Today, on the eve of the winter season, I would like to bring to your attention a short review of both new products and already familiar models of winter shoes for your car. The review is based on an analysis of the conclusions of experts and our opinion as consumers. Let our selection be that guide for you that will help you choose the tires you need for the frosty season. And so, which winter tires are better:
Nexen Winguard 231.
So, in tenth place are tires from Nexen, or rather their Winguard 231 model and its feature, a rigid central rib with longitudinal grooves. The pattern and material itself provide the necessary stability and braking.
Michelin Alpin PA3.
In ninth place are Alpin PA3 tires from Michelin. Although this rubber does not have spikes, it showed itself very worthily on an icy road. Especially it will appeal to owners of sports powerful cars.
Nokian C Cargo.
Eighth place is occupied by C Cargo tires from the well-known Finnish manufacturer Nokian. A real winter tire with studs will provide reliable handling and traction. This model is, according to experts and the manufacturer, the best choice for minibuses and small vans.
Kama Euro-519.
The seventh place was won by the domestic brand Kama with its Euro-519 winter tire model. Its peculiarity is two layers of rubber of different composition and quality, which allow the tire, due to its softness, to maintain smoothness and stability when driving, a hard layer allows you to securely hold the spikes in itself and maintain the stability of the tire as a whole.
Goodyear Ice Navi Zea.
Goodyear's Ice Navi Zea friction winter tires rightfully took sixth place. The unique fiberglass material used in the tire cuts through ice, thereby maintaining good stability when driving on winter roads.
Cordiant Sno Max.
Further, the domestic tire brand Cordiant and its Sno-Max studded tires complete the TOP 5 and win the fifth place for the second time today. These tires are dynamism, comfort and safety on our roads in winter.
Kumho Ice Power KW21.
Fourth place goes to Kumho Koreans with their Ice Power KW21 tires. Friction tires help the car securely grip the road surface, both in motion and when cornering. At the same time, the material from which the tires are made is distinguished by its environmental safety, which is very important in recent times.
Pirelli Sottozero II.
Well, the Italians Pirelli and their Sottozero II are starting to set the tone in the top three tires. This is a new series of reliable tires already familiar to us from this manufacturer. And the fact that thoroughbred Italian sports cars are equipped with them at the factories says a lot, inclining the consumer in favor of choosing them as this season's winter tires.
Nokian Nordman 4.
In second place again are the Finns and again Nokian, but with the Nordman 4 model. This durable studded tire model will come in handy, both on the streets of big cities covered with porridge of snow and salt, and on suburban snowy tracks. By the way, given the fact that these tires are very wear-resistant, they will please you for more than one season.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV.
Well, in the first place is the Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV from Nokian. Yes, yes, these are again connoisseurs of the Scandinavian winter and good tires - the Finns. A good tire compound and reinforced carcass technology will be very useful for comfortable and safe driving. However, only a certain circle of car owners can please these tires, since these tires are intended only for SUVs. The rest should not despair, the previous model of our list from the same company will be the same number one for all other cars. With a description of other tire models, you can find in the heading of our website - tire overview.
Good roads to you!
Winter tires from 12 manufacturers were tested in two stages. This was done by the Krasnoyarsk CSM and the Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
At the first stage, the institute's laboratory assistants took samples of tires for the experiment and began to test them for quality. Checked for wear, frost resistance, elasticity and the permissible limit of sub-zero temperatures.
Each tire was sampled three times and tested in three ways. First, a piece of rubber was cut off, passed through a machine with a "coil" until it began to rub - this is how the samples were tested for strength. Then another piece was lowered into a container with nitrogen and alcohol. The third sample was pressed from above with a press - this was how the level of frost resistance and elasticity was determined.
As experts explain, 12 samples are tires that are most popular in Russia and in Krasnoyarsk in particular. Samples were selected in 3 sizes:
- 205/55R16- used on KIA Ceed, Ford Focus, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Huyndai Elantra, Mazda 5, Opel Zafira, Renault Laguna, Seat Toledo, Skoda SuperB, Subary Legacy, Toyota Auris, Toyota Avensis, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Corolla Verso, VW Passat, Renault Megane and others;
- 225/65R17- used on Toyota Rav4, Vanguard, Honda CR-V, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda CR-V, Dodge Caravan, Grand Caravan, Journey, Mazda CX-5, etc.;
- in the light truck segment, the most popular size was taken 185/75R16 °С- used on GAZ 3302 "Gazelle", "Sobol" cars and their modifications.
“Given the fact that in the winter of 2017 in the Krasnoyarsk Territory the temperature was below minus 55 ° C, it is of particular interest to study brands that initially position themselves as “tires for harsh winter conditions”, such as Nokian and Cordiant, - says in the study.
Also, attention was paid to the price of tires. The most informative about the quality is the indicators of frost resistance and the temperature limit of brittleness. The third indicator, abrasion, largely depends on the test conditions - in the laboratory or in the fields.
The operating temperature of the tire is essential - the operating temperature of winter tires is below 0 ° C, the composition of the rubber mixture is designed in such a way that the performance characteristics give maximum performance at a negative temperature (including "mileage"). It is for this reason that the operation of winter tires in the summer leads to a sharp decrease in tire life, while the tire does not provide proper grip on the roadway (the braking distance increases), the principles of the CSM explain.
The results of the monitoring showed, the researchers believe, that all tires are suitable for operation in harsh Krasnoyarsk conditions in terms of their characteristics. At the same time, they have a small difference in temperature indicators, and prices differ significantly.
Among the sizes 225/65 R17 (sample 5–8), the undisputed leader was sample No. 7 - Cordiant Snow Cross. He showed the best results in terms of temperature and at the same time turned out to be affordable in price, and "hence, it has the best value for money." Samples #5, 6, 8 (Yokohama IceGuard IG55, Dunlop Grandtrek Ice 02, Toyo Observe G-3 Ice) have good temperature performance but higher price.
Among 185/75 R16 °C (sample 9–12), the best temperature coefficients were shown by sample No. 11 of the Nokian Nordman C brand at the highest price. Samples No. 9 (Kama-Euro-520), No. 12 (Codriant Business CW-2) also have good temperature characteristics at a lower price. Sample No. 10 of the Matador MPS 500 Sibir Ice Van brand, being in the same price segment, is slightly inferior to samples No. 9, 12 in terms of temperature.
The last options considered were 205/55R16. Samples No. 1, 2, 3 have almost the same temperature values (minus 65–66°C), while sample No. 1 (Cordiant Snow Cross) has the lowest price and, accordingly, is the most interesting in terms of price-quality ratio. For sample No. 4 (Hankook Winter I*pike RS w419), the temperature brittleness limit was minus 54°C, at a not the lowest cost, the sample showed the lowest result, the experts summed up.
The end of 2015 was marked by key changes in the Russian tire market: it overtook winter tires in sales and, as a result, significantly increased its market share. At the beginning of 2016, another event occurred that seriously worsened Nokian's market position - former employees of the company reported that the tires that were sent for tests were different from the serial ones. Which explained Nokian's constant victories in various tests, especially those that were held at their sites in Finland.
Against the backdrop of this scandal, another story related to the Finnish company remained unnoticed. In June 2015, Nokian Tires PLC filed a lawsuit against Cordiant JSC with a demand to “prohibit the defendant from any actions on the use of an industrial design protected by a patent of the Russian Federation”, which is the Cordiant Snow Cross tire. From Nokian's point of view, the herringbone tread pattern used in the Cordiant Snow Cross is taken from the tread pattern of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 tire. Although in terms of design features, the tires are no more similar to each other than other tires with a similar pattern . Nokian's attention to Cordiant Snow Cross tires is due not to a technical moment, but to a market one!
Cordiant Snow Cross
It is worth noting that similar tread patterns have been used by almost all tire companies for more than 15 years. At the same time, each company makes its own changes to the pattern, which allow the tire to work better in difficult winter operating conditions. Examples of tires with a similar tread pattern include the Pirelli Ice Zero and the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02.
For the layman, the tread patterns of the Cordiant Snow Cross and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 tires are really very similar. At the same time, the Cordiant Snow Cross tread pattern is patented in the Russian Federation, which means that it has at least 5 significant design differences from other tires with a similar type of tread pattern.
The confrontation between the key players in the tire market - Cordiant and Nokian - took place in the Arbitration Court of St. Petersburg. The trial lasted more than a year: after Cordiant JSC won the first instance, Nokian's lawyers filed an appeal. The final decision was made by the court on May 23, 2016, when the court upheld the decision of the first instance and dismissed Nokian's complaint.
Nokian also tried to influence, through Rospatent. The company filed objections to the then-issued patent for Snow Cross tires. Having received the first decision of Rospatent to refuse to satisfy the objection to the issuance of the RF patent No. 92061 for Snow Cross tires, Nokian applied to the Intellectual Property Court to invalidate this decision, but the Court, by its decision of 06.12.2016, left Nokian's application without satisfaction.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced driver, you probably understand that tires are a very important part of a car. Tires are always in contact with the road surface. And it is on their working condition and their quality that safety on the road will depend.
What are the characteristics of nokian tires
Riding safety depends on many factors. These are, first of all, weather conditions: slippery ice, slush, asphalt heated in the heat. It is important that your vehicle's tires can handle these tests. There are other factors, for example, pedestrians crossing the carriageway, as well as a rather difficult terrain, for example, outside the city. And if the tires are really high quality, then they will be fine in urban conditions and in difficult terrain. This article will focus on two brands of high-quality tires. These are Nokian tires and Cordiant tires.
Nokian Tires developers are always guided by only innovative solutions in order to take tire safety to a new level. These tires are designed for all temperature and road conditions and function perfectly even in the harshest winter. Both summer and winter tires are ideal for Russian roads.
It is worth noting that this Finnish company is perhaps the only manufacturer of tires for northern conditions. Thus, the Nokian winter tire range includes studded and non-studded tires. The NORDMAN4, HPKL5, HPKL7 and HPKL8 tire models will allow you to drive confidently on snow and ice. As for non-studded tyres, this season NokianTyres introduced a novelty Hakka peliitta R2P tires, which belong to the group of friction non-studded tyres. There are also other non-studded models R2 SUV, HPLK2 and others. All these tire models will provide you and your car with the maximum level of safety in winter.
As for summer tires, their choice should also be taken quite seriously. This is due to an increase in the number of cars on the roads, as well as an increase in driving speed Nokian summer tires provide comfort and safety on the road in all weather conditions. The summer tire line includes Hakka Black, Hakka Blue, Hakka Green and others. The Hakka Black model is one of the latest innovations of the concern and is designed for fans of a sporty driving style.
What are the features of Cordiant tires
Cordiant tires provide good grip, which ensures good handling of the car. These tires are manufactured according to the most modern European technologies. Also, they are quite affordable.
The profile pattern on the tire provides stability on the road surface, as well as the predictability of the vehicle on the road in any season and in all weather conditions. Cordiant tires provide short braking distances as well as reduced fuel consumption.
Cordiant tires are presented in various models, both for winter and summer.
Kumho, hankook, goodyear tires are also popular.
Recently, more and more motorists are paying attention to Nokian tires. In the company's lineup there are many winter tires, which attracts buyers. However, many of them are wondering if it is better to buy tires from another manufacturer? To answer this question, let's compare Nokian winter tires with models from other brands.
Nokian or Goodyear
Nokian's top winter model is Hakapelita 8. Goodyear's is Ultra Grip Ice Arctic. On winter Russian tracks, the Hakkapeliitta 8 tires feel perfect, as they were developed specifically for such conditions.
On the surface of the rubber spikes are located in an increased number. Paired with a modified tread pattern, they contribute to a significant improvement in traction in difficult conditions.
They are resistant to the hydroplaning effect, as they have a drainage system through the grooves of which moisture and snow are removed. They have improved wear resistance, perfect grip on ice and snow, and also provide a minimum braking distance.
However, in a rut, tires behave unstable, while they are characterized by high cost.
Goodyear is also adapted for harsh winters, suitable for off-road. Due to the change in the composition of the rubber, they have an increased resource. Advantages of this model:
- directional stability will be maintained at high speed,
- hydroplaning resistant.
But when hitting a track, they can go into a skid.
If you compare Nokian and Goodyear, then it is impossible to give an exact answer. Nokian has better traction and passable properties, but the cost of these tires is higher. If financial possibilities allow, then it is best to purchase Nokian, if not, then Goodyear, since they also have acceptable performance.
Nokian or Cordiant
Cordiant has the best model - Snow Cross. Its cost is about the same as that of Hakkapeliitta 8, so the comparison conditions are close. Cordiant improves vehicle dynamics and prevents slippage on snow and ice. Handling in such conditions is excellent.
The directional stability of the tires is at a decent level. However, on asphalt pavement, the braking distance increases, and at high speed fuel consumption increases significantly. Among other things, due to the tread pattern, additional noise arises.
Hakapelita 8 has no such shortcomings. There is only one - weak resistance to rutting. However, compared with the minuses, Cordiant is only a minor flaw. As you can see, Nokian is noticeably in the lead in comparison with Cordiant and is suitable for any operating conditions.
Nokian or Hankook
When choosing winter tires, many motorists face a choice: Hankook or Nokian? To answer this difficult question, consider the Hankook WinterI Pike RSW419 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 models. Both models are equipped with studs and are presented in the same class - for cars.
Nokian have the following advantages:
- increased resource,
- perfect grip and flotation in harsh conditions,
- minimum stopping distance.
However, its disadvantages - when hitting a track, there is a risk of skidding, and the cost of tires is quite high. Hankook tires perform slightly worse, but grip is almost the same due to the increased number of studs.
The cost is much lower. That is why it is better to choose between these two models in accordance with financial capabilities.
As it turned out, Nokian is noticeably in the lead compared to Cordiant. However, with Hankook and Goodyear, it is approximately on a par. Therefore, when choosing, it is best to take into account individual preferences and the allocated budget.
