Mindful of the crisis, we chose the most popular and most affordable studded tires, not forgetting the Chinese ones. Seven out of eleven such tires were cheaper than 2,500 rubles. There are few novelties in the “VAZ” size, but we “had it with us” - Continental ContiIceContact 2 tires are just entering the market. For the first time in our tests, perhaps the most affordable domestic “studding” Avatyre Freeze (1770 rubles), Polish tires Sava Eskimo Stud (2135 rubles), Chinese Aeolus Ice Challenger (2140 rubles) and Japanese Yokohama iceGUARD iG55 (2590 rubles) participate in our tests. Among the "Scandinavians" the choice is noticeably more modest. According to manufacturers, the share of spikes in the Russian market ranges from 65 to 80%, that is, there is very little space left for non-spike. We found only seven sets. The most inexpensive are Cordiant Winter Drive for 2050 rubles and Nordman RS for 2225 rubles. The middle price category (2500-3000 rubles) is represented by the “Japanese” Bridgestone Blizzak VRX and Toyo Observe GSi‑5, as well as Polish-made Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2. We did not disdain even a couple of top Nokian and Continental models, which are more expensive than 3,000 rubles apiece.
The tests were carried out in January - February at the AvtoVAZ test site, near Tolyatti. The winter turned out to be not very frosty: the temperature jumped in the range of -25 ... -5 ºС. The asphalt part was rolled back in early May, on dry roads. They worked at night when the temperature did not rise above +5…+7 ºС. It is this temperature that tire manufacturers consider transitional from winter tires to summer tires and vice versa. Test car - Lada Kalina equipped with ABS.
HOW YOU WILL RIDE, SO YOU WILL RIDE
The most important part of winter tire testing is the run-in. After all, it depends on it how well the tires will work on snow and ice and how long they will last. Improper running-in of "studs" can be easily ruined: with aggressive driving on unrolled tires, the studs will simply fly out. We ran each set of studded tires for 500 km. Without sharp accelerations and decelerations, so that each spike falls into place and the rubber tightly grabs its base. To do this, we divide the entire run into three or four parts, making a break in movement for an hour or two after each. For running in non-studded soft “Scandinavians”, popularly referred to as “Velcro”, 300 km is enough. And the style of movement should be more aggressive, with a slight slip during acceleration. Here, the primary task of running in is different - to completely remove from the tread lamellas the remnants of the lubricant that was applied to the mold (lubrication is needed in order to prevent damage to the tread with 3D cuts when removing the freshly welded tire from the mold). In addition, on these tires, you need to remove a thin surface layer of rubber, which, after baking, is slightly harder than the core. You don’t have to worry about the wear of the sharp edges of the lamellas: on modern models, they are designed in such a way that they self-sharpen with mutual friction. This ensures the stability of the characteristics of non-studded tires throughout their service life.HOW MUCH?
On run-in tires, we measure the hardness of the rubber and the amount of stud protrusion, comparing the results with those obtained on virgin tyres. After running in, the Shore hardness of rubber, as a rule, changes by several units in one direction or another. The spikes can also come out a little or go deep as they fall into place. In Russia, the protrusion of the spikes is not regulated. But in EU countries where the use of studded tires is allowed, it is limited - no more than 1.2 mm on new tires. This compromise value was determined by life: a smaller protrusion will not allow to achieve effective grip on ice, a larger one will worsen grip on asphalt and lead to a quick loss of “studs” during operation. In our long-term tests, the average protrusion of studs after break-in is between 1.3 and 1.6 mm. And now almost all tires fell into this range with a deviation of one tenth of a millimeter. The exception was four models. Firstly, this is the Chinese Aeolus: its spikes protrude only 0.5-0.8 mm. It is immediately clear that on the ice he will not miss the stars from heaven. Secondly, Cordiant: the protrusion of the spikes reaches 2.0 mm - the maximum permissible value in Europe (although no one checks this parameter on cars). But Bridgestone and Sava are alarming: after running in, some of their spikes stuck out by 2.3 mm! Moreover, not only the carbide insert of the spike rises above the tread (as a rule, it protrudes 1.2 mm above the body), but also almost a millimeter of its cylindrical body. It is clear that on ice these tires will have an advantage over the "law-abiding" ones. At one time, we checked how the protrusion of the studs affects the grip properties of tires on ice. Every tenth of a millimeter reduces the braking distance by 2.5-3%. Spikes with a protrusion of 2.3 mm will benefit from those that stick out only by 1.3 mm by at least 25-30%!I repeat that in our country the protrusion of spikes is not limited by any laws. But according to the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union, which unites Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, for tires manufactured since January 1, 2016, a value of 1.2 ± 0.3 mm is set for the protrusion of spikes on new tires. That is, the spike will have to protrude above the tread by at least 0.9 mm and not more than 1.5 mm. It will be interesting to see Bridgestone and Sava tires next year.
To get acquainted with the test results (they are summarized in tables), follow the links: table No. 1 and table No. 2.
WHAT DO WE TEST?
In the sequence of test exercises, we first measure acceleration and braking on snow and ice. Why? During testing, the studs are subjected to increased loads, under the influence of which the studs can slowly move outward, and if these measurements are taken last, the studs will protrude more. After measuring the longitudinal grip, we check the tires on the ice circle, test them on the rearrangement. And after that we evaluate the handling, directional stability, cross-country ability and comfort. At the end of all tests on the "white" roads, we again check the protrusion of the spikes. If during testing it has not changed, then the spikes are securely held in the rubber, and this is a guarantee that they will walk for a long time. The most stable were Continental, Nordman, Yokohama and Bridgestone: for these tires during all tests, the protrusion of the studs remained unchanged. Spikes from Nokian crawled out to one "top ten", we also consider such a result to be excellent. Toyo and Aeolus look quite tolerable: their spikes have been added from zero to 0.2–0.3 mm. But the Avatyre, Cordiant, Formula and Sava tires have a menacing increase - up to 0.4–0.5 mm. There is a suspicion that at such a growth rate, the spikes will not stay in the tires for a long time. In terms of the protrusion of the spikes, the absolute record holder is Sava: after the tests, some “carnations” stuck out by 2.7 mm!Asphalt tests are also carried out taking into account the intensity of rubber wear. We start with the evaluation and measurement of rolling resistance, and only in the final we carry out braking on asphalt. Guess why? If not, let's answer with the words of the Continental specialists, who call emergency braking on asphalt a stress for winter tires - even with ABS. And they believe that after a dozen or one and a half such braking tires become unusable. But we just slow down six or eight times on dry land and the same number on wet roads. After testing, we carefully inspect the spikes and treads of "stressed" tires. The three models with the studs protruding more than 2mm (Bridgestone, Cordiant and Sava) differ from the others by the dimples in the rubber near the studs. When braking, the high studs tilt a lot and tear out pieces of the tread. And the bodies of the spikes themselves have been ground off, lost their cylindrical shape and now look like cones. Surprisingly, none of these tires lost studs. The trouble came from where they did not expect - the well-bred Toyo parted with 14 spikes on four wheels. It is noteworthy that last year, when the spikes at the end of the tests stuck out a little more (up to 2.3 mm) than now (up to 1.9 mm), she had no losses.
SPIKES OR VELVET: AFTERWORD
So what do you prefer - "spuds" or "Scandinavians"? When choosing, remember the main advantages and disadvantages of both. The "studs" have more stable grip on any surface, but they are less comfortable. Softer and quieter Velcro are more demanding on the level of driving skills on ice. In addition, I would not dare to advise "Scandinavians" for cars without ABS: when the wheels are blocked on ice, their grip drops significantly, and this is extremely dangerous. The undisputed winner of our test was Nokian tires, which in recent years have been a trendsetter in winter fashion: in the class of studded tires, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 model has become the leader, and among the “Scandinavians” the Hakkapeliitta R2 excelled. But they are also the most expensive. So the choice is not easy - and our tables with recommendations for each tire will help you make it.We warn especially corrosive: you should not compare the results of "studded" and "Scandinavian" among themselves, they are not without reason shown in different tables. From our own experience we know that the difference depends on the temperature. In severe frost (-20 ºС and below), soft "Scandinavians" will win on ice, in "greenhouse" (above -10 ºС) "studded" will have the best results. Perhaps, it is possible to compare only the behavior on the pavement. But it should be remembered that tire manufacturers do not compare data obtained on different days. After all, the measurement result is affected not only by the temperature of the air and asphalt, but also by humidity, wind strength, the amount of ultraviolet radiation and much more. Together with the author, Anton Ananiev, Vladimir Kolesov, Yuri Kurochkin, Evgeny Larin, Anton Mishin, Andrey Obrazumov, Valery Pavlov and Dmitry Testov took part in tire testing. We express our gratitude to the tire manufacturing companies that provided their products for testing, as well as to the employees of the AVTOVAZ test site and the Togliatti company Volgashintorg for technical support.
Winter hit the European territory of Russia imperceptibly. It seems to be warm, and the grass is still green, and there is foliage on the trees, and the beginning of the next week was marked by a drop in temperature, heavy leaf fall, heavy precipitation and gusty winds. At night the thermometer almost dropped below zero. Time to think about changing tires...
Switching to winter tires is just right when the average daily temperature fluctuates at five to seven degrees Celsius. Especially if you have to travel early in the morning or late in the evening. Slippery can become unexpected. Although premature transition is harmful. To a lesser extent, if we are talking about winter tires of a friction type without studs or tires designed specifically for a mild European winter, and to a greater extent, if these are Scandinavian-type studded tires designed primarily for snow or ice.
Once again, AvtoDela will compare the readings of reputable publications by analyzing the failures and achievements of the same models in several tests, and will also consider the most relevant winter tires participating in the tests of a single expert community.
Experts, as always, will be leading European institutions, including ADAC, ACE / GTU / ARBO, Auto Motor und Sport, Test World and Tuulilasi (tested only studded tires), as well as recognized Russian publications - the newspaper "Autoreview" and the magazine " Behind the wheel".
ACE/GTU/ARBO
This season, materials from foreign sources became publicly available first of all. The European triad ACE / GTU / ARBO, consisting of the German Society for Technical Supervision (GTÜ), the Automobile Club of Europe (ACE) and the Austrian Automobile Club ARBÖ. Ten tires of dimension 205 / 55R16 fell into the hands of the expert community. All tires are exclusively friction, non-studded, that is, what is popularly called “Velcro”. All of them are designed for mild winters in Central Europe.
The tests were carried out at the Nokian test sites in Tampere and Ivalo. Traction on snow was evaluated during acceleration from 8 to 30 km / h with traction control working. The braking distance was determined on snow from 40 to 5 km/h (the distance to a complete stop was calculated), on wet asphalt from 80 to 1 km/h, on dry asphalt from 100 to 1 km/h. The handling tests took into account the lap time and the subjective assessment of the behavior of the tires. In longitudinal aquaplaning resistance tests (7 mm of water), the speed at which the slip level reached 15% was taken into account; also, the "floating" speed was evaluated in the test for resistance to transverse aquaplaning (6 mm of water). In addition, tires were tested on a circular track, where the best lap time was determined. Rolling noise was evaluated at a speed of 80 km/h and rolling resistance at a load of 6,031 Nm and a pressure level of 2.1 bar. The tests were carried out on VolkswagenGolfVII. During the tests, the experts noted as a trend an increasing level of safety, which, in their opinion, is achieved by a symbiosis of good rubber and sophisticated car safety systems.
Auto Motor & Sport
Winter tires were evaluated in the same size by German experts from Auto Motor und Sport magazine. A set of test models - friction rubber of the Central European type. Disciplines are standard: snow, ice, asphalt. A test site in Swedish Lapland was rented for the snow tests. Persistently low temperatures, spacious, well-prepared trails on the surface of frozen lakes and difficult routes through snow-covered forests create ideal conditions for testing. Six tons of tires, wheels and equipment, as well as four cars, were already waiting at the Arctic Circle. Ten sets of non-studded winter tires were tested for traction, braking performance, handling and emergency handling. Initially, the experts evaluated the performance of tires subjectively during several races on a snow-covered ring track. After that, using the equipment, the longitudinal grip necessary for effective acceleration and braking was determined. In order to evaluate how the tires respond to changes in loads, the pilots went to the slalom section. Here the car is driving on a smooth level surface, turning right and left alternately at the limit of adhesion. The maximum lateral accelerations are automatically recorded electronically.
A few weeks after the test in Sweden, the winter tires were to demonstrate their ability in the overcast conditions of northern Germany. On wet pavement, braking performance, hydroplaning resistance, handling and cornering were evaluated.
The German automobile club ADAC tested tires this year in two different sizes: and very. Interestingly, the individual models were tested in two dimensions.
test world
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 assessed 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.
The test of the newspaper "Autoreview" this year turned out to be both large and not very informative. This is because of the 11 sets of tires, four turned out to be studded, four more were European-style Velcro, and three other models were Scandinavian friction tires.
The test technology is as follows: start - with traction control, braking - with ABS, handling on a winding track - with the support of ESP. The weather was capricious. First, a light frost, and then - minus twenty. However, the most important races - acceleration and deceleration on ice were carried out at stable temperatures and complete absence of precipitation, since the exercises were performed under the roof of a 300-meter hangar. Ten accelerations, ten decelerations, and then a kit change ...
Testwintertires 2014-2015
Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The official website of Continental, describing the friction tire ContiWinterContact TS 850, promises impeccable safety. At the same time, the text frankly says that this model is designed for a mild European winter, which may be typical for the south of Russia.
When used in the right conditions, the ContiWinterContact TS 850 must provide impeccable safety thanks to a host of innovative technologies. According to the company, the tire offers better grip on European winter roads, shorter braking distances on wet pavement, longer tire life and better fuel economy. In order to make the tire as safe as possible, the German engineers at Continental paid close attention to every detail, resulting in a real work of technical art.
TEST RESULTS
The German winter tire Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 appeared in several tests at once this year and won prizes everywhere. She has three first and one second positions. Each of the instances praised this tire, first of all, for its balance. The German engineers managed to teach their tire to consistently perform well on almost all possible winter road surfaces. At the same time, experts also highlighted the particularly strong points of the Continental ContiWinterContact TS850. The ADAC Club praised the Continental friction tire for its excellent behavior on wet pavement and ice, good performance on snow and low wear. Colleagues from Auto Motorund Sport were in full solidarity with them, reinforcing their praises with the comment “highly recommended”. The testers from ACE/ GTU/ ARBO also used this phrase, which, however, did not stop them from putting another tire in first place - Nokian WRD3.
An old modification of the model, TS830, participated in the test of the Autoreview newspaper. The Russian experts liked the level of comfort offered by the Continental tire, both acoustically and in terms of smoothness. Acceleration on an icy surface turned out to be good. When handling on the track, they turned out to be unexpectedly weak. The grip on snow left much to be desired. But on wet pavement - the minimum braking distance, on dry pavement - the second result. It is obvious that the main attention when fine-tuning these tires was paid to comfort and safety on pavement. It is a pity that at the expense of winter qualities.
Nokian WRD3 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Nokian's main theses regarding the WRD3 model are as follows: equally reliable grip on wet, dry and snowy roads; durable and economical even in difficult conditions; effective prevention of slush planing and aquaplaning; Low rolling resistance, environmental friendly and fuel saving.
At the same time, like the Continental ContiWinterContact TS850, the Nokian WRD3 tire is designed exclusively for mild Central European winters, which is written in black and white on the company's website.
SlushBlower
Nokian research has shown that slush is even more dangerous to drive than ice or hydroplaning. When driving in slush, the risk is four times higher than when driving on a dry surface. Melting snow, a layer of water on the road surface and ice slush create a combination that makes driving difficult even for experienced drivers.
Nokian WR D3 tires have a directional tread pattern and new solutions that actively prevent hydroplaning.
"We've improved the tire's resistance to hydroplaning and slushplaning by using a beveled, zigzag leading edge of the tread blocks. This innovation is called SlushBlower because it actually blows water and slush out of the tire's grooves effectively. The polished grooves also speed up the flow of water and slush ", says Teppo Huovila, Vice President of R&D at Nokian Tires.
CoolTouch technology for easier control
Thoroughly tested Nokian WR D3 design and tread solutions guarantee excellent maneuverability and handling qualities, as well as good directional stability. Low rolling resistance and durability are improved with several new solutions and innovations.
Computer and thermographic modeling was applied to find the optimal symmetrical tread pattern. The grooving does not disturb the edge of the block, which provides excellent traction and allows the framed block to maintain its rigidity. Cool Touch technology also minimizes friction and heat generation caused by excessive groove movement. The tire rides lightly and maintains an inertial, energy-saving motion with low rolling resistance.
Thanks to the uniform tread structure, the Nokian WR D3 responds quickly to steering movements and has a calm, stable contact with the road.
Noise absorption technology (Silent Sidewall Technology).
Tire noise is the second key factor after driving comfort control. Silent Sidewall Technology improves driving comfort. Nokian WR D3 tires have areas in the sidewall that filter noise and vibration from the road surface through the tire tread and direct it towards the bead to reduce noise inside the vehicle.
Cryogenic Canola Compound for extreme driving conditions (ice, snow and wet grip)
The new Nokian WR D3 tread compound, canola cryogenic compound, is a combination of natural rubber, silicon and canola oil; it optimizes winter traction, wet grip and wear resistance at various temperatures.
A new type of full-silica silicon additives contains the so-called cryosilane, which increases the functionality of the rubber compound. Canola oil provides higher tear resistance and increased grip on ice and snow. Thanks to its high silicon content, the environmentally friendly Nokian WR D3 tires have very low rolling resistance, lower fuel consumption and lower emissions than traditional competitors.
The Nokian WR D3 tires are environmentally friendly - a typical example of Nokian Tires' sustainability principle: product qualities remain virtually unchanged even with aging and wear.
Winter Safety Indicator (WSI) for added safety and comfort
Trouble-free winter driving is only possible when the tires are in good condition. The Nokian WR D3 tires are equipped with a comfort-adding Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) with a unique snowflake symbol, the winter safety indicator.
This standard element, patented by Nokian Tires, is located on the tire tread and indicates the depth of the tread grooves in millimeters. The snowflake symbol remains visible as long as the groove is four millimeters deep. When the symbol disappears, the vulnerability to slush planing and other such phenomena increases significantly, and the driver must purchase new winter tires for safe driving.
The sidewalls of the tire have an info zone, which contains information about the recommended pressure. Proper tire pressure makes steering more precise, reduces tire damage and reduces fuel costs.
The Nokian WR D3 tires are available in a wide range of sizes from 13" to 20", speed ratings from T to W. These new winter products are intended for Central European markets in particular.
TEST RESULTS
Along with ACE/ GTU/ ARBO, the Nokian WRD3 tire was judged by experts from Auto Motorund Sport. Surprisingly, in their ranking, the Finnish tire received only sixth place. The Germans from Auto Motorund Sport noticed a lot of advantages in her, but also identified several drawbacks. On the plus side of the Nokian WRD3, they recorded excellent lateral stability, short braking distances, high traction on snow, good lateral grip on wet pavement, decent aquaplaning resistance and safe handling on dry pavement. As disadvantages, the testers of the German magazine sent a relatively long braking distance on wet pavement, as well as increased rolling resistance. However, despite the sixth line, Auto Motorund Sport recommends the Nokian WRD3.
The Autoreview newspaper has the Nokian WRD3 tire as the class leader. It is noteworthy that despite the focus on mild winters, Russian experts generally approved its use in large cities of central Russia. The tires work well on asphalt, but they do not behave much worse on ice and snow.
Goodyear UltraGrip 9 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Goodyear UltraGrip 9 is new for the season. Like the tires above, it is designed for use in mild winters.
According to the manufacturer, in appropriate weather, Goodyear UltraGrip 9 will provide confident and safe driving on snowy roads thanks to the proven 3D-BIS technology, a new tread pattern, as well as an improved rubber compound.
Goodyear sellers highlight the following positive features of the new model: a high level of siping and a large tread depth of the tire provides confident movement and maneuvering on a snowy road; an optimized tread pattern is needed for hydroplaning resistance; new rubber compound provides improved performance on ice and snow; tire tread wear indicator.
TEST RESULTS
The Goodyear UltraGrip 9 performed equally well in the ACE/ GTU/ ARBO test and in the Auto Motor und Sport test. The first instance gave them the third line. The second - awarded this winter tire "silver". German experts from Auto Motor und Sport scolded the Goodyear UltraGrip 9 only for its relatively long braking distance on wet pavement, and for all other parameters they praised it and recommended it for purchase.
Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The manufacturer's description of these tires says that the new Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D is made with a number of innovative technologies designed to increase safety and improve the information that allows the driver to feel more confident in winter conditions.
The new tires got their name because of the new “four-dimensional siping” system. Compared to the previous model (Dunlop SP WinterSport 3D), the company's engineers have added a new transverse sipe to the proven 3D sipe system and created a micro block that allows better distribution of pressure in the contact patch. The 3D technology increases the number of sipes and hence the engagement edges, further enhancing braking and acceleration performance. The new sipe creates an extra lateral lip which is ideal for improving lateral grip. This combination (4D SipeSystem) creates an independent micro-unit that allows better distribution of pressure for excellent handling and side grip on snow.
Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D tires also feature a sawtooth internal block design to reduce braking distances in deep snow. On ice, the performance of the new Dunlops has been enhanced by a compound containing "functionalized polymers" that keep the rubber from hardening in cold temperatures.
Such polymers provide the optimal dynamic stiffness required at various temperatures. These active ingredients in the rubber compound ensure that the tires can perform excellently on wet pavement without sacrificing snow performance.
But how is it in practice?
TEST RESULTS
Dunlop SPWinter Sport 4D passed through three winter tire tests. These tires covered ACE/ GTU/ ARBO, Auto Motor und Sport and ADAC, where these tires finished fourth, third and third again, respectively. AutoMotorundSport experts noted good handling, short braking distances and high lateral stability on snow. In addition, the Germans from a reputable magazine liked the behavior of the Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D on wet pavement. As disadvantages, they singled out only significant rolling resistance noise, which, however, did not affect the conclusion. These winter tires are recommended by AutoMotorundSport experts. As did their counterparts at the ADAC club, who primarily liked the balance of these tires, as well as their predictable behavior on wet pavement.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
TEST RESULTS
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 was tested by the ADAC club and the Autoreview newspaper. And they did very well in both instances. Autoreview experts liked the traction properties of the tire on snow. The braking was also good, but the handling was not so perfect. On dry pavement, everything is worthy, but on wet pavement, competitors objectively look stronger.
The expert group of the ADAC club declared a comparable alignment, adding only a resource to the list of advantages. These tires are more likely to puncture than to wear out the tread pattern. Curiously, Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 tires are available in two versions: with an asymmetric tread pattern (“for everyone”) and with a specially designed directional tread pattern for Porsche cars (eight sizes marked NO and N1).
TEST RESULTS In the third generation, the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 tires received a directional tread pattern reminiscent of Pirelli Snowcontrol tires. It is possible that it was the “directionality” of the tread pattern that helped Pirelli tires demonstrate better resistance to slashplaning. But in the rest of the exercises, this figure did not justify hopes. On ice, the tires operate at an average level characteristic of Central European winter tires. On the snow, they hold well in the transverse direction, but the acceleration dynamics are the weakest in the Auto Review test.Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
Michelin Alpin 5 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The manufacturer says that the tires are produced using the latest technologies, using an improved rubber compound, and have a modern tread pattern. Manufactured using electronic quality control of finished products. All this is designed to ensure the safe behavior of the car in mild winter conditions. Is it really?
TEST RESULTS
French tires have always been pampered with a well-balanced balance. But in the case of the Michelin Alpin 5, things are not so simple at all. If in the Auto Motor und Sport test these tires performed well, sharing fourth place with the Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3, then ADAC experts sent the Michelin Alpin 5 to seventh place, honoring the model with only a “satisfactory” rating. Although this tire seems to have obvious weaknesses also no.
Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
If the manufacturers of tires higher on the list point out that they are designed exclusively for the mild winters of central Europe, then on the Pirelli website the Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3 friction winter tire is presented as a universal winter product. The company promises excellent traction and braking on snowy roads. High level of lateral grip.
TEST RESULTS
The Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3 winter tires have passed the ACE/ GTU/ ARBO proving grounds, Auto Motor und Sport magazine and two ADAC tests. The ACE/ GTU/ ARBO triad placed these tires in sixth place, while recommending them for purchase. Auto Motor und Sport magazine gave the Pirelli winter tires the fourth line, also with a recommendation to buy, but the ADAC club testers rated the Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3 only satisfactorily, sending this Velcro to the eighth and ninth lines.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 is a frost-resistant winter friction tire for passenger cars. This is how this tire is described on the Bridgestone website. The manufacturer promises traction on snowy ground and high performance in rainy weather. In this regard, it is not entirely clear which winter this model is oriented towards.
TEST RESULTS
The Japanese tire industry in the winter tire segment, as always, proved to be no above average. In the Auto Motor und Sport test, Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 tires only ranked seventh. And this is out of ten possible. However, the Germans still honored this model with the status of “recommended”, although they scolded it for poor lateral stability, long braking distances and low traction on snow. At the same time, in fairness, it is worth noting that the Germans saw the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 and dignity. In particular, the behavior on the pavement, both dry and wet.
OFFICIAL INFORMATION Hankook Winter I*cept RS W442 is an economical winter tire with improved grip and traction on snowy and icy roads. With these words, the description of the model begins on the official website of the Korean tire giant. Hankook Winter I*cept RS W442 is a winter tire designed for high performance vehicles. Tread blocks with oversized notches and sipes provide excellent traction on snow and ice. Tires are great for harsh winter conditions. Thanks to the rubber compound with Silica components, rolling resistance is reduced to a minimum, which reduces noise, improves comfort and, last but not least, reduces fuel consumption. The stiffening rib divided into segments provides excellent directional stability and maximum handling on snowy roads. The notches on the tread provide unusually powerful grip, as well as short braking and accelerating distances. Longitudinal grooves perfectly remove water and snow from the contact patch, thereby increasing the maneuverability and balance of the car on an icy road. The tire tread carcass was created using computer simulation, which made it possible to optimize all the properties of the Hankook Winter I * Cept RS W442 tires to the maximum. The use of the latest technologies in the creation of tires has made it possible to increase their strength and wear resistance. The level of rolling resistance has also been significantly reduced, which has reduced fuel consumption. TEST RESULTS The Hankook Winter i*Cept RS W442, like the Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3, passed all four tests. The association ACE / GTU / ARBO, these tires, like the Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3, received the sixth place, and the publication Auto Motor und Sport - the eighth, which did not prevent the German experts from recommending these tires. In the ratings of the ADAC club, Korean winter tires received eighth and tenth lines with a “satisfactory” stamp.Hankook Winter i*cept RS W442 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION Winter car tires Toyo Snowprox S943, designed specifically for a wide range of compact and medium-sized family cars. The model was presented to the public in 2013. Toyo has developed an even more comfortable and practical model, demonstrating excellent driving performance on wet and dry pavement, as well as confident braking in snowy and icy areas. TEST RESULTS Japanese-made winter tires are rarely ready for real winter. And if Bridgestone or Yokohama are still well known, then Toyo winter tires are somehow not talked about. And good! According to experts, they are adapted exclusively for the Japanese winter, and not for European or Russian ones. Auto Motor undSport magazine gave these tires a Conditional Recommended rating. The Toyo Snowprox S943 ranked ninth overall in their test. And at ADAC, the same rubber received only the eleventh, along with the comment “satisfactory”.Toyo Snowprox S943 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION Winter tires Firestone Winter Hawk 3 are designed and adapted to the specifics of operation on medium-sized passenger cars in urban areas. The tire is an evolutionary continuation of the WinterHawk winter tire series. It retained all the advantages of its predecessors - high levels of safety, traction and grip on a winter road - and increased its own operational resource by 30% compared to its predecessors. In addition, this model received a more balanced tread design, which increased the stability, smoothness and comfort of driving on a winter track. Claimed benefits of using the Firestone Winter Hawk 3 tire: The completely new directionally symmetrical tread pattern is distinguished by the same depth throughout its entire area - from one “shoulder” to the other. This technology made it possible to achieve the same quality of grip with the road surface at any point of the tread, which minimized the occurrence of sudden vehicle movements and increased overall driving safety on a snowy track. Compared to the tires of the previous generation of the WinterHawk series, this model received a modified rubber compound formula, which received its own brand name - Nano Pro Tech. Its distinguishing feature is an increased proportion of frost-resistant additives, which allows the Firestone Winter Hawk 3 to maintain elasticity, increasing grip on frosty days by almost 10% compared to winter tires of the same class. The V-shaped tread pattern in the central part of the tread forms an anti-snow wedge included in the efficient drainage system of the Firestone Winter Hawk 3 tire, which disperses water and melted snow from the central part to the shoulder areas and beyond the contact patch. This technology increases the directional stability of the car when overcoming difficult sections of the winter route. TEST RESULTS The little-known tire Firestone Winter Hawk 3 is a curious model. In the ADAC test, she was awarded the fourth position and a "good" rating. Experts did not find obvious disadvantages in this model, and therefore only praised it. The German Automobile Club especially liked the clear balance and confident behavior on the ice. No worse than the Firestone Winter Hawk 3 behaves on asphalt, and relatively low fuel consumption will be a nice addition. Good winter tire.Firestone Winter Hawk 3 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION Fulda KRISTALL MONTERO 3 is a tire that will work effectively all winter, but still a European winter. Maximum efficiency in all winter conditions. The Kristall Montero 3 handles cold, wet, snowy and icy roads with ease - all at an affordable price. Its features: excellent grip on snowy roads; designed specifically for efficient operation throughout the winter; excellent traction at low temperatures. TEST RESULTS The winter tire Fulda Kristall Montero 3 passed the test of only one instance - the ADAC club. And she showed herself average. The Germans praised her for her snow discipline and scolded her for her behavior on asphalt, which is extremely unexpected for the layman. Usually Velcro is expected to be less expensive on asphalt and some weaknesses are allowed in the original winter disciplines. In the case of the Fulda Kristall Montero 3, the opposite is true, and in general, this is not the only tire with a similar alignment.Fulda Kristall Montero 3 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
Scandinavian style models for harsh winters
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION
The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 studless winter tire is designed to withstand the most severe winter conditions. It works great both in the city and in the countryside. The manufacturer promises improved grip and steering precision not only for a couple of seasons, but also as the tire wears out. Innovation has helped achieve this.
Nokian Cryo Crystal concept
Excellent grip in winter, responsive steering. The smallest particles added to the rubber compound, shaped like polyhedral crystals, bite into the road surface, working like tires and significantly improving grip on ice. The traction properties of such a tread compound are retained for a long time, even if the tread groove depth approaches the minimum limit of 4 mm. This rubber compound operates safely over a wide temperature range while improving tire wear resistance.
New cryosilane rubber compound with silica
The new rubber compound is not afraid of wet or icy roads. Rapeseed oil (a type of rapeseed) optimizes the interaction between silica and natural rubber. Like the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 studded tire compound and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 friction compound, the amount of natural rubber has been increased.
Natural rubber works as a stabilizer over a wide range of temperatures. The tread compound of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 remains flexible in all conditions. The sipes in the tread blocks work actively, despite the level of grip and temperature changes. The rapeseed oil improves the tire's tear strength and improves grip on snow and ice.
Frequent lamella, partially enlarged lamellae.
The aggressive design of the projector is covered with a grid of frequent lamellae. Wider sipes in the central part of the tread increase the grip area of the tire, especially when its level on wet ice is minimal, which indirectly guarantees high grip on heavy winter roads.
In addition, special pump sipes improve traction on wet surfaces. They are built into the shoulder blocks of the tire and pump water out of the contact patch with the road, providing reliable grip.
The teeth between the blocks increase the quality of grip on icy and snowy surfaces. Located between checkered blocks, improve grip during braking and acceleration, especially on snow and ice.
And special sipe reinforcements improve traction on ice and snow. They are located in the shoulder areas of the tread and activate the activity of the sipes on the most slippery surfaces, due to which a wider sipe opens up a narrow one, improving the functionality of the tread.
Claws against slush
They resist planning on sludge. The claws are located between the checkered blocks in the shoulder areas. Designed to break snow and water porridge, biting into it with sharp edges. The claws prevent the accumulation of slush between the tread blocks, which, according to the manufacturer, increases the safety of riding in the off-season.
New directional tread pattern with rigid central rib improves directional stability. The united central part of the tread increases safety, provides its more uniform wear during long-term operation of the tire.
The multi-layer tread structure, designed specifically for friction tires, works in combination with rubber compounds. In terms of directional stability, this combination brings the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 to a level that surpasses conventional friction tires. The tire does not move off course, but stubbornly moves forward with any changes in winter weather. Sensitive handling helps the driver to notice changes in the level of grip, which makes it possible to respond in time to changes in the traffic situation.
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 snowflake-shaped winter wear indicator remains until the tread groove wears down to a depth of 4 mm. Beyond this limit, tires are considered unsafe for winter use and are recommended to be replaced.
Updated info section on the sidewall - you can make notes about the recommended tire pressure and their location, you can enter the torque of the wheel bolts.
56 sizes from 13 to 20 inches. The speed index of the novelty, like that of the previous model, is 170 km / h.
TEST RESULTS
The victory of the friction Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2, designed for harsh winters, was not a revelation. The Finnish manufacturer invests a huge stock in its own top models. On ice, there is minimal loss of traction in the longitudinal direction compared to studded tires, and on the track, the handling of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 tires even surpasses some of them! On snow, everything is also consistently strong. But on the pavement, the unbridled power of the Hakkapeliitta R2 dwindles somewhat. The soft tread, indented with numerous lamella cuts, cannot effectively withstand increased loads. At the same time, non-studded Nokian ride comfortably and quietly. In addition, they have low rolling resistance. The lack of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 on wet pavement was more clearly described in Test World. In their opinion, they performed poorly in this discipline.
OFFICIAL INFORMATION Goodyear refers to technology when explaining the advantages of its tires. According to them, ActiveGrip technology maintains optimal contact with extremely slippery road surfaces. Combined with cryo-adaptive materials, ActiveGrip technology provides excellent performance on ice. Active serrations on the blocks increase the transfer of lateral forces during maneuvers, providing excellent stopping distance on ice and increasing performance. Side-open grooves combined with shouldered sawtooth blocks improve snow and water evacuation and improve tire performance in deep snow. TEST RESULTS If the victory of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 was predictable, then the first place of the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 in the Test World test came as something of a surprise. They received the "gold medal" primarily for balance. They perform well on snow and ice, as well as on wet pavement. In addition, parameters such as comfort and rolling resistance are also at a decent level.Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION Winter friction tires Continental ContiViking Contact 6, designed specifically for the Russian winter, in the fall of 2014 will replace its predecessor, Continental ContiVikingContact 5, which has proven itself in the Russian market. Improving grip was the main goal in the development of the new premium winter tires, which in turn improved driving safety on snow and ice covered sections of the road. Functionally divided into three parts, the asymmetric tread of the new Velcro tires is made of a soft rubber compound. It is designed so that when cornering, the areas that take the most load along the edges of the tread, with the help of reinforced double blocks, provide improved grip on snow and asphalt, and the central section of the tread provides effective grip on ice. TEST RESULTS German winter tire without studs, but Scandinavian type - Continental ContiVikingContact 6 shared 2nd-3rd place in the Test World test with French tires Michelin X-ice Xi3. Continental is the novelty of the season. They have good performance on snow, but somewhat worse behavior on wet pavement - in critical situations, their reactions can be too slow and blurry. At the same time, on a dry surface, Continental is among the leaders. In addition, they have a low noise level and reduced rolling resistance, which saves fuel.Continental ContiVikingContact 6 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION Michelin, along with competitors, claims many advantages that are achieved through the use of a number of technologies. In particular, Michelin Xi3 tires have more tread blocks, which as a result gives them more gripping edges for increased traction. The outer side of the center blocks has a zigzag shape, further enhancing both lateral and longitudinal traction, the sipes arranged at three angles provide sufficient grip, no matter what angle the tire is in relation to the movement. Neighboring blocks partially contact, protecting the overall structure from unwanted deformation when driving on dry asphalt. The shoulder area is ridged for improved traction in deep snow. TEST RESULTS Michelin X-ice Xi3 performed well in traditional winter disciplines. On snow and ice, they showed themselves on a par with the leaders. As a result, Michelin received the same rating as Continental and, like them, feel a little insecure on the pavement. The noise is low, but the rolling resistance is too high.Michelin X-ice Xi3 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
OFFICIAL INFORMATION When driving on an icy slope in winter, water on the ice surface causes slipping. Non-studded tires are made using a Multi-Cell Compound rubber compound, which, thanks to its microscopic pores, ensures tighter contact with the ice. As the tire passes over the surface of the water, these pores act as tiny reservoirs to drain water and absorb it into direct contact with the road. Bridgestone has taken this technology even further to create the new Multi-Cell Compound. The special hydrophilic coating of these pores made it possible to improve the absorbent properties. The new compound can absorb more water from the ice surface, allowing the rider to apply braking performance more confidently. New asymmetric tread pattern The new asymmetric tread pattern of the Bridgestone Blizzak VRX improves snow flotation by providing full contact with snowy roads. The arrow-shaped tread blocks provide even traction, while the cross grooves effectively capture snow. When installing them, it is necessary that the inner side of the tire (with the inscription inside) is inside, and the outer side of the tire (with the inscription outside) is outside. Tires with an asymmetric tread pattern do not have a direction of rotation. Excellent grip on ice In addition to the new Multi-Cell Compound tread compound, BLIZZAK VRX incorporates various technological advancements that deliver superior driving performance no matter the winter conditions. Especially the new Multi-Cell Compound made it possible to significantly improve handling and braking performance on icy surfaces. In Bridgestone's own tests, the BLIZZAK VRX allowed riders to stop on bare ice as much as 10% closer than the previous model. Maximum performance on snow Compared to the previous model, the number of lateral grooves (intersections) has been increased on the BLIZZAK VRX, which improves the snow gripping properties between the tread blocks when in contact with a snowy surface, and, at the same time, helps to effectively self-clean during rotation. In addition, a new asymmetric tread pattern (with grooves of different widths in the center and at the edges of the tire) has optimized performance in every area of the tread. Long service life The longer a tire is used, the more its performance deteriorates and the harder the rubber becomes. As the tread wears, the new Multi-Cell Compound creates new micro-pores, keeping the rubber compound soft and providing effective braking for a long time. We are proud to report that BLIZZAK VRX tires will last 3-4 seasons. TEST RESULTS The Bridgestone Blizzak VRX tire was tested by the Autoreview newspaper. The experts of the publication liked the braking on ice. Acceleration and handling seemed somewhat weaker. On snow, the results are moderate, but the tread does not cope well with snow-water porridge. I was also surprised that on dry pavement, the grip properties are close to ideal, but on wet braking, almost the worst. That being said, the Bridgestone Blizzak VRX is very comfortable, which is especially unusual in light of the fact that the Blizzak VRX tires are extremely impact resistant. Even at a speed of 95 km / h, the experts did not manage to spoil the tire.Bridgestone Blizzak VRX - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test
The ADAC club offered the audience the results of measurements of friction (non-studded) tires for European-style winters, which are poorly suited to Russian conditions. However, to complete the picture, it would be useful to see their results.
A selection of Finns from Tuulilasi turned out to be much more relevant. They assembled eight sets of Scandinavian-type studded winter tires. That is, tires designed primarily for snow and ice, but at the same time appropriate on cold pavement. Snow and ice tests were carried out in Ivalo (Finland) in the first week of March. The temperature fluctuated around zero degrees. Winter tires were worn by the Volvo S60 sedan and the Volvo V70 station wagon. Most of the measurements were carried out using V-Box equipment. Auxiliary systems ABS and ESC were included - in the latter case, the Sport mode was used, which allows for slight slippage. Races on dry and wet asphalt were carried out in the Finnish Tampere.
Tuulilasi experts accelerated and braked on ice, evaluated handling on slippery surfaces, tested the same parameters on snow, that is, they tested the tires in primordially winter conditions. At the same time, they did not forget about dry and wet asphalt, as well as about the resistance to slashplaning (a parameter showing the speed at which a car emerges on snow and water slush. An analogue of aquaplaning in summer). Finnish experts also evaluated the rolling resistance, and hence the fuel consumption.
ADAC club tire test (non-studded winter tires of the Central European type. Designed exclusively for mild winters) -
Continental ContiWinterContact TS850
German tires Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 became the leader of the German test. After passing all the disciplines, the experts came to the conclusion that the main advantage of this model is a well-balanced balance. Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 behaves equally confidently in all cases, of course, adjusted for the class. Velcro of the Scandinavian type ContiVikingContact 5 feels much better on ice, not to mention the studded model Continental ContiIceContact. But for a winter tire of the Central European type, the performance of the ContiWinterContact TS850 on wet pavement and ice is unrivaled.
Bridgestone Blizzak LM001
Winter tires of Japanese brands usually do not shine with talent against rivals. But this is only in the case when models for severe cold are compared with each other. But Japanese tires for mild winters feel much better in the circle of competitors. This was also confirmed by the test of the ADAC club. Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 passed all types of tests of the German Institute, keeping within each of them in a favorable green zone.
In mild winter conditions, the ADAC Dunlop Winter Response 2 performed well. The car feels especially good in these tires on snow and wet pavement. The experts also positively assessed the low rolling resistance, which affects fuel consumption, albeit not very significantly.
Dunlop's other Central European winter tires, the SP Winter Sport 4D, performed exactly as well as the Winter Response 2. ADAC praised them primarily for their balance, as did the top-ranked Continental ContiWinterContact TS850, which is quite revealing.
In the tire industry, Michelin is the name. From the French company definitely do not expect weak performance. At the same time, Michelin tires rarely get to the very top of the tire test podium of various publications, year after year being somewhere in the middle of the list. This year's ADAC test was no exception. Experts of the German Automobile Club praised them for their behavior on ice and snow, as well as work on wet pavement. But the results on dry surfaces are worse, and the Germans recorded this aspect as a disadvantage of the French tire, as well as increased noise.
Another model of the French tire giant, the Michelin Alpin A4, performed more confidently than its relative in the ADAC tests. German experts noted a good balance and focused on a huge resource. You're more likely to puncture this tire than wear out the tread pattern. At the same time, it behaves equally safely on dry or wet asphalt and ice.
The Central European "Velcro" of the Korean company Hankook performed satisfactorily in the ADAC measurements. If the summer tires of the Korean company have already approached the level of world leaders, which is especially evident in the Ventus Prime 2 model, then in the case of winter tires, the level of Korean tires is still average. ADAC Hankook Winter i*cept RS W442 experts liked it on dry pavement, but disappointed on snow and wet pavement.
Pirelli SnowControl Serie 3
Within the segment, the Pirelli SnowControl Serie 3 proved to be surprisingly strong on ice and snow. They did not let us down on wet pavement, but did not please on dry. In addition, despite the lack of studs, the Pirelli SnowControl Serie 3 proved to be a noisy model. All in all, it only drew a satisfactory assessment of the ADAC club.
The family trait of Vredestein tires is the tread pattern. The company stubbornly uses the herringbone pattern. In part, this affects the properties of tires. In the ADAC test, they performed well on ice and snow, but were loud and relatively weak on wet pavement.
Tuulilasi magazine tire test(Scandinavian type studded winter tires. Good for Russian winters) – (http://www.tuulilasi.fi)
If in the German test the German tire won, then in the Finnish one - the Finnish one. Last year's novelty is the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 with a huge number of spikes (there are 190 of them in the 205/55R16 dimension). On ice, this is truly a royal tire. On the snow, too, everything is extremely convincing and only on asphalt there are minor errors, which is quite normal for such a generous studding. However, despite this, Tuulilasi journalists noticed that the eighth "hakkapeliitta" steers well in the rain and brakes well on dry pavement. At the same time, it does not critically resist rolling and does not make too loud noise.
Unlike the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, German Continental ContiIceContact tires have been around for a long time. There are even rumors on the sidelines that this tire is about to be replaced by a successor, but so far it is still in service and shows great ability in winter conditions. These tires handle and brake well on ice, and they perform just as well on snow-packed roads. Performance on dry and wet pavement is not outstanding, but decent. The resistance to slushplaning (ascent on snow-water porridge) is not the best, but at the same time it is at a safe level.
Bronze in the Tuulilasi test was pulled out by the studded Pirelli Ice Zero. On the ice, they do not feel much worse than the leaders. Although the rear axle slips are more pronounced here, which makes the driver constantly be concentrated and tense. In addition, after the ice races, some of the spikes loosened up and began to protrude more strongly. In real life, this means that after a couple of seasons there will definitely be fewer spikes, which cannot be said, for example, about Continental ContiIceContact, where the “claws” are planted on a special glue. No misses in the snow. But the resistance to slushplaning is unimportant here. On the slush, Pirelli Ice Zeros pop up a bit early. Not everything is smooth on the pavement, both wet and dry. On wet pavement, the tire brakes well, but in corners it loses its tenacity. On dry pavement, braking is also unimportant. The rolling resistance is low, but the noise level is high. The third place was ensured by the priority of the ice, on which the studded Pirellis are fine.
The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic was outperformed by Pirelli in terms of points, but in terms of the totality of indicators, they are definitely no worse. Although the priorities here are somewhat shifted. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic grips the pavement brilliantly. On wet pavement and slush, they are favorites, which will be in place in Moscow, which is abundantly flooded with reagents. On a dry road, there are no misses either, although the reactions are somewhat smeared. At the same time, everything is also not bad on ice and snow, although it does not quite reach the level of leaders. Braking and acceleration on ice in the zone of good results. On snow, the behavior is a little worse. Analyzing the above, it can be noted that the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic is perfect for wintering in big cities, where the wheels are mostly asphalt, but at the same time snow or ice is not ruled out.
Also included in the test were:- Avatyre Freeze - domestic development
- Gislaved Nord Frost 100
- Toyo Observe GSi-5
- Hankook Winter I*Pike RS+
On each set of tires 205/55 R16 before the tests, the pilots drove 500 km to break them in. After that, the organizers checked the protrusion of the spikes and the hardness of the rubber.
To assess the longitudinal and lateral grip on the ice, the organizers measured the acceleration time, the length of the braking distance and the lap time along the track. Each set was tested at least 7-10 times to identify errors in the results. For a more accurate calculation of the transverse adhesion, a twelve-meter rearrangement was used. This maneuver is also called the "elk test" - a quick detour of a sudden obstacle (moose on the road).
To avoid the subjectivity of the pilot's assessment, several people tested the same tires. They rated for directional stability and handling. Course stability was tested at a speed of 90-110 km / h. The pilot rotated the steering wheel at small angles and observed the behavior of the car on the test tires.
In another test, patency in the snow was checked, the ability to overcome snowdrifts, maneuver, move off and move in reverse. The organizers of the test considered that this is as important for winter tires as all of the above. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic performed best in this test. According to the organizers, with these tires, a front-wheel drive car turned into a real all-terrain vehicle!
Ride and noise in the cabin were evaluated on different surfaces and at different speeds. After testing the tires on ice and snow, the experts assessed how protruding the studs were in the tires.
On asphalt, tires were tested for such an indicator as fuel consumption. All tires were tracked in both directions to compensate for the effects of road inclines or light breeze. The length of the braking distance on dry and wet pavement and directional stability were also evaluated.
And the very last test was to inspect the tires and count the spikes that had come out. Bridgestone tires lost the most - 18 studs. In second place were Toyo tires, which lost 7 studs.
As a result, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 became the winner of the test according to the results of all tests. In second place, with a margin of just half a percentage point, were Continental ContiIceContact 2 tires.
The test results for winter studded tires 205/55 R16 are shown in the tables below.
The winter tire season started at the end of July. The latest winter tires for 2014-2015 have appeared on store shelves and online catalogs.
New winter tires from Nokian
Significantly updated the winter line with tires for passenger cars, including SUVs and commercial vehicles. Nokian offers customers co-production models Nokian Nordman 5 and 5 SUV. Rubber is equipped with spikes of a new modification with a round (for cars) and square (for SUVs) shape. The famous Bear Claw stud retention technology is also implemented in new tire models.
The friction tire line has been expanded with the Hakkapeliitta CR3 model. Tires are designed for difficult climatic conditions. It uses a new steel breaker and a higher content of silica in the mixture. Nokian Hakkapeliitta C3 is designed for installation on minibuses. The rubber is equipped with square-shaped studs and an optimized steel breaker for durability.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV promises the user the strongest sidewall and reliable grip thanks to the use of a new multi-faceted stud. To increase comfort, a soft rubber pillow is placed under the spike.
New from Bridgestone
Updated the line of winter tires for cross-country vehicles. Blizzak DMV-2 has received a new generation of rubber compound. The manufacturer promises unprecedented grip with the road due to the microporous structure of the tread and the removal of 100% of water from the contact patch. Even load distribution is provided by an updated pattern, and ECO-Products technology is designed to reduce rolling resistance.
The range of Bridgestone lightweight friction tires has also been expanded with the Blizzak VRX model. The manufacturer himself calls tires his best creation. A new rubber compound, optimal traction on ice and increased durability are the key characteristics of the rubber, whose name literally translates as "top".
New winter tires from Continental
He released the updated ContiVikingContact 6 to replace the previous flagship of the lineup. Rubber is designed for the harsh winters of Russia and northern countries. The manufacturer has developed a friction rubber tread pattern that is completely different from previous Continental creations. Viking 6 received improved grip, reduced aquaplaning and impeccable braking due to the innovative sipe structure.
In addition to the recognized market leaders in the premium and mid-price segment, the new items showed:
- with Ultra Grip Ice Arctic SUV studded tires and Ultra Grip Ice 2 friction passenger tire
- with new studded model Ice GUARD Stud IG55
She developed the WinterCraft Ice Wi61 with a friction structure and frost-resistant rubber compound and the WinterCraft Ice Wi31 with studding and improved behavior on ice.
Released new studded and friction tire lines: Arctictrekker NP 3 and Arctictrekker NS 3, respectively. The updated models replaced the MA-SPW. Tires are created using the unique Maxxis VIP technology. Rubber received improved grip, increased wear resistance and an optimized rubber compound.
Winter tires for the 2014-2015 season promise greater road safety and driving comfort. Each manufacturer competes with itself in creating the best winter tires. Let's see who made it.
- What tires are best? Choosing the best tires for winter and summer
- Tire width: designation, features of choice and influence on car behavior
- What tires are considered low profile. Pros and cons of low profile tires
- Operating temperature of summer tires and its effect on performance
- Tire mileage
- Top 10 Best Companies: Winter Tire Ranking 2018-2019
- How to choose tires for a car
- Rating of winter studded tires
- Expiration date of car tires and whether expired tires can be used
- How to find out the year of manufacture of a tire. Expiry date of car tires
- What winter tires are best?
- Tire Wear: Causes and How to Determine Tire Wear Level
- What is the shelf life of car tires?
- The most durable summer tires
- Air suspension for lawn NEXT
