Winter tires: ranking 2016
Content
The weather in most of Russia makes motorists think about seasonal tire changes every year. Globally, the share of demand for heavy-duty winter tires equipped with studs is small. However, Russia is the main consumer market for such tires. That is why the production of Scandinavian type automotive rubber is a very profitable business in our country.
But even considering that the main consumer of spiked cylinders is Russia, their choice is very diverse. The largest automotive magazines rank winter tires 2015-2016 to make life easier for motorists.
Testing is carried out on real vehicles and in real conditions. No simulators or artificial simulations. For the greatest objectivity, the same tires are tested on bare people, on snow-covered roads in high altitude conditions, with connected and disconnected vehicle auxiliary systems, in sharp acceleration and emergency braking. This takes into account both the acceleration / deceleration time, and the distance of the braking distance, and the maintenance of directional stability, and slipping in conditions of "snow porridge".
Rating of winter studded tires
In Russia, various types of tires are called "winter" tires: both "Velcro" and "studded". But classic winter tires are models of the "Scandinavian" type with a tread capable of pushing through a crust of snow. The characteristics of tires from different manufacturers sometimes vary greatly, but the rating contains the best available on the market. The list of "best of the best" focuses primarily on the quality and characteristics of the cylinders, not their cost.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires are recognized as the best in numerous tests and reviews of their lucky owners. Due to the innovative studding system, in which a special soft rubber backing is inserted under each stud, the manufacturer has achieved a reduction in noise and softening the moment of contact with the roadway. In addition to comfort, these tires are distinguished by their fuel economy and stable directional stability.
Michelin X Ice xi3
The second place is rightfully taken by Michelin X-Ice xi3 tires. Despite the absence of studs, the radial tires made from a special flexible rubber compound show excellent traction results. Additional tread sections provide good directional stability, retain traction, and, as a result, do not affect the increase in fuel consumption. And the absence of thorns eliminates acoustic discomfort.
Continental ContiIceContact
Winter tires Continental ContiIceContact round out the top three and therefore not the cheapest tires. Thanks to the latest studding system and a qualitatively new stud shape, it guarantees excellent grip on the road surface. The manufacturer assures that a special rubber compound is used in the production of this tire model, the composition of which is not disclosed.
The acoustic comfort of these tires is at an acceptable level and does not cause discomfort, but you need to be careful with directional stability: the soft rubber of the sidewalls can cause the feeling of a trip on a summer road.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice +
Although Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice + tires did not make it into the top three, they rightfully occupy the honorable 4th place in the rating. Despite the absence of studs, these tires provide very good traction even on slippery ice, thanks to the Active Grip technology. The same system helps to maintain the vehicle's directional stability at the proper level even in cases of abrupt change of the road surface under the wheels. According to the manufacturer's assurances, this model was produced for cars and SUVs, which are used in places with harsh climates.
Nokian nordman 5
Rounding out the top five are the Nokian Nordman 5. Based on the Hakkapeliitta, these tires provide reliable traction even on the most slippery surfaces. Bear's claw stud technology allows light steel studs to maintain a strictly vertical position, regardless of the quality of the road. And a very rigid central longitudinal rib of the optimal width contributes to a rigid directional stability even at high speeds.
Options for inexpensive winter tires
In our country, there is a large number of motorists with an average income who are not able to pay even for the best winter tires their 1-2 month salary. Manufacturers have also taken care of this category of motorists. Many models of winter tires are made for those who need good tires at a budget price.
Vredestein SnowTrac 5
Vredestein SnowTrac 5 non-studded tires have excellent road holding characteristics thanks to the cunning of the manufacturers. The tread was developed using the unique Stealth Design technology, which was originally used by the military for their own purposes. And the V-shaped design contributes to the excellent drainage of water and snow from the contact patch. By the way, it helps to reduce vibration and noise discomfort.
Matador MP 54 Siberian Snow
The tires of the Matador MP 54 Sibir Snow model were developed for small and medium-sized cars. Non-studded directional rubber with a very aggressive tread pattern perfectly holds the grip on the road surface. Numerous broken grooves and edges on the tread not only provide good traction, but also help maintain a level of safety on wet asphalt or when braking in icy conditions.
What is not typical for budget tires - on the sidewalls there are indicators of the location of the tire, which will be appreciated by both car owners and tire service employees.
Nexen Winguard Snow G WH 2
Nexen Winguard Snow G WH 2 rounds out the top three in the budget segment. At first glance, a completely ordinary non-studded rubber provides excellent travel on snow thanks to the division along the entire circumference of 70 blocks. The specially designed drainage grooves reduce the risk of aquaplaning, and the tread pattern provides good acceleration and braking performance on winter roads.
Cooper Starfire 2
Winter tires Cooper Starfire 2 appeared on the Russian market not so long ago, but in terms of price / quality ratio they have confidently won the 4th place among inexpensive winter tires. By adding more silica to the rubber, the manufacturer increased the elasticity of the tires, which allows them to maintain their characteristics even in the most severe frosts. Due to the increased number of sipes in the tread, these tires behave equally well on snowy and wet roads, which is especially important in the conditions of the Russian winter with severe frosts and prolonged thaws.
When planning to buy another set of winter tires, every Russian motorist is faced with a choice that is often difficult to make. But before doing it, it is important to take into account the nature of your daily trips, remember how often the roads along which daily routes pass and, of course, take into account your budget. And now the choice is such that there are excellent tires for every taste and budget.
Video review of winter tires 2016-2017
Read also materials on the topic: when you need to change your shoes to winter tiresand which winter tires are better than spikes or Velcro?
