We have collected 13 sets of the most popular studs on our market in the most common size for foreign cars, at prices ranging from 3,300 to 8,500 rubles. There are two new products: Continental ContiIceContact 2 and Yokohama iceGUARD iG55. We would like to separately mention one of the most inexpensive tires on the market - the domestic development in the Chinese version Avatyre Freeze (3,300 rubles), as well as the updated Hankook i’Pike RS Plus with an increased number of studs. We tested tires at the AVTOVAZ test site. “White” tests (on snow and ice) were carried out in January - February at temperatures of -25...-5 ºС. The “dirty” work was done on May asphalt (winter tires are designed to operate up to +5...+7 ºС), when the roads had finally dried out and there was no wind - this is very important for determining fuel consumption. He helped us test the tires. By the way, almost all tire companies use this model during their internal tests.

WHERE DO WE START?

From a thorough inspection of the tires, weighing them, measuring the depth of the grooves and the hardness of the rubber. And of course, by counting the number of spikes and measuring their protrusion. After installing the tires on the rims, we begin running them in - each set ran 500 km before testing.

After running in, we check how much the hardness of the rubber and the amount of protrusion of the studs have changed. We make sure to put a mark on the sidewall of each tire indicating which wheel it was on, and save this installation pattern during all tests.

WHITE MOVE

We start by assessing the longitudinal grip of tires on snow and ice. To do this, we measure the acceleration time and the braking distance. The exercises are quite simple: repeat the measurements several times with the traction control system turned on (ABS always works). On some tires you get stable results in five or six repetitions, on others, if the performance varies, you have to carry out up to ten or more runs. The accuracy of measurements is guaranteed by the professional VBOX measuring system, which records speed, time and distance and is guided by GPS satellites.

The next step is to evaluate lateral grip on ice. To do this, all tire manufacturers traditionally use roundabouts. The shorter the time it takes, the better the grip. On compacted snow, we evaluate the lateral grip properties together with the behavior of the car during a changeover - an abrupt change of lane (lane width 3.5 m) in a strictly fixed corridor. For this purpose, we use the shortest, 12-meter rearrangement, which gives maximum lateral load on the tires. For reference: the behavior of cars is usually assessed at 16- and 20-meter lengths, and road trains are tested at the longest (24 m).

The ice has to be thoroughly swept away every two or three runs. Otherwise, the tires will slip on the small crumbs formed under the studs and the results will “float away”. In the snow, you have to make sure that a bead does not form, which can serve as a side support. And in any exercises, after a series of tests (two or three sets), we conduct a race on base (control) tires - based on the obtained reference data, we recalculate the final result. Moreover, snow and ice change their properties significantly during the test day.

HUMAN FACTOR

Let's move on to the expert assessment. Two testers, taking turns, determine how easy it is to drive a car on certain tires. Sometimes, to ensure the results are correct, we involve a third expert.

The most important exercises are to assess the vehicle's directional stability and controllability on snow and ice surfaces, as well as on mixed terrain. We focus on two aspects.

The first is the behavior of the car. At maximum speed, it is considered ideal for the car to gently slide outwards with all four wheels, without twisting the trajectory. Automotive and tire experts unanimously consider skidding with loss of direction to be the most undesirable. The sharper and deeper it is, the lower the score. The attitude towards the demolition of the front axle is more loyal. True, the “scale of the tragedy” is also important here. After all, strong drift forces the driver to twist the steering wheel, which again can lead to.

The second aspect is the ease of driving. We evaluate the speed of reactions to steering inputs, steering angles (the more you need to turn the steering wheel, the worse), as well as the information content of the steering gear.

Additionally, we record how abruptly the sliding begins, whether it is easy to control the car while sliding, and how quickly the grip is restored after sliding.

We check directional stability at high speeds (90–110 km/h), turning the steering wheel at small angles sufficient to change lanes smoothly, but when assessing controllability the opposite is true: the speed is lower, the steering wheel is more active.

An equally important test for our conditions is cross-country ability in freshly fallen snow. In virgin lands, we evaluate the ability to overcome snowdrifts at speed (we turn off the traction control system), maneuver, get under way, get out in reverse. We don’t forget to evaluate the simplicity and ease of operation: an experienced driver can drive almost anywhere, so we focus on the average driver who does not know any special techniques. Therefore, tires that can only run under tension, without slipping, do not receive a high score from us. In this category, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic tires had no equal - they turn a front-wheel drive car into a full-fledged all-terrain vehicle.

We evaluate the noise in the cabin and the smoothness of the ride at different speeds and surfaces, right down to the ridge - the trace of the tractor tread. Experts are interested not only in the level, but also in the tone of the noise. The ride rating shows how well the tires absorb shock and vibration from road imperfections.

RELEASE SPINES

After the “white” tests, we examine the tires again - we check how the protrusion of the studs has changed. The leaders are Avatyre, Continental, Cordiant and Nordman, for which this parameter remained unchanged. The studs on Gislaved, Michelin, Nokian, Pirelli, Toyo and Yokohama tires have grown by no more than one tenth of a millimeter - this is quite acceptable. Bridgestone released “claws” of 0.1–0.2 mm, which can be considered a satisfactory indicator. But with a caveat: several studs protruded from the tread by more than 2.5 mm. But for Goodyear and Hankook tires the changes are more significant - their “nails” stretched by up to 0.3 mm during the tests. This means that they do not stick to the rubber as well as others. Let me remind you that from next year the Technical Regulations Customs Union, uniting Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan, introduces a limit for the protrusion of studs on a new tire: 1.2 ± 0.3 mm.

IN BLACK

We begin asphalt tests with measurements of free runs, which we convert into fuel consumption, relying on a database collected over many years. We take measurements in both directions to neutralize the influence of even a light breeze or road slope. Although, by and large, this is reinsurance - the “laboratory” section of the test site’s expressway is flat, and we take readings only in calm weather, which usually happens at night in this region. Before measuring tires and transmission. At the same time, on this ten-kilometer section we evaluate directional stability - now also on asphalt.

The final tests are to determine the braking distance on dry and wet asphalt. After each measurement, to ensure correctness, we cool the pads and discs. To do this, on the way back, the testers brake only with the engine, shifting to lower gears. To water the road, we use a device of our own design: water in a layer of up to 2 mm is supplied to the road by motor pump through garden sprayers from a 500-liter barrel, which ours carries in a trailer.

The results were surprising: on asphalt, the new ContiIceContact 2 tires stop the car the fastest. Although theoretically, a tire with 190 studs should be inferior to models with fewer “nails.”

The final stage: we inspect the treads after braking and count the spikes that have popped out. This time the “Japanese” were embarrassed: Bridgestone lost 18 studs, Toyo - seven, and another one had a broken hard insert. We believe that Bridgestone’s massive losses are associated with excessive protrusion of the “nails” above the tread (1.7–2.6 mm after “white” tests). During emergency braking on asphalt, the protruding spikes bend strongly, as evidenced by rubber ruptures near many of the “claws” and their worn-off tops. For Toyo tires, the protrusion does not exceed the critical 2.0 mm, so the reason is either incorrect studs or deviations in the external dimensions of the “studs”.

In the final standings, the leading positions with a noticeable gap from the rest were taken by the second generation ContiIceContact (927 points) and the test winner - Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 (932 points). The difference between them overall results in our ranking is only half a percent.

For the most meticulous

The tires collected in our test can be divided into three groups according to the number of studs.

The first, “classic”, costs 127–130 per tire (this includes the Avatyre with 120 studs). This group includes quite old models that cannot now be sold in Scandinavia: since July 2013, more stringent standards have been introduced there that limit the number of “nails” on a wheel (no more than 50 studs per linear meter of circumference).

Therefore, a second, “law-abiding” group appeared - 96–97 studs per tire. This includes three models - Michelin X-Ice North 3, Gislaved Nord Frost 100 and Toyo Observe G3‑Ice. However, as can be seen from the test results, the number of “claws” does not provide a clear advantage to either the “classics” or the “law-abiding” ones.

There is a third group - “cunning ones”, who have up to 190 thorns, but are not subject to the ban. These are models that exploited a loophole in the Scandinavian rules. The fact is that the limit on the number of studs does not apply to tires that destroy the road surface no more actively than “law-abiding” ones. Nokian, Continental, Hankook, Pirelli, Goodyear and Yokohama passed this wear test, which can only be carried out by certified laboratories.

We express our gratitude to the tire manufacturing companies that provided their products for testing, as well as to the employees of the AVTOVAZ test site and the Tolyatti companies Volgashintorg and Premiere for technical support.

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 materials publicly available in our latitudes about studded winter tires ah Scandinavian type, that is, models most suitable for use in most regions of Russia, were released 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 Premium studded tire from Continental for passenger cars and SUV class cars is developed using the latest technologies 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 Suitable 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. Special composition rubber compound increases traction and grip thanks to polymers that give the tire elasticity at low temperatures.

Weight winter tires Dunlop Ice Touch 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

Winter Dunlop tires Ice Touch was featured in only two tests this season - Test World and Autoreview - not a lot. 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 a short braking distance 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 ah rapeseed (a type of rapeseed) oil enhances the interaction of 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.

In the production of Pirelli Winter Ice Zero, the new PIRELLI DUAL STUD tire stud technology is used.

Tested in the most harsh winters them 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.

How to improve headlights in 5 minutes?

When driving on dark winter roads, you really want the headlights to be brighter and illuminate as much of the road as possible. But, unfortunately, from year to year the glow of headlights becomes dimmer. We'll tell you how to fix this quickly and inexpensively.

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

The 2017 winter tire rating refers to those tire models that are high-tech and have a regularly increased level of vehicle control. That is why it is better to focus on new models of car tires. It often happens that experts advise buying car parts not particularly famous brands machinery, but when this issue concerns tires, then everything is different.

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

How to choose winter tires for a car?

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

The main characteristics that any good brand and the tire model is:

• The composition must be unique and individual in its own way; the tread is made of expensive and durable rubber alloys;
• The tread shape is developed by global leaders in the automotive field;
• Machine rubber provides decent grip on your favorite surfaces;
• It has the lowest rolling resistance, due to which gasoline consumption is dramatically reduced (you no longer have to overpay);
• The best preparation for slippery roads, which significantly complicates the vehicle's maneuverability.

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

Most people think that studded tires perform poorly on paved surfaces, but they are great on roads that are covered in snow or ice.

Which winter tires are better: studs or Velcro?

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

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

• Scandinavian;
• European;
• All-season;
• Arctic.

All these subsections relate to Velcro.

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

For winter roads, it will undoubtedly be better to purchase tires without studs. These are the best winter tires available today. It will fit perfectly when you are going through a winding route. Studless wheels show the best results for driving a car on winter roads.

Rating of winter studless tires 2016-2017

Place No. 1. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

The first place is honorably occupied by such tires as Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2. These are the best winter tires of 2017.

The country in which the rubber was manufactured is Poland.

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

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

Place number 2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2

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

The country in which the rubber was manufactured is Finland.

The manufacturers of this beautiful model focused on the brand's coatings and turned out to be not only one of the best, but also higher than some studded tire models.

Place number 3. Continental ContiVikingContact 6

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

These innovative tires were produced in Germany.

Place No. 4. Michelin X-ice Xi3

In fourth position is the Michelin X-ice Xi3.

The country in which the spikes were made is Spain.

This modern model provides an excellent, hassle-free driving experience. They have excellent sound insulation and are very popular among avid car enthusiasts.

Place No. 5. Maxxis SP02 ArcticTrekker

Country of origin: China.

This particular tire model proved for the first time that Chinese tires are no worse in quality than other similar analog tire models. They showed decent results during the test. There were no side effects or unforeseen events. They are considered better than many studless tires on wet and snowy roads. Noise insulation is average. In total, this rubber is considered profitable both in terms of quality and cost.

Place No. 6. Bridgestone Blizzak WS70

In sixth place we should put the Japanese car tires Bridgestone Blizzak WS70.

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

Place number 7. Pirelli Winter IceControl

In seventh place is a tire like Pirelli Winter IceControl.

Country where this innovation was produced: .

On snowy surfaces it outperformed many similar automotive devices. They have low rolling resistance and high noise levels.

Place No. 8. Pirelli SCORPION WINTER

Country of origin: China.

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

Place No. 9. Sailun Ice Blazer WSL2

Country where the rubber was made: China.

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

Place number 10. Dunlop SP Ice Sport

The tenth place was taken by such German winter tires as Dunlop SP Ice Sport. This tire model is considered a bestseller. It rides on snowy surfaces no worse than on wet asphalt. Has excellent directional stability.

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 of winter tires. Therefore, the current leaders in the budget price category deserve special attention.

Winter tires 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 and smart geometry help make the steering more sensitive and stable when cornering.
Prices start at 1.8 thousand rubles per tire.

Winter tires 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.

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 tires

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.

Starfire W200

New studless tires from Cooper, according to the manufacturer, are fully prepared for even the harshest winter of the coming year. Their factory is located in Sebria, where mass production of the new kit has been established.

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 a limited number of countries and cities of the CIS and Europe.

The new product is offered in 27 sizes. Price starts from 3.5 thousand, A 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.

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2

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. Starting price 3.6 thousand for a 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.

Continental ContiViking Contact 6

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.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2

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 cryo-adaptive rubber mixture was used, which allows maintaining elasticity at low temperatures and 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. Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01

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. 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. Vredestein Snow Trac 3

Produced 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. Gislaved Nord Frost 100

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. Yokohama iceGUARD Stud iG55

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. Nokian Nordman 5

The Russian manufacturer deservedly took fifth place. His 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. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice+

Polish-made tires have proven themselves to be one of the best for difficult weather conditions - ice, drifts, snow, strong wind. 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. Continental - ContiIceContact

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.

Price - about 3.8 thousand rubles per tire.

2nd place. Michelin X-Ice Xi3

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. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8

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.

The review below shows rating best models winter studded tires 2015-2016, compiled taking into account the opinions of experts from four of the most authoritative international and Russian journals: “ Behind the wheel", Tuulilasi, "AutoReview" and TestWorld.

In the total global production of car tires, rubber intended for use in low temperatures accounts for about 8%. At the same time, the share of consumption of low-temperature tires in the domestic market reaches 60% and is one of the most profitable areas of the auto business. For operation in the harsh Russian climate, the most suitable are Scandinavian-type tires equipped with a wide tread that can easily press through icy and snow-covered surfaces.
Algorithm for testing winter tires and its results
Tuulilasi tested 8 modifications of tires for acceleration and braking in icy and snowy conditions, conducted races on dry and wet highways and studied the resistance of rubber to slipping in a mixture of water and snow.
“Behind the Wheel” experts analyzed the 10 most popular models of winter tires (175/65 R14) with a cost of no more than 3,700 rubles per unit, guided by the price-quality ratio.
Specialists " AutoReview» tested European-made tires installed on Mercedes S class. Studded and non-studded tires were tested for acceleration and braking using dynamic stabilization and anti-lock systems. The tests took place in special indoor rooms with a large area on sections of roads with different configurations, a dry road and asphalt covered with snow, ice and water.
Edition Test World tested 25 tire models indoors and outdoors. The ability of rubber to provide fast acceleration, good lateral grip and a minimum braking distance was tested. There were also circular timed races. When summing up the results, the opinions of the drivers who took part in the testing were taken into account.
Using the results obtained during the tests, a ranking of the best winter studded tires 2015-2016, which included foreign and Russian products, as well as an overview of Scandinavian modifications of rubber.

10. Michelin X-IceNorth 3

Low-noise tires produced by a famous French brand with an open tread pattern that allows you to reduce the snow gap, with good contact with the road surface even with poor grip, confidently holding the car in slush. The model with the shortest braking distance when stopping on dry surfaces at a speed of 100 km/h. Experts attributed the disadvantages of Michelin X-IceNorth 3 to the low dynamics of acceleration and braking on icy asphalt and worst time passing a test lap. In general, experts found the tires suitable for use on roads with little snow and minor icing.

9.Formula Ice

Formula Ice, produced by Pirelli & C, which ranks fifth in the world in tire sales, took fifth position in the ranking. Tires with hexagonal studs made of aluminum perfectly stop the car on a dry road and help to brake on snowy and icy roads. According to experts, these tires, which provide a highly smooth ride, are a budget urban option with rare use for traveling outside the metropolis. Disadvantages: poor maneuverability on snowy and icy roads.

8.Hankook Winter i*Pike RS W419

Hankuk Winter I*Pike RS W419 - Korean tires, successors of the W409 model, which is in demand among domestic motorists, equipped with durable lamellas and one hundred and eighty studs, significantly reducing the braking distance, showing best time passing slippery turns, slopes, snow-covered and muddy sections of the highway and receiving a minimum of complaints from pilots. Among the shortcomings of the model, experts highlighted the uneven behavior of the tires on a snowy road and a highway covered with mud.

7. Gislaved Nord*Frost 100

Gislaved Nord Frost 100 – studded tires from the Swedish brand Gislaved, founded in 1893, with multi-directional edges for more reliable contact with the road, a large grip area on icy surfaces and a significant number of hooks, received good feedback and expert ratings (8.3 on the scale used by Test World) when tested on wet roads. Disadvantages: long braking distance on dry roads and high rolling resistance.

6. Goodyear UltraGripIce Arctic

Founded in 1898 and growing from a small factory producing packaging board, horse shoe linings, bicycle tires and rubber poker chips to one of the world's largest manufacturers of state-of-the-art tires, Goodyear has earned further recognition of its product quality by ranking sixth among the best. samples of winter tires 2015-2016. Goodyear UltraGripIce Arctic (Goodyear UltraGrip Artik). - tires with V-shaped sipes, successfully tested by Tuulilasi and TestWorld on snowy and icy roads and on a track covered with a mixture of water and snow. Cons: Slower response to emergencies on dry highways than other models tested.

5. Nokian Nordman 4

Nokian Nordman 4 is a rubber with flexible elements located under the studs, softening contact with the road, reducing noise and increasing the service life of the tire. Russian experts classified these tires as confidently in the middle class. At the same time, Test World experts noted the uncertain behavior of rubber on wet roads and ice and received a score of 7.1, lower than only the Sunny SN3860 tires - 5.9 points.

4. Nokian Nordman 5

In this model, to increase traction, a special spike in the shape of a bear claw is built into the upper part of the tread, creating additional tension on the tire. When the car is stopped, the protrusion remains vertical. “Behind the Wheel” experts noted the low cost of Nokian Nordman 5 tires (from 1,930 rubles), average fuel consumption during operation, stability in the snow, high level of lateral grip on an icy surface and the confidence of the car on an asphalt road. Among the shortcomings, average handling and comfort and mediocre cross-country ability in snowy conditions were highlighted.

3. Pirelli Winter Ice Zero

Pirelli Winter Ice Zero - tires designed for use in particularly harsh weather conditions on uneven snowy roads covered with a layer of ice. The model received positive feedback from experts when passing tests for braking, speeding up and handling on a snowy track covered with ice. Tires work especially effectively when stopping the car in areas with melted snow. Disadvantages of rubber: reduced grip when cornering, high noise level when driving, rather long braking distance on a dry highway.

2.Continental ContiIceContact

An enterprise with more than one hundred and forty years of history, specializing in the production of tires, the Continental concern is represented in the ranking by one of the best examples of its products - ContiIceContact tires. These tires are manufactured using a unique compound designed to withstand particularly cold temperatures and winter precipitation. Continental Conti Ice Contact - universal tires that can be used with equal success for both passenger cars and cars. off-road. Among the advantages of the model are excellent braking on icy surfaces, excellent handling both on snowy and icy surfaces and on dry roads, and quick acceleration. Cons - insufficient resistance when the car slips in a mixture of water and snow.

1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8

The championship of Nokian Hakkapelitta 8 in the rating of tires for use in winter, produced by the Finnish company Nokian, is natural. Who better than the Finns, who live in a climate with one of the harshest winters, is best to know all the intricacies and features of tires for driving in very coldy and ice.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires became the winner of the 2015-2016 winter studded tire rating, receiving unanimous recognition from all experts who took part in the testing. Among the advantages are a large number of studs (190 units for the 205/55 R16 model); tire weight reduced due to the use of special fillers; excellent handling on surfaces with melted snow and on icy, snow-covered roads; short braking distance when stopping on wet and dry asphalt.