Non-studded, or non-studded, tires (they are also friction or Velcro) carry the studless mark on the sidewall, which translates from English as “no studs”. They are divided into two categories: for severe northern winters(“Scandinavians”) and for warm Central Europeans (“Europeans”). The first are focused on snow and ice, because their tread is made of softer rubber (from 55 to 50 Shore units and even a little lower). The latter are primarily aimed at wet asphalt and in addition to a more rigid compound, they have developed grooves that more actively remove snow slush and water from the contact patch, that is, they more effectively fight aquaplaning and slashplaning (sliding over snow slush).
In Russia, with its frosty and snowy winters, "Scandinavians" are more popular from friction tires. Central European ones are sold in limited quantities - they are bought by those who spend the winter only in the metropolis, on streets cleared of snow and ice, constantly watered with chemicals.
For tests, we selected the most popular on Russian market models of the Scandinavian direction at a price of 6530 to 9650 rubles. The choice began with representatives of the tire "big five" well-known on the market. This Bridgestone Blizzak VRX, Michelin X-Ice 3, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2, Continental ContiVikingContact 6 and the season's new tire.
We did not forget about the leader of many of our tests - the tire Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2, the most expensive in the sample. In addition, less expensive tires were included in the work: new models Dunlop Winter Maxx WM01 and , as well as the well-known and most affordable tire of all participants Toyo Observe GSi-5.
Racing in hell
Tests on "white" roads - this is how tire manufacturers call snow and ice tests - we conducted in March of this year at one of the northernmost tire test sites White Hell ("White Hell"), owned by the company Nokian. They say that this name was given to him by analogy with the "Green Hell", as the famous Nurburgring race track was called.
"White Hell" is located on Lake Tammijärvi and includes about ten different ice tracks laid along the frozen water surface and the surrounding shores. And the same number of snow paths are rolled around the perimeter of this huge ice rink. The polygon from early morning until late evening is maintained in perfect condition a motor platoon of various special equipment - from large snowcats and ice-filling machines to small Multicars with brushes. Tire test paradise!
Tire wearer appointed Volkswagen Golf GTi: its native size is 225/45 R17. ESP does not turn off. However, this can be done using a scanner, but we decided to leave everything as prescribed by the manufacturer. After all, that's how everyone drives. Even traction control We left ASR on during measurements - with it, the results are more accurate. But during the expert evaluation of directional stability, handling and cross-country ability, the ASR was still turned off in order to have full control over traction - without electronic intervention.
The air temperature during the tests varied from -2 to -18 ºС.
Come up with the device
Friction tires on ice are very sensitive to the cleanliness of the surface and the condition ... of the sky. Even light snow that slightly powdered the ice rink, or bright sun that slightly melted the ice, can greatly distort the results. In the White Hell, the conditions for measuring acceleration and deceleration times are almost ideal, since the long icy straight is protected from snow, wind and sun by a huge awning. You can test tires regardless of the weather. Moreover, time is saved: four measurements are enough to obtain reliable results (for open ice you have to repeat the measurements six to eight times for greater accuracy).
Only here in the "tent" for measurements, instead of the usual VBOX complex, based on GPS data, you have to use the ancient Dutron with an optical sensor, since the layer of snow on the tent completely blocks access to satellites. True, optics at low speeds are sometimes mistaken - for example, the movement of snowflakes with a light blow of the wind Dutron can be mistaken for the movement of a car. Therefore, acceleration measurements are carried out from 5 km / h, and not from scratch, as when working with the VBOX measuring complex.
The Golf accelerates fastest on Dunlop tires - it takes just six seconds to reach 30 km/h. On Nokian tires, the loss is only one tenth of a second. And Golf showed the most unhurried acceleration on Hankook and Bridgestone tires.
A little more than 15 meters was required for the Golf, shod in Nokian tires to slow down from 30 to 5 km/h is best result. a little worse indicator on Continental tires. In the lagging behind - Bridgestone and Pirelli: it took them 17.5 meters to complete the exercise. Bridgestone, to be honest, surprised: usually the longitudinal grip of these tires is always on top. Competitors have made significant progress!
We evaluate the transverse grip on the ice circle. It is located under the open sky, so we are waiting for cloudy weather, when the sun hides behind the clouds - in such conditions, the results are much more stable. We wind eight - ten circles and choose the best result, which we managed to repeat at least three times.
The most tenacious are Continental tires: on them the Golf was able to complete a lap in 26 seconds. Nokian has the second result - worse by 0.6 seconds. Became outsiders toyo tires: 28.8 seconds.
Measurements on snow can be made in any weather, except for heavy snowfall: fresh flakes are usually very slippery. To assess the longitudinal grip, we use a long area on which we accelerate from a standstill to 40 km/h, and then brake to 5 km/h. For each measurement we use a fresh strip of snow, and when there are none left, we launch a snowcat with wide caterpillars. The restored coating resembles the "velveteen" on prepared ski slopes.
On the snow fast acceleration received on Hankook and Pirelli tires, and the slowest on Bridgestone tires and Dunlop. In braking, the best were Continental and Pirelli, the worst - Bridgestone, Goodyear and Michelin. However, the difference between the first and latest results is about 4%, so there are no losers in this exercise - there are losers.
We could not perform our traditional “rearrangement” exercise: we did not find compacted snow in the entire “White Hell”. The absence of this exercise was compensated by the assessment of handling on special ice and snow tracks.
fifth point
Not everything can be measured. For example, we evaluate controllability and cross-country ability subjectively - exposing expert opinions, clearly formulating comments and taking into account their weight, impact on the behavior of the car.
We start with directional stability in the snow. Golf keeps the straight line on the most stable high speed and follows the wheel faster with soft lane changes on Bridgestone tires, Continental, Goodyear, Hankook and Nokian. Remarks to the rest of the contestants are insignificant.
Handling was evaluated on a track with a set of turns of different radii. Here, the speed is lower than when evaluating directional stability, but the steering wheel has to be rotated through larger angles, and in some “hairpins” even intercepted.
The most understandable behavior was provided to the Golf by Hankook, Nokian and Toyo tires. And on Bridgestone and Dunlop tires it is difficult to control it even for experienced experts: low information content and delays in reactions force you to twist the steering wheel, which leads to a skid. In slips, the car unpredictably goes into a drift, then into a skid, floats sideways for a long time, not reacting to steering turns, until the speed drops.
When assessing patency in deep snow Volkswagen on Nokian and Pirelli tires feels like a fish in water - it starts and maneuvers easily, it is easily selected in reverse if it is no longer possible to move forward. And riding on Bridgestone, Goodyear, Michelin and Toyo tires in the same snowdrifts requires special skills from the driver - you can only start under tension, any slipping provokes self-burrowing. The car is very reluctant to maneuver and backs up.
Handling on ice is assessed on the frozen lake Tammijärvi. Here, everyone was conquered by Michelin: polished, downright asphalt reactions and an amazing feeling of the initial phase of sliding make it possible to drive along the “mirror” extremely reliably. Not so perfect, but no less confident, Continental, Nokian and Pirelli tires allow you to drive the Golf. The rest of the tires also performed well - the experts had only minor comments.
black roads
Tests on asphalt were carried out in April - May at the AVTOVAZ test site at temperatures from +4 to +7 ºС. The first exercise is the evaluation of profitability. The best results regardless of speed were shown by Hankook and Nokian. Worst - at Dunlop tires and Toyo. Although the difference between them is cheap, only a glass of gasoline (200 ml) per 100 km.
Even during the warm-up lap before measuring a dozen kilometers, we move at a speed of 110 to 130 km / h. It's time to evaluate road holding on asphalt. Michelin provides very clear directional stability and clear, informative steering effort - almost like in the warm season on summer tires! Slightly lost to Dunlop, Goodyear and Pirelli. Claims arose against Hankook and Toyo tires: the Golf shod in them surprises with an empty, uninformative steering wheel, delays in reactions when adjusting the direction of movement and unpleasant “catching up” steering rear axle on the arc.
Noise and smooth running good coverage we evaluate here, on the high-speed oval. Then add service roads with cracks, crevices and potholes. We get that Continental tires deserve the right to be called the most comfortable - they have the highest ratings in terms of noise comfort and smoothness. By the way, Goodyear tires are just as quiet. The most rigid and "grouchy" tires are Dunlop, Toyo ... and Michelin. Pirelli has a similar ride quality. The main notes for this four are the same: harsh shocks on medium and large bumps, vibrations on small ones and a feeling of overinflated tires.
The final exercises are braking on dry and wet pavement. We brake along one track on a narrow strip of asphalt, squeezed by cones - that's more accurate. And do not forget after each measurement to cool the brakes with a leisurely “jog”.
On dry surfaces, the shortest braking distances- on Goodyear tires: 28.8 meters. A meter more passes Golf on Continental tires and Michelin. The worst result is for Toyo: 33.1 meters.
On wet pavement better braking provides Continental: 19.7 meters. Goodyear shows the second result, having lost half a meter to the leader. In the tail - again Toyo: the braking distance on these tires is six meters longer.
Total
The leading position in our test was taken by tires ContiVikingContact 6 who scored 924 points. In second place, just nine points behind, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2. Both models are excellent tires with excellent performance and differ from each other only in nuances: Conti pleases with the best grip and high level comfort, and Nokian captivates with understandable, predictable behavior and gives a small fuel economy.
Honorable third place - tires Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2(899 points). They will be a good choice for major cities, where the streets are cleared of snow and ice, as they provide very good grip both on dry and wet pavement.
And with the model Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 fit into the category very good tires: The final result is higher than 870 points. Michelin tires are not comfortable enough, but they conquer with excellent handling on ice and high directional stability on asphalt.
Pirelli and Hankook are especially good at snowy roads Oh. It is also extremely important that Hankook tires proved to be the best in terms of price and quality ratio.
And they are practically equivalent (864 and 866 points) and have reached the level of strong middle peasants. They differ in nuances that the average driver is unlikely to catch. Dunlop, for example, is slightly less comfortable, but provides better directional stability on asphalt. Bridgestone is noticeably more expensive.
Toyo Observe GSi‑5 can be called budget option both in terms of characteristics (primarily due to modest traction on asphalt), and in terms of price.
By the way, toyo tires distinguished themselves by an excellent ratio of price to the number of points scored - 7.78. And the best result is for Hankook tires: 7.71. This means that these tires are not so much worse than those that took higher places, as much as they are cheaper.
SPIN DISKSIN tire tests In addition to tires, we also test wheels. Now we are undergoing a multi-stage strength test of the LS 285 discs. Unfortunately, they were not tested in the cold in Finland, but they passed the tests on asphalt in Tolyatti with honor. But the assessment of the behavior of the car at high speed and braking on dry and wet surfaces is a serious test for the wheels. Inspection after winter tests confirms the verdict issued after the first summer tests: there are no serious comments on the wheels. They're in excellent condition; no warping was found on the surfaces adjacent to the hubs; at the attachment points (around the holes for the mounting bolts), the metal did not stretch. The discs delight the eye with an almost pristine appearance: no chips, no crevices. We continue the check - summer tests are ahead. |
| 9th place | 8th place | 7th place |
|
| brand, model | |||
| Country of manufacture | |||
| Load and speed index | |||
| Drawing depth in width, mm | |||
| Shore hardness of rubber, units | |||
| Tire weight, kg | |||
| Price quality* | |||
| The amount of points awarded | |||
| pros | Medium longitudinal grip on snow and ice; good handling on snow | Medium braking properties on asphalt; clear course on a snowy road | Best Overclocking on ice; braking properties on asphalt; clear course on the pavement |
| Minuses | Worst lateral grip on ice and braking properties on asphalt, increased fuel consumption; poor cross-country ability in snow, difficulty keeping course on asphalt; low level of comfort | Weak longitudinal grip on ice and snow; increased fuel consumption at a speed of 60 km / h; difficult handling on snow, low cross-country ability | Low lateral grip on ice; weak acceleration on snow; difficult handling on snow; noisy and hard; increased fuel consumption |
| 6th place | 5th place | 4th place |
|
| brand, model | |||
| Country of manufacture | |||
| Load and speed index | |||
| Drawing depth in width, mm | |||
| Shore hardness of rubber, units | |||
| Tire weight, kg | |||
| Average price in online stores at the time of preparation of the material, rub. | |||
| Price quality* | |||
| The amount of points awarded | |||
| pros | Excellent longitudinal grip on snow; economical at any speed; stable directional stability and precise handling on snow | Excellent braking properties on dry pavement; excellent handling on ice and directional stability on asphalt | Better longitudinal grip on snow; good handling on ice and patency in deep snow; clear course on the pavement |
| Minuses | Weak acceleration on ice; difficult directional stability on asphalt | Limited flotation in deep snow; low level of comfort | Weak longitudinal grip on ice; not economical enough at a speed of 60 km / h; tough |
| 3rd place | 2nd place | 1 place |
|
| brand, model | | Germany |
|
| Load and speed index | |||
| Drawing depth in width, mm | |||
| Shore hardness of rubber, units | |||
| Tire weight, kg | |||
| Average price in online stores at the time of preparation of the material, rub. | |||
| Price quality* | |||
| The amount of points awarded | |||
| pros | The best braking properties on dry pavement, excellent - on wet; strict adherence to the course on snow and asphalt; low level noise | Better braking properties and excellent acceleration on ice; economical; high directional stability on snow, excellent handling on any road and cross-country ability | Better lateral grip on ice, braking properties on snow and wet pavement; excellent braking properties on ice and acceleration on snow; understandable directional stability on snow and handling on ice; the most comfortable |
| Minuses | Insufficiently good braking properties on snow; limited permeability | Average braking properties on asphalt; minor remarks on directional stability on asphalt and comfort | Minor comments on handling on snow, flotation and directional stability on asphalt |
The full test results are listed here: 9th–1st place.
We express our gratitude to the tire manufacturing companies that provided their products for testing. We thank the employees of the White Hell and AVTOVAZ landfills, as well as the Togliatti company Volgashintorg for technical support.
Anton MISHIN and Dmitry TESTOV helped Sergei Mishin on the "white" roads in tire testing. And in Tolyatti, on the "black", also Anton ANANYEV, Vladimir KOLESOV, Yuri KUROCHKIN, Evgeny LARIN, Andrey OBRAZUMOV and Valery PAVLOV.
A huge variety of winter views tires had to be tested by experts working in the magazine "Behind the wheel". The tests were carried out at one of the sites where cars of VAZ models are tested. Actually, you can get acquainted with the test results right now in the article devoted to the test of winter tires R16 2016.
As for novelties
This material will please with the presence of a special list, which will indicate only the highest quality tire models that have appeared on sale this year. In order not to immediately reveal all the cards, we can note only a few items that we will soon encounter. For example, among the novelties of winter tires, Cordiant can be noted. snow cross, Nokian Nordman 5 and Pirelli Ict Zero.
What are the best winter tires to choose?
To choose good winter tires, you need to decide in what conditions they will be used. If the car will drive more in the city, on the easiest road, then non-studded tires will do. In the case when the car mainly moves on snowy roads, then you should purchase studded wheels. They will provide high-quality grip even with pavement the lowest quality.
So that a person does not have difficulties when choosing winter tires, you should carefully study the rating below:
10. Cordian Snow Cross. Created in Russia. Withstand load at a speed of 190 kilometers per hour. The protector has a directional pattern. There are 130 spikes in total. One tire weighs just over ten kilograms. Among the main advantages are good grip on snow and ice. There are more minuses: controllability decreases, there will be problems with braking on asphalt, it will be constantly noisy in the cabin. One wheel will cost 3600 rubles.
9. Toyo Observe G3-ICE. Produced in Japan. For one wheel you will have to pay about 4000 rubles. The number of spikes is 97. Weight - 10.3 kilograms. The cost of four tires is 16,000. Pros: an acceptable level of comfort, it is possible to move along a certain course in a snowy road. Cons: on wet road braking may be difficult. The level of permeability is not too high. 
8. Hankook Winter i Pike RS+ W419D. Country of manufacture - South Korea. There are 169 spikes here, which is quite a lot. average cost fluctuates around four thousand. User reviews indicate that it is possible to significantly reduce the fuel consumption rate, and the price is also pleasantly pleasing - 8 thousand per pair. Among the advantages, one can also note good longitudinal grip on snow. Of the minuses, low cross-country ability, poor handling on a snowy road and noise are noted. 
7. Gislaved Nord Frost 1000. Germany. The cost of one wheel reaches about five thousand. Renowned for their high quality and long term operation. Shore hardness is 59 units. Of the minuses, poor acceleration on ice and increased fuel consumption are noted. Of the benefits — on the pavement, braking takes place without problems. 
6. Nokian Nordman 5. Approaching the equator of the review, these wheels could not be left aside. Regardless of the driving speed, fuel consumption will please the driver. The cost is within reason. Differ in reliability and average price at 4100 apiece. Here are just some difficulties with braking on dry pavement. Don't be afraid of off-road. 
5. Michlen X-Ice North 3. It should be noted that there is only one drawback, but it is very significant - there is practically no grip on ice. On asphalt, braking is good. Ninety-six spikes, which is quite enough for reliable movement in winter. Users note their convenience during long journeys. For purchase complete set will have to spend 22,400 rubles. 
4. Pirelli Ice Zero. They cost more than five thousand per wheel. Weight - 9.1 kg. With them, controllability is reduced and it becomes noisy in the cabin, but this does not take away high cross and high-quality grip on any road. The protector is directed here. 
3. Open top Goodyear Ultra Grip tires Ice Arctic. In general, they are good, but you can forget about a comfortable ride with them. Difficulties with handling may also arise. Of the pluses, it should be noted that for a car with such wheels there are absolutely no insurmountable obstacles. The price is quite adequate - 5100 rubles per tire.
We all want, if you pay, then only for the best. With regard to a car, such a desire increases significantly, because here not only the service life, integrity and performance of associated components and mechanisms depend on quality, but also a whole life - our life and health, as well as our loved ones. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that with the advent of each new season, motorists are again and again looking for the most reliable and high-quality tires. What they will be like in the winter of 2015-2016, you will find out below.
Which tires to choose for the winter of 2015-2016: spikes or Velcro?
Before talking about specific models of specific companies, I would like to recall that winter tires can be different: studded and non-studded (on this topic). The first, according to experts, is the best solution for icy and snowy roads, however, on dry and even more so wet asphalt, studded tires behave even worse than summer ones, and they wear out pretty well. Non-studded tires or, as they are popularly called, Velcro, on the contrary, due to their composition and special tread pattern seem to stick to the asphalt, but they do not provide proper grip when braking on ice.
Hence, for all those who live in the countryside and / or in a region with real Russian, snowy winters, of course, it is better to choose spikes, but for everyone else - Velcro, which, by the way, is a more versatile option.
And now more specifically.
Rating of winter studded tires.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV.
Most the best choice for owners of SUVs and SUV class cars, because these "studs" have the following qualities:
- perfect adhesion to any surface due to the special composition, which includes rubber, silica, rapeseed oil, etc.;
- great confrontation mechanical damage(from stones, curbs, etc.) and ruptures due to the reinforced tire carcass;
- minimum noise and vibration;
- equally good grip both transversely and longitudinally, because the spikes in question have 6 faces and an expanded base;
- bear claw and stepped tread wedges to prevent slashplaning and stud tilt when braking.
Nokian Nordman 4.
A great option for the winter 2015-2016 at a reasonable price. The main advantages of the model:
- strength and wear resistance (for its correct assessment over time, manufacturers applied an appropriate indicator to the tire);
- wide stud spread for excellent grip on icy surfaces;
- low noise level;
- reliability of fixing spikes in rubber;
- transverse grooves and arrow-shaped tread pattern, guaranteeing equally good behavior Nordman 4 both on icy roads and on wet pavement.
And all together, this guarantees the driver a stable behavior of the car on the road and, therefore, full control over the situation.
Pirelli WINTER CARVING™ EDGE.
Tires with near-perfect driving performance thanks to:
- low noise effect;
- special technology for planting spikes that does not allow them to fall out;
- a rigid base that improves the handling of the car.
And most importantly - this model Pirelli performs its functions equally well in both a regular passenger car and an SUV.
Cordiant Sno Max.
Undoubtedly, lovers of aggressive driving will like it, because the manufacturers put it on increased wear resistance, as well as:
- excellent braking and accelerating dynamics on almost any surface;
- high security;
- self-cleaning tread (this characteristic is facilitated by the special pattern of the latter);
- reliable double-flange studs with an anchor fit and double fixation.
Rating of winter non-studded tires.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2.
Despite the fact that they are not a novelty of this year, the named Nokian brand tires are one of the best solutions for car “shoes” in the winter of 2015-2016. Here are just a few of their advantages:
- asymmetrical tread pattern that has been worked on the best specialists in this area;
- a unique composition of expensive rubber alloys that provides perfect grip on any surface, whether it's wet asphalt or snow;
- low rolling resistance, hence lower fuel consumption.
Michelin X-ICE 3.
Released last year winter tires Michelin X-ICE 3 showed themselves only with better side, so the manufacturer decided not to update its product line and allow X-ICE 3 to be re-evaluated in the winter of 2015-2016 by all those who have not had time to do so yet.
The main advantages of the model:
- a large selection of sizes;
- improved acceleration on slippery roads;
- extended service life;
- the ability to operate in the most severe conditions;
- increased wear resistance;
- reduced fuel consumption.
Yokohama IceGuard Studless IG50.
Great solution for hobbyists high-speed driving, because these tires:
- do not accumulate snow on themselves;
- have fluid drainage from under the wheels;
- have a universal tread suitable even for compact cars;
- provide excellent vehicle handling even on ice.
Dunlop Winter MAXX WM01.
The most affordable option for good winter tires, because it is:
- unique tread pattern that provides resistance to side skids and full control over the road, even slippery;
- high service life.
Kumho SOLUS Vier KH21.
Perhaps the most versatile tires. They are distinguished by:
- low level of wear, many call them sustainability leaders for this;
- excellent management, at least in standard conditions for our winters;
- reduced fuel consumption compared to cheaper counterparts;
- resistance to high temperatures(all-weather);
- good rolling on cold surfaces.
Video.
At the end of 2015, she tested 11 sets of 205/55 R16 winter tires on a snow test site. The test results were published in the following table:
| Options | Impact on overall score | Continental | Cordiant | Dunlop | Gislaved | good year | Hankook | Maxxis | Nokian | nordman | Pirelli | Toyo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice | 40% | |||||||||||
| Braking properties | 15% | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 7 | 9 | 7 |
| Accelerating dynamics | 10% | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 7 |
| Transverse grip properties | 5% | 10 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| Handling (lap time) | 5% | 10 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 6 |
| Control Reliability | 5% | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Snow | 25% | |||||||||||
| Braking properties | 10% | 9 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Accelerating dynamics | 5% | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 |
| Handling (lap time) | 5% | 8 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 4 |
| Control Reliability | 5% | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 |
| patency | 10% | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 8 |
| Wet asphalt | 10% | |||||||||||
| Braking properties | 10% | 9 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| dry asphalt | 5% | |||||||||||
| Braking properties | 5% | 8 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 6 |
| Comfort | 10% | |||||||||||
| Acoustic comfort | 5% | 5 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Smooth running | 5% | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Overall score | 100% | 8,75 | 8,20 | 8,05 | 7,80 | 8,65 | 8,45 | 7,40 | 8,95 | 7,95 | 8,50 | 7,05 |
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
- Continental Ice Contact 2
- Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic
- Pirelli Ice Zero
- Hankook Winter i*Pike RS Plus
- Cordiant Snow Cross
- Dunlop Ice Touch
- Nokian Nordman 5
- Gislaved Nord*Frost 100
- Maxxis Arctic Trekker NP3
- Toyo Observe G3-Ice
In addition to the grip properties of tires on different surfaces, car owners are concerned about acoustic comfort. These queries were rated quietest studded tires»:
- Gislaved Nord*Frost 100
- Cordiant Snow Cross, Dunlop Ice Touch, Toyo Observe G3-ice
- Continental Icecontact 2, Goodyear Ultragrip Ice Arctic, Hankook Winter i*pike RS Plus, Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3, Nokian Nordman 5
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, Pirelli Zero
Winter tire rating from ZaRulem
At the end of 2015, another well-known publication, ZaRulem, presented its test results for studded tires to the general public. In total, 11 sets of R14 tires took part in the tests.
In this test quietest tires for winter are considered:
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
- Continental Contiecocontact 2
- Nokian Nordman 5
Based on the data provided, it is possible to rating of winter tires in the price / quality ratio:
| Place | Model | Price, r | Place in tests Autoreview | Place in tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Avatyre Freeze | 1770 | 10 | |
| 2 | Cordiant Snow Cross | 2000 | 6 | 9 |
| 3 | Pirelli Formula Ice | 2140 | 4 | |
| 4 | Sava Eskimo Stud | 2135 | 5 | |
| 5 | Aeolus Ice Challenger | 2140 | 11 | |
| 6 | Toyo Observe G3-Ice | 2310 | 11 | 8 |
| 7 | Nokian Nordman 5 | 2415 | 8 | 3 |
| 8 | Yokohama Ice Guard IG55 | 2590 | 7 | |
| 9 | Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 | 2960 | 6 | |
| 10 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 | 3960 | 1 | 1 |
| 11 | Continental Contiecocontact 2 | 3940 | 1 |
Now, based on the data presented, it will be much easier to make the right choice. TOP 3 in terms of price / quality ratio, we have highlighted in color.
Dedicated to all motorists who did not have time to change their cars in. And also for those who have already prepared for winter, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the test and test results conducted by experts. The information will be useful in finding good and safe tires for your vehicle. The calmness of the driver and the safety of him, as well as his fellow travelers, other road users will depend on this. Results large-scale testing tires have shown that the rating of winter tires 2015-2016 organized by the Internet publication while driving is somewhat different from the consumer choice.
Given the severity of Russian winters, the relevance of the choice of tested rubber is justified difficult conditions with an abundance of frost, snow, ice on the road. Along with studded products, friction tires were used, as well as upgraded tires. Along with the products of previous years, which had already passed several seasons and were appreciated by consumers in practice, there were also new items that were to debut in tests immediately after the presentation in stores.
Rigid testing in harsh Russian conditions
On ice
emergency braking. When driving on an icy roadway completely devoid of snow, vehicles the task was to reduce the speed from 20 km / h and stop by activating the ABS. The Hakkapeliitta 8 brand from Nokian became the best in this race. It was these tires that showed a minimum path of six meters. Not far behind were Hankook's Winter i*Pike RS Plus (braking was only 20cm longer) and the Continental IceContact 2 (another 10cm). However, every experienced motorist understands that in emergency in the event of a collision or collision, every centimeter counts.
Controllability. On the icy lap and winding road, where the 2015-2016 winter tires were also tested behind the wheel, the studs were once again the best, and the leaders were the same tires as in emergency braking.
On snow
When accelerating from a limit of 40 km / h, it was necessary to brake with active ABS until the car stopped. As a result, the leading titles were overthrown by those who had not particularly distinguished themselves before. They were Goodyear's UltraGrip Ice Artic brand, which went almost wheel to wheel in spikes, leaving a segment of 1940 cm, Cordiant Snow Cross - 1950 m and the next practically in one axis to the previous Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 version - 1960 cm.
It is more difficult to evaluate the championship when passing a snow-covered highway 1500 m long, full of turns. Here excellent properties were shown by friction Nokian tire The Hakkapeliitta R2 followed by the Cordiant Snow Cross paired with another contender, Maxxis' SP-02 Arctictrekker.
Maneuverability was given with distinction to several participants at once: IceContact 2 from the manufacturer Continental paired with Snow Cross brand Cordiant, as well as a pair of competing Nokian tires: Hakkapeliitta R2 and Hakkapeliitta 8. These winners for 2015 2016 driving in the face of experts were unanimously given 10 points, the maximum of the proposed ones.
Goodyear's UltraGrip Ice 2 with Continental's successor IceContact 2, and Nokian's Hakkapeliitta R2 pair with Nordman RS have an excellent record of smoothness.
Wet asphalt, rain
How about a thaw?
In the southern regions of the continent, as well as in cities where streets are cleaned of snow and ice with reagents with salt, little remains of precipitation. Roads are covered with water or porridge from ice, water, snow. Sections of the route dry out almost completely. Therefore, the experts decided to test for sharp decline speed under these conditions. To do this, the evaluated cars with speed limit 80 km/h used an emergency stop. Gislaved's Nord Frost 100 tires performed best on the wet road surface, followed by Nordman 5 of the famous Nokian paired with Ice Zero of the equally popular Pirelli. To the surprise of connoisseurs and experts, all leaders are equipped with spikes.
Under test driving conditions on dry asphalt with subsequent braking, the leadership changed to opposite models. Only friction tires managed to brake easily. In this nomination, the winter tires 2015-2016 were excellently tested driving r14 ContiViking Contact 6 from the creator of Continental, along with UltraGrip Ice 2 from Goodyear, as well as SP-02 Arctictrekker tires from Maxxis. But none of these options could reach the experimental readings of the summer season tires used in traffic control.
For more comfort
To make the driver and his fellow travelers as comfortable as possible during long trips, nothing interfered with enjoying the trip or focusing on the road, it is worth choosing the best UltraGrip Ice 2 from Goodyear, tested by acoustic experts - for those who are used to clean rubber and Gislaved's NordFrost 100 - with a "bristle" relief.
All these results really please motorists. Except for the only negative - the cost. This applies both to the undisputed leader in testing - the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 studded rubber, and to the followers on the other steps of the podium. In terms of cost, the leaders among all the nominees were Continental IceContact 2 with Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2.
More attention to the budget segment
Sibir Snow shoes without spikes presented for review winter tires 2015-2016 driving a well-known Slovak company Matador in Russia. She also attracted the attention of experts from the best side. Wrapped in this rubber passenger cars moving well in winter period. Thanks to the directional pattern, the variety coupling edges, zigzag grooves, the assessment of the grip of a car with an asphalt road surface is characterized by a high level. Depending on the size of the wheel and its width, you will have to pay more for shoes.
Interestingly, in this test, the concept of cheapness and quality is far from interconnected. Thus, the affordable Maxxis Arctictrekker NP3 are worthy of respect as operated in normal conditions winter tires. Also, when testing rubber, the tires performed well domestic brand Cordiant- Cordiant Winter in collaboration with Snow Cross. Moreover, the latter were able to compete with most expensive products. The first to repeat the success of their relative failed. However, the test of winter tires 2015-2016 driving r15 was no worse than with smaller diameter wheels.
The novelty of the season is a non-studded tire from Vredestein. The introduction of a special technology "Stealth Design" is designed to suppress the noise accompaniment of a moving car. The development was created for military equipment, but later received the right to be sold for civilian purposes. A special pattern on the tread in the form of a checkmark allows you to suppress noise, and with it vibration. In addition, the behavior of the car becomes more sensitive and easy.
The Winguard Snow'G is nearly the best but still affordable. It runs well on ice and snow, does not fail on dry roads and at low temperatures. All you need to do is change your shoes on time and follow the speed limits.
Despite the wealth of European brands, many motorists choose Chinese shoes, and for good reason. Factories located in the Middle Kingdom are no less in demand than the rest. Thanks to them, those cars meet the requirements, whose owners do not have the opportunity to spend more on shoes for the season. So Chinese products pass the test of winter studless tires 2015-2016 with dignity while driving, although they do not take prizes. But after all, these tires were not created for leaders, but for daily and safe operation auto. It is much more important for experienced motorists to change tires regularly in order to be confident on any road, regardless of weather conditions, move around safely. What is the name of this or that shoe, perhaps not the last thing.
