The non-studded new Hankook Winter i * Cept iZ2 (W616), thanks to the directional pattern, guarantees comfortable movement on snowy, icy roads and melted snow. The model is specially designed for winter conditions in Northern and Eastern Europe. The Siberian Huskies' tread pattern and Hankook's patented 3D siping technology ensure efficient traction, quick braking and superior handling. Compared to the previous model, the new tires feature 20% more sipes and guarantee better grip on ice. The specially formulated silicon compound keeps the tread elastic even at the lowest temperatures and provides high levels of traction and braking.
MATADOR MP 30 SIBIR ICE 2
The design of the new studded tire, produced at the Continental plant in Kaluga, clearly shows the features of the “older” models of the Continental concern. Its technical characteristics have been improved in all major indicators of tire behavior on ice and snow. Symmetrical directional tread pattern with two longitudinal ribs for improved handling and directional stability. Large blocks with an increased number of traction edges provide increased grip on snow, and their location allows you to quickly drain water and slurry from the contact patch. The double-flanged cleat has increased wear resistance, and the higher interaction of the cleat with the tread block contributes to a high level of safety. The Matador MP 30 Sibir Ice 2 tire line this season will include 31 titles for passenger cars and SUVs.
MICHELIN LATITUDE X-ICE NORTH 2+
This tire is designed for use in harsh winter conditions and is designed for various types of SUVs. According to internal tests, the Latitude X-Ice North 2+ has the following performance improvements over its predecessor Latitude X-Ice North 2: 10% shorter braking distances on ice and 5% faster on snow, 15% better acceleration dynamics on ice and 10% on snow. The tire uses a range of innovative technologies. For example, in a two-layer tread, the inner, base, layer is made of a thermoactive mixture, which increases the stud attachment level and is able to change its characteristics depending on the temperature. The outer tread layer contains an increased content of silicon dioxide, which makes it possible to maintain sufficient elasticity at low temperatures and the required rigidity at high temperatures. The double cage allows for high resistance to sidewall and tread damage, as well as improved handling for large and heavy vehicles. In the 2016-2017 season, the tire is presented in 45 standard sizes with rim diameters from 16 to 21 inches. The Latitude X-Ice North 2+ is also available in Zero Pressure sizes to fit the BMW X5 and X6.
MICHELIN X-ICE 3
Friction tire designed for passenger cars and small crossovers. Thanks to the integration of a whole range of technologies, the tire is focused on providing several characteristics: safety in any winter conditions, the ability to drive at high speed, and a long mileage resource. Based on internal tests, the X-Ice 3 improves 7% performance over the previous generation in terms of braking on ice and 17% in acceleration on ice. Innovations introduced to promote safety in winter driving include a new tread pattern, Z-shaped sipes, micro-pumps and sawtooth edges. Along with the new design solutions of the tread, attention was paid to the rubber compound with a significant content of silicon dioxide. In addition, the tire has a stronger sidewall. The tire is offered in 63 sizes this winter. with rim diameters from 13 to 19 inches. The X-Ice 3 is available in a number of sizes with Zero Pressure technology.
MICHELIN X-ICE NORTH 3
Studded tire for passenger cars and small crossovers. Compared to the previous generation, this model offers a 10% shorter braking distance on ice, improved stud retention and a stronger sidewall. This result was achieved thanks to the use of a number of original solutions by Michelin engineers. For example, the Smart Spike technology, which includes three innovations patented by the company: a thermoactive rubber compound of the lower tread layer, a special technology for removing ice chips and, in fact, the tapered spike itself. This season, the X-Ice North 3 is offered in 67 sizes with rims ranging from 14 to 20 inches.
MICHELIN ALPIN 5
Non-studded tire for use in mild winter conditions. It has improved performance not only on wet and dry surfaces, but also on snowy roads. Its design combines two advanced technologies: one of them concerns the tread blocks that ensure contact with the road, and the other concerns the tread compound composition using sunflower oil for more efficient tire operation at low temperatures. The tire features a directional tread pattern with deep grooves and multiple curved blocks. Offset longitudinal channels effectively drain water and reduce the likelihood of aquaplaning. The new Michelin Alpin 5 tread has 12% more segments. The number of sipes has been increased by 16%, which improves grip and cross-country ability on snowy roads. This season, the Alpin 5 is available in 29 sizes with rims ranging from 15 to 17 inches.
NEXEN WINGUARD WINSPIKE WH62
The tread pattern of the tire was created taking into account the results of simulated work on winter roads and analysis of the density of the placement of sipes, due to which high handling characteristics on snow and ice are achieved. The "rectangular" profile shape, in contrast to the traditional "rounded" one, provides improved handling and stability on snow. To increase the rigidity of the blocks, lamellas of two different shapes are used. The optimum longitudinal 20-row stud arrangement reduces the noise level. The assortment of tires with rim diameter from 13 to 17 inches.
NEXEN WINGUARD WINSPIKE SUV WS62
The V-shaped tread pattern of the tire ensures effective drainage of water from the contact patch and self-cleaning from snow slurry. Improved grip on ice is achieved through the maximum number of studs per square meter, located in a special sequence along the entire longitudinal plane of the contact patch, including on the center blocks of the tread. The new optimized carcass contouring system ensures that tire deformation is reduced when driving at high speeds. Stronger sidewall construction is achieved through the use of high-strength steel belts, which also improves braking and optimizes stress distribution. The tire is available in rim diameters of 16-18 inches and in section widths up to 265 mm.
NEXEN WINGUARD ICE SUV
Used in the tread compound, processed oil with the addition of palm oil increases the compatibility of the polymer and silicon dioxide. As a result, rolling resistance is reduced and performance is improved on snow and ice at low temperatures. The V-pattern with four grooves and two half-grooves provides effective clearing of snow slurry and drainage of water from the contact patch. V-shaped sipes increase the stiffness of the shoulder blocks and improve tire wear resistance. The range of tires includes rim diameters from 16 to 18 inches and profile widths up to 285 mm.
NEXEN WINGUARD SNOW'G WH2
The tire design uses 3D sipes to increase the rigidity of the side tread blocks, which contributes to more responsive handling and braking. To improve the grip of the tread on wet and snowy roads, a nanodispersion of functionalized polymers and silicon dioxide was used in the mixture. Compared to the previous model, the number of blocks has been increased by 20% (up to 70) to improve grip on snow. V-shaped shoulder grooves effectively drain water from the contact patch, preventing aquaplaning. The tire is available in rim diameters from 14 to 17 inches.
NITTO WINTER SN2
Non-studded tire for passenger cars. Stability and grip during braking and acceleration is provided by the central rib, and the lateral grooves are responsible for the effective drainage of water and slush from the contact patch. The handling on a snowy road is facilitated by the original 3D sipes, which maintain the stability of the tread blocks. The rubber compound uses a walnut shell that plays the role of micro-spikes and improves grip on ice. The tread rubber compound remains flexible even at low temperatures, which contributes to better road contact in winter conditions. The tire is available in 38 standard sizes with rim diameters from 14 to 20 inches.
NITTO NT90W
Modern studless tires for SUVs and SUVs. Improved grip on wet roads, water and slurry drainage from the contact patch are provided by wide lateral and longitudinal tread grooves. The original and improved 3D sipes provide better grip on ice and greater tread block rigidity during braking and maneuvering, as well as extend tire life by evenly distributing pressure across the contact patch. Thanks to the addition of a special silica compound, the rubber compound remains flexible even at extremely low temperatures. The crushed walnut shells in the rubber compound act as micro-spikes, improving grip on ice. The tire is available in 21 standard sizes with rim diameters from 16 to 21 inches.
NITTO THERMA SPIKE
The latest development for Russian winter conditions, a studded tire with an asymmetric tread pattern for passenger cars, SUVs and SUVs. The tire has an optimized arrangement of spikes in the tread (form 20 lines), which helps it to demonstrate high braking performance on ice and in deep snow. The original wide grooves effectively remove the slurry from the contact patch. The special design of the tread blocks provides directional stability when driving on ice, snow and dry roads and prevents uneven tire wear. Additional traction in the snow groove is provided by the sawtooth elements on the sidewall of the tread blocks. The tire is available in 46 standard sizes with rim diameters from 14 to 21 inches.
NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA 8
The tire has an original stud concept that includes an innovative anchor stud and a cushioning cushion underneath. This technology not only provides reliable grip on ice, but also reduces the impact on the road surface. The two-layer tread structure reliably blocks the spike in the tread block, stabilizes the tire's movement on dry roads and ensures its even wear. A large number of blocks improves traction, and thanks to the large number of grooves in the tread, the edges of the sipes adhere better to snow and ice. For the tread of a model designed for difficult climatic conditions, an original rubber compound was created, in which rapeseed oil enhances the interaction of silica (silicon dioxide) and natural rubber, which allows the compound to remain elastic under all conditions and ensure tensile strength. The tire includes 81 standard sizes with rim diameters from 13 to 21 inches.
NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA R2
A friction tire with many innovations. Crystals have been added to the rubber compound to improve grip on ice. Moreover, the level of grip is maintained even if the tread groove depth approaches the minimum limit of 4 mm. The very same rubber compound in combination with a multi-layer tread structure effectively works in a wide temperature range. The aggressive tread design is covered with a mesh of dense sipes, the wider of which, located in the center of the tread, increase the tire's grip area, which is especially important when driving on ice. Sipes-pumps are built into the checkers of the shoulder area, pumping water out of the contact patch and improving grip. Traction on icy and snowy roads is improved by the teeth located between the blocks of blocks. Directional tread pattern with a rigid center rib improves directional stability. The tire is available in 72 standard sizes with rim diameters from 13 to 21 inches.
NOKIAN NORDMAN 5
The tread pattern and design of this studded tire are similar to those used in the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5. Special grooves are located in the shoulder areas of the tire to improve lateral grip. Integrated tread blocks in the center zone provide more precise steering response. When braking, the lug on the tread block keeps the cleat in an upright position, preventing it from tilting when it touches the road and improving grip. Refined low aromatic oils are used in the tread compound formulation. The Nordman 5 passenger car model is available in 31 sizes from 13 to 17 inches.
NOKIAN NORDMAN RS2
A friction tire with pump sipes for better traction. Brake boosters in the tread blocks improve traction when braking, especially on snow. The emphasis was placed on balance of performance and comfort. The tire is available in 26 sizes from 13 to 17 inches.
PIRELLI WINTER SOTTOZERO SERIE III
High speed tire for premium vehicles with medium to high power engines. Among its features, it is worth noting three-dimensional sipes, capable of holding more snow, which contributes to increased grip on a snowy road, an increased contact patch, which allows to improve grip on any road surface, an innovative rubber compound, which, thanks to optimized polymer components, improves mechanical, thermal and dynamic properties rubber, which has a positive effect on improving handling and directional stability. Thanks to the special tread pattern, the even distribution of pressure in the contact patch of the tire with the road increases the life of the tire. The original shape of the shoulder area and wide grooves in the tread pattern provide effective drainage of water from the contact patch when driving on wet surfaces. The tire is available in 57 standard sizes with rim diameters from 16 to 21 inches.
PIRELLI WINTER SOTTOZERO SERIE I
A high-speed tire created using a special innovative tread technology. In its characteristics, the emphasis was placed on handling in corners, high directional stability when driving at high speed, high grip when braking and a high level of acoustic comfort. The developers also paid attention to the sporty design of the tread pattern. The range of tires includes 5 standard sizes with rim diameters from 18 to 20 inches.
PIRELLI WINTER SOTTOZERO SERIE II
The tire is aimed at sports cars and premium cars. Among its features are reliable fixation of the contact patch with the road surface, and the original tread pattern allows you to effectively drain water and snow mass from the contact patch. Winter Sottozero Serie II is a winter tire with a speed rating of up to 270 km / h. The tire is available in 62 sizes with bore diameters from 16 to 20 inches.
PIRELLI WINTER SNOWCONTROL SERIE III
This model is a modified version of the previous generation Snowcontrol Serie II. With a modified rubber compound, tire design and redesigned tread pattern, the Winter Snowcontrol Serie III offers improved traction in severe winter conditions on both snowy and dry roads. When developing this version of the tire, Pirelli engineers paid special attention to environmental friendliness: the rubber compound does not contain aromatic oils, which minimizes CO2 emissions, the optimized arrangement of the tread blocks improves acoustic comfort, the lower level of rolling resistance reduces fuel consumption, and the special tread pattern increases the tire's life. The range of tires includes 21 standard sizes with rim diameters from 14 to 17 inches.
PIRELLI SCORPION ICE & SNOW
An asymmetric tire designed specifically for SUVs. The emphasis in its development was made on high performance during high-speed driving, handling in off-road conditions and high acoustic effect. The tire is available in 9 standard sizes with rim diameters from 18 to 21 inches.
PIRELLI SCORPION WINTER
A tire for high-performance SUVs and crossovers, it focuses on safety when braking and cornering on difficult road surfaces. This latest addition to the Scorpion family of tires offers shorter stopping distances in all weather conditions, and also provides increased grip on snowy wet and dry road surfaces in extremely cold temperatures. The tire exhibits reduced rolling resistance and low noise levels. The tire includes 50 standard sizes with rim diameters from 16 to 22 inches.
PIRELLI WINTER CHRONO
Studded tire for light trucks focused on long-distance travel safety in extreme winter conditions. It is characterized by high performance on snow, stability when maneuvering even under extreme loads and low noise level. The tire is available in 4 sizes with 15 and 16 inch rims.
PIRELLI ICE ZERO
This tire is the first studded tire in the P Zero range, in which Pirelli engineers have drawn on 40 years of experience in rallying. One of the keys to high performance is the "double" stud technology, and the high frequency of the sipes provides reliable grip on snow surfaces. The stability of the tire's performance is achieved through the use of an innovative rubber compound that maintains a constant structure under various temperature conditions. The optimized tire profile improves traction and warms up the tire more evenly during operation. The range of tires includes 79 standard sizes with rim diameters from 14 to 21 inches.
PIRELLI FORMULA ICE
This studded tire is part of the Formula product line - a new brand from Pirelli - and was developed in Northern Europe for use in the harsh winter conditions of Russia and Scandinavia. An aluminum hexagon stud provides high running and braking performance on ice, while the level of grip on snowy roads is determined by the high frequency of sipes. The use of special aromatic oils in the tread compound made it possible to improve the braking distance on roads treated with reagents. Solid center rib provides dry stability. The tire is available in 33 standard sizes with rim diameters from 13 to 18 inches.
PIRELLI ICE ZERO FRICTION
With an improved rubber compound, new tread pattern and carcass, this friction tire is suitable for most passenger cars and SUVs. The directional tread pattern improves mechanical traction: the center blocks trap snow, and the directional grooves ensure efficient water drainage. The wavy tread blocks adjacent to the shoulder areas and the longitudinal channels separating them also serve to retain snow and increase traction. The tire structure with softer and narrower shoulder zones contributes to a larger tire-to-road patch and provides improved traction performance in a variety of conditions. Despite the increased contact patch, the tire exhibits a low level of rolling resistance. The rubber compound with silicon dioxide contributes to the stability of the tire's performance not only at very low temperatures, but also over a wide temperature range (from –50 ° C to + 7 ° C). The tire is available in 30 sizes (including the run-flat version) with rims ranging from 14 to 19 inches.
PIRELLI CINTURATO WINTER
This latest development complements the Cinturato family. The tread effectively grips the snow, keeping it in the sipes, which improves traction on snowy roads, and the new shape of the four-dimensional sipes in the tread blocks improves braking. The Cinturato Winter tread is characterized by both the original distribution of the blocks and their arrangement. This solution contributes to better water drainage. The design of the tire has made the contact patch more flexible, so that the tire adapts to driving on snowy or icy roads, and also prolongs its service life. In addition to high performance characteristics, Cinturato Winter has a low noise level. The novelty will be offered in 13 standard sizes from 14 to 16 inches.
TOYO OBSERVE GARIT GIZ
The main characteristics of this new product for passenger cars are improved braking and cornering performance on icy roads, the ability to adapt to the changing conditions of winter roads, and an improved rubber compound. For confident grip on an icy surface, the rubber compound uses walnut shell particles (Toyo Microbit technology) as micro-spikes, and carbon micropores act as an absorbent, absorbing the formed water film in the tire's contact patch with the ice surface. Combined tread blocks maintain a stable tire shape, which positively affects cornering handling and braking performance. New three-dimensional sipes (3D Multi-wave technology) not only remove water formed between the tire and the road surface, but also cling to the icy road surface with their edges. The tire is available in 21 standard sizes with rim diameters from 13 to 18 inches.
TOYO OBSERVE G3-ICE
Studded tire for passenger cars, SUVs and SUVs. Improved distribution of studs (they form 20 lines across the entire tread width) in combination with the unique Toyo Microbit technology (natural micro-studs - walnut shell particles in the tread compound) provide high traction and braking characteristics on ice and snow, and also reduce noise levels ... The tire remains flexible even in severe frosts, while the stud holding properties are not impaired. In addition to high performance, the model provides a high level of comfort. The tire is offered in 122 sizes with wheel diameters ranging from 13 to 22 inches.
TOYO OBSERVE GSI-5
A non-studded tire that combines the capabilities of studded tires and the comfort inherent in friction tires. The original rubber compound contains micro-particles of walnut shells, which increase the level of grip on snow and ice, and a moisture absorbent based on powder obtained from bamboo charcoal, which absorbs moisture generated when driving in the contact patch. The tire is designed for operation in all winter conditions and is highly durable. The Toyo Observe GSi-5 is available in 120 sizes with rims ranging from 13 to 22 inches.
TOYO H09
Non-studded tire for vans and minibuses. Wide longitudinal and lateral tread grooves provide high grip on snowy and wet roads. In the tread pattern, four longitudinal grooves provide optimum performance on snowy and wet roads. The improved tread compound provides tread elasticity at low temperatures, while the tire has increased tire life. The tire is available in 23 standard sizes with rim diameters from 14 to 17 inches.
VIATTI BRINA NORDICO
Studded tires combining both European and Scandinavian schools of winter tire construction. Variable sidewall stiffness technology helps to cushion impacts when moving over uneven road surfaces. A high level of grip in all winter conditions is achieved by friction blocks in the middle with additional rows of studs along the edges of the tread. The chamfered shoulder blocks of the tread block cut the snow slurry, displacing it from the contact patch of the tire with the road. This season, the model is presented in 24 standard sizes with bore diameters from 13 to 18 inches.
VIATTI BOSCO NORDICO
Studded tires for crossovers and SUVs are designed for use on Russian roads. Their design and features take into account the specific climate of our winter. The frequent arrangement of sipes across the entire tread width provides traction both on icy and snowy country roads and in urban slush conditions. The unique tread pattern allows you to maintain speed and control while maneuvering. Improved cross-country ability in deep snow is provided by special grooves in the checkers of the shoulder zones. This season, the tire is presented in 15 standard sizes with rim diameters from 16 to 18 inches.
VIATTI VETTORE BRINA
Winter friction tires for the operation of light commercial vehicles in severe winter conditions. When developing the design of the tire and rubber compound, the emphasis was placed on high grip and handling properties on winter roads, including during long journeys through different climatic zones. During the development, special attention was paid to reducing the noise level emitted by the tire when driving. This season, the tire is presented in 10 standard sizes with rim diameters from 14 to 16 inches.
YOKOHAMA W * drive V905
The tire (with a speed index of up to 270 km / h) is intended for premium cars, crossovers and small family cars. Wide curved grooves and side groove with variable angle, a combination of triple sipes and longitudinal grooves provide maximum edge effect on snow and ice. An innovative rubber compound with a new compound technology, combining silicon dioxide and orange oil, contributes to stable performance over a wide temperature range, improved handling and reduced rolling resistance. Also, the new rubber compound helps to improve wet performance in winter conditions. The tire design with a new profile is focused on improving handling and reducing fuel consumption. The tire is available in 20 sizes with bore diameters from 15 to 22 inches.
YOKOHAMA iceGUARD Stud iG55
The tire, in the development of which new technologies were used, is intended for both passenger cars and SUVs. The original tread pattern, which includes a center rib, volumetric sipes and diagonal micro grooves, optimizes contact patch and traction. The design of the shoulder blocks also improves traction, while the wide sloped grooves improve water and slush drainage. The cleat is shaped like a flange and a core that enhances the edge effect, which improves grip on ice and helps keep the cleats in the tire. The firmness of the contact of the spike with the tire is also facilitated by the optimized tread hardness. The stud pattern not only enhances traction on ice, but also reduces noise levels. Particular attention was paid to the composition of the rubber compound. The water-absorbing compound, also used on iceGUARD friction models, effectively absorbs water film, while the elastic polymer and high micro-particle density optimized the tread hardness and stabilized the tire's behavior on dry roads. The rubber compound also contains silica and orange oil.
YOKOHAMA iceGUARD Studless G075
It is the first non-studded SUV tire in the history of the iceGUARD brand. Particular attention during the development of the rubber compound was paid to the possibility of the composition absorbing the water film formed when driving on ice. In addition, iceGUARD Studless G075 compound is softer at low temperatures for improved grip. The new tread pattern increases the contact patch and focuses on a high edge effect on icy surfaces. Diagonal micro-slats provide confident grip on ice from the first kilometers of tire operation. Compared to the G073, the braking distance on ice is 23% shorter, the rolling resistance is 5% lower and the noise level is reduced by more than 2 dB. The tire is available in 20 sizes with bore diameters from 16 to 18 inches.
It is quite difficult to compose any rating. And the audience that is looking for information is becoming more demanding. Any rating reflects someone's personal opinion, and the so-called professional reviews do not always reflect the full reality. In our today's article, we decided to present rating of the best winter tires 2018 - 2017 in the category of studded and non-studded tires. We relied on the difficult Russian climate and on the feedback from consumers who have already tested tires in real conditions. You will learn which winter tires are better to choose, what to look for, what are the differences between studded and non-studded tires.
When our material was just being prepared, we noticed that most of all reviewers refer to the European automobile magazine ADAC. This is a German magazine with competent and detailed reviews of accessories for motorists, including quality tire reviews. But, making a rating of the best winter tires 2016 -2017, based on this publication, is silly. Firstly, at the legislative level, drivers in Europe are prohibited from putting studded tires on their cars, and secondly, winter in Europe is not winter in Russia. We have a harsher climate, more reagents on the road and completely different operating conditions. This fact must be taken into account first of all.
Our task is not to persuade you to a particular brand, to force you to use studded or non-studded (Velcro, friction) tires. We tried to make a rating of which winter tires are better to choose in winter 2016 - 2017. After reading the article, you will draw your own conclusions based on the facts presented and on your personal selection criteria. Also interesting:,.
The best winter studless tires 2018 - 2017
In the common people, studless tires are called velcro, and in professional slang, friction tires. They do not have metal spikes. The tread is created with a certain shape of the pattern, which has a number of grooves that remove excess moisture and snow from under the wheels. This allows the tire to find traction and does not fill the tread with excess snow. An excellent option for a mild winter climate, especially in Europe, but also in Russia, Velcro has positive reviews from consumers.
1. The best winter studless tires 2018 - 2017: NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA R2 SUV - Price from 9,000 to 12,000 rubles.
A novelty from the Finnish tire manufacturer NOKIAN. Since the parent company is located in Finland, and the climate of this country is as close as possible to the Russian winter, they also produce a very high-quality product. The NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA R2 SUV non-studded tires are, as the name suggests, designed for SUVs and crossovers. Features of this product, unique tread pattern. It literally pushes out excess moisture and snow from under the wheels. The tread pattern is not clogged for good traction. Aggressive drawing, it is not only beautiful, but also safe. The location of all elements is thought out and calculated, so you should not be afraid of drifts on a city or country road. Non-studded tires NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA R2 SUV are manufactured using a special technology, special crystals are added to the rubber compound, which prevent the rubber from hardening, even in extreme sub-zero temperatures. Feedback from consumers speaks of the excellent quality of the products, and the correspondence of the characteristics to real conditions.
Pros:
- Excellent road holding, both in urban and non-urban environments. Clear controllability;
- Getting into a rut is not a problem, the rubber instantly finds something to cling to and the car does not fidget;
- Accurate and confident braking in all conditions. During the tests, the NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA R2 SUV studless tires were tested on dry, wet and snowy asphalt. In all tests, the braking distance was within normal limits;
- Heavy SUVs and crossovers with this rubber show good handling;
- Crystals in the rubber prevent the wheel from freezing, which ensures a quiet ride;
- European quality, high durability, NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA R2 SUV studless tires are enough for several seasons.
Minuses:
- In extreme winter conditions, especially on the road after reagents, a slight yaw is felt, but it does not affect the control;
- High price, non-studded tires with similar characteristics are sold at a lower price.
In conclusion, NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA R2 SUV can be safely called the best non-studded tires of 2016 - 2017, only due to the quality and performance. If your financial situation allows you to spend so much money on rubber, then buy it without hesitation.
2. The best winter studless tires 2018 - 2017: MICHELIN X-ICE XI3 - Price from 8,000 to 13,000 rubles.
The French brand MICHELIN always occupies a leading position, but in the ratings of summer tires. In the ranking of the best winter non-studded tires 2018 - 2017, the MICHELIN X-ICE XI3 brand occupies only the second position. It is difficult to demand a quality product from a European manufacturer for the harsh and unpredictable Russian winters. After analyzing all consumer reviews, we identified one significant minute of MICHELIN X-ICE XI3 tires, they do not perform well on ice. But, this disadvantage applies to all non-studded tires, because they simply have nothing to cling to the ice with. On other indicators, they have advantages. The tread pattern was created during testing. It is designed with the physical laws and realities of harsh climate in mind, which is not typical for European companies. It is the tread pattern of the MICHELIN X-ICE XI3 non-studded winter tires that provides excellent grip, reduces the risk of skidding and behaves clearly on a snowy road. Surprisingly, the best tires come to Russia from Europe, where the winter climate is mild.
Pros:
- Demonstrates excellent grip due to the unique tread pattern, instant drainage of water and snow slurry from under the wheel;
- Smooth and quiet running. This criterion applies to all studless tires;
- Clear control when cornering at speed;
- The quality of the rubber is the highest, the wear-resistant rubber is enough for several seasons;
- Starts off without slipping, clear and expected control.
Minuses:
- The problem of all the stickies, lack of confidence in ice;
- Soft tires don't always work well on snowy roads.
MICHELIN X-ICE XI3 rubber, confidently occupies the second line in the ranking of the best winter non-studded tires 2018 - 2017. Good value for money. It is rare to find a similar product on the market that combines all these qualities.
3. The best winter studless tires of 2018 - 2017: GOODYEAR ULTRA GRIP ICE 2 - Price from 5,000 to 11,000 rubles.
The new GOODYEAR ULTRA GRIP ICE 2 studless tires have improved braking properties. This is not surprising, because it took the company three years to create this rubber. Only after hundreds of tests and tests in the harshest climatic conditions, GOODYEAR ULTRA GRIP ICE 2 appeared on the market. GOODYEAR ULTRA GRIP ICE 2 winter tires are made from a cryo-adaptive rubber compound that prevents freezing in the harsh northern climate. The GOODYEAR ULTRA GRIP ICE 2 winter studless tires demonstrated excellent grip and handling. The legendary Za Rulem magazine placed them on the fourth line of its rating, and in European car magazines, GOODYEAR ULTRA GRIP ICE 2 always fall into the top three winter tires. GOODYEAR ULTRA GRIP ICE 2 is the first grade to use the definition of cryo-adaptive rubber compound. This means that the rubber was specially prepared for the northern market, and it does not tan, even at a temperature of -25 degrees. Consistent brand name of GOODYEAR studless tires, V-shaped tread pattern. It pushes out water and slurry and provides reliable traction.
Pros:
- One of the best value for money. There is hardly a decent product for this price;
- Unique braking properties. The company has taken several years to create a unique rubber with reduced braking distances on snow;
- Excellent handling and stability on slush. The protector does its job perfectly.
Minuses:
- Poorly absorbs road irregularities;
- Uncertain acceleration from standstill on ice.
4. The best winter studless tires 2018 - 2017: BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK VRX - Price from 9,000 to 13,000 rubles.
The Japanese could always surprise, but this time they surprise us with new non-studded BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK VRX tires. They were created using a special technology and specifically for the northern markets. Therefore, the manufacturer took into account the peculiarities of the climate, snow cover and temperature drops. BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK VRX tires are one of the few imported products that are ideal for use in the changeable Russian winter climate. BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK VRX tires have passed a number of tests in Russia. They showed a decent braking distance on snow and ice. The unique tread pattern has a positive effect on the functionality of the rubber, all excess moisture and snow slurry are literally pushed out from under the wheels.
Pros:
- Unique technologies in rubber have made it possible to create a soft and comfortable ride;
- They perform well in urban and rural conditions, cross-country ability in high snow;
- Braking;
- The unique design perfectly removes slush and demonstrates good cornering stability.
Minuses:
- Unstable behavior on ice:
- Rapid wear, especially in urban areas.
Bottom line: the best winter studless tires BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK VRX are a good option for those who rarely drive on the track in winter, mostly driving at low speeds in urban conditions.
5. The best winter studless tires 2018 - 2017: YOKOHAMA ICE GUARD IG50 - Price from 7,000 to 10,000 rubles.
When the question arises what good winter studless tires to buy, the best answer is YOKOHAMA ICE GUARD IG50. Ideal value for money, excellent performance and unique capabilities on a frozen road. If most of all tires are afraid of water on an icy edge, then YOKOHAMA ICE GUARD IG50 is not a big deal. The special tread pattern instantly removes water from under the wheels, which allows the rubber to cling to the ice edge, giving good control.
Pros:
- Ideal value for money;
- Shows itself well on ice, cornering safety;
- Suitable for both urban and rural use.
Minuses:
- If the temperature is above zero, you should immediately change the shoes of the car;
- Pay attention to the pressure, on the flat tires the controllability decreases.
Choosing the best winter studless tires is difficult, and if you are on a budget, the YOKOHAMA ICE GUARD IG50 is the most versatile choice. Take off, you definitely will not be trapped.
6. The best winter non-studded tires of 2018 -2017: CONTINENTAL CONTIVIKINGCONTACT 6 - Price from 11,000 to 13,000 rubles.
It is hard to imagine any top best winter tire without the CONTINENTAL brand. So our rating did not bypass the non-studded CONTINENTAL CONTIVIKINGCONTACT 6 tires. The CONTINENTAL CONTIVIKINGCONTACT 6 tires from the German manufacturer consistently occupy the top lines in the reviews of European journalists. Their unique production technology gives the driver the confidence to drive, even in challenging driving conditions. It would seem that the mild European climate cannot be compared with the Russian winter. But, this is a delusion. CONTINENTAL CONTIVIKINGCONTACT 6 tires were created for the northern markets, taking into account Russian realities. The high price tag repels many consumers, and because of this, the tires are at the end of our ranking of the best winter non-studded tires 2018 - 2017. But, the fact is, they are really great and have enviable road performance.
Pros:
- Good stability on a snowy road, the car does not throw to the sides;
- Soft and smooth ride;
- Good grip even on ice, no drifts when cornering;
- They do not tan in the cold due to the crystals in the structure of the rubber;
- Handling and braking at a high level.
Minuses:
- Suitable for urban use. The soft structure of the rubber reduces grip in snowdrifts.
7. The best winter non-studded tires of 2018 -2017 NOKIAN NORDMAN RS- Price from 3,000 to 5,000 rubles.
Which winter studless tires are best for a budget? The answer is simple, NOKIAN NORDMAN RS tires. The most budgetary option for Velcro, but with high quality characteristics. Low price and decent performance made NOKIAN NORDMAN RS tires the leader in the Russian seasonal market. The rubber does not have any unique capabilities, it is simply worthy rubber for that kind of money.
Pros:
- Price, one of the lowest;
- Decent traction;
- High quality rubber, enough for several seasons;
Minuses:
- Russian production;
- Weak exchange rate stability;
- May be incurred during heavy braking.
Here is the whole rating of winter non-studded tires 2016 - 2017. I would like to get away from the word rating or top, this is a selection of worthy products on the domestic market. You can listen to our opinion and choose tires from the list, or simply build on it when buying rubber. It is very important to buy good winter tires, your safety and the safety of other road users depend on it.
The best winter studded tires 2018 - 2017
Winter studded tires, the most reliable rubber option for your car. In the harsh Russian winter, there is nothing more reliable than thorns. Velcro is well suited for urban driving, where reagents are sprinkled on the roads. If you often drive on roads that are not cleaned or sprinkled with reagents, then be sure to buy a tire with spikes. Only they will provide reliable grip on ice, reduce the possibility of skidding when cornering to a minimum and provide a short braking distance in case of a sudden stop. We have compiled a small rating, the top of the best winter tires with studs, which you should pay attention to.
1. The best winter studded tires 2018 - 2017: GISLAVED NORDFROST 100 - Price from 6,000 to 9,000 rubles.
Popular winter tires GISLAVED NORDFROST 100 have been present on the Russian market for several years. The unique arrangement of studs on the tread provides reliable traction and controllability. The tread pattern removes excess water and slurry from under the wheels. The studs are mounted securely, which reduces their fallout and allows the rubber to be used for several seasons.
Pros:
- Good cross-country ability on a rural snow-covered road;
- Wet asphalt and ice is not a problem;
- Clear controllability without drifts;
- Good road holding at speed.
Minuses:
- The number of spikes is limited to European standards;
- Soft rubber.
2. The best winter studded tires 2018 - 2017: NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA 8 SUV - Price from 13,000 to 18,000 rubles.
Winter studded tires NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA 8 SUV, the first European rubber version, created for use in the harsh winter. The Finnish company focused on the Russian market. The number of studs is increased, the tread pattern is created taking into account the physical properties of water and snow slurry. The tread pushes everything out from under the wheel, providing confident traction. All European publications have awarded NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA 8 SUVs the highest awards, and Expeditions wear this rubber on their off-road vehicles to travel north. The unique structure of rubber makes winter studded tires the best, because NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA 8 SUV rubber does not tan at extremely low temperatures.
Pros:
- Perfect grip in all conditions, be it a snow edge or ice ice;
- Confident braking even with a sharp press on the brake pedal;
- Increased wear resistance, rubber lasts for several seasons.
Minuses:
- High price compared to competitors;
- When the wheel falls into a rut, instability is felt.
3. The best winter studded tires 2018 - 2017: GOODYEAR ULTRA GRIP ICE ARCTIC - Price from 6,000 to 11,000 rubles.
We can safely say that GOODYEAR ULTRA GRIP ICE ARCTIC is the best winter studded tire. Initially, the company developed technology for travelers to the north. You noticed from the photo that the spikes are arranged in a strange, unique pattern. It is this pattern of studs that provides maximum grip, and the car does not skid on sharp turns at speed. Ice on the road will no longer be a problem for you. But, like any rubber, GOODYEAR ULTRA GRIP ICE ARCTIC has its pros and cons. About them below.
Pros:
- Unique tread pattern wicks away water and slush;
- Good braking on ice;
- Confidently holds the road at speed;
- Suitable for use in the north.
Minuses:
- In a rut, the car starts to drive.
4. The best winter studded tires 2018-2017: PIRELLI ICE ZERO - Price from 6,000 to 18,000 rubles.
It is difficult to find more modern winter studded tires, or rather rubber, where so many modern technologies are used. Firstly, PIRELLI ICE ZERO tires are equipped with double-core studs, this is additional grip on ice, and secondly, a unique tread pattern, pushing out water and snow. All this together gives excellent rubber for the winter period. It is not possible to make a mistake with PIRELLI ICE ZERO tires, if some brand confuses you, then buy PIRELLI ICE ZERO.
Pros:
- Reasonable value for money;
- Reliable rubber;
- Braking with confidence in all conditions.
Minuses:
- If the temperature is above zero, you need to urgently change it.
5. The best winter studded tires 2018 - 2017: CONTINENTAL CONTIICECONTACT - Price from 7,000 to 10,000 rubles.
The most versatile range of winter studded tires CONTINENTAL CONTIICECONTACT. Most often used on domestic cars. They have good grip and flotation performance. The CONTINENTAL CONTIICECONTACT studded tires are suitable for both urban roads and rural areas.
Pros:
- Confident grip and cross-country ability;
- Comfortable and high quality rubber.
Minuses:
- High price
Regardless of which winter tires you prefer, studded or non-studded, you need to understand which is right for your vehicle. Observe road and operating conditions. Which winter tires are better to choose in 2018 - 2017, it's up to you.
