The ADAC club offered the audience the results of measurements of friction (studless) tires for a European type winter, which are poorly suited for Russian conditions. However, for the sake of completeness, it will be useful to see their results.

The selection of Finns from Tuulilasi turned out to be much more relevant. They have assembled eight sets of Scandinavian type studded winter tires. That is, tires designed primarily for snow and ice, but also appropriate on cold asphalt. Snow and ice tests were carried out in Ivalo, Finland in the first week of March. The temperature fluctuated around zero degrees. The carriers of winter tires are the Volvo S60 sedan and the Volvo V70 station wagon. Most of the measurements were carried out using the V-Box equipment. Auxiliary systems ABS and ESC were included - in the latter case, Sport mode was used, which allows for a little slippage. Driving on dry and wet asphalt was carried out in the Finnish Tampere.

Tuulilasi experts accelerated and braked on ice, assessed handling on slippery surfaces, checked the same parameters on snow, that is, tested tires in traditional winter conditions. At the same time, they did not forget about dry and wet asphalt, as well as about resistance to slashplaning (a parameter showing at what speed a car ascends on a snow-water slurry. Analogue of aquaplaning in summer). Finnish experts have also evaluated the rolling resistance and hence the fuel consumption.

ADAC club tire test (non-studded winter tires of the Central European type. Designed exclusively for mild winters) -

Continental ContiWinterContact TS850

German tires Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 became the leader of the German test. After passing through all the disciplines, the experts came to the conclusion that the main advantage of this model is a verified balance. Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 behave equally confidently in all cases, of course, adjusted for class. The velcro of the Scandinavian ContiVikingContact 5 feels much better on ice, not to mention the spiked Continental ContiIceContact. But for a winter tire of the Central European type, the performance of the ContiWinterContact TS850 on wet asphalt and ice is unrivaled.

Bridgestone Blizzak LM001

Winter tires of Japanese brands usually do not shine with talents against the background of competitors. But this is only in the case when models for severe cold are compared with each other. And here are the Japanese tires for mild winters they feel much better among competitors. This was confirmed by the test of the ADAC club. Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 passed all types of tests of the German institute, keeping within each of them in a favorable green area.

In a mild winter, the ADAC Dunlop Winter Response 2 performed well. The car feels especially good in these tires on snow and wet asphalt. The experts also praised the low rolling resistance, which affects fuel consumption, albeit not very significantly.

Dunlop's other Central European winter tires, the SP Winter Sport 4D, performed just as well as the Winter Response 2. ADAC praised them primarily for their balance, as did first place winners, the Continental ContiWinterContact TS850, which is significant.

In the tire industry, Michelin is a name. The French company is definitely not expected to be weak. At the same time, Michelin tires rarely make it to the very top of the pedestal of tire tests of different publications, from year to year they find themselves somewhere in the middle of the list. This year's ADAC test was no exception. Experts from the German auto club praised them for their behavior on ice and snow, as well as their work on wet asphalt. But the results on dry surfaces are worse, and the Germans recorded this aspect as the minuses of the French tire, as well as the increased noise.

Another model of the French tire giant, the Michelin Alpin A4, performed more confidently in the ADAC tests than its relative. German experts noted a good balance and focused on a huge resource. This tire is more likely to puncture than wear out the tread pattern. At the same time, it behaves equally safely on dry or wet asphalt and ice.

The Central European Velcro of the Korean company Hankook performed satisfactorily in the ADAC measurements. If the summer tires of the Korean company have already approached the level of world leaders, which is especially evident in the Ventus Prime 2 model, then in the case of winter tires, the level of Korean tires is still average. Experts of the ADAC Hankook Winter i * cept RS W442 liked it on dry asphalt, but disappointed on snow and wet asphalt.

Pirelli SnowControl Serie 3

Within the Pirelli SnowControl segment, Serie 3 proved to be surprisingly strong on ice and snow. They did not disappoint on wet asphalt, but they did not please on dry. In addition, despite the lack of studs, the Pirelli SnowControl Serie 3 proved to be a noisy model. Everything in the aggregate was drawn only to a satisfactory assessment of the ADAC club.

The family feature of Vredestein tires is the tread pattern. The company persists in using the herringbone pattern. This partially affects the properties of the tires. In the ADAC test they performed well on ice and snow, but were loud and relatively weak on wet pavement.

Tuulilasi magazine tire test(Studded winter tires of the Scandinavian type. Well suited for Russian winters) - (http://www.tuulilasi.fi)

If the German tire won the German test, then the Finnish tire won the Finnish test. New from last year - Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 with a huge number of spikes (in the dimension 205 / 55R16 there are 190 of them). On the ice, this is truly a royal tire. On the snow, too, everything is extremely convincing and only on the asphalt there are minor errors, which is quite normal for such a generous studding. However, despite this, Tuulilasi journalists noticed that the eighth "hakkapeliitta" steers well in the rain and brakes well on dry asphalt. At the same time, it does not critically resist rolling and does not make too loud a noise.

Unlike Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 German Continental tires ContiIceContact has been around for a long time. On the sidelines, there are even rumors that this tire is about to be replaced by a successor, but so far it remains in service and shows excellent ability in winter conditions. These tires have excellent handling and braking performance on ice, as well as on a snow-wrapped road. Performance on dry and wet pavement is not outstanding, but decent. Resistance to slushplaning (ascent to a snow-water slurry) is not the best, but at the same time it is at a safe level.

Bronze in the Tuulilasi test was pulled out by studded Pirelli Ice Zero. On the ice, they do not feel much worse than the leaders. Although the slip of the rear axle is more pronounced here, which forces the driver to be constantly concentrated and tense. In addition, after the ice races, some of the spikes loosened and began to protrude outward more. In real life, this means that after a couple of seasons there will definitely be fewer spikes, which cannot be said, for example, about the Continental ContiIceContact, where the “claws” are set on a special glue. No misses in the snow. But the resistance to slushplanning is not important here. On the slush Pirelli Ice Zero float early. Not everything is smooth on the asphalt, both wet and dry. On wet pavement, the tire brakes well, but loses grip when cornering. On dry asphalt, braking is also unimportant. The rolling resistance is low, but the noise level is high. The third place was ensured by the priority of the ice, on which everything is normal for the studded Pirelli.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic in terms of points yielded to Pirelli, but in terms of the totality of indicators, they are definitely not worse. Although the priorities are somewhat shifted here. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic grips asphalt brilliantly. On wet asphalt and slush, they are favorites, which will be appropriate in Moscow, abundantly flooded with reagents. On a dry road, there are no misses either, although the reactions are somewhat blurred. At the same time, everything is also not bad on ice and snow, although it barely reaches the level of the leaders. Braking and accelerating on ice in the zone of good performance. In the snow, the behavior is slightly worse. Analyzing the above, it can be noted that Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic are perfect for wintering in big cities, where there is mostly asphalt under the wheels, but at the same time, snow or ice is not excluded.

Winter hit the European territory of Russia imperceptibly. It seems to be warm, and the grass is still green, and there is foliage on the trees, and the beginning of the next week was marked by a drop in temperature, abundant leaf fall, heavy precipitation and a gusty wind. At night, the thermometer almost fell below zero. A good time to think about changing tires ...

Switch to winter tires just right when the average daily temperature hovers around five to seven degrees Celsius. Especially if you have to travel early in the morning or late in the evening. It can become slippery unexpectedly. Although a premature transition is harmful. To a lesser extent, if we are talking about winter tires of a friction pattern without studs or tires designed specifically for the mild European winter, and to a greater extent, if these are studded tires of the Scandinavian type, designed primarily for snow or ice.

Once again, the AvtoDela publication will compare the readings of authoritative publications, analyzing the failures and achievements of the same models of several tests, and also consider the most relevant winter tires participating in the tests of one expert community.

Experts, as always, will be leading European institutions, including ADAC, ACE / GTU / ARBO, Auto Motor und Sport, Test World and Tuulilasi (they tested only studded tires), as well as recognized Russian publications - the newspaper "Autoreview" and the magazine " Behind the wheel".

ACE / GTU / ARBO

This season, materials from foreign sources became the first to become publicly available. European triad ACE / GTU / ARBO, consisting of the German Society for Technical Supervision (GTÜ), the Automobile Club of Europe (ACE) and the Austrian car club ARBÖ. Ten tires of 205 / 55R16 dimensions fell into the hands of the expert community. All tires are exclusively frictional, non-studded, that is, what is popularly called velcro. All of them are designed for the mild winters of central Europe.

The tests were carried out at the Nokian proving grounds in Tampere and Ivalo. Tractive effort on snow was estimated at acceleration from 8 to 30 km / h with traction control working. The braking distance was determined on snow from 40 to 5 km / h (the distance to a full stop was calculated), on wet asphalt from 80 to 1 km / h, on dry - from 100 to 1 km / h. The handling tests took into account lap times and subjective assessments of tire behavior. In tests for resistance to longitudinal aquaplaning (7 mm of water), the speed at which the slip level reached 15% was taken into account; also the “ascent” rate was evaluated in the transverse aquaplaning resistance test (6 mm of water). In addition, the tires were tested on a circular track, where the the best time circle. The rolling noise was evaluated at a speed of 80 km / h and the rolling resistance at a load of 6,031 Nm and a pressure of 2.1 bar. Tests were carried out on Volkswagen Golf VII. During the tests, the experts noted that the trend is an increasing level of safety, which, in their opinion, is achieved by a symbiosis of good rubber and sophisticated car safety systems.

Auto Motor und Sport

In the same standard size, winter tires were evaluated by German experts from the Auto Motor und Sport magazine. The set of tested models - friction rubber of the Central European type. Disciplines are standard: snow, ice, asphalt. A test site in Swedish Lapland was rented to carry out snow tests. Constantly low temperatures, spacious well-prepared tracks on the surface of frozen lakes and challenging routes through snow-covered forests create the ideal conditions for testing. Six tons of tires, wheels and equipment, as well as four cars, were already waiting at the Arctic Circle. Ten sets of studless winter tires were tested for traction, braking performance, handling and emergency maneuvering behavior. Initially, the experts assessed the performance of the tires subjectively during several arrivals on the snow-covered circuit track. After that, with the help of the equipment, the longitudinal grip required for effective acceleration and braking was determined. In order to assess how the tires react to changes in loads, the pilots went to the slalom section. Here, the car drives on a smooth, leveled surface, turning alternately to the right and left at the grip limit. The maximum lateral acceleration is automatically recorded electronically.

A few weeks after testing in Sweden, the winter tires were to demonstrate their ability in the overcast conditions of northern Germany. On wet pavement, braking performance, aquaplaning resistance, handling and cornering were evaluated.

The German Automobile Club ADAC tested tires in two different sizes this year: and quite. Interestingly, individual models have been tested in two dimensions.

Test World

Braking performance tests were carried out at different speeds depending on the type of surface. At the same time, tests on ice and snow were carried out both outdoors and indoors, where, thanks to control over temperature and humidity, the influence of weather can be eliminated. Controllability was assessed in two ways. Lap times were determined first, and a combination of fast acceleration, high lateral grip and effective braking was required from the tires to perform well. Following this, the pilots expressed subjective impressions of each model. Separately, subjective assessments were given to tires for directional stability.

All tires were bought from regular stores so that manufacturers could not send modified versions of the tires. In the event that the model was not yet available commercially, the tires were shipped from the factory, but after they appeared in stores, control tests were carried out to determine if there were any differences.

The test of the newspaper "Autoreview" this year turned out to be both large and not very informative. This is because of the 11 sets of tires, four turned out to be studded, four more were of the European type, and the other three were Scandinavian friction tires.

The test technology is as follows: start - with traction control, braking - with ABS, handling on a winding track - with the support of ESP. The weather was capricious. Light frost at first, and then minus twenty. However, the most important races - acceleration and deceleration on ice - were carried out at stable temperatures and a complete absence of precipitation, since the exercises were performed under the roof of a 300-meter hangar. Ten accelerations, ten decelerations, and then a change of kit ...

Testwintertire 2014-2015

Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 - studless (friction) winter tire, 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 ContiWinterContact TS 850 must provide perfect safety thanks to a variety 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

The German winter tire Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 was lit up in several tests this year and won prizes everywhere. She has three first and one second positions. Each of the authorities praised this tire, first of all, for its balance. German engineers have managed to train their tire to behave consistently well on almost all possible winter road surfaces. The experts also highlighted the strengths of the Continental ContiWinterContact TS850. The ADAC club praised the Continental friction tire for its excellent handling on wet asphalt and ice, good snow performance and low wear. Colleagues from Auto Motorund Sport were completely in solidarity with them, backing up their praises with the comment "highly recommended." Testers from ACE / GTU / ARBO also used this phrase, which, however, did not prevent them from giving first place to another tire - Nokian WRD3.

An old modification of the model - TS830 took part in the test of the newspaper "Autoreview". Russian experts liked the level of comfort offered by the Continental tire, both from an acoustic point of view and in terms of smoothness. Acceleration on an icy surface turned out to be good. With handling on the track, they turned out to be unexpectedly weak. The grip on the snow left much to be desired, but on wet pavement - the minimum braking distance, on dry - the second result. Obviously, the main focus of these tires was on comfort and safety on asphalt. It is a pity that at the expense of winter qualities.

Nokian WRD3 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The main theses of the Nokian company regarding the WRD3 model are as follows: equally reliable grip on wet, dry and snowy roads; durable and economical even in difficult conditions; effective prevention of slush-planning and aquaplaning; low rolling resistance, environmental friendliness and fuel economy.

At the same time, like the Continental ContiWinterContact TS850, the Nokian WRD3 tire is designed exclusively for the mild Central European winter, which is written in black and white on the company's website.

SlushBlower

Nokian research has shown that slush is even more dangerous to drive than ice or aquaplaning. The risk is four times higher when driving on slush than when driving on dry surfaces. Melting snow, a layer of water on the road surface and icy slush create a combination that makes driving difficult even for experienced drivers.

Nokian WR D3 tires have directional tread pattern and new solutions that actively prevent aquaplaning.

“We've improved the tire's aquaplaning and slash-resistance by using a chamfered, zig-zag leading edge of the tread blocks. This innovation is called SlushBlower because it actually effectively blows water and slush out of the tire grooves. Polished grooves also accelerate the outflow of water and slush. "says Teppo Huovila, Vice President R&D at Nokian Tires.

CoolTouch technology for easier control

The thoroughly tested Nokian WR D3 design and tread solutions guarantee excellent maneuverability and handling, as well as good directional stability. Low rolling resistance and durability have been improved through several new solutions and innovations.

Computer and thermographic simulations were applied to find the optimal symmetrical tread pattern. Grooving does not disturb the block edge, which provides excellent traction and allows the framed block to maintain its rigidity. Cool Touch technology also minimizes friction and heat build-up caused by excessive groove movement. The tire runs lightly and maintains an inertial, energy-efficient ride with low rolling resistance.

Thanks to the uniform tread structure, Nokian tire The WR D3 reacts quickly to steering movements and has a calm, stable contact with the road.

Silent Sidewall Technology.

Tire noise is the second key factor after driving comfort control. Silent Sidewall Technology improves driving comfort. Nokian WR D3 tires have sidewall areas that filter noise and vibration coming from the road surface through the tire treads and direct it towards the sidewall to reduce noise inside the vehicle.

Cryogenic Canola Compound for extreme driving conditions (ice, snow and wet grip)

The new tread compound for Nokian WR D3 tires — canola cryogenic compound — is a combination of natural rubber, silicon and canola oil; it optimizes winter grip, wet grip and durability at various temperatures.

A new type of silicon additives full-silica contains so-called cryosilane, which increases the functionality of the rubber compound. Canola oil provides superior tear resistance and increased grip on ice and snow. Thanks to its high silicon content, the environmentally friendly Nokian WR D3 tires offer very low rolling resistance, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions than traditional competitors.

Nokian WR D3 tires are environmentally friendly - a typical example of Nokian Tires' sustainability principle: product qualities remain virtually unchanged even with aging and wear.

Winter Safety Indicator (WSI) for added safety and comfort

Trouble-free winter driving is only possible when the tires are in good condition. The Nokian WR D3 tires are equipped with a comfort-enhancing Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) with a unique snowflake symbol - the winter safety indicator.

This standard element, patented by Nokian Tires, is located on the tire tread and indicates the depth of the tread grooves in millimeters. The snowflake symbol remains visible as long as the groove is four millimeters deep. When the symbol disappears, vulnerability to slush-planting and other similar phenomena increases significantly, and the driver must purchase new winter tires for safe driving.

The sidewalls of the tire have an info zone, which contains information about the recommended pressure. Correct tire pressure improves steering precision, reduces tire damage and lowers fuel costs.

Nokian WR D3 tires are available in a wide range of sizes from 13 "to 20", speed ratings from T to W. These new winter products are intended especially for the Central European markets.

TEST RESULTS

Along with the ACE / GTU / ARBO, the Nokian WRD3 was evaluated by the Auto Motorund Sport experts. Surprisingly, the Finnish tire only got sixth place in their ranking. The Germans from Auto Motorund Sport noticed a lot of advantages in it, but also highlighted several disadvantages. The advantages of the Nokian WRD3 are excellent lateral stability, short braking distances, high traction on snow, good lateral grip on wet asphalt, decent aquaplaning resistance and safe behavior on dry asphalt. The testers of the German magazine reported the relatively long braking distances on wet asphalt, as well as increased rolling resistance, but despite the sixth line, Auto Motorund Sport recommends the Nokian WRD3.

The newspaper "Autoreview" has the Nokian WRD3 tire as the class leader. It is noteworthy that despite the focus on mild winters, Russian experts generally approved its use in large cities of central Russia. The tires perform well on asphalt, but not much worse on ice and snow.

Goodyear UltraGrip 9 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Goodyear UltraGrip 9 is a new addition to the 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 highlight the following positive features of the new model: a high level of siping and a large tread depth of the tire provides 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

The Goodyear UltraGrip 9 performed equally well in the ACE / GTU / ARBO test and in the Auto Motor und Sport test. The first instance gave them the third line. The second one awarded this winter tire with “silver”. German experts from Auto Motor und Sport scolded Goodyear UltraGrip 9 only for a relatively long braking distance on wet asphalt, and praised and recommended for purchase for all other parameters.

Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The tire manufacturer's description suggests that the new Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D features a range of innovative technologies designed to enhance safety and improve information that allows the driver to feel more confident in winter conditions.

The new tires got their name because of new system"Four-dimensional lamelling". Compared to the previous model (Dunlop SP WinterSport 3D), the company's engineers have added a new transverse sipe to the proven 3D lamella system and created a microblock that allows better pressure distribution in the contact patch. The 3D technology increases the number of sipes, and therefore the engagement edges, which further increases the braking and acceleration efficiency. The new sipe creates an additional lateral engagement edge, ideal for improved lateral grip. This combination (4D SipeSystem) creates an independent microblock that allows better pressure distribution for superior handling and lateral grip on snow.

To reduce braking distances in deep snow, the Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D tires also feature a sawtooth design on the inner blocks. On ice, the new Dunlop's rideability has been enhanced with a compound containing "functionalized polymers" that prevent the rubber from hardening at cold temperatures.

These polymers provide optimal dynamic stiffness required at various temperatures. These active ingredients in the rubber compound ensure that the tires can perform well on wet asphalt without compromising on snow handling.

How is it in practice?

TEST RESULTS

The Dunlop SPWinter Sport 4D has gone through three winter tire tests. These tires were driven by ACE / GTU / ARBO, Auto Motor und Sport and ADAC, where these tires took fourth, third and again third places, respectively. AutoMotorundSport experts noted good handling, short braking distances and high lateral stability on snow. In addition, the Germans from the reputable magazine liked the behavior of the Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D on wet asphalt. As disadvantages, they identified only significant rolling resistance and noise, which, however, did not affect the conclusion. These winter tires are recommended by AutoMotorundSport experts. So did their ADAC colleagues, who primarily liked the balance of these tires, as well as their predictable behavior on wet pavement.

Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

TEST RESULTS

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 was tested by the ADAC club and the Autoreview newspaper. And they performed very well in both instances. The experts of "Autoreview" liked the traction properties of the tire on the snow. Braking was also good, but the handling was not so ideal. On dry asphalt, everything is worthy, but on wet pavement, the competitors objectively look stronger.

The expert group of the ADAC club declared a comparable alignment, adding only a resource to the list of advantages. These tires are more likely to puncture than wear out the tread pattern. Curiously, Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 tires are available in two versions: with an asymmetric tread pattern (“for everyone”) and with a specially designed directional pattern for Porsche cars (eight standard sizes marked NO and N1).

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

TEST RESULTS

In the third generation, the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 features a directional tread pattern reminiscent of the Pirelli Snowcontrol tires. It is possible that it was the “directionality” of the tread pattern that helped Pirelli tires demonstrate better slash resistance. But in the rest of the exercises, this pattern did not live up to expectations. On ice, the tires run at the average level typical of Central European winter tires. On the snow they hold well in the lateral direction, but the acceleration dynamics are the weakest in the Auto Review test.

Michelin Alpin 5 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The manufacturer says that the tires are manufactured using 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

French rubber has always pampered with a verified balance. But in the case of the Michelin Alpin 5, things are not at all so simple. If in the Auto Motor und Sport test these tires performed well, sharing the fourth line with the Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3, then the ADAC experts sent the Michelin Alpin 5 to the seventh place, having awarded the model with only a “satisfactory” rating. also no.

Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

While the manufacturers of the above mentioned tires emphasize that they are designed exclusively for the mild winters of Central Europe, then on the Pirelli website the Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3 friction winter tire is presented as a versatile winter product. The company promises excellent traction and braking power on snowy roads. High level of lateral grip.

TEST RESULTS

Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3 winter tires have passed ACE / GTU / ARBO test ranges, Auto Motor und Sport magazine and two ADAC tests. The ACE / GTU / ARBO triad ranked these tires in sixth place, while recommending them for purchase. Auto Motor und Sport magazine gave the Pirelli winter tires the fourth line, also with a recommendation to buy, but the ADAC testers rated the Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3 only satisfactory, sending this Velcro to the eighth and ninth lines.

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 is a frost-resistant winter tire friction type for cars. This is how this tire is described on the Bridgestone website. The manufacturer promises traction efficiency on snowy ground and high performance in rainy weather. In this regard, it is not entirely clear which winter this model is oriented towards.

TEST RESULTS

The Japanese tire industry in the winter tire segment, as always, has shown itself to be no higher than average. In the Auto Motor und Sport test, Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 tires only rank seventh. And this is out of ten possible. However, the Germans still awarded this model with the status of "recommended", although they scolded it for poor lateral stability, long braking distances and low traction on the snow. At the same time, in fairness, it is worth noting that the Germans saw the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 and dignity. In particular, the behavior on asphalt, both dry and wet.

Hankook Winter i * cept RS W442 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The Hankook Winter I * cept RS W442 is an economical winter tire with improved grip and traction on snowy and icy roads. With these words begins the description of the model on the official website of the Korean tire giant.

The Hankook Winter I * cept RS W442 is a winter tire designed for high performance cars. Tread blocks with large notches and sipes provide flawless traction on snow and ice. The tires are great for harsh winter conditions. Thanks to the rubber compound with the presence of Silica components, rolling resistance is reduced to a minimum, which reduces noise, improves comfort and, importantly, reduces fuel consumption.

The segmented stiffening rib provides excellent directional stability and maximum handling on snowy roads.

The tread grooves provide extraordinarily powerful traction and short braking and accelerating distances. Longitudinal grooves excellently drain water and snow from the contact patch, thereby increasing the maneuverability and balance of the car on an icy road.

The tread carcass of the tires was created using computer modeling, which made it possible to optimize all the properties of the Hankook Winter I * Cept RS W442 tires to the maximum. The use of the latest technologies in the creation of tires made it possible to increase their strength and durability. The level of rolling resistance has also been significantly reduced, which has helped to reduce fuel consumption.

TEST RESULTS

The Hankook Winter i * Cept RS W442 winter tires, like the Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3, passed all four tests. These tires, like the Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3, were ranked sixth in the ACE / GTU / ARBO association, and eighth in the Auto Motor und Sport edition, which did not prevent German experts from recommending these tires. In the ADAC ratings, the Korean winter tires received the eighth and tenth lines with the stamp “satisfactory”.

Toyo Snowprox S943 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Winter car tires Toyo Snowprox S943, designed specifically for a wide range of compact and mid-size family cars. The model was presented to the public in 2013. Toyo employees have produced an even more comfortable and practical model that demonstrates excellent driving characteristics on wet and dry asphalt, as well as confident braking on snowy and icy areas.

TEST RESULTS

Japanese-made winter tires are rarely ready for real winter. And if Bridgestone or Yokohama are still on the rumor, then somehow they don't talk about Toyo winter tires. And good! According to experts, they are adapted exclusively for the Japanese winter, and not as not for the European or Russian. These tires are rated “conditionally recommended” by Auto Motor undSport magazine. The Toyo Snowprox S943 finished ninth in terms of total points in their test. And from ADAC, the same tires received only eleventh, along with the comment "satisfactory".

Firestone Winter Hawk 3 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Firestone Winter Hawk 3 winter tires have been developed and adapted to the peculiarities of operation on mid-size passenger cars in urban conditions. The tire is an evolutionary continuation of the WinterHawk winter tire series. It retained all the advantages of its predecessors - high safety, traction and grip on the winter road - and increased its own operating resource by 30% compared to its predecessors. Besides, this model received a more balanced tread design, which increased stability, smoothness and comfort on the winter track.

The stated advantages of using the Firestone Winter Hawk 3 tire:

The completely new directionally symmetrical tread pattern is characterized by the same depth throughout its entire area - from one shoulder to the other. This technology made it possible to achieve the same quality of traction with the road surface at any point of the tread, which minimized the occurrence of sudden vehicle movements and increased overall driving safety on snowy roads.

Compared to the previous generation of the WinterHawk series, this tire has been re-formulated under its own brand name, Nano Pro Tech. Its distinctive feature is an increased proportion of frost-resistant additives, which allows the Firestone Winter Hawk 3 to maintain elasticity, increasing the grip quality on frosty days by almost 10% compared to winter tires of a similar class.

The V-shaped tread pattern in the central part of the tread forms a snow wedge incorporated into the effective drainage system of the Firestone Winter Havk 3, which dissipates water and melted snow from the central part to the shoulder zones and beyond the contact patch. This technology increases the directional stability of the car when overcoming difficult sections of the winter track.

TEST RESULTS

The little-known Firestone Winter Hawk 3 tire is an interesting model. In the ADAC test, she was awarded the fourth position and the mark "good". The experts did not find any obvious drawbacks in this model, and therefore only praised it. The German auto club especially liked the precise balance and confident behavior on the ice. The Firestone Winter Hawk 3 behaves just as well on asphalt, and the relatively low fuel consumption will be a nice addition. Good winter tire.

Fulda Kristall Montero 3 - studless (frictional) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Fulda KRISTALL MONTERO 3 is a tire that will work effectively all winter, but it's still European winter.

Maximum efficiency in all winter conditions. The Kristall Montero 3 handles cold, wet, snowy and icy roads with ease - all at an affordable price. Its features: excellent grip on snowy roads; specially designed for efficient work throughout the winter; excellent grip at low temperatures.

TEST RESULTS

The winter tire Fulda Kristall Montero 3 has passed the test of only one instance - the ADAC club. And she showed herself average. The Germans praised her for snow disciplines and scolded her for her behavior on the asphalt, which is extremely unexpected for the layman. Usually, Velcro is expected to cost less on asphalt and allow for some weaknesses in the primordial winter disciplines. In the case of the Fulda Kristall Montero 3, the opposite is true, and in general it is not the only tire with a similar layout.

Scandinavian models for harsh winters

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, 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 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 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 new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 studded tire mix, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 friction mix has increased the amount of natural rubber.

Natural rubber works as a stabilizer over a wide temperature range. 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 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 over long-term tire use.

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. The responsive handling helps the driver to notice changes in the level of grip, which makes it possible to react in time to changes in the road situation.

Updated info-area on the sidewall - you can make notes about the recommended tire pressure 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

The victory of the frictional Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2, designed for harsh winters, was not a revelation. The Finnish manufacturer invests a huge stock in its own top models. On ice, there is a minimal decrease in longitudinal grip compared to studded tires, and on the track, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 tires even outperform some of them! On the snow, everything is also very stable. But on the pavement, the Hakkapeliitta R2's unbridled power dries up somewhat. The tread, which is soft, cut by numerous slits, cannot effectively withstand increased loads. At the same time, the non-studded Nokians run comfortably and quietly. In addition, they have low rolling resistance. The lack of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 on wet pavement was more clearly described in Test World. In their opinion, they did not perform well in this discipline.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 - studless (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Goodyear cites technology when explaining 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 performance on ice. 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 evacuation of melted snow and water and improve the tire's performance in deep snow.

TEST RESULTS

If the victory of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 was predictable, then the first place of Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 in the Test World was a bit of a surprise. They received the "gold medal", first of all, for balance. They perform well on snow and ice, as well as on wet pavement. In addition, parameters such as comfort and rolling resistance are also at a decent level.

Continental ContiVikingContact 6 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The Continental ContiViking Contact 6 winter friction tires, designed specifically for the Russian winter, will replace the well-established ContiViking Contact 5 predecessor in the Russian market in autumn 2014. To surpass it was a difficult task for German engineers, which they successfully coped with. Improving grip has been the primary focus of the development of the new premium winter tires, which in turn has improved road safety on snow and ice. The asymmetric tread of the new velcro tires is functionally divided into three parts and is made of a soft rubber compound. It is designed so that when cornering, the most stress-bearing areas along the edges of the tread, using reinforced double blocks, provide improved grip on snow and asphalt, and the center section of the tread provides effective grip on ice.

TEST RESULTS

The German winter tire without studs, but of the Scandinavian type - Continental ContiVikingContact 6 shared the 2nd-3rd place in the Test World test with the French Michelin X-ice Xi3 tires. Continental is the novelty of the season. They have good performance on snow, but their behavior on wet asphalt is slightly worse - in critical situations, their reactions can be too slow and smeared. At the same time, Continental is among the leaders on dry surfaces. In addition, they have low noise levels and reduced rolling resistance, which saves fuel.

Michelin X-ice Xi3 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Michelin, along with competitors, claims many advantages that are achieved through the use of a number of technologies. In particular, Michelin Xi3 tires have more tread blocks, which as a result gives them more grip edges for increased traction. The outer side of the central blocks has a zigzag shape, further enhancing both lateral and longitudinal grip, and the sipes located at three angles create sufficient grip, no matter what angle the tire is in relation to the movement. Adjacent blocks are partially in contact, protecting the overall structure from unwanted deformation when driving on dry asphalt. The shoulder area has lugs for improved traction in deep snow.

TEST RESULTS

Michelin X-ice Xi3 performed excellently in the primordial winter disciplines. On snow and ice, they showed themselves on a par with the leaders. As a result, the Michelin received the same rating as the Continental and, like them, feels a little insecure on the pavement. The noise is low, but the rolling resistance is too high.

Bridgestone Blizzak VRX - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

When driving on an icy slope in winter, the water on the ice surface causes sliding. Non-studded tires are manufactured using a Multi-Cell Compound rubber compound, which, thanks to its microscopic pores, provides more intimate contact with ice. As the tire travels over the surface of the water, these pores act as tiny reservoirs for water to drain away and, by absorbing it, provide direct contact with the road. Bridgestone has further developed this technology to create the new Multi-Cell Compound. The special hydrophilic coating of these pores has improved the absorption properties. The new formulation can absorb more water from the ice surface, which allows the driver to implement braking performance more confidently.

New asymmetrical tread pattern

The new asymmetric tread pattern of the Bridgestone Blizzak VRX improves traction in snow, ensuring full contact with snowy roads. The arrow-shaped tread blocks provide uniform engagement, and the cross grooves effectively grip snow.

When installing them, it is necessary that the inner side of the tire (labeled inside) is inside, and the outer side of the tire (labeled outside) is outside. Tires with an asymmetric tread pattern have no direction of rotation.

Excellent grip on ice

In addition to the new Multi-Cell Compound, the BLIZZAK VRX incorporates various technological advances that provide superior driving performance whatever the winter conditions. Especially the new Multi-Cell Compound has significantly improved handling and braking performance on icy surfaces. During their own Bridgestone tests The BLIZZAK VRX tires allowed drivers to stop on bare ice as much as 10% closer than the previous model.

Maximum efficiency on snow

Compared to the previous model, the BLIZZAK VRX has increased the number of lateral grooves (intersections), which improves the properties of trapping snow between the tread blocks when in contact with snow-covered surfaces, and, at the same time, helps to effectively self-cleaning when rotating.

In addition, a new asymmetric tread pattern (with different groove widths in the center and at the edges of the tire) optimized performance in each tread area.

Long service life

The longer a tire is used, the more its performance deteriorates and the harder the rubber becomes. As the tread wears down, the new Multi-Cell Compound creates new micropores, keeping the rubber compound soft and providing effective braking for a long time. We are proud to announce that BLIZZAK VRX tires remain effective for 3-4 seasons.

TEST RESULTS

The Bridgestone Blizzak VRX tire was tested by the Autoreview newspaper. The experts of the publication liked the braking on the ice. Acceleration and handling seemed somewhat weaker. On snow, the results are moderate, but the tread does not cope well with snow-water porridge. It was also surprising that on dry asphalt the grip properties are close to ideal, but on wet pavement the braking is almost worse. At the same time, the Bridgestone Blizzak VRX is very comfortable, which is especially unusual in light of the fact that the Blizzak VRX tires are extremely impact resistant. Even at a speed of 95 km / h, the experts failed to spoil the tire.

In the cold season, it is better to give preference to winter tires. With the help of new technologies in the production of car tires, interesting characteristics are achieved that allow car owners to drive as confidently as in summer. Many believe that winter tires can be replaced with all-season options. But this is not so - demi-season tires are not a way out of the situation: they are uncomfortable to ride either in summer or in winter.

The main feature of winter tires is their softness and the ability to grip the snowy road surface tenaciously. We bring to your attention a rating of the best winter studded tires of 2014-2015.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 - the best winter tire deal

Finnish rubber, produced at one of the most technologically advanced world factories in the world, became the leader of most tests in Russia and in other countries. This Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 is an excellent driver's assistant in difficult winter conditions.

The tires are able to perfectly fight any cold surface, provide comfort and safety of the trip. The following unique properties of Nokian winter tires should also be noted:

special technologies and tread pattern protect the driver in any weather;
adhesion to any surface, even ice, reaches its maximum values;
rubber is available in a wide range of radii and sizes;
this model also has spikes, which are applied according to a new pattern.

Rubber was introduced last year, but to this day it remains the leader in most ratings. If you want real comfort and complete safety in winter, be sure to pay attention to this offer of a Finnish corporation.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic - a prototype from the legendary manufacturer

This proposal was one of the few representatives of the 2014-2015 season who managed to make their way to the top positions after three years of success. Goodyear has always been renowned for the production of premium tires that ensure the safety of winter and summer travel on any vehicle. With the help of new technologies, the corporation managed to create tires with the following advantages:

excellent grip on snow and cold asphalt with the help of an unusual tread and studs;
nineteen standard sizes - a choice from 13 to 18 inches for any disk width;
super-soft parts of a fairly rigid tread provide grip on any surface;
slip is minimized due to the special shape of the tread.

Also featured in Goodyear's UltraGrip Ice Arctic is its 2012 stud integration technology. The features of this tire are different from most competitors and allow you to achieve incredible ride parameters. At the moment, the rubber is going through one of the last seasons, after which the manufacturer announced several important updates and a name change.

Michelin X-ICE North XIN3 - last year's leader model

This rubber was also on the list of best buys for motorists last season. If it's time to get new winter tires this year, take a look at this instance. Michelin always offers best technology, but X-ICE North really exceeded all buyers' expectations:

the softness of the car increases significantly;
adhesion to any soil is noticeably improved;
the durability of the rims increases;
the braking distance is almost halved.

Reducing the stopping distance in half is a rough estimate, which is confirmed by many unofficial test drives. But even in this perspective, this rubber deserves a place in the ranking of the best winter tires 2014-2015.

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01 - another successful series of the concern

The Blizzak series from Bridgestone Corporation is already known to many car owners. The high enough cost does not stop potential buyers from purchasing this excellent winter rubber option. In the new generation, which will appear on the market at the end of summer 2014, the manufacturer has introduced the following innovations:

the chemical composition of raw materials for the manufacture of rubber was completely changed;
the protector is made of a soft material that can withstand temperatures up to -50 degrees without physical changes;
studs are present, but they are not the main part of the tire;
there is no need to run-in rubber before its full operation.

Thanks to these characteristics, the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01 is one of the most technological offerings in the ranking of the best winter tires 2014-2015. Nevertheless, you will have to pay a lot of money for the purchase, therefore it is too early to talk about the popularity of rubber.

Dunlop Ice Touch - Winter Tire Closing the Leaderboard

According to experts, Dunlop tires have every chance to become leaders this year. Their cost is perfectly combined with the quality characteristics, which makes the purchase of rubber much more profitable for the driver. Main features and technical advantages Dunlop Ice Touch is manifested in the following characteristics:

tread pattern incredibly different from competitors;
the presence of thorns in a disordered mode;
high grip properties on the icy road surface;
universal application for middle class cars and compact crossovers.

Excellent rubber Dunlop Ice Touch offers high quality characteristics and quite interesting opportunities for owners of almost all cars. You can choose the right size from a huge range and get good protection for your car from the surprises of the icy road.

Summing up

Among the winter tires described above, there are offers from previous years, but many experts believe that this particular rubber deserves to be on the list of the best winter tires for 2014-2015. When choosing tires for the winter, pay special attention to the specifications that are suitable for you.

Some of the offers of the modern market are an excellent option for those who like driving on uncharted routes, while others offer optimal modes of urban travel. Also remember that rubber differs in speed and load index, which is very important to consider when buying new winter tires.

Are there motorists among our readers who have already bought tires for the 2014-2015 season?

Friction winter tires or velcro tires in Russia are inferior in popularity to studded wheels, but their market share is steadily growing, so the results of their tests are very useful for domestic motorists. So who was the best in the 2014-2015 season?

Our rating (from the last position in it) is opened by friction rubber Sunny SnowMaster SN3830, which came to us from China. 12th line, 6.1 points - excellent performance indicators only on wet and dry asphalt - this is all that Chinese tires can boast of, which are clearly not suitable for Russian winter conditions.
In 11th place are South Korean tires Kumho I * ZEN KW31, which also do not shine on snow and ice. The final 6.6 points is too little for quality winter tires.
The 10th place was taken by the Vredestein Nord-Trac 2 tires, produced in the Netherlands. They have 6.7 points in their asset, which is also very bad, especially considering that the manufacturing country belongs to the EU with its strict requirements for product quality.
The 9th place was given to the German-made Dunlop SP Ice Sport friction rubber, which earned 6.8 points. This result also cannot be called good, given the fact that these tires showed some of the worst performance on ice.
The 8th and 7th lines of the rating of non-studded winter tires of the 2014-2015 season went to the Chinese-made Pirelli Winter IceControl and Sailun Ice Blazer WSL2 tires. Scoring 7.2 points each, both models performed approximately equal in all tests, but the Sailun tires showed the worst handling on wet asphalt, and the Pirelli did not cope with rolling resistance.
The 6th place in the rating was staked out by the Japanese Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 tires, which scored 7.3 points and showed average results in all tests.
The list of five leaders of the season is opened by the Maxxis SP02 ArcticTrekker Velcro, released in China. Their result is 7.7 points, excellent behavior on the snow, slightly worse performance on ice and mediocre braking on dry asphalt.
The 4th and 3rd places were shared by Michelin X-ice Xi3 wheels made in Spain and Continental ContiVikingContact 6 wheels made in Germany. They have 7.8 points each and almost equal marks for all tests. However, we note that Michelin X-ice Xi3 tires have poor rolling resistance, and Continental ContiVikingContact 6 tires are not very good on wet asphalt.
There was no clear winner among the friction tires this season. The first and second lines were shared by Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 from Finland and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 from Poland. Both stickies scored 8.2 points, but it's worth mentioning that the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 tires are more efficient on dry and wet asphalt, while the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 feels great on snowy tracks.

Braking performance tests were carried out at different speeds depending on the type of surface. The tests on ice and snow were carried out both outdoors and indoors, where, due to the control over temperature and humidity, it is possible to eliminate the influence of weather. The controllability was evaluated in two ways. Lap times were determined first, and a combination of fast acceleration, high lateral grip and effective braking was required from the tires to perform well. Following this, the pilots expressed subjective impressions of each model. Separately, subjective assessments were given to tires for directional stability.

Scandinavian type winter tire test (studded tires)

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 / Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 FRT - winter studded tires of the Scandinavian type, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Thanks to the unique studding technology, the Finnish manufacturer promises to provide unprecedented grip on ice and snow. According to their assurances, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 behaves well in extreme situations, are distinguished by acoustic comfort, rotate easily, save fuel and reduce impact on the road surface.

New tread design

The directional and symmetrical tread pattern of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 with increased tread number allows wide stud spreading, which in turn provides excellent traction, durability and low noise levels.

Due to the increased number of grooves in the tread, the edges of the sipes better cling 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 blocks of the center part of the tread 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 EcoStud 8 stud concept improves the safety and handling of winter tires in extreme situations. The Nokian EcoStud 8 concept includes a new generation anchor spike, the flange shape reduces spike deflection, and an EcoStud cushion under the spike, made of 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.

Updated two-layer tread structure (cap & base)

The technology used in the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 improves braking grip. The especially durable rubber compound inside the tread reliably blocks the stud in the block, stabilizes the tire's movement on dry roads and ensures even tire wear.

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

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

Brake boosters

Have new tire improved grip when braking. 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 central part of the tread, 3D lamellas reinforce it. The tire responds quickly and responsively to steering wheel maneuvers for improved 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 moving along an arc and maneuvers on the track. The new rigid belt pack allows the tire to maintain its shape despite the 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.

59 sizes from 13 to 20 inches

The range includes tires for both the small family car and the large luxury sports car. The range includes RunFlat tires and reinforced tires category XL with increased load-carrying capacity index.

TEST RESULTS

The eighth generation of the famous "Hakkapeliitta" is celebrating its second year this season. Of course, this tire continues to be the benchmark for snow / ice disciplines thanks to its large number of studs. So, for example, in a tire with a dimension of 205/55 R16 there are almost two hundred of them (190 pieces). In addition, each model of the first echelon is a priori being developed with the future in mind. It is no coincidence that the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7, produced since 2009, still rides with dignity. But the "eighth" Hakkapeliitta feels even more confident on the winter road. But the most progressive of all the new model Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, in comparison with the seventh generation, is on the asphalt. Tuulilasi experts noted that there will be no problems with handling in the rain. On dry pavement, the tires also stop quickly and behave confidently in emergency situations. Journalists from Za Rulem were in solidarity with the Finnish experts, praising them for their ideal behavior on ice and snow, high-quality braking on asphalt, good handling, acceptable economy and decent cross-country ability. Experts from Auto Review, like the testers of TestWorld, also found the behavior of the "eighth" Hakkapeliitta on ice and snow outstanding, but in terms of driving on asphalt they were somewhat more restrained in their praise. The most significant complaint of experts was the noise. Although not only this made them notice that for operation in large cities, where they have to drive mainly on asphalt, this is not the best option.

"Behind the wheel": 1st place. Tuulilasi: 1st place. "Auto Review": 1st place. TestWorld: 1st place.

Continental Conti IceContact / Continental ContiIceContact HD - Scandinavian studded winter tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

In Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia, cars need stronger grip on winter roads to drive safely.

This applies more to driving on ice than on snowy roads, which requires tires to have good grip and a soft rubber compound that remains flexible even at low temperatures.

Since autumn 2010, the Continental product line has been expanded with the ContiIceContact, a tire specially designed for harsh conditions. Designed for cars and 4x4 vehicles. The tire has better grip than its predecessors, thus providing greater safety in extremely harsh winter conditions.

The tire is universal and suitable for cars and crossovers of different classes.

Asymmetric tread pattern for optimal traction

The asymmetric tread design concept allows you to meet a variety of tire requirements. Differences in design on the outside and inside of the tread not only affect handling, but also braking distance and traction when starting to travel. When developing the Continental ContiIceContact, engineers used three-dimensional stepped grooves on the inner side of the tire tread, which allow it to interact with snow and ice, ensuring optimal transmission of forces to the road surface during starting and braking.

The outer side of the tire, responsible for the transmission of forces during cornering, also has three-dimensional, but already wavy grooves. They provide cornering grip by closing under lateral loads.

To prevent the tread lugs from closing, they are separated by grooves in the center of the tire. As a result, the traction edges remain open, even under heavy loads, and provide maximum traction and handling stability. Another advantage of the asymmetric tread pattern is even wear, which increases the tire's mileage. The tread design, with grip edges on the sidewalls of the tire and a specific arrangement of studs, is suitable for various tire sizes. Thus, new developments have influenced the driving performance of all tire sizes, even a reduction in noise is one of the advantages of this concept.

Attention: The asymmetrical tread pattern of the ConiIceContact tire on all sizes of this model does not provide for special tires for the left or right side of the vehicle.

New stud technology for better grip on snow and icy roads

To improve traction, engineers at Continental, a leading tire manufacturer in Europe, have developed the new Diamond Plus stud technology used in the ContiIceContact tire. The special tungsten carbide stud bites firmly into the ice, providing excellent grip during acceleration and braking, as well as good handling in general. The cleat is shaped to maximize the length of the grip edges, thus improving the efficiency of the interaction between the tire tread and the cleat.

The advantages of such a stud are reflected, first of all, in a significantly shorter braking distance - a car on such tires has a braking distance 10% less than on tires with a conventional stud. In addition, a revolutionary new cleat seating technology has been used that allows the cleats to be retained in the tread for greater safety when braking and cornering. To improve traction, the new cleat technology includes so-called ice grooves located around the cleat. When a spike scratches the icy surface of the road, ice crumbs are formed, which collect in these grooves, instead of sticking to the spike and reducing the contact area with the road. Thus, this technology allows an increase in the number of traction edges, which improves traction and improves safety when driving on icy surfaces or on packed snow.

Low temperature rubber compound

Continental chemists have optimized the rubber compound for the ContiIceContact, a completely new, fully synthetic softener that keeps the rubber soft at very low temperatures throughout the tire's life cycle to ensure that the tread lugs and sump edges are perfectly aligned with the road. As a result, even after several winter seasons, the tire remains elastic while maintaining all its driving characteristics.

Safety-related performance improved by more than 10%

In terms of safety, the developers of the ContiIceContact bus have achieved particularly notable results. For example, braking distances on ice decreased by 13% (tires for 4x4 vehicles) and 11% (tires for passenger cars) Traction on ice increased by 12% and 10%, respectively, and handling on a winter road by 6% (in in each case a comparison with the predecessor).

Starting in autumn 2010, the ContiWinterViking1 and 2 tires and the Conti 4x4 IceContact will be completely replaced by the ContiIceContact range.

TEST RESULTS

Continental has redesigned its ContiIceContact studded tires to comply with the new European stud regulations effective 1 July 2013. The composition of the mixture has changed, but the main thing is that instead of the previous "diamond" spikes, lightweight "hybrid" spikes of a slightly smaller size and with less aggressive edges of a carbide insert are now also used, glued into the holes, and with less aggressive edges of a carbide insert. gave the "silver" studded Continental ContiIceContact. This model has been showing consistently high results for many years and has not left the pedestal of reputable commissions. The Continental handles well and brakes quickly on ice. Thanks to its high grip, the car is stable and controlled in sliding. On a snowy surface, the car accelerates confidently and decelerates just as confidently. The experts also had no complaints about the management. In winter disciplines Continental ContiIceContact were generally among the best, barely yielding to the more modern and generously studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8. On asphalt, the behavior of the German tire is confident, although not standard. The weakest side of the Continental ContiIceContact is its resistance to slash-planning, however, this parameter, against the background of its competitors, looks very worthy.

"Behind the wheel": 2nd place. Tuulilasi: 2nd place. Auto Review: 3rd place. TestWorld: 2nd place.

Pirelli Winter Ice Zero - Scandinavian type studded winter 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

The third place in the Finnish Tuulilasi rating was taken by the Pirelli Winter Ice Zero tire. The Russian magazine "Za Rulem" has not tested this tire this season. The Italian model received such a high line thanks to the confident behavior on the icy road. Acceleration, braking, handling - everything is normal. At the same time, Pirelli Winter Ice Zero traditionally abruptly break into sliding with the rear axle, which requires constant concentration from the driver. In addition, after the ice tests, the projection of the studs increased by 0.3 mm, which causes slight concerns regarding the quality of the stud. On snow, the Pirelli Ice Zero tires behave even slightly better than on icy surfaces. But asphalt and slush are hard for this rubber. In the Tuulilasi standings, in this sense, the Pirelli tires are outsiders. Braking on wet pavement is good, but Pirellis lose traction easily in corners. In addition, the braking distance is very long on dry surfaces. In addition, the Pirelli Ice Zero is a noisy tire, although rolling resistance is not particularly strong.

"Behind the wheel": not tested. Tuulilasi: 3rd place. Autoreview: not tested. TestWorld: not tested.

Nokian Nordman 5 - winter studded tires of the Scandinavian type, 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

The Nokian Nordman 5 winter tire is a simplified Hakkapeliitta 5. But the potential laid down by the engineers makes it still a worthy model. At the same time, against the background of more modern and expensive competitors, it objectively looks weaker. Bronze in the test "Behind the wheel" she received only because of the cost. Nokian Nordman 5 tires are noticeably cheaper than Hakkapeliitta 8 or ContiIceContact. And the magazine "Za Rulem" in many respects made a rating based on the combination of price and quality. Sergey Mishin recorded good grip on snow, lateral grip on ice, moderate fuel consumption and a clear course on asphalt as a plus for the Nokian Nordman 5; and also noted the weaknesses of the tire: satisfactory handling, directional stability on snow, cross-country ability and level of comfort.

"Behind the wheel": 3rd place. Tuulilasi: not tested. Autoreview: not tested. TestWorld: not tested.

Nokian Nordman 4 - winter studded tires of the Scandinavian type, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Thanks to its wide stud distribution, the Nokian Nordman 4 offers effective traction and low noise levels. The elastic pad located under the cleat softens the touch with the road, dampens noise and increases the strength of the cleat. The tire is also safe on snow slush - the swept tread pattern and lateral grooves effectively remove slush from under the tire. The wide tread and reinforced steel belt ensure stable tire behavior even on rugged roads.

The wear indicator (DSI) shows the residual depth of the tread grooves in millimeters. The O-ring prevents small stones and dirt from entering between the rim and the tire bead and protects them from damage. On the info site, you can make notes on the recommended pressure, as well as indicate the location of the tires on the car.

The Nokian Nordman 4 tires in the size 165/70 R 14 81 T are available with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 2 tread pattern.

TEST RESULTS

The studded Nokian Nordman 4 has received only one source this season, and a very unexpected one. These tires were included in the test program by the TestWorld committee, giving these tires only the eleventh, that is, the penultimate line. The Finnish experts did not like the behavior of the Nokian Nordman 4 tires on ice the most. On the snow, however, their performance also seemed weak to them, as well as their properties on wet asphalt. At the same time, in previous years, the Nokian Nordman 4 tire showed more favorable behavior, especially in the tests of Russian publications. Of course, they did not shine on the podium, but they were confident average.

"Behind the wheel": not tested. Tuulilasi: not tested. Autoreview: not tested. TestWorld: 11th place.

Goodyear UltraGripIce Arctic - Scandinavian studded winter tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Goodyear UltraGripIce Arctic winter tires give the rider superior grip and handling on ice. Which the user gets thanks to Goodyear's Multi ControlIce technology. This revolutionary stud technology increases the contact area between the stud and the road surface 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.

Goodyear Ultra GripIce Arctic winter studs have specially designed unique V-notches and serrated grooves to 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 UltraGripIce 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

The fourth line of the Tuulilasi test was won by Goodyear Ultra GripIce Arctic. They are not much worse than Pirelli Ice Zero and even more so Nokian Nordman 5. Here, the priorities are only slightly shifted. On ice and snow, everything is worthy, without failures. At the same time, Goodyear is very effective on slush and wet asphalt. On dry surfaces, the tires have good braking properties, but in emergency situations they react a little slower, which, however, is normal. Goodyear Ultra GripIce Arctic is a good option for driving in a large city, where most of the time under the wheels lies cold asphalt, periodically watered with reagents, but at the same time snow or ice is quite possible.

"Behind the wheel": not tested. Tuulilasi: 4th place. Autoreview: not tested. TestWorld: 4th place.

Gislaved nord* Frost 100 - studded winter tires of the Scandinavian type, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The manufacturer draws the attention of buyers to the fact that the winter tires Gislaved Nord Frost 100 are distinguished by an improved design of the studs, which increase 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. "

Technical details

Gislaved Nord Frost 100 winter tires use a special stud design, which provides improved grip on ice, 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. (Gislaved is a Continental brand)

It also uses an optimized stud arrangement on the Gislaved Nord Frost 100, which achieves excellent traction on the icy road in both the longitudinal and lateral directions, which guarantees high stability, excellent traction on ice, and also contributes to a shortened braking distance.

The Gislaved Nord Frost 100 mid-center peripheral tread block with straight sipes and a large number of sharp engagement edges provides a large contact patch with the road surface, thereby increasing grip on icy roads.

The two-step structure, with a large number of shoulder sipes and straight sipes, also contributes to traction and braking on loose snow.

At the same time, thanks to the optimized angular end measure of the edges of the engagement edges, a large cross-sectional area in the snow is achieved in all directions, which improves the lateral grip of the Gislaved Nord Frost 100 when cornering.

The manufacturer also notes the unique tread pattern and internal sipes, which are located in the shoulder contact with the road surface. Their work guarantees a high level of handling on dry roads.

In the development of the Gislaved Nord Frost 100, the stud sequence was optimized using computer simulations. This allowed us to create a wide frequency range of possible sound vibrations, and, as a result, the tire has a low noise level.

TEST RESULTS

The fourth position in the test of the magazine "Za Rulem" went to the relatively new winter tire Gislaved Nord * Frost 100. This is a very decent tire. If she participated in the European test, then, most likely, she would have made adjustments to their rating. Like the GoodyearUltra GripIce Arctic, the Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 winter tire is well suited for the Moscow winter, where slush and warmth are periodically replaced by heavy snowfall, frost and ice. At the same time, the main criticism of the magazine "Za Rulem" seemed rather weak cross-country ability, as well as the level of comfort and lateral stability on ice and snow.

"Behind the wheel": 4th place. Tuulilasi: not tested. Autoreview: not tested. TestWorld: 5th place.

Hankook Winter i * Pike RSW 419 - Scandinavian studded winter tire, 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 fifth line of the foreign test of winter tires of the Scandinavian type unexpectedly went to the Korean tire Hankook Winter i * Pike RS W419. Throughout the years, Korean winter tires rarely made it to the middle, but this season things turned out differently. The new Hankooks have significantly increased the number of spikes. Now there are 180 instead of 128. Measurements of acceleration and braking on ice gave average results, but in corners the tires were able to show the best lap times. Although the reactions are somewhat vague. On snow, the Hankook i * Pike RS W419 performed well on slopes, on a circular track, and on tamped forest trails. In addition, Hankook has convincing results on slush, dry and wet asphalt. Good tires with no obvious flaws, showing that the Korean tire industry is moving forward. This was also noticed by the Autoreview team. If in the last test they were faced with an extremely low quality of studs, now there are no complaints about the studs: they are planted evenly, protrude above the tread by the prescribed 1.2 mm. This is reflected in the performance of the Hankook i * Pike RS W419 tires. So much so that the newspaper "Autoreview" put this tire in the second place of its rating! The Finns from the TestWorld committee gave the Korean tire only sixth place, but did not highlight any particular misses, except that the pilots noted that the Hankook can behave a little more nervously on the snow than other tires.

"Behind the wheel": not tested. Tuulilasi: 5th place. Auto Review: 2nd place. TestWorld: 6th place.

Formula Ice - Scandinavian type studded winter tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The new Formula Ice studded tire expands the product line of the new Formula brand. The balanced winter tire for passenger cars and SUVs provides good performance and a high level of safety.

The directional tread pattern with a center rib makes the car more precise on dry and wet pavement, preventing aquaplaning when driving in melted snow and thick water film.

Massive blocks of the shoulder areas give the car directional stability. The tire has excellent driving and braking performance on ice due to the use of an aluminum hexagon stud. An excellent choice for those who value value for money.

TEST RESULTS

After the Gislaved Nord * Frost 100, the test line of winter tires of the magazine "Za Rulem" consists entirely of weak tires either of domestic production or of unknown foreign manufacturers. The exception, perhaps, is the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01, but after the Gislaved Nord * Frost 100 in the list of preferences of the magazine "Za Rulem", they were not at all located, but winter tires called Formula Ice, akin to the Pirelli company. This rubber has demonstrated good braking properties on dry asphalt and excellent ride quality, while virtually failing the snow and ice tests.

"Behind the wheel": 5th place. Tuulilasi: not tested. Autoreview: not tested. TestWorld: not tested.

Michelin X-IceNorth 3– winter studded tires of the Scandinavian type, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

To maximize the performance of the new MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tires, Michelin engineers have rethought all tire safety parameters on icy and other hazardous road surfaces, with particular attention to tread and studs. The emphasis was on the shape of the studs, their placement, the tread pattern, as well as the composition of the thermosetting rubber compound. The process of creating these tires was considered as a whole and was aimed at achieving the best possible grip on ice and snow, combined with a longer service life.

The latest generations of MIСHELIN X-ICE North tires had a two-layer tread, where the upper rubber layer was responsible for grip, and the lower, inner layer - 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.

In the development of the MICHELIN X-ICE North 3, special attention has been paid to the tread space around the stud. When driving on ice, ice crumbs 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 MICHELIN 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 MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 protector uses a special "StepIn-StepOut" shape of the shoulder area. Having paid attention to the peculiarities of the structure of the tread of mud tires, the developers have adopted the toothed structure of the shoulder zone (when its blocks have a different protrusion). This structure can significantly improve the tire's permeability in deep snow and snow 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 North 3 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 in MICHELIN winter tires), which increases the sidewall hardness and its ability to deform for optimal obstacle clearance. MICHELIN IronFlex technology is a high-strength carcass yarn with exceptional flexibility and a special sidewall construction that quickly dissipates peak loads.

TEST RESULTS

It's a bit unexpected to see Michelin tires in the second half of the rankings. But in recent seasons, in the case of winter tires, this is somehow the case. This is partly due to fewer studs, and poor performance in acceleration and braking tests on ice may be due to this factor. The Michelin X-IceNorth 3 also had the worst lap times on an icy track. At the same time, on the snow they have good acceleration, but a long braking distance. When driving on snow, the tires hold grip well, but only when driving in a straight line, and lose stability in corners. At the same time, slush is not an obstacle for Michelin, and on dry asphalt they have the shortest braking distance from 100 km / h. Emergency behavior is stable, but noise is relatively high. Suitable tires for winter in a big city, where snow and ice are rare companions on the road.

"Behind the wheel": not tested. Tuulilasi: 6th place. Autoreview: not tested. TestWorld: 8th place.

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 - Scandinavian type studded winter tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The main indicator of studded tires is their grip on ice. The Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 features a new spike shape called "Cross-EdgePin" 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 in modeling technology, the tread design of the Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 has undergone significant changes. V 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

The Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 passed three of the four tests. In the test of the Russian magazine, they got the sixth position out of ten possible, and in the measurements of the Finns from Tuulilasi they turned out to be outsiders, taking the last eighth place. Both authorities praised this tire for its ability to behave on the ice. The rest of the Japanese tires were rich in contradictions. In "Za Rulem" they were scolded for increased fuel consumption, poor cross-country ability, bad behavior on the asphalt and a low level of comfort. In the Finnish magazine Tuulilasi Bridgestone tires demonstrated excellent slush-planning resistance, but relatively long braking distances on wet asphalt. Experts also noticed vague reactions to steering turns on dry surfaces. The snow reactions are not as sharp as the best tires, but the braking distances are short. In addition, there is a tendency to oversteer in the snow. The noise is relatively quiet, but the rolling resistance is too high for today's eco-friendly standards.

"Behind the wheel": 6th place. Tuulilasi: 8th place. Autoreview: not tested. TestWorld: 9th place.

Dunlop Ice Touch - Scandinavian 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 DunlopIceTouch tire is made using the same technologies as the Goodyear Ultra GripIce Arctic.

The Dunlop Ice Touch features a directional tread pattern with wide drainage grooves that taper from center to center. Numerous sipes at different angles, sharp engagement edges and somewhat erratic 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

Better than the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 in the Tuulilasi test was the Dunlop Ice Touch. They are similar in design to the Goodyear Ultra GripIce Arctic. Despite this, experts discerned somewhat different characteristics in them. On ice Dunlop accelerate slowly, but brakes confidently. In terms of controllability, they are somewhat inferior to the leaders, since a skid can start relatively early, but still - with dignity. On snow, acceleration and braking performance is better than on ice, and handling is also prone to sudden loss of traction, even at low speeds. Braking distances on wet pavement are short and Dunlop Ice Touch will generally behave well in rain. In addition, Dunlop winter tires respond very quickly to steering turns on dry surfaces, where they handle emergency maneuvers well. And as a bonus - low noise level.

"Behind the wheel": not tested. Tuulilasi: 7th place. Autoreview: not tested. TestWorld: 7th place.

Cordiant Snow Cross - winter studded tires of the Scandinavian type, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The Cordiant Snow Cross tire was developed by a team of engineers specifically for use in the unpredictable and harsh Russian winter. This is how the manufacturer himself describes his product.

When developing the Cordiant Snow Cross, special attention was paid to safety while riding. The tire perfectly combines reliable grip, precise braking and excellent handling on a winter road covered with snow or ice.

Ice-Cor technology ensures predictable behavior on ice when shod with Cordiant Snow Cross tires.

For safe driving on snowy roads and in thaws, Cordiant specialists have applied Snow-Cor technology, which provides the tire with ideal grip on snow.

The tire also features a new green Cor-Fix compound with an increased silica content, which maintains the Cordiant Snow Cross performance even at low temperatures and improves wet grip performance.

TEST RESULTS

Seventh place in the "Behind the wheel" test was taken by Russian Cordiant Snow Cross. Sergei Mishin recommended these tires fit outback with icy, snowy roads, rich in snowdrifts. This is because this rubber feels best in such an environment. At the same time, handling on ice and snow is not a masterpiece. It's even worse on the pavement. Especially the braking distance.

"Behind the wheel": 7th place. Tuulilasi: have not been tested. Autoreview: not tested. TestWorld: not tested.

Toyo Observe G3-Ice - Scandinavian winter spike tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The manufacturer says the Toyo OBSERVE G3-ICE is designed for optimal traction and braking on ice and snow. The stable performance of the tire throughout its life makes it ideal for use in extreme winter conditions.

Improved stud distribution combined with Toyo's unique "Microbit" technology (natural micropips - walnut shell particles in the tread compound) provide superior traction and braking performance in the harshest winter conditions. In addition to reliable grip on snow and ice, the Toyo OBSERVE G3-ICE tire also provides a high level of comfort.

TEST RESULTS

The Japanese Toyo Observe G3-Ice turned out to be worse than the Cordiant Snow Cross. Asphalt is contraindicated for this model. However, ice and snow are also not its habitat. No more than satisfactory.

"Behind the wheel": 8th place. Tuulilasi: have not been tested. Autoreview: not tested. TestWorld: not tested.

Amtel Nord Master ST 310 - winter studded tires of the Scandinavian type, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Increased controllability, zigzag longitudinal and transverse grooves with acute-angled edges of the Amtel Nord Master ST 310 increase mechanical adhesion to the road surface, improve controllability and lateral stability. At the same time, lug ribs provide excellent cross-country ability on loose snow.

The short braking distance of the Amtel Nord Master ST 310 is provided by all the tread elements, which are extremely saturated with zigzag sipes, which significantly shortens the braking distance and acceleration time, prevents slipping and slipping.

TEST RESULTS

Amtel Nord Master ST 310 tires are in demand on the Russian market. The vocation of this rubber is asphalt. On wet and dry pavement, the braking distance is almost the best. But on a winter road, things are much worse. Acceleration is weak, braking is also, exactly like behavior.

"Behind the wheel": 9th place. Tuulilasi: have not been tested. Autoreview: not tested. TestWorld: not tested.

Kama EURO 519– winter studded tires of the Scandinavian type, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Car tire Kama Euro 519 is a winter tire with studs for passenger cars.

The tread of the Kama Euro 519 tire consists of two layers. The bottom layer has a dense texture. The blocking of the studs is achieved precisely due to the lower tread layer in the Kama Euro 519 tire. And the upper one allows you to maintain elasticity during operation in harsh climates, due to the high content of natural rubber in the tire. The tread pattern guarantees a long service life during long-term use.

Technical characteristics of the Nizhnekamsk tire Kama Euro 519:

- Provides excellent grip on difficult road sections (ice, snow) with the fan-shaped arrangement of sipes in the tread;

- correct positioning of the studs on the tire reduces the noise level and improves grip;

- low fuel consumption due to the use of the latest modern technologies;

- tires adapted to the harsh Russian winter conditions;

- a holographic sticker on the tire confirming the process of studding the tire at the factory. Thus, it guarantees a precise fit of the stud and avoids damaging the tires.

- V-grooves on the tread help the tire self-cleaning from dirt and snow.

TEST RESULTS

Nizhenekamsky winter tire - Kama Euro-519 turned out to be the worst in the ZR test. They brake well on dry asphalt. Satisfactory directional stability on a winter road. At the same time, they have the worst grip on ice and weak on snow, which translates into difficult handling on a winter road, limited cross-country ability and a low level of comfort.

Our country is rich in climatic conditions, and those traveling around the country as a tourist or for work often have situations when they need to move from one climatic zone to another. This raises a logical question, what to do with the oil and should it be? The head of the technical department of Total Vostok Roman Korchagin answers questions.

We are testing Mio MiVue C537 - a video recorder with a GPS informer

Probably, every model line has a device that looks like a kind of gray horse. As a rule, it is inexpensive, but very functional, and inconspicuous against the background of fellows, since all the attention of marketers is given to flagship models. It is under this description that the Mio MiVue C537 video recorder falls - a simple, convenient and inexpensive device.

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.

THE BELL

Testwintertire 2014-2015

Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 - studless (friction) winter tire, test

Nokian WRD3 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

Goodyear UltraGrip 9 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

Michelin Alpin 5 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

Hankook Winter i * cept RS W442 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

Toyo Snowprox S943 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

Firestone Winter Hawk 3 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

Fulda Kristall Montero 3 - studless (frictional) winter tire, test

Scandinavian models for harsh winters

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 - studless (friction) winter tire, test

Continental ContiVikingContact 6 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

Michelin X-ice Xi3 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

Bridgestone Blizzak VRX - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 - the best winter tire deal

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic - a prototype from the legendary manufacturer

Michelin X-ICE North XIN3 - last year's leader model

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01 - another successful series of the concern

Dunlop Ice Touch - Winter Tire Closing the Leaderboard

Summing up

Scandinavian type winter tire test (studded tires)

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 / Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 FRT - winter studded tires of the Scandinavian type, test

Continental Conti IceContact / Continental ContiIceContact HD - Scandinavian studded winter tires, test

Pirelli Winter Ice Zero - Scandinavian type studded winter tires, test

Nokian Nordman 5 - winter studded tires of the Scandinavian type, test

Nokian Nordman 4 - winter studded tires of the Scandinavian type, test

Goodyear UltraGripIce Arctic - Scandinavian studded winter tires, test

Gislaved nord* Frost 100 - studded winter tires of the Scandinavian type, test

Hankook Winter i * Pike RSW 419 - Scandinavian studded winter tire, test

Formula Ice - Scandinavian type studded winter tires, test

Michelin X-IceNorth 3– winter studded tires of the Scandinavian type, test

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 - Scandinavian type studded winter tires, test

Dunlop Ice Touch - Scandinavian winter studded tires, test

Cordiant Snow Cross - winter studded tires of the Scandinavian type, test

Toyo Observe G3-Ice - Scandinavian winter spike tires, test

Amtel Nord Master ST 310 - winter studded tires of the Scandinavian type, test

Kama EURO 519– winter studded tires of the Scandinavian type, test

We are testing Mio MiVue C537 - a video recorder with a GPS informer

Read also

Nissan Juke - specifications

Specifications Nissan Juke Specifications Nissan Beetle

From Hatchback to SUV: Body Types What is the Difference Between a Coupe and a Hatchback

THE BELL