Winter in Russia and Ukraine, as a rule, despite all the available weather forecasts, comes suddenly and unexpectedly for both motorists and public utilities. Surely, almost everyone is familiar with the phenomenon when, after the first snow, it is almost impossible to sign up for a tire fitting. Fortunately, we are starting to sell winter tires in advance. So, the 2014-2015 winter tire season actually started in the summer at the end of July 2014. In stores and on the websites of electronic trading platforms, the latest novelties of “winter shoes” for the car began to appear.

Every year, manufacturers try to come up with something new, both in terms of improving the composition of the rubber itself, tire design, and in terms of marketing and product promotion. What new did the 2014-2015 season bring to us? Of course, it would be simply unrealistic to evaluate the entire range of products from all manufacturers, so let's stop together only on the main, best winter tires.

Nokian tires

The Finns did a great job and seriously updated their line of winter tires for cars (including SUVs). The Nokian Nordman 5 and 5 SUV models appeared with modified spikes of various shapes (round for cars and square for SUVs). The price goes from 2135 rubles. The Hakkapeliitta CR3 model for difficult climatic conditions has appeared in the friction tire series with an optimized steel belt for even greater strength. Separately, we highlight the new studded Hakkapeliitta 8 model. The number of studs here has been increased by almost one and a half times. The cost of new items varies from 3,650 rubles for 175/65 R14 to 13,200 rubles for 245/45 R18.

Bridgestone Tires

The Japanese have updated the line of tires Blizzak. In the friction rubber series, we highlight the Blizzak VRX model. Thanks to the improved rubber compound, grip on ice is enhanced and service life is significantly extended. The cost varies from 2900 rubles for 185/65 R14 to 5900 rubles for 215/50 R17. For SUVs, the Blizzak DMV-2 model appeared (price from 3650 rubles for R15 to 6250 rubles for R18). There is a new microporous tread structure, an updated pattern. Proprietary ECO-Products technology reduces rolling resistance.

Continental tires

The Germans have updated the ContiVikingContact line (Velcro). The sixth generation has already come out. Here is a completely new tread pattern, improved grip, innovative sipe structure. The cost varies from 3350 rubles for 175/65 R14 to 8450 rubles for 225/55 R17. The tires are designed with Scandinavian and Russian winters in mind and are especially reliable on ice.

Video about the new tires ContiVikingContact 6:

Dunlop tires

Pictured Dunlop Ice Touch

The photo shows Dunlop Winter Maxx WM01 friction tires

In Russia, two last year's well-proven tire models deserve attention: studded Ice Touch (price from 2900 rubles for 185/65 R14 to 6950 rubles for R17) and friction Dunlop Winter Maxx WM01 (price from 2650 rubles for 185/65 R14 to 7100 rubles for 215/55 R17). There are no new releases for 2015 yet.

Good Year Tires

Tires for SUVs Ultra Grip Ice Arctic SUV are presented for the new season (on the left in the photo), as well as on the right in the photo - Ultra Grip Ice 2 (from 2850 rubles for R14 to 9000 rubles for R18). The latter deserve attention, because. are the next generation of the popular Ultra Grip Ice in Russia. They are made from a special cryoadaptive rubber compound that is flexible even at low temperatures. Also on the shelves are very reliable Ultra Grip Ice Arctic (from 2900 rubles for R14 to 5700 rubles for R16). They are specially designed for cold arctic regions. In addition, they have improved capabilities for driving in wet snow and slush.

Video about the ice test of winter tires, though for 2013, but nothing, you will learn something for yourself when choosing new tires for your car this year:

Winter tires of the new season 2014-2015 are designed to provide ever greater reliability and increased comfort when driving in difficult climatic conditions. For the territory of Russia, this is especially true, therefore, when choosing winter tires for your car, show special scrupulousness and thoughtfulness. Fortunately, the number of manufacturers and the range of their tires on the market is rather big.

Winter tires with studs are developing much more intensively than non-studded options. That is why manufacturers from year to year offer the same models without any special updates. However, in the upcoming season, several leadership positions from previous years will become unavailable to us. Therefore, the rating of winter non-studded tires 2014-2015 has changed slightly.

We have selected the top five, in our opinion, winter tires that are not equipped with studs. We have to admit that the excellent technologies of the manufacturers are doing their job, the rubber is becoming more technological and allows you to stay even on the ice from a controlled position. Let's look at five of the most interesting offers on the market for non-studded winter tires in the coming season.

Continental ContiVikingContact 3 - the third generation of the permanent leader

For several years in a row, this model of non-studded winter tires has received first place in the ratings. Of course, the technical characteristics are quite inferior to the models with spikes, but there are other advantages that you should definitely talk about.

The fact is that ContiVikingContact tires have good grip even on icy road surfaces. This allows you to get smart control of the car on any surface. The benefits are also expressed as follows:

• excellent control of the car on packed snow;
• the ability to drive out of almost any traps on a winter road;
• high quality tread, sufficient tire life;
• resistance to very low temperatures;
• universal operating conditions of rubber.

Unfortunately, this rubber has one significant drawback. On wet and cold pavement, the braking distance increases. You just need to get used to this feature of German Continental tires. Otherwise, the tires have no disadvantages and can be used on virtually any car in the winter.

Gislaved Soft Frost 2 - the second generation of great tires

The most expressive advantage of this rubber is an excellent combination of price and quality. At a very low cost, Gislaved tires demonstrate excellent performance.

Rubber under the Gislaved brand is produced at the same factory that makes the previous tires. German origin and excellent technical properties give tires the following advantages:

• excellent grip on ice, packed or fresh snow;
• no increased tread wear on asphalt;
• normal braking performance on any surface;
• resistance to operation at high temperatures.

Winter sometimes provides us with surprises in the form of abnormally high temperatures. If your car is equipped with Gislaved Soft Frost 2 tires, you will not be afraid of these weather changes, because the tires perform well even at very high ambient temperatures.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi - winter tire classic

The offer of the Finnish manufacturer can really please the owners of any car. These tires are especially popular among drivers of crossovers and compact SUVs. But the dimensions will allow any car to be shod in RSi.

The most noticeable advantages of these tires can be described as follows:

• high control of the car in turns;
• excellent grip on asphalt and snow;
• good slip resistance on ice;
• good travel properties at any speed.

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi is a tire that is designed for a completely versatile use. The manufacturer positions its offer for harsh winter conditions, but even at positive temperatures, the rubber behaves quite well.

Dunlop Graspic - specialized winter tires

Dunlop Corporation also did not miss the opportunity to get into the ranking of the best winter tires of the 2014-2015 season. Dunlop Graspic rubber outperformed many studded tires in testing.

On the ice, these tires show incredible performance, provide excellent braking distances and accelerate well. But there are also disadvantages:

• on fresh snow, the tread is completely clogged;
• turns on wet pavement are often uncontrollable;
• at too high a speed, the rubber begins to make unpleasant sounds.

These shortcomings prevented Dunlop Graspic from ranking higher. But it is worth recognizing that tires perfectly fulfill their tasks and can become the best offer in their class. True, if the trip on snow and asphalt surfaces is slightly corrected.

Michelin X-Ice - the legend of winter tires

In its offer, the legendary Michelin corporation has a lot of rubber options for each car. Michelin X-Ice winter tires are often the choice of drivers who don't want a sporty ride on winter roads.

This rubber is capable of providing very high-quality characteristics, but is not expressed by leadership qualities in any of the criteria:

• driving on cold asphalt is the strongest side of tires;
• on snow and ice, tires show some weaknesses;
• braking distance is averaged and balanced for any winter road;
• the cost of tires is comparable to the presence of some disadvantages.

Michelin has created X-Ice tires for those drivers who value practicality. It is on cold and wet asphalt that we will have to drive most of all in winter. And if it is necessary to overcome ice obstacles, the car can perform this task on these tires.

Summing up

Winter tires already in 2015 will become a necessity in the countries of the Customs Union. That is why every car owner will have to choose tires this year. Pay attention to the top five tire models presented above. Most likely, it is from these options that you can choose the right tires for yourself.

When buying tires for winter use, you should take into account the peculiarities of using the car during this period, as well as the climatic zone in which you live.

Braking performance tests were carried out at different speeds depending on the type of surface. At the same time, tests on ice and snow were carried out both outdoors and indoors, where, thanks to the control of temperature and humidity, the influence of the weather can be eliminated. Handling was evaluated in two ways. Lap times were determined first, and to show a good result, the tires needed a combination of fast acceleration, high lateral grip and effective braking. Following this, the pilots expressed their subjective impressions of each model. Separately, subjective scores were given to tires for directional stability.

All tires were bought in regular stores so that manufacturers could not send a modified version of the tires. In the event that the model was not yet available for sale, the tires were supplied from the factory, but after they appeared in stores, control tests were carried out to determine if there were differences.

Scandinavian type winter tire test (studded tires)

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8/ Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 FRT – Scandinavian type studded winter tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Due to the unique studding technology, the Finnish manufacturer promises to provide never-before-seen grip on ice and snow. According to them, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 performs well in extreme situations, is distinguished by acoustic comfort, easy rotation, saves fuel and reduces impact on the road surface.

New tread design

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.

Due to the increased number of grooves in the tread, the edges of the sipes cling better to snow and ice when they touch 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 tread are firmly connected to each other, which improves the rigidity of the tire and increases the stability of the behavior. The deep grooved tread and open shoulder areas are excellent self-cleaning from snow and slush.

The new Nokian EcoStud 8 studding concept improves the safety and handling of winter tires in extreme situations. The Nokian EcoStud 8 concept includes a new generation anchor stud, a flange shape that reduces stud deflection, and an EcoStud 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.

Updated two-layer tread structure (cap & base)

The technology used in the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 improves grip 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.

Brake Boosters

The new tire has 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 tread, 3D sipes reinforce it. The tire responds quickly and responsively to steering wheel maneuvers, improving driving confidence and responsiveness. Self-locking 3D lamellas are the key to more precise handling. 3D-lamellas 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. The new rigid breaker pack allows the tire to keep its shape despite the bumps in the road. 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.

59 sizes from 13" to 20"

The range includes tires for both a small family car and a large luxury sports car. The range includes RunFlat tires and XL reinforced tires with a higher bearing capacity index.

TEST RESULTS

The eighth generation of the famous "Hakkapeliitta" this season is the second year. Of course, this tire is still the benchmark for snow and ice disciplines thanks to the large number of studs. So, for example, in a tire with a dimension of 205/55 R16, there are almost two hundred of them (190 pieces). In addition, each model of the first echelon is a priori developed with a reserve for the future. It is no coincidence that the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7, which has been produced since 2009, still rides with dignity. But the "eighth" Hakkapeliitta feels even more confident on the winter road. But the most progressive model of the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, compared to the seventh generation, is on the pavement. Tuulilasi experts noted that there will obviously be no problems with handling in the rain. On dry pavement, the tires also stop quickly and behave confidently in emergency situations. The journalists of “Behind the Wheel” also agreed with the Finnish experts, praising them for their perfect behavior on ice and snow, high-quality braking on asphalt, good handling, acceptable economy and decent cross-country ability. Autoreview experts, as well as TestWorld testers, also considered the behavior of the “eighth” Hakkapeliitta on ice and snow to be outstanding, but in terms of driving on asphalt they were somewhat more restrained in laudatory assessments. The most significant claim of the experts was the noise. Although not only this made them notice that for operation in large cities, where you have to drive mainly on asphalt, this is not the best option.

"Behind the wheel": 1st place. Tuulilasi: 1st place. "Autoreview": 1st place. TestWorld: 1st place.

Continental Conti IceContact / Continental ContiIceContact HD – Scandinavian type studded winter tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

In Sweden, Norway, Finland and Russia, cars need increased traction on winter roads to drive safely.

This is more true for driving on ice than on snowy roads, which requires good grip and a soft rubber compound that remains flexible even at low temperatures.

Starting in autumn 2010, Continental's product line has been expanded with the ContiIceContact tire, designed specifically for harsh conditions. Designed for passenger cars and all-wheel drive vehicles. The tire has better grip than its predecessors, thus providing more safety in extremely harsh winter conditions.

The tire is universal and suitable for cars and crossovers of different classes.

Asymmetrical tread pattern for optimal traction

The concept of asymmetric tread design allows you to meet a variety of tire requirements. Differences in design on the outer and inner sides of the tread affect not only handling, but also braking distance and traction when starting off. When developing the Continental ContiIceContact, engineers used three-dimensional stepped grooves on the inside of the tire's tread to interact with snow and ice, ensuring optimal transmission of road surface forces during start-up and braking.

The outer side of the tire, responsible for the transfer of forces during cornering, also has three-dimensional, but already undulating grooves. They provide cornering traction by closing under lateral loads.

To prevent the tread lugs from closing, they are separated by grooves in the center of the tire. As a result, the clutch lips remain open, even under heavy loads, and provide maximum traction and handling stability. Another advantage of an asymmetric tread pattern is uniform wear, which allows you to increase tire mileage. The tread design, which has gripping edges on the sidewalls of the tire and a specific stud arrangement, is suitable for various tire sizes. Thus, new developments have influenced the driving performance of all tire sizes, even noise reduction is one of the advantages of this concept.

Attention! The asymmetric tread pattern of the ConiIceContact tire on all sizes of this model does not provide special tires for the left or right side of the car.

New stud technology for better grip on snowy and icy roads

To improve traction, the engineers at Continental, Europe's leading tire manufacturer, have developed a new "Brilliant Plus" stud technology that is used in the ContiIceContact tire. The special carbide insert of the stud bites tightly into the ice, providing excellent grip during acceleration and braking, as well as good handling when driving in general. The stud is shaped to maximize the length of the gripping edges, thus improving the efficiency of interaction between the tire tread and the stud.

The advantages of such a stud are reflected, first of all, in a much shorter braking distance - a car on such tires has a braking distance 10% less than on tires with a conventional stud. In addition, a revolutionary new stud placement technology has been used that keeps the studs in the tread for greater safety when braking and cornering. To improve traction, the new stud technology incorporates so-called ice grooves around the stud. When the stud scratches the icy surface of the road, ice chips form and collect in these grooves, instead of sticking to the stud and reducing the contact area with the road. Thus, this technology allows you to increase the number of gripping edges, which improves traction and improves safety when driving on icy surfaces or packed snow.

Low temperature rubber compound

To ensure that tread lugs and tread edges interact perfectly with the road, Continental's chemists have optimized the rubber compound by developing a completely new, fully synthetic softener for the new ContiIceContact, which keeps the rubber soft and at very low temperatures throughout the tire's life cycle. As a result, even after several winter seasons, the tire remains flexible, while maintaining all its driving characteristics.

More than 10% improvement in safety-related performance

In terms of safety, the developers of the ContiIceContact tire have achieved particularly remarkable results. For example, braking distances on ice were reduced by 13% (4WD tyres) and 11% (passenger car tyres). comparison with its predecessor in each case).

Starting in autumn 2010, the ContiWinterViking1 and 2 tires as well as the Conti 4x4 IceContact tires will be completely replaced by the ContiIceContact range.

TEST RESULTS

Following the new studded regulation in Europe from 1 July 2013, Continental has upgraded the ContiIceContact studded tires. The composition of the mixture has changed, but the main thing is that instead of the previous “diamond” spikes, now also glued into the holes, but lightweight “hybrid” spikes of a slightly smaller size and with less aggressive edges of the carbide insert are used. gave the "silver" studded Continental ContiIceContact. This model has been showing consistently high results for many years and does not leave the pedestal of authoritative commissions. The Continentals handle well and brake quickly on ice. Due to the high grip, the car is stable and under control in sliding. On non-snowy surfaces, the car accelerates confidently and slows down just as confidently. The experts also had no complaints about the management. In winter disciplines, Continental ContiIceContact were generally among the best, barely yielding to the more modern and generously studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8. On asphalt, the behavior of the German tire is confident, although not standard. The weakest side of the Continental ContiIceContact is its resistance to slushplaning, however, this parameter, compared to its competitors, looks quite worthy.

"Behind the wheel": 2nd place. Tuulilasi: 2nd place. "Autoreview": 3rd place. TestWorld: 2nd place.

Pirelli Winter Ice Zero – Scandinavian type studded winter 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.

TEST RESULTS

The third place in the Finnish Tuulilasi ranking was given to the Pirelli Winter Ice Zero tire. The Russian magazine "Za Rulem" did not test this tire this season. The Italian model received such a high line thanks to its confident behavior on an icy road. Acceleration, braking, handling - everything is normal. At the same time, the Pirelli Winter Ice Zero traditionally break into a skid with the rear axle, which requires constant concentration from the driver. In addition, after ice tests, the protrusion of the studs increased by 0.3 mm, which causes slight concerns regarding the quality of the studding. On snow, the behavior of the car in Pirelli Ice Zero tires is even slightly better than on an icy surface. But asphalt and slush are given to this rubber hard. In the Tuulilasi magazine standings, in this sense, Pirelli tires are outsiders. Wet braking is good, but the Pirellis lose grip easily in corners. In addition, on a dry surface, the braking distance is very long. In addition, the Pirelli Ice Zero is a noisy tire, although the rolling resistance is not particularly strong.

Driving: Not tested. Tuulilasi: 3rd place. "Autoreview": not tested. TestWorld: Not tested.

Nokian Nordman 5 - Scandinavian studded winter 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

The Nokian Nordman 5 winter tire is a simplified Hakkapeliitta 5. But the potential laid down by the engineers makes it still a worthy model. At the same time, against the background of more modern and expensive competitors, it objectively looks weaker. Bronze in the test "Driving" she received only because of the cost. Tires Nokian Nordman 5 are noticeably cheaper than Hakkapeliitta 8 or ContiIceContact. And the magazine "Behind the Rulem" largely compiled a rating based on a combination of price and quality. Sergey Mishin added good grip on snow, lateral grip on ice, moderate fuel consumption and a clear course on asphalt as a plus for Nokian Nordman 5; and also noted the weaknesses of the tire: satisfactory handling, directional stability on snow, cross-country ability and comfort level.

"Behind the wheel": 3rd place. Tuulilasi: Not tested. "Autoreview": not tested. TestWorld: Not tested.

Nokian Nordman 4 - Scandinavian type studded winter tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Thanks to the wide distribution of studs, the Nokian Nordman 4 tire has excellent grip properties and low noise levels. An elastic pad under the stud softens the contact with the road, muffles noise and increases the durability of the stud. The tire is also safe in snowy sludge - the swept tread pattern and transverse grooves effectively remove sludge from under the tire. The wide tread and reinforced steel belt provide stable tire behavior even on rutted roads.

The wear indicator (DSI) shows the remaining groove depth of the tread in millimeters. The sealing ring prevents small stones and dirt from getting between the rim and the tire bead and protects them from damage. In the info section, you can make notes about the recommended pressure, as well as indicate the location of the tires on the car.

Nokian Nordman 4 tires in size 165/70 R 14 81 T are available with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 2 tread pattern.

TEST RESULTS

Only one source paid attention to the studded Nokian Nordman 4 this season, and quite unexpected. The TestWorld committee included these tires in the test program, giving these tires only the eleventh, that is, the penultimate line. The Finnish experts most disliked the behavior of the Nokian Nordman 4 tires on ice. On the snow, however, their performance also seemed weak to them, as well as properties on wet pavement. At the same time, in previous years, the Nokian Nordman 4 tire showed more favorable behavior, especially in tests of Russian publications. Of course, they did not shine on the podium, but they were confident middle peasants.

Driving: Not tested. Tuulilasi: Not tested. "Autoreview": not tested. TestWorld: 11th place.

Goodyear UltraGripIce Arctic - Scandinavian-type studded winter tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Goodyear UltraGripIce Arctic winter tires give the rider superior grip and handling on ice. Which the user gets thanks to Goodyear's Multi ControlIce technology. This revolutionary stud technology increases the contact patch between the stud and 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.

The specially designed Goodyear Ultra GripIce Arctic winter studded tires with unique V-notches 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.

Goodyear UltraGripIce Arctic winter tires perform well on wet, 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

The fourth line of the Tuulilasi test was conquered by the Goodyear Ultra GripIce Arctic. They are not much worse than the Pirelli Ice Zero, and even more so the Nokian Nordman 5. Here, the priorities are only slightly shifted. On ice and snow, everything is worthy, without misses. At the same time, Goodyear is very effective on slush and wet pavement. On dry pavement, the tires have good braking properties, but in emergency situations they react a little slowly, which, however, is normal. Goodyear Ultra GripIce Arctic is a good option for driving in a large city, where cold asphalt is under the wheels most of the time, periodically watered with reagents, but at the same time snow or ice is quite possible.

Driving: Not tested. Tuulilasi: 4th place. "Autoreview": not tested. TestWorld: 4th place.

Gislaved Nord*Frost 100 - Scandinavian type studded winter tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The manufacturer draws the attention of buyers to the fact that Gislaved Nord Frost 100 winter tires are distinguished by an improved design of studs that increase 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.”

Technical details

The Gislaved Nord Frost 100 winter tire uses a special stud design that improves traction on ice, as well as increases wear resistance and reduces the likelihood of stud 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. (Gislaved is a Continental brand)

The Gislaved Nord Frost 100 also uses an optimized stud arrangement to achieve excellent traction on icy roads in both longitudinal and lateral directions, which guarantees high stability, excellent traction on ice, and also contributes to a short braking distance.

The Gislaved Nord Frost 100 mid-central peripheral block with straight sipes and a large number of sharp engagement edges provides a large contact patch with the road surface, thereby increasing traction on icy roads.

The two-step structure with a large number of sipes in the shoulder area and straight slot-like drainage grooves also contributes to grip and braking on loose snow.

At the same time, thanks to the optimized angular end measure of the edges of the engagement edges in all directions, a large cross-sectional area on the snow is achieved, which improves the lateral grip of the Gislaved Nord Frost 100 when cornering.

The manufacturer also notes the unique tread pattern and internal sipes, which are located in the shoulder area of ​​contact with the road surface. Their work guarantees a high level of handling on dry roads.

When developing the Gislaved Nord Frost 100, the stud placement sequence was optimized using computer simulations. This made it possible to create a wide frequency range of possible sound vibrations, and as a result, the tire has a low noise level.

TEST RESULTS

The fourth position in the test of the magazine "Za Rulem" went to the relatively new winter tire Gislaved Nord*Frost 100. This is a very worthy tire. If she participated in the European test, she would most likely make adjustments to their rating. Like the GoodyearUltra GripIce Arctic, the Gislaved Nord*Frost 100 winter tire is well suited for the Moscow winter, where slush and heat periodically give way to heavy snow, frost and ice. At the same time, the main critic of the magazine "Behind the Wheel" seemed rather weak in terms of cross-country ability, as well as the level of comfort and lateral stability on ice and snow.

"Behind the wheel": 4th place. Tuulilasi: Not tested. "Autoreview": not tested. TestWorld: 5th place.

Hankook Winter i*Pike RSW 419 – Scandinavian-type studded winter 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 at a sharper 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 fifth line of the foreign test of winter tires of the Scandinavian type unexpectedly went to the Korean tire Hankook Winter i * Pike RS W419. All previous years, Korean winter tires rarely even reached the middle, but this season everything turned out differently. The new Hankook has significantly increased the number of studs. Now there are 180 instead of 128. Measurements of acceleration and braking on ice gave average results, but in the corners the tires were able to show the best lap times. Although the reactions feel somewhat vague. On the snow, the Hankook i*Pike RS W419 performed well both on the slope, on the circular track, and on the packed forest trails. In addition, Hankook has convincing results on slush, dry and wet pavement. Good tires with no obvious flaws, showing that the Korean tire industry is moving forward. This was also noticed by the Autoreview team. If in the last test they encountered extremely low quality studding, now there are no complaints about the studs: they are planted evenly, they protrude above the tread by the prescribed 1.2 mm. This was reflected in the characteristics of tires Hankook i * Pike RS W419. So much so that the newspaper "Autoreview" put this tire in second place in its rating! The Finns from the TestWorld committee gave the Korean tire only the sixth line, but did not single out any particular misses, except that the pilots noted that the Hankook could behave a little more nervously in the snow than other tires.

Driving: Not tested. Tuulilasi: 5th place. "Autoreview": 2nd place. TestWorld: 6th place.

Formula Ice – Scandinavian type studded winter tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The new Formula Ice studded tire expands the product line of the new Formula brand. Balanced winter tire for passenger cars and SUVs provides good performance and a high level of safety.

The directional tread pattern with a central rib improves driving control on dry and wet pavement, preventing hydroplaning when driving on melted snow and thick water film.

Massive blocks of shoulder zones give the car directional stability. The tire has excellent driving and braking qualities on ice due to the use of an aluminum hexagonal stud. An excellent choice for those who value value for money.

TEST RESULTS

After the Gislaved Nord*Frost 100, the test line of winter tires of Za Rulem magazine consists entirely of weak tires, either domestically produced or unknown foreign manufacturers. The exception, perhaps, is the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01, but following the Gislaved Nord*Frost 100 in the list of preferences of the magazine "Behind the wheel" are not they, but winter tires called Formula Ice, akin to Pirelli. This rubber showed good braking properties on dry pavement and high ride comfort, while actually failing snow and ice tests.

"Behind the wheel": 5th place. Tuulilasi: Not tested. "Autoreview": not tested. TestWorld: Not tested.

Michelin X-IceNorth 3 – Scandinavian type studded winter tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

To maximize the performance of the new MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tires, Michelin engineers have rethought all aspects of the tire that are 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 MICHELIN X-ICE North tires had a two-layer tread, where the upper rubber layer was responsible for grip, and the lower, 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 is designed exclusively for use in studded tires as a basic, internal tread base.

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”. When the temperature drops, the hardness of the thermosetting 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 during acceleration 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 North 3 was given to the tread space around the stud. When driving on ice, ice crumbs form around the spikes, which prevent the operation of not only the spikes, but also the rubber compound. This effect significantly impairs traction on ice, lengthening the braking distance and increasing the acceleration time.

To combat this problem, special wells were created to collect ice chips formed during the operation of the spikes, which significantly improves traction 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 MICHELIN X-ICE North 3 tread uses a unique "StepIn-StepOut" shoulder design. 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 can 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 North 3 tire offer improved winter safety and durability, but it also has a strong sidewall that reduces the likelihood 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

It is somehow unexpected to see Michelin tires in the second half of the ranking. But in recent seasons, in the case of winter tires, for some reason this is so. Part of the reason for this is the lower number of studs, and the poor results in the acceleration and braking tests on ice may be a consequence of this factor. The Michelin X-IceNorth 3 also had the worst lap times on an icy track. At the same time, on snow they have good acceleration, but a long braking distance. While driving on snow, the tires hold traction well, but only when driving in a straight line, and lose stability in corners. At the same time, slush is not a hindrance for Michelins, and on dry pavement they have the shortest braking distance from 100 km / h. The emergency behavior is stable, but the noise is relatively high. Acceptable tires for winter in a big city, where snow and ice are rare companions on the road.

Driving: Not tested. Tuulilasi: 6th place. "Autoreview": not tested. TestWorld: 8th place.

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 – Scandinavian type studded winter tires, test

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-EdgePin" 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

The Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 passed three of the four tests. In the test of the Russian magazine, they got the sixth position out of ten possible, and in the measurements of the Finns from Tuulilasi, they turned out to be outsiders, taking the last eighth place. Both authorities praised this tire for its ability to behave on ice. The rest of the Japanese tires were rich in controversy. In "Behind the wheel" they were scolded for increased fuel consumption, poor cross-country ability, poor behavior on asphalt and a low level of comfort. In the Finnish magazine Tuulilasi, Bridgestone tires showed excellent slushplaning resistance, but relatively long braking distances on wet pavement. Also, the experts noticed vague reactions to the steering wheel turns on a dry surface. Reactions on snow are not as sharp as the best tires, but the braking distance is short. In addition, snow tends to oversteer. The noise is relatively quiet, but the rolling resistance is too high by today's eco standards.

"Behind the wheel": 6th place. Tuulilasi: 8th place. "Autoreview": not tested. TestWorld: 9th place.

Dunlop Ice Touch - Scandinavian type studded winter 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 DunlopIceTouch tire uses the same technology as the Goodyear Ultra GripIce 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. The special rubber compound increases traction and grip thanks to polymers that give the tire elasticity at low temperatures.

The weight of Dunlop Ice Touch winter tires 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

Better than the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 in the Tuulilasi test were Dunlop Ice Touch. They are similar in design to the Goodyear Ultra GripIce Arctic. Despite this, experts saw in them somewhat different characteristics. On ice, Dunlop accelerates slowly, but brakes confidently. In terms of handling, they are somewhat inferior to the leaders, since skidding can begin relatively early, but still worthy. On snow, acceleration and braking performance is better than on ice, and handling is also prone to sudden loss of traction even at low speeds. Wet stopping distances are short and the Dunlop Ice Touch will generally perform well in the rain. In addition, Dunlop winter tires respond very quickly to steering turns on dry surfaces, where they cope well with emergency maneuvers. And as a bonus - low noise level.

Driving: Not tested. Tuulilasi: 7th place. "Autoreview": not tested. TestWorld: 7th place.

Cordiant Snow Cross - Scandinavian type studded winter tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The Cordiant Snow Cross tire was developed by a team of engineers specifically for use in the unpredictable and harsh Russian winter. This is how the manufacturer describes their product.

When developing the Cordiant Snow Cross, special attention was paid to safety while riding. The tire perfectly combines reliable grip, precise braking and excellent handling on a winter road covered with snow or ice.

Ice-Cor technology guarantees a predictable behavior of the car on ice, “shod” with Cordiant Snow Cross tires.

For safe driving on a snowy road and during a thaw, Cordiant specialists applied Snow-Cor technology, which provides the tire with perfect grip on snow.

The tire also features a new green Cor-Fix compound with increased silica content, which maintains the performance of the Cordiant Snow Cross even at low temperatures and improves grip on wet roads.

TEST RESULTS

The seventh place in the test "Behind the wheel" belongs to the Russian Cordiant Snow Cross. Sergey Mishin recommended these tires to fit the outback with icy, snowy roads rich in snowdrifts. All because in such an environment, this rubber feels best. At the same time, handling on ice and snow is not a masterpiece. On asphalt it's even worse. Especially the braking distance.

"Behind the wheel": 7th place. Tuulilasi: Not tested. "Autoreview": not tested. TestWorld: Not tested.

Toyo Observe G3-Ice - Scandinavian-type studded winter tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The manufacturer says the Toyo OBSERVE G3-ICE is designed for optimal traction and braking on ice and snow. The stable performance of the tire throughout its life makes it ideal for use in extreme winter conditions.

Advanced stud distribution, combined with Toyo's unique "Microbit" technology (natural micro studs - walnut shell particles in the tread rubber compound) provides impeccable traction and braking performance in the harshest winter conditions. In addition to reliable grip on snow and ice, the Toyo OBSERVE G3-ICE tire also provides a high level of comfort.

TEST RESULTS

The Japanese Toyo Observe G3-Ice turned out to be worse than the Cordiant Snow Cross. This model is contraindicated asphalt. However, ice and snow are also not its range. Nothing more than satisfactory.

"Behind the wheel": 8th place. Tuulilasi: Not tested. "Autoreview": not tested. TestWorld: Not tested.

Amtel Nord Master ST 310 - Scandinavian type studded winter tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Increased handling, zigzag longitudinal and transverse grooves with sharp-angled edges Amtel Nord Master ST 310 increase mechanical grip with the road surface, improve handling, lateral stability. At the same time, lugs provide excellent flotation in loose snow.

The Amtel Nord Master ST 310 short braking distance is provided by all tread elements, which are extremely saturated with zigzag sipes, which significantly reduces the braking distance and acceleration time, prevents slipping and slipping.

TEST RESULTS

Amtel Nord Master ST 310 tires are in demand on the Russian market. The vocation of this rubber is asphalt. On wet and dry pavement, the braking distance is almost the best. But on the winter road, everything is much worse. Acceleration is weak, braking too, exactly, as well as behavior.

"Behind the wheel": 9th place. Tuulilasi: Not tested. "Autoreview": not tested. TestWorld: Not tested.

Kama EURO 519 – Scandinavian type studded winter tires, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Car tire Kama Euro 519 is a studded winter tire designed for passenger cars.

The tire tread Kama Euro 519 consists of two layers. The bottom layer has a dense texture. Stud blocking is achieved due to the lower tread layer in the Kama Euro 519 tire. And the upper one allows you to maintain elasticity when operating in harsh climates, due to the high content of natural rubber in the tire. The tread pattern guarantees a long service life during long-term operation.

Technical characteristics of the Nizhnekamsk tire Kama Euro 519:

- Provides excellent grip on difficult sections of the road (ice, snow) using a fan-shaped arrangement of sipes in the tread;

- correct positioning of the studs on the tire reduces noise and improves grip;

– low fuel consumption due to the use of the latest modern technologies;

— Tires adapted to harsh Russian winter conditions;

- a holographic sticker on the tire, certifying the tire studding process at the factory. Thus guaranteeing an accurate fit of the stud and avoiding tire damage.

- V-grooves on the tread help the tire self-clean from mud and snow.

TEST RESULTS

Nizhnekamsk winter tire - Kama Euro-519 turned out to be the worst in the ZR test. They brake well on dry pavement. Satisfactory directional stability on a winter road. At the same time, they have the worst grip on ice and weak on snow, which results in difficult handling on a winter road, limited cross-country ability and a low level of comfort.

Our country is rich in climatic conditions, and those traveling around the country as a tourist or for work often have situations when they need to move from one climate zone to another. This raises a logical question, what to do with oil and whether it is necessary? Roman Korchagin, head of the technical department at Total Vostok, answers questions.

Testing Mio MiVue C537 - DVR with GPS-informer

Probably, in every model line there is a device that looks like a kind of gray horse. As a rule, it is inexpensive, but very functional, and inconspicuous against the background of fellows, since all the attention of marketers is given to flagship models. It is under this description that the Mio MiVue C537 video recorder falls - a simple, convenient and inexpensive device.

How to improve headlights in 5 minutes?

When driving on dark winter roads, I really want the headlights to be brighter and illuminate as much of the road as possible. But, unfortunately, year by year the glow of the headlights is getting dimmer. We will tell you how to fix it quickly and on a budget.

Due to the low temperature in many regions of our country, winter tires are a must. The main feature of winter tires is softness and the ability to tenaciously hold on to the snowy road surface. Good rubber provides reliable grip on frozen surfaces, allows you to maintain maneuverability and smoothness in any frost, ensures safety and control accuracy. November 15 is the date for changing summer tires to winter tires. It is before this date that it is advisable to replace the car's summer tires with winter ones in order to subsequently avoid possible problems with car handling and reduce the risk of an accident.

Every year, at the height of the hot summer, experts study car tires from a variety of manufacturers, making up ranking of the best winter tires. We bring to your attention the rating of the best winter studded tires 2014-2015. The rating is based on an analysis of winter tire tests conducted by the editors of Za Rulem, Auto Bild, Avtorevyu and ADAC for 2014.

Rating of the best winter tires in 2014-2015 based on the analysis of winter tire tests

Below we briefly describe test results for studded tires 205-55-R16

10th place - .

Winter studded tires Yokohama Ice Guard IG35 with directional tread pattern. Tires provide safety in the most dangerous conditions on icy and snowy roads. Tires show very good performance on ice and snow, Lugs around the bore help secure cleat retention, consistent lateral grooves improve lateral stability, prevent shifting and slipping. Significantly improved removal of snow, slush and water from the contact patch due to the design. The new Ice Guard compound prevents deformation not only in the tread part, but also in the stud bore.




9th place - .

provide the highest performance in the most severe winter conditions. In the production of the tire, a new “DUAL STUD” tire studding technology was used, which increases resistance, reduces mobility, optimizes load distribution, improves stud penetration on icy roads, reduces core wear, and maintains stable performance on ice.




8th place - .

These are tires for harsh winters that provide excellent handling on a difficult winter road: on ice, slush and packed snow. The tire is made using the same technology as the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic.




7th place -

Bridgestone's new studded tires incorporate all of the advanced technologies developed through extensive research and testing, featuring many innovations, including the new "Cross-Edge Pin". The main advantages of Blizzak Spike-01 tires: excellent grip on ice, maximum performance on snow, reliable retention of spikes, durability.




6th place -

A durable and stable winter tire for all road conditions, providing good traction on ice, safety in slush and stable handling




5th place -

Manufacturers guarantee high grip and short braking distances. Tires can withstand heavy loads without problems. The zigzag grooves quickly absorb and compact the snow while maintaining tire grip. In the slush, they perfectly remove dirt and water.




4th place - .

Features: balanced grip characteristics, excellent driving stability, good traction on snow. The directional stud optimizes road contact for maximum traction.




3rd place -

25% improvement in stud retention and 10% reduction in braking distance on ice in percentage terms compared to the previous generation. This significantly increases the level of safety, and driving on winter roads becomes less stressful. A special role in this is played by the innovative Smart Stud System.




2nd place - . Excellent grip and handling on ice

MultiControl Ice technology-based design that increases the contact patch of the stud with the road surface, which provides high-performance traction and control of the car when driving on ice. Benefits: Shorter braking distance on ice, better handling on snow, good performance on wet roads.

The UltraGrip Ice Arctic tires are highly efficient on wet and 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.

1st place -

The unique pattern of the new V-shaped tread provides superior performance. The optimized stud pattern contributes to confident traction in the toughest winter conditions. The new Eco Stud 8 Concept aims to improve safety and handling in extreme situations. The layout of each stud has been optimized using computer simulations to ensure maximum traction in all situations. Cap & Base's two-ply tread design guarantees effective stud retention due to a tougher tread compound. The unique composition of the Cryo-silane Gen 2 outer rubber compound with silica, rapeseed oil and natural rubber provides the tread with excellent elasticity, strength, wear resistance and environmental friendliness. The new rubber compound and tread pattern ensured the Hakkapeliitta 8 low rolling resistance. The toothed pattern of the brake boosters located at the rear of the tread blocks contributes to effective braking on snow.

Among the winter tires described above, there are proposals from previous years, but many experts believe, and we agree with them, that these tires should be in ranking of the best winter tires 2014-2015. It is obvious that the tires listed above are high-end brands that use the latest innovations and the best technology to make these tires excel in all tests. The only, but very significant drawback of such car tires is their price, which is not affordable for everyone.