Before the winter season, every car enthusiast faces a difficult choice - which winter tires are better to buy. The safety of traffic, people's lives and compliance with the law as a whole depend on this. According to paragraph 5.5 of Annex No. 8 of the Customs Union, the law stipulates a mandatory period for driving on winter tires from December to February of each year. However, the weather conditions in our country are different every year, and the snow can “fall” as early as October, and come off at the end of January. That is why the period of mandatory "change shoes" is determined by the regional authorities. Both non-studded and studded winter tires are allowed. The traffic rules regulate the mandatory tread size and the size of winter tires for each car.
In addition to creating road safety, the presence of spikes (according to the authorities) threatens the modern road surface, which is not covered with snow. This leads to the destruction of the layers of the road, so the traffic police carefully check the "shoes" of cars in the off-season.
If you know everything about winter tires, have chosen a model and want to buy winter tires already, go to the store "Wheels for nothing"- verified! I have ordered from him many times, the prices are always better than others . Large selection of tires, wheels and various auto products. The order can be made online with delivery even to the regions.
New or used winter tires
In addition to a wide variety of tire manufacturers in the store, car enthusiasts choose between new wheels and used ones. Both of them have their pros and cons.
Such wheels are guaranteed not to swell during the first ride (in the case of high-quality production). If this happens, they can be returned under warranty. New tires will last longer without repair, and it will not be difficult to install new studs in them, if possible. It is difficult to find used tires for some car models, so you have to buy or order only a new product. The only downside is the high price. But it also turns into a plus if you calculate the data in the ratio of depreciation and the life of the new rubber.
When looking to buy winter tires, many car owners first turn to popular sites that sell used goods. There, the owner indicates how long the wheels have been in operation. Information is presented from words, it can be impossible to verify the authenticity of the information, so the buyer has to believe. The price of winter tires that have already been used by another car owner will be lower than for new products. But taking into account the average service life of 2 to 4 seasons, as a result, such an acquisition is unprofitable.
Which winter tires are best
As already mentioned, winter tires can be studded and non-studded. The difference between them is not only in the presence of spikes.
- Scandinavian winter tire- Designed for maximum grip on snowy or icy road surfaces. It has an average depth of drawing from 8 to 10 mm, with a discharged effect. The pattern is applied in a checkerboard pattern, rectangular or diamond-shaped patterns. The protector is equipped with lamellas. There is a large distance between the drawing. This form is designed to punch through the surface;
- European winter tire– Designed for driving on wet roads from rain or snow. All slots are thin, with a large number of channels for water.
The spikes on such tires are arranged in a different order, depending on the manufacturer. Most often they can be of 2 types: round or diamond-shaped. The most reliable are considered "recessed" in the coating. They are deeply soldered, while the tip from the outside protrudes strongly and interacts well with the road.
Interesting fact! In some countries, the use of studs on wheels is prohibited.
Studs can help with traction on icy and snowy roads, but when it rains, they can fail, increasing the stopping distance. The spikes add noise and quickly fly out when driving on a surface without snow and ice.
The definition of "all-weather tires" is often heard. Such products are actively used in Europe, but they are not suitable for use in the harsh Russian climate. The rating of the best winter tires for Russians consists of studded and non-studded wheels, which is what you should be guided by.
Rating of the best winter tires in 2018
So, let's get down to reviewing the best winter tires. The top brands and the most time-tested models of winter tires will participate in the ranking.
The best winter tires of 2018 from several popular manufacturers. In general, last year's situation on the supply market has not changed much, the annual leaders in quality according to the rating of winter tires firmly hold their positions
1 place. Opens our winter tire rating - Nokian
A popular winter tire with a wide range of wheels adapted to the harsh Russian climate. Nokian winter tires are specially designed to suit the characteristics of each car and for different weather conditions. Despite the large range of products, there are negative opinions about this brand in the reviews. One of the drawbacks is the noise when driving. They complain about slight braking difficulties and skidding. For the price, the wheels are in the golden mean of similar offers.
Nokian winter tires are popular among Russian car owners in 2 models: Hakapelita and Nordman. Both models are claimed to be the best in the line especially for the harsh Russian winters.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta studded winter tires
A series of winter tires designed specifically for harsh climatic conditions. The presence of spikes makes the coupling with the road reliable, the rubber does not make much noise, and does not cause strong complaints from the reviews. This rubber has been the leader among studded tires since 2009. In total, there are 8 models in the Hakapelita winter tire line. The popular Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 features vacuum clutch technology, with RunFlat technology available for some sizes. Radii from 13 to 22. In the line "Sun" from 14 to 22 specifically for SUVs.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 according to the assurances of the developers, it was created for fuel economy, the absence of noise and excellent adhesion to the road surface. The test of winter tires 2018 showed that this model does really well on ice, but the reviews say that the tires are very noisy.
Latest Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9— even more balanced and adapted to winter conditions. Equipped with two different types of studs, which gives even better grip on ice, under different temperature conditions.
The second most popular winter tire from Nokian also made it to the top:
The range is presented from 13 to 17 radius with a profile width in the range from 155 to 235. Rubber is equipped with spikes, tubeless, radial. It promises excellent grip on ice, snow and wet surfaces. In fact, it gets along well only with snow and partially with moisture. Ice contributes to drifts, prevents successful braking. Another variation of the series - Nokian Nordman 7 Sun with radii from 15 to 18 and with a profile width of up to 285 is produced specifically for SUVs.
2nd place. Bridgestone tires
Bridgestone winter tires have been produced by a Japanese company since the 1930s. Since then, car models and production technology have changed a lot. The company produces several model lines of summer, all-season (Velcro) and studded tires. The most popular winter tire models are Blizak and Ice Cruiser.
Non-studded winter tires bridgestone blizzak VRX and DM
Bridgestone Blizzak VRX for cars and DM for crossovers is considered the most versatile tire that has proven itself very well. Designed for long service life on difficult icy surfaces. A feature of these models is a clear instruction for mounting the wheels - they have an outer and inner side for more efficient operation. The creators of the models of this series took care of the reliability of the rubber coating. When the outer layer wears off, the porous surface does not lose grip for a long time. Bridgestone Blizzak tires last a long time, while remaining soft and resilient. Despite the difficulties of covering domestic roads, they are very resistant to natural features.
Also in the line of bridgestone blizzak winter tires there is the SPIKE-01 and SPIKE-02 model, which is gaining popularity, which also deserves attention.
Designed for even more difficult climatic conditions. The new arrangement of studs in 16 lines instead of the previous 12, increases the chances of maximum stability of the car. Bridgestone Ice Cruiser winter tires repel moisture and have good road holding properties. The rubber was specially developed as a multi-component rubber with the ability to hold studs longer than other manufacturers. The latest model of the bridgestone ice cruiser 7000 studded winter tires has proven itself among motorists and has taken pride of place not only in our rating, but throughout the world.
3rd place. Michelin tires
The French manufacturer of winter tires is quite popular throughout Russia. Michelin winter tires have several lines specifically for severe weather with negative temperatures.
The michelin x ice range of winter tires is based on the unique "APS: Adaptability" system. It allows the rubber to bend only in the right places, fixing the position of the car on the road. The sipes of michelin x ice 3 winter tires are made in a Z-shape, the shoulder area with sharp edges. This allows a car equipped with such rubber to get out of any snow “porridge”, the wheels simply grind the substance, throwing it back and pushing the car forward without skidding.
The Michelin X Ice Nord 3 winter tire is equipped with a smart stud system. At a large negative air temperature, the rubber around the stud seizes, hardens and contributes to better retention of the studs and more aggressiveness on the road. This may increase noise, but it retains traction more reliably. In general, the tire is quite soft and behaves well on any snowy surface.
4th place. Tires
The solid frame of the products of the German manufacturer won the hearts of Russians back in the 90s. Tires were imported into the country along with used foreign cars. Their endurance made the products popular and gradually Continental winter tires entered the top three in popularity.
The composition of the products includes high-quality artificial rubber and silicates. The tread with a water-wicking pattern and many small dashes on the tread wicks liquid well. The tire is equipped with rigid diamond-shaped checkers, which perfectly hold the car in corners.
Winter tires Continental Conti Viking Contact 6 are ideal for all-wheel drive vehicles. They easily cope with off-road, literally scattering snow porridge and keeping the car from skidding.
They interact well with asphalt, have an asymmetric tread, radii from 12 to 24. Designed for fuel economy and good handling on ice with a smooth ride. A large number of studs gives good grip on ice, and a deep tread well rakes snow-covered sections of the road.
According to reviews, the tires are quite noisy and do not pull well out of drifts with snow “porridge”. But a good distribution of tread zones, with a fairly large number of toothy studs, gives a sense of security and confident driving sensations.
5th place. Cordiant tires
Unlike previous representatives of tires, Cordiant winter tires have an average price category. They are available to most car owners in Russia, so there are more product reviews.
Winter tires Cordiant Polar
The cordiant polar winter tire series is available in both studded and non-studded versions. Rubber developed on the basis of the predecessors cordiant polar. It has an ornate serpentine tread pattern that allows you to easily get rid of moisture on the go. The tire is designed for 128 studs in 4 rows. Longitudinal and transverse grip, efficient braking and successful driving. The disadvantages include acoustic features and increased fuel consumption. Cordiant polar 2 pass poorly on a snowy road, can contribute to skidding during heavy braking. The main reason for buying from many owners is the affordable price and a satisfactory number of studs.
Cordiant snow cross - tires for compact and middle class cars. Maneuverability is stabilized by a V-shaped tread pattern and a contact patch that wicks moisture away from the tire. Tire Cordiant Snow Cross is not suitable for winter with air temperatures above +5 degrees. This does not apply to the beginning of the off-season - despite the "mess" on the roads, it often freezes at night and the use of studded tires is necessary. But if such a winter is throughout the season, and the asphalt is not covered with snow at all, this model will not be suitable for use. When driving on a road without snow cover, it creates a lot of noise, wears out quickly, the spikes fly off quickly.
6th place. Dunlop tires
Dunlop winter tires are less popular in Russia compared to the previous titans of rubber production for cars. It has the widest range of models specifically for the harsh snowy winter. The wear resistance of tires of this brand allows you to successfully use them for several seasons. In total, the company has several popular series, each of which is divided into a list of models with features in the tread pattern and tire structure.
Dunlop produces quite a few good models of non-studded tires, such as Maxx SJ8, Maxx WM01.
Tire radii from 13 to 21, there are one and a half sizes. Quality rubber, withstands long trips at low temperatures. Minimal noise on the road, the rubber does not "dube".
But the most popular and best winter tire among the whole line is Dunlop sp winter Ice 02 and Dunlop Grandtrek Ice 02
Studded winter tires Winter ice 02 for passenger cars and Grandtrek 02 for crossovers are well suited for a region with harsh winters and difficulties on snowy roads. Winter Ice and Dunlop Grandtrek tires are equipped with 3D Maura-Ori sipes and a unique triangular pattern in the middle that effectively wicks away moisture. Dunlop winter tires have unique carbide core studs. This makes them practically indestructible on ice and effective in the fight against snow on the road.
7th place. Pirelli tires
Manufacturer of the world's only tires for racing on snowy terrain. The high-speed Pirelli model is designed for speeds up to 270 km/h. More modest models are designed to pass through bad weather in its various manifestations.
Produced according to the innovative technology "Pirelli Dual Stud", which produced special double spikes, literally soldered into rubber. Pirelli winter ice zero is sharpened for rapid acceleration. Otherwise, it does not exhibit very good braking properties in the snow, it is quite noisy.
Equipped with hexagonal spikes mounted in special flanges. Presented side by side from 13 to 21 radius, for cars of the SUV class. Pirelli formula ice is the most "long-playing" model of the manufacturer. It is almost impossible to lose or damage reliable spikes, so Pirelli winter tires retain their properties for a long time.
8th place. Hankook tires
Hankuk winter tires are one of the best, adapted to the variety of the harsh climate of Russia. The special structure of the lamellas, the snowflake on the tread and the “husky marks”, together with the elegant functional tread pattern, won the hearts of Russian motorists. The affordable price of rubber finally influenced the popularity.
The hankook winter tire range has 14 models, each designed for specific conditions and created according to the desires of customers.
Hankook Winter I Pike has gained good popularity among car enthusiasts and is well established in the market, gaining its fans. The line also has a sports version of Hankook Winter I Pike RS and Hankook Winter I Pike RS+.
Under heavy braking, Winter I Pike winter tires "grab" the road, preventing the car from going into the skid and securely holding the device in place. There are through drainage systems and the number of tread blocks is doubled. Outwardly, the pattern is very elegant, which also catches the eye of buyers.
9th place. tires
Despite the active efforts of foreign manufacturers of winter tires, they cannot fully understand the difficult climate of Russian roads. In this matter, the domestic plant "Nizhnekamskshina" acts as an expert. For many years they have been producing reliable, inexpensive and practical tires for modern cars.
The only variant of KAMA winter tires that deserve attention:
Kama 519 tires do not have intricate patterns or complex stud systems. They are developed according to the Finnish Irbis system - one of the most reliable studded tires in the world. Winter tires Kama euro 519 have 2.45 mm spikes, securely planted in high-quality rubber.
Modern rubber used in the manufacture of products perfectly adapts to difficult weather conditions. Winter tire Kama euro 519 has a two-layer tread. The duration of the operational period of this model is achieved precisely due to the two-layer structure, where the lower layer is hard, holding the spikes, and the upper one is softer and can change depending on the type of road surface. This model is the most adapted to all types of roads. The only dissatisfaction is expressed in reviews regarding the handling of a car “shod” in such tires on ice. But the cost and braking qualities are at a level suitable for most buyers.
10th place. Yokohama tires
The uniqueness of this manufacturer for Russian consumers lies in the versatility of the range. The company produces not only tires for passenger cars, but also wheels for agricultural machinery, aircraft, etc. With respect to modern production methods, it is one of the leading leaders worldwide. Yokohama's analytics are based on test drives, scientific research on rubber properties and customer feedback.
Yokohama winter tires are popular among Russian car owners. The use of an asymmetric tread pattern makes the tires as resistant to slip as possible and has a good effect on traction.
The rating includes studded winter tires Yokohama Ice Guard IG35 PLUS
These tires have been on the market since 2013. During this time, a general opinion has already been formed regarding the quality of tires. The wide center in the tread pattern has a positive effect on stability during maneuvers. Modern 3D lamellas also contribute to the high-quality operation of the tire on the road surface with ice and snow. Of the shortcomings - it quickly loses spikes.
Let's sum up the rating:
All listed winter tires are the best in their class for winter. The rating was compiled primarily on the basis of surveys of owners, reviews on the forums and a general comparison of characteristics.
If you want to buy the best winter tires, check out all the options listed. If they are in our rating, then they deserve attention and even more purchase.
Proven and profitable sites where tires were bought - not just for testing!
- Internet shop "Wheels for nothing"— Large selection of winter tires, wheels, auto oils and other automotive products.
- Internet shop "S-Tire"— Large selection of winter tires, convenient search by selection and free consultation of specialists.
If you are careful about choosing winter tires, be sure to read the reviews. This list of reviews about winter tires will be constantly updated.
Every motorist thinks about buying a new set of tires for the cold season. In winter, driving on a summer tire is very dangerous, the likelihood of skidding is very high, and it is almost impossible to drive a car from a traffic light uphill. Therefore, winter tires are not a luxury, but a necessity. Below we will try to figure out how to choose the best model, which brands are the most popular now, and also rank the 10 best models in our opinion in 2017.
The most popular brands of winter tires
Cars need good tires just like we need good shoes. The first thing you need to decide when choosing a tire is the brand. Below we will look at the main features of the 5 most popular brands.
 | Peculiarities: a long-established brand that produces high quality winter and summer tires. Among the advantages, it is worth highlighting the affordable price, good sporting characteristics, the presence of double spikes, or a non-standard fit, excellent grip and braking. |
 | Peculiarities: Buying Nokian tires, you invest in comfort and reliability. Among the advantages, one can distinguish a hardy tread, integrated spikes, due to which high efficiency and reliability are achieved, modern manufacturing technologies. |
 | Peculiarities: This brand is very popular among SUV owners. GoodYear products provide high quality grip and glide on slippery surfaces. The optimal distribution of the studs on the surface gives the driver a comfortable ride with a minimum of noise. |
 | Peculiarities: the products of this brand have also proven their effectiveness at any time of the year. Continental winter tires feature a modern tread compound that performs well on dry and wet surfaces. Increased wear resistance will allow you to use tires like new for several seasons. |
 | Peculiarities: this is a popular brand of rubber, which is very often used by eminent racing drivers. Its advantages are reliability, good grip, wear resistance and energy-saving function. Michelin treads are always optimally configured for increased comfort and handling. |
How to choose winter tires?
It is not enough to simply choose a popular brand and buy the first tire that comes across. Each model has its own distinctive features, designed for different weather conditions, types of cars and the like. That is why, it is important to look not only at the brand, but also at the other characteristics, which we will list below.
Choosing the type of tires
There are only 2 types of winter tires: friction (without studs), studded and all-weather. The first type is also divided into 2 additional ones. Each of them has different characteristics and composition, as well as its own disadvantages.
Studded tires- these are the most effective tires in harsh climates (permanent snow and ice). Metal spikes provide excellent grip on slippery ice and snow. But they also have noticeable disadvantages: the spikes quickly wear out on the asphalt, and they are quite noisy. Because of this, in large cities they try not to use them, since the roads are already cleaned and sprinkled with reagents.
friction rubber(lamelized or "Velcro") - a great option for driving in urban areas on dry asphalt. Due to the absence of metal spikes, these tires lose the grip of the previous type, however, the presence of sipes and a special tread shape makes it possible to move without problems on a snowy road at low temperatures and in rain.
Friction tires, as a rule, are further divided into 2 types: Arctic and European. The first type is used most often in severe cold winters (lots of snow and low temperatures), while the second type is more suitable for mild winters, with a lot of rain and sleet.
All season tires- is considered a universal type, such tires are used both in summer and in winter. But few people mention that they can only be operated under favorable conditions throughout the year. Therefore, if the weather in your region is changeable and there are severe frosts, then it is better to refuse this option right away.
How to read the marking - designations on a winter tire
Surely the sellers in the store will be happy to tell you what each letter and number on the tire means. But it will not be superfluous to figure it out on your own. In order to assimilate all the necessary information as best as possible, consider the notation with an example.
P- standard size;
215 - profile width;
65 - series;
R15 / Radial- designation of the radial tire;
TUBELESS- designation of a tubeless tire;
95 - load index;
MAX.LOAD 1300 LBS / MAX PRESS 35 PSI- maximum load and pressure (US standard);
SIDEWALL 2PLIES 2XXXX CORD- number of layers and type of carcass cord and breaker;
M+S- for winter tires;
Treadwear 220 / Traction A / Temperature A- index of wear / braking efficiency / resistance to heat.
Rating of the best winter studded tires - TOP-5
It is almost impossible to choose the best model from a huge number of tires on the market. We've analyzed each model's specs, customer reviews, test drives and more to come up with a list of the top 5.
GoodYear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic
With Ultra Grip Ice Arctic, the stability of the machine on ice and snow is significantly increased due to the unique Multicontrol Ice technology. Ice traction is further enhanced by the sharp edges on the top insert. To avoid “hydroplaning” on the road, the developers have increased the contact patch and tread depth compared to their counterparts.
During the creation of this novelty, the developers used the most advanced technologies to achieve maximum safety on the road. Particular attention has been paid to detail, as every detail in studded tires affects handling performance and stopping distance. This is one of the best models according to user reviews.
- High passability (snow, porridge, dry asphalt, ice)
- Good stability on snowy road
- Short braking distance
- No hydroplaning
- Very noisy
- Tough handling on slippery ice
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
Another top tire model is Nokian Hakapelita 7. This is a new type of studded tire that allows the driver to feel the road as well as possible during ice or snowy conditions.
A special feature of the Hakkapeliitta 7 are shock-absorbing components that noticeably dampen vibration and improve the performance of the stud. The composition of the rubber compound of this tire includes rubber, silica and rapeseed oil. Due to these components, the service life of rubber increases, elasticity decreases, rolling resistance decreases, and therefore fuel consumption and harmful emissions are significantly reduced.
- Excellent braking performance
- One of the best acceleration on snow and ice
- Good traction on snow
- Increased contact patch and tread depth
- Economy
- Noisy
- Some users report slight skidding at low temperatures
Pirelli Winter Ice Zero
We gave the honorable third place to the Pirelli Winter Ice Zero. This is a winter season tire designed by Pirelli's top engineers with 40 years of rally racing experience.
A feature of this model is the use of Pirelli Dual Stud technology (“double stud”), which has significantly improved tire grip on icy surfaces. By increasing the number of sipes by 20% in the tread elements, grip in snowy weather is much better than that of analogues. The optimized drainage system quickly removes all unnecessary fluid from the contact area, thereby preventing "hydroplaning".
- double spikes
- Functional drainage system
- High grip on snow and ice
- Predictable braking
- Large operational resource
- Noisy because of the spikes
- Relatively long braking distance on wet surfaces
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV
Unlike the previous options, this rubber is intended for SUVs (this is evidenced by the special SUV designation). Buyers note the following features of the model: high efficiency on snow and ice, reduced braking distance, gasoline savings and much more.
The Finnish company is very attentive to the smallest details, so the output is a very high-quality product. The harsh climate and snowy roads are no longer a problem for a car enthusiast after buying a Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV. It is also worth noting that the Nokian Hakapelita 8 SUV tires took 1st place at once in 2 authoritative ratings in 2014: "Driving" and "AutoBild".
Gislaved Nord Frost 200
The Gislaved Nord Frost 200 rounds out our top five studded winter tires. This is a modified version of the once popular Nord Frost 100, which has a number of significant differences.
First, the 200 has a V-shape and an optimized shoulder. This allowed a significant increase in productivity, and prevented slashplaning. Also, now you can install 130 spikes, instead of 100. This has a positive effect on the efficiency of grip and braking on snowy asphalt. Secondly, the right tread compound provides optimal stiffness and flexibility regardless of the outside temperature. The sipes and tread design of the tires are designed to provide high traction, handling and maneuverability at high speeds.
- Low noise level in the class of studded tires
- Excellent grip on ice
- Accelerated drainage of water and snow
- Long service life
- No hydroplaning
- Users report problems with cornering grip
Rating of the best winter non-studded tires - TOP-5
Unlike the previous 5 options, these tires provide good grip due to the sipes. They completely lack metal spikes, so these friction models are more suitable for gentle winters.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV is a Finnish-made tire designed for all-wheel drive vehicles. Like any other tire from the Finnish manufacturer, R2 SUV provides maximum comfort and stability even in the worst weather conditions.
The features of this rubber are: an aggressive symmetrical pattern that provides good grip; multifaceted microparticles added to the rubber compound, providing good grip on ice; increased number of lamellas; exceptional strength of the sidewall, allowing you to hold securely in the most extreme situations; improved water drainage from the contact patch, which avoids slush planing.
It is worth noting that this model has won many awards in authoritative publications around the world (Finland, Ukraine, China, Kazakhstan).
- Unlike studded, no noise is heard at all
- Saves fuel thanks to low rolling resistance
- Rubber withstands any temperature
- Remarkable ride
- Good grip qualities
- High price
Nokian WRD4
Tires of the Finnish manufacturer are especially popular with domestic drivers. We gave the second place in the ranking of the best non-studded winter tires to Nokian WRD4. It is the first passenger car model in the world to achieve Class A wet grip.
Among the features of this model, it is worth highlighting the optimized rubber compound, directional tread pattern and the unique Nokian Block Optimized Siping siping technology. In general, the developers have tried to ensure a safe and balanced driving of the vehicle on a snowy and wet road. According to the results of tests by many reputable sources, this rubber is one of the best among the friction tires of 2017.
- Unique rubber compound, withstands all temperatures
- Good braking properties on ice, snow and dry pavement
- Excellent handling on any surface
- soft rubber
- Economy
- Not found
Goodyear Ultra Grip 9
The ranking of the best friction tires of 2017 would not be complete if we did not include rubber from the popular manufacturer Goodyear here. These are high-quality winter tires that can withstand low temperatures and perform well on snow-covered roads.
The features of this model are hydrodynamic grooves, which reduce the risk of aquaplaning to a minimum, and a special shape of the shoulder area of the tread, which contributes to amazing durability when driving in any weather. Innovative technologies that have been applied in the development of the Goodyear Ultra Grip 9 provide a high level of comfort, smooth ride, confident handling and emergency braking.
- Developed with innovative technologies
- Improved tread design
- The wear indicator will show you when you need to change the tires
- High level of comfort
- Adapts well to weather conditions
- Not very good on ice
Continental ContiVikingContact 6
This is a premium friction model that shows its high performance since its predecessor Contact 5. According to the results of the tests, the "Six" is 8% more efficient on an icy road, 14% less rolling resistance and 6% less stopping distance than previous models. .
This was achieved thanks to an optimized system of multi-stage sipes, reinforced shoulder areas and a unique rubber compound. Engineers have tried to make the Continental Conti Viking Contact 6 as comfortable and safe as possible for driving in difficult weather conditions. Users appreciate the efforts of the manufacturer, so the rubber has good reviews.
- Comfortable ride, soft rubber
- sustainable hydroplaning
- Low noise
- Good grip on any surface
- Economy
For most men, choosing tires for their true friend, which is a car, is a very important and serious process. This is the same as sending a woman to a huge store and giving money for only one dress.
The range of car tires is very large, and when choosing the right model, you need to have some knowledge in order to choose excellent tires. The most popular models presented in most automotive markets can be found in this article.
A few more related links:
When buying spare parts for a car, most motorists do not spare any money, acquiring the best and most proven spare parts, and this includes the choice of car tires.
Many factors will depend on the purchased car wheels, such as:
- the behavior of the car on the road in different weather;
- how the car will overcome various obstacles;
- and most importantly, the safety of you and the passengers in the car with you.
All manufactured car tires are divided into categories, depending on the season for which they are intended. There are three main groups: for the summer period, winter tires, as well as universal tires for all seasons.
This article will focus on with studded winter tires . (in another ranking). Winter tires are made of special rubber, which can be fully exploited at temperatures below +5 degrees Celsius. The first thing to know about winter tires is that they are made from soft rubber compounds. This technology does not allow the rubber to harden in frosty weather, which means that the wheels quickly shed snow build-up from their surface, guaranteeing better grip on the road surface.
But not everyone agrees with this opinion. Some fans of fast driving prefer sports-type car tires, which have significant stiffness, which, however, does not prevent them from keeping on the roads as well as other types of wheels. There are no clear rules here. Everyone chooses what suits his driving style best.
Not so long ago, various companies of automobile studded tires were tested, and according to the results of these tests, the most popular models were determined. When determining the best models, the opinion of buyers, as well as a comparison of the price and quality of the selected tires, played an important role. The results of this testing will be detailed in this article.
Popular winter tires with studs
Let's start from the end
#9. Nokian Nordman 5
The ninth place in the ranking of the best winter tires opens the model Nokian Nordman 5. Having a second name "Bear Claw", and is a completely new development at Nokian Nordman. This model features a completely new development that uses special lugs to support the studs, allowing much better traction.
They perform very well on icy surfaces. The developers worked hard on a completely new tread pattern, and as it turned out later, they did not lose a bit. They easily and effortlessly leave the snowdrifts, while driving, the snow is quickly cleared from the surface of the wheel.
But, even such, one might say, almost perfect wheel, nevertheless, there was a small, but drawback. On the surface of dry asphalt, these wheels experience certain difficulties when making sharp turns.. It is hoped that this error will be eliminated in new models. (about the brand)
#eight. Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01
Next, on the eighth line, is the model Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01. These tires feel very comfortable on ice, as well as on loose or packed snow. The development of such a model took a lot of time, the creators of these tires did a good job. Getting into the rating of this model was guaranteed thanks to the development of the latest cruciform spikes. Thanks to this, the car behaves perfectly on a slippery road surface (about the brand).
#7. Michelin X-IceNorth 3
This tire model is also very interesting. Everyone is trying their best to surprise their customer, and Michelin X-IceNorth 3 also does not lag behind in these indicators. The newly developed rubber compound, as well as the installed so-called "smart studs", work perfectly. It is worth admitting that the idea is very interesting.
Only the air temperature decreases significantly, as due to the thermal activity of the rubber compound, the wheel becomes stiffer and presses against the stud surface with greater force, thereby increasing traction with the road surface. It is worth noting the very good marks given by the results of the wear resistance test (about the brand).
#6. Pirelli Ice Zero
The next model to look at is Pirelli Ice Zero. These tires are quite worthy of respect for their person. Most motorists would easily place these tires, if not in the top three, then in the top five of the rating, that's for sure.
But automotive experts have a very different opinion.
The designers of this model very competently approached all the subtleties of the tires, and the buyers quite liked it. Cars shod in such wheels feel quite good, both on ice, and on wet and dry road surfaces. In a word, the Italian company did a great job, which deserved the seventh place in this rating (about the brand).
#5. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic
When the development team was working on the model UltraGripIce Arctic, they clearly had in mind the harsh winter and how you have to dig out the wheels of your car from snowdrifts. These tires do the job well.
Goodyear manufacturer using technology MultiControl Ice, provided these tires with excellent grip, and complete control over the car at the time of movement on an icy surface. Convenient grooves on the tread remove water from the surface in a very timely manner (about the brand).
#four. Dunlop SP Winter ICE01
For this brand Dunlop SP Winter ICE01 I had to fight pretty hard to get to the fourth step of the rating. Good grip, elasticity suitable for all wheels of this company, as well as the presence of drainage, everything is present in these tires. Before use, a small break-in is required first. A good tread pattern helps to overcome snow drifts. For many, such a drawing is somewhat reminiscent of a tractor, and it's hard to argue with that.
#3. Continental Ice Contact 2
These studded wheels have passed many different tests and only then went on sale. If the previous model had minor omissions, such as poor handling on dry pavement, then in the new version, the developers took into account all their miscalculations, and the Continental IceContact 2 model was born. These tires behave perfectly on absolutely all road surfaces (about the brand).
#2. YOKOHAMA Ice Guard IG55
It was not enough to win the rating for YOKOHAMA, which everyone knows for the fact that they are always trying to progress and improve their products. And now, this company is located on the second line, with its new model YOKOHAMA Ice Guard IG55.
And here we will once again make sure that the tread pattern on the wheel surface plays an important role in the adhesion of the wheel to the road surface. And in this model, we cannot leave this fact without special attention. A pronounced central zone, also equipped with small grooves, all this improves the already good "friendship" of the wheel with the road. This model has passed all the provided tests, having received excellent results (about the brand).
#one. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
And, the model rightfully becomes the leader of the rating, which is located on the first line. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8. These wheels have long established themselves on the good side in the auto parts market. On the ice, they have the best behavior among all contenders for leadership in this rating. Also, on other indicators, they show good marks.
Driving with these tires is a real pleasure. The developers have slightly altered the protector. The spikes now cover absolutely the entire surface of the wheel, and there are exactly 190 of them. Also, it is worth noting that they are not subject to loss, which is a very important fact. Admiring this model, you understand that the engineers have provided everything that is possible.
We list the advantages of the model, which allowed it to take a worthy third place in our rating of winter studded tires.
Let's start with the tread pattern. Compared to the NH 7, it received deeper drainage and open shoulder areas, which made it possible to increase the tire's resistance to aqua and splashplaning. The blocks located in the central area of the tire are firmly interconnected - this is done to increase the rigidity of the rubber and the ability to confidently overcome dry sections of winter roads.
A large number of self-locking three-dimensional sipes located on the shoulder areas of the tread improve cornering control and increase off-road performance of the tires.
The serrated shape of the rear of the tread blocks provides excellent grip with the road surface during active braking, reducing the length of the braking distance. In addition, this form of brake boosters contributes to more efficient removal of snow and slush from under the wheels of the car.
We also note the use of proprietary Eco Stud 8 technology for Hakkapeliitta 8 studs, as well as Cryo-Silane technology used in the preparation of the rubber compound (increase in the proportion of rapeseed oil and silicon dioxide). The tires have been produced since 2013, but are still considered one of the best in their category, competing on equal terms with younger competitors.
In the ranking of the best studded winter tires in 2019, there is another long-awaited novelty that replaced the first generation of Ice Zero winter tires. Compared to its predecessor, the second generation tire is characterized by:
- improved handling characteristics, accuracy of reactions to driver actions;
- more efficient winter braking;
- noise reduction (by 20%), despite the presence of a large number of spikes.
The unique tread pattern has V-shaped drainage grooves that become wider closer to the edges - this design provides the most efficient removal of water and slush from the contact patch of the tire. To reduce the braking distance and enhance the traction characteristics of the tire, Italian engineers placed additional sipes perpendicular to the main sipes.
The central tread area received a number of dual blocks to improve the vehicle's road holding. To ensure safety when driving on dry roads, the tire's edge effect has been enhanced by using zigzag block edges. Finally, the 3D lamellas that appeared in the shoulder areas of the tire provide the necessary rigidity of the rubber, making it easier to pass through high-speed corners.
It is worth noting the improved patency of tires in relation to deep snow - this is facilitated by snow hooks located in the shoulder area of the blocks, special containers are responsible for the rapid removal of ice chips and snow mass.
The Pirelli Ice Zero 2 tires use double stud technology, which consists of placing them in pairs on multidirectional blocks. This helps to reduce the noise level when driving on all types of roads. The core of the spike is made of tungsten-carbide alloy, which increases its resource, and the high impact resistance of the spikes is ensured by the increased size of its surface.
The grip properties of the tire are also improved due to the addition of components such as certain types of resins to the rubber mixture, and in the place where the spikes are attached, the rubber is made of a more rigid composition. An increase in the number of rows of studding up to 24 helps to avoid getting spikes into the same furrows.
If you are the owner of an off-road class car, you probably have to solve the problem with a certain frequency, which winter studded tires for crossovers / SUVs are the best. In 2019, we advise such car owners to pay attention to the second generation Grandtrek Ice02 tires from Dunlop.
The unique design of the tread pattern guarantees excellent consumer properties of this rubber. Miura Ori proprietary technology, which consists in the use of three-dimensional zigzag sipes of great length with hard edges, prevents the tread blocks from bending, increasing the grip area of the tire with the roadway.
Thanks to this pattern, rubber wear occurs as evenly as possible, and tire handling at all stages of its operation remains stable, guaranteeing high sensitivity of the tires to steering turns.
But the main feature of the Grandtrek Ice02 is the improved stud design. They are made of steel and have a corrugated rectangular tungsten carbide core. This provides increased penetration against icy surfaces and packed snow. The core has a length of 2.8 mm. with a width of 2.0 mm., at the base, the spike thickens to 8 millimeters. An innovative technology for the formation of seats has been applied, which reduces the likelihood of losing spikes. In total, the model has 16 rows of studs with a density of 60 pieces per rm, which complies with the technical regulation CU-TR 018, adopted in 2011.
The rubber itself has a two-layer structure: the top layer consists of a soft compound that provides the most tight contact with the winter road, the inner one is more rigid, contributing to better retention of the studs and extending their life. The rounded, symmetrical tire profile helps to reduce the deformation ability of the rubber between the sidewall and the shoulder area, improving handling and reducing fuel consumption.
Another representative of the Finnish tire manufacturers in the top 10 best winter studded tires, the Nordman 7 model, has been produced since 2017. This rubber can be ranked among the best representatives of universal tires of the middle price category, designed for use on passenger vehicles in the winter season.
By and large, the "Nordic" model is a slightly improved copy of the famous "seven" Hakkapeliitta, providing an optimal ratio of wear resistance and excellent grip on slippery surfaces.
A feature of the model can be called Air Claw technology, which consists in the use of studs with anchor fastening and the presence of teardrop-shaped recesses on the tread blocks. This is what gives the rubber the softness property necessary for confident movement on winter roads. The effect of such recesses is similar to the effect shown by the heel shock absorbers in modern sneakers: they reduce the level of vibrations and make the anti-skid effect characteristic of studs softer. Of course, this also reduces the wear of asphalt, as well as the noise effect characteristic of metal contact with a hard road surface. Thanks to the wide flange, such "claws" are securely held in the tread like an anchor - hence the name of the fastening.
It is also worth mentioning the proprietary studding technology called Eco Stud System - it is actively used in all the latest models of Nokian winter tires.
Its essence lies in the innovative technology of making holes for laying spikes: they are made at the stage of rubber vulcanization and are equipped with shock-absorbing pads that do not affect the reliability of their retention. For these purposes, another technology is used, Bear Claw, which means “bear claw”, which helps to keep the spikes in a plane perpendicular to the tread even during sharp acceleration / braking.
From the name of the model, you can already understand that it is designed for operation in the most severe conditions. In the 2018/2019 ranking of the best studded winter tires with a tire radius from R16 to R21, this model is the only one with triangular studs.
The use of MultiControl Ice technology made it possible to significantly increase the area of contact between the tire and the roadway. Although the carbide spike itself has a semi-circular outline, it is enclosed in a triangular shell. This design in the section resembles the famous cocked hat. The principle of operation of such a technological solution is as follows: the outer insert, also made of carbide material, has sharp edges that greatly improve the acceleration and braking properties of the tire. In the presence of pronounced lateral accelerations, smooth transitions of the body itself begin to work, while braking - the rear surface of the spike, which has an increased width. When installing the "thorns" in the factory, glue is not used - the reliability of fastening is so high that it does not even allow the thorn to scroll around its axis.
The second feature of the UltraGrip Ice Arctic concerns the patented tread pattern (3D-BIS). The V-shaped design, traditional for the winter series, is complemented by a large number of wavy lamellas, on which there are waffle grooves that accelerate the removal of snow porridge and excess water from the contact patch through wide drainage channels.
To ensure the best grip on all types of winter road surfaces, the compound includes an innovative silicon polymer filler. It should be noted the low weight of UltraGrip Ice Arctic tires, which is achieved by the use of shoulder zones of a small radius, a special tread contour and a two-component rubber compound with a soft outer and harder inner layers.
A characteristic feature of the Nord*Frost 200 model with an asymmetric tread pattern is its excellent traction properties and excellent lateral stability when driving on slippery surfaces - packed snow and ice.
Although this model is considered a “veteran” in the 2019 ranking of the best winter studded tires (sales started in 2015), this does not detract from its merits. One of them is the use of a unique tread pattern, which has proven its effectiveness on winter roads according to the results of numerous tests conducted on the tracks of Russia and Scandinavia.
The central area of the tread includes three rows of blocks in the form of irregular polygons, which is done in order to increase the number of sharp cutting edges. They provide reliable grip on snowy / icy highways. The multidirectionality of these sharp edges contributes to the stability of tires in the transverse/longitudinal directions. The number of three-dimensional wavy sipes matches the number of blocks, ensuring reliable tire contact with the road during braking and abrupt starts, as well as when maneuvering at high speeds.
The width of the drainage grooves is sufficient for the rapid withdrawal of any amount of excess water, snow mass and ice chips, so you can forget about the manifestation of the effect of aquaplaning and splashplaning here.
The special composition of the compound provides an optimal balance between the elasticity of the tire and its rigidity, regardless of the thermometer readings.
It differs from its predecessor with the RS W419 index by improved grip and braking performance on ice and snow, loose and compacted surfaces. When modeling the tread pattern, computer optimization tools were used, so that the new pattern has practically nothing in common with the old pattern, except for the symmetry and directionality of the relief. Instead of a narrow monorib, enlarged blocks appeared, which made it possible to optimize the load on the tire surface in the contact patch area, improve directional stability on dry roads and ensure comfortable handling on slippery road surfaces. But the blocks in the shoulder area of the tires have become smaller, but their number has increased, improving the lateral stability of the rubber and facilitating the exit from a deep snowy rut.
Most winter tires have a developed network of three-dimensional sipes. The i*Pike RS2W429 is an exception, and some of them are placed at a low angle relative to the direction of travel, so that when maneuvering on a snowy or icy track, the tires behave more predictably, following the turns of the steering wheel. The second purpose of such lamellas is to improve the grip properties of rubber in the longitudinal direction, as well as to redirect excess water into wider drainage channels.
Compared to the first generation Winter i*Pike, the number of rows of studs has increased from 10 to 12, and those responsible for anti-skidding are more evenly distributed over the tread surface, shifting to the center of the tire.
The top 10 of the best winter studded tires is completed by the new 2018 tire, which replaced the IceCruiser 7000 model, which has been produced since 2010. Interestingly, the tread pattern has not changed much, but the use of innovative technologies in studding and compounding has significantly improved the grip characteristics of the tire on slippery surfaces. Users note the traditionally high quality of the Japanese tire, its reliability and durability, as well as the ability to keep the spikes from falling out throughout the entire service life.
A feature of the tread pattern is the unique organization of large blocks located in the central region, aimed at increasing the deformation stability of the product. Shoulder blocks are characterized by increased rigidity, which improved stability when maneuvering on ice, snow and wet roads. The presence of sharp jagged edges led to an improvement in the lateral stability of the rubber, facilitating movement on loose snow.
Note the high efficiency of the IceCruiser 7000S drainage system. It consists of two wide annular channels and a network of inclined grooves oriented towards the center - they provide high resistance to hydroplaning and reliable removal of water and slush from the contact area with the road.
Although the spikes themselves are traditionally made of aluminum, their ability to bite into the ice is due to their advanced design. Reliable retention in the tire is ensured by the presence of a central insert with an adapted level of hardness and the use of a two-component compound.
Summary
Each of the presented tires deserves its high place in the ranking. Some have certain shortcomings, which are difficult to call significant. It is objectively difficult to say which studded tires are the best. Although experts and ordinary consumers made it clear that the main focus in winter in Russia is on the products of the Finnish company Nokian, this does not diminish the merits of the products of other manufacturers in the top 10.
In short - "what is good for a Russian, then death for a German" :)
"Let's change"?
Tire manufacturers spend huge sums of money on numerous research, comprehensive tests, the introduction of new technologies, and so on. This is only to the advantage of consumers, since this trend contributes to the fact that competition intensifies in the market and more and more high-quality and efficient “shoes” appear. Still, because manufacturers need to somehow distinguish their products from the rest. On one "big name" alone, now you can’t go far, so you have to constantly update and improve your tires.
Manufacturers of studded tires should especially try in connection with the introduction of new Scandinavian rules for studding (no more than 50 studs per 1 meter of circumference).
However, friction rubber did not stand aside. Tire companies are improving their technology, giving Velcro more and more tenacity and stability on icy roads. The moment has come when the best non-studded tires perform better on ice than mediocre studded tires.
In general, manufacturers have their own concerns, and our main task as buyers is to find the most suitable rubber for both our car and our wallet.
Winter tire classification
The focus of today's article is the choice of winter tires. It is worth noting that in addition to the standard classification of winter tires into studded and non-studded tires, the latter are divided into European and Scandinavian tires. Simply put, there are three main types of winter "shoes".
Winter "non-studded" Scandinavian type
The client needs to remember that studded tires are most often unconvincing on asphalt (low dynamic performance) not because of the presence of spikes, but because of the softness of the tread rubber. Also, for asphalt pavement, non-studded tires of the Scandinavian type are considered not the best option.
It is distinguished by a very modest speed index. Most often it is Q (160 km/h) and R (170 km/h). The exception is the Michelin X-ice Xi3 (the index may be H).
Tires of this type feel good at very low temperatures due to soft rubber. They perform well on snow and ice and provide good acoustic comfort. However, these benefits will come at a cost. In particular, the driver will need to forget his summer driving habits like cornering at high speed and hard braking and changing lanes.
This type of rubber is strictly contraindicated for drivers who practice an aggressive driving style, but is perfect for leisurely and calm drivers. When choosing tires of this type, you should pay attention to the following models:
Winter "non-studded" European type
European-style winter tires have four speed indices - W (270 km / h), V (240 km / h), H (210 km / h) and T (190 km / h). A model with a higher rating will show better results on the asphalt road when braking from absolutely any speed.
Another interesting and useful fact. Products from the same manufacturer may have different speed ratings, but don't be surprised if they have identical tread patterns. The tread pattern does not affect this parameter at all. He is responsible for driving on slush and loose snow. The speed index is assigned to the model based on its chemical composition and rubber hardness.
"Europeans" are the antipode of Scandinavian rubber. They are designed for driving at higher speeds. Tires cope well with dry and wet asphalt at low temperatures, but at the same time frankly pass on ice and packed snow. You need to drive very carefully on such surfaces and understand that in an emergency situation on a really slippery surface, this type of tire will not meet your expectations.
You should also carefully drive the car on asphalt. A high speed index should not deceive you. As with Velcro, European-type winter tires are not recommended to drive fast on an asphalt road in warm weather, since high temperatures adversely affect their braking performance.
In the family of non-studded tires of the European type, one can note:
Winter "studs"
Winter tires of this type have always been distinguished by a balance of characteristics and an average degree of rigidity. She demonstrates good results on almost every type of surface, except for ice, where she is rightfully considered the undisputed leader. Most often, products of this class have an index T (190 km / h).
Among their shortcomings, only a high level of emitted noise can be considered pronounced. These tires are great for those drivers who often have to drive outside the city in winter. Cars of residents of megacities do not need such “shoes”.
True, an exception may be the case if they have a steep climb on the road to the house or to the garage. For those who travel out of town a couple of times in winter, spikes are not particularly useful. It is better to purchase special snow chains. They will significantly increase the cross-country ability of the vehicle both on a mixture of snow with chemicals and on ice.
The family of spikes is represented by the following good quality models:
Do not harbor unnecessary illusions!
Unfortunately, you will not be able to find on the market all-purpose tires that feel great both on ice and on asphalt. Still, you can't argue with the laws of physics. That is why the question of what type of rubber is the best, you will never get the only right answer. The truth will always be somewhere nearby, but still, for each surface, a certain driving style and operating conditions, certain tires are better suited.
However, regardless of the type of "shoes", winter tires, pardon the tautology, suggest a winter driving style. Follow the rules of the road, slow down on difficult sections, take your time on seemingly ideal straights for acceleration, and slow down in advance.
Let's summarize...
Studded winter tires
- If there is little experience, it is better to ride on studded winter tires, they are superior to non-studded ones in almost all winter disciplines.
- Studded tires perform much better on ice.
- Spikes and Velcro are comparable in their behavior in the snow.
- Spikes click on the pavement - more noise from the wheels.
- Studs wear out the roadway a lot (some European countries have banned studs for this very reason).
- Spikes tend to fly out during sudden braking and acceleration on asphalt.
Non-studded winter tires
Choose Velcro if...
- If you have enough experience driving in winter conditions.
- If you have previously driven on non-studded winter tires.
- If you rarely drive on ice. For example, in Moscow, ice is rare, because. Almost all roads are sprinkled with reagents all winter. In the regions and on country roads, reagents are rare, so studded tires are preferable there.
- If they simply don’t make studded winter tires for your size :)
- It is highly desirable to have ABS and preferably ESP - these systems slightly compensate for the lower grip properties of friction tires.
For more details, see winter tire tests and read reviews on the website.
Remark 1: Velcro, non-studded tires, friction tires are one and the same.
Remark 2: sometimes they ask the question "are there tires that combine the properties of studs and friction rubber?". There is. These are studded tires. They are very similar in internal structure to friction ones. Studded are fundamentally different in the presence of the studs themselves and solid dies without small lamellae for installing studs. At the same time, the rest of the tire surface is almost the same as on friction tires.
To find the most wonderful winter tires for yourself - we recommend using the advanced search. Specify your size, seasonality and then carefully study the reviews about the wheels.
Good grip on the road to your car!