Winter is stressful for the car and the driver, as deteriorating road conditions lead to frequent accidents and loss of control. Confident control of a car in the cold season is possible only with the installation of winter tires. There is a huge variety of models on the market, and each with a unique tread that differs in structure and other characteristics. The rating of winter tires, compiled by experts with rich experience, will help you not to get confused in the variety of options.
Winter is stressful for the car and the driver
What winter tires are
It will be impossible to choose the best winter tires without considering the main varieties. They vary significantly depending on the presence of spikes, brand name, performance and price.
- Studded models. They are used in difficult conditions, relevant for use in northern latitudes or in areas with frequent snowfalls and icing of the road.
- Non-studded - conditionally intended for Scandinavia. More often they are installed on cars for traveling to cities in the north of the country, where asphalt often shows through.
- Non-studded - for the central region of Europe. Designed for winters with frequent snowmelt and relatively high temperatures.
The choice is in the competence of the buyer, he knows the climate of his region more precisely and will select the best option. With regard to whether it is worth studding tires or it is better not to stud them - when snow and ice are frequent conditions of the weather, they buy tires with studs, if the trips mostly take place on the highway, they are not necessary.
Winter tires: which company to choose
- Nokian is a well-known concern from Finland that develops tires for various purposes. More than 80 years of experience in the production of tires for winter. All models meet standards for use in harsh environments.
Winter tires Nokian with studs
- Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is an American company that manufactures high quality winter products. Today it is produced at 50 factories in 22 countries.
- Bridgestone is a corporation from Japan, famous for its innovative solutions and a wide selection, in the range of tires from bicycles to aircraft landing gear.
- Dunlop is a manufacturer with a rich history and has been making good wheels since 1888. The general headquarters is located in Northern Ireland. The manufacturing process is based on computer simulation.
- Michelin is a famous brand from France. Feature - a high-tech manufacturing process, increased wear resistance and the ability to save fuel.
Rating of the best tires for winter
The Top Best Winter Tires 2017 has been compiled based on product usage and expert opinion. Additional features included:
- reasons for choosing - because of the brand's popularity, the publication's rating or based on positive reviews;
- type of vehicle - SUV or passenger car;
- type of tires - with or without studs;
- climate in the region of operation - severe or moderate conditions;
- technical and quality parameters - speed identifier, diameter, load capacity;
- operational values that appear on different types of roads - the quality of patency, controllability, traffic safety, stability on uneven surfaces, grip quality, start speed, braking distance, wear resistance, noise level;
- type and size of the drawing;
- advanced manufacturing technologies;
- model features;
- the credibility of the manufacturer;
- price niche;
- replacement frequency.
Michelin winter tires
The best winter studded tires for cars
Popularity
The choice in favor of Hakkapeliitta 8 from Nokian. The company was the first to manufacture winter tires. The series contains models with the RutFlat function, its task is to maintain controllability and the ability to move at a speed of 80 km / h with flat tires. In such conditions, the car can overcome 100 km.
Pros:
- a wide range of sizes - from 15.5 to 29.5, from 20 to 70%, from 13 to 21 ";
- load indicators - from 387 to 975 kg;
- speed index - T-V, in numerical terms - 190-240 km / h;
- cost - from 3 to 32.5 thousand rubles;
- cryosilane protector (silica, rubber, colza, etc.);
- reliability and reinforcement by the RutFlat system;
- expected behavior on the road;
- improved patency;
- high quality grip even on ice with any type of driving;
- minimal brake footprint on dry surfaces;
- fuel economy.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
Minuses:
- creates a lot of noise on a clean canvas, which is typical for studded models;
- the risk of skidding when changing direction in snowy areas when driving at low speed;
- low grip on wet roads;
- hard to move on loosened snow;
- high price.
Taking into account the parameters and the opinion of the owners, it should be concluded that the rubber is suitable for driving on compacted snow and ice, has an average quality of movement on clean asphalt. Regarding the strength of the spikes, the data are contradictory, some buyers note the absolute density of fixation, while others complain about the loss of many elements in 1 month.
Rating
The best winter studded tires for heavy operating regions are Antares Grip 60 Ice. The test was carried out in the conditions of the Arctic, where they proved positive characteristics. Products are distributed in Canada, Russia and other European countries located in the north.
Winter tires Antares Grip 60 Ice
Advantages:
- a variety of sizes - from 17.5 to 26.5, from 55 to 70%, from 14 to 18 ";
- weight per tire - from 475 kg to 1.215 tons;
- speed qualities - S-T index, the car develops - 180-190 km / h;
- price - from 2200 to 6900 rubles;
- protector of the Scandinavian type;
- effective drainage system;
- predictable behavior and course stability, the steering wheel does not throw, the car avoids skidding as much as possible;
- increased wear resistance;
- saving fuel consumption;
- optimal balance between quality and price.
Disadvantages:
- spikes corrode;
- average noise level.
Rubber deserved a place in the review due to its practicality and quality, no serious shortcomings were identified.
Reviews
Choose the best winter studded tires - it is advisable to do this based on reviews, buyers often prefer Ice Cruiser 7000 tires from the Japanese company Bridgestone, the model has many positive reviews, since it has been on sale since 2010.
Winter tire Ice Cruiser 7000
Advantages:
- dimensions - from 16.5 to 28.5, from 40 to 70%, from 13 to 20 ";
- speed index - S-T, according to the speedometer - 180-190 km / h;
- cost - from 2100 to 15300 rubles;
- spikes made of aluminum with a strong fixation;
- increased strength;
- good control over the car both at high and low speeds;
- shows itself perfectly on a variety of surfaces - ice, snow, asphalt;
- resistance to side impacts and prevention of the risk of skidding;
- reduced braking distance;
- meager wear.
Minuses:
- generates noise;
- often slips, sometimes skids in the snow;
- unpredictable behavior when driving in a rut;
- after 5 years, the performance decreases slightly.
Reviews are mixed, but mostly positive. Winter with such tires ceases to be a hindrance for the motorist.
Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000
The best winter studded tires for SUVs
A review of studded winter tires helped highlight the top 3 in the same categories:
Popularity
Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV from Nokian is in demand thanks to a number of innovations to improve operation.
Pros:
- value - from 20.5 to 29.5, from 40 to 75%, from 15 to 22 ";
- load indicators - from 775 kg to 1.36 tons;
- speed index - T-H or 190-210 km / h;
- cost - from 5000 to 30800 rubles;
- Air Claw technology;
- anchor type spikes;
- improved patency and quality of movement on all surfaces;
- slip resistant;
- soft and predictable move;
- strong fixation of spikes.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV
Disadvantages:
- on ice, sometimes the car goes into a side skid, the braking path lengthens;
- domestic tires are difficult to combine with disks;
- will have to splurge.
Reviews are similar, mostly positive.
Rating
The Hakkapeliitta LT from the same manufacturer is characterized by high quality grip. Numerous innovations eliminate the feeling of bad weather.
Advantages:
- value - from 19.5 to 29.5, from 30 to 85%, from 15 to 22 ";
- load indicators - from 800 kg to 1.45 tons;
- speed - Q-V or 160-240 km / h;
- complete with RutFlat system;
- protection against destruction and wear;
- ease of balancing;
- Air Claw system;
- wear indicators;
- reasonable price.
Winter tire Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT
Disadvantages:
- when icing, the behavior of the car is mediocre;
- noisiness.
Based on the opinion of correspondents, the rubber is suitable for winter driving on highways and around the city.
Reviews
American Ultra Grip Ice Arctic tires, despite the presence of spikes, are soft and have the least braking distance.
Characteristics:
- availability of sizes - from 15.7 to 26.3 cm, from 40 to 70%, from 13 to 19 ";
- load indicators - from 387 kg to 1.18 tons;
- speed - T or up to 190 km / h;
- price - from 4000 to 20000 rubles;
- spikes with three edges;
- MultiControl Ice system;
- new development of shoulder blocks;
- optimal cross-country ability, high-quality controllability;
- good grip on wet asphalt;
- helps to quickly get out of the loosened snow;
- easily gets out of the rut;
- price and quality in perfect balance.
Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic SUV
Minuses:
- high speed on ice is dangerous;
- in extreme conditions, spikes are quickly lost.
The vast majority of buyers are satisfied with the purchase and indicate good performance during operation. Negative mentions are related to the specifics of driving and non-compliance with the conditions for running.
The best non-studded tires in northern winter conditions for passenger cars
- in terms of popularity. The Blizzak Revo GZ is a tire from Bridgestone that has won the position of the best thanks to high test results and expert ratings. The Uni-t system is arranged in them, and the rubber has a finely porous surface. The tread has an asymmetric type of pattern, which gives high-quality grip and handling on asphalt, ESP is activated, but rarely. On ice grip is average. Aquaplaning was not observed. Noise is practically absent. The braking distance is slightly below the average distance. In contrast, there is a risk of wear in the center of the tire and periodic loss of grip;
- based on rating. The fifth generation of Winter Sport rubber from Dunlop for passenger cars of high-speed type. The modern model is improved in many ways compared to the 4D version. The maximum speed with tires is 190–240 km/h. The price ranges from 3-19 thousand rubles. Silicone is included in the mix to improve grip, increase durability and impart directional stability. The car remains manageable in any condition of the asphalt. The tread features deep sipes to eliminate hydroplaning, lighten weight and save fuel. Cons imperceptible;
- according to reviews. Dunlop's Graspic DS3 from the UK provides unparalleled stability, safety and comfort. The tires have a particularly long service life, even under difficult driving conditions. When installing rubber, it is allowed to reach speeds of up to 160-190 km / h. The cost is fully justified by the quality - from 1.8 to 18 thousand rubles. The composition includes thin fiberglass, increasing durability and handling. The car will pass almost everywhere, and on the asphalt will remain inaudible. The tires are soft, resulting in little wobble and poor tolerance for hard hits.
Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ
Best non-studded off-road tires for northern winter conditions
The best non-studded winter tires are sure to combine reliability, durability and flotation. All of the above characteristics refer to the leaders of the rating:
- by popularity. I*pike RW11 from manufacturer Hankook. Tires come from South Korea, they are designed for use in the northern regions. The price category of the series is 3100–14400 rubles. On request, the model is supplied with studs. The movement of the car is almost inaudible, and the clutch is high-quality, without skidding. The special shape of the lamellae helps to quickly displace water and snow. A rib is applied to the sidewall for protection. Sometimes there are problems in the track, and there is a risk of buying Chinese analogues;
- by rating. Goodyear's Ultra Grip Ice WRT takes the leading place in the ratings of authoritative publications. After installing rubber, the car shows improved flotation on many types of roads. Tires allow you to develop 180 km / h. The cost ranges from 5600-12300 rubles. Built-in special technology WinterReactive. Tires are padded with rims on the sides to protect against damage. The machine remains stable even when entering sharp turns. Quick starts and short braking distances are ensured by excellent grip on ice or asphalt. There is only one drawback - when driving in a rut, it leads to the side;
- by reviews. Taking pride of place is Dunlop's Grandtrek SJ6, an excellent off-road tire that is in demand because of the small rubber studs and the special second-generation Digityre system. A wide range allows you to choose a model for any pocket - from 3.3 to 29 thousand rubles. Manufacturing is based on computer program simulation and full tests. Traction is achieved by a 10-level profile, which improves flotation and handling, as well as reduces braking distance. Wear resistance and minimal noise increased the tire's position in the ranking. Disadvantages: poor grip on ice, on a rut throws on the sides, within 0 ° C, the control loses predictability.
The best non-studded tires in mild winter conditions for passenger cars
Popularity
Winter 1 is a quality tire from a Serbian manufacturer - Tigar. The main advantage is the low price and acceptable quality of operation.
Winter tire TIGAR Winter 1
Pros:
- dimensions - from 14.5 to 24.5 cm, from 40 to 80%, from 13 to 19 ";
- pressure - up to 800 kg;
- speed mode - from 160 to 240 km / h;
- cost - from 1600 to 9000 rubles;
- efficient tread pattern;
- the material does not change the technical characteristics in both warm and too cold winters;
- positively proved itself on asphalt and soil;
- has the ability to self-clean;
- optimal course stability in snow and rain;
- easily gets out of the rut;
- almost inaudible movement;
- comfort in the cabin.
The cons include:
- weak jerk during acceleration;
- it is difficult to pass through high snow;
- moving backwards becomes difficult;
- excessive softness of the sides;
- braking on ice with a water surface does not work well.
An excellent combination of price and quality provided positive feedback from most drivers and experts, even taking into account a number of shortcomings.
Excellent tires Tigar Winter 1
Rating
Agilis Alpin is a product from the Michelin concern, which clearly stands out for its high safety due to the improved traction system and high braking performance:
- a variety of sizes - from 18 to 23.5 cm, from 60 to 75%, from 15 to 17 ";
- pressure - up to 1.45 tons;
- speed class - R-H or 170-210 km / h;
- price from 4 to 20 thousand rubles;
- special DCP system;
- BDS technology;
- durable carcass with a unique tread pattern;
- expanded grooves for water drainage;
- optimal exchange rate stability;
- effective grip;
- shortened braking distance on ice and asphalt;
- soft material;
- quiet movement.
The only negative is that the rubber is too soft, therefore, all the characteristic risks take place.
Winter tire Michelin Agilis Alpin
According to the results of testing winter tires, we have selected for you 5 studded tires and 2 Velcro tires made in Russia.
The best Russian-made studded tires 2016
Champion of champions, most frequent tire test winner. It's nice that passenger tires are produced in Vsevolozhsk. Nokian are the best on ice, snow and snowy roads.
Autoreview experts write about it: “on ice, tires with figured spikes step on the heels of the test leaders.” Pirelli tires in Russia are produced at factories in Kirov and Voronezh. Strengths Pirelli: cross-country ability, traction on snow and ice.
“For any winter roads, you will like it on long trips,” the “Behind the Wheel” testers say about tires manufactured in Davydovo, Moscow Region. Of the benefits: they make little noise, are soft, behave well on rolled snow.
Average in tire tests, but the most affordable of this rating, and they are “brewed” in the Cordiant holding, which includes factories in Omsk and Yaroslavl. Pretty quiet, good grip on snow, good accelerating dynamics.
The best Russian-made non-studded tires 2016
To meet the growing demand in the market, friction tires are also produced in Russia.
Balanced, including, and for the price, tires.
According to the results of tests of friction tires 205/55 R16 of 2017
In the middle of winter tests, they are especially good on ice, with excellent directional stability on asphalt.
Made in Russia, they slow down well on snow, another plus is directional stability.
The car market offers a huge range of tires, it is very difficult to choose the best ones. Therefore, to simplify the choice of motorists, independent experts compile ratings of winter tires, they indicate the advantages and disadvantages of tires of various brands.
In the winter season, drivers have a question: “to stud or not to stud tires?”. Studded products are designed for harsh winters, ensure the normal stability of the machine when driving on ice or deep snow. Studless tires are not only suitable for driving on icy or snowy roads, they can be used on dry or wet road surfaces. There is an alternative option - these are the so-called "Velcro", they have a large lamella of the tread blocks, this design, in the absence of spikes, ensures the stability of the car on snow or ice. Which of these tires is better depends on the preferences of the driver and the operating conditions of the vehicle.
When choosing tires for the winter on your own, use the ratings of winter tires, when they are compiled by independent experts, the following characteristics of tires of various brands are taken into account:
- stopping distance of a car on a dry, snowy, slushy, ice-covered road;
- maximum acceleration of the car;
- fuel consumption;
- rubber noise;
- driving comfort.
Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of rubber of different brands allows you to identify leaders in the manufacture of high-quality tires.
Leaders and outsiders of budget classes of studded tires
First place
Tire Sava Eskimo StudThe tire is designed for extreme winter conditions, it occupies a leading position among models of budget tire classes. It consists of a silicon-containing polymer, which provides the elastic properties of products at a sufficiently low ambient temperature.
Advantages:
- low noise;
- vehicle stability on ice, snow, dry and wet asphalt;
- average course stability.
Disadvantages: average handling, directional stability when tested on a wet road surface.
Second place
Tire Matador MP30 Sibir Ice 2 Tires are designed in compliance with world standards and taking into account the peculiarities of the Russian climate. The composition of rubber provides elasticity, resistance of products to low-temperature operating conditions.
Advantages:
- wear resistance;
- low weight due to the use of aluminum spikes;
- good acceleration on winter roads;
- short braking distance on wet and dry road surfaces;
- average grip on ice and snow.
Drawbacks:
- average directional stability and handling on roads covered with ice;
- noisy.
Third place
Tires Cordiant Snow Cross These tires are designed for harsh Russian winters. The resistance of products to wear is ensured by the presence of silicon in the composition of rubber. These tires proved to be excellent when driving on packed snow, in some respects they even surpassed middle-class tires.
Advantages:
- average braking on the road covered with ice;
- good acceleration on packed snow and icy road surfaces;
- average exchange rate stability among test participants.
Disadvantages:
- not the shortest braking on dry and wet paved surfaces;
- spikes protrude strongly, creating additional noise while driving;
- increase in fuel consumption when moving the car at high speeds;
- there is a chance of getting stuck when driving on loose snow.
Fourth place
Rubber Kama Euro 519 Structurally tires consist of two layers of rubber. One makes the studs resistant to falling out, the second makes the tires flexible at very low temperatures.
Advantages:
- fast braking on snow and dry pavement;
- average cross-country ability on winter roads;
Drawbacks:
- increased braking on icy roads and wet pavement;
- tires respond slowly to steering commands;
- low stability on snowy, icy roads.
Fifth place
Tire Viatti Brina Nordico V-522 The products have an asymmetric tread pattern that provides traction with the road surface. The outer part of the tread ensures the stability of the machine during cornering.
Advantages:
- good directional stability of the car on a snow-covered road;
- elasticity.
Disadvantages:
- for all types of testing, tires showed low results;
- increased braking on any type of road surface;
- a small patch of rubber contact with the surface when driving on ice.
Leaders and outsiders of the middle class of studded tires
First place
Tire Hankook W419 iPike RS These tires have a unique composition of the rubber compound, which provides increased rubber elasticity at fairly low temperatures. The silicon which is a part of rubber increases resistance of products to wear.
Advantages:
- good braking performance on winter roads;
- excellent tire grip with the road surface when driving on packed snow or a road covered with a shallow snow layer;
- provide directional stability of the car when driving on asphalt;
- help reduce fuel consumption;
- high wear resistance.
Disadvantages:
- poor cross-country ability while driving on slush or road surface covered with snow porridge;
- unpredictability of tires when performing maneuvers on dry pavement;
- not the quietest tyre.
Second place
Tires Gislaved Nord Frost 200 Rubber developed by a Swedish company using new technologies. The improvement in the performance of these tires when tested on a snowy road is provided by a large number of small tread blocks. The tread lamellas have a different design, providing greater grip of rubber with the road surface.
Advantages:
- provide confident movement of the car on a snow-covered or snow-covered road;
- good braking performance on asphalt;
- Tires make virtually no noise.
Drawbacks:
- tires respond to steering commands with a slight delay;
- poor handling on icy ruts.
Third place
Tire Nordman 5 The tire is designed with a special tread that provides good grip of tires on the road surface. The design feature of the tread is the location in its central part of the longitudinal rib, which has edges in the form of zigzags - this improves the directional stability of the car.
Advantages:
- light spikes that reduce the weight of the product;
- good braking performance on snowy or icy road surfaces;
- help reduce fuel consumption.
Disadvantages:
- in comparison with competitors, manageability is not the highest;
- poor braking performance on dry asphalt pavement;
- weak lateral part of the tread is often damaged;
- noisy.
Fourth place
TireYokohama IceGuard Stud IG55 Designed with a special tread design that provides good grip of rubber with the road surface. The spikes are located on the surface of the product in such a way as to reduce the amount of noise while driving.
Advantages:
- good indicator of directional stability and controllability;
- spikes rarely fly out due to their deep seating in rubber;
- practically silent.
Drawbacks:
- the braking performance on an icy or snowy road is not the highest among competitors;
- poor patency on a surface with icy ruts;
- average directional stability while driving on an asphalt road surface.
Fifth place
Tire Kumho WinterCraft ice WI31 The tire tread is covered with a large number of sipes to ensure a good grip of tires with the road surface. The aramid fibers that make up the tires give them rigidity and serve as micro-studs.
Advantages:
- excellent performance when driving on dry and wet asphalt;
- deep-set studs reduce rubber noise;
- good performance on packed snow.
Disadvantages:
- weak braking on ice;
- slipping on a slurry of snow;
- poor handling on snowy roads.
Conclusion
Winter tire ratings determine the top best manufacturers, allow you to choose the most suitable tire option for a specific car and its operating conditions. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the winner does not always fit the characteristics of the operating conditions of the vehicle, and outsiders, in most cases, behave well when driving around the city.
Also take into account the tire sizes recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, and the matching of tires and wheels. As a rule, you can install larger diameter wheels and lower profile tires, for example, wheels with a radius of R14 can be replaced with R15 or R16, choosing the appropriate rubber.
When the temperature drops to +5°C to +7°C and the first snow appears, the car already needs to be “changed shoes” into special rubber. For a safe and comfortable ride, you should choose only the best winter studded tires. Just such we have included in this rating, familiarization with which will allow you to buy the most suitable option. The TOP analyzes all the advantages and disadvantages of these models, which will not let you make a mistake.
There are not so many eminent companies that produce really high-quality and sought-after rubber on the market. Basically, we are talking about European manufacturers offering products with an optimal price-quality ratio. This ranking of the best winter studded tires features products from 5 of the most popular companies in the industry.
- Nokian Tires- in our rating from this company, 3 tire models are presented at once, each of which is made of high-quality materials and is safe to use in different weather conditions. She has options for cars, SUVs, and even vans and buses. On average, their width is from 165 to 315 mm. The products of this company regularly wins in specialized competitions. The price of products is not very high and the budget "beats" not much.
- Gislaved- the company specializes in the production of non-studded and studded tires, including those for harsh winters. They provide excellent grip on ice, excellent handling, excellent cross-country ability and guarantee a safe ride in different weather conditions. They are convenient to use both in the city and beyond. They are characterized by optimal traction characteristics, an acceptable noise level with a large number of spikes and good stability when passing uneven areas, without skidding.
- Bridgestone- The year of birth of this legendary company is considered to be 1931, and tire products at the plant began to be produced from the first days of the company's existence. The manufacturer quickly entered the international market and established itself there. The rubber of this company makes driving safer and more comfortable during the difficult winter months. She perfectly "feels" even at low sub-zero temperatures. Conveniently, Bridgestone's range is divided into several categories - the premium line, as well as the Comfort and Best Value series. There is a discount for any item.
- good year- one of the leaders of the European market, attracting attention to its products with an optimal combination of cost and quality of products. His product shows exceptional performance even in difficult winter conditions and is not subject to rapid wear. His spikes do not fly out immediately after purchase and there are no problems with grip on ice and snowy roads. The rubber of the company is regularly successfully tested before it goes on sale, which eliminates defects and shortcomings. It is often included in the ranking of the best winter studded tires according to various magazines.
- Michelin is one of the largest manufacturers of tires, including winter studded ones, in the assortment of which there are models for cars, trucks, agricultural and motor vehicles. Its products are produced taking into account all requirements for environmental protection and the quality of such products. It deserves to be chosen due to safety and comfort in operation. All designs are tested in real conditions, in particular, in the northern regions.
There are no absolutely cheap winter tires in this TOP, but the prices offered correspond to the quality of the products. They are made from proven materials and have an excellent assembly.
Rating of the best winter studded tires
The compilation of the TOP became possible thanks to a careful study of the reviews of drivers and the opinions of experts. Analyzing them, we paid attention to the following characteristics:
- Purpose - for a car or SUV;
- Diameter;
- Choice of profile height and width;
- Tread pattern type - directional or asymmetric;
- Noise level while driving;
- The quality of adhesion to the road surface;
- Possibility of operation on ice, in snowdrifts and on relatively packed snow;
- Easy to install;
- "Behavior" on different sections of roads;
- Presence of hydroplaning;
- Is braking and acceleration comfortable?
- The index of the maximum speed to which the car can be accelerated.
A special item in the list of important points in the selection of the TOP nominees was the ratio of quality and price of winter studded tires.
The best studded tires for passenger cars
Rubber for cars of this type, as a rule, has a lower profile height and width than for SUVs. This may explain the lower price for it, as well as its greater prevalence. We have selected the 4 best winter studded tires based on the analysis of driver reviews and the opinions of tire service employees.
The Nokian Tires Nordman 5 winter tire has been designed to improve driving safety on snowy and icy roads where rubber grips almost perfectly. On an asphalt surface, the car brakes well, which minimizes the likelihood of car accidents.
Thanks to the symmetrical, clearly defined pattern, the machine maintains controllability even on slippery surfaces. A feature of this model is that after a surface puncture, the transport can continue to move for some time in order to have enough time to get to the nearest repair service. Wear-resistant materials reduce the risk of rubber abrasion and damage to its integrity.
Advantages:
- Large selection of profile widths;
- Maximum speed index - up to 190 km / h;
- Wide range of diameters;
- Variety of profile heights;
- Withstands loads up to 1180 kg;
- Not very noisy.
Disadvantages:
- On bare pavement, they slow down worse than on snow.
The Gislaved Nord Frost 200 is durable and soft for a smoother ride and less noisy ride than many other options. This model is designed for the northern winter, but is also well suited for mild ones. One tire can withstand up to 800 kg of weight, which allows it to be successfully used even for large cars.
Advantages:
- Good braking on snow;
- Excellent road grip;
- soft;
- Easy to change;
- eminent manufacturer;
- Excellent handling on wet pavement;
- Suitable for driving on dirt roads.
Disadvantages:
- When operating in dry asphalt conditions, tires wear out faster and make more noise.
In the reviews, users note that in heavy wet snow, the ABS (anti-lock braking system) may turn on.
Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ 205/55 R16 91S
This is the best rubber in terms of cross-country ability, the car equipped with it easily overcomes snowdrifts and is not afraid of ice. When it appears, the car does not slip, which makes driving safer. A feature of this model is the easy cleaning of the tread from snow, although it is not very clogged with it. The product is made of high quality materials, guaranteeing wear resistance and long service life. Thanks to this, braking and acceleration become more confident and easy.
Advantages:
- High impact resistance;
- Good permeability;
- Strong;
- Excellent density of materials;
- The spikes literally bite into the surface;
- Excellent value for money.
Disadvantages:
- Small choice of profile height;
- A certain noise when braking the car;
- On wet pavement, a slight aquaplaning is felt.
The choice of this winter tire is the best for those who want to purchase tires for wheels that dig in the snow most successfully, depending on the type of car and road surface conditions. The more lamellae, the better the effect of adhesion of rubber to the surface. The special tread pattern allows the machine to effectively resist hydroplaning and maintain excellent handling on roads covered with snow and ice.
Advantages:
- Good performance on both dry and snowy surfaces;
- Excellent studding;
- Excellent lateral drift resistance;
- Brakes quickly;
- The car accelerates easily;
- Allows you to develop high speed, up to 190 km per hour;
- Up to 1360 kg can be loaded on one tire.
Disadvantages:
- High noise level;
- Overcharge.
The best studded off-road tires
Considering that crossovers often drive outside the city, including off-road conditions, they are most often equipped with high-profile tires that would push out the “slurry” and pass through snow drifts without any problems. In this case, it is recommended to take a closer look at the 3 best winter studded tires for SUVs.
These tires are the best in the ranking for use in northern winter conditions. They show excellent cross-country ability on wet, snowy, ice-covered asphalt. The rider handles hydroplaning with ease thanks to the symmetrical tread pattern. The car can reach speeds of up to 190 km per hour with it, which is an excellent indicator for SUVs. The rumble during the movement of the car here is quite tolerable for hearing, and the high-quality rubber composition makes the tire wear-resistant and improves its grip.
Advantages:
- soft;
- Not noisy;
- Works great on turns
- Does not slip;
- Perfectly copes with rough roads;
- Withstands snow.
Disadvantages:
- Sometimes lateral drift is noticeable.
…In the first weeks after changing the tires on the Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 9 SUV, it was not very comfortable to drive because of the noise, but after 1-2 weeks of using the rubber, it “run in” and no longer irritates…
Expert opinion
In the TOP, this is the best winter studded tire for driving an SUV in ice and on heavily snowy roads. Rubber behaves confidently on wet asphalt, so it can be safely used both in cold winters and in warm ones.
The special composition of the sidewalls makes the product quite dense, but not rigid. Thanks to high-quality materials, it has excellent braking properties, which makes driving safer. The firm grip of the studs ensures a secure grip on the surface.
Advantages:
- Wide choice of profile widths;
- Variety of diameters;
- Availability of different profile heights;
- Withstands up to 1285 kg;
- Allows you to reach speeds up to 190 km per hour;
- Reinforced sidewall.
Disadvantages:
- At temperatures above +5 C, sometimes there is a feeling of low wheels;
- A little sensitive to rut.
Michelin X-Ice North 4
The best of this rubber for a car is its equipment with more than 250 spikes, which guarantee it an excellent ride in ice, snowy road surfaces and snowdrifts. This tire is easy to change and provides a high level of safety when driving an SUV. This effect is possible due to high-quality adhesion to the surface, excellent cross-country ability in snowy areas and due to increased wear resistance. Due to the special structure and conical shape, the loss of spikes is practically excluded, which means that the service life of the product increases.
Advantages:
- Reliable fit of the spikes, they do not fall out even with intensive driving;
- Quiet braking;
- Calm run;
- Good permeability;
- Excellent handling;
- Smooth move.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Which winter studded tires are better to buy
There are special types of tires for passenger cars and SUVs, so you should choose them with these markings in mind. The more spikes the rubber has, the noisier acceleration and deceleration can be. But it is precisely because of this that the level of driving safety increases, as traction with the road surface improves.
Here is what model of winter studded tires is better to choose, depending on the situation:
- In a cold, snowy winter with sharp drops in low temperatures, it is recommended to pick up Nokian Tires Nordman 5 for a passenger car.
- The Gislaved Nord Frost 200 is ideal for overcoming heavily snowy areas in regions with severe winters.
- You can easily drive a car outside the city with Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ 205/55 R16 91S tires.
- In severe icy conditions, Nokian Hakkapeliitta studded winter tires are indispensable
- Those who do not like loud noise, but are looking for tires with a lot of studs, should take a closer look at the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic SUV.
- For a comfortable off-road ride in both cold and warm winter conditions, the Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 9 SUV and Michelin X-Ice North tires are just right
Of course, for each individual car, you can advise your best winter studded tire, so you need to look at the situation. The rating also presents the most popular, high-quality, safe and comfortable rubber models to use.
For a good motorist, winter does not come unexpectedly. As a rule, experienced drivers do not wait for black ice to change their shoes. As they say, the road is a spoon for dinner, so your car should be fully equipped to meet the frosts. Of course, you want only the best winter tires on your car. And preferably at an affordable price. How to choose good inexpensive winter tires - this is what will be discussed in the material.
It is not necessary to spend money on expensive winter tires - you can always choose a quality budget option
Swap shoes for boots
First, let's define why? It is easy to understand this with a simple example. Do you yourself change shoes for boots with the advent of winter? Of course yes. Because it's warmer, more comfortable, safer. That is, just as there is no universal pair of sandals, so there is no universal rubber.
Don't suffocate...
Same principle with a car. Different rubber has different properties, which manifest themselves depending on the temperature regime. in the cold, they simply become dull, and as a result, at any moment the car can become completely uncontrollable.
Video on how to choose winter tires:
...and don't be shy
And in the manufacture of winter "shoes" manufacturers use a different chemical composition, which makes rubber resistant to low temperatures. At the same time, even at a light positive temperature, it loses strength and literally “deflates”. In addition, winter and summer tires differ in tread pattern.
Not two, but ... five!
When you are looking for good inexpensive winter tires, you may be offered to save money on the number of tires. For example, install new tires. But judge for yourself. If, for example, you are skidded or start to turn around on an icy “glass”, then in order to cope with such a situation, to resist centrifugal force, you need to use all four wheels. Do you still need to buy four tires? No. The correct answer is five, because your winter spare should be from the same "dough" as the working tires.
Top 10 best winter tires
And how to choose a decent tire model? Based on the opinions of experts and feedback from motorists, a rating of the "top 10 best winter tires" was compiled, which have been selling well for several seasons in a row. So, how were the sympathies of the drivers distributed?
Maxxis MA-STL - 10th place
This is a model. Its indisputable advantage is the price. For one tire of radius No. 13 in retail, they ask from 1,500 rubles. She behaves well in snowy weather, but, admittedly, she copes with large snowdrifts with difficulty. Maxxis MA-STL was only in tenth place due to a number of nuances. The tires are hard, “buzz” and duplicate the pits on the road. Also, this rubber does not differ in particular dynamism - it starts off, accelerates and slows down very mediocrely. 
Toyo Snowprox S94I - 9th place
Inexpensive Japanese tires. Designed for middle class cars. They cope well with snow porridge and are not afraid of uncleared roads. The composition of rubber includes silicone, which does not allow the tire to tan. For one such wheel, they ask an average of 1600 rubles.
Kleber Kris alp HP - 8th place
Kleber is a subsidiary of the famous Michelin premium tire manufacturer. Kleber uses technologies and materials similar to Michelin to manufacture its products, but these tires will be much cheaper than VIP ones. For example, there is an inexpensive winter model without studs Kris alp HP. It was created for representative, but it costs - from 1700 rubles. 
Hankook Winter I Cept W605- 7th place
The seventh in this race came Hankook. She presents tires Winter I Cept W605. The average cost is 1800–2000 rubles. In the manufacture of this rubber, materials containing silicon were used, which made it possible to achieve good grip, elasticity and traction.
Amtel Nordmaster ST - 6th place
Optimal combination of price and quality. A unique tread pattern, four rows of studs and a reinforced lip are the secret to excellent grip from the Amtel Nordmaster ST. On average, one tire will cost about 2000 rubles. 
Cordiant Polar 2 - 5th place
Also Russian tires. This model features an unusual "curly" groove in the tread. Stability is increased due to additional lamellas. Four rows of anti-slip studs guarantee good grip. The average cost is 2000 rubles. 
Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01 - 4th place
When choosing good inexpensive winter tires, pay attention to the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01. These are solid Japanese tires with cross studs. "Crosses" give maximum grip during icy conditions. This model outperformed the popular Ice Cruiser, reducing the braking distance by 9% during tests. It is important that the Japanese developed this type of tire specifically for our roads, taking into account all the features and nuances. At the same time, it is interesting that back in 2013 Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01 occupied the seventh step. The average cost of a tire is about 3000 rubles. 
Continental ContiIce Contact - 3rd place
This is a German brand. A model for those who want to achieve excellent cross-country ability and easy handling in any weather. On such tires, neither rain nor snow is terrible. It goes smoothly: you may not even notice that you drove through an icy area. It was specially developed for operation in countries with severe winters. Moreover, this model is applicable for both SUVs and for. Cost - from 2000 rubles. 
Nokian Nordman 4 - 2nd place
In second place is also the Russian tire. Nokian Nordman 4 - relatively inexpensive winter tires (average 3000 per wheel). Its “trick” is that each of the spikes is “supported” by a special pillow. This makes the tires more elastic and softer for the driver. 
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 - 1st place
So, the leader of the tire race. In the first place are tires from Finland. The model is reinforced with additional spikes. The wheel itself has become lighter, and the clutch is just a sin to complain about. The blocks in the tread are closely intertwined with each other, the sipes have become more “grooved” and more than ever able to grip the snow. The average cost is 3000 rubles. 
Security drawing
We have already mentioned the importance of tread pattern when choosing tires several times. So what does he change? By choosing the right pattern, you have automatically selected tires that will perform best on the road in your region, with all its features. After all, on different surfaces, the functions of rubber vary. For example, in snow it is important that the wheels do not slip and brake well, literally grow together with the road. In slush - the main thing is to avoid drifts. In dry weather, you need good grip.
Off-road tires
In order not to miscalculate and buy a good one, it is important to have an idea for what tasks the tires are “sharpened”. For example, there is "off-road winter". In such tires, the pattern is made in the form of separate patterns (up to 10 mm high), which are placed at a decent distance from each other and in most cases are made in the form of snowflakes and rhombuses. You can safely buy this rubber if you live in a snowy area or often ride in "porridge". Such tires do not care about snowdrifts.
Excellent cross-country ability, but on a dry road you will encounter the fact that it will "sound", and also, possibly, the braking efficiency will increase and be reduced.
Such a Eurowinter
Another model is the "European winter". These are tires that allow you to drive even in winter. The drawing here is made in low elements - no more than 7 mm. But “European” tires are suitable only for dry and very well-groomed roads ... Therefore, it is unlikely that such tires will soon be in demand on the domestic market.
Asymmetry on the tread
Another option is tires with an asymmetric tread pattern. The drawing is divided longitudinally into two components. One of them looks traditional and is responsible for the quality of the clutch. The other - as in the case of "off-road winter", allows you to confidently steer in the snow and slush. 
This proposal in our market is relatively new and motorists are still skeptical about it. Like, such a “half-hearted” solution does not allow to fully implement any of the specified functions ... There is also an opinion that asymmetry is still a good option as a replacement for the classic version of tires. But for double functionality you will have to pay more.
Classic, sir
But what about the Winter Classic itself? These are traditional - 8 mm, medium gaps between elements, wide grooves. The best option for motorists who drive according to the principle: "You go quieter - you will continue." "Classic" assumes safe winter driving, without snow extreme and recklessness. And here is a surprise for those who need inexpensive winter tires. Such tires are cheaper than their "brothers" and at the same time much more durable.
Drive in winter
And finally: it really depends largely on the technical condition of your car, but not in everything. Even if you are driving on brand new tires, do not lose vigilance. In winter, it is unacceptable to adhere to the summer driving style. This is not the time for recklessness, so increase the distance to the nearest vehicle and reduce your speed by at least 20%.