Big Winter Tire Test: Choosing "Driving"! The tire test group of SP is answering the questions of the friction tires test.

20.04.2021

Winter in Russia and Ukraine, as a rule, despite all the available forecasts of weather forecasters, comes suddenly and unexpectedly both for motorists and communal services. Surely, almost everyone is familiar with the phenomenon, when after the first snow, it is almost unrealistic to sign up for tireage. Fortunately, winter tires are starting to sell in advance. Thus, the winter rubber season 2014-2015 started in fact in the summer at the end of July 2014. In stores and on the websites of electronic shopping sites began to appear the latest news of the "Winter Shoes" for the car.

Every year manufacturers are trying to come up with something new, both in terms of improving the composition of the rubber itself, the construction of the tire and in terms of marketing and product promotion. What did we bring the season of 2014-2015? Of course, it will simply be unrealistic to evaluate the entire range of products of all manufacturers, because let's fill together only on the main, the best winter tires.

Nokian tires

Finns worked on fame and seriously updated their line of winter tires for passenger cars (including SUVs). The Nokian Nordman 5 and 5 SUV models appeared with modified spikes of various shapes (round for passenger cars and square for SUVs). The price goes from 2135 rubles. In a series of friction tires, the HakkapeliITTA CR3 model appeared for complex climatic conditions with an optimized steel bracker, attaching even greater strength. Separately select a new studded model HakkapeliITTA 8. The number of spikes is increased almost one and a half times. The cost of the novelty changes from 3650 rubles for 175/65 R14 to 13,200 rubles for 245/45 R18.

BRIDGESTONE bus tires

The Japanese updated the Blizzak tire line. In a series of frictional rubber, we highlight the Blizzak VRX model. Due to the improved rubber mixture, the clutch on ice was reinforced and the service period was significantly increased. The cost changes from 2900 rubles for 185/65 R14 to 5900 rubles for 215/50 R17. The Blizzak DMV-2 model appeared for SUVs (the price of 3650 rubles per R15 to 6250 rubles per R18). There is a new microporous tread structure, an updated pattern. Eco-Products branded technology reduces rolling resistance.

Tires companies Continental

The Germans have updated the ContivikingContact (Velcro) line. Already the sixth generation was released. There is a completely new tread pattern, improved clutch with an expensive, innovative lamella structure. Cost varies from 3350 rubles for 175/65 R14 to 8450 rubles for 225/55 R17. Tires are designed taking into account the characteristics of the Scandinavian and Russian winters and especially reliable on ice.

Video about new tires ContivikingContact 6:

Tires of Dunlop.

In the photo Dunlop Ice Touch

On the photo friction tires Dunlop Winter Maxx WM01

Two last year's well-proven tire models are deserved in Russia: studded ICE Touch (price from 2900 rubles for 185/65 R14 to 6950 rubles for R17) and friction DUNLOP WINTER MAXX WM01 (price from 2650 rubles for 185/65 R14 to 7100 rubles for 215/55 R17). No new products for 2015 not yet.

Good Year tires

For the new season, a tires for Ultra Grip Ice Arctic SUV SUVs are presented (on the left in the photo), as well as on the right in the photo - Ultra Grip Ice 2 (from 2850 rubles per R14 to 9000 rubles per R18). The latter deserve attention, because These are the next generation of Ultra Grip Ice popular in Russia. They are made of a special cryoadaptive rubber mixture, which is elastic even at low temperatures. Also on the shelves there are very reliable Ultra Grip Ice Arctic (from 2900 rubles per R14 to 5,700 rubles per R16). They are specially designed for cold Arctic regions. In addition, have improved opportunities for riding on wet snow and slush.

Video about the ice test of winter tires, though for 2013, but nothing, something for yourself will emphasize when choosing new tires for the machine this year:

Winter tires of the new season 2014-2015 is designed to provide increasing reliability and elevated comfort when driving in difficult climatic conditions. For the territory of Russia, this is especially true, because when choosing a winter tires for your car, show special scrupuls and thoughtfulness. Fortunately, the number of manufacturers and assortment of their tires on the market is rather big.

Winter tires with spikes is developing much more intensively than untapped options. That is why manufacturers from year to year offer the very models without special updates. Nevertheless, in the upcoming season, several leadership positions of past years will be unavailable for us. Therefore, the rating of winter unwanted tires 2014-2015 has changed a bit.

We chose the top five, in our opinion, winter tires that are not equipped with spikes. It is worth recognizing, excellent manufacturers technologies perform their task, rubber becomes more technological and allows you to hold even ice from a controlled position. Let's consider the five most interesting proposals not to the market of unwanted winter rubber in the upcoming season.

Continental ContivikingContact 3 - Third Generation of Unchanging Leader

For several years in a row, this model of untapped winter rubber gets the first places in the ratings. Of course, the technical characteristics are demeting the models with spikes, but there are other advantages about which it is necessary to talk.

The fact is that the ContivikingContact tires have a good clutch even with the icy surface of the road. This allows you to get chic control of the car on any coating. Also, benefits are expressed in the following:

excellent car control on the rolled snow;
the ability to go almost from any traps on the winter road;
high quality tread, sufficient tire resource;
resistance to highly low temperatures;
universal operating conditions of rubber.

Unfortunately, this rubber has one significant disadvantage. On wet and cold asphalt increases the braking path. This feature of German tires Continental must simply get used to. Otherwise, the tires do not have cons and can be used in fact on any car in winter.

Gislaved Soft Frost 2 - second generation of excellent tires

The most expressive advantage of this rubber is an excellent combination of price and quality. With a very low cost of the Gislaved bus demonstrate excellent characteristics.

Rubber under the brand Gislaved is made at that very factory that manufactures previous tires. German origin and excellent technical properties give the tires the following advantages:

excellent clutch on ice, etched or fresh snow;
lack of increased erasing of the tread on the asphalt;
normal brakes on any coatings;
resistance to operation at high temperatures.

Winter sometimes provides us with surprises in the form of abnormally high temperatures. If the Gislaved Soft Frost 2 tires are installed on your car, these weather drops are not scary, because the tires behave perfectly and with very high ambient temperatures.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSI - Classic Winter Tires

The proposal of the Finnish manufacturer can really please the owners of any car. These tires received special distribution among drivers of crossovers and compact SUVs. But the dimensions will allow to shine in RSI any car.

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

high car control in turns;
excellent grip with asphalt and snow;
not bad resistance to ice slide;
good ride properties at any speed.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSI is a rubber that is designed for fully universal use. The manufacturer positions its offer for harsh winter conditions, but even at the plus temperature, the rubber behaves quite well.

Dunlop Graspic - Specialized Winter Tires

Dunlop also did not miss the opportunity to get into the ranking of the best winter tires of the 2014-2015 season. The DUNLOP GRASPIC rubber was better than many studded test options.

On ice, these tires demonstrate simply incredible characteristics, provide a wonderful braking path and accelerate well. But there are disadvantages:

in the fresh snow, the protector is completely clogged;
turns on wet asphalt are often uncontrollable;
at too much speed, the tires begins to make unpleasant sounds.

These shortcomings did not give Dunlop Graspic to accommodate higher in the ranking. But it is worth recognizing that the tires perfectly fulfill their tasks and can be the best offer in their class. True, if you get a little a trip on snowy and asphalt coatings.

Michelin X-Ice - Legend of Winter Automotive Tires

In his proposal, the legendary Michelin Corporation has a lot of rubber options for each car. MICHELIN X-ICE Winter tires often become the object of choice of drivers who do not need a sports trip over winter roads.

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

cold Asphalt's trip - the strongest side of the tires;
on the snow and ice of the tires demonstrate some weaknesses;
the brake path is averaged and balanced for any winter road;
the cost of tires is comparable to the presence of some minuses.

Michelin specialists have created X-ICE tires for those drivers who value practicality. It is on the cold and wet asphalt we will have to ride the most in the winter. And if necessary, overcoming ice obstacles, the car can perform this task on these tires.

Let's sum up

Winter tires in 2015 will be needed in the countries of the Customs Union. That is why choose tires this year will have to each owner of the car. Pay attention to the top five models of the tires presented above. Most likely, it is from these options that you can choose suitable tires for yourself.

Buying rubber for winter operation, you should take into account the features of the use of the car during this period, as well as the climatic zone in which you live.

In the US, closer to the north of Detroit (about 300 miles from Detroit), "various tests of winter, popular tires of the model range of 2013-2014 were held. There were 11 pairs of various winter tires on the ship - and six of which with spikes, and five not having any spikes in everyday life of lipukek. For subsequent testing, the standard Hyundai Sonata was used, the size of the wheels of which is 215/55 R17 (R16 in the factory execution). Behind the wheel of this car during tests, the Richard Mei, previously tested winter tires for, SUVs and universal, was known in the past.

Tested tires:

Tests conducted outside the contest:

Before testing, all tires are tested and weighed, and also tested the rubber hardness, compared the speed index and measured the entire departure of spikes. Checked strength and all seemingly not important parts of the tires, as the tests are not out of simple, and some are even very dangerous.

Testings were carried out on ice, as this is the best way to check and evaluate the braking path and the dynamics of overclocking. Eight races needed to drive on every tire tested. The best test results, as expected to guess, have shown studded tires! - It was all expected and this did not surprise anyone, but the following indicators are really amazing ...

Suddenly, the shocking was that the brands of Yokohama and Hankook, if you take into account all testing conditions, - showed the worst result. - After a re-testing was made, which showed that the brands should find a place in the last rows of test results. - Results leave to desire better ...

Some of the most popular tires of the Far East are Toyo and Dunlop. These tires do not have spikes that are called "Velcro". - However, on testing, they did not show themselves "velcro" and, with all that all tests passed at a temperature of minus 9 degrees, they simply did not have a chance.

Later, the next day of testing, when the thermometer showed only one degree above zero, and all testing for tires of non-novel spikes - repeated. The tires slid ... 34.7 meters turned out to be the best result, and last day, test results reached only 16-19 meters. The speed of overclocking increased by 2 times! The cause of such misunderstandings was water, which on the first day of testing was formed at the point of contact with ice tires. Finally, Japanese technologies were able to truly show themselves and turned out to be an excellent result - which really amazes! Dunlop tires showed good results, and Toyo tires could not show the best result, even after testing repeated at 1 degree frost.

It is also necessary to separately select Michelin X-LSE 2 tires, which showed good results regardless of weather conditions. This is a universal type of tire, which is recommended today for everyday ride.

So, three testing leaders who showed the best results: Nokian, Continental, Michelin. Unfortunately, and even to great surprise, the best result of the Michelin X-LSE 2 tire - did not show. Many were surprised by this, because they did a big bet. From here and followed the conclusion that these tires show themselves better in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse one. And the use of Michelin X-LSE 2 in the transverse direction does not recommend many specialists and experts who also did not expect such results from this brand.

The track on which all testing testing was carried out periodically checked and made some changes. It was easier and easier to determine the results of tire testing for snow. The snow cover was stable, the area is much more, - that is why each brand of tires needed 12-14 races. The best results showed Michelin tires, which are considered to be one of the best tires for snow. When overclocking the best turned out to be untouched by X-IAs 2. When braking, the well-studded tires X-LSE NORTH have shown. Testing have shown that nothing depends on the spikes on the landfill!

Test authors were amazed by the result of SONATA, which had an automatic transmission and showed its results that had already spoken for themselves. It turned out that the tires freely and quickly go through the snow, and at the same time the driver gets great pleasure!

But the Continental CONTILCECTACT and Nokian HakkaPeliitta 7 tires turned out to be indispensable for clutch with ice and slippery expensive.

Mishelin tires showed that this is the best choice for urban, casual ride, which showed the reliability of the control.

Also, after all testing, another testing was carried out on the loss of spikes. It turned out that not one brand did not lose for all the time testing not one that actually struck many journalists who watched the entire process.

This testing dispelled myth that on the asphalt track, the studded tires work allegedly worse than untouched.

Last testing has become resistance to slashplanting. This test involves a special VOlkswagen TransPerter. The car should go to the top 3.5 cm. Snow with asphalt snow, and accelerate until it loses absolute contact with a solid surface. Only speed was important in this test, it was considered the speed of the launch of the slash. COntiNENTAL SONTIVIKINGSNTAXTA 5 and NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA 7 - showed the best resulting in this testing. No one assumed that in this test, these two stamps will be the most persistent.

All tests were evaluated on a ten-ball scale and here they are the winners of testing:

The best studded tires were tires - NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA 7, with a very small gap the following tires lagging behind: Michelin X-LSE NORTH 2 and SONTINENTAL SONTILSECOCT, - which are almost also winners!

Tires - CONTIVIKINGCNTACT 55 were the best notched tires 5. Then the NOKIAN HAKKELIITTA R, which lagged out only 0.05 points from the winner - SONTIVIKINGSNTACT 5.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8.

Winner of tests "Driving" and "Autores"
New directional and symmetrical pattern
New scheme and concept of notching Nokian Eco Stud 8.
Noise at the level of unwanted tires

Price Nokian Khakapelitis 8 in Moscow

R14 from 3700 rub
R15 from 4400 rubles
R16 from 6950 rubles
R17 from 8900 rubles
R18 from 11,000 rubles

Price Michelin X-Ice North Xin3 in Moscow

R14 is not supplied
R15 from 4600 rubles
R16 from 5500 rubles
R17 from 8900 rubles
R18 from 9900 rubles

Price Gislaved Nordfrost 100 in Moscow

Price in Moscow:

R14 from 2400 rubles
R15 from 3000 rubles
R16 from 4300 rubles
R17 from 6500 rubles
R18 from 8400 rubles

Continental Conti4x4ICecontact.

Price Continental Conti4X4ICecontact in Moscow

R14 is not supplied
R15 from 5500 rubles
R16 from 6000 rubles
R17 from 8400 rubles
R18 from 9900 rubles

We took tires from different price groups - from 2470 to 5150 rubles per piece. The most recent model - TOYO OBSERVE GSI-6who gave out the market this season. There are two last year's novelties: German Continental VikingContact 7. and Finnish Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3.. Updated last year of Russian production.

Fairness

We put the tires in places according to the balls recruited. And now let's see how economically favorably buying those or other tires. To do this, we compare the average price of each model with the so-called fair price - the corresponding level of its consumer properties, that is, the number of points earned.

The most advantageous offer was Hankook Winter I * Cept Iz² with a price of 23% lower than just. A little less (17%) will save VIATTI. When buying Nordman RS2 tires, Pirelli Ice Zero FR, Toyo Observe GSI-6 or Triangle Snowlink PL01 benefit will be from 9 to 5%.

For the rest of the test participants will have to overpay. Minimum overpayment - 3% - Waiting for the purchase of tires Gislaved Soft * Frost 200. The cost of ROADSTONE WINGUARD ICE tires, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 and Sailun Ice Blazer WSL2 is higher than 7-9%. The rating of the two distinguished participants of the test is closed - the winner ... and the loser. For the outsider Cachland CH-W2002 will have to overpay 11%. He was not as low as weak. But Continental VikingContact 7, the most expensive participant is overvalued by 15%. Want a high-quality and balanced product - be prepared to upset.

(3 Votes, Average: 5,00 Out of 5)

Do you know how bus tires will look literally in the near future? According to leading developers in this industry, automotive tires will be narrow and have a large diameter. In fact, they will resemble the wheels of the long-lasting days, only manufactured by new technologies. And in order to increase energy-saving and environmental properties, and at the same time, in addition to optimizing production, the components of rubber will be radically changed.

Currently, vegetable oils are used in production, which came to replace the traditional components from petroleum products. The result was the appearance of silica (ie, silicon) from the rice husk to increase the grip effect of the walnut, and also carry out experiments with rubber extracted from dandelions - the search for new solutions, together with the development of alternative raw materials, gains momentum. In addition, the concept of tires will undergo indigenous changes. For example, the technology that supports the required pressure in the bus is automatically used already, there are samples of universal tires with "spikes as needed" and airless tires, which generally cost without pumping air (gas), that is, we return to the era of dummy tires.

Here is the small statistics for 2014, which was mentioned above, on the domestic market, which shows sales on the retail market for winter passenger and light truck tires. Based on this, and the article was built: "The best winter tires 2014/2015" and statistics show which market shares occupy foreign brands:

But here you need to make a small reservation, these numbers show only a couple of tire segments: a and b - i.e. The PREMIUM class and the middle class, and be behind this statistics there is still a segment of C - to which the winter tires of the economy class are. It should be noted that C-class products include domestic, Chinese and a number of other foreign tire manufacturers, and is almost half of sales in the market. How further it will be, it is still unknown, because the situation in the tire market is currently extraordinary. Now let's see what Petrovich wrote to us.

Choose the best winter tires 2014/2015

Since the entire range made by manufacturers for the winter period of 2014/2015, it is almost impossible to decompose on the shelves. We decided to celebrate the most popular models - new and some past season, is indicated for example, the price of several sizes of tires sold in our market. In addition, for some tire models, the current rating is indicated according to the 10-point scale, compiled by customer reviews. Starting with models of winter tires of the so-called premium and average price range (A and B segment).

1. Winter tires Bridgestone Presented since last year in our market an optimized assortment of Blizzak family. And here the first thing is new friction tires of the Blizzak VRX model.

The following model is a new model of the studded Tire Blizzak Spike-01.

In addition, the company prepared a new friction model for crossovers / SUVs to the winter season 2014/2015 - Blizzak DM-V2.

2. Winter tires Continental - The company has pleased motorists by the release of a new friction model - Conti Viking Contact 6. This model came to replace the veteran with a number 5, which we know since 2008.

Relatively studded tires of the winter of this company, let's say that it was manufactured and released to the market "Lightweight" model called Contice Contact HD. Which fully complies with the new EC requirements, its sales have already started with us. Although, according to the reviews of motorists, this winter on cars will "steer" the predecessor, i.e. - Contiice Contact.

3. Company Dunlop. Last year, I presented my new studdered models. ICE TOUCH.

It is worth noting another new model of the past winter season, which refers to the clocking tire class - Winter Maxx WM01 from Dunlop.

4. Gislaved Under the past season, the model of studded tires in the new generation called Nord Frost 100 was presented.

It is worth noting that the number of spikes in this tire fully complies with new requirements for European countries (ie, no more than fifty pieces per meter rolling). What did not prevent this model show really excellent results, participating in comparative tests and earn wide popularity among motorists.

5. Last season, another novelty was represented from GOOD YEAR. - This is a model called Ultra Grip Ice Arctic, which has received excellent reviews along with high high estimates of motorists.

By the way, to this winter season, Good Year has prepared and released a version of this model, which is positioned as winter tires for crossovers. This is Ultra Grip Ice Arctic SUV. In addition, the frictional tire model Ultra Grip Ice 2 in the new generation was released.

6. Again since last season company Hankook. Offered motorists new studded bus models Winter i-Pike RS W419.

7. We got to Michelin.Supporting motorists from the winter season 2013/2014 its model - X-Ice North 3 in the new generation, in which, according to the manufacturer, became more durable sidewalls.

This novelty has become a logical addition to the already known to consumers - the third generation of the friction tire model - Michelin X-ICE 3.

8. Tell of course and about Nokian.Representing his studded tires of the model - HakkaPeliitta 8. These tires have increased the number of spikes in 1.5 times, but the tires fully comply with the new EU rules, which refers to the limitations of the effect of studded rubber on the asphalt road surface.

In addition, the manufacturer offers and friction tires in the new generation of the model - Hakkapeliitta R2, which received reinforced side parts.

And this season you can already get acquainted with the version of studded tires for crossovers. Model - Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV, as well with reinforced lateral parts, plus to this will enter the market and models of studded tires located in an average price range - NordMan 5 and Nordman 5 SUV.

It should be noted that the Nordman 5 model was created at the "platform" of Hakkapeliitta 5, namely the developers borrowed a frame with a pattern with a tread pattern. But a more simplified composition of the rubber mixture for the tread was used, and the tire was not multifaceted, and the round core. As the manufacturer declares - the length of the brake path on the icing surface decreased by about 7 percent in comparison with the previous model.

What can be said relative to the Nordman 5 SUV model, then these winter tires use multifaceted spikes and frames from the Hakkapeliitta 5 SUV model, which was removed from the conveyor, although the composition of the components for the rubber mixture was left for the same.

9. Company Pirelli. - Here it should be noted that it is not so often manufactures winter tires, especially for the "harsh conditions of the North". Nevertheless, I want to note the studded model of the tire called Ice Zero.

10. Toyo company It offers motorists a studded model of winter tires - OBSERVE G3-ICE, which is different among other representatives with a fairly wide range of sizes - more than 100!

11. Yokohama does not lag behindBy presenting a new generation of already known studded tires - Ice Guard IG55. As stated in the company, a new tire, if compared with the previous model - IG35, along with the fact that it has reduced the length of the braking path, also largely increased the strength of the integration of spikes.

It is worth noting another development of the company, this is a friction winter tires Ice Guard IG50, which are presented on the market in a rather wide size range - more than 90 species!

By tradition, the group C (economy bus) is represented by the models of domestic manufacturers. It is worth noting that a separate part of them has already closely approached the price of mid-level tires. Among the new developments of Russian companies (although in the drawing of the tread, you can see, from where the "traces" are conducted), you can note the studded tires of the Cordiant Snow Cross model. By the way, the company declares that these tires have a braking path on the ice surface in short, in comparison with the "prototype".

It can be noted in the domestic market and the new brand that appears, which can be attributed to budget - this is a formula, formed (created) under the "patronage" of the famous Pirelli. So, this company released a relevant model of studded tires - Formula ICE.

Make a narrative of the winter tires of the economy class and not to mention the original brands from the miserable, it is simply impossible. New names, and especially new tire models come out almost regularly, it also applies to the segment of winter tires. By the way, here manufacturers declare models that have been tested on the world-famous landfill of the town of Ivalo, located in the north of Finland.

Among the novelties, you can mark the winter tires from aEOLUS. - This manufacturer is more famous for the manufacture of tires for special and commercial vehicles. But since 2011, expanded the range and tires for passenger cars. In the new season 2014/2015, the company offers motorists studded model tires - Aeolus Ice Challenger.

To make things to choose from, we will also imagine a couple of models from China so-called "under the naming", and, besides, these tires are similar to the tread on the tread copied from the once popular tire - Gislaved NF III.

Model Sunny SN-3860

Model TRIANGLE GROUP TR777

Rating of not sailed and studded winter tires 2014/2015

Among the leaders of winter unwanted and studded tires should be celebrated Gislaved and Nokian, who are confidently promoting their models on the market. Such Japanese tire companies are not lagging behind both: Yokohama and Bridgestone, which are famous for both summer tire models.

But besides these eminent manufacturers, it is nice to see in the twenty of the best winter tires and domestic companies, for example, Cordiant, which is deservedly in the top, manufacturing inexpensive, but high-quality tire models.