In Russia, tire tests to assess their consumer characteristics are carried out by the Za Rulem magazine and the Avtorevyu newspaper. The first one tests tires at domestic test sites. The second, most recently, has been conducting tests at a foreign test base.

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

What are winter tires?

While seemingly similar tires can be very different. In our climate band, every kid in the sandbox knows that tires come in summer or winter. But in a deep context, not all adults understand the situation. Usually, the top of knowledge is that winter tires are divided into studded and not.

Non-studded tires are popularly referred to as "Velcro". Public opinion often considers them urban. In the language of professionals, such rubber is called friction rubber and is divided into models of the Scandinavian and Central European types. Tires from the first group are designed for low-temperature winters with an abundance of snow and ice on the roads. Rubber of the second type is designed exclusively for mild winters, with an average temperature just below zero and rare patches of slippery surfaces. In Russia, Central European winter tires will be helpless everywhere except the Black Sea coast, but good non-studded models scandinavian type Handles both ice and snow.

What does the AvtoDel tire review offer?

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

How did the experts test studded winter tires?

test world

Test World specialists evaluated the braking performance on snow, ice, wet and dry pavement. However, as always. The tests were carried out at various temperatures, after which the average result was calculated based on the results of 15-20 races on each set. Ice braking was evaluated by driving the vehicle from 50 km/h to zero, and snow and wet deceleration by braking from 80 km/h to a complete stop.

Tests on a snowy and icy road were carried out on the street and inside a covered range, which allows simulating any conditions necessary for measurements. Traction on snow and ice was measured by accelerating as fast as possible from 5 to 35 and from 5 to 20 km/h, respectively.

Handling points depended on the time it took the "third" Ford Focus to complete a circle in test tires. In addition, the subjective opinion of experts regarding acceleration, braking and cornering on various surfaces also had some influence on the estimates. However, the objective readings of the measuring equipment still had a decisive influence on the final results. It is noteworthy that during the races, the pilots did not know the models of the tested tires, the organizers replaced them with numbers in order to exclude the influence of the brand on perception.

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

Quite curious - a study by Test World experts on the resource of winter tires. To understand this issue, Finnish specialists took out six sets of winter tires from the warehouse, which participated in tire tests last season. They were four studded models and two friction models. On each set, the testers ran over 15,000 km.

The route mainly ran along motorways. At the same time, 100 braking and accelerating at low speeds were carried out on each tire to simulate urban traffic conditions.

The durability tests used three vehicles that followed the same route under the same conditions. Two tires of each model were taken, which were rearranged from the front axle to the rear. Thus, at the end of the test, all tires have traveled the same distance on the front and rear axles, and in addition, the drivers also changed cars to avoid having their driving style influence the result.

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

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

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

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

Behind the wheel

Experts from the Russian magazine "Behind the wheel" also ran each set. Without sharp accelerations and braking on studded models, they clocked up five hundred kilometers. And the test itself was carried out in Togliatti, at the test site of AvtoVAZ OJSC. The carrier vehicle in this test was the VAZ Kalina with ABS.

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

Following the run-in, the Za Rulem experts withstood the sequence of tests developed by them. It was as follows: acceleration and braking on snow and ice, measurements of longitudinal grip on the ice circle and a rearrangement test. Further - tests for handling, directional stability, cross-country ability and comfort. The sequence is not random: in the process of testing, the spikes are subjected to increased loads, under the influence of which they can be squeezed out, and if the sequence of measurements is violated, the spikes will protrude more.

Therefore, after winter disciplines on ice and snow, repeated control of the protrusion of the studs. If during testing it has not changed, it means that the “fangs” are firmly held in rubber.

Asphalt exercises magazine "Za Rulem" decided to start with the assessment and measurement of rolling resistance, and only in the final we do braking on asphalt. Quite logical! For example, representatives of the Continental concern believe that emergency braking on asphalt is stressful for winter tires, even with ABS, so after a dozen or one and a half such braking tires become unusable.

For running in non-studded tires, popularly referred to as "Velcro", 300 km is enough. And the driving style should be more aggressive than in the case of studded tires, since in this case the primary task of running in is different - to completely remove from the tread lamellae the remnants of the lubricant that was applied to the mold (lubrication is needed in order to prevent damage to the tread with 3D cuts when removing a freshly welded tire from a mold). In addition, on these tires, you need to remove a thin surface layer of rubber, which, after baking, is slightly harder than the core. You don’t have to worry about the wear of the sharp edges of the lamellas: on modern models, they are designed in such a way that they self-sharpen with mutual friction. This ensures the stability of the characteristics of non-studded tires throughout their service life.

Vi Bilagare

The test of studded winter tires was carried out by the Swedish magazine Vi Bilagare in Finland in the first week of March 2015. Experts noted that the conditions this time changed unusually strongly, and on some days it was warm and the temperature approached zero, while on others it was cold to -10 degrees. In all tests, several Volvo models (V40, S60, V60 and V70) were used as a carrier vehicle, which is very unusual for tire tests. The ABS and ASR systems have been switched on, the latter in Sport mode, to increase slippage at the start and skid in corners.

Dry and wet tests were carried out at the test sites near Tampere, Finland in April, where slush grip and fuel consumption were also evaluated. Two Volvo V40 CCs were used. The tires were tested on the same stretch of asphalt at speeds up to 100 km/h. On dry pavement, the behavior during emergency detours of obstacles was also evaluated. However, the general approach to the test was similar, both with colleagues from Test World and with specialists from the Russian edition.

Newspaper "Autoreview"

Arguably the country's most scrupulous automotive publication, it has covered the tire industry for many years. But if earlier in Autoreview this work was outsourced to European experts (mainly Test World), now, for several years now, the Russian media has been conducting tire research on its own, usually going to European test sites.

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

The car was a new Peugeot 308 with 205/55R16 wheels. For better objectivity, the Autoreview experts turned off the stabilization system, and they were forced to do it in a barbaric way, by physically removing one of the system's sensors, since the 308th ESP is not completely turned off, and the activated system would have a bad effect on the objectivity of the study.

Eighteen sets of winter tires turned out to be in the hands of Russian experts. All are exclusively of the Scandinavian type, of which eleven are studded and seven are friction (non-studded). Of course, all sets of tires have passed the driving tests in the main disciplines (handling, acceleration, braking, comfort, rolling resistance). The snow that fell during the course also helped to test the patency by measuring the acceleration time through a snowdrift fifteen centimeters high.

Auto Motor & Sport

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

Braking efficiency tests were carried out at temperatures from -30 to +10 degrees on various surfaces. Ice tests were carried out in a covered facility with temperature and humidity control. In the snow, the tires were tested outdoors on several tracks. The experts tried to conduct tests in a short period of time so that all tires were evaluated under the same conditions. Acceleration efficiency was determined in the same way, and tests on ice required a special surface.

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

Winter tire test 2015-2016

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The main indicator of studded tires is the effectiveness of their grip on ice. The Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 features a new shaped stud called the "Cross-Edge Pin" for the cross-shaped notch at the center of the stud. These cruciform notches allow for better ice contact and longer traction. As a result, these tires have more effective traction and more aggressive braking on ice, regardless of the direction of travel. The performance improvement is shown in the graph.

Using the latest modeling technology, the design of the Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 tread pattern has undergone significant changes. The new tyre's cross grooves have wider crossovers to grip the snow more effectively. The tread received self-cleaning sipes that allow snow and ice dust to be removed from the stud, thereby improving traction. At the same time, shoulder lugs that increase traction in deep snow.

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

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

TEST RESULTS

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

In the magazine "Behind the wheel" Japanese tires achieved the sixth line out of eleven. Driving and Test World agreed that the Bridgestone BLIZZAK Spike-01 performs well on icy surfaces. Although the journalists of "Behind the wheel" in this sense made a reservation: "only due to the strong protrusion of the spikes, which will surely fly out in the near future." In Vi Bilagare, only good resistance to ascent on snow-water porridge was singled out as a plus. In the final list of Auto Motor & Sport, by the way, is also the last place.

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

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

New IceContact 2 tire with superior performance on ice Continental's premium studded passenger car and SUV tire features the latest technology with a focus on providing the best performance on ice and asphalt Available sizes- 14" to 20" (2015)

TEST RESULTS

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

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

In turn, the magazine "Behind the wheel" named Continental IceContact 2 the best tires in the field of lateral grip on ice, as well as overall behavior on snow. A significant plus of Continental against Nokian is its behavior on asphalt, especially wet. It is noteworthy that the same alignment was in the case of previous generations of tires: Nokian is better suitable for snowy and even more "ice" conditions. Continental, with a slightly weaker behavior on bare ice, feels more confident on asphalt. This was especially noted by the experts of Autoreview.

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

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

The DunlopIce Touch tire uses the same technology as the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic.

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

The Dunlop Ice Touch tread's wide center rib increases contact patch area for efficient acceleration and braking. Special composition rubber compound increases traction and grip thanks to polymers that give the tire elasticity at low temperatures.

Winter weight Dunlop rubber Ice Touch is optimized to reduce rolling resistance, which reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Optimal tread stiffness for maximum handling on dry roads.

TEST RESULTS

DunlopIce Touch winter tires this season were noted only in two tests - Test World and Autoreview - not a lot. The sixth line in the Finnish instance and the seventh - in the Russian. The main advantage noticed by Test World testers was the behavior on dry and wet pavement. On this road, Dunlop tires are extremely confident, even outperforming some non-studded models. In "Autoreview" they were in solidarity with their Finnish colleagues, calling these tires the choice of residents of megacities.

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Gislaved Nord Frost 100 winter studded tires feature an improved stud design that more effectively increases both longitudinal and lateral grip on icy surfaces. Thanks to this, the braking distance on ice is also reduced. Numerous gripping edges and wide grooves that grip the snow also provide increased traction in winter conditions.”

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

At the same time, during the development of the Gislaved Nord Frost 100, the arrangement of the studs was optimized, due to which excellent grip on an icy road is achieved both in the longitudinal and transverse directions. This guarantees high stability, excellent traction properties of the tire on ice, and also helps to reduce the braking distance.

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

The large cross-sectional area on snow is achieved thanks to the optimized angulation of the engagement lips in all directions, which improves lateral traction when cornering.

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

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

TEST RESULTS

Gislaved Nord Frost 100 tires have the most better acceleration and snow braking in the Vi Bilagare test. The same dignity was noted both in the Autoreview and in Test World. At the same time, Gislaved tires performed frankly depressingly on ice this season. But on wet and dry pavement, decent performance. Yes, a very controversial set of characteristics, and it is especially strange that last year the results of measurements were different.

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

According to the manufacturer, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic studded winter tires provide excellent grip and handling on ice. Which the user gets thanks to Goodyear's MultiControl Ice technology. This revolutionary stud technology increases the contact patch of the stud with the road surface for superior traction and handling on ice. Due to this, the shape of the spike makes it even more stable, which maximizes the braking power on ice and reduces the braking distance.

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

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

TEST RESULTS

Goodyear has been brilliant this time around, outperforming all other studded tires in terms of performance balance on various surfaces. They fell just short of the best tires on snow and ice, where they have short braking distances and good handling. The only weakness is the relatively low grip on wet pavement, but the pilots noted that the tires behave consistently and safely.

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The Hankook Winter i*Pike RS W419 studded tire is one of the novelties prepared for domestic motorists by a well-known Korean tire manufacturer. This tire is a logical continuation of another W409 model popular in our country.

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

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

TEST RESULTS

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

When braking on ice - the second result! Only Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires are better. Grip properties on snow are also good. It remains only to tighten the handling: both on ice and on snow, the reactions lack clarity, especially when entering a turn.

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

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

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The manufacturer claims that unique technology studs from the winter tire company provide never-before-seen traction on ice and snow. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 performs well in extreme situations, acoustically comfortable, easy to rotate, saves fuel consumption and reduces impact on the road surface.

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

Thanks to the increased number of grooves in the tread, the edges of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 sipes better cling to snow and ice when touching the road surface. The small size of the tread blocks reduces the heating of the tire, and this affects the increase in mileage and increase the wear resistance of the tire.

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

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

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 studded tire offers unparalleled lateral and longitudinal grip on ice. The location of each spike is optimized using computer simulations. The spikes are evenly distributed over the entire tread surface.

The technology applied in the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 improves the grip quality when braking. A particularly strong rubber compound inside the tread securely blocks the stud in the block, stabilizes the tire's movement on dry roads and ensures uniform tire wear.

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

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

New Nokian tires Hakkapeliitta 8 improved braking grip. Snow braking traction has been improved with brake boosters at the rear of the tread blocks. The serrated pattern of the brake boosters increases the grip area and improves traction, especially on snowy road surfaces.

Diagonal 3D support slats

In the central part of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tread, 3D sipes reinforce it. The tire responds quickly and responsively to steering maneuvers, improving driving confidence and responsiveness. Self-locking 3D sipes for more precise handling. 3D sipes located in the outer part of the shoulder zones, when touching the road, fix the checkered blocks, connecting them into one whole, which improves the properties of movement and controllability when driving in an arc and maneuvers on the track. road bumps. A more comfortable driving experience is facilitated by impact-absorbing sidewall components and a choice of materials that effectively reduce the noise level felt in the cabin.

Tread wear indicator and winter wear indicator

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

TEST RESULTS

It is significant that in absolutely all Nokian tests Hakkapeliitta 8 took the lead. All experts admitted that in ice disciplines equal to the top Nokian tire no, at least not in the mass market, non-sport tire segment. The best braking distance and handling on frozen water are in her piggy bank. On snow, the tires were also among the best. They showed some weaknesses only in tests for braking efficiency and handling on wet pavement. However, experts noted that this is a normal situation if maximum grip on ice is the main priority when creating tires. And the magazine "Behind the wheel" additionally awarded spikes Nokian yet and the title of the most economical in their test.

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

About Nokian Nordman 5 it is written: "The new Nokian Nordman 5 studded tire is an accurate and balanced tire for difficult winter conditions." Although in reality it is not entirely new, because this is the already well-known Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5. The tread pattern and design solutions are similar to those used in it.

The round and light stud works well in combination with the new stiffer rubber compound, the stud is firmly fixed inside the tread. This has a positive effect on grip and reliability. The bear claw technology, which has proven itself in Nokian Hakkapeliitta tires, improves grip. The shoulder areas of the Nokian Nordman 5 have special grooves for lateral grip. Consolidated tread blocks in the center zone make steering transfer more precise. The tread pattern makes contact with the road smoother and allows the tire to spin more easily.

TEST RESULTS

Nokian Nordman 5 is a logical continuation of Nokian Nordman 4. The novelty of the year. And with regard to this model, the opinions of experts did not become unanimous. If in the Test World Nordman 5 rating it turned out to be an outsider, then the tire expert "Behind the wheel" - Sergey Mishin awarded these tires "bronze". Thus, in the report of the Russian auto magazine, Nordman 5 ranks next, after Continental tires, position, despite the fact that Nordman 5 turned out to be worse Formula tires Ice, Sava Eskimo Stud, Japanese Bridgestone, Yokohama and Toyo, and Cordiant snow cross, Avatyre Freeze and Aeolus Ice Challenger AW05. Why?

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

In the report of the newspaper "Autoreview" the new Norman 5 in some disciplines outstripped even the "eighth Hakapeliitta". Oleg Rastegaev wrote that it is easier to drive on a winding ice track with Nordman tires. And in deep snow they work better. But on the grip on ice and snow. At the same time, Autoreview noted that this is a very good choice for their money.

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

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

Here are the advantages of their rubber claims the manufacturer.

With the Sava Eskimo Stud winter tire, the driver will feel confident on unpredictable winter roads. Hexagonal studs provide good handling and traction on icy surfaces. Special slots improve handling on snow. Besides, Sava tires The Eskimo Stud excels on wet roads thanks to the use of a special silica-based polymer in the directional tread compound.

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

When using Sava Eskimo Stud, the driver will learn the pleasure of a quiet and comfortable ride. Blocks and studs are positioned to reduce tire noise and provide a smooth ride.

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

TEST RESULTS

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

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

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

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

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

As a result, new tire MICHELIN X-ICE North3 is more than safety for real winters. 10% shorter braking distance on ice, 25% better stud retention, and a stronger sidewall provide a high level of safety for a longer period.

Michelin engineers have combined a whole range of innovative technologies to ensure that the third generation of MICHELIN X-ICE North tires demonstrate efficiency in several areas at once: in the field of safety (even in the most extreme winter conditions), as well as in terms of wear resistance, thanks to the increased reliability of the studs. These innovations form the basis of the Smart Spike System, first introduced in the MICHELIN X-ICE North 3. This system includes a new thermoset rubber compound for the bottom tread, special IPRem ice evacuation technology, and new conical studs. .

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

The latest generations of MICHELINX-ICE North tires featured a two-ply tread pattern, where the top rubber layer was responsible for traction and the bottom, inner layer, for fixing the studs. With the introduction of the new MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 studded tire, Michelin is pleased to showcase a technical and chemical masterpiece, a thermoset rubber compound. It has been developed exclusively for use in studded tires as a base, inner base protector.

It is she who is responsible for the reliable fixation of the base of the studs, as well as the puncture force of the studs in the MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tire. The mixture can change its properties depending on temperature. So, in warm weather, the tire remains relatively soft, which allows the studs to be pressed into the tread when used on asphalt. At the same time, grip on dry and wet roads is improved by reducing the sliding effect “like on skates”. As the temperature drops, the stiffness of the thermoset rubber compound increases, the studs get a very hard base, which increases the stud penetration force and allows you to effectively “bite” into the ice, providing the necessary grip when accelerating or braking. All this makes it possible to demonstrate high grip characteristics on ice, regardless of its condition and temperature.

Particular attention in the development of the MICHELIN X-ICE North3 was given to the tread space around the stud. When driving on ice, ice crumbs form around the studs, which interfere with the operation of not only the studs, but also the rubber compound. This effect significantly impairs grip on ice, lengthening the braking distance and increasing the acceleration time.

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

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

Compared to the previous generation, the new MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tire tread has three unique features:

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

The tread uses a special "Step In-Step Out" shape of the shoulder area. Paying attention to the structural features of the mud tire tread, the developers adopted the gear structure of the shoulder zone (when its blocks have a different protrusion). This structure allows you to significantly improve the tire's patency in deep snow and slush.

The tire's drainage channel system has been modified to improve slush handling. The grooves are now positioned towards the outer edge, making it easier to evacuate snow and reduce the risk of aquaplaning.

Not only does the MICHELIN X-ICE North3 tire offer improved winter safety and durability, but also a strong sidewall that reduces the chance of tire damage or blowouts. Durability is achieved through the use of MICHELIN IronFlex™ technology (a first in MICHELIN winter tires), which increases the sidewall's hardness and its ability to deform for optimal overcoming obstacles. MICHELIN IronFlex technology features heavy-duty carcass yarns with exceptional flexibility, and a special sidewall design that quickly dissipates peak loads.

TEST RESULTS

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

- winter studded tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

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

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

Pirelli Winter Ice Zero uses the new PIRELLI DUAL STUD tire studding technology.

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

Developed based on 40 years of rally racing experience. A radical testing ground for tires designed for rough, uneven surfaces, ice and snow. A story that combines Pirelli and rally racing with over 200 victories.

8.02.2016 at 14:02 · pavlofox · 22 860

Winter tire rating 2015-2016

The share of the world market for winter tires, in contrast, is small. Only 5-8%. But in our country, winter studded tires are vital for any motorist. They occupy 60% Russian market. The Scandinavian type of tires is considered the most suitable for Russian weather conditions. It handles snow and ice very well. In order not to make a mistake and make a choice in favor of high-quality rubber, we have compiled a rating of winter tires 2015-2016. This list is based on test results from several leading Russian and foreign magazines. Among them: "Behind the Wheel" and "AutoReview".

10.

Thanks to the open tread pattern, the tires interact well with the road even when bad grip. With X-IceNorth, the vehicle will also drive confidently through slush. A car shod with tires of this model showed the shortest braking distance on a dry road. This tire, which opens the rating of winter tires, is most suitable in conditions where there is not much snow and ice. Because the car will be mediocre to accelerate and brake with the X-IceNorth 3. The winter tire model is sold at a reasonable price.

9.

Thanks to the hexagonal aluminum studs, the tires of this model are perfectly adapted for driving and braking on snow and ice. The car, "shod" in this rubber, will feel great on dry roads. Formula Ice, ranked 9th on the 2015-2016 winter tire list, will provide vehicle high running smoothness. This model is suitable for those who live in big city and rarely travels outside of it. Attractive price will be an additional plus in choosing this model.

8.

Winter tires from a Korean manufacturer have 180 studs and a siping system to reduce the braking distance. The car goes perfectly in the snow on the slopes, tracks, forest trails. Dry or wet road in front of you, it does not matter, with Hankook tires Winter your car will be able to confidently drive even on dirty road. True, on the snow, driving is uneven. This is the only disadvantage of the model that occupies the 8th place in our top of the best winter tires 2015-2016.

7.

Tires with multifaceted studs for perfect grip on ice. A wide area of ​​contact between the tire and the road surface is made possible by numerous lugs. The car, "shod" in the tires of this model, behaves flawlessly on a wet snowy and ice road. On dry pavement, the performance of rubber, which took 7th place in the ranking of winter tires, is not so joyful: the rolling resistance is high, and the braking distance leaves much to be desired.

6.

With the help of special V-shaped slots, the tire guarantees perfect grip on snowy roads. The performance of this rubber also gives confidence to the motorist. On wet pavement, the “shod” car behaves confidently, however, on dry pavement it turned out to be the slowest of all the models presented in the winter tire rating 2015-2016.

5.

Nordman 4 features reduced noise and spikes with great durability. Special pads soften contact with the road. On wet pavement and ice, the performance of this model, which occupies the middle of the 2015-2016 winter tire rating, leaves much to be desired. But otherwise, Nokian Nordman 4 is a solid middle peasant, sold at an affordable price.

4.

Good braking of the Nordman 5 is carried out with the help of a "bear claw" - a protrusion on the tread, which is held vertically when braking. The attractive price of this model, which occupies the 4th place in the ranking of winter tires 2015-2016, will please every motorist. Thanks to Nokian Nordman 5, the car consumes moderately fuel, shows excellent stability on ice, snow and dry pavement. The only drawback: not very comfortable handling of the car, with heavy snowfall it does not show the best cross-country ability.

3.

Pirelli tire manufacturers test their products under the most extreme conditions, as they operate on ice and snow. Therefore, it is expected that this model showed itself perfectly on the surface with melted snow, and ice. There are no questions about braking and handling under these conditions. So if you're going out of town and the weather is terrible, Pirelli tires- the best choice. Sometimes the car loses traction when cornering. Loud noise tires also do not add pluses Winter Ice Zero. On dry pavement, the braking distance is not as short as we would like, so the bronze rating of winter tires 2015-2016.

2.

Universal tires suitable for both passenger cars and SUVs. The special rubber compound is made for cold and unpredictable climates. The car, "shod" in Continental, brakes well on ice and shows good handling, both on snow-covered roads and on dry pavement. Withstands rapid acceleration and deceleration. To be ContilceContact in the first place, if its slip resistance were perfect. But this is not the case, hence the silver rating of winter tires.

1.

Tires with 190 spikes and light weight (with the help of special additives) do an excellent job on the track with any type of road surface. Snow, snowy or frozen surface - it doesn't matter. Indeed, for Nokian Hakkapelitta, becoming the leader in the winter tire rating, there are no barriers. The car, "shod" in this model, shows a short braking distance on dry and wet pavement.

Among the shortcomings: noisy model.

Readers' Choice:

By the time of the next winter season many motorists are wondering - what kind of winter tires to choose? After all, properly selected tires make driving easier, greatly reducing the likelihood of an emergency. But in order for the answer to be as objective as possible, one cannot do without road tests conducted in real conditions.

By the winter of 2015-2016, we conducted a large-scale test of “northern specification automotive rubber” (that is, designed for harsh climatic conditions) - in total, 18 sets of winter tires took part in the test, of which 11 were studded, and 7 were friction (without studs, popularly referred to as "Velcro").

Moreover, it was not without the “hot” novelties of the season in the face: Continental IceContact 2 and Hankook i * Pike RS Plus (having an increased number of studs), as well as upgraded Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Artic tires (which, on the contrary, were reduced studs).
For reference: the permissible number of studs on winter tires is now limited by law, but so far, however, only in the EU countries - where 50 pieces are allowed per linear meter of tread, in Russia, such measures will begin to operate from January 1, 2016, although we will have 60 spikes allowed. But even more studs is not always a violation (if the tire manufacturer provides evidence to the certification bodies that their products do not harm the road surface).

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

And in acceleration, acceleration from standstill to 20 km / h excelled tires with spikes, while friction tires expectedly trailed at the end. The leader remained the same - Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 (with them the car needed a distance of 8.8 m), and the Pirelli Ace Zero (9.6 m) and Continental IceContact 2 (9.7 m) showed themselves a little worse.

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

The alignment of forces in the snow procedures has not changed dramatically, although in many disciplines there was an unexpected change of leaders. The shortest braking distance on snow from a speed of 40 km / h (with the ABS system) demonstrated studded tires - Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Artic (it took them 19.4m to stop), Cordiant Snow Cross (19.5m) and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 (19.6m).

Acceleration up to 20 km/h on packed snow once again secured the championship of winter tires with spikes: the first place was taken by the Cordiant Snow Cross with a result of 8.4 meters, the second - Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 (8.6 m), the third - Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic (8.7 m). ).

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

The winding snow-covered track 1500 meters long was most quickly overcome by a car "shod" in friction tires Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2. Cordiant Snow Cross and Maxxis SP-02 Arctictrekker tires took the second and third lines in this rating, respectively.

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

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

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

In the 80 km/h wet braking test, Gislaved Nord*Frost 100 tires provide the best grip, followed by Nokian Nordman 5 and Pirelli Ice Zero. And what is most surprising, they are all studded!

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

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

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

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

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

10. Michelin X-IceNorth 3

Low-noise tires produced by a well-known French brand with an open tread pattern to reduce the snow gap, with good contact with the road surface even with poor grip, confidently keeping the car in the slush. The model with the shortest stopping distance when stopped on dry pavement at a speed of 100 km/h. The disadvantages of Michelin X-IceNorth 3 experts attributed the low dynamics of acceleration and braking on icy pavement and the worst test lap time. In general, the experts recognized the tires as suitable for use on roads with little snow and slight icing.

9. Formula Ice

Formula Ice, produced by Pirelli & C, the world's fifth-largest tire seller, came in at number five in the rankings. The aluminum hex studded tires are great for stopping the car on dry roads and helping to stop the car on snowy and icy roads. These tires, which provide a high level of ride comfort, are considered by experts to be a budget option for urban use with rare use outside the metropolitan area. Disadvantages - poor cross-country ability on a snowy and ice-covered track.

8.Hankook Winter i*Pike RS W419

Hankook Winter I*Pike RS W419 - Korean tires, successors of the W409 model, which is in demand among domestic motorists, equipped with durable sipes and one hundred and eighty spikes that significantly reduce the braking distance, showed the best time for slippery turns, slopes, snowy and muddy sections of the highway and received a minimum of complaints from pilots. Among the shortcomings of the model, experts identified the uneven behavior of tires on a snowy track and a highway covered with mud.

7. Gislaved Nord*Frost 100

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

6. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic

Established in 1898 and growing from a small factory producing cardboard for packaging, horse shoe covers, bicycle tires and rubber poker chips to one of the world's largest manufacturers of ultra-modern tires, Goodyear has been reaffirmed by the quality of its products, taking sixth place among the best samples of winter tires 2015-2016. good year UltraGripIce Arctic(Goodea UltraGrip Artic). - Tires with V-shaped slots, successfully tested by Tuulilasi and TestWorld on snowy and icy roads and on the track covered with a mixture of water and snow. Cons: slower than other tested models, the response to emergency situations arising on a dry highway.

5 Nokian Nordman 4

Nokian Nordman 4 - rubber with flexible elements located under the studs, softening contact with the road, reducing noise and increasing tire life. Russian experts attributed these tires to a confident middle class. At the same time, Test World experts noted the uneven behavior of rubber on wet roads and ice and received a score of 7.1, below which were only the Sunny SN3860 tires - 5.9 points.

4 Nokian Nordman 5

In this model, to increase traction, a special bear claw stud is installed in the upper part of the tread, which creates additional stress on the tire. When the car stops, the protrusion remains vertical. The experts of "Behind the wheel" noted the low cost of Nokian Nordman 5 tires (from 1,930 rubles), average fuel consumption during operation, stability on snow, a high level of lateral grip on an icy surface and the confidence of the car on an asphalt road. Among the shortcomings, average handling and comfort and mediocre cross-country ability in snowy conditions were highlighted.

3. Pirelli Winter Ice Zero

Pirelli Winter Ice Zero is a tire designed for use in particularly harsh weather conditions on uneven snowy roads covered with a layer of ice. Model received positive reviews experts when passing tests for braking, accelerating and handling in conditions of a snowy track covered with ice. Tires work especially effectively when stopping the car in areas with melted snow. Disadvantages of rubber: reduced grip when cornering, high noise level when driving, a fairly long braking distance on a dry highway.

2.Continental ContiIceContact

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

1 Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8

The superiority of Nokian Hakkapelitta 8 in the ranking of tires for use in winter produced by the Finnish company Nokian is natural. Who, if not Finns, living in a climate with one of the most severe winters, is best to know all the subtleties and features of tires for driving in severe frosts and ice.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 became the winner of the 2015-2016 winter studded tire rating, having received unanimous recognition from all the experts who took part in the test. Among the advantages - a large (190 units for model 205/55 R16) number of spikes; reduced tire weight due to the use of special fillers; excellent handling on the surface with melted snow and on an ice-covered, snow-covered track; short braking distance when stopping on wet and dry pavement.

Since we are talking about Russia, Za Rulem magazine compared winter tires that our car owners use more often than others, namely, affordable 14-inch tires.

The following winter non-studded, so-called "Scandinavian" tires were included in the 2015-2016 rating: Cordiant Winter Drive, Nordman RS, Bridgestone Blizzak VRX, Toyo Observe GSi-5, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2, as well as the relatively expensive Nokian and Continental.

Experts measured acceleration and braking on snow and ice. The behavior of tires on asphalt was tested. The experts were strict, because h The better winter tires do their job, the less problems the driver will have on the road. It is believed that modern tires allow you to maintain control on any surface - wet asphalt, ice, loose snow, and so on. What winter non-studded tires are better to choose?

After the tests conducted by the specialists of the magazine "Behind the Rulem", the places in the ranking of winter non-studded tires - "Velcro" were distributed as follows:

7 Cordiant Winter Drive

Pros: Very good braking properties on snow.

Cons: The weakest braking properties on dry pavement, weak - on wet. Unsatisfactory directional stability on asphalt. Difficult handling on snow and ice. Limited permeability. Low level of comfort.

Conclusion: They have very modest characteristics, they will reveal their best qualities on snowy roads.

6 BridgestoneBlizzakVRX

Pros: Very good braking properties on asphalt. Satisfactory exchange rate stability.

Cons: Difficult handling on snow and ice. Limited permeability. Low level of comfort.

Conclusion: they will reveal their best qualities on cleaned asphalt roads.

5 ToyoobserveGSi-5

Pros: Very good braking properties on snow. Equal peer reviews in all disciplines.

Cons: Weakest lateral grip on ice. Weak braking properties on ice.

Conclusion: They will reveal their best qualities on snow-covered and cleaned asphalt roads.

4 nordmanRS

Pros: High traction on ice. Clearly following the course on a snowy road. High permeability.

Cons: The weakest braking properties on wet pavement, weak on dry pavement. "Loose" directional stability on asphalt. Noisy.

Conclusion: They will reveal their best qualities on icy and snowy roads, on winter off-road.

3 Continental ContiVikingContact 6

Pros: Best acceleration on snow and braking properties on wet pavement. Very good lateral grip on ice and braking on dry pavement. Quiet.

Cons: Weak braking properties on snow. Fuzzy following the course on asphalt. Rigid.

Conclusion: suitable for any winter roads.

2 good yearUltra GripIce2

Pros: Better lateral grip on ice, better braking performance on snow and asphalt. High lateral grip on snow.

Cons: Low level of comfort.

Conclusion: Suitable for any winter roads, but their best qualities will be revealed on asphalt.

1 NokianHakkapeliittaR2

Pros: Better traction on ice, high on snow. The most economical. Clear controllability, strict adherence to the course. High permeability.

Cons: Average braking properties on asphalt.

Conclusion: suitable for any winter roads and off-road.