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We all want, if we pay, then only for the best. With regard to the car, such a desire increases significantly, because here not only the service life, integrity and performance of the associated units and mechanisms depend on quality, but also a whole life - our life and health, as well as our loved ones. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that with the arrival of each new season, motorists are looking for the most reliable and high-quality tires again and again. What they will be in the winter of 2015-2016, you will find out below.

Which tires to choose for the winter 2015-2016: spikes or Velcro?

Before talking about specific models of specific firms, I would like to recall that winter tires can be different: studded and non-studded (on this topic). The first, according to experts, is the best solution for icy and snowy roads, however, on dry and even more so wet asphalt, studded tires behave even worse than summer ones, and they wear out pretty much. Non-studded tires or, as they are popularly called, Velcro, on the contrary, due to their composition and special tread pattern, seem to stick to the asphalt, but they do not provide proper grip when braking on ice.

Hence, for all those who live in the countryside and / or in a region with real Russian, snowy winters, of course, it is better to choose thorns, but for everyone else - Velcro, which, by the way, is a more universal option.

Now, more specifically.

Rating of winter studded tires.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV.

The best choice for owners of SUVs and SUVs, because these spikes have the following qualities:

  • perfect adhesion to any surface due to a special composition, which includes rubber, silica, rapeseed oil, etc.;
  • excellent resistance to mechanical damage (from stones, curbs, etc.) and tears due to the reinforced tire carcass;
  • minimum noise and vibration;
  • equally good traction with the road both transversely and longitudinally, because the studs under consideration have 6 edges and an extended base;
  • "Bear claw" and stepped wedges in the tread, which prevent slashing and tilt of the studs when braking.

Nokian Nordman 4.

A great option for the winter 2015-2016 at a reasonable price. The main advantages of the model:

  • strength and durability (for its correct assessment, over time, manufacturers have applied a corresponding indicator to the tire);
  • wide spread of pimples, providing excellent grip ice tires;
  • low noise level;
  • reliability of fastening of studs in rubber;
  • lateral grooves and a swept tread pattern to ensure the Nordman 4 performs equally well on icy roads and wet asphalt.

And all this together guarantees the driver a stable behavior of the car on the road and, therefore, full control over the situation.

Pirelli WINTER CARVING ™ EDGE.

Tires with near-perfect ride characteristics - thanks to:

  • low noise effect;
  • special technology of spike planting, which does not allow them to fall out;
  • a rigid basis that improves the handling of the car.

And most importantly, this Pirelli model performs its functions equally well on a regular passenger car, and on an SUV.

Cordiant Sno-Max.

Undoubtedly, it will appeal to fans of aggressive driving, because the manufacturers put it on with increased wear resistance, as well as:

  • excellent braking and accelerating dynamics on virtually any surface;
  • high security;
  • self-cleaning protector (this characteristic is facilitated by the special pattern of the latter);
  • Durable two-flange studs with anchor fit and double locking.

Rating of non-studded winter tires.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2.

Despite the fact that they are not new for this year, the named tires of the Nokian brand are one of the best solutions for “shoeing” a car in winter 2015-2016. Here are just a few of their advantages:

  • asymmetric tread pattern, on which the best specialists in this field have worked;
  • a unique composition of expensive rubber alloys that provides perfect grip on any road surface, be it wet asphalt or snow;
  • low rolling resistance, hence lower fuel consumption.

Michelin X-ICE 3.

Released last year, the Michelin X-ICE 3 winter tires only showed their best side, so the manufacturer decided not to update its product line and let those who have not yet had time to evaluate the X-ICE 3 again in the winter of 2015-2016.

The main advantages of the model:

  • large selection of sizes;
  • improved acceleration on slippery roads;
  • increased service life;
  • the ability to operate in the harshest conditions;
  • increased wear resistance;
  • reduced fuel consumption.

Yokohama IceGuard Studless IG50.

An excellent solution for fans of high-speed driving, because these tires:

  • do not accumulate snow on themselves;
  • have fluid drainage from under the wheels;
  • have a universal protector, suitable even for a compact car;
  • provide excellent vehicle handling even on ice.

Dunlop Winter MAXX WM01.

The most affordable option for good winter tires, because he is:

  • a unique tread pattern that provides resistance to side skids and full control over the road, even slippery ones;
  • high service life.

Kumho SOLUS Vier KH21.

Probably the most versatile tire. They are distinguished by:

  • low level of wear, many for this call them the leaders of sustainability;
  • excellent handling, at least in standard conditions for our winters;
  • reduced fuel consumption in comparison with cheaper counterparts;
  • resistance to high temperatures (all-season);
  • good roll-off on cold surfaces.

Video.

We took tires from different price groups - from 2470 to 5150 rubles apiece. The most recent model - Toyo Observe GSi ‑ 6, rolled out to the market this season. There are two new items from last year: German Continental VikingContact 7 and Finnish Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3... Updated last year, Russian production.

To be fair

We have arranged the tires according to the points scored. And now let's see how economically profitable it is to buy these or those tires. To do this, let's compare the average price of each model with the so-called fair price - corresponding to the level of its consumer properties, that is, the number of points earned.

The best deal was the Hankook Winter i * cept iZ² with a price 23% lower than the fair price. A little less (17%) will save Viatti. When buying tires Nordman RS2, Pirelli Ice zero FR, Toyo Observe GSi ‑ 6 or Triangle SnowLink PL01 benefit from 9 to 5%.

You will have to overpay for the rest of the test participants. The minimum overpayment - 3% - awaits when buying Gislaved Soft * Frost 200 tires. The cost of Roadstone WinGuard ice, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 and Sailun Ice Blazer WSL2 tires is 7-9% higher than the fair value. At the bottom of the rating are two test participants who distinguished themselves - the winner… and the loser. For the outsider Cachland CH-W2002 will have to overpay 11%. It turned out to be not as cheap as weak. Continental VikingContact 7, the most expensive participant, is overvalued by 15%. If you want a quality and balanced product, be ready to fork out.

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?

While the tires seem to be similar, they 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.

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 various 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 points for handling depended 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 level 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 cars that followed the same route under the same conditions. Two tires of each model were taken and transferred 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 the same 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, worst tires in the test, they practically do not allow you to control the car on slippery surfaces, therefore, when choosing winter tires, you should not focus only on the 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 freshly 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 got colder to -10 degrees. In all tests, several Volvo models (V40, S60, V60 and V70) were used as the carrier vehicle, which is very 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 detours 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.

Autoreview newspaper

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.

Winter tire test 2015-2016

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 cruciform 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 were 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" publication 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 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.

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The new IceContact 2 tire with excellent performance on ice The premium studded tire from Continental for passenger cars and SUVs is 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)

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 passed successfully, the manufacturer is free to choose the type of studs and their number.

It is not surprising that the novelty has shown itself equally well in the Test World tests, in the test of the magazine "Behind the wheel", 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".

- winter studded 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 edges of the engagement and somewhat chaotic studs provide excellent grip and safe braking in the winter season.

The wide center rib of the Dunlop Ice Touch tread increases the contact area for efficient acceleration and braking. The special rubber compound increases traction and grip thanks to polymers that give the tire elasticity at low temperatures.

The weight of Dunlop Ice Touch winter tires 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 Dunlop tires Ice Touch this season was 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 the inhabitants of megalopolises.

- winter studded 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 spike 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 properties tires on ice and also helps to shorten the 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.

- winter studded 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 behave consistently and safely.

- winter studded 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 pity, because the new Korean tire with an increased number of studs demonstrated nice results in each of the tests I participated in. 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 both noise and smoothness, but the main puncture is weak deceleration during emergency braking on a dry surface.

For snow and ice - what you need, but for city driving - not the best option.

- winter studded 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 sipes of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 adhere better to snow and ice when they touch 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 any temperature, wear resistance and more low consumption fuel. 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 strength 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 have disappeared, tires are considered unsafe for use in winter conditions and it is recommended that they be replaced. In addition, the info-area is located on the sidewall of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8. During seasonal replacement tires, you can make notes on the recommended tire pressure and their location, as well as enter the tightening torque of the bolts for fastening the wheel 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 stopping 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.

- winter studded 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 this is the already 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, Nordman 5 takes the next position after Continental tires, while Formula Ice, Sava Eskimo Stud, Japanese Bridgestone, Yokohama and Toyo, as well as Cordiant turned out to be worse than Nordman 5 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 surpassed the "eighth Hacapeliitta". Oleg Rastegaev wrote that it is easier to ride on Nordman tires on a 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.

- winter studded 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. Besides, Sava tires Eskimo Stud performs well on wet roads thanks to the use of a special silica polymer in the directional tread compound.

Eskimo studded tires guarantee effective braking on slippery roads covered with ice or snow. The optimal shape of the tire 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 that the behavior on the ice is not good enough, but otherwise acceptable.

- winter studded 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 created 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 tire provides maximum mileage, which is achieved through a more reliable stud attachment compared to the previous generation.

As a result, new tire MICHELIN X-ICE North3 is more than 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: 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 placed 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. Paying attention to the peculiarities of the structure of the tread of mud tires, the developers have adopted the toothed structure of the shoulder area (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 redesigned 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 a MICHELIN winter tire), which increases the sidewall hardness and deformation for optimal obstacle clearance. MICHELIN IronFlex technology is a high-strength carcass thread 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 occupy 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.

- winter studded 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 Tire Studs.

Tested in the harshest winter conditions. Pirelli tests its products where atmospheric conditions are extreme, because its goal is always to show 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.

This season we will look at six sources who have tested studless winter tires. This is a test carried out by the forces of the association of the Automobile Club of Europe (ACE) and the German Society for Technical Supervision (GTÜ), the expert conclusions of the Finnish test center Test World, the Russian magazine "Za Rulem", the German edition of Auto Zeitung, as well as two materials from the ADAC club (also German ), who tested tires of two dimensions at once - 165 / 70R14 and 205 / 55R16.

How did the experts test studless winter tires?

ACE / GTU

The ACE / GTU alliance tests were carried out in the mountainous snows of Switzerland and the asphalt of the Contidrom landfill in Germany. The car was carried by a red BMW 320i. The braking distance of the tires was calculated when decelerating from 50 to 5 km / h on snow, from 80 to 1 km / h on a wet surface, and from 100 to 1 km / h on a dry surface. Tractive effort on snow cover was assessed at acceleration from 0 to 20 km / h, and points for handling were awarded during the lap and subjective assessments of the pilots. Similarly, the rating for dry and wet handling was formed. On wet pavement, tests were carried out for lateral grip and resistance to longitudinal and lateral aquaplaning. The noise was evaluated at a speed of 80 km / h and the rolling resistance was determined on the machine with a force of 5,886 N and an air pressure of 2.5 bar.

Test World

Test World specialists measured braking performance on snow, ice, wet and dry asphalt. However, as always. The tests were carried out at various 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 points for handling depended 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 level 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 cars that followed the same route under the same conditions. Two tires of each model were taken and transferred 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 the same 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.

Experts from the Russian magazine Za Rulem also tested each set. The test itself was carried out in Togliatti, at the AvtoVAZ test site. Car carrier in this test was "Vazovskaya Kalina" with ABS.

According to the assurances of the publication's experts, 300 km are enough to run in non-studded tires, popularly referred to as "Velcro". 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 freshly 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.

Auto Zeitung

Auto Zeitung carried out tire tests for fifteen days at several test sites located in Germany, Finland and France. But if in other tests the carriers were middle-class cars, then in the case of Auto Zeitung, the tires were worn by the more compact Opel Corsa. Therefore, the dimension of the tested tires is 185 / 65R15. In all other respects, the approach to measurements was comparable to the model of measurements of other experts, as, indeed, in the case of the ADAC club.

Non-studded winter tire test 2015-2016

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

New winter friction tires Continental ContiVikingContact 6, developed specifically for the Scandinavian and Russian winter, this autumn will replace its predecessor, Continental ContiVikingContact 5. crossovers Continental Conti CrossContactViking

A few words about predecessors Continental model ContiVikingContact 5 was very successful and for more than 5 years took leading places in the tests of Russian and foreign publications. But the German developers set themselves the task of surpassing it in terms of characteristics. Factory tests show that they have passed it successfully. The main goal of the new development was to improve the grip of the new premium winter tires, which in turn would improve the safety of driving on snow and ice covered road sections.

This was done through the use of 6 new technologies in Continental ContiVikingContact.

  • The Continental ContiVikingContact 6 uses an asymmetric tread design to position the functional elements in such a way that they are most effective. For this, the technology of a separate tread was used, the main idea of ​​which is that in different modes of movement, different parts of the tread play the main contribution to traction with the surface. When designing, proceed from the fact that:
  • The layout of the outdoor units is responsible for dry performance and lateral grip.
  • The layout of the center section is responsible for the performance on ice.
  • The shape and position of the indoor units is responsible for the performance in the snow.
  • Therefore, the tread is functionally asymmetrical and divided into three parts. It is designed in such a way that when cornering, the most stressed areas along the edges of the tread, with the help of reinforced double blocks, provide improved grip. These blocks support each other and provide increased resistance to cornering loads.
  • The mid-patch of the Continental ContiVikingContact 6 tread with a special pattern and specially positioned sipes, provides extremely reliable traction on ice-covered roads. At the same time, the sipes form a large number of grip edges, which, when they hit the road, do an excellent job with a layer of liquid and snow porridge. The lamellas act like windscreen wiper blades and thus prevent "aquaplaning" of the tire.
  • The uniform pressure distribution across the Continental ContiVikingContact 6 contact patch ensures effective moisture removal.
  • The Continental ContiVikingContact 6 features large, inwardly curved blocks for excellent grip on snow. These blocks are separated by narrow, along grooves, which are connected by small bridges. When driving on snow-covered roads, they act like snow chains and, thanks to the friction of snow on snow (waffle effect), provide additional traction.
  • Another trick of the developers from Germany is the numerous stepped lamellas, in which there are small jumpers. These bridges prevent sipes from sticking under load, so they can effectively fill up with snow and provide additional traction on snow-covered road sections. In this case, in addition to grip on snow, the tire also gains additional stability when braking.
  • The composition of the rubber compound was also optimized, or rather, for the novelty, a new rubber compound was created with improved grip characteristics on dry and wet road surfaces. In this case, rubber with a low hardening temperature was used, which retains the elasticity of the tread at low temperatures. In order to reduce rolling resistance, which inevitably increases with the use of soft mixtures, the designers used a rigid carcass mixture that increases structural rigidity and improves handling and rolling resistance characteristics.
  • You can also add the presence of ridges and notches on the side of the tire. They are designed to increase grip when the car falls into a snow or mud rut.

The new Continental ContiVikingContact 6 tires will go on sale this fall, while around 80 sizes are slated to be produced in 13 to 20-inch rims to offer as many motorists in Scandinavia and Russia the opportunity to upgrade to new, safer premium winter tires. -class.

TEST RESULTS

Continental is undoubtedly one of the leaders in the tire industry. However, the non-studded Continental ContiVikingContact 6 of the Scandinavian type this season failed to beat either the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 or the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2. However, if we consider the behavior of ContiVikingContact 6 in the context of disciplines, it turns out that the Continental have approximately the same proportions as and Nokian. On the snow, the Continental performed well, although they can skid at high steering angles. On ice - confident braking and handling, and on asphalt the tires have relatively good braking performance, although they are perceived to be soft, which can be annoying in an emergency.

- winter studless tires of the Scandinavian type, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Goodyear cites technology to explain the merits of its tires. They claim that ActiveGrip technology maintains optimal contact with the extremely slippery road surface. Combined with cryo-adaptive materials, ActiveGrip technology provides excellent ice performance. Active notches on the blocks increase lateral force transfer during maneuvers, providing excellent braking distances on ice and improving performance. The side-open grooves in combination with the flanged sawtooth blocks improve the drainage of melted snow and water and improve the tire's performance in deep snow.

TEST RESULTS

Goodyear's UltraGrip Ice 2 tires have been able to beat many of the bigger names this year. Continental ContiVikingContact 6 got a lower place both in the Test World table and in the final standings of the Russian magazine Za Rulem. Just a little bit, and Goodyear would overtake even Nokian, who took first place in each of the tests. Yes, the Hakkapeliitta R2 runs a little better on ice, but in combination, the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 tires are preferable. They show equally good behavior on ice, and on packed snow, and on asphalt. Perhaps the most optimal tire among the Scandinavian type friction tires.

- winter studless tires of the Scandinavian type, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 studless winter tire is designed to withstand the harshest winter conditions. She works great both in the city and in the countryside. The manufacturer promises improved grip and handling precision not only for a couple of seasons, but also as the tire wears out. Innovation has helped to achieve this.

  • Nokian Cryo Crystal Concept
    Excellent winter grip, responsive steering. Added to the rubber compound, the smallest particles, shaped like polyhedral crystals, bite into the road surface, working like tires and significantly improving grip on ice. The grip properties of such a tread compound are retained for a long time, even if the tread groove depth approaches the minimum limit of 4 mm. This rubber compound operates safely over a wide temperature range while increasing tire durability.
  • New cryosilane rubber compound with silica
    The new rubber compound is not afraid of wet roads or icy conditions. Rapeseed oil (a type of rapeseed) optimizes the interaction of silica and natural rubber. As in the mixture of the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 studded tire and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 friction mixture, the amount of natural rubber has been increased.
  • Natural rubber works as a stabilizer over a wide temperature range. The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2's tread compound remains flexible in all conditions. The sipes in the tread blocks work actively, despite the level of grip and temperature changes. The rapeseed oil improves tire breaking strength and improves grip on snow and ice.
  • Frequent siping, partially enlarged sipes.
    The aggressive design of the projector is covered with a mesh of dense lamellas. Wider sipes in the center of the tread increase the grip area of ​​the tire, especially when its level on wet ice is minimal, which indirectly guarantees high grip on difficult winter roads.
  • In addition, special pump sipes improve grip on wet surfaces. They are built into the shoulder blocks of the tire and pump water out of the contact patch for a secure grip.
  • The teeth between the checker blocks increase the quality of grip on icy and snowy surfaces. Located between the checker blocks, they improve grip during braking and acceleration, especially on snow and ice.
  • And special sipe reinforcements improve traction on ice and snow. They are located in the shoulder areas of the tread and activate the sipes on the most slippery surfaces, thanks to which a wider sipe opens up a narrow one, improving the functionality of the tread.
  • Claws against slush
    They oppose suga planning. The claws are located between the checkers in the shoulder areas. Designed to break up snow / water slurry by biting into it with sharp edges. The claws prevent the accumulation of slush between the tread blocks, which, according to the manufacturer, increases the safety of driving in the off-season.
  • New directional tread pattern with a rigid center rib improves directional stability. The integrated center part of the tread improves safety and provides more even wear during long-term use of the tire.
  • The multi-layer tread structure, designed specifically for friction tires, works in combination with rubber compounds. In terms of directional stability, this combination brings the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 to a level that surpasses conventional friction tires. The tire does not drift off course, but steadily advances in any change in winter weather. Sensitive handling helps the driver to notice changes in grip levels, which makes it possible to react in time to changes in the road situation.
  • 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-shaped winter wear indicator stays on until the tread groove is worn down to a depth of 4 mm. Beyond this limit, tires are considered unsafe for winter use and it is recommended that they be replaced.
  • Updated info-area on the sidewall - you can make notes about the recommended pressure in the tires and their location, you can enter the tightening torque of the wheel bolts.
  • 56 sizes from 13 "to 20". The speed index of the new item, like that of the previous model, is 170 km / h.

TEST RESULTS

Last year's novelty of the season in the non-studded tire segment, which replaced in lineup from Nokian Hakkapeliitta R. Not surprisingly, the new flagship model Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 has performed more than well. This tire took the first place in the Test World rating. On the ice, it feels almost more confident than some studded tires, although it does not reach the most perfect "studs". And this applies not only to the braking distance, but also to acceleration, as well as lateral grip in corners, that is, handling in icy bends. However, on asphalt, the Finnish Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 velcro does not work very confidently. Some competitors on a clean road behave objectively better. The experts found braking distances long on dry and wet asphalt, especially for a tire that claims to be the best in the segment. However, due to the exemplary performance in snow and ice disciplines, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 also won first place in the Za Rulem test. The pros and cons of the tire, identified by Russian experts, turned out to be the same.

- winter studless tires of the Scandinavian type, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

“The secret to the traction of the Nokian Nordman RS is its superior winter performance. A durable and stable friction tire retains the properties of braking and acceleration in snow and slush, on ice and wet surfaces ”- all this is promised on the official website of Nokian tires in Russia.

Means of achievement - serrated sipes, forming a dense network and increasing the efficiency of grip properties during braking. The original wedge-shaped siping improves driving stability, and the low rolling resistance reduces fuel consumption and makes the tire economical to operate. The Wear Indicator (DSI) shows the residual depth of the tread grooves in millimeters, allowing you to monitor safety.

TEST RESULTS

Nokian Nordman RS - a non-studded winter tire produced at the Russian plant of the company this time was included not only in the "Behind the wheel" test, but also in the Finnish test program. The sixth line in the Test World shortlist and the fourth - in "Behind the wheel". Finnish experts praised the Nokian Nordman RS for its grip on snowy roads. On this low-cost surface, the Nokian offers safe braking and reliable handling. However, these tires do not feel so confident on ice. And on the pavement, the Nokian Nordman RS can only offer silence. In all other respects, it is rather weak. In the "Behind the wheel" test, they even showed the worst results during braking on wet asphalt.

- winter studless tires of the Scandinavian type, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Toyo Observe GSi-5 Official Materials Promise Incredible Technology! Judge for yourself.

Thanks to the advancement of technology, Toyo Tires is releasing a novelty that provides a new level of winter driving - now the winter road is completely subservient to your car.

  • The new Toyo Observe GSi-5 studless tire combines the capabilities of a studded tire with quiet ride comfort. The unique rubber compound contains micro-particles of walnut shells, which increase traction on snow and ice, and a moisture absorbent based on powder obtained from bamboo charcoal, which absorbs water generated when the tire rub against snow or ice.
  • The Toyo Observe GSi-5 provides optimal handling in all winter conditions: snow, ice, slush, slippery road, and at the same time is highly durable.
  • Moisture absorbent based on bamboo charcoal powder
  • Powder-derived moisture absorbent made from bamboo charcoal will remove a thin layer of water from the icy surface for the best grip. Improved ice contact Improved handling and braking performance
  • Microthorns (Walnut Shell Microparticles)
  • Microparticles of black walnut shells, which are part of the rubber compound of the tread, reliably cling to the road surface (like micro spikes). Walnut shells are a natural ingredient, one of the hardest in nature! Improved grip on ice and snow
  • Improved braking on ice and snow
  • Multicontour lamellae
  • Increases block rigidity and provides a stable contact patch.
  • Improves braking on ice, snow and wet surfaces.
  • Composition of the rubber compound
  • The special rubber compound allows the tread to remain flexible even at low temperatures, which provides improved traction and braking in all, even the most severe winter conditions.
  • Wide longitudinal grooves
  • Helps to remove slurry and water from the contact patch, which improves traction.
  • Continuous center rib with undulating sipes Center rib provides stability when driving in a straight line, while undulating sipes improve traction on ice in all directions
  • Large, scalloped tread blocks Improve traction when braking or accelerating on snow and slush
  • Spider-like lamella technology
  • Improved multi-directional "spider sipes" Provides maximum grip when cornering Improved grip performance during acceleration or braking
  • "Sagittal lamellae" of the shoulder area
  • Improves grip on snowy roads

TEST RESULTS

The past snow, ice and asphalt in the tests "Behind the wheel" and "Autoreview" winter Toyo tires The Observe GSi-5s were the most helpless on the ice. It is quite surprising that the author of the test "Behind the wheel" - Sergei Mishin put them in fifth place. Meanwhile, the newspaper "Autoreview" recorded Japanese tires as outsiders in its rating.

Bridgestone Blizzak LM001

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 rubber compound includes a high proportion of silica, which, according to the manufacturer, increases grip on wet and snowy roads. The tread pattern of the tire includes massive lugs, and the location and design of the sipes provide additional traction on slippery surfaces. The horn-shaped tread grooves effectively and quickly remove water and slush from the contact patch, while the rounded corners of the tread blocks improve water movement, thus enhancing road contact and traction.

TEST RESULTS

The Japanese "friction clutch" Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 was tested only by the German auto club ADAC, which released two tests of non-studded winter tires of the Central European type. The first considered tires for compact cars with a dimension of 165 / 70R14, in the second - mid-size for today 205 / 55R16. Regardless of the size, Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 took the fifth place, being in the middle. German experts noted the brilliant behavior on the snow and the docile nature on the asphalt. A bleak performance on the ice prevented the Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 from getting closer to the leaders.

- winter studless tires of the Central European type, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The Continental official website, describing the ContiWinterContact TS 850 friction tire, promises impeccable safety. At the same time, the text frankly says that this model is intended for a mild European winter, which may be typical for the south of Russia.

When used under the right conditions, the Continental ContiWinterContact TS 850 must provide impeccable safety thanks to a host of innovative technologies. The tire offers better grip on European winter roads, shorter braking distances on wet pavement, extended tire life and superior fuel efficiency, the company said. In order to make the tire as safe as possible, German engineers at Continental paid close attention to every detail, resulting in a true work of technical art.

TEST RESULTS

German friction tires of the Central European type became the best in the test of the German magazine Auto Zeitung. In addition, the tires of the same model have passed two ADAC tests, as well as joint tests by the European Automobile Club and the German Society for Technical Supervision (GTÜ). In the last instance, the Continental ContiWinterContact TS 850 also took first place, but in the ADAC report they only became leaders in the larger size 205 / 55R16. In the smaller dimension 165 / 70R14, the Continental is better than five models, including Goodyear UltraGrip 9, Michelin Alpin A4, Dunlop winter Response 2, Fulda Kristall Montero 3 and Bridgestone Blizzak LM001. In the small size German tires performed poorly on ice, while in the larger race the experts were delighted with the behavior on any type of road surface (of course, adjusted for the Central European type).

Dunlop Winter Response 2 - Central European type winter studless tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The manufacturer claims that the Dunlop SP WINTER RESPONSE is specially designed for mid-range cars and combines reliability with economy and high comfort. The newest compound allows the tire to remain flexible at extremely low temperatures. The latest technology of double sipes in the shoulder area is responsible for high traction in the longitudinal direction, multiple sipes in the middle area support lateral traction. Dunlop Winter Response 2's proprietary Rollwidesstand tread technology contributes to fuel economy and reduces pollution.

The Dunlop SP WINTER RESPONSE tire uses the innovative MRT multi-radius tread technology. Ten different radii in the tread guarantee more uniform and dense pressure in the contact patch. The effect is a clearer trajectory in a straight line and in corners. The special rib contributes to better handling and ensures accurate road feedback. The asymmetric tread pitch significantly reduces the effect of auquaplaning. The use of a seamless cord guarantees reduced peripheral deformation at high speeds.

TEST RESULTS

Dunlop Winter Response 2 is the hero of the ADAC (R14) and Auto Zeitung tests. In the first instance, they earned an honorary bronze, and in the second, they opened the rating of the middle peasants, standing right behind the winners of the podium. The tire seemed to both expert communities to be very balanced. It works well on snow and wet surfaces, and will also save a little fuel. The ADAC named the Dunlop Winter Response 2 the most fuel efficient tire they tested.

- winter studless tires, Central European type

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Goodyear UltraGrip 9 is new from last season. Like the tires above, it is designed for use in mild winters.

According to the manufacturer, in appropriate weather, Goodyear UltraGrip 9 will provide confident and safe driving on snowy roads thanks to the proven 3D-BIS technology, a new tread pattern, and an improved rubber compound.

Goodyear sellers point out the following positive features of the new model: a high level of siping and a large tread depth of the tire ensures confident movement and maneuvering on a snowy road; an optimized tread pattern is needed to resist aquaplaning; new rubber compound gives improved performance on ice and snow; tire tread wear indicator.

TEST RESULTS

Goodyear UltraGrip 9, like most of the winter tires in the class of Central European "friction clutches" in our review, has appeared in ADAC and Auto Zeitung, both showing good results. In ADAC the first (R14) and third (R16) places. The opinion of Auto Zeitung is also the third line. An excellent balance of all characteristics!

- winter studless tires of the Central European type, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The manufacturer says that Michelin Alpin 5 tires are produced with the latest technology, using an improved rubber compound, and have a modern tread pattern. Manufactured using electronic quality control of finished products. All this is designed to ensure the safe behavior of the car in mild winters. Is it really?

TEST RESULTS

The union of the European Automobile Club and the German Society for Technical Supervision (GTÜ) in its table of rankings put the Michelin Alpin 5 in fifth place out of eight. However, all, with the exception of three tires, were rated as recommended (Continental and Goodyear were highly recommended, Vredestein was conditionally recommended). Michelin tires earned a downgrade in the ADAC 205 / 55R16 test

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.

Tire testing is a science-intensive activity 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?

While the tires seem to be similar, they 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

Studded, Scandinavian type

Test World, 205 / 55R16

Behind the wheel, 175 / 65R14

Vi Bilagare 205 / 55R16

Auto Motor & Sport 225 / 45R17

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01

Continental IceContact 2

Previous model

Dunlop ice touch

Gislaved Nord * Frost 100

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic

Hankook Winter i * Pike RS + W419D

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8

Nokian nordman 5

Sava Eskimo Stud

Michelin X-Ice North 3

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 various 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 points for handling depended 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 level 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 cars that followed the same route under the same conditions. Two tires of each model were taken and transferred 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 the same 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 freshly 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 got 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 detours 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 cruciform 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 were 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" publication 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 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 passed successfully, the manufacturer is free to choose the type of studs and their number.

It is not surprising that the novelty has shown itself equally well in the Test World tests, in the test of the magazine "Behind the wheel", 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 edges of the engagement and somewhat chaotic studs provide excellent grip and safe braking in the winter season.

The wide center rib of the Dunlop Ice Touch tread increases the contact area for efficient acceleration and braking. The special rubber compound increases traction and grip thanks to polymers that give the tire elasticity at low temperatures.

The weight of Dunlop Ice Touch winter tires 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 the inhabitants 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 spike 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 behave 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 both noise and smoothness, but the main puncture is weak deceleration during 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 sipes of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 adhere better to snow and ice when they touch 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 strength 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 have disappeared, tires are considered unsafe for use in winter conditions and it is recommended that they be replaced. 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 stopping 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 this is the already 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, Nordman 5 takes the next position after Continental tires, while Formula 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 surpassed the "eighth Hacapeliitta". Oleg Rastegaev wrote that it is easier to ride on Nordman tires on a 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 that the behavior on the ice is not good enough, 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 created 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 tire provides maximum mileage, which is achieved through a more reliable stud attachment 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: 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 placed 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. Paying attention to the peculiarities of the structure of the tread of mud tires, the developers have adopted the toothed structure of the shoulder area (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 redesigned 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 a MICHELIN winter tire), which increases the sidewall hardness and deformation for optimal obstacle clearance. MICHELIN IronFlex technology is a high-strength carcass thread 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 occupy 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 a new technology for studding PIRELLI DUAL STUD tires.

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

Usually winter Pirelli tires perform well in tests, but they never inspire 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.

How to improve headlights in 5 minutes?

When driving on dark winter roads, I really want the headlights to be brighter and illuminate as much of the road as possible. But, unfortunately, from year to year, the glow of the headlights is getting dimmer. We will tell you how to fix it quickly and on a budget.

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