Braking performance was assessed on snow, ice, wet and dry asphalt. The tests were carried out at different temperatures, and the average result was determined after 15-20 runs. On ice the car was stopped from 50 km/h, on snow and wet surfaces - from 80 km/h. Tests on snowy and icy surfaces were carried out both outdoors and indoors, where temperature and humidity controls eliminate the effects of weather.

Traction on snow and ice was assessed using the fastest acceleration from 5 to 35 and from 5 to 20 km/h, respectively. Tests were also conducted at various temperatures on the track and in the indoor facility.

Handling scores were based on lap times, and several drivers also gave their opinions on how the tires accelerated, braked and cornered on various surfaces. The tests were carried out blind, meaning the pilots did not know what tires were installed on the car. In the same way, directional stability was assessed, that is, the ability of the tires to maintain the direction of travel without the need for steering.

In the noise level test, pilots also gave subjective ratings after making several runs on uneven surfaces. Finally, rolling resistance was measured as follows - the car rolled freely, slowing down from 80 to 40 km/h, on a flat surface without the influence of wind. The tests were carried out at two different temperatures, after which the percentage increase in consumption was calculated in comparison with the most economical tires.

Test World emphasized that all tires were purchased for free sale in various stores. If tires were not yet available on the market, they were sent by the manufacturer, but after the start of sales, the results of these tires were further verified.B.

The existing regulations in Scandinavia do not limit the number of studs in tires. More precisely, there are no restrictions for manufacturers whose new tires have been tested by an independent organization, which has confirmed that the impact of studs on road wear does not exceed acceptable values. If the tests are successful, the manufacturer can choose the type of studs and their number at his discretion.

Another option is to abandon these tests and reduce the number of studs to the maximum allowed, that is, 50 pieces per linear meter of tread - in size 205/55 R16 this means that there should be less than a hundred studs. Of the 12 participants in this test, only three manufacturers decided to take this path.

Increasing the number of studs improves traction on ice. This is a logical consequence, and test results almost always confirm it. Be that as it may, a large number of studs alone does not guarantee success in the entire test, although it does provide a certain advantage on ice.

The more studs there are, the more noise there will usually be, which can be quite annoying when driving. When driving on asphalt, studs can also negatively affect handling, stability and even braking performance.

Additional traction on icy surfaces is provided by the penetration of the stud into the ice surface. In order for the spike to “grab” into the ice, a certain amount of energy is required. The more studs, the less pressure will be on one individual stud, and if you drive along hard ice V cold weather, the grip of tires with fewer studs can be stronger.

Nokian shook up the studded tire market a couple of years ago by introducing tires that had 190 studs - 50-100% more than other tires on the market at the time. After that Nokian tires won one test after another, but their advantage is gradually decreasing.

This year the Continental tires also feature 190 studs. It's not hard to guess who they were targeting when they determined this number, but be that as it may, the results are still excellent.

In third place in terms of the number of studs are Hankook, which has 170 of them. The Korean manufacturer is actively investing in research and development, and experts noted that it is good to see that good winter tires have begun to arrive from Asia. As a representative of one of the manufacturers said, 10 years ago the characteristics of Korean tires were a joke for many in the industry, but now they are no longer laughed at even in large European companies.

A large group of test participants installed 130 studs in their tires. Goodyear, Bridgestone and Pirelli are well-known manufacturers, so it was logical to take their tires for testing. Tires from second-tier brands include Sava, Dunlop and former Nokian, which are now offered as Nordman. All of them are inexpensive and less high-tech alternatives to tires from premium brands.

Michelin, Gislaved and Chinese Linglong have less than a hundred studs, meaning these tires have not passed the road wear test. The first two models belong to the premium class, however, apparently, other parameters cannot compensate for the lack of grip on ice compared to tires with a large number of studs. As for Linglong, the tires of this company have already participated in Finnish tests, proving to be one of the best winter tires from China.

Friction tire designers don't have to worry about the number of studs, but their absence must be compensated for in one way or another, which creates a whole other set of problems. There are limited tools available to improve the ice grip of non-studded tires, and mostly engineers use new materials and improved tread patterns while keeping the compound as soft as possible. However, if you overdo it with the softness of the rubber compound, other problems may arise, the worst of which are poor grip on the tires. wet asphalt, unstable handling and low wear resistance.

In recent years, Nokian and Continental have occupied the top positions in friction tire tests. Even without studs, their tires provide impressive grip on ice, but buyers will have to put up with sluggish steering response on asphalt or choose another tire that will again have less grip.

Goodyear has focused on handling on asphalt when creating friction tires, which only slightly compromises grip in winter conditions, while Michelin has always preferred to create a balance of performance without any obvious disadvantages. Pirelli and Bridgestone are old trusted brands, but their models in this test are different from those tested before.

Two tires from a lower price segment were added to the list - Nordman from Nokian and Nankang from a Taiwanese manufacturer, which is known for its quite successful summer tires. This test showed whether their winter tires can compete with products from European companies.

The tire business is full of all sorts of information about how different types of winter tires wear and how wear affects their grip. Some say that friction tires wear out twice as fast as studded tires, while others are convinced that due to the wear of the studs, after just a couple of years the grip of studded tires will be weaker than that of non-studded tires.

Test World selected six tire models from last year - four studded, two friction - and tested their wear by driving them on asphalt roads in cold weather for 15,000 km, which is roughly the equivalent of two winter seasons. The route was mostly on highways, but each tire was subjected to 100 braking and accelerating runs at low speeds to simulate city traffic conditions.

The tests used three cars that followed the same route under the same conditions. Two tires of each model were taken and moved from the front to the rear axle. Thus, at the end of the test, all tires drove the same distance on the front and rear axles, and in addition, drivers also swapped cars to avoid their driving style influencing the result.

The tires were tested for braking performance on ice before the start of the test, after which the same tests were carried out every 5,000 km. It is noteworthy that tires of both types lost grip approximately equally, and after 15,000 km its level decreased by about 20%. In addition, the deterioration of grip was the same for tires of different brands, and the balance of forces did not change throughout the test. This suggests that the test results of new tires also allow us to judge how certain tires will behave in a worn condition.

Be that as it may, the tires differed from each other in terms of durability. The table shows how many kilometers they can travel before their tread depth decreases to 3 mm. Michelin has historically been known as a tire with particularly good wear resistance, and tests of the selected model again confirmed this reputation. It is worth noting that the results will always depend on the car, road quality and driving style.

With the exception of Michelin, all other tires in both categories wear about the same, and after the test their tread depth decreased by 2 mm. The Continental friction ones only had 1.5mm of wear, but as with the Michelin, due to the relatively shallow initial tread depth of up to 3mm, they will wear out faster. It must be recalled that high wear resistance can negatively affect grip, and the buyer must decide for himself which parameter is more important to him.

Test World notes that while the differences between the tires tested may look subtle on paper, in fact in everyday life they can be more than obvious, and this applies not only to braking performance, but also to cornering grip and steering response. . According to experts, the worst tires in the test make it almost impossible to control the car on slippery surfaces, so Test World reminds you that when choosing winter tires, you should not focus only on price and buy cheap tires. Tests by various organizations year after year show that budget Asian tires do not provide an optimal level of safety and an accident will be much more costly, not to mention other, more serious risks.

TEST RESULTS

Left: Braking on ice(Braking distance from 50 to 0 km/h, m)
Right: Acceleration on ice(Acceleration time from 5 to 20 km/h, s)

Left: Handling on ice(Lap time, s)
Right: Handling on ice(Subjective assessments, points)

Left: Braking on snow
Right: Acceleration on snow(Acceleration time from 5 to 35 km/h, s)

Left: Handling on snow(Lap time, s)
Right: Handling on snow(Subjective assessments, points)

Left: Handling on wet pavement(Lap time, s)
Right: Handling on wet pavement(Subjective assessments, points)

Left: Braking on dry pavement(Braking distance from 80 km/h, m)
Right: Handling on dry pavement(Points)

Left: Noise(Points)
Right: Rolling resistance(Difference in fuel consumption, %)

Expert opinions on each tire are presented below

Studded tires:

Non-studded tires:

Very soon, motorists will have to “change their shoes” to winter tires. Some have already purchased it, while others are just about to complete this procedure.

Budget segment rating

It's no secret that not every car owner can afford to spend an impressive amount of money on purchasing a set winter tires. Therefore, the current leaders in the budget price category deserve special attention.

Vredestein Snowtrac 5

The Vredestein company presented a new studless tire, the main highlight of which was the use of the military development "Stealth Design". It was originally created for military vehicles to reduce the level of noise generated by the wheels. But now it has found wide application in the tire industry for civilian passenger vehicles.

The tread pattern is V-shaped, which helps reduce noise and vibration. Clear lines, competent geometry help to make steering more sensitive and stable in corners. Prices start at 1.8 thousand rubles per tire.

MP 54 Sibir Snow

Studless tires from the Slovak company Matador are designed for medium and compact cars. The directional pattern, the abundance of gripping edges, and zigzag grooves provide impressive grip on the road surface.

Tires are available in 24 sizes. The price starts from 1.6 rubles, and the most expensive tire will cost 3 thousand rubles per unit (not a set).

Winguard Snow'G WH2

Shinnik Nexen represents Korean production. Its studless tires have 35 options. The cost starts from 1.9 thousand rubles, and the most expensive type is 6 thousand rubles.

According to the company, their tires can withstand any frost, and their special tread pattern guarantees excellent road grip. The zigzag shape of the channels helps you move confidently on both ice and snow.

New studless tires from Cooper, according to the manufacturer, are completely ready even for the most harsh winter the coming year. Their factory is located in Sebria, where they have established mass production new set.

The pricing policy is quite acceptable - from 2 to 6.3 thousand rubles.

Tests showed excellent results on snowy tracks and icy roads. In addition, the car felt excellent in muddy and wet road conditions.

The manufacturer managed to achieve this result by increasing the number of lamellas in the tread, as well as by using advanced technologies.

A large amount of silica was added to the rubber mixture. Due to this, the rubber retains its elasticity at any low temperature, and at the same time guarantees reliable control on snowy and simply wet sections of the road.

Rating of top manufacturers

It's no secret that today there are simple and top manufacturers of car tires. The latter are represented not only in the field of civil transport, but are also actively developing tires for racing series, special vehicles, motorcycles, and so on.

But a big name does not mean that the price of such tires is prohibitive, and only a rare car owner of a car in the middle price range can afford it.

The inflated cost of products compared to other manufacturers is explained by the highest level of quality, the use of advanced technologies, the use of the highest grades of rubber and unique impurities.

According to research conducted this year, a rating of tires from top manufacturers was compiled - Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear.

MICHELIN Alpine 5

This is a development by Michelin, created for city roads in winter conditions. It’s just worth noting that you need to drive on such tires within the city, whose streets are regularly cleared of falling snow.

So Alpin 5 can be called good choice only for limited quantity countries and cities of the CIS, Europe.

The new product is offered in 27 sizes. The price starts at 3.5 thousand, and the most expensive tire will cost you 12.5 thousand rubles.

Alpin 5 is a successful attempt to implement advanced technologies. First of all, the tread pattern has directional blocks, which increases traction on any surface. The number of segments in the tread has increased by 12 percent, and there are also more lamellas by 16 percent. According to Michelin management, their tires are self-locking.

The second feature is the rubber composition. Helio Compound technology has undergone minor improvements, as a result of which the Alpin 5 now contains simple sunflower oil. Experts note the effective operation of this component at low temperatures. Polymers of increased elasticity also served as an additive.

The famous Japanese tire manufacturer presented his development at the international motor show in Moscow. The choice in favor of the Russian capital was not accidental, since the manufacturer positions the new tires as the most suitable for Russian climatic conditions.

There are no spikes at all, and the kits themselves are designed for medium and large crossovers. The starting price is 3.6 thousand per tire, and the most expensive option will cost the buyer 10.6 thousand rubles.

The tires cope well with skidding and effectively overcome icy, snowy and slushy roads. Special technology provided the mixture with a microporous structure. Moisture from the contact field is absorbed faster, the grip becomes better. Added microgrooves help avoid aquaplaning.

One set can effectively serve for several seasons.

The sixth generation of winter tires from the leading tire manufacturer has become better in all respects when compared with its predecessor. Although it is no secret that the previous model regularly topped the ratings of the most reliable and efficient winter tires.

One way or another, the asymmetrical tread, soft compound, and three parts of contact with the road provide excellent rubber performance on snowy and icy roads. In this case, the thorns are completely absent.

Special lamellas with internal bridges do not allow them to stick together, thereby preventing snow from accumulating on the wheels.

The pricing policy for tires with 80 standard sizes is as follows - from 2.5 to 12 thousand per unit.

The famous tire manufacturer created this model of winter tires for three whole years. During this period, the product passed over 200 tests and tried many design solutions. Today the tires are ready for sale and have entered the market.

Having 29 standard sizes in the arsenal, prices start at 2.8 thousand and end at 10.5 thousand rubles for the most expensive versions.

During the development, a cryoadaptive rubber mixture was used, which allows maintaining elasticity during low temperatures guarantees effective traction on snow, ice and dry winter roads.

The tread technology provided protection against aquaplaning, high handling comfort and reduced braking distance on icy roads.

The best winter tires 2015-2016

Winter is very close, which means you need to know which tires will make your car feel as comfortable as possible, and you - safe.

10th place.

The advanced technologies used in the development allow these tires to easily overcome snowy and icy road sections. The projector has the appearance of cross grooves, which guarantees high-quality adhesion to the surface. Special slats quickly clear the grooves of snow and pieces of ice. Shoulder grooves provide additional efficiency when driving through large snowdrifts.

Price - no more than 2.8 thousand rubles for 1 wheel.

9th place. Continental Viking Contact 6

German rubber, which is created for passenger cars mobiles. The asymmetrical type of tread pattern allows you to improve the quality of controllability, maneuverability, enhance traction with the surface, and make cornering safer. A special pattern, small bridges and grooves create the effect of a metal chain on non-studded tires. The rubber is stable when braking, which is explained by the design of the lamellas.

Price - from approximately 2.7 thousand rubles per unit.

8th place.

Manufactured in Holland, the design does not include the use of spikes and is designed for passenger cars. The longitudinal grooves of the projector effectively remove water and slush, the pattern provides easy control on ice. Made of high-strength rubber, which ensures a long service life - at least 2 seasons.

Price - from 1.6 thousand rubles.

7th place.

Swedish winter tires with studs arranged in such a way as to improve the quality of tire grip on the road surface. Show your best performance on icy roads.

The special tread pattern allows you to reduce the braking distance, and the grooves effectively grip and remove moisture and stuck snow. This increases traction and reduces fuel costs.

Price - about 2.9 thousand rubles per unit.

6th place.

Japanese studded tires with a special tread pattern. The grooves are semi-radial and narrow, which guarantees rapid drainage of water and snow. The design promotes high-quality traction and safe driving on snowy and icy road sections. The car feels confident and stable in corners. The mixture was made elastic and hard by adding silica and orange oil.

Price - from 2.1 thousand rubles per unit.

5th place.

He deservedly took fifth place. Russian manufacturer. Its studded tires showed their best qualities on snowy roads. The compound is high quality, the rubber is durable, and the studs add stability and grip. The tread pattern allows you to drive on slippery roads without any problems.

Price - 2.5 thousand for one tire.

4th place.

Polish-made tires have proven themselves to be one of the best for difficult weather conditions - ice, drifts, snow, strong winds. The use of the latest development technology has made it possible to increase the efficiency of traction on difficult road sections. The tread pattern does an excellent job of draining water and moving on ice. Recognized as one of the best tires for use in the Russian climate.

Price - from 3 thousand rubles per unit.

3rd place.

A product of German tire production, created for passenger cars and SUVs. Innovative technologies guarantee high traction in winter; the car easily drives on ice, snow and slush. Special mixtures were used for the rubber, the recipe of which the company does not disclose.

The price is about 3.8 thousand rubles per tire.

2nd place.

Spanish tires based on high-quality and flexible rubber compound. Due to additional tread blocks, road grip indicators are increased, traction is increased, and fuel is saved. The tires are radial, tubeless.

Price - from 2.7 thousand rubles per unit.

1 place.

These tires took first place in international rankings by a large margin. In almost all tests they showed maximum results. Experts highly appreciated the environmental friendliness, acoustic comfort, fuel economy, and directional stability. Cars wearing these tires handled excellently in the snow, on icy sections of the road, and on difficult sections with impressive snowdrifts. The special technology for installing studs contributed to such high performance. This tire model was called the best for driving in extreme winter conditions.

Price - from 6.4 thousand rubles per tire.

By choosing high-performance and high-quality tires for winter use of the car, we get excellent safety conditions and complete confidence in the trip. Among the important features of modern tires are manufacturability and a constant increase in the level of handling. Therefore, it is better to give preference to new products offered by global concerns. If in many branches of automotive technology experts recommend installing spare parts from little-known specialized brands, then in the case of tires the advice will be different. It is better to choose expensive tires from world leaders in the production of automobile rubber. This is the only way you can achieve the desired travel parameters in winter.

The rating of studless winter tires for the 2015-2016 season will help you understand which brands are best to choose for buying tires. Today, almost all manufacturers have presented their new products for the next winter season, so we can consider current proposals, as well as inventions from past seasons. By studying the range of reputable manufacturers, we can understand which tires are best to buy for your car. We do not list the cost of offers in the texts, since prices depend on wheel sizes and can be changed before the start of the winter season.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 is a leader in all characteristics

This tire was not introduced this season, but remains the leading representative of the non-studded tire rating for 2015-2016. Rubber allows you to feel solid ground under your car even when you are driving on ice. Most important specifications of this invention, which the manufacturer is proud of, are the following:

• The composition of winter tires is unique, the tread is made of expensive rubber alloys;
• The best world leaders in this field worked on the tread shape;
• adhesion to any surface is ensured to the best extent;
• rolling resistance is incredibly low, which reduces fuel consumption of the car;
• excellent preparedness for wet roads and the presence of melted snow on the asphalt.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 is a tire that is designed specifically for urban operating conditions. On ice, compacted snow, wet cold asphalt and dry roads, this purchase will only show its best side. Such features increase travel safety and give the driver more control options in winter.

Yokohama IceGuard Studless IG50 - new for sports fans

Not so long ago, the Yokohama manufacturer practically fell out of sight of car owners. The company produced mostly sports tires, so ordinary buyers simply could not find the necessary offers in its assortment. IceGuard Studless IG50 is a new product that will justify the sonorous and famous name of the manufacturer with the following features:

• asymmetrical tread that keeps the car in control even on ice;
• drainage of fluid from under the wheels, no snow sticking to the tread;
• successful format of each tread, a universal option for compact cars;
• versatility of use, the ability to travel on asphalt without excessive wear.

The corporation's sports experience has allowed it to create truly high-quality tires that are in demand among drivers who understand the difference. Purchasing Yokohama IceGuard Studless IG50 will be a step towards better handling and lower fuel consumption in your vehicle. To do this, it is enough to purchase original tires from a world-famous brand.

Michelin X-ICE 3 is one of the leaders for the second year in a row

In the 2015-2016 season, the Michelin corporation, which has gained a certain leadership in the elite class of tires in Russia, will not release new winter tires. However, the X-ICE 3 tires introduced last year have every chance of once again becoming a sales leader for premium passenger cars and compact crossovers. Rubber has excellent advantages over its competitors:

• extended service life and increased wear resistance in various conditions;
• possibility of operation in harsh winter conditions of the northern climate;
• preparedness to travel on the most different coatings on a winter road;
• good choice in size - you can choose it for almost any car;
• improved acceleration on slippery surfaces and reduced fuel consumption in winter.

Many car enthusiasts who have decided to purchase a very expensive winter Michelin tires X-ICE 3, we received incredible impressions from using the machine with updated properties. The company provides excellent opportunities to its customers, unlimited winter management and a very long period of use of the purchase.

Kumho SOLUS Vier KH21 - confident winter tires

The Kumho Corporation rarely releases new products, and this time it managed to surprise a potential buyer with its truly innovative approach to business. The corporation received an ideal sales opportunity, since the first reviews of the SOLUS Vier KH21 were simply amazing. The main details that tire buyers noticed were the following:

• real reduction in fuel consumption compared to cheaper options;
• good rolling, movement without stopping on ice and snow, on other cold surfaces;
• all-season properties, which allows you to use Kumho tires on heated asphalt;
• Very low level wear, many claim that this is a leader in sustainability;
• Excellent handling, especially on standard winter road surfaces.

The company is developing tires for supercars, because this is the option that is installed on many cars in production. This experience has led to the creation of excellent all-purpose winter tires Kumho SOLUS Vier KH21. good worthy model It’s definitely worth the money, but you’ll really have to pay a lot for it; the brand has never been cheap.

Dunlop Winter MAXX WM01 - a good solution for any car

Quality Dunlop tires will allow you to implement any travel style, create safety and confidence in the operation of the car. The manufacturer abandoned innovations in the field chemical composition rubber, applying previous achievements that enjoyed significant success. The powerful tread block resists breaking and lasts a very long time. The rubber also has the following features:

• long service life, which is confirmed by a variety of tests and reviews;
• excellent efficient tread pattern with maximum performance;
• amazing handling on slippery roads, tires cope with any obstacles;
• high resistance to lateral skids, thanks to the special tread shape;
• reliability and safety of driving a car equipped with such tires.

The Dunlop company has always been considered one of the leaders in the production of automobile rubber. However, the Winter MAXX WM01 exceeded all expectations, providing a serious competitor to most of the world's manufacturers. When looking at the most expensive solutions in the industry, you can find more disadvantages and shortcomings than in Dunlop's average-priced offerings. We invite you to see how the manufacturer itself positions its new product in a promotional video:

Let's sum it up

Successful solutions in the field of winter tires came as no surprise. You will have to pay a lot of money for tires, because all new products and quality offers are presented by expensive brands with good quality production. These are not all worthy options, but other manufacturers offer less functional and safe tire options for winter use. If you want to try your luck, you can save on winter tires and write a review about a lesser-known manufacturer after the season. In fact, the security and confidence are clearly worth the money reputable brands charge for their products.

To be convinced of the effectiveness of the presented winter tires, just read reviews of those models that have been on the market for several years. Most owners of such tires do not consider the option of buying less efficient rubber at a lower cost. Therefore, in some cases it makes sense to pay more and get more benefits for your money. What winter tires are you going to put on your car in the 2015-2016 season?

As the next winter season approaches, many car enthusiasts are wondering – which winter tires to choose? After all, properly selected tires make driving easier, greatly reducing the likelihood of an emergency. But for the answer to be as objective as possible, you cannot do without road tests conducted in real conditions.

By the winter of 2015-2016, we carried out large-scale testing of “northern specification car tires” (that is, intended for harsh climatic conditions) - a total of 18 sets of winter tires took part in the test, of which 11 were studded, and 7 were friction tires (without studs, popularly called “Velcro”).

Moreover, there were also the “hot” new products of the season in the form of Continental IceContact 2 and Hankook i*Pike RS Plus (which have an increased number of studs), as well as modernized Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Artic tires (which, on the contrary, had fewer studs).
For reference: the permissible number of studs on winter tires is now limited by law, so far, however, only in the European Union countries - where 50 of them are allowed per linear meter of tread; in Russia, similar measures will begin to apply from January 1, 2016, although we will have 60 studs allowed. But even a larger number of studs is not always a violation (if the tire manufacturer provides evidence to the certification authorities that their products do not harm the road surface).

The first test to which all tires were subjected was braking on an ice surface thoroughly cleared of snow from a speed of 20 km/h (using ABS). And the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires performed best here, requiring only 6 meters to meet this standard. The second position went to the Hankook Winter i*Pike RS Plus with a result of 6.2 meters, and the third place went to the Continental IceContact 2, which showed 6.3 meters. It is worth noting that the top three are exclusively studded tires.

Yes, and in the acceleration from standstill to 20 km/h, the tires with spikes took precedence, while the friction ones, as expected, trailed behind. The leader remained the same - Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 (with them the car needed a distance of 8.8 m), and Pirelli Ace Zero (9.6 m) and Continental IceContact 2 (9.7 m) performed slightly worse.

In terms of handling on an ice circle with a diameter of 40 meters and a 620-meter winding track, studded tires again showed the best results, although their advantage over Velcro was no longer so obvious. In both disciplines, the top three were the same - Continental IceContact 2, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Artic.

The balance of power in snow procedures has not changed fundamentally, although in many disciplines there has been an unexpected change of leaders. Shortest braking distance on snow from a speed of 40 km/h (with ABS system) demonstrated studded tires - Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Artic (they needed 19.4 m to stop completely), Cordiant Snow Cross (19.5 m) and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 (19.6 m).

Acceleration up to 20 km/h on packed snow in Once again consolidated the primacy of winter tires with studs: first place went to Cordiant Snow Cross with a result of 8.4 meters, second – Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 (8.6 m), third – Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic (8.7 m).

The best “rowing” abilities, tested by acceleration on loose snow 15 centimeters deep from 5 to 15 km/h, were shown by studded Pirelli Ice Zero tires, keeping within a distance of 8.9 meters. But the second result was installed on seven different tires at once, and three of them were Velcro.

The 1,500-meter-long winding snow-covered track was traversed the fastest by a car shod with Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 friction tires. But the second and third places in this rating, respectively, were taken by the Cordiant Snow Cross and Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker tires.

The Continental IceContact 2, Cordiant Snow Cross, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 performed best in terms of driving on snow, receiving the maximum rating on a ten-point scale.

The best ride quality was demonstrated by the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 tires, followed by the Continental IceContact 2, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 and Nokian Nordman RS.

But in winter period Motorists often have to operate their cars on wet or dry asphalt surfaces, and this is especially true for residents of large cities. Therefore, it is no less interesting to know how certain tires perform in such driving conditions.

In the braking test from a speed of 80 km/h on wet asphalt, the Gislaved Nord*Frost 100 tires provided the best grip, followed by the Nokian Nordman 5 and Pirelli Ice Zero. And what’s most amazing is that they are all studded!

But on dry asphalt the situation is completely opposite - the top positions in the rating are “occupied” by friction tires, namely Continental ContiVikingContact 6, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 and Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker. But even they seriously fell short of the results summer tires, used as a base to monitor the condition of the coating.

A subjective assessment showed that the most acoustically comfortable tires are Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2, and among studded representatives, the best are Gislaved Nord*Frost 100, which pleased us with its low noise level.

Summing up the results of all the tests, it became obvious that the best winter tires are studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, but they are also the most expensive among the options presented, although they are not the best suited for use on asphalt roads.
Continental IceContact 2 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 also made it into the top three in terms of cost, but while the former proved to be worthy in almost all disciplines, the latter turned out to be unconvincing on asphalt.
The cheapest test representatives were the Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 tires, and at the same time they coped well with their direct responsibilities.
Well, the second and third positions in terms of cheapness were awarded to domestic tires Cordiant Winter Drive and Cordiant Snow Cross. Despite affordable price, Snow Cross demonstrated good results in many tests, but Winter Drive was almost completely outperformed by its foreign counterparts.

From year to year, from season to season, debates flare up on the Internet about the choice and purchase of tires for cars. Foaming at the mouth, there are active debates in which interlocutors prove to each other the worth or worthlessness of specific models, not understanding that drawing conclusions about car tires based only on subjective assessments is sheer stupidity.

Tests car tires- a science-intensive activity that requires an academic approach and serious resources! As you know, friendship is tested in trouble. So the driving properties of automobile tires are assessed to the limit. But that's not the point. It is impossible for the average driver to create an ideal test environment that will separate the role of the tire from the influence of a host of other factors. Professional tire tests are always a control set, one car, identical wheel disks, calibrated pressure, technologically advanced testing site and, of course, equipment. In tire research, an important role is played by details that are often elusive to the human senses.

In Russia, the Za Rulem magazine and the Autoreview newspaper conduct tire tests to assess their consumer characteristics. The first tests tires at domestic testing grounds. The second, recently, has been conducting tests at a foreign testing base.

The tire industry is analyzed on a much larger scale by European experts. The German expert club ADAC, the Finnish research center Test World, AutoBild magazine - all these names are well-known. Strict safety rules, meticulous consumers, developed infrastructure - all this has made professional tire tests the norm for the European market. Tires are also tested in Asia and America, but the results of their measurements rarely reach Russia. Fortunately, the loss is not great: tires, for example, from the USA rarely reach another continent.

What types of winter tires are there?

Even though they seem similar, tires can be very different. In our climate zone, every child in the sandbox knows that tires are summer or winter. But not all adults understand the situation in depth. Usually the height of knowledge is that winter tires are divided into studded and non-studded.

Studless tires are popularly called “Velcro”. Public opinion often considers them urban. In the language of professionals, such rubber is called friction rubber and is divided into models of the Scandinavian and Central European types. Tires from the first group are designed for low-temperature winters with a lot of snow and ice on the roads. The second type of rubber is designed exclusively for mild winters, with average temperatures just below zero and rare occurrences of slippery surfaces. In Russia, Central European winter tires will be useless everywhere except the Black Sea coast, but good studless models of the Scandinavian type will cope with both ice and snow.

What does the AvtoDel tire review offer?

A publication specializing in the analysis of automobile accessories and accessories collects the results of expert tests car tires, and then compares the performance of the same tire model in different expert hands. That is why the review considers only those models that were tested in at least two tests.

First, the reader is invited to familiarize himself with the official promises of manufacturers and sellers of each of the tires considered.

List of tires included in the review

Expert composition

This season, the first publicly available materials in our latitudes about studded winter tires of the Scandinavian type, that is, models most suitable for use in most regions of Russia, were published by Finnish experts from the Test World research center (http://www.testworld.fi/) and Russian journalists“Behind the Wheel” (http://www.zr.ru/). Somewhat later, material from the Swedish magazine Vi Bilagare (http://www.vibilagare.se/), the Russian newspaper Autoreview (http://autoreview.ru/) and the Swedish branch of the German authoritative publication Auto Motor & Sport (http: //www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/).

How did experts test studded winter tires?

Test World

Test World specialists assessed braking performance on snow, ice, wet and dry asphalt. However, as always. Tests were carried out at various temperatures, after which the average result was calculated based on the results of 15-20 races on each set. Braking on ice was assessed by stopping the car from 50 km/h to zero, and deceleration on snow and wet surfaces by braking from 80 km/h to a complete stop.

Tests on snowy and icy roads were carried out outdoors and inside an indoor test site, which made it possible to simulate any conditions necessary for measurements. Traction on snow and ice was measured by accelerating as quickly as possible from 5 to 35 and from 5 to 20 km/h, respectively.

Handling scores depended on the time it took the “third” Ford Focus to complete a lap in the test tires. In addition, the subjective opinions of experts regarding acceleration, braking and cornering on various surfaces also had some influence on the ratings. However, the decisive influence on the final results was still exerted by the objective readings of the measuring equipment. It is noteworthy that during the races the pilots did not know the model of the tires being tested; the organizers replaced them with numbers in order to eliminate the influence of the brand on perception.

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

A very interesting study by Test World experts on the service life of winter tires. To understand this issue, Finnish experts took out six sets of winter tires from the warehouse, which participated in tire tests last season. They were four studded models and two friction models. Testers drove 15,000 km on each set.

The route mainly ran along highways. At the same time, one hundred braking and acceleration tests were carried out on each tire at low speeds to simulate city traffic conditions.

The durability tests used three cars that followed the same route under the same conditions. Two tires of each model were taken and moved from the front to the rear axle. Thus, at the end of the test, all tires drove the same distance on the front and rear axles, and in addition, drivers also swapped cars to avoid their driving style influencing the result.

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

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

Test World notes that while the differences between the tires tested may look subtle on paper, they may actually be more obvious, not just in braking performance but also in cornering grip and steering response. According to experts, the worst tires in the test practically do not allow you to control the car on slippery surfaces, so when choosing winter tires you should not focus only on price and buy cheap tires. Tests by various organizations year after year show that budget Asian tires do not provide an optimal level of safety.

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

Behind the wheel

Experts from the Russian magazine “Behind the Wheel” also tested each kit. Without sharp accelerations and braking on studded models, they covered half a thousand kilometers. And the test itself was carried out in Tolyatti, at the AvtoVAZ OJSC testing ground. The carrier car in this test was the VAZ Kalina with ABS.

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

Following the run-in, the Za Rulem experts carried out the sequence of tests they had developed. It was as follows: acceleration and braking on snow and ice, measurements of longitudinal adhesion on an ice circle and a rearrangement test. Next are tests for handling, directional stability, cross-country ability and comfort. The sequence is not random: during testing, the studs are subject to increased loads, under the influence of which they can be squeezed out, and if the order of measurements is disrupted, the studs will protrude more.

Therefore, after winter disciplines on ice and snow, re-check the protrusion of the spikes. If it has not changed during testing, it means that the “fangs” are holding firmly in the rubber.

The magazine “Behind the Wheel” decided to start asphalt exercises with assessment and measurements of rolling resistance, and only in the final we carry out braking on asphalt. Quite logical! For example, representatives of the Continental concern believe that emergency braking on asphalt is stressful for winter tires, even with ABS, so after a dozen or a half such braking events the tires become unusable.

To break in non-studded tires, commonly referred to as “Velcro” tires, 300 km is enough. And the driving style should be more aggressive than in the case of studded tires, since in this case the primary task of running in is different - to completely remove from the tread sipes the remaining lubricant that was applied to the mold (lubrication is needed in order to prevent damage to the tread from 3D cuts when removing a freshly welded tire from the mold). In addition, these tires 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 studless tires throughout their service life.

Vi Bilagare

The Swedish magazine Vi Bilagare conducted a test of studded winter tires in Finland in the first week of March 2015. Experts noted that conditions were unusually variable this time around, with some days being warm and reaching temperatures close to freezing, while others were as cold as -10 degrees. All tests used several Volvo models as the vehicle (V40, S60, V60 and V70), which is quite unusual for tire tests. ABS and ASR were switched on, with the latter in Sport mode, to increase slip at the start and skid in corners.

Dry and wet tests were carried out at testing grounds near Tampere (Finland) in April, where slush grip and fuel consumption were also assessed. Two Volvo V40 CCs were used. The tires were tested on the same section of asphalt at speeds up to 100 km/h. Behavior during emergency detours around obstacles was also assessed on dry asphalt. However, the general approach to the test was similar, both with colleagues from Test World and with specialists from the Russian publication.

Perhaps the country's most scrupulous automotive publication has been covering the tire industry for many years. But if earlier Autoreview outsourced this work to European experts (mainly Test World), now, for several years now, the Russian media has been conducting tire research on its own, as a rule, going to European testing grounds.

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

The vehicle used was a new Peugeot 308 with 205/55R16 wheels. For better objectivity, Autoreview experts turned off the stabilization system, and were forced to do this in a barbaric way, by physically removing one of the system’s sensors, since the 308’s ESP does not turn off completely, and an activated system would have a bad effect on the objectivity of the study.

Eighteen sets of winter tires ended up in the hands of Russian experts. All are exclusively Scandinavian type, of which eleven are studded and seven are friction (not studded). Of course, all sets of tires underwent exercises to evaluate driving properties in the main disciplines (handling, acceleration, braking, comfort, rolling resistance). The snow that fell during the test also helped to conduct a cross-country ability test by measuring the acceleration time through a snowdrift fifteen centimeters high.

Auto Motor & Sport

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

Braking performance tests were carried out at temperatures from -30 to +10 degrees on various surfaces. Tests on ice were carried out in an indoor complex with the ability to control temperature and humidity. On snow, the tires were tested outdoors on several trails. The experts tried to carry out the tests in a short period of time so that all tires were evaluated under the same conditions. The acceleration efficiency was determined using the same scheme, and testing on ice required a special surface.

To evaluate the lateral grip of the tires, the pilot made several races on circular tracks covered with snow or ice. In the handling test, the driver monitored control, understeer and tire behavior at the limit of grip. A rolling drum was used to determine rolling resistance and all tires were tested at 80 km/h.

Scandinavian studded tires, winter tire test 2015-2016

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 – winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The main indicator of studded tires is the effectiveness of their grip on ice. Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 tires are equipped with a new stud shape, called the “Cross-Edge Pin” for the cross-shaped notch on the core of the stud. These cross-shaped notches improve contact with ice and increase grip duration. As a result, these tires have more effective traction and more aggressive braking on ice, regardless of their direction of travel. The performance improvement is shown in the graph.

Using the latest modeling technology, the Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 tread pattern design has undergone significant changes. In the new rubber, the cross grooves have expanded intersections, due to which they grip snow more effectively. The tread has self-cleaning sipes that allow snow and ice dust to be removed from the stud, thereby improving traction efficiency. At the same time, there are shoulder lugs that increase traction when passing through deep snow.

Bridgestone has improved not only the studs, but also the stud hole. Thanks to computer modeling, a special hole shape was developed, which made it possible to optimize the holding force of the tenon.

Although tires in Russia and the CIS countries are subject to particularly harsh and difficult operating conditions, BLIZZAK Spike-01 is able to maintain high performance for 3-4 seasons.

TEST RESULTS

Studded winter tires of the Scandinavian type Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 were tested by Finnish experts from Test World, Russian specialists from Za Rulem magazine, Swedish testers from Vi Bilagare, as well as the Swedish division of Auto Motor & Sport magazine. In the Finnish authorities, these tires took ninth place, sharing it with Sava Eskimo Stud. Only Nokian Nordman 5 and LingLong Green-Max Winter Grip were worse than Bridgestone in the Test World test. All the others are better. And the test of the Vi Bilagare “Bridgestone” publication was completely closed.

In the magazine "Behind the Wheel" Japanese tires achieved sixth place out of eleven. “Behind the Wheel” and Test World agreed that the Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 performs well on icy surfaces. Although the “Behind the Wheel” journalists made a reservation in this sense: “only due to the strong protrusion of the spikes, which will probably fly out in the near future.” In Vi Bilagare, the only advantage they singled out was good resistance to ascent on snow and water slush. By the way, Auto Motor & Sport also has the last place in the final list.

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

Continental IceContact 2 – winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

New IceContact 2 tire with excellent performance on ice. Continental's premium studded tire for passenger cars and SUVs is developed using the latest technology with an emphasis on ensuring best characteristics behavior on ice and asphalt Available sizes - from 14 to 20 inches (2015)

TEST RESULTS

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

It is not surprising that the new product demonstrated itself equally well in the tests of Test World, and in the test of the magazine “Behind the wheel”, and in the hands of Vi Bilagare, and in the results of the newspaper “Autoreview”. All expert publications noted the ideal behavior of this tire on ice. Although Test World did note that the main competitor, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, accelerated and braked on ice a little more confidently.

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

Dunlop Ice Touch – winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Dunlop Ice Touch are winter studded tires for harsh European winters, which provide excellent handling on difficult winter roads: on ice, slush and compacted snow.

The DunlopIce Touch tire is made using the same technologies as the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic.

The Dunlop Ice Touch features a directional tread pattern with wide drainage grooves that taper from center to middle. Multiple sipes at different angles, sharp engagement edges and somewhat chaotic studs provide excellent grip and safe braking in winter time of the year.

Wide central rib Dunlop Ice Touch tread increases the contact patch area for effective acceleration and braking. The special composition of the rubber compound increases traction and grip thanks to polymers that give the tire elasticity at low temperatures.

The weight of Dunlop Ice Touch winter tires is optimized to reduce rolling resistance, which reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Optimal tread stiffness provides maximum handling on dry roads.

TEST RESULTS

This season, DunlopIce Touch winter tires were noted in only two tests - Test World and Autoreview - not very often. Sixth line in the Finnish court and seventh in the Russian court. The main advantage noticed by Test World testers was its behavior on dry and wet asphalt. On such a road, Dunlop tires ride extremely confidently, even outperforming some non-studded models. Autoreview was in solidarity with their Finnish colleagues, calling these tires the choice of residents of megacities.

Gislaved Nord*Frost 100 – winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Gislaved Nord Frost 100 winter studded tires feature an improved stud design that more effectively increases both longitudinal and lateral grip on icy surfaces. This also reduces the braking distance on ice. Multiple traction edges and wide snow-grabbing grooves also create increased traction in winter conditions.”

Thanks to the special design of the stud used in the Gislaved Nord Frost 100, improved grip on ice is achieved, and wear resistance is increased and the likelihood of its loss is reduced. The stud is made of aluminum, its length is 11 mm, its diameter is 8 mm, produced exclusively for Continental at the Tikka plant in Finland.

At the same time, during the development of the Gislaved Nord Frost 100, the location of the studs was optimized, thereby achieving excellent grip on icy roads in both longitudinal and transverse directions. This guarantees high stability, excellent traction properties of the tire on ice, and also helps to reduce braking distances.

Grip on icy roads in the Gislaved Nord Frost 100 has been increased thanks to a peripheral mid-central tread block with straight sipes and a large number of sharp engagement edges, thereby providing a large contact patch with the road surface. The tread also manages to achieve excellent traction and braking on loose snow thanks to a two-pitch structure with a large number of sipes in the shoulder area and straight sipes.

Large cross-sectional area on snow is achieved thanks to optimized angular limit measures of the edges of the engagement edges in all directions, which improves lateral grip when cornering.

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

The use of computer modeling in the design made it possible to optimize the sequence of installation of studs, due to which a wide frequency range of sound vibrations was achieved and the noise level was reduced. It was also possible to achieve increased wear resistance and low rolling resistance due to the optimized contour. This achieves a balanced pressure distribution in the area of ​​the tire contact patch with the road surface.

TEST RESULTS

Gislaved Nord Frost 100 tires have the best acceleration and braking on snow in the Vi Bilagare test. This same advantage was noted in both “Autoreview” and Test World. At the same time, Gislaved tires performed frankly depressingly on ice this season. But on wet and dry asphalt the performance is decent. Yes, a very contradictory set of characteristics, and what is especially strange is that last year the measurement results were different.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic – winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

According to the manufacturer, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic winter studded tires provide excellent grip and handling on ice. Which the user receives thanks to MultiControl technology Ice company Goodyear. This revolutionary stud manufacturing technology increases the contact area of ​​the stud with the road surface, which provides highly effective traction and vehicle control when driving on ice. Due to this, the shape of the stud makes it even more stable, which maximizes braking force on ice and reduces the braking distance.

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

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

TEST RESULTS

Goodyear performed brilliantly this time around, outperforming all other studded tires in terms of balancing ride characteristics on a variety of surfaces. They are quite a bit behind the best tires on snow and ice, where they have short braking distances and good handling. The only weakness is the relatively low grip on wet pavement, but the drivers noted that the tires behaved consistently and safely.

Hankook Winter i*Pike RS – winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The studded tire Hankook Winter i*Pike RS W419 is one of the new products prepared for domestic car enthusiasts by the famous Korean tire manufacturer. This tire is a logical continuation of another popular model in our country, the W409.

The new tire has a tread with a V-shaped directional symmetrical pattern. In the center of the tread there is now a more massive longitudinal rib, the high rigidity of which ensures excellent directional stability and high control efficiency when driving on winter surfaces. Two adjacent ribs are massive free-standing blocks that are located under more acute angle, relative to the direction of movement. The tread blocks have become significantly larger, and the distance between them has increased significantly.

Another notable innovation was the new rubber compound, which has greater elasticity, which was compensated by increasing the number of lamellas. In addition, the number of studs has increased significantly - there are now more than 120 depending on the size, and their location has been optimized for better grip on ice.

TEST RESULTS

The studded new product from Hankook in Russia is currently available for purchase only in two sizes - 205/55R16 and 215/65R16. It’s a pity, because the new Korean tire with an increased number of studs showed good results in each of the tests in which it participated. And these are materials from the Autoreview newspaper and the Finnish research center Test World.

When braking on ice - second result! The only better tires are the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8. The grip on snow is also good. All that remains is to improve the handling: both on ice and snow, the reactions lack clarity, especially when entering a turn.

Hankook tires do not shine on asphalt: there are complaints about both noise and smoothness, but the main puncture is weak deceleration during emergency braking on a dry surface.

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

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 – winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The manufacturer claims that the unique studding technology from the company that created winter tires provides unprecedented grip on ice and snow. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 behaves perfectly in extreme situations, is characterized by acoustic comfort, rotates easily, saves fuel consumption and reduces impact on the road surface.

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

Thanks to the increased number of grooves in the tread, the edges of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 sipes better grip snow and ice when touching the road surface. The small size of the tread blocks reduces the heat generated by the tire, which results in increased mileage and increased wear resistance of the tire.

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

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

The studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tire has unprecedented grip on ice in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The location of each spike is optimized using computer modeling. The studs are distributed evenly over the entire tread surface.

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

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

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

The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tire has improved grip when braking. Grip when braking on snow is improved thanks to braking boosters at the rear of the tread blocks. The serrated pattern of the brake boosters increases the grip area and improves traction, especially on snowy road surfaces.

Diagonal 3D support slats

In the central part of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tread, 3D lamellas reinforce it. The tire responds quickly and sensitively to steering wheel maneuvers, improving driving confidence and responsive handling. Self-locking 3D lamellas are the key to more precise handling. 3D lamellas located in the outer part of the shoulder zones, when touching the road, fix the checker blocks, connecting them into one whole, which improves the driving properties and controllability when driving along an arc and maneuvering on the track. A new rigid breaker package allows the tire to maintain its shape, despite road unevenness. A more comfortable driving experience is enhanced by impact-absorbing sidewall components and a choice of materials that effectively reduce cabin noise levels.

Tread wear indicator and winter wear indicator

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

TEST RESULTS

It is significant that Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 became a leader in absolutely all tests. All experts admitted that in ice disciplines there is no equal to the top-end Nokian tire, at least in the segment of mass-produced, non-sports tires. The best braking distance and handling on frozen water are in its bag. The tires were also among the best on snow. They showed some weaknesses only in tests of braking and handling performance on wet asphalt. However, experts noted that this is a normal situation if, when creating tires, the main priority is maximum grip on ice. And the magazine “Behind the Wheel” additionally awarded Nokian studs the title of the most economical in their test.

Nokian Nordman 5 – winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

About the Nokian Nordman 5 it is written: “The new Nokian Nordman 5 studded tire is a precise and balanced tire for difficult winter conditions.” Although in reality it is not entirely new, because it is the already known Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5. The tread pattern and design solutions are similar to those used in it.

The round, lightweight stud works well in combination with the new harder rubber compound and the stud is firmly anchored within the tread. This has a positive effect on grip and reliability. The bear claw technology, which has proven itself in the Nokian Hakkapeliitta tires, improves grip. In the shoulder areas of the Nokian Nordman 5 tire there are special grooves for lateral grip. Combined tread blocks in the central zone make the transfer of control from the steering wheel more precise. The tread pattern makes contact with the road smoother and allows the tire to rotate more easily.

TEST RESULTS

Nokian Nordman 5 is a logical continuation of Nokian Nordman 4. New product of the year. And regarding this model, the opinions of experts were not unanimous. If the Nordman 5 turned out to be an outsider in the Test World rating, then the tire expert “Behind the Wheel” - Sergey Mishin awarded these tires “bronze”. Thus, in the report of the Russian auto magazine, Nordman 5 occupies the next position after Continental tires, despite the fact that Formula Ice, Sava Eskimo Stud, Japanese Bridgestone, Yokohama and Toyo tires were worse than Nordman 5, as well as Cordiant Snow Cross, Avatyre Freeze and Aeolus Ice Challenger AW05. Why?

The assessment of Russian experts is influenced not only by the driving parameters of the tire, but also by their relationship to price, while Test World is based only on the behavior of the car in the test tires. One way or another, both expert communities stated good behavior on snow, average on ice and poor on asphalt.

In a report from the Autoreview newspaper, the new Norman 5 was even ahead of the “eighth Hakapeliitta” in some disciplines. Oleg Rastegaev wrote that it is easier to drive on a winding icy road with Nordman tires. And they work better in deep snow. But on adhesion properties on ice and snow. At the same time, Autoreview noted that this is a very good choice for the money.

Sava Eskimo Stud – winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

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

These are the advantages of its rubber that the manufacturer claims.

With the Sava Eskimo Stud winter tire, the driver will feel confident on unpredictable winter roads. Hex studs provide good handling and grip on icy surfaces. Special sipes improve handling on snow. Besides, Sava tires Eskimo Stud perform well on wet roads thanks to the use of a special silica-based polymer in the tread with a directional pattern.

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

When using Sava Eskimo Stud, the driver will enjoy a silent and comfortable ride. The blocks and studs are positioned in such a way as to reduce tire noise and ensure a smooth ride.

The economic feature of the Sava Eskimo Stud tire is the use of a wear-reducing polymer to extend the life of the tire.

TEST RESULTS

Each of the expert publications that tested the tire noted the confident behavior of the Sava Eskimo Stud on asphalt. In all other respects, opinions were no longer unanimous. In Test World, Sava tires were praised for their handling on ice, but to complete the picture, the experts lacked confident braking. But the team of the magazine “Behind the Wheel” rated the ice character of the Sava Eskimo Stud higher, but with the same reservation as in the case of the Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01, that is, confident driving on ice was achieved only due to the strong protrusion of the spikes. The Vi Bilagare experts' point of view is that behavior on the ice is not good enough, but otherwise it is acceptable.

Michelin X-Ice North 3 – winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

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

Weather conditions in these regions vary throughout the winter, resulting in poor tire traction. In this regard, there is a need to develop tires that provide maximum grip on all types of winter roads - snowy, covered with ice or frozen snow, rolled or melted snow.

Winters in Russia and the Scandinavian countries are harsh, so the MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tires were created on a research platform specially created by the Michelin Group to guarantee an unprecedented level of safety for motorists in the northernmost regions of the world. The MICHELIN Total Performance strategy is fully reflected in the new MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tires, which provide even more performance to their owners. This translates into maximum safety on icy and heavily snowy roads, sub-zero temperatures or other extreme winter driving conditions. At the same time, the tire provides maximum mileage, which is achieved through more reliable stud fastening compared to the previous generation.

As a result, the new MICHELIN X-ICE North3 tire is more than safety for real winters. The braking distance on ice has been reduced by 10%, stud fixation has been improved by 25%, and a more durable sidewall provides a high level of safety for a longer period.

Michelin engineers have combined a whole range of innovative technologies to ensure that the third generation of MICHELIN X-ICE North tires demonstrates efficiency in several areas at once: in the field of safety (even in the most extreme winter conditions), as well as in terms of wear resistance, thanks to the increased reliability of stud fastening. These innovations form the basis of the Intelligent Stud System, first introduced in the MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tires. This system includes a new thermoactive rubber compound from which the lower tread layer is made, special IPRem chip ice management technology, as well as new conical studs. .

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

The latest generations of MICHELINX-ICE North tires had a two-layer tread, where the upper rubber layer was responsible for grip, and the lower, inner layer was responsible for fixing the studs. Introducing the new MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 studded tire, Michelin is pleased to demonstrate a masterpiece of technical and chemical thought - a thermoactive rubber compound. It is designed exclusively for use in studded tires as a base, inner tread base.

It is responsible for reliable fixation of the base of the studs, as well as for the puncture force of the studs in the MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tire. The mixture can change its properties depending on the temperature. Thus, in warm weather the tire remains relatively soft, which allows the studs to press into the tread when used on asphalt. At the same time, grip on dry and wet roads is improved by reducing the “skating-like” sliding effect. As the temperature drops, the rigidity of the thermoactive rubber mixture increases, the studs receive a very hard base, which increases the puncture force of the studs and allows them to effectively “bite into” the ice, providing the necessary grip when accelerating or braking. All this allows you to demonstrate high grip characteristics on ice, regardless of its condition and temperature.

When developing the MICHELIN X-ICE North3, special attention was paid to the tread space around the stud. When moving on ice, ice crumbs form around the studs, which impede the operation of not only the studs, but also the rubber compound. This effect significantly worsens grip on ice, lengthening the braking distance and increasing acceleration time.

To combat this problem, special wells were created to collect ice chips formed during the operation of the studs, which significantly improves traction on ice.

The new tenon has a classic round cross-section on both tenon flanges and the carbide insert. However, the shape of the spike has features that distinguish it from its predecessor. A cone-leg is installed on the wider base of the tenon (now it has a diameter of 9 mm instead of 8 mm), and then an upper flange with a carbide insert. This stud shape with elements expanding towards the bottom significantly improves the fixation of the stud in the tire tread, preventing premature loss. The new MICHELIN conical stud lasts 25% longer than the previous generation.

Compared to the previous generation, new protector MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tires have three unique properties:

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

The tread uses a special “Step In-Step Out” shape for the shoulder area. Having paid attention to the structural features of the tread of mud tires, the developers adopted the toothed structure of the shoulder area (when its blocks have different protrusions). This structure allows you to significantly improve the tire's cross-country ability in deep snow and slush.

The tire's drainage channel system has been modified to improve handling in slushy snow conditions. The grooves are now positioned towards the outer edge, making snow evacuation easier and reducing the risk of hydroplaning.

The MICHELIN X-ICE North3 tire is distinguished not only by increased level safety on winter roads and wear resistance, but a strong sidewall, reducing the likelihood of damage or rupture of the tire. Strength is achieved through MICHELIN IronFlex™ technology (a first for a MICHELIN winter tire), which increases sidewall rigidity and deformability for optimal handling. MICHELIN IronFlex technology features high-strength carcass threads with exceptional flexibility and a special sidewall design that quickly dissipates peak loads.

TEST RESULTS

From a tire with such a big name, you expect a place on the podium, or at least a position close to it. And Michelin X-Ice North 3 from year to year ranks in the middle of the list, or even lower. Three European tests and only one “silver”. In the rest, the location is close to short circuit. However, if you look at it, the tire of the famous French brand has many advantages. They drive well on wet and dry asphalt, make little noise, and most importantly offer a decent service life. The only pity is that there is not enough stability on ice and snow. A justified choice for purely urban residents, where snow and ice are melted with reagents.

Pirelli Ice Zero – winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The new Pirelli Winter Ice Zero tire is the first studded representative of the “P Zero collection”. A completely new generation of studded winter tires, developed by Pirelli engineers using 40 years of rally experience.

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

Pirelli Winter Ice Zero is used in the production new technology tire studs PIRELLI DUAL STUD.

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

Developed based on 40 years of experience in rally racing. A radical test bed for tires that are designed for rough, uneven surfaces, ice and snow. A story that combines Pirelli and rally racing, with more than 200 victories.

TEST RESULTS

Usually Pirelli winter tires perform well in tests, but never delight experts. This season, the stars aligned better for Italian tires, although they did not reach the ideal level. In any case, in none of the tests did the model fall below the fifth position.

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