Top 10 studless winter tires. Big test of winter tires: the choice "Behind the wheel"! Ivan Ivanych: So all the same there are thorns or Velcro

The next winter season has started, and with it the most appropriate time has come to select high-quality rubber for your car. Numerous manufacturers have filled the market with a wide range of studded and friction tires, significantly complicating the task of choosing an ordinary motorist. So that you do not make the wrong choice among such a wide variety, Finnish experts have tested an impressive amount of winter tires, but we summarize their work, offering a final rating.

But let's start with an overview of several of the most popular new products that are already being successfully implemented on the Russian market this season (winter 2014-2015).

This list will open with studded "tires" developed on the basis of the Hakkapeliitta 5 model using computer simulation of the tread pattern. The tread itself received a 4-layer structure (Quattrotread technology) with a separate rubber compound for each layer, additional grooves in the shoulder area to improve lateral grip when cornering, as well as interconnected blocks in the central area, providing reliable directional stability. Nokian Nordman 5 tires have round studs with a wide base, planted using the "bear's claw" technology, which keeps the studs in an upright position even during increased loads, which guarantees reliable grip on snowy and icy road surfaces.

Another studded novelty of the Russian winter rubber market is tires. The developers have worked seriously, offering completely redesigned "studs", radically different from last year's model. Firstly, the rubber received a reinforced side frame made using the Ironflex technology with the use of special threads that dissipate the load over the entire area. Secondly, the new rubber compound has improved the elasticity of tires even at very low temperatures, ensuring the lowest noise level of all new products this season. Thirdly, the improved tread contains 15% more sectors than the predecessor model, and the system of water diversion grooves has a new structure that more effectively copes with its task. And fourthly, the new wide conical base cleats are supported by a layer of thermosetting rubber that hardens at low temperatures, guaranteeing the cleat a reliable base that prevents punching and reliably holds the cleat in an upright position.

Closes the list of new "spikes" rubber, developed for the Italian brand by a group of Scandinavian specialists. The new line of Pirelli Formula Ice rubber was originally created for countries with cold climates, therefore, special components are included in its rubber compound to maintain softness and elasticity even in severe frosts. The Pirelli Formula Ice projector is distinguished by its high density of sipes, the presence of wide drainage grooves, as well as the presence of a one-piece reinforced center rib that ensures stability on any road surface. The aluminum spikes of Pirelli Formula Ice rubber have a hexagonal core with pointed edges and a wide base fixed with a layer of dense rubber. These cleats are almost impossible to lose, they provide excellent longitudinal and lateral traction, and their lightweight body contributes to the reduction in rubber mass.

Let's move on to the new friction tires (Velcro). First, we note the German tires, which have shown themselves well in the current tests. Its main feature is its asymmetric three-zone tread, designed to ensure safe driving on snow, ice and wet surfaces. The protector was designed using computer modeling, in its outer part there are paired blocks connected by supporting bridges, a large number of sipes and grooves with sharp edges are located in the center, and the inner part is equipped with curved blocks with stepped sipes, which allows you to simulate the effect of anti-skid chains when driving on snowy roads.

The second novelty of the 2014-2015 season, worthy of close attention, is the tires made in Japan. Thanks to a new synthetic polymer introduced into the rubber compound, these friction tires demonstrate the best performance at any ambient temperature. The polymer changes its properties depending on the temperature regime, maintaining the elasticity of the rubber at an optimal level, and the special microporous structure of the tread surface (MultiCellCompound technology) allows it to absorb water formed between the tread and the icy road surface, which guarantees the preservation of grip and handling. The tread of the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 tires has a directional pattern with a large number of sharp edges and 3D sipes, which improve grip on snow and wet roads.

Let's finish our review of new products with Finnish tires. This friction rubber has received an innovative rubber compound, in which high-quality silica, natural rubber and cryosilane are actively used, which guarantees the maintenance of the elasticity of the tires in a wide temperature range. In addition, rapeseed oil is introduced into the rubber, which increases the tire's tear resistance. The top layer of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 tires is additionally equipped with microscopic crystals of multi-faceted shape, which act as micro-spikes, thereby providing additional traction on icy roads. As for the tread, it has a directional pattern with an abundance of sharp corners, ribbed sipes, as well as special "claws" in the shoulder area for more efficient work in snow.

Well, now let's move on to the most "tasty" one, that is. the rating of winter tires for the 2014-2015 season. The rating is based on large-scale tests carried out by a team of Finnish specialists from the Test World company, known all over the world. Immediately, we note that the Finns are quite scrupulous and responsible in their approach to their business, and therefore they buy all the test material on their own in a regular retail network, which means that manufacturers do not have the opportunity to send "charged" versions of their tires for testing. The tests themselves took place in the Arctic Circle both in the open air and in a special room with the ability to adjust the humidity and temperature levels. During the tests, experts evaluated the behavior of rubber on snow, ice, dry and wet asphalt, setting ratings, which were then multiplied by the weight coefficient. The study measured the braking distance of the car, its acceleration characteristics, handling and directional stability, as well as the noise level in the cabin (front and rear). You can familiarize yourself with the final results of the rating by following the corresponding links below.

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 a great driver's assistant in difficult winter conditions.

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 proposal 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, 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 motorists' best buy list last season. If it's time to get some new winter tires this year, take a look at this instance. Michelin always offers the best technology, but X-ICE North has truly exceeded customer 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 tire 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 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 matched with the quality characteristics, which makes the purchase of rubber much more profitable for the driver. The main features and technical advantages of Dunlop Ice Touch are manifested in the following characteristics:

• tread pattern incredibly different from competitors;
• the presence of thorns in a disordered mode;
• high traction 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 city 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?

Bearing in mind the crisis, we chose the most popular and most affordable studded tires, not forgetting about the Chinese ones. Seven of eleven of these tires turned out to be less than 2,500 rubles. There are not many new products in the "VAZ" standard size, but we "had it with us" - the Continental ContiIceContact 2 tires are just entering the market. For the first time, almost the most affordable domestic "studding" Avatyre Freeze (1,770 rubles), Polish Sava Eskimo Stud tires (2,135 rubles), Chinese Aeolus Ice Challenger (2,140 rubles) and Japanese Yokohama iceGUARD iG55 (2,590 rubles) are participating in our tests. Among the "Scandinavians" the choice is much more modest. According to manufacturers, the share of spikes in the Russian market ranges from 65 to 80%, that is, there is very little room for neships. We found only seven sets. The cheapest are the Cordiant Winter Drive for 2050 rubles and the Nordman RS for 2225 rubles. The middle price category (2500-3000 rubles) is represented by the "Japanese" Bridgestone Blizzak VRX and Toyo Observe GSi-5, as well as Polish-made Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2. We did not even disdain a couple of top models Nokian and Continental, which are more expensive than 3000 rubles apiece.

The tests were carried out in January - February at the AVTOVAZ test site, near Togliatti. The winter was not very frosty: the temperature jumped in the range of -25 ... -5 ºС. The asphalt part was rolled out in early May, on dry roads. We worked at night when the temperature did not rise above + 5 ... + 7 ºС. It is this temperature that tire workers consider transitional from winter to summer tires and vice versa. Test car - Lada Kalina, equipped with ABS.

HOW YOU RUN, LIKE GO

The most important part of testing winter tires is the break-in period. After all, it depends on it how well the tires will work on snow and ice and how long they will last. Incorrect running-in of the “spike” can be easily ruined: when driving aggressively on non-rolled tires, the spikes will simply start to fly out. We ran each set of studded tires for 500 km. Without harsh acceleration and deceleration, so that each spike falls into place and the rubber grips its base tightly. To do this, we divide the entire run into three or four parts, making a break in movement for an hour or two after each. For running in non-studded soft "Scandinavians", popularly referred to as "Velcro", 300 km is enough. And the driving style should be more aggressive, with slight slip during acceleration. Here, the primary task of running in is different - to completely remove from the tread sipes the residual grease that was applied to the mold (grease is needed in order to exclude damage to the tread with 3D cuts when removing the newly welded tire from the mold). In addition, on these tires, you need to remove a thin surface layer of rubber, which, after baking, turns out to be slightly harder than the core. You don't have to worry about the wear of the sharp edges of the lamellas: on modern models, they are designed in such a way that they self-sharpen with mutual friction. This ensures the stability of the characteristics of the non-studded tires throughout the entire service life.

HOW MUCH TO BREAK?

On run-in tires, we measure the hardness of the rubber and the amount of protrusion of the studs, comparing the results with those obtained on virgin tires. After running-in, the Shore hardness of the rubber, as a rule, changes by several units in one direction or another. The thorns, too, can crawl out or go deep, as they fall into place. In Russia, the amount of stud protrusion is not regulated. But in the countries of the European Union, where the use of studded tires is allowed, it is limited - no more than 1.2 mm on new tires. This compromise value was determined by life: a smaller protrusion will not allow achieving effective grip on ice, a larger one will deteriorate grip on asphalt and will lead to a quick loss of "studs" during operation. In our long-term tests, the average stud protrusion after running in is 1.3 to 1.6 mm. And now almost all tires fall into this range with a deviation of one tenth of a millimeter. The exceptions were four models. Firstly, this is the Chinese Aeolus: its spines protrude only 0.5-0.8 mm. It is immediately clear that on the ice he will not have enough stars from heaven. Secondly, Cordiant: the protrusion of the studs reaches 2.0 mm - the maximum permissible value in Europe (although no one checks this parameter on cars). But Bridgestone and Sava are alarming: after running in, some of their studs stuck out by 2.3 mm! Moreover, not only the hard-alloy spike insert rises above the protector (it, as a rule, protrudes 1.2 mm above the body), but also almost a millimeter of its cylindrical body. It is clear that on ice these tires will have an advantage over "law-abiding" ones. At one time, we checked how the protrusion of the studs affects the grip properties of tires on ice. Every tenth of a millimeter reduces the braking distance by 2.5–3%. Spikes with a projection of 2.3 mm will outperform those that stick out only by 1.3 mm, at least 25-30%!

I repeat that in our country the protrusion of thorns is not limited by any laws. But according to the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union, which unites Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, tires manufactured from January 1, 2016 have a value of 1.2 ± 0.3 mm for the protrusion of spikes on new tires. That is, the stud should protrude above the tread by at least 0.9 mm and no more than 1.5 mm. It will be interesting to see Bridgestone and Sava tires next year.

To get acquainted with the test results (they are summarized in tables), follow the links: table number 1 and table number 2.

WHAT ARE WE TESTING?

In the test sequence, we first measure acceleration and deceleration on snow and ice. Why? During testing, the studs are subjected to increased loads, under the influence of which the studs can slowly move outward, and, if these measurements are taken last, the studs will protrude more. After measuring the longitudinal grip, we check the tires on an ice circle, test them on a rearrangement. And after that we evaluate handling, directional stability, cross-country ability and comfort. At the end of all tests on the "white" roads, we again check the protrusion of the studs. If during testing it has not changed, then the spikes are held securely in the rubber, and this is a guarantee that they will walk for a long time. The most stable were Continental, Nordman, Yokohama and Bridgestone, with these tires remaining unchanged during all tests. Nokian's thorns crawled out by one “ten”, we also consider this result to be excellent. Toyo and Aeolus look quite tolerable: their spikes have increased from zero to 0.2–0.3 mm. But the Avatyre, Cordiant, Formula and Sava tires have a menacing increase - up to 0.4–0.5 mm. There is a suspicion that at such a growth rate, the spikes will not stay in the tires for a long time. The absolute record holder is Sava in terms of stud protrusion: some studs sticking out 2.7 mm after the tests!

Asphalt tests are also carried out taking into account the intensity of rubber wear. We start with the assessment and measurement of rolling resistance and only in the final we carry out braking on the asphalt. Can you guess why? If not, let's answer in the words of specialists from Continental, who call emergency braking on asphalt stress for winter tires - even with ABS. And they believe that after a dozen or a half of such braking, the tires become unusable. But we just brake six or eight times on dry land and the same amount on a wet road. After testing, we thoroughly inspect the spikes and protectors of "stressed" tires. Three models with more than 2mm of stud protrusion (Bridgestone, Cordiant and Sava) differ from the others by the pits in the rubber near the studs. When braking, the tall studs tilt strongly and pull out pieces of the tread. And the housings of the spikes themselves are worn down, have lost their cylindrical shape and now look like cones. Surprisingly, none of these tires have lost their studs. Trouble came from where they did not expect - the well-bred Toyo parted with 14 spikes on four wheels. It is noteworthy that last year, when the spikes at the end of the tests stuck out a little more (up to 2.3 mm) than now (up to 1.9 mm), she had no losses.

SHIPS OR VELCZ: AFTERWORD

So what to prefer - "spikes" or "Scandinavian"? When choosing, remember the main advantages and disadvantages of both. Studs have more stable grip on all surfaces, but they are less comfortable. Softer and quieter Velcro straps are more demanding on the level of driving skills on ice. In addition, I would not dare to recommend "Scandinavians" for cars without ABS: when the wheels are locked on ice, their grip drops significantly, and this is extremely dangerous. The undisputed winner of our test was the Nokian tires, which in recent years have been the trendsetter in winter fashion: in the class of studded tires, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 became the leader, and among the Scandinavians the Hakkapeliitta R2 took the lead. But they are also the most expensive. So the choice is not easy - and our tables with recommendations for each tire will help make it.

We warn those who are particularly corrosive: you should not compare the results of "spikes" and "Scandinavians" with each other, they are not without reason given in different tables. We know from our own experience that the difference depends on the temperature. In severe frost (-20 ºС and below), soft "Scandinavians" will win on ice, in "greenhouse" ones (above -10 ºС), the best results will be at "spikes". Perhaps only the behavior on the pavement can be compared. But it should be remembered that tire workers do not compare the data obtained on different days. Indeed, the measurement result is influenced not only by the air and asphalt temperature, but also by humidity, wind strength, the amount of ultraviolet radiation and much more. Together with the author, Anton Ananiev, Vladimir Kolesov, Yuri Kurochkin, Evgeny Larin, Anton Mishin, Andrey Obrazumov, Valery Pavlov and Dmitry Testov took part in the tire tests. We would like to express our gratitude to the tire manufacturing companies that provided their products for the test, as well as to the employees of the AVTOVAZ test site and the Togliatti company Volgashintorg for technical support.

Finnish tires have always been renowned for their quality. So the tires immediately took the lead, showing the best results in 13 indicators out of 16 in the tests carried out by "Behind the Wheel". Compared to last year's Hakkapeliitta 7 wheels, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 has an almost 50% increase in the number of anti-skid studs, as well as a change in the pattern of their location on the tread, as a result of which no stud overlaps an adjacent one. In addition, the new cleat shape avoids excessive deflection of the cleat under load, ensuring maximum traction. Thanks to this, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires make it possible to achieve the highest level of wheel grip both on ice and on snow. In addition, the Hakkapeliitta 8 offers excellent crossover flotation and easy handling on asphalt.

Another newcomer to the market from Finland is the tires that won in. These tires are based on an innovative rubber compound with an abundance of crystalline multifaceted particles with a deep layer of bedding, as a result of which the quality of tire adhesion to the road surface does not decrease as the tread wears off. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 tires are excellent for winter, avoid unnecessary fuel consumption and provide high acoustic comfort while driving. Among the weak points of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 is the average braking performance on open pavement.

Tires are yet another highlight in the lineup of new products for the upcoming 2013-2014 winter season. These tires were built virtually from scratch using a range of new design and manufacturing technologies that have taken tire quality to the next level. First of all, we note the use of the new, overload-resistant Cross-Edge Pin with the function of self-cleaning of the sipes from snow and ice dust. Also on the Blizzak Spike-01, a new cross-groove tread pattern with wider intersections has been applied and shoulder grooves have been added to enhance the off-road performance of the tires.

The tires are no less technologically advanced, although they belong to the class of non-studded winter tires. To create them, an improved Multi-Cell Compound rubber compound was applied, and the tread was developed using a new generation of design software. Blizzak VRX tires were conceived primarily as an effective means of fighting snow, and therefore the tread received two specialized tread patterns - an arrow-shaped pattern for uniform traction and a specially shaped cross grooves that provide a firm grip on snow-covered surfaces. Both patterns are positioned asymmetrically in relation to each other, which greatly improves the off-road performance of the Blizzak VRX tires.

The tires (which "for some reason" did not take part in the testing "Behind the Wheel") are one of the few specially designed for harsh and frosty winter conditions with roads constantly covered with ice or snow. The new shape of the studs, as well as their improved retention, allow for reliable grip on the road both on snow cover and on rolling ice. In addition, Michelin X-Ice North 3 tires are excellent at resisting potential vehicle drifts without negatively affecting handling and directional stability. The third generation of these tires combines many new Michelin innovations (the Smart Stud System includes a new thermosetting rubber compound in the tread ThermoActive Tread Compound, as well as Ice Powder Remover and Michelin tapered stud). The result is a 10% reduction in braking distance on ice and a 25% improvement in stud retention ... and the stronger sidewall in the new generation Michelin X-Ice North provides greater safety for a longer period of use.

Another spiked novelty of the 2013-2014 season is. This rubber features an all-new Pirelli Dual Stud technology, which features a long, double tungsten carbide core, a flat outer surface to prevent premature wear, and a wide, multidirectional base at the base of the stud to optimize load distribution and reduce mobility. The spike of Pirelli Ice Zero tires has a bi-directional "double claw" shape, which allows it to more effectively "bite" into the icy road surface, providing a high level of cross-country ability even with dense and high snow layer.

The new tires are designed to provide unrivaled grip on icy roads and effective braking on snowy surfaces. Their new lightweight aluminum studs with a high-strength hex core and a reinforced base are excellent at handling overloads and providing the necessary level of traction when driving on snowy roads. The Formula Ice winter tire has a more frequent stud pattern than a standard winter tire, which gives it the best emergency braking performance on the winter road. The new directional tread pattern with wide lateral grooves and a bi-directional center rib provides excellent handling on any surface, as well as quickly evacuating snow or water from the contact area of ​​the tire with the road.

We conclude our review of new products for the upcoming winter season with Swedish tires, designed in cooperation with the German company Continental and positioned as premium tires. It is curious that in the Nord Frost 100 tires, the developers were forced not to increase, but to reduce the number of studs due to the new requirements of the European Union. As a result, the advanced technology for the production of "three-beam" spikes "Tikka Spikes" with a reinforced base structure was born. In addition, the arrangement of the studs on the tread and their orientation relative to each other has changed. As a result, the Gislaved Nord Frost 100 tires demonstrate simply impressive braking performance on snow or ice covered roads, as well as provide excellent maneuverability and directional stability of the car in winter road conditions. True, we note that you will have to pay for this with slightly increased fuel consumption. The tread pattern of the Nord Frost 100 tires has also undergone a significant transformation: the central rib with oblique grooves is made of a harder rubber compound, which guarantees stability on the road, and the side zones are equipped with a large number of specially shaped diagonal grooves for more efficient removal of wet snow.

So, we got acquainted with the list of the main novelties of winter tires for the 2013/2014 season on the Russian market, now it's time to decide on the rating based on the results of in-depth testing carried out by the specialists of the magazine "Za Rulem". We will not go into technical details and talk about testing methods, you can independently familiarize yourself with these data in the September issue of the magazine "Behind the Wheel". We will give the final rating, dividing it separately into studded and non-studded tires (tires R14 175/65 were tested).

The best studded winter tires 2013-2014 (according to the results of the "Behind the Wheel" tests):

1. Continental ContiIceContact
2. Michelin X-Ice North 2
3. Gislaved NordFrost 100
4. Nordman 4
5. Kama Euro 519 *
6. Cordiant Polar 2
7. Amtel Nordmaster ST

* New winter tires Kama Euro 519 were tested outside the official test, as they represent an experimental batch of tires from a well-known Russian manufacturer and, at the time of testing, were not yet available for retail sale.

The best non-studded winter tires 2013-2014 (based on the "Behind the Wheel" tests):

1. Michelin x-ice 3
2. Continental CVC 5
3. Nordman rs
4. Bridgestone Bizzak Revo GZ
5. Pirelli Winter IceControl
6. Cordiant Winter Drive
7. Yokohama iceGUARD IG50

In conclusion, we remind you once again that you can find detailed information about testing methods and the exact results of this rating of winter tires in the September issue of the magazine "Behind the Wheel".

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 in several tests, and will 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 auto 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 the people call “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 complete 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 circuit track, where the best lap times were determined. Rolling noise was assessed at a speed of 80 km / h and rolling resistance at a load of 6,031 Nm and a pressure of 2.1 bar. Tests were carried out on VolkswagenGolfVII. During the tests, the experts noted that the trend is an increasing level of safety, which, in their opinion, is achieved by the symbiosis of good rubber and sophisticated car safety systems.

Auto Motor und Sport

Winter tires of the same standard size 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 trails 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 adhesion was determined, which was necessary for effective acceleration and braking. 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 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. First a light frost, 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 - non-studded (frictional) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The Continental website for 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 have 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. The colleagues at 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 the first place to another tire - Nokian WRD3.

An old modification of the model - TS830 took part in the test of the newspaper "Autoreview". The 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 ice slurry create a combination that makes driving difficult even for experienced drivers.

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

"We've improved the tire's aquaplaning and slush 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 road holding. 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, the Nokian WR D3 tire responds 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. 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 — a cryogenic compound with canola — 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 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, in their ranking the Finnish tire only got sixth place. 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 said that a relatively long braking distance on wet asphalt, as well as an increased rolling resistance, were disadvantages, although, 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 (friction) 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 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 it 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 from the new system of "four-dimensional siping". 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. 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.

The Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D also features a sawtooth design on the inner blocks to reduce braking distances in deep snow. On ice, the new Dunlop's ride quality 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 went 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 singled out only significant rolling resistance, 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. The 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 be punctured than worn out. Curiously, Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 tires are available in two versions: with an asymmetric tread pattern (“for everyone”) and with a specially developed 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 has 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 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 technologies, using an improved rubber compound, and have a modern tread pattern. Manufactured using electronic quality control of finished products. All this is designed to ensure the safe behavior of the car in mild 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, the ADAC experts sent the Michelin Alpin 5 to the seventh place, giving the model 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 intended 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

The Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3 winter tires have passed the ACE / GTU / ARBO proving grounds, 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 honored 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 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 extraordinary traction and short braking and accelerating distances. Longitudinal grooves perfectly 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 publication, 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 has 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. Auto Motor undSport gave these tires a 'conditionally recommended' rating. 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 has retained all the advantages of its predecessors - high safety, traction and grip on the winter road - and increased its own service life by 30% compared to its predecessors. In addition, 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 symmetric tread pattern is characterized by the same depth throughout its entire area - from one shoulder to the other. This technology has made it possible to achieve the same quality of traction with the road surface at any point of the tread, which minimizes the occurrence of sudden vehicle movements and increases the overall safety of driving 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 an anti-snow wedge, included in 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 disadvantages 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 - non-studded (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 have lower costs 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 mix for the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 studded tire, and for the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 friction mix, the amount of natural rubber has been increased.

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 grip on ice and snow. They are located in the shoulder zones of the tread and activate the activity of the sipes on the most slippery surfaces, due to which a wider sipe opens up a narrow one, improving the functionality of the tread.

Slush claws

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.

The tread wear indicator (DSI - Driving Safety Indicator) is located in the center of the tread and shows the residual tread depth in millimeters. As the tire is used, the numbers are erased in descending order. The snowflake-shaped winter wear indicator stays on until the tread groove is worn down to a depth of 4 mm. Beyond this limit, tires are considered unsafe for winter use and it is recommended that they be replaced.

Updated info-area on the sidewall - you can make notes about the recommended pressure in the tires and their location, you can enter the tightening torque of the wheel bolts.

56 sizes from 13 "to 20". The speed index of the new item, like that of the previous model, is 170 km / h.

TEST RESULTS

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 disadvantage 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 (frictional) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Goodyear cites technology when explaining the merits of its tires. They claim that ActiveGrip technology maintains optimal contact with extremely slippery road surfaces. Combined with cryo-adaptive materials, ActiveGrip technology provides excellent performance on ice. Active block notches increase lateral force transfer during maneuvers for excellent braking distances on ice and enhanced 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, developed specifically for the Russian winter, will replace the well-established ContiViking Contact 5 predecessor in the Russian market in the fall of 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 traction on snow and asphalt, while the center section of the tread provides effective traction 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 the 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 is bumped 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, feel 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 flotation 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. In Bridgestone's own tests, 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, on the BLIZZAK VRX, the number of lateral grooves (intersections) has been increased, which improved the properties of snow grip between the tread blocks when in contact with the snow-covered surface, and, at the same time, helped 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. That said, the Bridgestone Blizzak VRX is very comfortable, which is especially unusual given the fact that the Blizzak VRX tires are extremely shock resistant. Even at a speed of 95 km / h, the experts failed to spoil the tire.