On the world market car tires winter tires account for a modest 7-8%. And in Russia, the production of tires for winter period- profitable business, they account for up to 60% of the market. For our country, Scandinavian-type winter tires with a massive tread are suitable, which push snow and ice crust well.
Top 10 best winter tires:
Tires #1: Nokian Hakkapeliitta
Nokian Hakkapeliitta- Tires with 190 spikes and light weight (with the help of special additives) do an excellent job on the track with any type of road surface.
Snow, snowy or frozen surface - it doesn't matter. Indeed, for Nokian Hakkapelitta, becoming the leader in the winter tire rating, there are no barriers. The car, "shod" in this model, shows a short braking distance on dry and wet pavement.
Tires #2: Continental ContilceContact
ContilceContact- universal tires, suitable as cars, and SUVs. Special composition rubber compound Made for cold and unpredictable climates. The car, “shod” in Continental, brakes perfectly on ice and shows good handling, How on snow covered road and on dry pavement. Withstands rapid acceleration and deceleration. To be ContilceContact in the first place, if its slip resistance were perfect. But it's not, so the silver rating winter tires 2018.
Tires #3: Pirelli Winter Ice Zero
Pirelli tire manufacturers test their products in the most extreme conditions, because its operation takes place on an ice and snow surface. Therefore, it is expected that this model performed well on the surface with melted snow and ice. There are no questions about braking and handling under these conditions. So if you're going out of town and the weather is terrible, Pirelli tires are the best choice. Sometimes the car loses traction when cornering. Loud noise tires also does not add pluses winter ice zero. On dry pavement, the braking distance is not as short as we would like, so the bronze rating of winter tires 2018-2019.
Tire #4: Nokian Nordman
Good braking of the Nordman 5 is carried out with the help of a "bear claw" - a protrusion on the tread, which is held vertically when braking. Attractive price of this model, which occupies the 4th place in the rating winter tires 2018-2019, will delight every car enthusiast.
Thanks to Nokian Nordman 5 the car consumes fuel moderately, shows excellent stability on ice, snow and dry pavement. The only drawback: not very comfortable handling by car, with heavy snowfall, it does not show the best cross-country ability.
Tires #5: Nokian Nordman 4
Nordman 4 features reduced noise and spikes with great durability. Special pads soften contact with the road. On wet pavement and ice, the performance of this model, which occupies the middle of the 2018-2019 winter tire rating, leaves much to be desired. But otherwise, Nokian Nordman 4 is a strong middle peasant, sold at affordable price.
Tires #6: Goodyear UltraGripIce Arctic
With special V-shaped sipes, the tire guarantees perfect grip on snowy roads. The performance of this rubber also gives confidence to the motorist. On wet pavement, the “shod” car behaves confidently, however, on dry pavement it turned out to be the slowest of all the models presented in the rating of winter tires this season.
Tire #7: Gislaved Nord*Frost 100
Gislaved Nord*Frost 100 tires with multi-faceted studs for perfect grip on ice. A wide area of contact between the tire and the road surface is made possible by numerous lugs. The car, "shod" in the tires of this model, behaves flawlessly on wet snow and ice road. On dry pavement, the performance of rubber, which took 7th place in the ranking of winter tires, is not so joyful: the rolling resistance is high, and the braking distance leaves much to be desired.
Tires #8: Hankook Winter i*Pike RS W419
Winter tires Hankook Winter i*Pike RS W419 from Korean manufacturer has 180 spikes and a siping system to reduce the braking distance. The car goes perfectly in the snow on the slopes, tracks, forest trails. Dry or wet road in front of you, it does not matter, with Hankook tires Winter your car will be able to drive confidently even on a muddy road. True, on the snow, driving is uneven. This is the only negative of the model that occupies the 8th place in our top of the best winter tires 2018-2019.
No. 9: Formula Ice
Thanks to the hexagonal aluminum studs, the tires of this model are perfectly adapted for driving and braking on snow and ice. The car, "shod" in this rubber, will feel great on dry roads. Formula Ice, ranked 9th in the 2018 winter tire list, will provide the vehicle with a high level of smoothness. This model is suitable for those who live in big city and rarely travels outside of it. Attractive price will be an additional plus in choosing this model.
#10: Michelin X-IceNorth 3
Thanks to the open tread pattern, the tires interact well with the road even when bad grip. With X-IceNorth vehicle will confidently pass through the slush. A car shod with tires of this model showed the shortest braking distance on a dry road. This rubber, which closes this rating, is most suitable in conditions where there is not much snow and ice. Because the car will be mediocre to accelerate and brake with the X-IceNorth 3. This winter tire model is sold at a reasonable price.
Video TOP 10 most popular winter tires in Russia
Here we go? Opening winter season can be considered valid. We publish the first winter tire test of 2016. Experts from the Russian magazine Za Rulem (No. 9/2016) were the first to share their results this year. They tested a dozen winter studded models in size 195/65 R15, which are equipped with inexpensive foreign cars, as opposed to where studs in size 205/55 R16 took part.
Eight test models fit into price range from 650 to 1000 hryvnia. Of the budget, the most inexpensive were tires Chinese company Triangle, the upper limit of this category was behind Hankook and Dunlop products. The medium segment was represented by winter studded Matador tires, Pirelli, Toyo and the Nordman line. And for the premium class, two pairs of the most successful developments in Russia, Goodyear, Michelin, Nokian and Continental, were blown away.
List of tested models:
Triangle Ice Link
Toyo Observe G3-Ice
Pirelli Formula Ice
Nokian Nordman 5
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
Michelin X-Ice North 3
Matador MP-30 Siberia Ice 2
Hankook Winter i*Pike RS W419
Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic
Dunlop SP Winter Ice 02
Cordiant Snow Cross
Continental Ice Contact 2
All "white" tests of these studded tires were carried out at the beginning of March 2016 at the Nokian test site called "White Hell", located in northern Finland on Lake Tammijärvi. The air temperature at the same time ranged from -20°C to -2°C. Skoda Octavia was used as a test vehicle by the testers of the publication "Behind the wheel".
Procedures on snow and ice
For each set of tires, 6-8 measurements were carried out, in the case of a strong spread of indicators - ten. After every two or three sets, the condition of the coating was checked using the base tires and, taking into account the data obtained, the results were recalculated.
Acceleration and braking performance on snow were tested on a small horizontal plateau with slip and anti-lock systems. The acceleration time was recorded from 0 to 40 km/h and the length of the braking distance when decelerating from 40 km/h to 5 km/h.
The best performance from a standing start was found with Cordiant Snow Cross, Pirelli Formula Ice and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires. Latest Result Toyo Observe G3-Ice. The braking lead was taken by Michelin X-Ice North 3 tires, while the underdogs were Triangle Ice Link tires.
Measurements on the ice were taken on a special track covered with a huge awning that hides the ice from the sun and snow, says Technical Specialist. In such conditions, the results are more reliable than in open space. The test disciplines are similar to the "snow" disciplines, with slight differences: the initial braking speed and the final acceleration speed are 30 km/h. And the acceleration time was measured from a speed of 5 km / h, and not from the moment of starting.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires showed the best accelerating dynamics on ice. Continental ContiIceContact 2. The winter studded tires of 2016 Matador MP30 Sibir Ice 2 performed the worst of all. The same situation was preserved in the braking test.
To determine the time of passing the ice lap, 10-12 laps were wound on each set. According to the results of measurements, the Conti IceContact 2 and Dunlop SP Winter Ice 02 tires were the fastest.
Expert work
The testers behind the wheel put subjective assessments of handling on an elongated platform with a length of at least five hundred and a width of about fifteen meters. It made it possible to check the clarity of rectilinear movement at a speed of 90-100 km / h, to simulate changing lanes from one lane to another and avoiding obstacles.
The testers were most confident on Cordiant Snow Cross, Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires. The least liked was the Matador MP-30 Sibir Ice 2 tire with a wide and uninformative “zero”, inhibited reactions to steering turns and the need for significant driver intervention when correcting the course.
Very surprised the expert group with their clarity Chinese tires Triangle Ice Link, but at the same time their scores were lowered due to low information content in the zero zone.
On a snow-covered track of a closed configuration with turns of different curvature, perfectly imitating Russian roads, the test Skoda was more stable on Cordiant Snow Cross, Hankook Winter i * Pike RS W419, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 and Toyo Observe G3-Ice tires.
Testers were pleased with their clear reactions and predictable behavior even in gliding. Triangle Ice Link tires turned out to be the worst, in them the Skoda steering wheel was uninformative, and test car moved too sweepingly and with long slides from drifting at the entrance to the turn to skidding on the arc.
Estimates of handling on very slippery surfaces were made on the ice of Lake Tammijärvi. In the middle of the closed track lay snow a little deeper than the ground clearance. The testers were focused on how clear and easy the vehicle starts, maneuvers and moves in deep snow, how confidently it gets back in its own tracks if it suddenly gets stuck.
In taxiing on icy surfaces, as well as in the handling test on snow, everyone was outperformed by Cordiant Snow Cross, Hankook Winter i*Pike RS W419 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires. clear reactions to steering wheel turns.
Due to low steering information, skid slips and a long recovery of grip after the start of sliding, Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic tires scored the minimum number of points in this discipline.
However, the UG Ice Arctic was not equal in patency through snowdrifts. The testers even compared the test Skoda, equipped with Goodyear tires, with a bulldozer - it was so famously raking snow with its front bumper.
Worse than others deep snow rowing representatives of China. Triangle Ice Link tires are very uncertain and reluctant to contact with snowdrifts, and it is very difficult to get out of a swept track onto a cleared road.
Spike counting
After the "white" tests, the anti-skid spikes were counted. Most secure fixation steel teeth Continental tires ContiIceContact 2 and Pirelli Formula Ice, which did not lose a single stud during testing.
The Nokian Nordman 5, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 and Michelin X-Ice North 3 models lost two “thorns” from the entire set, Triangle Ice Link, Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic and Matador MP30 Sibir Ice 2 tires were missing three or four thorns. Observe G3 Ice missed seven "carnations".
The Hankook Winter i*Pike RS W419 (-15), Dunlop SP Winter Ice 02 (-13) and Cordiant Snow Cross (-10) tires finished the snow-ice tests with the highest stud losses.
asphalt exercises
Test disciplines on "gray" asphalt were held at the junction of April and May 2016 at an air temperature of 4°C to 7°C - at the temperature limit for changing winter tires. The first exercise is to measure the fuel economy of fifteen-inch studs.
Immediately before the measurements on the warm-up lap, we evaluated directional stability and ride comfort (noise and smoothness of movement). Jogging on roads with different types of coverage was carried out after measurements, which made it possible to give full feedback on the comfort of the test participants.
Pirelli Formula Ice, Nokian Nordman 5 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires distinguished themselves with the highest fuel efficiency in urban and suburban mode. And the Cordiant Snow Cross model was named the most voracious, although the difference in fuel consumption with the leaders of the test discipline was only 200 ml of gasoline per 100 km.
Skoda Octavia at a speed of 110-130 km / h kept the course most clearly and made soft lane changes, being equipped with Michelin X-Ice North 3 tires. The test pilots were most stressed by the Triangle Ice Link tires with a very wide smeared “zero” and lack of information content.
In quietness, there were no significant differences between a dozen studs, and in terms of smoothness, the Conti IceContact 2, Hankook Winter i * Pike RS W419 and Michelin XIN3 tires stood out for the better.
Wet and dry braking performance was measured when decelerating from 80 and 60 km/h to 5 km/h (to cut off possible ABS interference). In wet conditions, Continental ContiIceContact 2 works best. The least safe in this matter Dunlop tires SP Winter Ice 02 and Cordiant Snow Cross.
On dry land, Triangle Ice Link tires have the shortest braking distance, Cordiant again has the longest.
Results
The victory with a score of 929 points went to tires made in Russia. The silver of the test was taken into account for the model (916 points). Experts behind the wheel unanimously recognized their high cost as their main shortcomings.
On the third step of the pedestal of this winter test climbed winter studded tires c, notes the technical specialist, which the testers could not call excellent, since the “beeps” did not reach the coveted mark of 900 by six points.
Test results Behind the Wheel: studded winter tires 2016, places 12-7 (click to enlarge) Tires Hankook Winter i * Pike RS W419 and, which took fourth and fifth places, respectively, are recommended for those car owners who are willing to spend at least $ 150 on a set of winter studded tires. According to the ZR expert group, these models are very good, as they did not fail in any of the disciplines.
The sixth to tenth places were taken by tires: Toyo Observe G3-Ice (6-7), Cordiant Snow Cross (6-7), (8), (9) and Pirelli Formula Ice (10). Their "ceiling" is 850-870 points, and they are also considered a good option for winter installation. However, each of the models has its drawbacks.
In this case, the Russian magazine ZR considers the most profitable acquisition ... drumroll... Russian Cordiant Snow Cross tires, motivating their position with the high performance of these tires at a modest price, which, however, are not very suitable for operation in the city.
At the same time, the price of Michelin X-Ice North 3 tires was found to be overpriced and clearly inappropriate for the level of performance.
Test results Behind the Wheel: studded winter tires 2016, 6-1 places (click to enlarge) The outsiders of the first winter test behind the wheel of 2016 are the Triangle Ice Link and the novelty of this season - winter studded tires. What a disappointment for Slovak fans.
These explicit budget models did not at all inspire the testers, but forced them to admit that for lack of better options and with careful driving with Matador and Triangle tires, at the very least, it is possible to overturn.
Usually, in order to answer all the questions of one test, it is not enough. On our website you can familiarize yourself with, as well as, which were held by authoritative specialized publications and organizations.
Since we are talking about Russia, Za Rulem magazine compared winter tires that our car owners use more often than others, namely, affordable 14-inch tires.
The following winter non-studded, so-called "Scandinavian" tires were included in the 2015-2016 rating: Cordiant Winter Drive, Nordman RS, Bridgestone Blizzak VRX, Toyo Observe GSi-5, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2, as well as the relatively expensive Nokian and Continental.
Experts measured acceleration and braking on snow and ice. The behavior of tires on asphalt was tested. The experts were strict, because h The better winter tires do their job, the less problems the driver will have on the road. It is believed that modern tires allow you to maintain control on any surface - wet asphalt, ice, loose snow and so on. What winter non-studded tires are better to choose?
After the tests conducted by the specialists of the magazine "Behind the Rulem", the places in the ranking of winter non-studded tires - "Velcro" were distributed as follows:
7 Cordiant Winter Drive
Pros: very good braking properties on snow.
Cons: The weakest braking properties on dry pavement, weak - on wet. Unsatisfactory directional stability on asphalt. Difficult handling on snow and ice. Limited permeability. Not high level comfort.
Conclusion: They have very modest characteristics, their best qualities open on snow-covered roads.
6 BridgestoneBlizzakVRX
Pros: Very good braking properties on asphalt. Satisfactory exchange rate stability.
Cons: Difficult handling on snow and ice. Limited permeability. Low level of comfort.
Conclusion: they will reveal their best qualities on cleaned asphalt roads.
5 ToyoobserveGSi-5
Pros: Very good braking properties on snow. Smooth expert opinions across all disciplines.
Cons: Weakest lateral grip on ice. Weak braking properties on ice.
Conclusion: They will reveal their best qualities on snow-covered and cleaned asphalt roads.
4 nordmanRS
Pros: High traction on ice. Clearly following the course on a snowy road. High permeability.
Cons: The weakest braking properties on wet pavement, weak on dry pavement. "Loose" directional stability on asphalt. Noisy.
Conclusion: They will reveal their best qualities on icy and snowy roads, on winter off-road.
3 Continental ContiVikingContact 6
Pros: Best Overclocking on snow and braking properties on wet pavement. Very good lateral grip on ice and braking on dry pavement. Quiet.
Cons: Weak braking properties on snow. Fuzzy following the course on asphalt. Rigid.
Conclusion: suitable for any winter roads.
2 good yearUltra GripIce2
Pros: Better lateral grip on ice, better braking performance on snow and asphalt. High lateral grip on snow.
Cons: Low level of comfort.
Conclusion: Suitable for any winter roads, but their best qualities will be revealed on asphalt.
1 NokianHakkapeliittaR2
Pros: Better traction on ice, high on snow. The most economical. Clear controllability, strict adherence to the course. High permeability.
Cons: Average braking properties on asphalt.
Conclusion: suitable for any winter roads and off-road.
Seasonal tire change is a prerequisite for the operation of vehicles. Each type of rubber is designed for certain weather conditions. This is affected by the composition of the material of manufacture, the tread pattern and the presence of additional elements.
When is it legal to change to winter tires in 2016?
Timely change of tires from 01.11.2015 is fixed on legislative level . The Technical Regulations of the Customs Union (TR CU) in Appendix 8, section 5.5 states that winter tires with spikes are prohibited in summer - from June to August. The same applies to summer tires, for which the limitation is December, January and February. 
In fact, there are no clear rules when to change shoes for winter tires in 2016. Information on amendments to Law No. 16 -FZ "On Transport Security" regarding the procedure for changing tires of one type to another is not true. Therefore, the issuance of fines by traffic police officers on the basis of the existing regulations is illegal. The exception is the minimum tread depth on winter tires, which must not be less than 4 mm. In this case, a fine of 500 rubles may be issued.
But for your own safety, it is recommended to follow the rules for replacing tires on a car from summer to winter:
- Constant air temperature less than +5 °C. Summer models change their properties, which leads to a deterioration in road grip;
- If winter tires are marked " M S" - they can be used from September 1 until the end of spring;
- Take into account the climatic features of the region. This applies to the installation of studded tires.
Be sure to check the condition of winter tires - the degree of tread deformation, the presence of defects.
The best winter tires 2015-2016: test, ratings, reviews
There are several factors to consider when choosing the best winter tires. The main one is the quality of the tires and their appearance. Additionally, the date of manufacture is taken into account (no more than 2-3 years), load index (depends on the mass of the car), speed index, wear resistance.
The following classification of winter tires is conventionally accepted:
- European. Maximum grip in rain or wet snow. They have a diagonal pattern with a large number of thin slots;
- Scandinavian. Designed for trips on snowy or icy roads. Are characterized sparse pattern, there are many sipes (small strips) on the treads;
- Studded . The best option for ice. Spikes may be round or quadrangular shape ;
- With an asymmetrical pattern. The inner part contributes to better grip for snow-covered surfaces, and the outer part - with asphalt.
For selection, it is recommended to study the winter tire test 2015-2016. This may be the data of expert publications or specialized companies. It is important to read reviews about operational properties of a particular model of winter tires.
Winter tire test R16 2016 according to the magazine "Behind the wheel"
For the test of winter tires, the specialists of the magazine "Behind the wheel" identified a number of factors. The most interesting results were shown by studded tires R16. They were evaluated in terms of cross-country ability, the quality of adhesion with various surfaces, directional stability and the impact on fuel consumption. Based on this, five most optimal models were identified. 
1 Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
Went on sale in 2009. When traveling on ice, they showed optimal longitudinal grip. Also on this surface, high-quality acceleration and braking were observed, cornering stability was good. During trips in deep snow, a positive agility index. It is not lost when switching driving modes.
On dry pavement, braking is weak, the noise from the spikes penetrates the cabin. However, during long trips, abrasion of the studs was not observed - a decrease in the height of the protrusion was 0.1 mm. 
2 ContiIce Contact
Began to be sold in Russia since 2010. Tests on classic "winter" tracks showed good results. On ice and snow, grip is excellent in all directions. With a significant amount of snow, advancement is possible only by slipping.
There is also a small indicator informative on the steering wheel. The test on wet and dry pavement showed the best results. Braking and acceleration are carried out according to the technical data of the vehicle. Control adjustment is minimal. 
3 Michelin X—Ice North 2
Tires have been sold since 2009. A characteristic difference is spikes with a large core. On ice, the grip properties in the longitudinal direction are average, in the transverse direction - good. On a snowy track, these indicators show good control.
Braking on dry and wet pavement is within normal limits. There is a dampening of minor fluctuations. The disadvantages include the noise level. 
4 Pirelli Winter Carving Edge
The first models have been on sale since 2008. The manufacturer is constantly improving the model, but without external changes. Experts note the optimal properties of transverse and longitudinal grip on ice. The same figures for high snow cover.
But for good grip, you have to sacrifice comfort. Trips around paved trails are accompanied by high levels of noise. Fuel consumption is average, regardless of driving style. 
5 Nordman 4
They have been sold in Russia since 2009. Worked well on icy roads. All types of clutch at a good level. Problems arise on a snowy track - there is a dependence on snow density, at small turning angles it is not enough informative.
On paved surfaces need constant course correction. Small bumps vibrate. Noise increase occurs after 40 km/h.
Winter tire test Driving 2015
Rating of the best winter studded tires in 2015-2016
For a complete analysis of studded tires, it is necessary to take into account not only the opinion of the experts of the publication "Behind the wheel". In addition to them, the best winter studded tires 2015-2016 were determined by several others. specialized companies - Tuulilasi, AutoReview and the Test Word edition. Based on these data, an optimal tire rating was formed.. 
1 Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
The main advantages of this model include a large number of spikes - 190 pcs. In order to reduce the mass, special fillers were introduced, the presence of which did not affect the decrease in mechanical strength. Tires characterized good handling on snowy and icy roads, have a minimum braking distance on paved coating .
2 Continental ContiIceContact
The material of manufacture has been modified - components have been added to it that increase the service life at low temperatures and high levels of humidity. Fine recommended yourself when driving on all types of snowy and icy surfaces. The disadvantage is the slippage that occurs when in contact with a mixture of water and ice. 
3 Pirelli Winter Ice Zero
These studded winter tires can be attributed to the middle class. When driving on snowy or icy surfaces, there is a fairly good control. Optimum stopping distance when stopping on icy asphalt in the presence of a water layer.
However , when cornering , the grip is not good enough . The braking distance has also been increased paved coating . 
4 Nokian Nordman 5
To increase grip with the track, a special spike is installed in the upper part of the tread, shaped like a bear's paw. Additionally worth noting democratic cost, good car handling performance when traveling in winter.
The degree of operating comfort is not high - high noise levels and problems with sensitivity at sharp turns , rather big braking distance on dry pavement . 
5 Goodyear UltraGripIce Arctic
In this model winter studded rubber was applied original v—figurative thorn. IN aggregates With drawing protector created reliable clutch With road surface. TO shortcomings Can attributed reduced controllability at sharp maneuvers.
Rating the best winter non-studded tires 2015 —2016 G
Availability spikes on tires Not Always acceptable For some conditions exploitation. IN peculiarities This concerns frequent trips By dry paved coverage. IN result this spikes are erased, Part from them falls off, What leads To deterioration properties winter rubber.
For solutions this Problems manufacturers were developed non-studded models tires. Their feature is compound rubber, which Not changes at impact low temperatures. So called « Velcro» will allow manage by car How on icy or snowy track, So And on dry or wet pavement.
1 Nokian HakkapeliittaR2
leader rating winter tires 2015 —2016 G their did good controllability on all types coatings, optimal indicators patency. Consumption fuel Not rises, level noise minimum. Optimal fit For trips By trails or off-road.
To the manufacturer necessary work above improvement brake qualities on dry pavement. But This Not critical, So How meaning brake way Not exceeds admissible.
2 GoodyearUltraGripIce2
Recommended exploitation V urban conditions or on equipped tracks. Their the best quality winter tires showed on paved surfaces. Regardless from degree icing or level snow revealed good transverse clutch on ice. Minimum brake path at clutch With paved surface.
3 Continental ContiVikingContact 6
TO positive parties these tires Can attributed fast overclocking without slippage on snowy road. Also are celebrated good brake quality on wet pavement. Thanks to drawing protector transverse clutch on ice one from the best For tires this class.
IN progress tests was revealed fuzzy following course in time trips on paved road. This conditioned elevated indicators rigidity.
Today, more and more motorists prefer to buy non-studded tires for the winter, and many reasons contribute to this. Firstly, winters in megacities are becoming milder, and frost on the pavement appears less and less. Second, people are more likely to buy four-wheel drive vehicles, and, as many motorists assure, all-wheel drive almost completely compensates for the lack of spikes. And third, efficiency. friction tires has increased significantly, and if earlier, in order to feel confident on the road, it was necessary to “shoe” only studded tires, then with the advent of modern technologies, the presence of studs simply ceased to be mandatory.
But let's get to the point, namely: what tire models are in high demand? The answer will be a specially compiled rating of the best non-studded tires for the winter of 2015-2016.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2
1) The Finnish novelty Hakkapeliitta R2 is designed for use in various urban environments. Nokian has developed a tire that has excellent grip on wet pavement and roads covered with ice and snow.
The developers tried to create at the same time durable, comfortable tires with great design, and they succeeded, plus, thanks to the latest tire composition, they also managed to achieve lower fuel consumption. This model can be “shod” even before the onset of cold weather, which will help to significantly save time that can be lost standing in long queues for tire fitting, and, as you know, they form instantly as soon as the first snow appears.
A full run-in of rubber is 200-300 km, so you will have time to complete it before the onset of real winter.
2) Italian tires Ice Zero Friction can be used on both conventional and all-wheel drive vehicles.
The special directional tread pattern provides the new Pirelli with excellent grip.
Tire center handles snow well pavement, and the presence of grooves helps to avoid hydroplaning.
Wave-shaped shoulder blocks with longitudinally shaped drainage channels increase tire contact with the surface in the area responsible for gripping snow and increase traction. The special composition of rubber, most of which is filled with silicon, makes tires durable even when severe frosts- even if the air temperature is -50˚С, then your car will be able to overcome the intended distance without any problems.
3) Tires of the French brand Michelin were designed specifically for our climate. The X-Ice 3 model is made from a specific mixture and therefore, in comparison with the old models, the novelty boasts a reduced braking distance (by 10%).
In the conditions of our winter, it often happens that the snow suddenly begins to melt abundantly, but for X-Ice 3 this is not an obstacle. Micro-Pump technology, combined with a unique tread pattern, allows the tires to effectively remove snow slush and water precipitation, thereby increasing the level of grip on asphalt. According to manufacturers, X-Ice 3 will last long enough, if you delve into the specifics - such tires are capable of driving at least 60 thousand km.
Nokian RS2 SUV
4) The Finnish company Nokian has released tires for lovers of extreme recreation - RS2 SUV, which cope with snowy expanses, despite unstable weather conditions and road quality.
Here all the most modern technologies: Equipped with special sipes-pumps allows tires to hold steadily on icy surfaces, and reinforced tread blocks provide effective braking. RS2 SUV will be appropriate in those cases, if you plan to go on an off-road trip covered with snow, because even in such conditions the tires guarantee you mass positive impressions received from the trip. The presence of a double cord and a unique rubber composition have a positive effect on the reliability and durability of the product, so that its strength remains beyond doubt, and this is a fundamental factor for cars. off-road overcoming extreme routes.
5) Our winters, just like roads, often throw unexpected surprises at us, and if today the roads are literally littered with snow mixed with mud, then tomorrow all this can turn into ice.
The South Korean company Kumho has released a model of tires that even such a sharp change in the mood of the weather does not care.
Silica in the rubber compound makes the WinterCraft WP51 tires extremely stable even in severe frosts, not to mention specially designed sipes that guarantee excellent grip. In warm weather, tires will provide their owners with confident driving, the reason for which is the presence of multiple grooves with a longitudinal arrangement, which contribute to the active removal of liquid and snow from under the tire. As a result, this will greatly increase their contact with the road surface. WinterCraft WP51 is an ideal option for connoisseurs of comfort and safety.
6) If you want to buy premium winter tires at a regular price, then your choice is the I`Zen KW31 XL model.
Kumho brand tires handle both ice and snow brilliantly, and the presence of sticky blocks located in the center of the tire guarantees good grip.
Thanks to the new rubber composition using environmentally friendly components, the tires also turned out to be economical. Thus, the vehicle's fuel consumption is significantly reduced, and the unique groove placement contributes to comfortable ride not only on slippery ice, but also with slush formed after thawed snow.
7) Japanese brand Bridgestone released the innovative Blizzak WS80 back in 2014, which is still a leader in the winter friction tire market. These tires are designed for cars with any body type, so they are considered universal.
Unlike its predecessor, the Blizzak WS70 tire, the improved model has become even safer and more maneuverable, and also has better traction on icy, snowy and frozen pavement from the winter cold. The Blizzak WS80 features a special rubber compound that retains its elasticity despite sharp drops temperatures. The microparticles included in the structure of the tire stick into the ice, thereby increasing the car's cross-country ability, grip and traction, and the use of the Multicell multi-cellular compound allows the outer layer of the product to actively absorb moisture that forms from contact with the ice surface.
This feature resists slipping and helps to stably enter turns. The central blocks of the tread of this model have a parallelepiped configuration, which, in turn, are cut into two identical triangles, resulting in a significantly larger (by 20%) cutting edges, which reduces the braking distance and improves the road holding of the car. Three-dimensional zigzag lamellas, scattered at different angles over rubber blocks, give it the necessary rigidity and distribute a uniform load.
8) Winter Maxx WM01 tires from UK-based developer Dunlop offer excellent braking performance and good handling on exceptionally varied roads.
The tire tread has an asymmetric pattern.
In addition, the products are made from new tires mixture, which made it possible to equip it with the thinnest lamellas, and increase their openness when in contact with the road surface, which means to improve the braking of the car. The abundant content of silicon in the composition of the rubber allows you to operate tires in any weather. Winter Maxx WM01 will appeal to fans of fast driving.
Which tires to stop on is up to you. We can only advise that buying winter tires is not the case when you can save money, therefore, if possible, it is best to give preference to more expensive models that differ high quality. And remember: what newer tires, the more high-tech they are, because the development automotive products does not stand still, and over time, newly produced products become safer, and safety is the most important criterion for any motorist.
