Test car: Ford Focus.
Currently, the number of studs in a tire is not legally limited. More specifically, there is no limit as long as the product has been tested by an independent testing organization that has confirmed that the tire damage to the roadway does not exceed the acceptable limit. If the test is successful, then the manufacturer has the right to determine the type of studs and their number.
Another option is to refuse to carry out the test and use the maximum allowable number of spikes, that is, 50 pieces per 1 meter of circumference; for the size used in this test, the number of pins is just under a hundred. Only three of the twelve manufacturers whose products participated in the test chose this option.
Increasing the number of studs improves traction on ice. This is a logical conclusion, which is confirmed by the test results almost without exception. However, multiple studs do not guarantee test success, they only provide extra grip on the ice.
More studs usually mean higher noise levels, and this is one of the most annoying features of a tire. When driving on asphalt, spikes can impair handling, stability and braking.
Traction on ice is created by the tire piercing the surface of the ice. This requires a certain amount of pressure on the ice. More studs create less pressure on each stud individually. In cold weather, when the ice becomes harder, a tire with fewer studs provides better grip.
Studded tires.
A few years ago, Nokian Tires impressed everyone by introducing a tire with 190 studs - it was 50-100% more than what the then tire market was used to. Since then, Nokian has won one ice test after another; Be that as it may, its gap from competitors is gradually shrinking.
This year, Continental also introduced the tire with the maximum number of studs - 190. It's not hard to guess where the German tire makers turned to for inspiration when it came to the number of studs, but the result was excellent.
Hankook ranks third in studs with 170. The South Korean manufacturer has spent years research and development, and it's nice to see the result - good winter tires from Asia. 10 years ago, Korean tires were given only a sympathetic smile, but now Hankook has erased the smirks even from the faces of Europe's biggest competitors.
A large group of manufacturers preferred to use about 130 studs. Goodyear, Bridgestone and Pirelli are well-known manufacturers and it is clear that their tires will be selected for the test. Smaller brands Sava and Dunlop were included in the test as alternatives to flagship products, as well as Nokian's long-standing success story, Nordman.
Michelin, Gislaved and China's Lin¬glong decided to use less than 100 studs, which means they didn't have to go through a road test. The first two are premium tires, but the other characteristics don't seem to compensate for the poor grip on ice caused by the low number of studs.
Linglong has participated in the Tekniikan Maailma tests before, this is one of the most successful winter models made in China.
Non-studded tires take on the challenge.
Non-studded tires do not need to worry about the number of studs, but the absence of the latter has to be compensated for in a different way. Which creates a whole host of other problems. The toolkit for creating a secure grip on ice is very limited. In most cases, it involves developing new materials to make the rubber compound as soft as possible and improving the tread pattern.
But if the rubber compound is too soft, it will lead to new problems, the most serious of which are poor wet grip, unstable handling and poor durability.
In recent years, Nokian and Continental have taken the lead in non-studded tire tests. Even without the studs, their tires have amazing grip on ice, but the flip side of this coin is that buyers have to put up with sluggish handling on the pavement or opt for third-party tires.
Goodyear's studless tire development focused on handling on asphalt, making minimal compromises to improve handling on snow and ice. Michelin, on the other hand, always chooses balanced performance, with no prominent sides, but no obvious problems either. Pirelli and Bridgestone are old brands long known to consumers, but the properties of their models vary from test to test.
We included two lower-priced products in this test: Nokian's junior brand, Nordman, and Taiwanese tire manufacturer Nankang, known for making good summer tires. Let's see if this brand's winter tires can match their European competitors.
In this year's test participated twelve models of different price categories, and some of them showed certain flaws in some areas. Some tires were clearly designed for harsh winters, which forced manufacturers to sacrifice handling on asphalt. Others chose to create a product that is equally good under all conditions, but under no circumstances is perfect. Of course, a tire that cannot handle even one test is a poor choice, especially if you can find something better for the same price.
Do winter tires wear out?
The tire environment is replete with a wide variety of information about how quickly different types of winter tires wear out and how this affects their grip. Some say that studless tires wear out twice as fast as studded ones. Others claim that due to the wear of the studs, after a couple of years, studded rubber loses grip much faster than non-studded rubber.
For the durability test, we selected six different brands from the past four years, four studded and two non-studded. In this test, the tires had to travel 15,000 kilometers on clean asphalt in cold weather. This is roughly equivalent to two winter seasons. Most of the route was on public roads, and the test included hundreds of controlled stops, brakes, and accelerations at city speed to simulate driving conditions in an urban environment.
For the test, three cars were used, which moved in a column along the same route, under the same conditions, with a constant change of drivers. Two tires of each model were taken, and the front and rear wheels were rotated every day. Thus, by the end of the test, each model had traveled an equal distance on the front and rear axles, and was driven by each of the three drivers. In this way, the conditions were the same for all tires, and differences between cars, driving conditions and the nature of the drivers did not affect the result.
In addition, the tires were tested for braking on ice at the very beginning of the test and every 5,000 kilometers. These tests were carried out on indoor ice rinks under the same conditions. An interesting result - for both studded and non-studded tires, grip decreased evenly throughout the entire test, and after 15,000 kilometers it was 80% of the original. Grip declined approximately the same for all brands, and by this indicator the tires retained their original positions relative to each other.
This is good news because it confirms that tire test results are applicable not only to new tires, but also to used tires.
Of course, all test participants had some differences in wear resistance. The table below shows the tread depth and the estimated tire life, up to a tread depth of 3 mm.
Historically, Michelin has developed a reputation for being the most durable tire, and that reputation seems to have been borne out in this test as well. It should be noted that the tire life reported in this test is calculated; that is, it may differ from the real one due to differences in vehicles, road and driving style.
It should also be noted that all tires, with the exception of Michelin and Goodyear, both studded and non-studded, wear approximately the same, approximately 2mm each. Only in the non-studded Continental the tread wears 1.5 mm, like the Michelin, but given the lower initial tread depth, this model quickly reached the minimum depth of 3 mm.
The flip side of durability is grip, or rather, its disadvantage. And the choice in this case remains with the buyer: whether he wants to buy the best grip more often or the worst - less often.
Results on snow and ice.
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Behavior on asphalt, efficiency, comfort.
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Wear of winter tires (based on test results,published in 2014) |
Tread depth in mm after run |
Total wear (mm) |
Estimated service lifeto a depth of 3 mm |
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| 0 km | 5,000 km | 10,000 km | 15,000 km | |||
Studded tires |
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| 9,29 | 8,86 | 8,33 | 7,82 | 1,47 | 64 184 km | |
| 9,56 | 8,95 | 8,18 | 7,56 | 2,00 | 49 200 | |
| 8,89 | 8,29 | 7,38 | 6,70 | 2,19 | 40 342 | |
| 9,49 | 8,81 | 7,96 | 7,23 | 2,26 | 43 075 | |
Non-studded tires |
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| 7,80 | 7,43 | 6,84 | 6,27 | 1,53 | 47 059 | |
| Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice 2 | 7,84 | 7,30 | 6,29 | 5,52 | 2,32 | 31 293 |
Information on the sticker
| Model | the size | number of spikes | load index | speed index | direction of rotation | external / internal side |
date of manufacture | Manufacturer country |
| Studded tires | ||||||||
| 205 / 55R16 | 130 | 94 | T (190 km / h) | Yes | No | 2014 week 12 | Japan | |
| 205 / 55R16 | 190 | 94 | T (190 km / h) | No | Yes | 2015 week 4 | Germany | |
| 205 / 55R16 | 130 | 94 | T (190 km / h) | Yes | No | 2014 week 43 | Poland | |
| 205 / 55R16 | 96 | 94 | T (190 km / h) | Yes | No | 2015 week 6 | Germany | |
| 205 / 55R16 | 130 | 94 | T (190 km / h) | Yes | No | 2014 week 43 | Poland | |
| 205 / 55R16 | 170 | 94 | T (190 km / h) | Yes | No | 2015 week 2 | South Korea | |
| 205 / 55R16 | 98 | 94 | T (190 km / h) | Yes | No | 2014 week 41 | China | |
| 205 / 55R16 | 96 | 94 | T (190 km / h) | Yes | No | 2014 week 37 | Russia | |
| 205 / 55R16 | 190 | 94 | T (190 km / h) | Yes | No | 2015 week 3 | Finland | |
| 205 / 55R16 | 128 | 94 | T (190 km / h) | Yes | No | 2014 week 48 | Russia | |
| 205 / 55R16 | 130 | 91 | T (190 km / h) | Yes | No | 2014 week 48 | Germany | |
| 205 / 55R16 | 130 | 91 | T (190 km / h) | Yes | No | 2015 week 4 | Poland | |
| Non-studded tires | ||||||||
| 205 / 55R16 | 94 | T (190 km / h) | Yes | No | 2015 week 45 | Japan | ||
| 205 / 55R16 | 94 | T (190 km / h) | No | Yes | 2015 week 5 | Germany | ||
| 205 / 55R16 | 94 | T (190 km / h) | Yes | No | 2014 week 31 | Poland | ||
| 205 / 55R16 | 94 | T (190 km / h) | Yes | No | 2014 week 29 | Spain | ||
| 205 / 55R16 | 94 | Q (160 km / h) | Yes | No | 2014 week 51 | China | ||
| 205 / 55R16 | 94 | R (170 km / h) | Yes | No | 2015 week 8 | Finland | ||
| 205 / 55R16 | 94 | R (170 km / h) | Yes | No | 2014 week 51 | Russia | ||
| 205 / 55R16 | 94 | T (190 km / h) | Yes | No | 2015 week 2 | Russia | ||
Test results.
Studded tires
Driving on ice and snow: this Nokian is the best on-ice tire currently on the market. Acceleration and braking grip is excellent, and the tires do not get out of hand even in extreme conditions. Among other things, this model offers reliable grip and handling on snow. Driving on asphalt: on a clean road, it becomes evident that this tire is designed for winter. It lacks grip when braking and maneuvering, but by its very nature this tire has a calm temperament so it won't surprise you with a sudden loss of grip. Economy and comfort: this model is no more noisy than any average studded tire, although you will have to hear the sound of studs. Rolling resistance at a good level for a studded tire. Per:
Against :
Grade: ★★★★★ 8.8 points |
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Driving on ice and snow: Continental has a balanced driving performance. It has good grip on ice and good lateral grip makes it easy to handle. It also performs well on snow and responds quickly to steering movements. Driving on asphalt: the developers have not forgotten about the driving performance for warm weather. This tire has above average wet grip and good handling. On dry roads, steering is a little slower, like most winter tires, but this model won't surprise the driver by skidding abruptly. Economy and comfort: the noise level and rolling resistance are average for a studded tire of this class. Per:
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Driving on ice and snow: Hankook has good grip on ice, these tires give a safe driving feel even in the most difficult conditions and in extreme situations. On snow, the tire behaves logically, providing a smooth transmission of steering power. Although this model has not previously ranked high in the tests, it pleases with balanced behavior on the winter road. Driving on asphalt: good wet braking, but nevertheless the tire feels too soft and reacts slowly to course changes. Fortunately, the rear tires always maintain traction, so this model will not surprise you. Economy and comfort: the noise of the tread and studs is average for a tire of this class. Hankook received special praise for the lowest rolling resistance of any studded tire tested. Per:
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Driving on ice and snow: Goodyear produces quality tires, although they don't always rank first in tests. This model has good braking on ice and especially on snow, but lateral grip is not quite optimal. However, the tires always remain in control, even under extreme conditions. On the snow, this model behaves very calmly. Driving on asphalt: Goodyear performs better on tarmac than most winter studded tires. Good braking and precise handling allow you to feel confident when maneuvering. Economy and comfort : both noise level and rolling resistance comparable to most studded tires. Per:
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Driving on ice and snow: Pirelli has excellent grip on ice, light and precise steering transmission. The rear tires sometimes lose traction quite easily, but then regain control of the road just as quickly and easily. The Pirelli also performs well on snow, although here its grip is slightly worse than most studded tires. Driving on asphalt: on wet roads, the Pirelli is one of the best studded tires on the market. When maneuvering, it maintains reliable grip and responds quickly to steering turns. On dry roads, it also demonstrates excellent handling, but the braking distance becomes too long. Economy and comfort : Rolling resistance is average, but the noise from the studs is quite noticeable. Per:
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Driving on ice and snow: short braking distances on ice, fairly good traction. This model has sufficient lateral grip, although the handling is not very confident, especially in extreme conditions. Sometimes the rear tires lose traction too easily in the snow. However, they quickly regain control of the road. Driving on asphalt: on asphalt this tire was one of the best. It demonstrates stable and easy handling and precise steering power transmission. Economy and comfort: rolling resistance is good and also very quiet for a studded model. Per:
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Driving on ice and snow: this tire has amazing snow grip and good steering feel. It behaves calmly and provides confident handling even in extreme conditions. On ice, this tire lacks grip and has a long stopping distance. When maneuvering, the traction limit is also quickly reached. Driving on asphalt: good grip when braking on wet roads. When maneuvering, the tire feels a little soft, however, thanks to the reliable grip, the handling remains logical and predictable. On dry roads, the Gislaved is a typical slow winter tire, but the grip is still reliable. Economy and comfort: the few spikes make the Gislaved a fairly quiet tire. Rolling resistance is one of the highest in this test. Per:
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Driving on ice and snow: This Michelin model behaves extremely calmly on the winter road. Unfortunately, the front tires do not have enough grip on the ice, which makes the braking distance quite long. In addition, the tire often lacks lateral grip when maneuvering. Snow traction is slightly better, but still falls short of the best tires. Driving on asphalt: braking distance on clean asphalt is short. This model demonstrates confident maneuvering on asphalt, while its rear tires maintain traction even in the most difficult conditions. However, the steering transmission is too slow. Economy and comfort: rolling resistance is almost the highest in the test, but due to the small number of studs, the noise level is quite low. Per:
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Driving on ice and snow: when accelerating and braking on ice, the grip is good, the tire behaves calmly in extreme conditions, although at times it lacks longitudinal grip. Snow traction is mediocre, but the calm nature of the tire does not allow the driver to lose control of the road. Driving on asphalt: dry and wet grip is mediocre. Good grip when braking. When maneuvering quickly, the tire behaves rather sluggishly, the reaction to steering turns is slow. Economy and comfort: average performance in terms of noise level, not causing any particular complaints. This tire has the highest rolling resistance of any tire tested. Per: Good grip on ice. Against: Mediocre grip on dry and wet roads; Rolling resistance. Grade:★★★ 7.8 points. |
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Driving on ice and snow:
ice grip is acceptable, the tire has a fairly short braking distance and good lap times. In extreme conditions, a lack of grip can suddenly appear, especially on the rear wheels. On snow, the tire behaves quite unpredictably, sometimes it is difficult to control it.
Against:
Grade:★★★ 7.8 points. |
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Driving on ice and snow:
Nokian's previous successful model demonstrates how much technology has advanced. The Nordman is still a usable winter tire, although it can't keep up with the new products in terms of grip. On slippery roads, the tire behaves calmly, although you should not expect too much from it.
Against:
Grade:★★ 7.7 points. |
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Driving on ice and snow
: this model did not do well in the test. Snow and ice grip was the weakest of all studded tires, and the tire was difficult to handle. Poor traction resulted in slower steering force transmission, and the rear wheels quickly lost contact with the road in extreme conditions. The behavior of this bus was full of unpleasant surprises.
Against:
Grade:★ 7.2 points. |
Non-studded tires
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Driving on ice and snow:
The best studless tire on snowy and icy roads. Good grip during acceleration and braking, but the best thing about this tire is that it retains control of the road even in extreme conditions when the grip limit is reached. She behaves in a logical and predictable manner under all circumstances.
Against:
Grade: ★★★ 7.7 points. |
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Against:
Grade:★★ 7.6 points. |
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Driving on ice and snow:
The Michelin is calm on snow and ice and has good braking grip. However, on slippery roads, the grip limit of the front tires is very limited, and a sharp turn of the steering wheel can cause the car to skid. The rear wheels have excellent grip and are not problematic even in the most difficult situations.
Against:
Grade:★★ 7.6 points. |
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Driving on ice and snow:
good grip on ice, although not the best. This tire is easy to control, but when maneuvering very quickly, the rear wheels lose traction. Sharp handling on snow, balanced, reliable behavior.
Against:
Grade:★★ 7.6 points. |
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Driving on ice and snow:
good grip on ice, short braking distances and precise handling. On snow, the traction limit is low, especially when cornering. But the tire quickly and easily regains control of the road.
Against:
Grade:★★ 7.5 points. |
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Against:
Grade:★ 7.0 points. |
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Driving on ice and snow:
ice grip is quite modest, at least compared to the best models. The front wheels lose traction quite easily. Thanks to good lateral grip, handling on snow is very good. Grip during acceleration and braking on snow is also high.
Against:
Grade:★ 6.9 points. |
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Driving on ice and snow:
Nankang performed very poorly on the test. Her biggest problem was the lack of grip on the ice during acceleration and braking. Good lateral grip improved its position a little, but, nevertheless, the overall impression was extremely unfavorable. On snow, this tire skids too easily.
Against:
Grade: 6.7 points. |
How the test was conducted.
Braking test: was carried out on ice, snow, dry and wet asphalt. The tests were carried out at various temperatures. In this case, the ABS system was used. On ice, the speed at the time of the start of braking was 50 km / h, on snow and asphalt - 80 km / h. Braking tests on snow and on ice are usually carried out on an open track, with careful observance of the same conditions (in particular, maintaining the same temperature).
Overclocking test: was carried out to measure tire traction on snow, ice and wet pavement. This test measured acceleration on ice (5-20 km / h), snow and asphalt (5-35 km / h). As with other stages of the test, it was carried out at different temperatures; its results may differ from the results of other tests. This test was carried out both outdoors and on indoor tracks.
Handling test: in this part of the test, the speed of the track was taken into account. The result could change depending on which driver was driving. The tests were carried out on ice, snow and wet roads. Dry lap times are usually not measured when testing tires.
Subjective assessment of controllability: In this part of the test, the tire's handling on ice, snow, dry and wet roads was assessed based on the impressions of the drivers and complemented the main stage of the handling test. The final score is the arithmetic mean of the scores of all drivers. Safe and predictable handling was the main criterion for high marks.
Noise level : judged subjectively from inside the machine. During this phase of the test, the driver listened to the noise as the vehicle coasted from 100 to 40 km / h. No measuring instruments were used in this part of the test.
Copying and publication of news is allowed with reference to
From year to year, from season to season, disputes about the choice and purchase of tires for cars flare up on the Internet. Foaming at the mouth, active disputes are being conducted in which the interlocutors prove to each other the viability or worthlessness of specific models, not realizing that it is sheer stupidity to draw conclusions about automobile tires based on only subjective assessments.
Tests car tires is a science-intensive action that requires an academic approach and serious resources! As you know, friendship is tested in trouble. So the driving properties of automobile rubber are evaluated to the limit. But that's not the point. It is beyond the power of the average driver to create an ideal test environment that separates the role of the tire from a host of other factors. Professional tire tests are always a control kit, one car, identical rims, adjusted pressure, a technologically advanced test range and, of course, equipment. In tire studies, details that are often elusive for the human senses play an important role.
In Russia, the magazine "Za Rulem" and the newspaper "Autoreview" are engaged in tire tests to assess their consumer characteristics. The first one tests tires at domestic landfills. The second, recently, has been conducting tests at a foreign testing base.
The tire industry is analyzed on a much larger scale by European experts. German expert club ADAC, Finnish research center Test World, magazine AutoBild - all these names are well-known. Strict safety regulations, meticulous consumers, developed infrastructure - all this has made professional tire testing the norm for the European market. In Asia and America, tires are also tested, but the results of their measurements rarely reach Russia. Fortunately, the loss is not great: tires, for example, from the United States rarely end up on another continent.
What are winter tires?
With the apparent similarity, the tires can be very different. In our climatic zone, every child in the sandbox knows that tires are summer or winter. But in a deep cut, not all adults understand the situation. Usually the top of the knowledge is that winter tires are divided into studded and not.
Non-studded tires are popularly called "Velcro". Public opinion often considers them urban. In the language of professionals, such rubber is called friction rubber and is divided into models of the Scandinavian and Central European type. Tires from the first group are designed for low-temperature winters with an abundance of snow and ice on the roads. Rubber of the second type is designed exclusively for mild winters, with an average temperature of just below zero and occasional inclusions of slippery surfaces. In Russia, Central European winter tires will be helpless everywhere except the Black Sea coast, while good non-studded Scandinavian-type models will cope with both ice and snow.
What does the AutoDel tire review offer?
The publication, specializing in the analysis of automotive accessories and accessories, collects the results of expert tests of automobile tires, and then compares the performance of the same tire model, in different expert hands. That is why the review considers only those models that have been tested in at least two tests.
Preliminarily, the reader is invited to familiarize himself with the official promises of manufacturers and sellers of each of the tires considered.
List of tires included in the review
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Studded, Scandinavian type |
Test World, 205 / 55R16 |
Behind the wheel, 175 / 65R14 |
Vi Bilagare 205 / 55R16 |
Auto Motor & Sport 225 / 45R17 |
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Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 |
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Continental IceContact 2 |
Previous model |
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Dunlop ice touch |
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Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 |
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Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic |
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Hankook Winter i * Pike RS + W419D |
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Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 |
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Nokian nordman 5 |
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Sava Eskimo Stud |
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Michelin X-Ice North 3 |
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Pirelli ice zero |
Expert staff
This season, Finnish experts from the Test World Research Center (http://www.testworld.fi/) and Russian journalists "Za Rulem" (http://www.zr.ru/). Somewhat later, the material of the Swedish magazine Vi Bilagare (http://www.vibilagare.se/), the Russian newspaper Autoreview (http://autoreview.ru/) and the Swedish branch of the German authoritative edition Auto Motor & Sport (http: //www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/).
How did the experts test studded winter tires?
Test World
Test World experts evaluated braking performance on snow, ice, wet and dry asphalt. However, as always. The tests were carried out at different temperatures, after which the average result was calculated based on the results of 15-20 heats on each set. Braking on ice was assessed by pulling the vehicle down from 50 km / h to zero, and deceleration on snow and wet surfaces was assessed by braking from 80 km / h to a complete stop.
Tests on a snow-covered and icy road were carried out on the street and inside a covered test site, which allows simulating any conditions necessary for measurements. Tractive effort on snow and ice was measured by accelerating as quickly as possible from 5 to 35 and from 5 to 20 km / h, respectively.
The handling scores were based on the time it took the "third" Ford Focus to complete the lap in the test tires. In addition, the subjective opinion of experts regarding acceleration, braking and cornering on various surfaces also had some influence on the estimates. However, the decisive influence on the final results was still exerted by the objective readings of the measuring equipment. It is noteworthy that during the races, the pilots did not know the models of the tested tires, the organizers replaced them with numbers in order to exclude the influence of the brand on perception.
The exchange rate stability, that is, the stability of movement in a straight line, was assessed in the same way. In the noise test, the pilots also made subjective assessments, making several races on uneven surfaces. And the rolling resistance was measured by the free rolling of the car, on a flat surface without the influence of the wind. Tests were carried out at two different temperatures and the percentage increase in consumption was calculated over the most fuel efficient tires.
Quite curious is the study of Test World experts on the resource of winter tires. To understand this issue, Finnish specialists took out from the warehouse six sets of winter tires, which took part in tire tests last season. They are four studded models and two friction models. On each set, the testers drove 15,000 km.
The route mainly followed motorways. At the same time, one hundred brakes and accelerations at low speeds were carried out on each tire to simulate the conditions of city traffic.
The durability tests used three vehicles that followed the same route under the same conditions. Two tires of each model were taken and swapped from the front axle to the rear. Thus, at the end of the test, all tires traveled the same distance on the front and rear axles, and in addition, drivers also changed cars to avoid influencing the result of their driving style.
Every 5000 km the experts carried out control measurements of the car's behavior in test tires in all disciplines: braking / acceleration on ice, snow and asphalt ...
It is noteworthy that both types of tires lost grip in about the same way, and after 15,000 km its level dropped by about 20%. In addition, the grip deterioration was similar for different brands of tires, and the balance of forces did not change during the entire test. This suggests that the test results of new tires allow us to judge how these or those tires will behave when worn out.
Test World notes that the differences between the tested tires may look minor on paper, but in reality they may be more obvious, and this applies not only to braking performance, but also to cornering grip and steering response. According to experts, the worst tires in the test practically do not allow you to control the car on slippery surfaces, so when choosing winter tires, you should not focus only on price and buy cheap tires. Tests by various organizations year after year show that budget Asian tires do not provide the optimal level of safety.
All Test World tires were purchased from regular stores and pre-run.
Behind the wheel
Experts from the Russian magazine Za Rulem also tested each set. Without sharp acceleration and braking on studded models, they clocked half a thousand kilometers. And the test itself was carried out in Togliatti, at the AvtoVAZ test site. Car carrier in this test was "Vazovskaya Kalina" with ABS.
After running-in, Russian experts measured the hardness of the rubber and the amount of stud protrusion, comparing the results with those obtained on virgin new tires. After running-in, the Shore hardness of the rubber, as a rule, changes by several units in one direction or another. The thorns, too, can crawl out or go deep, as they fall into place.
Following the run-in, the Za Rulem experts followed the test sequence they had developed. It was as follows: acceleration and deceleration on snow and ice, measurements of longitudinal adhesion on the ice circle and a test with a rearrangement. Further - tests for handling, directional stability, cross-country ability and comfort. The sequence is not random: during the testing process, increased loads act on the spikes, under the influence of which they can be squeezed out, and if the sequence of measurements is violated, the spikes will protrude more.
Therefore, after winter disciplines on ice and snow, repeated control of the stud protrusion. If during testing it has not changed, it means that the "claws" are holding tightly in the rubber.
Za Rulem magazine decided to start asphalt exercises by evaluating and measuring rolling resistance, and only in the finals do we brake on the asphalt. It is quite logical! For example, representatives of the Continental concern believe that emergency braking on asphalt is stress for winter tires, even with ABS, therefore, after a dozen or a half of such braking, the tires become unusable.
For running-in non-studded tires, popularly referred to as "Velcro", 300 km is enough. And the driving style should be more aggressive than in the case of studded tires, since in this case, the primary task of running in is different - to completely remove from the tread lamellas the residual grease that was applied to the mold (grease is needed in order to exclude damage to the tread with 3D cuts when removing the newly welded tire from the mold). In addition, on these tires, you need to remove a thin surface layer of rubber, which after baking turns out to be slightly harder than the core. There is no need to worry about the wear of the sharp edges of the lamellas: on modern models they are designed in such a way that they self-sharpen with mutual friction. This ensures the stability of the characteristics of the non-studded tires throughout the entire service life.
Vi bilagare
Swedish magazine Vi Bilagare conducted a studded winter tire test in Finland in the first week of March 2015. Experts noted that conditions this time changed unusually strongly, and on some days it was warm and the temperature approached zero, while on others it was colder to -10 degrees. In all tests, several Volvo models (V40, S60, V60 and V70) were used as the carrier vehicle, which is quite unusual for tire tests. ABS and ASR systems were included, the latter in Sport mode, to increase slip at start and stern skid in corners.
Dry and wet asphalt tests were conducted at landfills near Tampere, Finland in April, where slush traction and fuel consumption were also assessed. Two Volvo V40 CCs were used. The tires were tested on the same section of asphalt at speeds up to 100 km / h. On dry pavement, behavior during emergency avoidance of an obstacle was also assessed. However, the general approach to the test was similar, both with colleagues from Test World, and with the specialists of the Russian edition.
Perhaps the nation's most scrupulous automotive publication has covered the tire industry for years. But if earlier in "Autoreview" this work was outsourced to European experts (mainly Test World), now, for several years now, the Russian media has been conducting tire research on its own, as a rule, getting out to European landfills.
This year, Oleg Rastegaev, who is behind the scenes in charge of the tire theme, got out in a company with his colleagues in Sweden. First in early February, and then again at the end of April to test winter tires on wet and dry asphalt.
A new Peugeot 308 with 205 / 55R16 wheels was used as a car. For better objectivity, the Auto Review experts turned off the stabilization system, and were forced to do it in a barbaric way, physically removing one of the system's sensors, since the 308's ESP does not turn off completely, and the activated system would have a bad effect on the objectivity of the study.
Eighteen sets of winter tires were in the hands of Russian experts. All are exclusively of the Scandinavian type, of which eleven are studded and seven are friction (non-studded). Of course, all sets of tires have undergone driving tests in the main disciplines (handling, acceleration, braking, comfort, rolling resistance). The snow that fell during the snow also helped to conduct a passability test, by measuring the acceleration time over a snowdrift fifteen centimeters high.
Auto Motor & Sport
The Swedish subsidiary of the German leader in automotive media - Auto Motor & Sport magazine. The Swedes conducted the test together with the Norwegians in Finland.
Braking performance tests were carried out at temperatures ranging from -30 to +10 degrees on various surfaces. Ice tests were carried out in a covered complex with the ability to control temperature and humidity. In the snow, the tires were tested outdoors on several tracks. The experts tried to carry out the tests in a short period of time so that all tires were evaluated under the same conditions. The acceleration efficiency was determined according to the same scheme, and tests on ice required a special surface.
To assess the lateral grip of the tires, the pilot made several races on circular tracks covered with snow or ice. In the handling test, the driver monitored control, understeer and tire behavior at the grip limit. A tread drum was used to determine the rolling resistance and all tires were tested at 80 km / h.
Scandinavian studded tires, winter tire test 2015-2016
Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 - winter spike tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The main indicator of studded tires is their grip on ice. Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 tires feature a new spike shape called the "Cross-Edge Pin" for the cross-shaped notch on the center of the cleat. These cruciform notches allow for better ice contact and longer traction. As a result, these tires have better grip and more aggressive braking on ice, regardless of their direction of travel. The improvement in performance is shown in the graph.
Using the latest modeling technology, the tread design of the Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 has undergone significant changes. In the new rubber, the cross grooves have widened intersections, due to which they grip snow more efficiently. The tread has self-cleaning sipes that allow snow and ice dust to escape from the stud, thereby improving traction efficiency. At the same time, shoulder lugs that increase traction when passing deep snow.
Bridgestone has improved not only the cleats, but also the cleat hole. Thanks to computer simulation, a special shape of the hole was developed, which made it possible to optimize the holding force of the cleat.
Although tires in Russia and the CIS countries are subjected to particularly tough and difficult operating conditions, the BLIZZAK Spike-01 is able to maintain high performance for 3-4 seasons.
TEST RESULTS
Studded winter tires of the Scandinavian type Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 have been tested by Finnish experts from Test World, Russian specialists from Za Rulem magazine, Swedish testers from Vi Bilagare, as well as the Swedish division of Auto Motor & Sport magazine. In the Finnish instance, these tires took the ninth place, sharing it with Sava Eskimo Stud. Only Nokian Nordman 5 and LingLong Green-Max Winter Grip were worse than Bridgestone in Test World. All others are better. And the test of the Vi Bilagare Bridgestone was completely closed.
In the magazine "Za Rulem" Japanese tires achieved the sixth line out of eleven. Behind the wheel and Test World agreed that the Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 behave well on icy surfaces. Although the journalists of "Za Rulem" in this sense made a reservation: "only due to the strong protrusion of the spikes, which will surely fly out in the near future." In Vi Bilagare, as a plus, they singled out only a good resistance to ascent on a snow-water slurry. In the final list of Auto Motor & Sport, by the way, also the last place.
In all other disciplines BLIZZAK Spike-01 proved to be rather weak. On the snow, Bridgestone doesn't inspire confidence. Braking on dry and wet pavement is confident, but in turns the car still breaks off the trajectory. In addition, Bridgestone studded tires have increased rolling resistance.
Continental IceContact 2 - winter spike tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
New IceContact 2 tire with superior ice performance Continental's premium studded tire for passenger cars and SUVs has been developed with innovative technologies with an emphasis on providing the best performance on ice and asphalt Available in sizes from 14 to 20 inches (2015 onwards) )
TEST RESULTS
The Continental IceContact 2 studded winter tires are a novelty of the season. They replaced the previous Continental IceContact tire, which consistently took prizes in each of last year's tests (where it participated, of course). The new generation of tires has changed dramatically. There are significantly more spikes, but the spikes themselves are now smaller. This metamorphosis is caused by existing European regulations that do not limit the number of studs in tires if they (tires) have been tested by an independent organization that has confirmed the safety of studs for the roadway. Thus, if these tests are successfully passed, the manufacturer can choose the type of studs and their number at his discretion.
It is not surprising that the novelty has shown itself equally well in the Test World tests, in the test of the magazine "Za Rulem", and in the hands of Vi Bilagare, and in the results of the newspaper "Autoreview". All expert publications have noted the ideal behavior of this tire on ice. Although Test World nevertheless noted that the main competitor, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, accelerated and slowed down on the ice a little more confidently.
In turn, Za Rulem magazine named the Continental IceContact 2 the best tire in terms of ice lateral grip and overall snow performance. A significant plus of Continental against the background of Nokian is its behavior on asphalt, especially wet. It is noteworthy that the same alignment was the case with previous generations of tires: Nokian is better suited for snowy and even more "icy" conditions. The Continental, with a slightly weaker behavior on bare ice, feels more confident on the asphalt. This was especially noted by the experts of "Autoreview".
Dunlop Ice Touch - winter spike tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Dunlop Ice Touch is a winter studded tire for harsh European winters that provide excellent handling on difficult winter roads: on ice, slush and packed snow.
The DunlopIce Touch tire uses the same technology as the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic.
The Dunlop Ice Touch features a directional tread pattern with wide drainage grooves that taper from center to center. Numerous sipes at different angles, sharp engagement edges and somewhat chaotic spikes ensure excellent grip and safe braking in winter time of the year.
The wide center rib of the Dunlop Ice Touch tread increases the contact area for efficient acceleration and braking. Special composition rubber compound increases traction and grip thanks to polymers that give the tire elasticity at low temperatures.
The weight winter tires Dunlop Ice Touch is optimized to reduce rolling resistance, which reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Optimum tread stiffness for maximum handling on dry roads.
TEST RESULTS
Winter tires DunlopIce Touch this season were noted only in two tests - Test World and Auto Review - not a lot. The sixth line in the Finnish instance and the seventh - in the Russian one. The main advantage noticed by the testers of Test World was its behavior on dry and wet asphalt. On such a road, Dunlop tires ride extremely confidently, bypassing even some non-studded models. In "Autoreview" they were in solidarity with their Finnish colleagues, calling these tires the choice of residents of megalopolises.
Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 - winter spike tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Gislaved Nord Frost 100 winter studded tires feature an improved stud design that more effectively increases both longitudinal and lateral grip on icy surfaces. This also reduces the braking distance on ice. Multiple engagement edges and wide snow gripping grooves also provide increased traction in winter conditions. "
Thanks to the special design of the cleat used in the Gislaved Nord Frost 100, improved grip on ice is achieved, as well as increased wear resistance and reduced the likelihood of ice loss. The stud is made of aluminum, it is 11 mm long and 8 mm in diameter, produced exclusively for Continental at the Tikka plant in Finland.
At the same time, during the development of the Gislaved Nord Frost 100, the position of the studs was optimized, due to which excellent grip on the icy road is achieved in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. This guarantees high stability, excellent traction on ice, and also contributes to a shorter braking distance.
Icy grip in the Gislaved Nord Frost 100 has been enhanced with a mid-center peripheral tread block with straight sipes and more sharp engagement edges, resulting in a larger contact patch. Also, the tread manages to achieve excellent traction and braking on loose snow thanks to a two-step structure with a large number of shoulder sipes and straight sipes.
A large cross-sectional area on snow is achieved thanks to an optimized angular end gauge of the engagement edges in all directions, which improves lateral grip when cornering.
The Gislaved Nord Frost 100 tire provides a high level of dry handling thanks to its unique tread pattern and internal sipes located in the shoulder contact with the road surface.
The use of computer simulation in the design made it possible to optimize the spike installation sequence, due to which a wide frequency range of sound vibrations was achieved, and the noise level indicator was reduced. It also managed to achieve increased wear resistance and low rolling resistance due to the optimized contour. This achieves a balanced distribution of pressure in the area of the contact patch of the tire with the road surface.
TEST RESULTS
The Gislaved Nord Frost 100 has the best acceleration and braking on snow in the Vi Bilagare test. The same merit was noted in the "Auto Review" and in the Test World. At the same time on ice this season Gislaved tires performed frankly depressing. But on wet and dry asphalt, decent performance. Yes, a very contradictory set of characteristics, and it is especially strange that last year the results of measurements were different.
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic - winter spike tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Goodyear's UltraGrip Ice Arctic winter studded tires offer superior grip and handling on ice, according to the manufacturer. The user gets thanks to Goodyear's MultiControl Ice technology. This revolutionary stud technology increases the contact area between the road and the road for superior grip and handling on ice. Due to this, the shape of the cleat makes it even more stable, which maximizes the braking force on ice and reduces the braking distance.
Specially designed unique Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic V-notch spike tires and serrated grooves improve snow traction. Due to this, handling on snow is improved, and when moving through deep snow, specially designed shoulder blocks cling to the snow on the side.
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic winter tires perform well on wet, melting snow or ice roads. Hydrodynamic grooves in the tread quickly drain water from the surface of the tire, reducing the risk of aquaplaning. A special silicon polymer improves grip and braking on wet roads.
TEST RESULTS
Goodyear performed brilliantly this time around, outperforming all other studded tires in terms of balance of ride performance on a variety of surfaces. They are quite a bit behind the best tires on snow and ice, where they have short braking distances and good handling. The only weakness is the relatively low grip on wet pavement, but pilots noted that the tires behaved consistently and safely.
Hankook Winter i * Pike RS - winter spike tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The Hankook Winter i * Pike RS W419 studded tire is one of the novelties prepared for domestic motorists by a renowned Korean tire manufacturer. This bus is a logical continuation of another popular model W409 in our country.
The new tire has a V-shaped directional symmetrical tread pattern. In the center of the tread there is now a more massive longitudinal rib, the high rigidity of which provides excellent directional stability and high control efficiency when driving on winter surfaces. Two adjacent ribs are massive free-standing blocks that are located at a sharper angle relative to the direction of travel. The tread blocks have become significantly larger, and the distance between them has increased significantly.
Another notable innovation was a new rubber compound with greater elasticity, which was compensated for by an increase in the number of sipes. In addition, the number of studs has significantly increased - now there are more than 120 of them depending on the size, and their placement has been optimized for better grip on ice.
TEST RESULTS
The studded novelty from Hankook in Russia is still available for purchase in only two standard sizes - 205 / 55R16 and 215 / 65R16. It's a shame, because the new Korean tire with an increased number of studs performed well in each of the tests in which it participated. And these are the materials of the newspaper "Autoreview" and the Finnish research center Test World.
When braking on ice - the second result! Better only tires Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8. Good grip on the snow. It remains only to tighten the handling: both on the ice and on the snow, the reactions lack clarity, especially when entering a turn.
On the asphalt, Hankook tires do not shine: there are complaints about noise and smooth running, but the main puncture is weak deceleration at emergency braking on a dry surface.
For snow and ice - what you need, but for city driving - not the best option.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8– winter spike tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The manufacturer claims that unique studding technology from the winter tire maker provides unparalleled grip on ice and snow. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 behaves well in extreme situations, is acoustically comfortable, rotates easily, saves fuel and reduces impact on the road surface.
The directional and symmetrical tread pattern of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 with increased tread number allows wide stud spreading, which in turn provides excellent grip, durability and low noise level.
Thanks to the increased number of grooves in the tread, the edges of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 sipes adhere better to snow and ice when touching the road surface. The small size of the tread blocks reduces the thermal heating of the tire, and this affects the increase in mileage and the increase in tire wear resistance.
The central tread blocks of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 are firmly connected to each other, which improves the stiffness of the tire and increases the stability of behavior. Deep grooved tread and open shoulder areas provide excellent self-cleaning of snow and slush.
The new Nokian Eco Stud 8 concept improves the safety and handling of winter tires in extreme situations. The Nokian Eco Stud 8 concept includes a new generation anchor stud, the flange shape reduces stud deflection, and an Eco Stud cushion under the stud, made from a special soft rubber compound. This layer improves stud performance and softens road contact. This innovation has already been used in other Nokian Hakkapeliitta winter tires, but the cushion thickness in the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 has been increased.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 studded tire offers unparalleled longitudinal and lateral grip on ice. The location of each spike has been optimized using computer simulations. The studs are evenly distributed over the entire tread surface.
The technology used in the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 improves braking grip. The especially durable rubber compound inside the tread reliably blocks the stud in the block, stabilizes the tire's movement on dry roads and ensures even tire wear.
Hakkapeliitta Cryo-silane Gen 2 tread compound based on second generation cryosilane.
Excellent grip in winter at all temperatures, durability and lower fuel consumption. At low temperatures, rapeseed oil (a type of rapeseed) enhances the interaction of silica and natural rubber. The rubber compound of the tread retains its elasticity under all conditions. The lamellae of the tread blocks are active and maintain a good level of grip when the temperature changes. The rapeseed oil improves the tensile properties of the rubber compound and also improves grip on icy and snowy surfaces.
The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 has improved braking grip. Snow traction has been improved with brake boosters at the rear of the tread blocks. The serrated pattern of the brake boosters increases the grip area and improves traction, especially on snowy road surfaces.
Diagonal support 3D sipes
In the center of the tread of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, 3D lamellas reinforce it. The tire responds quickly and responsively to steering wheel maneuvers, improving driving confidence and responsiveness. Self-locking 3D sipes for more precise handling. 3D-sipes located in the outer part of the shoulder zones, when touching the road, fix the checker blocks, connecting them into one whole, which improves the properties of movement and handling when driving in an arc and maneuvers on the track. bumps in the road. Impact-absorbing sidewall components and a choice of materials that effectively reduce the noise levels in the interior contribute to a more comfortable driving experience.
Tread wear indicator and winter wear indicator
The tread wear indicator (DSI - Driving Safety Indicator) is located in the center of the tread and shows the residual tread depth in millimeters. As the tire is used, the numbers are erased in descending order. The snowflake winter wear indicator persists as long as the tread groove is at least 4 mm deep. After the snowflakes disappear, the tires are considered unsafe for use in winter conditions and it is recommended to replace them. In addition, the info area is located on the sidewall of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8. During seasonal tire changes, you can make notes on the recommended tire pressure and location, as well as enter the tightening torque of the bolts for fastening the rims.
TEST RESULTS
It is significant that Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 became the leader in absolutely all tests. All experts admitted that in ice disciplines there is no equal to the top-end Nokian tire, at least in the segment of mass, non-sport tires. The best braking distance and handling on frozen water are in its piggy bank. On the snow, the tires were also among the best. They showed some weakness only in tests for the effectiveness of braking and handling on wet asphalt. However, experts noted that it is normal for tires to be designed with maximum grip on ice as the top priority. And the magazine "Za Rulem" additionally awarded the Nokian spikes the title of the most economical in their test.
Nokian Nordman 5 - winter spike tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
On the Nokian Nordman 5 it is written: "The new Nokian Nordman 5 studded tire is an accurate and balanced tire for difficult winter conditions." Although in reality it is not entirely new, because it is the well-known Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5. The tread pattern and design solutions are similar to those used in it.
The round and lightweight cleat works well when combined with the new harder rubber compound, the cleat is firmly anchored inside the tread. This has a positive effect on grip and reliability. Nokian Hakkapeliitta's bear claw technology improves grip. The shoulder areas of the Nokian Nordman 5 have special lateral grip grooves. The integrated tread blocks in the center zone make steering control more precise. The tread pattern makes contact with the road smoother and allows the tire to turn more easily.
TEST RESULTS
Nokian Nordman 5 is a logical continuation of Nokian Nordman 4. New of the year. And regarding this model, the opinions of experts did not become unanimous. If in the Test World rating Nordman 5 turned out to be an outsider, then the tire expert "Za Rulem" - Sergey Mishin awarded these tires "bronze". Thus, in the report of the Russian auto magazine, the Nordman 5 takes the next position, behind the Continental tires, while the Nordman 5 turned out to be worse Formula tires Ice, Sava Eskimo Stud, Japanese Bridgestone, Yokohama and Toyo, as well as Cordiant Snow Cross, Avatyre Freeze and Aeolus Ice Challenger AW05. Why?
The assessment of Russian experts is influenced not only by the driving parameters of the tire, but also by their ratio to the price, while in Test World they start only from the behavior of the car in the valid tires. One way or another, both expert communities stated good behavior on the snow, average on ice and weak on asphalt.
In the report of the newspaper "Autoreview" the new Norman 5 in some disciplines even outstripped the "eighth Hacapeliitta". Oleg Rastegaev wrote that it is easier to ride on Nordman tires on the winding ice track. And they work better in deep snow. But the grip on ice and snow. At the same time, Auto Review noted that this is a very good choice for your money.
Sava Eskimo Stud - winter spike tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The Sava Eskimo Stud is an affordable tire for extreme winter conditions. Hexagonal studs, special edges and a silicon-based polymer allow these tires to handle icy, snowy and wet roads with ease.
These are the advantages of their rubber manufacturer claims.
With the Sava Eskimo Stud winter tire, the driver will feel confident on unpredictable winter roads. Hexagonal studs provide good handling and traction on icy surfaces. Special slots improve handling on snow. In addition, the Sava Eskimo Stud tires perform well on wet roads thanks to the use of a special silica-based polymer in the directional tread pattern.
Eskimo studded tires guarantee effective braking on slippery roads covered with ice or snow. The optimized tire shape allows for increased contact area with the road for better braking. Studs will help improve road contact when braking.
When using the Sava Eskimo Stud, the driver will learn the pleasure of a quiet and comfortable ride. Blocks and cleats are positioned to reduce tire noise and provide a smooth ride.
The economic feature of the Sava Eskimo Stud is the use of a wear-reducing polymer to extend the life of the tire.
TEST RESULTS
Each of the expert publications for which the tire was tested noted the confident behavior of the Sava Eskimo Stud on the asphalt. In all other respects, opinions were no longer unanimous. In Test World, the Sava tires were praised for handling on ice, but the experts lacked confident braking to complete the picture. But the Za Rulem team rated the ice character of Sava Eskimo Stud higher, but with the same caveat as in the case of the Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01, that is, confident driving on ice was achieved only due to the strong protrusion of the studs. The point of view of the Vi Bilagare experts is not good enough behavior on the ice, but otherwise acceptable.
Michelin X-Ice North 3 - winter spike tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
In 2013, Michelin presents the new MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tires, created for the markets of Russia and the CIS, as well as the Scandinavian countries, where almost all of the roads are covered with snow and ice.
Weather conditions in these regions vary throughout the winter, resulting in poor tire adhesion. In this regard, there is a need to develop tires that provide maximum grip on all types of winter roads - snowy, covered with ice or frozen snow, rolled or melted snow.
Winters in Russia and the Scandinavian countries are harsh, which is why MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tires were developed on a research platform specially created by the Michelin Group to guarantee motorists an unprecedented level of safety in the northernmost regions of the world. The MICHELIN Total Performance strategy is fully reflected in the new MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tires, which provide even more performance to their owners. It translates into maximum safety on icy and heavily snowy roads, in subzero temperatures or in other extreme winter driving conditions. At the same time, the bus provides maximum mileage, which is achieved through a more reliable fastening of the studs, compared to the previous generation.
As a result, the new MICHELIN X-ICE North3 tire is more than just safety for real winters. 10% shorter braking distance on ice, 25% better stud retention, and a stronger sidewall provide a high level of safety for a longer period.
Michelin engineers have combined a whole range of innovative technologies to ensure that the third generation of MICHELIN X-ICE North tires demonstrates efficiency in several areas at once: in the field of safety (even in the most extreme winter conditions), as well as in terms of durability, thanks to the increased reliability of the studs. These innovations formed the basis of the Smart Spike System, first introduced in the MICHELIN X-ICE North 3. This system includes a new thermosetting rubber compound from which the lower tread layer is made, a special technology for removing ice chips IPRem, as well as new conical spikes ...
To maximize the performance of the new MICHELINX-ICE North 3 tires, Michelin engineers have rethought all tire safety parameters on icy and other hazardous road surfaces, with particular attention to tread and studs. The emphasis was on the shape of the studs, their placement, the tread pattern, as well as the composition of the thermosetting rubber compound. The process of creating these tires was considered as a whole and was aimed at achieving the best possible grip on ice and snow, combined with a longer service life.
The latest generations of MIСHELINX-ICE North tires had a two-layer tread, where the upper rubber layer was responsible for grip, and the lower, inner layer was responsible for fixing the studs. With the introduction of the new MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 studded tire, Michelin is proud to showcase a masterpiece of technical and chemical thought - a thermosetting rubber compound. It is designed exclusively for use in studded tires as a basic, internal tread base.
It is she who is responsible for the reliable fixation of the base of the studs, as well as for the force of puncture of the studs in the MICHELIN X-ICE North 3. The mixture can change its properties depending on the temperature. Thus, in warm weather, the tire remains relatively soft, which allows the studs to press into the tread when used on asphalt. At the same time, dry and wet grip is improved by reducing the skating effect. As the temperature decreases, the stiffness of the thermoactive rubber compound increases, the studs get a very hard base, which increases the force of the stud puncture and allows them to effectively "bite" into the ice, providing the necessary grip during acceleration or braking. All this makes it possible to demonstrate high grip characteristics on ice, regardless of its condition and temperature.
The MICHELIN X-ICE North3 has been designed with special attention to the tread space around the stud. When driving on ice, crumbs of ice form around the studs, which impede the operation of not only the studs, but also the rubber compound. This effect significantly impairs grip on ice, lengthening the braking distance and increasing the acceleration time.
To combat this problem, special wells have been created to collect ice chips formed during the operation of the studs, which significantly improves grip on ice.
The new cleat has the classic circular cross-section of both cleat flanges and a carbide insert. However, the shape of the spike has features that distinguish it from its predecessor. On the wider base of the spike (now it has become 9 mm in diameter instead of 8 mm), a cone-leg is installed, and then an upper flange with a carbide insert. This shape of the stud with elements expanding towards the bottom significantly improves the fixation of the stud in the tire tread, preventing premature falling out. The new MICHELIN tapered stud lasts 25% longer than the previous generation.
Compared to the previous generation, the new MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tread has three unique properties:
The number of tread sectors has been increased by more than 15%! And now the MICELIN X-ICE North 3 tire in the size 205/55 R16 has 70 massive edges located across the entire tread width (instead of 59 in the predecessor). Such a significant increase in the elements responsible for traction on the snow has improved not only acceleration performance, but also cross-country ability.
The protector uses a special "Step In-Step Out" shape of the shoulder area. Having paid attention to the peculiarities of the structure of the tread of mud tires, the developers have adopted the toothed structure of the shoulder zone (when its blocks have a different protrusion). This structure makes it possible to significantly improve the permeability of the tire in deep snow and slush.
The tire drainage system has been changed to improve handling on snow and water slurry. The grooves are now positioned towards the outer edge, which facilitates the evacuation of snow and reduces the risk of aquaplaning.
The MICHELIN X-ICE North3 tire not only features improved winter safety and durability, but also a strong sidewall that reduces the likelihood of tire damage or burst. Strength is achieved through the use of MICHELIN IronFlex ™ technology (a first for MICHELIN winter tires), which increases the sidewall hardness and its ability to deform for optimal obstacle clearance. MICHELIN IronFlex technology is a high-strength carcass yarn with exceptional flexibility and a special sidewall construction that quickly dissipates peak loads.
TEST RESULTS
From a tire with such a big name, you expect a place on the pedestal, or at least a position close to it. And Michelin X-Ice North 3 from year to year take the line in the middle of the list, or even lower. Three European tests and only one "silver". In the rest, the arrangement is close to closure. However, if you look at it, the tire of a famous French brand has many advantages. They drive well on wet and dry asphalt, make little noise, and most importantly offer a decent resource. The only pity is that there is not enough stability on ice and snow. A justified choice for purely urban residents, where snow and ice are heated with reagents.
Pirelli Ice Zero - winter spike tires, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The new Pirelli Winter Ice Zero tire is the first studded tire in the P Zero collection. A completely new generation of winter studded tires, developed by Pirelli engineers using 40 years of experience in rallying.
Pirelli Winter Ice Zero provides the highest performance in the harshest winter conditions of the Nordic countries: dense snow cover and extremely low temperatures.
Pirelli Winter Ice Zero uses new technology PIRELLI DUAL STUD.
Tested in the harshest winter conditions. Pirelli tests its products where the atmospheric conditions are extreme, because its goal is always to deliver the best results.
Developed from 40 years of experience in rally racing. A radical test area for tires that are designed for rough, uneven surfaces, ice and snow. A story that combines Pirelli and rally races, in which more than 200 victories have been won.
TEST RESULTS
Pirelli winter tires usually perform well in tests, but they are never enthusiastic about experts. This season, for Italian tires, the stars were more successful, although they did not reach the ideal. In any case, in none of the tests did the model fall below the fifth position.
The tire has shown good results in all riding disciplines. Moreover, it would seem, even in mutually exclusive ones. Equally good behavior on ice, snow and asphalt. An annoying minus is acoustic noise and sudden breakdowns into drifts.
Text prepared by: Roman Kharitonov
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Za Rulem magazine compared affordable 14-inch winter tires, which are most often used by owners of Lada cars and inexpensive second-hand foreign cars.
The following winter studded tires have been tested: Aeolus Ice Challenger, Yokohama iceGUARD iG 55, Sava Eskimo Stud, Nordman 5, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01, Formula Ice, Continental Conti Ice Contact 2, Avatyre Freeze and others.
Experts of the magazine "Za Rulem" ran each set of studded tires for 500 km. Experts measured acceleration and deceleration on snow and ice. Asphalt tests were carried out taking into account the intensity of rubber wear. Comparative tests began with evaluating and measuring rolling resistance and only in the final braking was carried out on the asphalt. The protrusion of the spikes was measured before and after the tests.
As a result, 10th, 9th and 8th places were taken respectively: Avatyre Freeze, Cordiant Snow Cross, Toyo Observe G 3-Ice. Rest places in the rating of winter studded tires 2015-2016 from the magazine "Za Rulem" according to the test results were distributed as follows:
7 Yokohama iceGUARD iG55
Pros: Average grip on ice, satisfactory handling on snow and ice, directional stability on a snowy road and cross-country ability.
Cons: Very poor braking performance on asphalt. Low longitudinal grip on snow. Difficulty with directional stability on asphalt.
Conclusion: Show their best properties on icy roads.
6 BridgestoneBlizzakSpike -01
Pros: High grip on ice. Satisfactory handling on snow and ice. Directional stability on any road.
Cons: Poor braking performance on asphalt. Low cross-country ability. The noisiest, toughest.
Conclusion: They will reveal their best qualities on icy and snowy roads.
5 SavaEskimoStud
Pros: High grip on ice. Excellent braking properties on wet asphalt. Good longitudinal grip on snow.
Cons: Problematic directional stability on asphalt. Difficulty handling on snow and ice, keeping course on a snowy road. Low level of comfort.
4 FormulaIce
Pros: Excellent braking properties on wet asphalt, acceleration on snow, modest fuel consumption at a speed of 90 sq. in hour.
Cons: Poor braking performance on snow. Low level of comfort.
Conclusion: Suitable for any winter roads.
3 Nordman 5
Pros: Good braking performance on snow. Most economical tires at all speeds. High cross-country ability.
Cons: Minor remarks about directional stability, handling and comfort level.
2 ContinentalContiIce Contact 2
Pros: Better grip on snow and lateral grip on ice. Excellent braking properties on asphalt. Accurate course following, handling on snow and ice. High cross-country ability.
Cons: Minor remarks about directional stability on asphalt and the level of comfort.
Conclusion: Suitable for any winter roads and winter off-road.
1 NokianHakkapeliitta 8
Pros: Better longitudinal grip on ice. High grip on snow. Most economical. Excellent cross-country ability. Stay on course on any road. Constant manageability.
Cons: Average braking properties on asphalt. Minor remarks regarding comfort.
Conclusion: Suitable for any winter roads and will give confidence on winter off-road.
Every motorist dreams of having only the best spare parts for his iron "horse" in his garage. This also applies to tires. Twice a year, they must be changed, since the properties of the road surface change with the change in the weather. For everyone who has thought about what to "put on" the car this season, it will be useful to read this material.
Reliable or trendy?
Now many of us have to decide which tires to use when winter comes. "Winter" tires can be equipped with special spikes or not. Note that, first of all, "winter" tires facilitate not so much the handling and braking of the car on ice, but rather starting from a place on an icy surface. Without good tires in winter, you can not even budge, but you should not expect a significant increase in handling from them. In winter, your driving style should be more careful than during the warmer months. Remember the word "distance"? Keeping a safe distance from the vehicle in front should be your priority, no matter what tires you use.
The properties of studded tires are greatly exaggerated by advertising. On an icy and snow-covered track, they are out of competition, but on dry asphalt they are no better than ordinary tires. It is known that rubber becomes very brittle at low temperatures. Therefore, tires for low temperatures are treated with various chemicals that reduce the effect of frost on the structure and grip of the tire.
There are two main types of tires for the winter season - "European" and "Scandinavian". "European" wheels, as a rule, do not have studs and have better grip in rain and wet snow and are not as good on deep snow or on ice as "Scandinavian" ones equipped with studs. Moreover, both of these types are considered "winter". Considering the changeable "character" of Russian winters, when it may rain in December, it would be nice to have both of these in the garage, but it is an expensive pleasure.
Winter tires are quite complex. The main part of the tire is the tread. Tires without studs have a tread with drainage channels for driving on wet roads and large lugs. "Scandinavian" wheels have a sparse tread pattern.
Review of new tires for the winter 2015-16
The Japanese company Yokohama has released a novelty available for both passenger cars and SUVs. The tread of these tires is equipped with semi-radial snow channels. This model characterized by high grip on icy roads and is preferable for use on vehicles with ABS. Experts also note the relatively low noise level of this tire model, despite the presence of studs. Even at a speed of 190 kilometers per hour, ICEGUARD Stud iG55 fully retain their properties, which cannot be said about the products of other companies.
The new model of Japanese tires is equipped with a state-of-the-art stud, developed from a three-dimensional model. The controllability of the car on ice and deep snow allows maintaining the central ribs of the treads of increased rigidity, increasing the area of the contact patch.
The price of Yokohama wheels today starts at 2,000 rubles apiece.
The new Pirelli model is a new generation tire with a directional tread pattern. Pirelli Winter Ice Zero is a guarantee of maintaining good handling in winter. These tires were designed specifically for countries with cold climates.
Differences of this model from others :;
- Double stud design and unique fit in the tread;
- Increased durability;
- High density of sipes and a large number of them for better grip on the track;
- Relatively low cost;
- Does not require running-in;
- Tungsten spike core reduces wear rate
The design of the new Pirelli tires draws on the company's forty years of experience in sports competitions. PIRELLI DUAL STUD technology is copyright and does not copy others.
The most modern and technologically advanced version of Finnish winter tires. These tires use Eco Stud technology to enhance traction. There are snow and slush drainage channels in the tread. The reinforced part of the tread increases the responsiveness of the wheels to steering turns. In addition to rubber, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires contain rapeseed oil, which improves their properties. According to drivers, with these tires it is easy to control the car in wet snow and make maneuvers with the capture of the oncoming shoulder.
The development and testing of the new product took four years, tests were carried out even beyond the Arctic Circle. Engineers have achieved optimal grip on ice from their creation.
Advantages of Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires:
- Studding is carried out only at the manufacturing plant, quality assurance;
- A large number of "checkers" that improve grip;
- Tire stiffness to ensure vehicle stability in difficult road conditions;
- Self-cleaning from snow and slush.
The price of new Finnish wheels starts at 4300 rubles apiece.
The 2015-2016 winter tire rating continues with a product from Dunlop. This model has a radial tubeless structure and studs. At the same time, the minimum price depends on the size of the tires (the smallest tires will cost the owner 1900 rubles apiece). New Japanese winter tires fit most modern cars, from Mitsubishi lancer to Renault Logan.
Dunlop SP Winter ICE01 have a V-shaped tread pattern with a central rib. These tires have good grip on snow and ice, however, they are poorly suited for vehicles with relatively low weights, such as the Chevrolet Aveo. But the owners of SUVs will definitely be satisfied with the characteristics of the new "Dunlop". The new tires are distinguished by an innovative rubber composition that allows them to maintain their elasticity at negative air temperatures.
The tread on this tire model is a stepped type that effectively removes water from the contact patch of the wheel with the road. At the same time, the Winter ICE01 remains the most controversial model, since it requires careful and accurate running-in. Otherwise, all the positive properties of these tires are reduced to nothing, and the negative ones become more than enough. This is why some drivers are unable to ride a Dunlop for even one season.
Carefully looking at the tread, you can see that it resembles a tractor - the tire is cut so deeply by it. Therefore, this tire is more noisy than some other winter tires of the 2015-2016 model year. But her cross-country ability in the snow is above average.
This model appeared last year, and next season Michelin decided not to replace it with a new one. According to drivers, tires of this type perform at their best on wet asphalt, but worse on snow and ice.
A distinctive feature of this non-studded winter tire is that it is able to help the driver to keep the car when the wheels hit snow or ice at high speed, and a second ago there was clean asphalt under them. The manufacturer's declared safety level of these tires is combined with a long service interval. Moreover, these advertising data have been confirmed experimentally on the ice of Lake Baikal. Michelin has the highest speed rating among studless tires. This figure was increased using the unique Tear Drop technology.
The Michelin X-ICE 3 is the result of research into hundreds of different situations that could lead to loss of vehicle control. On Russian market tires of this modification are considered one of the best.
The rubber compound from which the tires are made is based on silicon, so their elasticity makes them far from the last place among competitors and novelties of tires for the winter 2015-2016. The large number of sipes determines the high quality of grip on wet and icy roads.
The tire tread is recognizable by a large number of sectors, and the base of the sipes has a cylindrical shape. Performance characteristics X-ICE 3, according to the manufacturer, are retained even with significant wear.
For every car enthusiast, before the winter season, there is not an easy choice - which winter tires are better to buy. The safety of traffic, people's lives and compliance with the law in general depend on this. According to clause 5.5 of Appendix No. 8 of the Customs Union, the law stipulates a mandatory period for driving on winter tires from December to February of each year. However, the weather conditions in our country are different every year, and the snow can "fall" in October and melt at the end of January. That is why the term of obligatory “re-shoes” is determined by the regional authorities. Both non-studded winter tires and studded tires are allowed. Traffic rules the required tread size and the size of winter tires for each car are regulated.
In addition to creating road safety, the presence of thorns (according to the authorities) poses a threat to modern road surfaces that are free of snow. This leads to the destruction of road layers, so the traffic police carefully check the "shoes" of cars in the off-season.
If you know everything about winter tires, have chosen a model and want to buy winter tires already, go to the store "Wheels for nothing"- proven! More than once ordered on it, prices are always more favorable than others . A large selection of tires, disks and various auto goods. The order can be made online with delivery even to the regions.
Before considering, let's take a look at the features of rubber and which winter tires are best to buy. Regular summer tires in the cold it hardens and cracks. Therefore, manufacturers of winter tires are trying to apply innovative approaches to creating wheels that will keep the rubber intact at any negative temperature. Inexpensive winter tires, the rubber may not be High Quality, which is why its service life is much shorter. It should be remembered that winter tires, unlike summer ones, are almost not erased, therefore they can last more than 5 years.
Before buying rubber, sellers, for obvious reasons, will not allow winter tires to be tested, so you will have to rely on product reviews and reputation. you can read at the bottom of the article, as well as on manufacturers' websites, on special car portals and in social media groups.
New or used winter tires
In addition to the wide variety of tire manufacturers in the store, car enthusiasts choose between new and used wheels. Both have their pros and cons.
Such wheels are guaranteed not to swell at the first ride (in the case of quality production). If this happens, they can be returned under warranty. New tires will last longer without repair, and it will not be difficult to fit new studs in them, if possible. It is difficult to find used tires for some car models, so you only have to buy or order a new product. The only drawback is the high price. But it also turns into a plus if you calculate the data in the ratio of depreciation and service life of new rubber.
When it comes to buying winter tires, many car owners first turn to popular websites that sell used goods. There, the owner indicates how long the wheels have been in use. Information is presented with words, it can be impossible to verify the authenticity of information, so the buyer has to trust. The price for winter tires that have already been used by another car owner will be lower than for new products. But considering the average service life of 2 to 4 seasons, in the end, such an acquisition is unprofitable.
Which winter tires are better
As already mentioned, tires for the winter can be studded and non-studded. The difference between them is not only in the presence of thorns.
- Scandinavian winter tire- designed for maximum grip on snowy or icy road surfaces. It has an average depth of the pattern from 8 to 10 mm, with a discharged effect. The drawing is applied in a checkerboard pattern, with rectangular or diamond-shaped patterns. The protector is equipped with sipes. There is a large distance between the pattern. This shape is designed to push through the surface;
- European winter tire- designed for driving on wet roads from rain or snow. All slots are thin, with plenty of water channels.
The spikes on these tires are arranged in a different order, depending on the manufacturer. Most often they can be of 2 types: round or diamond-shaped. The most reliable are considered "recessed" in the coating. They are deeply soldered, while the tip protrudes strongly from the outer part and interacts well with the road.
Interesting fact! In some countries, the use of spikes on wheels is prohibited.
Studs can help in traction on icy and snowy roads, but in the rain they can fail, on the contrary, increasing the stopping distance. Spikes add noise and fly out quickly when riding on a surface without snow and ice.
The term "all-season tires" is often heard. Such products are actively used in Europe, but in the harsh Russian climate they are not suitable for use. The rating of the best winter tires for Russians consists of studded and non-studded wheels, which is what you should focus on.
Rating of the best winter tires of 2018
So let's get down to a roundup of the best winter tires. The rating will include the top brands and the most time-tested models of winter tires.
The best winter tires of 2018 presented from several popular manufacturers. In general, last year's situation on the supply market has not changed much, the annual quality leaders according to the rating of winter tires are firmly holding their positions
1st place. Our ranking of winter tires is opened by Nokian
Popular winter tires with a wide range of wheels adapted for the harsh Russian climate. Nokian winter tires are specially designed for the characteristics of each car and for different weather conditions. Despite the large assortment of products, there are negative opinions about this brand in the reviews. One of the disadvantages is called the noise when driving. Complain about slight difficulties in braking and skidding. For the price, the wheels are in the golden mean of similar offers.
Nokian winter tires are popular among Russian car owners in 2 models: Hakapelita and Nordman. Both models are declared the best in the lineup especially for the harsh Russian winters.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta studded winter tires
A series of winter tires designed specifically for tough climatic conditions... The presence of spikes makes the grip reliable, the rubber does not make much noise, does not cause strong complaints in the reviews. This rubber has been the leader among studded tires since 2009. There are 8 models of Hakapelita winter tires in total. The popular Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 features vacuum clutch technology, some sizes include RunFlat technology. Radii from 13 to 22. In the "Sun" line from 14 to 22 especially for SUVs.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 according to the assurances of the developers, it was created for fuel economy, absence of noise and excellent grip on the road surface. The 2018 winter tire test showed that this model really copes well with ice, but reviews indicate a strong rubber noise.
latest model line Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9- even more balanced and adapted to winter conditions. Equipped with two different types of studs for even better ice grip under different temperature conditions.
The second most popular winter tire from Nokian also made it to the top:
The range is presented from radius 13 to 17 with profile widths ranging from 155 to 235. Rubber equipped with spikes, tubeless, radial. It promises excellent grip on ice, snow and wet surfaces. In fact, it gets along well only with snow and partially with moisture. Ice promotes drifts, prevents successful braking. Another variation of the series - the Nokian Nordman 7 Sun with radii from 15 to 18 and with a profile width of up to 285 is produced specifically for SUVs.
2nd place. Bridgestone tires
Bridgestone winter tires have been produced by a Japanese company since the 30s of the last century. Since then, car models and production technology have changed a lot. The company produces several model lines of summer, all-season (Velcro) and studded tires. The most popular models of winter tires are Blizak and Ice Cruiser.
Bridgestone blizzak VRX and DM non-studded winter tires
Bridgestone Blizzak VRX for passenger cars and DM for crossovers is considered the most versatile rubber, very well proven. Designed to last on tough icy surfaces. A feature of these models is clear instructions for mounting wheels - they have an external and inner side for more efficient work. The creators of the models of this series took care of the reliability of the rubber coating. When the outer layer wears off, the porous surface does not allow it to lose adhesion for a long time. Bridgestone Blizzak tires serve for a long time, remaining soft and elastic. Despite the complexity of the coating of domestic roads, they are very resistant to natural features.
Also in the line of bridgestone blizzak winter tires there is the increasingly popular model SPIKE-01 and SPIKE-02, which also deserves attention.
Designed for even more difficult climatic conditions. The new 16-line stud pattern instead of the previous 12, increases the chances of maximum vehicle stability. Bridgestone Ice Cruiser winter tires repel moisture and have good roadholding. The rubber was specially developed as a multi-component rubber with the ability to hold the studs longer than other manufacturers. The latest model of studded winter tires, bridgestone ice cruiser 7000, have proven themselves well among motorists and have taken an honorable place not only in our rating, but all over the world.
3rd place. Michelin tires
The French manufacturer of winter tires is quite popular throughout Russia. Michelin winter tires have several lines specifically for severe weather with negative temperatures.
The michelin x ice range of winter tires is developed according to the unique “APS: Adaptability” system. It allows the rubber to bend only in the right places, fixing the position of the car on the road. The lamellae of the michelin x ice 3 winter tires are made in a Z-shape, the shoulder area with sharp edges. This allows a car equipped with such rubber to get out of any snow "porridge", the wheels simply grind the substance, throwing it back and pushing the car forward without skidding.
The Michelin X Ice Nord 3 winter tire is equipped with a smart stud system. At high negative air temperatures, the rubber around the stud grasps, hardens and contributes to better stud retention and more aggressiveness on the road. This can increase noise, but maintains grip more reliably. In general, the tire is quite soft and behaves well on any snowy surface.
4th place. Continental tires
The strong frame of the products of the German manufacturer won the hearts of Russians back in the 90s. Tires were brought into the country along with used foreign cars. Their endurance made the products popular and gradually Continental winter tires entered the top three in popularity.
The products contain high quality synthetic rubber and silicates. A tread with a water-wicking pattern and many small dashes on the tread well drain fluid. The tire is equipped with rigid diamond-shaped checkers, which perfectly hold the car in turns.
Continental conti viking contact 6 winter tires are ideal for all-wheel drive vehicles. They easily cope with off-road conditions, literally scattering snow porridge and keeping the car from skidding.
They perfectly interact with asphalt, have an asymmetric tread, radii from 12 to 24. Designed for fuel economy and good handling on ice with a smooth ride. A large number of studs, gives good grip on ice, and a deep tread well rakes snow-covered sections of the road.
According to reviews, the tires are quite noisy and do not pull out well from drifts with snow "porridge". But a good distribution of tread zones, with a fairly multiple number of toothed studs, give a feeling of safety and a confident driving experience.
5th place. Cordiant tires
Unlike previous representatives of tires, winter tires Cordiant have a middle price category. They are available to most car owners in Russia, so there are more product reviews.
Winter tires Cordiant Polar
Winter series tire cordiant polar is available in studded and non-studded versions. The rubber is developed on the basis of the predecessors cordiant polar. It has an ornate snake pattern on the tread, which allows you to easily get rid of moisture on the go. The tire is designed for 128 studs in 4 rows. Longitudinal and lateral traction, effective braking and successful driving. Disadvantages include acoustic features and increased fuel consumption. Cordiant Polar 2 pass poorly on a snowy road, can contribute to skidding during hard braking. The main reason for buying from many owners is the affordable price and a satisfactory number of studs.
Cordiant snow cross - rubber for compact and middle class cars. Agility stabilization is provided by a V-shaped tread pattern and a contact patch that wicks moisture away from the tire. The Cordiant Snow Cross tire is not suitable for winter with air temperatures above +5 degrees. This does not apply to the beginning of the off-season - despite the "mess" on the roads, it is often frost at night and the use of studded tires is necessary. But if such a winter is throughout the season, and the asphalt is not covered with snow at all, this model will not be suitable for use. When driving on a road without snow, it creates loud noise, wears out quickly, the spikes fly off rapidly.
6th place. Dunlop tires
Dunlop winter tires are less popular in Russia in comparison to previous titans in the production of rubber for cars. It has the widest range of models specifically for the harsh snowy winter. The wear resistance of the tires of this brand allows them to be successfully used for several seasons. In total, the company has several popular series, each of which is divided into a list of models with features of the tread pattern and tire structure.
Dunlop produces quite a few good models of studless tires, such as Maxx SJ8, Maxx WM01.
Tire radii from 13 to 21, there are one and a half sizes. High quality rubber, withstands long trips at low temperatures. Minimal noise on the road, rubber does not "dub".
But the most popular and best winter tire of the entire range is the Dunlop sp winter Ice 02 and Dunlop Grandtrek Ice 02.
Studded winter tires Winter ice 02 for passenger cars and Grandtrack 02 for crossovers are well suited for a region with harsh winters and difficult snowy roads. Rubber Ice and Dunlop Grandtrack are equipped with Maura-Ori 3D sipes and a unique triangular pattern in the middle, which effectively wicks moisture away. Dunlop winter tires have unique studs with carbide cores. This makes them virtually indestructible on ice and effective in combating snow on the road.
7th place. Pirelli tires
Manufacturer of the world's only tires for racing on snowy terrain. The high-speed Pirelli model is designed for speeds up to 270 km / h. More modest models are designed to go through bad weather in its various manifestations.
Produced by innovative technology"Pirelli Dual Stud", on which special double studs are released, literally sealed into the rubber. Pirelli winter ice zero is designed for rapid acceleration. Otherwise, it does not show braking properties very well on snow, it is quite noisy.
Equipped with hex studs for special flanges. They are presented in a range from 13 to 21 radius, for cars of the class "SUV". Pirelli ice formula is the most "long-playing" model of the manufacturer. It is almost impossible to lose or damage reliable studs, therefore Pirelli winter tires retain their properties for a long time.
8th place. Hankook tires
One of the best, adapted to the diversity of the harsh climate of Russia, are the hankuk winter tires. The special structure of the sipes, the snowflake on the tread and the "husky tracks" in combination with the elegant functional pattern of the treads won the hearts of Russian motorists. The affordable price of rubber finally influenced the popularity.
The hankook winter tire line has 14 models, each of which is designed for specific conditions and created according to the wishes of the buyers.
Hankook Winter I Pike has gained good popularity among car enthusiasts and has established itself well in the market by gaining its fans. The line also has a sports version of the Hankook Winter I Pike RS and Hankook Winter I Pike RS +.
Under hard braking, the Winter I Pike winter tires "grip" the road, preventing the car from sliding and holding the device securely in place. There are through drainage systems and the number of tread blocks has been doubled. Outwardly, the drawing is very elegant, which also catches the eye of buyers.
9th place. Kama tires
Despite the active efforts of foreign manufacturers of winter tires, they cannot fully understand the difficult climate of Russian roads. The Russian plant Nizhnekamskshina acts as an expert in this matter. For many years they have produced reliable, inexpensive and practical tires for modern cars.
The only KAMA winter tires that deserve attention:
Kama 519 tires do not have intricate patterns or complex stud systems. They are designed according to the Finnish Irbis system - one of the most reliable studded rubber in the world. Winter tires Kama Euro 519 have spikes of 2.45 millimeters, securely planted in high-quality rubber.
The modern rubber used in the manufacture of products perfectly adapts to difficult weather conditions. The winter tire Kama Euro 519 has a two-layer tread. The duration of the operational period of this model is achieved precisely due to the two-layer, where the lower layer is hard, holding the spikes, and the upper one is softer and capable of changing depending on the type of road surface. This model is the most suitable for all types of roads. The only discontent is expressed in the reviews regarding the handling of a car “shod” in such tires on ice. But the cost and braking qualities are at a level suitable for most buyers.
10th place. Yokohama tires
The uniqueness of this manufacturer for Russian consumers lies in the versatility of the assortment. The company produces not only tires for passenger cars, but also wheels for agricultural machinery, aircraft, etc. With regard to modern production methods, it is one of the leading leaders in the world. Yokohama's analytics are based on test drives, scientific studies of rubber properties and customer reviews.
Yokohama winter tires are popular among Russian car owners. The use of an asymmetric tread pattern makes the tires as resistant to slipping as possible and has a good effect on traction.
The rating includes the Yokohama Ice Guard IG35 PLUS studded winter tires
These tires have been on sale since 2013. During this time, a general opinion has already emerged regarding the quality of tires. The wide mid-tread pattern has a positive effect on stability when maneuvering. Modern 3D sipes also contribute to the high-quality tire performance on road surfaces with ice and snow. Of the shortcomings - it loses thorns quickly enough.
Let's sum up the rating:
All winter tires listed are the best in their class for winter. The rating was compiled primarily based on surveys of owners, reviews on forums and a general comparison of characteristics.
If you are looking to buy the best winter tires, take a look at all of the listed options. If they are included in our rating, then they deserve attention and even more so a purchase.
Proven and profitable sites to buy tires - not just for the test!
- Internet shop "Wheels for nothing"- Large selection of winter tires, wheels, car oils and other automotive products.
- Internet shop "S-Bus"- Large selection of winter tires, convenient search for the selection and free expert advice.
If you are careful about your choice of winter tires, be sure to read the reviews. This list reviews of winter tires will be constantly updated.
