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) opens with 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.
- On the 11th place are the South Korean Kumho tires I * ZEN KW31, 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 on ice these tires showed some of the worst performance.
- 8th and 7th lines of the rating of winter non-studded tires of the season 2014-2015 went to Pirelli Winter IceControl and Sailun Ice Blazer WSL2 tires made in China... Scoring 7.2 points each, both models performed roughly 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 divided Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 from Finland and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 from Poland. Both stickies earned 8.2 points each, but it's worth mentioning that goodyear tires UltraGrip Ice 2 is more efficient on dry and wet asphalt, while the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 thrives on snowy pavement.
The ADAC club offered the audience the results of measurements of friction (studless) tires for the winter of the European type, 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. Carriers of winter tires have become Volvo sedan S60 and Volvo V70 station wagon. Most of the measurements were carried out using the V-Box equipment. Subsidiary ABS systems and ESC were on - in the latter case, Sport mode was used, allowing 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 a primordial 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 the speed at which a car ascends on a snow-water slurry. An 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
The leader of the German test was the German Continental tires ContiWinterContact TS850. 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. ContiVikingContact 5 Scandinavian Velcro feels much better on ice, not to mention the studded model 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 Japanese stamps usually do not shine with talents against the background of rivals. But this is only in the case when models for severe cold are compared with each other. But the Japanese tires for mild winters in the circle of competitors feel much better. 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 conditions mild winter in the ADAC test Dunlop Winter Response 2 proved to be worthy. 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 get to the very top of the pedestal. tire tests different editions, from year to year finding 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 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 in the German test the German tire won, then in the Finnish test - the Finnish one. Last year's novelty is the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 with a gigantic number of studs (190 in the 205 / 55R16 dimension). 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 the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, the German Continental ContiIceContact tires have been in production 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 on a snow-water slurry) is not the best, but at the same time it is at a safe level.
Bronze in Tuulilasi test was snatched by studded Pirelli Ice zero... On the ice, they do not feel much worse than the leaders. Although the slippage of the rear axle in sliding is more pronounced here, which forces the driver to constantly be 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 less spikes, which cannot be said, for example, of 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 they were inferior 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 leaders. Braking and accelerating on ice in the zone good result... 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.
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Do you know what car tires will look like literally in the not too distant future? According to leading developers in the industry, car tires will be narrow and have a large diameter. In fact, they will resemble wheels of bygone days, only made using new technologies. And in order to increase energy-saving and environmental properties, and at the same time, in addition to optimize production, the components of rubber will be radically changed.
Already currently in production are used vegetable oils, which replaced the traditional components from petroleum products. The result of this was the emergence of silica (i.e. silicon) from rice husks, in order to increase the adhesion effect, walnut shells are added, as well as experiments with rubber extracted from dandelions are being carried out - the search for new solutions together with the development of alternative raw materials is gaining momentum. In addition, the very concept of tires will undergo fundamental changes. For example, the technology that maintains the required pressure in the tire automatically is already in full swing, there are examples of universal tires with "spikes as needed" and airless tires that do without inflation with air (gas) at all, that is, we are returning to the era of pre-pneumatic tires.
Here is the small statistics for 2014, which was mentioned above, on the domestic market, which shows sales in the retail market of winter passenger and light truck tires. Based on this, the article was built: "The best winter tires 2014/2015" and statistics show what market shares are occupied by foreign brands:
But here you need to make a small reservation, these figures show only a couple of bus segments: A and B - i.e. premium class and middle class, and outside the scope of these statistics there is still segment C - which includes winter tires of economy class. Note that C-class products include domestic, Chinese and a number of other foreign tire manufacturers, and account for almost half of the market sales. It remains to be seen what will happen next, because the situation on the tire market is currently uncommon. Now let's see what Petrovich wrote to us.
Choosing the best winter tires 2014/2015
Since the entire range prepared by manufacturers on winter period It is almost impossible to sort out 2014/2015 on the shelves. We decided to mark the most popular models - new items of the current and some of the last season, for example, the price of several sizes of tires sold in our market is indicated. In addition, for some tire models, a current rating is indicated according to a 10-point scale, compiled according to customer reviews. We start with models of winter tires of the so-called premium and medium price range (A and B segment).
1. Winter Bridgestone tires presented in our market since last year with an optimized assortment of the Blizzak family. And here the first thing is the new friction tires of the model Blizzak VRX.
The following model is new model studded tire Blizzak Spike-01.
In addition, the company has prepared for winter season 2014/2015 new friction model for crossovers / SUVs - Blizzak DM-V2.
2. Continental winter tires- the company pleased motorists with the release of a new friction model - Conti Viking Contact 6. This model replaced the veteran with the number 5, which we have known since 2008.
Regarding the winter studded tires of this company, let's say that a "lightweight" model called ContiIce Contact HD was manufactured and released on the market. Which fully complies with the new EC requirements, its sales have already started with us. Although, according to the reviews of motorists, this winter the predecessor will "steer" the cars, i.e. - ContiIce Contact.
3. Dunlop Company last year it presented its new spike tires model - Ice touch.
It is worth noting another new model of the last winter season, which belongs to the class of friction tires - Winter Maxx WM01 from Dunlop.
4. By Gislaved also last season presented a model of studded tires in a new generation called Nord frost 100.
It is worth noting here that the number of studs on this tire fully meets the new requirements for European countries (i.e., no more than fifty pieces per one meter of wheel rolling). What did not stop this model from showing really excellent results, participating in comparative tests and earn widespread popularity among car enthusiasts.
5. Last season, another novelty from Good Year Is a model called the Ultra Grip Ice Arctic that has received excellent reviews along with high ratings from motorists.
By the way, already for this winter season the Good Year company has prepared and released to the market a version of this model, which is positioned as winter tires for crossovers. This is the Ultra Grip Ice Arctic SUV. In addition, the friction model of the Ultra Grip Ice 2 tire was released in a new generation.
6. Again, from last season by Hankook new studded tires of the Winter i-Pike RS W419 model are offered to motorists.
7. We got to Michelin, offering motorists from the winter 2013/2014 season its model - X-Ice North 3 in a new generation, in which, according to the manufacturer, the sidewalls have become more durable.
This novelty has become a logical addition to the already well-known to consumers - the third generation of the friction tire model - Michelin X-Ice 3.
8. We will tell, of course, about Nokian which presented its studded tire model - Hakkapeliitta 8. The company has increased the number of studs by 1.5 times for these tires, but at the same time the tires fully comply with the new EU rules, which say about the restrictions on the effect of studded tires on asphalt road surfaces.
In addition, the manufacturer also offers friction tires in the new generation of the model - Hakkapeliitta R2, which received reinforced side parts.
And this season, you can already get acquainted with the version of the spiked tires for crossovers, the model - Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV, also with reinforced side parts, plus models of studded tires located in the middle price range - NordMan 5 and NordMan 5 SUV will also enter the market.
Note that the NordMan 5 model was created on the "platform" of the Hakkapeliitta 5, namely, the developers borrowed the frame from it along with the tread pattern. But they used a more simplified composition. rubber compound for the tread, and the tire received not a multifaceted, but a round core. According to the manufacturer - the length of the braking distance on the icy surface has been reduced by about 7 percent compared to the previous model.
Regarding the NordMan 5 SUV, these winter tires use multifaceted studs and a carcass from the Hakkapeliitta 5 SUV, which was taken off the assembly line, although the composition of the rubber compounds was left the same.
9. Pirelli - here it should be noted that she does not often make winter tires, especially for the "harsh conditions of the north." But nevertheless, I would like to note the studded tire model called Ice Zero.
10. Toyo Company offers car enthusiasts a studded model of winter tires - Observe G3-Ice, which differs among other representatives in a rather wide range of sizes - more than 100!
11. Yokohama is not far behind by presenting a new generation of already well-known studded tires - Ice guard IG55. Compared to the previous model, the IG35, the new tire, while shortening the stopping distance, also significantly increased the stud integration strength, the company said.
It is worth noting another development of the company, these are frictional winter Ice tires Guard IG50, which are presented on the market in a fairly wide range of sizes - more than 90 types!
Traditionally, group C (economy class tires) is represented by models of domestic manufacturers. It should be noted that a separate part of them have already come close to the price of mid-range tires. Among the new developments of Russian companies (although the tread pattern shows where the "tracks" are leading from), one can note the spike tires of the model Cordiant Snow Cross. Incidentally, the company claims that these tires have shorter braking distances on ice than the "prototype".
It can be noted in the domestic market and appeared new brand, which can be attributed to the budget - this is Formula, formed (created) under the "patronage" of the famous Pirelli. So, this company has released the current model of studded tires - Formula Ice.
It is simply impossible to narrate about economy-class winter tires and not mention the original brands from the Middle Kingdom. New names, and especially new tire models, come out almost regularly, this also applies to the segment winter tires... By the way, here manufacturers declare about models that have been tested at the world-famous test site in the town of Ivalo, located in the north of Finland.
Among the new products are winter tires from by Aeolus- this manufacturer is better known for the manufacture of tires for special and commercial vehicles. But since 2011, has expanded the range and tires for passenger cars... In the new season 2014/2015 the company offers studded tires of the model - Aeolus Ice Challenger to motorists.
In order to have plenty to choose from, we will present you a couple of models from China, the so-called “studded” ones, besides these tires are similar to the tread pattern copied from the once popular tire - Gislaved NF III.
Model Sunny SN-3860
Model Triangle Group TR777
Rating of studless and studded winter tires 2014/2015
Among the leaders of winter studded and non-studded tires, it is worth noting Gislaved and Nokian, which are confidently promoting their models on the market. Such Japanese tire companies as Yokohama and Bridgestone, which are famous for their summer tire models, also keep up with them.
But in addition to these eminent manufacturers, it is nice to see domestic companies in the top twenty of the best winter tires, for example, Cordiant, which deservedly is in the TOP, producing inexpensive but high-quality tire models.
So, TOP-20 best winter tires 2014/2015
1. Model of winter tires YOKOHAMA IG35— 5.04%
2. BRIDGESTONE model Blizzak DM-V1— 2.59%
WintertiresBRIDGESTONE Blizzak DM-V1
3. DUNLOP model SP Winter Sport 3D— 2.02%
WintertiresDUNLOP SP Winter Sport
4. Model MICHELIN X-Ice North 3— 1.89%
Wintertires
5. Model CORDIANT Sno Max— 1.89%
Wintertires
6. Model NOKIAN Hakkapeliitta 7— 1.82%
Winter tires NOKIAN Hakkapeliitta 7
7. TOYO modelObserveG3-Ice—
1.80%
WintertiresTOYO Observe G3-Ice
8. BRIDGESTONE ICE Cruiser 7000 model— 1.79%
Wintertires
9. NOKIAN Nordman 4 model— 1.68%
Winter tires NOKIAN Nordman 4
10. Model NOKIAN Hakkapeliitta SUV 7— 1.67%
Winter tires NOKIAN Hakkapeliitta SUV 7
11. Model YOKOHAMA Ice Guard F700Z— 1.67%
WintertiresYOKOHAMA Ice Guard F700Z
12. Model BRIDGESTONEBLIZZAKREVO-Gz — 1.67%
Wintertires
13. Model DUNLOPSPWinterIce 01 — 1.48%
WintertiresDUNLOP SP Winter Ice 01
14. Model NOKIAN Hakkapeliitta 8 — 1.46%
Winter tires NOKIAN Hakkapeliitta 8
15. Model — 1.46%
Wintertires
16. ROADSTONE Winguard 231 model — 1.39%
Also participated in the test:- Avatyre Freeze - domestic development
- Gislaved Nord Frost 100
- Toyo Observe GSi-5
- Hankook Winter I * Pike RS +
On each set of 205/55 R16 tires, before the tests, the pilots drove 500 km to run them in. After that, the organizers checked the protrusion of the studs and the hardness of the rubber.
To assess the longitudinal and lateral grip on ice, the organizers measured the acceleration time, braking distance and lap time on the track. Each kit was tested at least 7-10 times to identify errors in the results. For a more accurate calculation of the lateral grip, a twelve-meter adjustment was used. This maneuver is also called "moose test" - a quick detour of a sudden obstacle (moose on the road).
To avoid the pilot's bias, the same tires were tested by several people. They gave marks for directional stability and handling. Directional stability was tested at a speed of 90-110 km / h. The pilot rotated the steering wheel at small angles and observed the behavior of the car on the tested tires.
Another test tested the permeability in the snow, the ability to overcome snowdrifts, maneuver, get under way and move. reverse... The organizers of the test considered this to be as important for winter tires as all of the above. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic performed best in this test. According to the organizers, with these tires the front-wheel drive car turned into a real all-terrain vehicle!
Ride and cabin noise were evaluated on different surfaces and at different speeds. After testing the tires on ice and snow, experts evaluated how well the studs were in the tires.
On asphalt, tires were tested for fuel consumption. All tires were tracked in both directions in order to neutralize the influence of a slope in the road or a slight breeze. The braking distances on dry and wet asphalt and directional stability were also evaluated.
And the very last test was the inspection of the tires and the counting of the emitted spikes. Bridgestone tires lost the most - 18 studs. In second place were Toyo tires who lost 7 thorns.
As a result, according to the results of all tests, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 became the winner of the test. In second place, with a margin of only half a percent, were the Continental ContiIceContact 2 tires.
The test results for winter studded tires 205/55 R16 are shown in the tables below.
Winter in Russia and Ukraine, as a rule, despite all available forecasts of weather forecasters, comes suddenly and unexpectedly for both motorists and public utilities. Surely, almost everyone is familiar with the phenomenon when, after the first snow, it is almost impossible to sign up for a tire fitting. Fortunately, we are starting to sell winter tires in advance. So, the 2014-2015 winter tire season actually started in the summer at the end of July 2014. In stores and on the websites of electronic trading platforms began to appear latest news"Winter shoes" for the car.
Every year manufacturers try to come up with something new, both in terms of improving the composition of the rubber itself, the design of the tire, and in terms of marketing and product promotion. What new did the 2014-2015 season bring us? Of course, it will be simply unrealistic to evaluate the entire range of products from all manufacturers, so let's together focus on only the main, best winter tires.
Nokian tires
The Finns have done a great job and have seriously updated their line of winter tires for passenger cars (including SUVs). Models appeared Nokian nordman 5 and 5 SUVs with modified studs of various shapes (round for cars and square for SUVs). The price starts from 2135 rubles. The Hakkapeliitta CR3 for tough climates has been added to the friction tire range with an optimized steel belt for even greater durability. Separately, we would like to highlight the new spike model Hakkapeliitta 8. The number of spikes has been increased by almost one and a half times. The cost of new items varies from 3,650 rubles for 175/65 R14 to 13,200 rubles for 245/45 R18.
Bridgestone tires
The Japanese have updated the Blizzak tire line. In the series of friction rubber, we will highlight the Blizzak VRX model. Thanks to the improved rubber compound, grip on ice is increased and the service life is significantly increased. The cost varies from 2900 rubles for 185/65 R14 to 5900 rubles for 215/50 R17. For SUVs, the Blizzak DMV-2 model appeared (price from 3650 rubles for R15 to 6250 rubles for R18). There is a new microporous tread structure, an updated pattern. Proprietary ECO-Products technology reduces rolling resistance.
Continental tires
The Germans have updated the ContiVikingContact (Velcro) line. The sixth generation has already come out. There is a completely new tread pattern, improved grip, and an innovative sipe structure. The cost varies from 3350 rubles for 175/65 R14 to 8450 rubles for 225/55 R17. The tires are designed for the Scandinavian and Russian winters and are especially reliable on ice.
Video about the new ContiVikingContact 6 tires:
Dunlop tires
Pictured Dunlop Ice Touch
The photo shows the friction Dunlop rubber Winter Maxx WM01
In Russia, two last year's well-proven tire models deserve attention: studded Ice Touch (price from 2900 rubles for 185/65 R14 to 6950 rubles for R17) and frictional Dunlop Winter Maxx WM01 (price from 2650 rubles for 185/65 R14 to 7100 rubles for 215/55 R17). There are no new products for 2015 yet.
Good Year tires
For the new season, Ultra Grip Ice Arctic SUV tires are presented (on the left in the photo), and also on the right in the photo - Ultra Grip Ice 2 (from 2850 rubles for R14 to 9000 rubles for R18). The latter deserve attention, since are the next generation of Ultra Grip Ice, popular in Russia. They are made of a special cryoadaptive rubber compound that is flexible even at low temperatures. Also on the shelves are very reliable Ultra Grip Ice Arctic (from 2900 rubles for R14 to 5700 rubles for R16). They are specially designed for cold arctic regions. In addition, they have improved capabilities for driving in wet snow and slush.
Video about the ice test of winter tires, though for 2013, but nothing, you will pick something up for yourself when choosing new tires for your car this year:
The winter tires of the new season 2014-2015 are designed to provide ever greater reliability and increased comfort when driving in difficult climatic conditions. For the territory of Russia, this is especially important, therefore, when choosing winter tires for your car, show special scrupulousness and thoughtfulness. Fortunately, the number of manufacturers and the range of their tires on the market is rather big.
