Rating of domestic winter studded tires. Big test of winter tires: the choice "Behind the wheel"! winter non-studded tires, Central European type

Surely every modern motorist has a question: what winter tires are better? When you think about how to choose a good tire, you need to rely on such factors in order for it to be. You must feel confident on the road in all weather conditions and road conditions.

The rating of winter tires 2017 indicates those rubber models that are high-tech and have a regularly increased level of driving. That is why it is better to focus on new models of automotive rubber. It often happens that experts advise buying car parts from not very well-known brands of machinery, but when this issue concerns tires, everything is different.

It is best to choose tires from world leaders, while they must have a good price and be in the ranking of the most top models of our time. Only in this way can you determine which tires are better in the winter season.

How to choose winter tires for a car?

The rating of machine tires will help you decide on the model that is ideal for your car. To date, virtually every tire manufacturer has provided their innovative model designs, so you can view in detail and decide what you need. The cost of rubber directly depends on the diameter of the wheel, and may vary depending on.

The main characteristics that any good brand and model of rubber should have are:

The composition must be unique and individual in its kind, the tread is made of expensive and durable rubber alloys;
The tread shape is developed by world-class leaders in the automotive industry;
Machine rubber provides decent grip on your favorite surfaces;
It has the lowest possible rolling resistance, due to which the consumption of gasoline is dramatically reduced (you no longer have to overpay);
The best preparation for a slippery road, which greatly complicates the car's patency.

Today we will talk about tires that are best suited for driving conditions in the city on wet asphalt, snowy areas and other external factors affecting the car. The features that the best car tires are equipped with create greater comfort and dramatically increase driving safety in the winter.

Most people think that studded tires don't perform well on paved, clean pavement, but they're great for roads that are covered in snow or ice.

Which winter tires are better: spikes or Velcro?

Many people choose winter tires based on reviews and ratings, but this is not always correct. Let's talk about the hard facts.

Let's start with the fact that there are different types of winter tires. Such as the:

Scandinavian;
European;
All season;
Arctic.

All of these subsections apply to Velcro.

Despite the fact that the contact of Velcro and spikes is approximately the same, there is still a slight difference.

For winter roads, it will undoubtedly be better to purchase tires without studs. This is the best winter tire ever made. It will fit perfectly when you go through a winding track. Non-studded wheels show the best results of car run on winter roads.

Rating of winter non-studded tires 2016-2017

Seat #1 Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

The first place is taken by Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2. This is the best winter tire of 2017.

The country in which the rubber was made is Poland.

With the help of excellent characteristics, which, in turn, are responsible for balancing the car, this rubber model showed excellent results in every sense.

It has a fairly high performance on ice and snow. There is also a wet asphalt option. Highly qualified specialists had to work hard to achieve such a result. In addition, this model has a low noise level.

Seat #2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2

In second place are winter tires such as the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2.

The country where the rubber was made is Finland.

The manufacturers of this excellent model have made an emphasis on the brand's coatings and turned out to be not only one of the best, but also outperformed some models of studded tires.

Seat #3. Continental ContiVikingContact 6

In third place is studded equipment such as the Continental ContiVikingContact 6.

These innovative tires are made in Germany.

Seat #4 Michelin X-ice Xi3

In fourth position is the Michelin X-ice Xi3.

The country in which the spikes were made is Spain.

This modern model provides excellent driving without excesses. They have excellent sound insulation, and are very popular among avid motorists.

Seat #5. Maxxis SP02 ArcticTrekker

Country of manufacture: China.

Specifically, this tire model proved for the first time that Chinese tires are no worse in quality than other similar analog tire models. They showed decent results during the test. There were no side effects or surprises. They are considered better than many non-studded tires on wet and snowy roads. Noise isolation is average. In total, this rubber is considered to be profitable both in terms of quality and cost.

Seat #6. Bridgestone Blizzak WS70

In sixth place should be put the Japanese automobile tires Bridgestone Blizzak WS70.

Not so long ago, this model and brand occupied a leading position. They brake very effectively on slippery roads. They have a transverse grip, which in its quality meets all European standards.

Seat #7. Pirelli Winter IceControl

In seventh place is rubber such as Pirelli Winter IceControl.

Country in which this innovation was produced: .

On snow-covered surfaces, it surpassed many similar automotive devices. They have low rolling resistance and high noise levels.

Seat No. 8. Pirelli SCORPION WINTER

Country of manufacture: China.

On snowy surfaces, they turned out to be no worse than studded competitors. They accelerate quickly and effectively brake. The noise level is quite low.

Seat #9. Sailun Ice Blazer WSL2

Country where the rubber was made: China.

They have a more than democratic price, while they are considered a level higher than many similar analogues. They have low rolling resistance and high noise level.

Seat #10 Dunlop SP Ice Sport

The tenth place was taken by such German winter tires as Dunlop SP Ice Sport. This tire model is considered the leader in sales. On the snow cover goes no worse than on wet pavement. It has excellent directional stability.

This season we will consider six sources that have tested non-studded winter tires. This is a test conducted by the Association of the Automobile Club of Europe (ACE) and the German Society for Technical Supervision (GTÜ), the expert findings 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 ), which tested tires of two dimensions at once - 165 / 70R14 and 205 / 55R16.

How did experts test non-studded winter tires?

ACE/GTU

The ACE/GTU alliance tests were carried out in the mountain snows of Switzerland and the asphalt of the Contidrom test site in Germany. The carrier car was 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 wet surfaces and from 100 to 1 km/h on dry surfaces. Traction on snow was assessed during acceleration from 0 to 20 km / h, and points for handling were awarded for the lap time and subjective ratings of the pilots. In the same way, the handling rating was formed on dry and wet surfaces. On wet pavement, tests were carried out for lateral grip and resistance to longitudinal and transverse aquaplaning. 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 experts measured braking performance on snow, ice, wet and dry pavement. 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 races on each set. Ice braking was assessed by driving the vehicle from 50 km/h to zero, and snow and wet deceleration by braking from 80 km/h to a complete stop.

Tests on a snowy and icy road were carried out on the street and inside a covered range, which allows simulating any conditions necessary for measurements. Traction on snow and ice was measured by accelerating as fast as possible from 5 to 35 and from 5 to 20 km/h, respectively.

Handling points depended on the time it took the "third" Ford Focus to complete a circle in 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 objective readings of the measuring equipment still had a decisive influence on the final results. 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.

In the same way, directional stability was evaluated, that is, the stability of movement in a straight line. In the noise level test, the pilots also made subjective assessments by making several runs on uneven surfaces. And rolling resistance was measured by free rolling the car, on a flat surface without the influence of wind. The tests were carried out at two different temperatures, after which the percentage increase in consumption was calculated compared to the most economical tires.

Quite curious - a study by Test World experts on the resource of winter tires. To understand this issue, Finnish experts took out six sets of winter tires from the warehouse, which participated in tire tests last season. They were four studded models and two friction models. On each set, the testers ran over 15,000 km.

The route mainly ran along motorways. At the same time, 100 braking and accelerating at low speeds were carried out on each tire to simulate urban traffic conditions.

The durability tests used three vehicles that followed the same route under the same conditions. Two tires of each model were taken, which were rearranged 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, the drivers also changed cars to avoid affecting their driving style.

Every 5,000 km, experts carried out control measurements of the car's behavior in test tires in all disciplines: braking / accelerating on ice, snow and asphalt ...

It is noteworthy that both types of tires lost grip about the same, and after 15,000 km, its level decreased by about 20%. In addition, grip deterioration was the same for tires of different brands, and the alignment of forces did not change during the entire test. This suggests that the results of tests of new tires allow us to judge how certain tires will behave in a worn condition.

Test World notes that on paper the differences between the tested tires may look minor, but in reality they can be more obvious, and this applies not only to braking performance, but also to grip in corners and steering responses. 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 optimum level of safety.

All tires for the Test World test were bought in regular stores and pre-run.

Experts from the Russian magazine "Behind the wheel" also ran each set. The test itself was carried out in Togliatti, at the test site of AvtoVAZ OJSC. The carrier vehicle in this test was the VAZ Kalina with ABS.

According to the assurances of the publication's experts, 300 km is 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 lamellae the remnants of the lubricant that was applied to the mold (lubrication is needed in order to prevent damage to the tread with 3D cuts when removing a freshly welded tire from a mold). In addition, on these tires, you need to remove a thin surface layer of rubber, which, after baking, is slightly harder than the core. You don’t have 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 non-studded tires throughout their service life.

Auto Zeitung

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

Test of non-studded winter tires 2015-2016

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The new winter friction tires Continental ContiVikingContact 6, designed specifically for the Scandinavian and Russian winters, this fall will replace the Continental ContiVikingContact 5, which has already proven itself on the Russian market. They are also designed to replace the model produced since 2007 and designed for installation on SUVs and crossovers Continental Conti CrossContactViking

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

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

The Continental ContiVikingContact 6 uses an asymmetric tread pattern concept to position the functional elements in such a way that they are most effective. For this, the split tread technology was used, the main idea of which is that under different driving modes, the main contribution to grip with the surface is played by different parts of the tread. When designing, it is assumed that:
The layout of the outer blocks is responsible for dry performance and lateral grip.
The layout of the central part is responsible for the performance on ice.
The shape and arrangement of the indoor units is responsible for the performance on snow.
Therefore, functionally, the protector is made asymmetrical and is divided into three parts. It is designed so that when cornering, the areas that take the most load on the edges of the tread, with the help of reinforced double blocks, provide improved grip. These blocks support each other and allow you to achieve increased resistance to loads in corners.
The Continental ContiVikingContact 6 tread's mid-pattern, with a special pattern and specially positioned sipes, provides exceptionally reliable traction on icy roads. At the same time, the lamellas form a large number of adhesion edges, which, when they hit the road, do an excellent job with a layer of liquid and snow porridge. The sipes act like windscreen wiper blades and thus prevent the tire from "hydroplaning".
Even distribution of pressure in the contact patch of Continental ContiVikingContact 6 ensures efficient removal of moisture.
For excellent traction on snow, the Continental ContiVikingContact 6 has large inwardly curved blocks on the inside of the contact patch. These blocks are separated by narrow, longitudinal 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 grip.
Another trick of the developers from Germany is the numerous stepped lamellas, in which there are small jumpers. These webs prevent the lamellas from sticking together under load, thanks to which they can be efficiently filled with snow and provide additional traction on snow-covered sections of the road. In this case, the tire, in addition to traction on snow, also receives additional stability when braking.
The composition of the rubber compound was also optimized, more precisely, for the novelty, a new rubber compound was created with improved grip characteristics on dry and wet road surfaces. At the same time, rubber with a low solidification temperature was used, which retains the elasticity of the tread at low temperatures. In order to reduce the rolling resistance that inevitably increases with the use of soft compounds, the designers used a rigid carcass compound to increase structural rigidity and improve handling and rolling resistance characteristics.
You can also add the presence of protrusions and notches on the side surface of the tire. They are designed to increase traction when the car gets into snow or mud ruts.

The new Continental ContiVikingContact 6 will go on sale this fall, with around 80 sizes planned for 13" to 20" rims to offer as many motorists in Scandinavia and Russia the opportunity to upgrade to the new, even safer premium winter tires. -class.

TEST RESULTS

Continental is unquestionably one of the leaders in the tire industry. However, the non-studded tire Continental ContiVikingContact 6 of the Scandinavian type this season failed to defeat either the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 or the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2. However, if we consider the behavior of the 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 Continentals performed well, although they can skid at high steering angles. On ice, braking and handling are solid, and on asphalt, the tires have relatively good braking performance, although they are perceived as soft, which can interfere in an emergency.

- winter non-studded Scandinavian tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Goodyear refers to technology when explaining the advantages of its tires. According to them, ActiveGrip technology maintains optimal contact with extremely slippery road surfaces. Combined with cryo-adaptive materials, ActiveGrip technology provides excellent performance on ice. Active block serrations increase the transfer of lateral forces during maneuvers, providing excellent stopping distance on ice and increasing performance. Side-open grooves combined with shouldered sawtooth blocks improve snow and water evacuation and improve tire performance in deep snow.

TEST RESULTS

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

- winter non-studded Scandinavian tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

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

Nokian Cryo Crystal concept
Excellent grip in winter, responsive steering. The smallest particles added to the rubber compound, shaped like polyhedral crystals, bite into the road surface, working like tires and significantly improving grip on ice. The traction 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 improving tire wear resistance.
New cryosilane rubber compound with silica
The new rubber compound is not afraid of wet or icy roads. Rapeseed oil (a type of rapeseed) optimizes the interaction between silica and natural rubber. Like the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 studded tire compound and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 friction compound, the amount of natural rubber has been increased.
Natural rubber works as a stabilizer over a wide range of temperatures. The tread compound of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 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 the tire's tear strength and improves grip on snow and ice.
Frequent lamella, partially enlarged lamellae.
The aggressive design of the projector is covered with a grid of frequent lamellas. Wider sipes in the central part 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 heavy winter roads.
In addition, special pump sipes improve traction on wet surfaces. They are built into the shoulder blocks of the tire and pump water out of the contact patch with the road, providing reliable grip.
The teeth between the blocks increase the quality of grip on icy and snowy surfaces. Located between checkered blocks, 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 activity of the sipes on the most slippery surfaces, due to which a wider sipe opens up a narrow one, improving the functionality of the tread.
Claws against slush
They resist planning on sludge. The claws are located between the checkered blocks in the shoulder areas. Designed to break snow and water porridge, 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 riding in the off-season.
New directional tread pattern with rigid central rib improves directional stability. The united central part of the tread increases safety, provides its more uniform wear during long-term operation 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 move off course, but stubbornly moves forward with any changes in winter weather. Sensitive handling helps the driver to notice changes in the level of grip, which makes it possible to respond in time to changes in the traffic situation.
The tread wear indicator (DSI - Driving Safety Indicator) is located in the central part of the tread and shows the remaining depth of the tread groove in millimeters. As the tire is used, the numbers are erased in descending order. The snowflake-shaped winter wear indicator remains until the tread groove wears down to a depth of 4mm. Beyond this limit, tires are considered unsafe for winter use and are recommended to be replaced.
Updated info section on the sidewall - you can make notes about the recommended tire pressure and their location, you can enter the torque of the wheel bolts.
56 sizes from 13 to 20 inches. The speed index of the novelty, 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 the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R in the model range. It is not surprising that the new flagship Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 showed more than good results. In the Test World ranking, this tire took first place. On ice, she feels almost more confident than some studded tires, although she does not reach the most perfect "studded" tires. 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 turns. However, on the pavement, the Finnish Velcro Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 does not work too confidently. Some competitors on a clean road behave objectively better. The braking distance on dry and wet pavement seemed long to the experts, especially for a tire that claims to be the best in the segment. However, due to exemplary performance in snow and ice disciplines, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 also won first place in the test of the magazine "Behind the Wheel". The pros and cons of the tire, identified by Russian experts, turned out to be the same.

- winter non-studded Scandinavian tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

“The secret of Nokian Nordman RS traction is its excellent winter performance. A durable and stable friction tire retains braking and acceleration properties 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 - toothed lamellae, forming a dense network and increasing the effectiveness of grip properties during braking. The original wedge-shaped siping improves ride stability, while the low rolling resistance reduces fuel consumption and makes the tire economical to run. The wear indicator (DSI) shows the remaining 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 company's Russian plant, this time was included not only in the "Behind the wheel" test, but also in the Finnish testing 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 traction on snowy roads. On such low-cost surfaces, Nokian offers safe braking and reliable handling. However, on ice, these tires do not feel so confident. Yes, and on the pavement Nokian Nordman RS can only offer silence. Everything else is weak. In the “Behind the wheel” test, they even showed the worst results during braking on wet pavement.

- winter non-studded Scandinavian tires, 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 new product that takes winter driving to a new level - now the winter road is completely conquered by your car.

The new Toyo Observe GSi-5 studless tire combines the performance of studded tires with the comfort of a quiet ride. The unique composition of the rubber compound includes micro-particles of walnut shell, which increases the coefficient of grip on snow and ice, and a moisture absorbent based on a powder obtained from bamboo charcoal, which absorbs water formed when the tire rubs against snow or ice.
Toyo Observe GSi-5 provides optimal handling in all winter conditions: snow, ice, slush, slippery roads, and at the same time is characterized by increased wear resistance.
Moisture absorbent based on bamboo charcoal powder
Moisture absorbent powder based on bamboo charcoal will remove a thin layer of water from the icy surface, providing the best traction. Improved ice contact Improved handling and braking performance
Microthorns (Walnut shell microparticles)
Black walnut shell microparticles, which are part of the tread rubber compound, reliably cling to the road surface (like micro-studs). Walnut shell is a natural component, one of the hardest in nature! Improved grip on ice and snow
Improved braking on ice and snow
Multi-contour slats
Increase the rigidity of the block and provide a stable contact patch.
Improve braking on ice, snow and wet surfaces.
The composition of the rubber compound
The special composition of the rubber compound allows the tread to remain flexible even at low temperatures, which provides improved grip and braking in any, even the most severe winter conditions.
Wide longitudinal grooves
They help to remove snow porridge and water from the contact patch, which improves traction.
Continuous center rib with wavy sipes Central rib provides straight-line stability and wavy sipes improve traction on ice in all directions
Large tread blocks with serrated edges Improve traction when braking or accelerating in snow and slush
Technology "Spider lamella"
Improved multi-directional spider sipes Provide maximum traction when cornering Improved traction when accelerating or braking
"Arrow-shaped lamellas" of the shoulder area
Improve traction when driving on snowy roads

TEST RESULTS

The Toyo Observe GSi-5 winter tires that passed through snow, ice and asphalt in the tests “Behind the wheel” and “Autoreview” turned out to be the most helpless on ice. From that it is very surprising that the author of the test "Behind the wheel" - Sergey Mishin put them in fifth place. Meanwhile, the newspaper "Autoreview" recorded Japanese tires as outsiders in their rating.

Bridgestone Blizzak LM001

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The Bridgestone Blizzak LM001's tread compound includes a high proportion of silica, which the manufacturer claims improves grip on wet and snowy roads. The tire's tread pattern includes massive lugs, and the placement and design of the sipes provides extra grip 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 contact with the road and traction.

TEST RESULTS

The Japanese “friction” Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 was tested only by the German 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 tires for today 205 / 55R16. Regardless of the size Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 took fifth place, being in the middle. German experts noted the brilliant behavior on the snow and complaisant character on the pavement. The poor performance on the ice prevented the Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 from approaching the leaders.

- winter non-studded tires of the Central European type, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

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

When used in the right conditions, the Continental ContiWinterContact TS 850 is designed to provide impeccable safety thanks to a host of innovative technologies. According to the company, the tire offers better grip on European winter roads, shorter braking distances on wet pavement, longer tire life and higher fuel efficiency. In order to make the tire as safe as possible, the German engineers at Continental paid close attention to every detail, resulting in a real 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 to these, tires of the same model have passed two ADAC tests, as well as combined tests by the Automobile Club of Europe 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 took the lead in the larger size 205/55R16. In the smaller size 165/70R14, the Continental is better than five models, including the Goodyear UltraGrip 9, Michelin Alpin A4, Dunlop Winter Response 2, Fulda Kristall Montero 3 and Bridgestone Blizzak LM001. In the small size the German tires performed poorly on ice, while in the larger race the experts were delighted with the performance on any type of road surface (adjusted for the Central European type, of course).

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

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The manufacturer claims that Dunlop SP WINTER RESPONSE is specially designed for middle class cars and combines reliability with efficiency and high comfort. The latest compound allows the tire to maintain elasticity at extremely low temperatures. The latest double sipe technology in the shoulder area is responsible for high longitudinal traction, while multiple sipes in the middle region support lateral grip. The Dunlop Winter Response 2's Rollwidesstand tread technology helps save fuel and reduce pollution.

The Dunlop SP WINTER RESPONSE tire uses innovative MRT multi-radius tread technology. Ten different tread radii ensure a more even and tight pressure in the contact patch. The effect is a clearer trajectory in a straight line and in turns. A special rib contributes to better handling and guarantees precise feedback from the road. Asymmetrical tread pitch significantly reduces hydroplaning. The use of a seamless cord guarantees reduced circumferential deformation at high speed.

TEST RESULTS

Dunlop Winter Response 2 are the heroes of the ADAC (R14) and Auto Zeitung tests. In the first instance, they deserved an honorary bronze, and in the second - they opened the rating of the middle peasants, standing right behind the laureates of the podium. Both expert communities found the tire to be very balanced. It works well on snow and wet surfaces, and saves some fuel. ADAC called the Dunlop Winter Response 2 the most economical tire they tested.

- winter non-studded tires, Central European type

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Goodyear UltraGrip 9 is new for 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, as well as an improved rubber compound.

Goodyear sellers highlight the following positive features of the new model: a high level of siping and a large tire tread depth ensures confident movement and maneuvering on a snowy road; an optimized tread pattern is needed for hydroplaning resistance; new rubber compound provides improved performance on ice and snow; tire tread wear indicator.

TEST RESULTS

The Goodyear UltraGrip 9, like most of the Central European drag winter tires we reviewed, made it to ADAC and Auto Zeitung, both performing well. In ADAC, first (R14) and third (R16) places. The opinion of Auto Zeitung is also the third line. Excellent balance of all characteristics!

- winter non-studded tires of the Central European type, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The manufacturer says that Michelin Alpin 5 tires are produced using the latest technologies, 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 winter conditions. Is it really?

TEST RESULTS

The Union of the Automobile Club of Europe and the German Society for Technical Supervision (GTÜ) put the Michelin Alpin 5 in fifth place out of eight in its ranking list. However, all, with the exception of three tires, were rated recommended (very recommended by Continental and Goodyear, conditionally recommended by Vredestein). In the ADAC test, the 205/55R16 Michelin tire earned a leash

In Russia, tire tests to assess their consumer characteristics are carried out by the Za Rulem magazine and the Avtorevyu newspaper. The first one tests tires at domestic test sites. The second, most recently, has been conducting tests at a foreign test base.

The tire industry is analyzed on a much larger scale by European experts. The German expert club ADAC, the Finnish research center Test World, AutoBild magazine - all these names are well known. Strict safety rules, meticulous consumers, developed infrastructure - all this has made professional tire tests 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 USA rarely end up on another continent.

What are winter tires?

While seemingly similar tires can be very different. In our climate band, every kid in the sandbox knows that tires come in summer or winter. But in a deep context, not all adults understand the situation. Usually, the top of knowledge is that winter tires are divided into studded and not.

Non-studded tires are popularly referred to as "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 types. 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 just below zero and rare patches of slippery surfaces. In Russia, Central European winter tires will be helpless everywhere except the Black Sea coast, but good non-studded models of the Scandinavian type will cope with ice and snow.

What does the AvtoDel tire review offer?

A publication specializing in the analysis of car accessories and accessories, collects the results of expert tests of car 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 specialists evaluated the braking performance on snow, ice, wet and dry pavement. 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 races on each set. Ice braking was assessed by driving the vehicle from 50 km/h to zero, and snow and wet deceleration by braking from 80 km/h to a complete stop.

The route mainly ran along motorways. At the same time, 100 braking and accelerating at low speeds were carried out on each tire to simulate urban traffic conditions.

Every 5,000 km, experts carried out control measurements of the car's behavior in test tires in all disciplines: braking / accelerating on ice, snow and asphalt ...

All tires for the Test World test were bought in regular stores and pre-run.

Behind the wheel

Experts from the Russian magazine "Behind the wheel" also ran each set. Without sharp accelerations and braking on studded models, they clocked up five hundred kilometers. And the test itself was carried out in Togliatti, at the test site of AvtoVAZ OJSC. The carrier vehicle in this test was the VAZ Kalina with ABS.

After the break-in, Russian experts measured the hardness of the rubber and the amount of protrusion of the studs, comparing the results with those obtained on virgin tires. After running in, the Shore hardness of rubber, as a rule, changes by several units in one direction or another. The spikes can also come out a little or go deep as they fall into place.

Following the run-in, the Za Rulem experts withstood the sequence of tests developed by them. It was as follows: acceleration and braking on snow and ice, measurements of longitudinal grip on the ice circle and a rearrangement test. Further - tests for handling, directional stability, cross-country ability and comfort. The sequence is not random: in the process of testing, the spikes are subjected to increased loads, 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 protrusion of the studs. If during testing it has not changed, it means that the “fangs” are firmly held in rubber.

Asphalt exercises magazine "Za Rulem" decided to start with the assessment and measurement of rolling resistance, and only in the final we do braking on asphalt. Quite logical! For example, representatives of the Continental concern believe that emergency braking on asphalt is stressful for winter tires, even with ABS, so after a dozen or one and a half such braking 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 lamellae the remnants of the lubricant that was applied to the mold (lubrication is needed in order to prevent damage to the tread with 3D cuts when removing a freshly welded tire from a mold). In addition, on these tires, you need to remove a thin surface layer of rubber, which, after baking, is slightly harder than the core. You don’t have 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 non-studded tires throughout their service life.

Vi Bilagare

The test of studded winter tires was carried out by the Swedish magazine Vi Bilagare in Finland in the first week of March 2015. Experts noted that the conditions this time changed unusually strongly, and on some days it was warm and the temperature approached zero, while on others it was cold to -10 degrees. In all tests, several Volvo models (V40, S60, V60 and V70) were used as a carrier vehicle, which is quite unusual for tire tests. The ABS and ASR systems have been switched on, the latter in Sport mode, to increase slippage at the start and skid in corners.

Dry and wet tests were carried out at the test sites near Tampere, Finland in April, where slush grip and fuel consumption were also evaluated. Two Volvo V40 CCs were used. The tires were tested on the same stretch of asphalt at speeds up to 100 km/h. On dry pavement, the behavior during emergency detours of obstacles was also evaluated. However, the general approach to the test was similar, both with colleagues from Test World and with specialists from the Russian edition.

Newspaper "Autoreview"

Arguably the country's most scrupulous automotive publication, it has covered the tire industry for many 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, usually going to European test sites.

This year, Oleg Rastegaev, who is behind the scenes in charge of the tire theme, went to Sweden with his colleagues. First, in early February, and then again at the end of April, to test winter tires on wet and dry pavement.

The car was a new Peugeot 308 with 205/55R16 wheels. For better objectivity, the Autoreview experts turned off the stabilization system, and they were forced to do it in a barbaric way, by physically removing one of the system's sensors, since the 308th ESP is not completely turned off, and the activated system would have a bad effect on the objectivity of the study.

Eighteen sets of winter tires turned out to be 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 passed the driving tests in the main disciplines (handling, acceleration, braking, comfort, rolling resistance). The snow that fell during the course also helped to test the patency by measuring the acceleration time through a snowdrift fifteen centimeters high.

Auto Motor & Sport

The Swedish division of the German automotive media leader Auto Motor & Sport magazine. The Swedes conducted the test together with the Norwegians in Finland.

Braking efficiency tests were carried out at temperatures from -30 to +10 degrees on various surfaces. Ice tests were carried out in a covered facility with temperature and humidity control. In the snow, the tires were tested outdoors on several tracks. The experts tried to conduct tests in a short period of time so that all tires were evaluated under the same conditions. Acceleration efficiency was determined in the same way, and tests on ice required a special surface.

To evaluate the lateral grip of the tires, the pilot made several runs on circular tracks covered with snow or ice. In the handling test, the driver monitored control, understeer, and tire behavior at the traction limit. A running drum was used to determine 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 the effectiveness of their grip on ice. The Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 features a new shaped stud called the "Cross-Edge Pin" for the cross-shaped notch at the center of the stud. These cruciform notches allow for better ice contact and longer traction. As a result, these tires have more effective traction and more aggressive braking on ice, regardless of the direction of travel. The performance improvement is shown in the graph.

Using the latest modeling technology, the design of the Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 tread pattern has undergone significant changes. The new tyre's cross grooves have wider crossovers to grip the snow more effectively. The tread received self-cleaning sipes that allow snow and ice dust to be removed from the stud, thereby improving traction. At the same time, shoulder lugs that increase traction in deep snow.

Bridgestone has improved not only the studs, but also the stud hole. Through computer simulation, a special hole shape was developed to optimize the holding force of the stud.

Although tires in Russia and the CIS countries are subjected to particularly harsh and difficult operating conditions, 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 turned out to be worse than Bridgestone in the Test World test. All the rest are better. And the test edition of Vi Bilagare "Bridgestone" was completely closed.

In the magazine "Behind the wheel" Japanese tires achieved the sixth line out of eleven. Driving and Test World agreed that the Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 performs well on icy surfaces. Although the journalists of "Behind the wheel" 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, only good resistance to ascent on snow-water porridge was singled out as a plus. In the final list of Auto Motor & Sport, by the way, is also the last place.

In all other disciplines, BLIZZAK Spike-01 proved to be rather weak. In the snow, Bridgestones don't inspire confidence. Braking on dry and wet pavement is confident, but in corners the car still breaks off the trajectory. In addition, studded Bridgestones have increased rolling resistance.

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

New IceContact 2 tire with superior performance on ice Continental's premium studded passenger car and SUV tire features the latest technology with a focus on providing the best performance on ice and asphalt Available in sizes from 14" to 20" (2015) )

TEST RESULTS

Studded winter tires Continental IceContact 2 are the novelty of the season. They replaced the old tire Continental IceContact, which consistently won prizes in each of last year's tests (where it participated, of course). The new generation of tires has seriously changed. There are significantly more spikes, but the spikes themselves are now smaller. Such a metamorphosis is caused by existing European regulations that do not limit the number of studs in tires if they (tires) have been tested by an independent organization that has confirmed the safety of studs for the roadway. Thus, if these tests are successfully passed, the manufacturer has the discretion to choose the type of studs and their number.

It is not surprising that the novelty showed itself equally well in Test World tests, and 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 noted the ideal behavior of this tire on ice. Although Test World nevertheless noted that the main competitor, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, accelerated and braked a little more confidently on ice.

In turn, the magazine "Behind the wheel" named Continental IceContact 2 the best tires in the field of lateral grip on ice, as well as overall behavior on snow. A significant plus of Continental against Nokian is its behavior on asphalt, especially wet. It is noteworthy that the same situation was in the case of previous generations of tires: Nokian is better suited for snowy and even more “icey” conditions. Continental, with a slightly weaker behavior on bare ice, feels more confident on asphalt. This was especially noted by the experts of Autoreview.

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Dunlop Ice Touch are winter studded tires 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 sipes that taper from the center to the middle. Many sipes at different angles, sharp engagement edges and somewhat chaotic studs provide excellent grip and safe braking in the winter season.

The Dunlop Ice Touch tread's wide center rib increases contact patch 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. Optimal tread stiffness for maximum handling on dry roads.

TEST RESULTS

DunlopIce Touch winter tires this season were noted only in two tests - Test World and Autoreview - not a lot. The sixth line in the Finnish instance and the seventh - in the Russian. The main advantage noticed by Test World testers was the behavior on dry and wet pavement. On this road, Dunlop tires are extremely confident, even outperforming some non-studded models. In "Autoreview" they were in solidarity with their Finnish colleagues, calling these tires the choice of residents of megacities.

- 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. Thanks to this, the braking distance on ice is also reduced. Numerous gripping edges and wide grooves that grip the snow also provide increased traction in winter conditions.”

Thanks to the special design of the stud used in the Gislaved Nord Frost 100, improved ice traction is achieved, as well as increased wear resistance and reduced chance of losing it. The spike is made of aluminum, its length is 11 mm, its diameter is 8 mm, it is produced exclusively for Continental at the Tikka plant in Finland.

At the same time, during the development of the Gislaved Nord Frost 100, the arrangement of the studs was optimized, due to which excellent grip on an icy road is achieved both in the longitudinal and transverse directions. This guarantees high stability, excellent traction properties of the tire on ice, and also helps to reduce the braking distance.

Ice traction in the Gislaved Nord Frost 100 has been enhanced with a mid-center tread peripheral block with straight sipes and a large number of sharp engagement edges, resulting in a large contact patch with the road surface. The tread also manages to achieve excellent grip and braking on loose snow thanks to a two-pitch structure with a large number of sipes in the shoulder area and straight sipes.

The large cross-sectional area on snow is achieved thanks to the optimized angulation of the engagement lips in all directions, which improves lateral traction when cornering.

The Gislaved Nord Frost 100 tire provides a high level of handling on dry roads thanks to its unique tread pattern and internal sipes located in the contact shoulder area with the road surface.

The use of computer simulation in the design allowed us to optimize the sequence of stud installation, due to which a wide frequency range of sound vibrations was achieved, and the noise level was reduced. It was also possible to achieve increased wear resistance and low rolling resistance due to an 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 scored the best acceleration and braking on snow in the Vi Bilagare test. The same dignity was noted both in the Autoreview and in Test World. At the same time, Gislaved tires performed frankly depressingly on ice this season. But on wet and dry pavement, decent performance. Yes, a very controversial set of characteristics, and it is especially strange that last year the results of measurements were different.

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

According to the manufacturer, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic studded winter tires provide excellent grip and handling on ice. Which the user gets thanks to Goodyear's MultiControl Ice technology. This revolutionary stud technology increases the contact patch of the stud with the road surface for superior traction and handling on ice. Due to this, the shape of the spike makes it even more stable, which maximizes the braking power on ice and reduces the braking distance.

Specially designed Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic studded winter tires with unique V-shaped treads and serrated grooves improve grip on snowy roads. Due to this, handling on snow is improved, and when moving in deep snow, specially designed shoulder blocks cling to the snow on the side of the tire.

Winter tires GoodyearUltraGrip Ice Arctic demonstrate high performance on wet and covered with melting snow or ice roads. Hydrodynamic grooves on the tread quickly remove water from the tire surface, reducing the risk of aquaplaning. Special silicon polymer improves grip and braking on wet roads.

TEST RESULTS

Goodyear has been brilliant this time around, outperforming all other studded tires in terms of performance balance on various surfaces. They fell just short of 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 the 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 well-known Korean tire manufacturer. This tire is a logical continuation of another W409 model popular 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. The two adjacent ribs are massive free-standing blocks that are located at a sharper angle relative to the direction of movement. 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 increasing the number of sipes. In addition, the number of studs has increased significantly - now there are more than 120 of them, depending on the dimension, and their location has been optimized for better grip on ice.

TEST RESULTS

The studded novelty from Hankook in Russia is currently available for purchase only in two sizes - 205/55R16 and 215/65R16. It's a pity, because the new Korean tire with an increased number of studs showed good results 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! Only Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires are better. Grip properties on snow are also good. It remains only to tighten the handling: both on ice and on snow, the reactions lack clarity, especially when entering a turn.

On 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 dry surfaces.

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 the winter tire company's unique stud technology provides never-before-seen traction on ice and snow. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 performs well in extreme situations, is acoustically comfortable, easy to turn, saves fuel and reduces impact on the road surface.

The directional and symmetrical tread pattern of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 with more tread blocks allows the studs to be widely spaced, which in turn provides excellent grip, wear resistance and low noise levels.

Thanks to the increased number of grooves in the tread, the edges of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 sipes better cling to snow and ice when touching the road surface. The small size of the tread blocks reduces the heating of the tire, and this affects the increase in mileage and increase the wear resistance of the tire.

The blocks of the central part of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tread are firmly connected to each other, which improves the rigidity of the tire and increases the stability of behavior. The deep grooved tread and open shoulder areas are excellent self-cleaning from snow and slush.

The new Nokian Eco Stud 8 stud concept improves the safety and handling of winter tires in extreme situations. The Nokian Eco Stud 8 concept includes a new generation anchor stud, a flange shape that reduces stud deflection, and an Eco Stud softening pad under the stud, made from a special soft rubber compound. This layer improves stud performance and softens contact with the road. This innovation has already been used in other Nokian Hakkapeliitta winter tyres, but in the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 the thickness of the "cushion" is increased.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 studded tire offers unparalleled lateral and longitudinal grip on ice. The location of each spike is optimized using computer simulations. The spikes are evenly distributed over the entire tread surface.

The technology applied in the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 improves the grip quality when braking. A particularly strong rubber compound inside the tread securely blocks the stud in the block, stabilizes the tire's movement on dry roads and ensures uniform tire wear.

Hakkapeliitta Cryo-silane Gen 2 tread compound based on second generation cryosilane.

Excellent grip in winter at any temperature, wear resistance and lower fuel consumption. At low temperatures, colza (a type of rapeseed) oil enhances the interaction of silica and natural rubber. The rubber compound of the tread retains elasticity under any conditions. The sipes of the tread blocks are active and maintain a good level of grip when the temperature changes. Rapeseed oil improves the tensile strength properties of the rubber compound and improves grip on icy and snowy surfaces.

The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 has improved braking grip. Snow braking 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 3D support slats

In the central part of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tread, 3D sipes reinforce it. The tire responds quickly and responsively to steering maneuvers, improving driving confidence and responsiveness. Self-locking 3D sipes for more precise handling. 3D lamellas 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 controllability when driving in an arc and maneuvers on the track. road bumps. A more comfortable driving experience is facilitated by impact-absorbing sidewall components and a choice of materials that effectively reduce the noise level felt in the cabin.

Tread wear indicator and winter wear indicator

The tread wear indicator (DSI - Driving Safety Indicator) is located in the central part of the tread and shows the remaining depth of the tread groove in millimeters. As the tire is used, the numbers are erased in descending order. The winter wear indicator in the form of a snowflake remains as long as the tread groove has a depth of at least 4 mm. Once the snowflakes are gone, tires are considered unsafe for winter use and should be replaced. In addition, the info spot is located on the sidewall of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8. During the seasonal tire change, you can make notes about the recommended tire pressure and location, as well as enter the tightening torque for the wheel bolts.

TEST RESULTS

It is significant that Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 became the leader in absolutely all tests. All experts agreed that in ice disciplines there is no equal to the Nokian top tire, at least in the segment of mass, non-sport tires. The best braking distance and handling on frozen water are in her piggy bank. On snow, the tires were also among the best. They showed some weaknesses only in tests for braking efficiency and handling on wet pavement. However, experts noted that this is a normal situation if maximum grip on ice is the main priority when creating tires. And the magazine "Behind the Rulem" additionally awarded the Nokian studs with the title of the most economical in their test.

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

About 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 light stud works well in combination with the new stiffer rubber compound, the stud is firmly fixed inside the tread. This has a positive effect on grip and reliability. The bear claw technology, which has proven itself in Nokian Hakkapeliitta tires, improves grip. The shoulder areas of the Nokian Nordman 5 have special grooves for lateral grip. Consolidated tread blocks in the center zone make steering transfer more precise. The tread pattern makes contact with the road smoother and allows the tire to spin more easily.

TEST RESULTS

Nokian Nordman 5 is a logical continuation of Nokian Nordman 4. The novelty of the year. And with regard to this model, the opinions of experts did not become unanimous. If in the Test World Nordman 5 rating it turned out to be an outsider, then the tire expert "Behind the wheel" - Sergey Mishin awarded these tires "bronze". Thus, in the report of the Russian auto magazine, Nordman 5 takes the next position, behind Continental tires, despite the fact that Formula Ice tires, 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 test tires. One way or another, both expert communities stated good behavior on snow, average on ice and weak on asphalt.

In the report of the newspaper "Autoreview" the new Norman 5 in some disciplines outstripped even the "eighth Hakapeliitta". Oleg Rastegaev wrote that it is easier to drive on a winding ice track with Nordman tires. And in deep snow they work better. But on the grip on ice and snow. At the same time, Autoreview noted that this is a very good choice for their money.

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Sava Eskimo Stud is an affordable tire for extreme winter conditions. Hexagonal studs, special lugs and a silicon-based polymer allow these tires to handle icy, snowy and wet roads with ease.

Here are the advantages of their rubber claims the manufacturer.

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 performs well on wet roads thanks to the use of a special silica-based polymer in the directional tread compound.

Eskimo studded tires guarantee effective braking on slippery roads covered with ice or snow. The optimum shape of the tire allows you to increase the contact area with the road for better braking. The studs will help improve contact with the road when braking.

When using Sava Eskimo Stud, the driver will learn the pleasure of a quiet and comfortable ride. Blocks and studs 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, in which the tire was tested, noted the confident behavior of Sava Eskimo Stud on asphalt. In all other respects opinions were no longer unanimous. In Test World, the Sava tires were praised for their handling on ice, but to complete the picture, the experts lacked confident braking. But the team of the magazine "Behind the Rulem" 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 spikes. The point of view of Vi Bilagare experts is that behavior on the ice is not good enough, otherwise it is acceptable.

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

In 2013, Michelin presents the new MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tires designed for the markets of Russia and the CIS, as well as the Scandinavian countries, where roads are covered with snow and ice almost all winter.

Weather conditions in these regions vary throughout the winter, resulting in poor tire grip. 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, packed or melted snow.

Winters in Russia and the Scandinavian countries are severe, so the MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tires are built on a research and development 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 for their owners. It translates into maximum safety on icy and snowy roads, in sub-zero 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 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 demonstrate efficiency in several areas at once: in the field of safety (even in the most extreme winter conditions), as well as in terms of wear resistance, thanks to the increased reliability of the studs. These innovations form the basis of the Smart Spike System, first introduced in the MICHELIN X-ICE North 3. This system includes a new thermoset rubber compound for the bottom tread, special IPRem ice evacuation technology, and new conical studs. .

To maximize the performance of the new MICHELINX-ICE North 3 tires, Michelin engineers have rethought every aspect of the tire that is responsible for driving safety on icy and other dangerous road surfaces, with particular attention to tread and studding. Emphasis was placed on the shape of the studs, their placement, tread pattern, as well as on the composition of the thermoset rubber compound. The process of creating these tires was considered as a whole and was aimed at achieving the highest possible grip on ice and snow, combined with a longer service life.

The latest generations of MICHELINX-ICE North tires featured a two-ply tread design, with the top rubber layer responsible for traction and the bottom, inner layer for fixing the studs. With the introduction of the new MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 studded tire, Michelin is proud to show off a technical and chemical masterpiece, the thermoset 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 the puncture force of the studs in the MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tire. The mixture can change its properties depending on temperature. So, in warm weather, the tire remains relatively soft, which allows the studs to be pressed into the tread when used on asphalt. At the same time, grip on dry and wet roads is improved by reducing the sliding effect “like on skates”. As the temperature drops, the stiffness of the thermoset rubber compound increases, the studs get a very hard base, which increases the stud penetration force and allows you to effectively “bite” into the ice, providing the necessary grip when accelerating or braking. All this makes it possible to demonstrate high grip characteristics on ice, regardless of its condition and temperature.

Particular attention in the development of the MICHELIN X-ICE North3 was given to the tread space around the stud. When driving on ice, ice crumbs form around the studs, which interfere with 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 were created to collect the ice chips formed during the operation of the spikes, which significantly improves grip on ice.

The new stud has a classic round section of both stud flanges and carbide insert. However, the shape of the spike has features that distinguish it from its predecessor. On a 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. A similar shape of the stud with elements expanding towards the bottom significantly improves the fixation of the stud in the tire tread, preventing premature loss. The new MICHELIN conical stud lasts 25% longer than the previous generation.

Compared to the previous generation, the new MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tire tread has three unique features:

The number of tread sectors has been increased by more than 15%! And now the MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tire in size 205/55 R16 has 70 massive edges located across the entire tread width (instead of 59 for its predecessor). Such a significant increase in the elements responsible for grip on snow made it possible to improve not only acceleration, but also cross-country ability.

The tread uses a special "Step In-Step Out" shape of the shoulder area. Paying attention to the structural features of the tread of mud tires, the developers adopted the gear structure of the shoulder zone (when its blocks have a different protrusion). This structure allows you to significantly improve the tire's patency in deep snow and slush.

The tire's drainage channel system has been modified to improve slush handling. The grooves are now positioned towards the outer edge, making it easier to evacuate snow and reduce the risk of aquaplaning.

Not only does the MICHELIN X-ICE North3 tire offer improved winter safety and durability, but also a strong sidewall that reduces the chance of tire damage or blowouts. Durability is achieved through the use of MICHELIN IronFlex™ technology (a first in MICHELIN winter tires), which increases the sidewall's hardness and its ability to deform for optimal obstacle clearance. MICHELIN IronFlex technology features heavy-duty carcass strands with exceptional flexibility, as well as a special sidewall design that quickly dissipates peak loads.

TEST RESULTS

From a bus with such a big name, you expect a place on the podium, or at least a position close to it. And Michelin X-Ice North 3 from year to year take place in the middle of the list, and even below. Three European tests and only one "silver". In the rest, the location is close to the closure. However, if you understand, the tire of the famous French brand has many advantages. They drive perfectly on wet and dry asphalt, they make little noise, and most importantly, they offer a decent resource. The only pity is that on ice and snow there is not enough stability. 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 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 rally experience.

Pirelli Winter Ice Zero provides the highest performance in the most severe winter conditions of the Nordic countries: dense snow cover and extremely low temperatures.

Pirelli Winter Ice Zero uses the new PIRELLI DUAL STUD tire studding technology.

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

Developed based on 40 years of rally racing experience. A radical testing ground for tires designed for rough, uneven surfaces, ice and snow. A story that combines Pirelli and rally racing with over 200 victories.

When compiling the rating, APA collaborated with several tire retailers, and Michel Poirier-Defoy, Senior Editor of Magazine L "Automobile, Michel Poirier-Defoy and journalist Jean-Francois Guay, also expressed their opinion. Tires for front and 4x4 passenger cars, compact crossovers and minivans Rear-wheel drive and 4x4 high-performance luxury cars and SUVs are encouraged to look at performance tires.

GREAT

Bridgestone Blizzak WS80

Bridgestone introduced the Blizzak line in the 1990s, and at that time these tires were considered the first to be made with a special compound that significantly increased grip on ice. The WS80 is the sixth generation of those tires. The model has a directional tread pattern optimized for driving on snow and ice, and in comparison with the previous model - - the design has become less aggressive, and the grooves are less deep. That being said, the WS80s still provide more grip in the slush than the Michelin X-Ice. The tires have excellent ride quality, good comfort and predictability. An excellent choice for harsh winters. In addition, last year Bridgestone cut prices in Canada, and now their tires are slightly cheaper than Michelin.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2

These tires have replaced the old ones and are non-studded tires with increased grip on ice, similar to the Blizzak WS80. They take the best places in European tests for braking performance on ice. On tarmac, handling is better than the Hakkapeliita 8, as hinted at by its higher R-rating. A good choice for rear-wheel drive sports car owners looking for a balance between grip on snow and ice and ride quality on tarmac. Available in run-flat design. High price.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8

These tires account for a large share of Nokian's sales in eastern Canada. Great for deep snow and rough winters, and they also have good traction on ice. The noise is quieter than the ones that were really noisy. Expensive, 25% more expensive than Toyo or Bridgestone. They are spiked either at the factory or at the retailer. Some sizes may run out quickly.

VERY GOOD

Continental WinterContact SI

WinterContact SI replace and have excellent grip during braking and cornering. Slightly quieter than the previous model. The pattern has become directional, which limits the possibilities in terms of wheel rotation in case of uneven wear. Traction on snow and ice has been enhanced, while the resource may have decreased, since the tread depth has been reduced to 7.9 mm. Available in 33 sizes and suitable for most cars and SUVs. Good accessibility.

Gislaved Nord*Frost 100

They are replacing the old ones. Excellent grip on snow, good on ice. The drawing looks like General Altimax Arctic, but on dry pavement they react a little faster and more accurately. Can become noisy when worn. A good choice for those who want tires with factory fitted diamond studs used in Europe.

Michelin X-ice Xi3

Ranked among the best in Consumer Reports for excellent wet and dry performance and a smooth ride. Optimized for snow and ice and one of the dealers' favorites. Some users of the previous generation tires complained about relatively poor traction in slush and that the shallow tread with a non-aggressive pattern was not effective enough in deep snow. The new tires are best in class on tarmac. Quiet. Durable.

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

New for this winter, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR provide excellent traction on snow. The symmetrical pattern increases traction on ice and is actually the best mass produced tire from Pirelli in years. Produced in Russia. Attractive price. Good accessibility. Pirelli, by the way, was bought by a Chinese conglomerate.

Toyo Observe GSi-5

Optimized for deep snow and ice. One of the best options, although they are inferior to competitors on dry and wet roads, and their noise can be louder than average. Retailers say shoppers are generally satisfied. Very durable thanks to the deep tread and special rubber compound. Good for heavy vehicles. An excellent result in Consumer Reports tests on snow and ice - while taking a low place due to poor performance on dry and wet surfaces.

OKAY

Dunlop Winter Maxx WM01

Tires with asymmetric pattern from the Japanese giant Sumitomo. The compound is the same as the old ones and not porous like most premium winter tires. Good performance on snow and ice. Low wear. Wide size range. Good accessibility. Good price for tires that are still made in Japan.

General Altimax Arctic

Originally American, General Tire is now owned by Continental. Very good performance in deep snow and overall good balance of performance at a low price. Low wear, but noise can become louder over time. It is important to rotate the wheels so that the wear is more even. Suitable for studding. Low price.

Hercules Avalanche R G2

Hercules is an independent tire brand, the tires are manufactured in factories in China, the US and Europe, and the main target group is those who want to save money. Avalanche R-G2s are produced in Russia under license from one of the leading European manufacturers, and these tires turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The directional pattern provides high traction on snow, and the excellently - especially for a private brand - formulated rubber compound increases traction on ice. Predictable behavior on cleared roads. The predicted resource is higher than the average for budget tires. Very good value for money.

Nokian Nordman 5

Tires from the budget brand Nokian. Excellent performance on unpaved roads in the best traditions of the Finnish company. Acceptable qualities on ice. Predictable braking and cornering behavior, although grip is lower than top tyres. Low wear. Suitable for studding. Limited availability.

Pirelli Winter Carving EDGE

The main model of Pirelli winter tires, which is already several years old. All-round tire with not very outstanding performance in difficult conditions. Suitable for studding. Relatively expensive.

Vredestein Snowtrac 5

Developed in collaboration with Giugiaro, an Italian design studio best known for its cars. Vredestein is a European style winter tire optimized for fast driving on clear roads. Good maneuverability and braking on ice. The Dutch Vredestein is now owned by the Indian Apollo, but the Snowtrac 5 is still made in the Netherlands. Very limited availability. Target group - owners of luxury European cars.

Yokohama ice GUARD iG52c

Yokohama now offers two iG52c winter tires for passenger cars and SUVs. The tires were introduced three years ago and their directional pattern provides very good traction on ice and slush. Smooth move. On pavement, handling is better than the Bridgestone WS80, thanks in part to the longitudinal grooves. Average durability.

ACCEPTABLE

BFGoodrich Winter Slalom KSI

BFGoodrich is a former American company that has become a second-order brand in the Michelin line. Slalom KSI is a huge step up from the old . Predictable behavior and good handling in everyday life, although braking performance and lateral grip could be better. Satisfactory grip on ice. Good strength. Some sizes are more expensive than the Michelin Xi3.

Firestone Winterforce

Another former American company bought by foreigners, this time by the Japanese Bridgestone. Good traction in deep snow. Grip on ice and dry handling is worse than similar General Altimax Arctic. As they wear out, they become noisy. Price is no longer an advantage. Suitable for studding.

Goodyear UltraGrip Winter

The main advantage is the very low price, only slightly higher than private brand Chinese tires. Good traction on snow due to aggressive pattern. Weak performance on ice. Noisy. Suitable for studding.

Hankook Winter i*Pike RS W419

Released a long time ago. Good traction on snow, average on other surfaces. The price is comparable to tires of a higher level.

Toyo Observe G3-ICE

New tires from Toyo with an even lower price. Acceleration and braking performance is mediocre, but cornering behavior is predictable. Available with studs. Good accessibility.

BUDGET TIRES

These tires were amazing. Traction on snow is good, braking is acceptable. The main question is whether they will retain their quality in the future, since Chinese manufacturers often change the design and composition of the rubber compound of their tires without warning. Limited availability.

GT Radial Champiro Ice Pro

The brand is owned by Giti, one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world, which recently started building a plant in the US. The China made IcePros are similar in design to the General Altimax Arctic. Good predictability and controllability on snow and ice. Not very good handling on cleared roads, high noise level. Rigid rubber compound increases resource. Attractive price, especially in sizes with a large diameter. Very wide size range. Suitable for studding. Together with Eskay they have the best value for money.

Cooper WeatherMaster S/T2

Manufactured using old style molds. Good traction in deep snow but average on all other surfaces. Relatively low wear. The price is too high for such old technology and low quality. Suitable for studding.

Goodyear Nordic Winter

Low end tires available exclusively at Canadian Tire locations. The hard compound increases durability, but cornering grip is very unreliable, and the tires behave unpredictably when they start to slip. Suitable for studding.

Maxtrek Trek M7

Weak grip and high noise level. Wide size range. Manufactured in China by Zhaoqing Junhong Tire.

Sailun Ice Blazer WST1

Tires with modern design, but far from the best performance. Suitable for studding. In terms of pattern, they are almost identical to the tires. Winter Claw Sport SXI.

The importer of these tires managed to change its private brand, so in the event of a large-scale recall, there may be problems obtaining compensation. Made in China. Low price.

Uniroyal Tiger Paw Ice&Snow II

The lowest tier brand in the Micheln portfolio. Used to be the cheapest tires from a French company, but this year the prices have gone up. Average braking performance and lateral stability on snow and ice. In Canada, these tires are available from General Motors dealers and are usually sold at fairly low prices. Updated version of the old Tiger Paw tires. The tread pattern has become directional. Wear unevenness can be a problem. Made in China.

BELOW THE AVERAGE

Hercules Winter HSI-S

Budget tires for price conscious consumers. Weak performance in all respects. Limited availability.

Nexen WinGuard 231

Disappointing performance, partly because the hard compound impairs acceleration and braking performance. Tires behave unpredictably and have poor information after losing grip. Nexen is a Korean company, but the WinGuard 231 are made in China.

WestLake SW606

Acceptable performance on cleared roads. Weak grip on ice. Noisy. Very fast wear. Suitable for studding. Made in China by ZC Rubber.

Jinyu YW51

The tires are manufactured in China's Shandong province and are available in just 10 popular sizes for passenger cars and compact SUVs. Weak grip in all conditions and road situations. Very low price.

Tires from one of SuTong China Tire's private brands sold at Walmart supermarkets. The design looks promising, but experts said the tires were "terrible in every way". In addition to Weathermate, Walmart also offers Weathermaxx tires, as well as tires from more well-known brands.

ALL WEATHER TIRES

This section refers to tires that bear the snowflake marking, which means they have passed the same tests as specialized winter tires. The pattern of this type of tire is more aggressive than standard all-season tires, as the emphasis on traction on unpaved roads has been increased. At the same time, the rubber compound is more rigid and heat-resistant than winter tires, which should allow the tire to be used throughout the year.

Nokian WR G3

The replacement was rated "Very Good" by the experts as it is "one of the best all-weather tyres". The APA members liked the Nokian's winter and summer performance and relatively low wear. Good handling on cleared roads - the same as the best winter tires. A good choice for all-wheel drive vehicles. Too little data to estimate durability in summer conditions. High price. Popular on the West Coast of Canada as year round tires.

Hankook Optimo 4S H730

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

To be fair

We placed the tires in their places according to the points scored. And now let's see how economically profitable it is to buy certain tires. To do this, we 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 offer was Hankook Winter i*cept iZ² with a price 23% below the fair price. A little less (17%) will save Viatti. When buying Nordman RS2, Pirelli Ice Zero FR, Toyo Observe GSi‑6 or Triangle SnowLink PL01 tires, the benefit will be from 9 to 5%.

For the rest of the test participants will have to overpay. 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 fair. The rating is closed by two distinguished test participants - the winner ... and the loser. For the outsider Cachland CH-W2002, you will have to overpay 11%. He was not so cheap, how weak. But Continental VikingContact 7, the most expensive participant, is overpriced by 15%. If you want a quality and balanced product, be prepared to fork out.

THE BELL

How to choose winter tires for a car?

Which winter tires are better: spikes or Velcro?

Rating of winter non-studded tires 2016-2017

Seat #1 Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

Seat #2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2

Seat #3. Continental ContiVikingContact 6

Seat #4 Michelin X-ice Xi3

Seat #5. Maxxis SP02 ArcticTrekker

Seat #6. Bridgestone Blizzak WS70

Seat #7. Pirelli Winter IceControl

Seat No. 8. Pirelli SCORPION WINTER

Seat #9. Sailun Ice Blazer WSL2

Seat #10 Dunlop SP Ice Sport

How did experts test non-studded winter tires?

ACE/GTU

test world

Auto Zeitung

Test of non-studded winter tires 2015-2016

- winter non-studded Scandinavian tires, test

- winter non-studded Scandinavian tires, test

- winter non-studded Scandinavian tires, test

- winter non-studded Scandinavian tires, test

Bridgestone Blizzak LM001

- winter non-studded tires of the Central European type, test

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

- winter non-studded tires, Central European type

- winter non-studded tires of the Central European type, test

What are winter tires?

What does the AvtoDel tire review offer?

How did the experts test studded winter tires?

test world

Behind the wheel

Vi Bilagare

Newspaper "Autoreview"

Auto Motor & Sport

Winter tire test 2015-2016

- winter studded tires, test

- winter studded tires, test

- winter studded tires, test

- winter studded tires, test

- winter studded tires, test

- winter studded tires, test

- winter studded tires, test

- winter studded tires, test

- winter studded tires, test

- winter studded tires, test

To be fair

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THE BELL