The best tires for summer are 195 65 r15. Decent “second line” tires - it’s not a sin to save money on these by refusing to buy the “original”
We are testing summer tires of size 195/65 R15 for relatively inexpensive cars and observing how their characteristics have changed dramatically over the past ten years.
Nowadays even small and inexpensive cars roll off the assembly line on 15-inch wheels. Many Russians and quite expensive cars they put “tags” with a higher profile - on our roads they are preferable. Tire manufacturers, for whom income depends more on the standard sizes of tires sold than on their quantity, are indifferent to budget dimensions. New products are offered at least in the “seventeen-inch” segment, and small sizes are sluggishly updated, usually slightly reducing rolling resistance.
Nevertheless, there are companies for which the Russian market is very important, and they are literally fighting for leading positions, annually “polishing” their products, trying to get ahead of competitors in adhesion properties on dry and wet surfaces. Therefore, there is always intrigue in our tests.
Selecting a company for the test
It is for this reason that we tested Nokian Hakka Green 2 summer tires (3,350 rubles per piece) Russian production and Continental ContiPremiumContact 5 (4000 rubles) of Czech “assembly”. They are by no means new, but their characteristics are improving every year. Purebred “Japanese” Bridgestone Turanza T001 at a price of 4,200 rubles, as befits its status, sets the highest price bar. Another representative of the “top 5” is the far from new Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance model (3,400 rubles), released in Poland. 
Among the new products are the second generation Korean Hankook Kinergy Eco (3,100 rubles) and Dunlop SP Touring R1 (3,000 rubles). Our popular brand Nordman Green 2 (3350 rubles per piece) of Russian production and Continental ContiPremiumContact 5 (4000 rubles) of Czech “assembly”. They are by no means new, but their characteristics are improving every year. Purebred “Japanese” Bridgestone Turanza T001 at a price of 4,200 rubles, as befits its status, sets the highest price bar. Another representative of the “top 5” is the far from new Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance model (3,400 rubles), released in Poland.
The middle price segment opens with the Yokohama BluEarth-A AE-50 (3,250 rubles) - a tire of Russian origin (welded in Lipetsk), which recently replaced the C.drive2 model, which was successful in our market. For the same money they offer Japanese Toyo tires Proxes CF2. 
Among the new products are the second-generation Korean Hankook Kinergy Eco (3,100 rubles) and Dunlop SP Touring R1 (3,000 rubles). Our popular Nordman brand slows down on cold wet asphalt.
To warm up
The first set of exercises is something like a warm-up. Tires do not experience significant loads, their treads hardly wear out. 
To warm up each set of tires, a ten-kilometer drive along the high-speed ring of an automobile testing ground at a constant speed of 130 km/h is sufficient. This run is more than enough for experts to evaluate the car’s behavior at high speed both on a straight line and during soft lane changes that simulate avoiding obstacles and overtaking.
After running in, you can begin measuring efficiency. We close the windows tightly to optimize aerodynamics, and we move strictly in a straight line, since any maneuvering causes additional resistance. We perform three or four test runs on each set of tires, each consisting of two measurements in opposite directions. In this way, we neutralize the influence of the slightest breeze, although we carry out such tests only in calm weather. 
At the same time, we “record” the first sensations: we evaluate the smoothness of the ride, the noise level and other nuances. And then on service roads with cracks and potholes, in conditions as close as possible to real domestic ones, we check the pre-set ratings for comfort.
The final chord of a difficult race is an assessment of the test subjects’ ability to move on an unpaved road. The test is carried out on a dry dirt slope with a slope of 12%. We set off with and without slipping, assessing the confidence of the start and movement, as well as how sharply the wheels slip and whether the clutch noticeably drops at the same time. We perform this exercise solely at the request of our readers; These results are not taken into account in the overall standings, since the tires are road tires and are designed mainly for hard surfaces.
Having completed a series of combined races and recalculated the final results using reference tires, which we install after three or four sets of test ones, we draw a brief summary. 
First impressions behind the wheel
The leaders in directional stability are Formula, Nokian and Nordman. On all these Skoda tires holds clearly given direction and reacts to steering turns without noticeable delays. At the same time, it is filled with reactive force, which increases with increasing angle of rotation, and provides clear feedback.
Bridgestone, Dunlop, Nitto and Toyo look paler than the others.
They have an incomprehensible wide “zero” when moving in a straight line. At the same time, on Dunlop, the Skoda experiences delays in reactions and pronounced understeer. The rest of the trio suffer from oversteer, which can, under unfortunate circumstances, cause the car to skid. 
In the fuel economy tests at city speed (60 km/h), Touo took the lead. Formula consumes the most. However, the difference with the leader was only 0.3 l/100 km.
At 90 km/h, Touo holds the lead, but is joined by Dunlop, Goodyear, Nitto and Yokohama. Nokian has the highest appetite, but the difference with the most economical rivals is rather conditional - a two-hundred-gram glass of gasoline per 100 km.
The quietest tires are Continental, Dunlop, Hankook, Nordman and Yokohama - you can hardly hear them in the car.
And the loudest of the whole company turned out to be Bridgestone, standing out from the others with its increased general roar.
In terms of “road” comfort and smoothness, Dunlop, Formula, Nokian and Nordman are ahead of the rest. However, each of the leaders has minor criticisms, and therefore their score is not “norm” (8 points), but 7.5 points. The toughest is Goodyear: it “swallows” only large irregularities, and on small things, for example, on transverse seams and cracks, it itches and shudders, transmitting vibrations to the body.
On dirt roads, Dunlop and Nordman are more reliable than the rest, while Goodyear, Nitto and Yokohama are lagging behind. They suddenly slip into slippage, significantly losing traction. To overcome unpaved ascents on such tires, the driver will need skill and fine work with gas and clutch.
Braking distance of summer tires in ten years
The most revealing exercise for assessing the grip properties of tires is braking: the shorter the braking distance, the better grip. On different surfaces, rubber does not work the same when braking, so it is not so easy to ensure good grip on both smooth and rough asphalt. Many tire manufacturers focus mainly on European surfaces - we test tires on rougher surfaces, like most Russian roads. 
The “international” speed for starting braking on a wet surface is 80 km/h, on a dry surface – 100 km/h. But the speed at which the measurement ends is different for tire companies - 5 km/h, 7 km/h, sometimes even 10 km/h. The goal is to eliminate short-term wheel locking, which is low speed even modern ABS allows. We use the 5 km/h “point”. Before taking measurements, we thoroughly clean the braking lane, removing dust and small stones from the asphalt. “Cleaning up” is carried out by braking ten times - naturally, on non-qualifying tires.
One of our inventions is a self-contained watering system that we use for “wet” exercises. It consists of rotating garden sprinklers, connecting hoses, a motor pump and a 500-liter water tank in a trailer pulled by a Chevrolet Niva.
When measuring braking distances, the tester is required to hit the pedal in the same place, have the same speed at the point where braking begins, and cool the brakes after each measurement. The braking distance is recorded with centimeter accuracy by the VBOX measuring system, which operates on the basis of GPS. 
On average, six measurements for each set give a completely reliable result. In addition to improving rolling resistance, tire manufacturers try every year to improve grip on wet surfaces at least a little.
Our measurements show that the shortest braking distance is Nokian tires: 24.4 meters. Very close is Continental with a result of 24.8 meters. The longest braking distance, 28 meters, was obtained on Nitto. Bridgestone performed slightly better - 27.8 meters. In our tests ten years ago on the same surface, the best braking distance on tires of the same size was 28.3 meters, and the worst was more than 34 meters. Progress!
In the dry races, the champion has changed - it is Continental: 37.6 meters, followed by Nokian (38.5 m), Formula (38.7 m) and Hankook (38.8 m), losing about a meter. Nitto completes the list with a score of 42 meters and Bridgestone with 41 meters. Ten years ago, the dry braking record was 43.8 meters; outsiders needed more than 50 meters to stop!
Both on wet and dry surfaces, over ten years the grip has been improved by “on average” by 15% - you almost gain the body of the car! It is clear that cars that have changed during this time make their contribution, but the lion's share of progress is ensured by tires.
ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF BRAKING DISTANCE IN THE TEST ON COLD WET ASPHALT
Sudden changes of cars in traffic are a fairly common phenomenon on our roads. That’s why we long ago included in our test set a rearrangement that simulates such a maneuver. This exercise provides an opportunity to evaluate the lateral grip properties of tires and how they affect the vehicle's performance.
The tester begins the races at a known passing speed, each time raising it by 1-2 km/h, until the car begins to “cut” cones, falling out of the designated corridor. VBOX records the speed at the moment the maneuver begins, and the behavior of the car and how easy it is to control it is assessed by the tester, assigning points based on the comments formulated. The maximum speed must be confirmed in subsequent races to exclude an accidental result.
On wet surfaces, the record is set by Nokian - 67.8 km/h, followed by Formula - 67.7 km/h. At the tail end of the group are Nitto and Bridgestone, their results are 63.5 and 63.6 km/h respectively. At Nitto speed, the Skoda is stubborn, refusing to perform a tough maneuver - straightening the trajectory. Bridgestone introduces instability into the Octavia's reactions: at first it is in no hurry to accept the first turn of the steering wheel, sliding almost straight along the first lane, and if the car can be forced to turn into the next lane, when stabilizing, it shoots with its tail, knocking down all the cones on both sides. That's why this pair has the lowest ratings for handling.
Dunlop was rated just as low (6.5 points) - due to delays in reactions, increased steering angles and sudden slips. Goodyear earns the highest score - testers noted clear reactions and understandable behavior of the car, which does not require proactive steering actions. 
A similar test on dry asphalt generated a lot of emotions. Firstly, the maximum speed for performing this maneuver has increased significantly in recent years. The test leaders Continental (70.5 km/h) and Nordman (70.4 km/h) are incredibly fast in this extreme exercise, with speeds exceeding 70 km/h.
But ten years ago, 67-68 km/h in such conditions seemed like the ultimate achievement.
Secondly, we were disappointed by the low ratings for handling in extreme conditions. Six participants received serious comments.
Excellent and good students of 2018
Nokian Hakka Green 2 tires took first place with a score of 919 points. The Skoda wearing them impresses with outstanding grip on wet asphalt, and on long trips it will delight you with good directional stability and decent ride smoothness.
Just 3 points behind the leader, the Continental ContiPremiumContact 5 takes second place on the podium. Features include impressive dry grip and impressively quiet rolling.
Tires took an honorable third place Formula Energy(Pirelli sub-brand), scoring 912 points. The adhesion properties are not the best, but quite high. Like Nokian, these tires are suitable for long trips, in which strict adherence to the course and decent smoothness are important. But the most pleasant bonus is the modest price.
We are forced to admit that even in the sun there are spots out of eleven. The complaints are similar: delays and large steering angles or low information content. Moreover, these comments do not depend on the handling balance - be it understeer with front end drift (Yokohama), unstable, wide balance with drift in the initial phase and skid in the final phase (Bridgestone, Formula, Nitto) or oversteer leading to a sharp skid in the second corridor (Continental, Nokian). 
And the best ratings were received by Goodyear, Hankook and Nordman - 7.5 points each, which means “light complaints”. No one received eight points. We believe that creating an elastic frame capable of withstanding significant peak lateral loads for high-profile (65%) and at the same time fairly narrow tires is not an easy task. And it is especially difficult when developing tires with super-high grip properties. Experts found similar flaws in the leading three's behavior during extreme maneuvering on dry asphalt after reaching maximum speeds. In addition, a significant decrease in grip on cold wet asphalt is alarming.
In fourth and fifth positions, remaining in the “excellent” category, are Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 and Nordman SX2, which scored 906 and 904 points, respectively. Quiet, well balanced, without pronounced surges or dips. Nordman is a little better directional stability and a smooth ride, while the Hankook boasts a little more grip when braking on dry surfaces.
In general, their adhesion properties are close to the average level.
At the same time, both participants are indifferent to cold wet asphalt - in spring and autumn this is an absolute plus.
In sixth place in our rating is Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance (895 points), which opens a group of very good tires. The asset is the best handling on wet asphalt during extreme maneuvers, the liability is excessive rigidity, and grip on wet is below average and noticeably deteriorates in the cold.
The seventh and eighth lines of the table of ranks were occupied by Yokohama BluEarth-A AE-50 and Dunlop SP Touring R1 with a minimal gap - 890 and 889 points, respectively. Similar in terms of grip and comfort - both are quiet. Dunlop is perhaps a little softer; the difference can only be felt during extreme maneuvering. There are complaints against Yokohama regarding handling during sudden lane changes on dry surfaces, and against Dunlop on wet surfaces, and even their directional stability is let down. However, Dunlop has the most best performance braking on cold wet asphalt, and the price is more modest.
Ninth place with 879 points was taken by Toyo Proxes CF2 tires. 
They have decent braking properties, but disappointing is the rather weak lateral grip on wet asphalt and difficult directional stability at high speed. Toyota compensates for these shortcomings with its ability to save at least a little fuel (these tires “roll” better than anyone else) and with very good braking properties on wet, cold asphalt.
Our list is completed by those who fit into the category of good performers (more than 840 total points) the famous Bridgestone Turanza T001 with 850 points and the little-known Nitto NT860, which was able to scrape together 844 points. This pair has in common the weakest braking properties on wet and dry asphalt and experts’ complaints about handling and directional stability. The only difference can be identified in comfort: Bridgestone is a little softer, Nitto is a little quieter. The bridge also demonstrates the most stable grip on wet roads, which is almost independent of temperature.
But in the ranking of best buys the situation is different. The most tempting purchase is the Formula Energy, followed by the Nitto NT860, Nordman SX2, Dunlop SP Touring R1 and Hankook Kinergy Eco 2. The Yokohama BluEarth-A AE-50 is exactly in the middle, and the most expensive Continental ContiPremiumContact 5 and Bridgestone Turanza T001 close the list. Choose!
In addition to improving rolling resistance, tire manufacturers try every year to improve grip on wet surfaces at least a little
TURNING UP UP
Impressed by the tires' braking performance on wet pavement in summer conditions and remembering our last year's "temperature tour" on dry asphalt, we decided to repeat the "wet" braking on a cold surface. The temperature chosen for this was borderline: +6 °C. Tire manufacturers consider it critical for the transition to Winter tires, and in the spring - to summer ones. We did not include the results obtained in the final table, since manufacturers “sharpen” tires for operation at high temperatures above zero.
The results left us in a state of shock. At extremely low temperatures, the braking distance of all subjects increased by an average of three meters, or almost 12%, compared to greenhouse conditions. This is more than half a car body!
In addition, order has completely collapsed summer results braking. On cold asphalt, the shortest braking distance was achieved by the Dunlop SP Touring R1, which was modest in summer conditions. Following it are all brands of Japanese and Korean brands, with the exception of Nitto NT860, which shows the weakest result at any temperature. But the most amazing thing is that all three braking leaders in “room” conditions (Nokian Hakka Green 2, Continental ContiPremiumContact 5 and Formula Energy) collapsed into the second half of the list.
It is possible to create a different rating of clutch stability (braking distance) at different temperatures. The title of the most “temperature independent” tires in wet braking is won Bridgestone tires Turanza T001: their braking distance when the temperature drops to the maximum permissible compared to “summer” increased by only 4%! In second place are the Toyo Praxes CF2 tires, which “passed” a little more than 5%. It is noteworthy that this couple did not shine in the summer conditions. The traditional leaders of our summer Nokian tests Hakka Green 2 and Continental ContiPremiumContact 5 in cold conditions increased the braking distance by almost 20% - by five meters! It turns out that the better the tires brake on wet surfaces in summer conditions, the worse they are in the cold. Outsiders are less dependent on temperature changes.
This can be explained in one word - “balance”. Achieving ultra-high grip in summer conditions is possible only due to its deterioration on cold surfaces - there is a shift towards the preferred temperature. And relatively average indicators across the entire temperature range indicate a more even balance.
But that's just special case regarding wet grip. Tires are also characterized by other indicators - dry grip, rolling resistance, noise, smoothness, durability, mileage - which often do not get along with each other. So manufacturers have to select the optimal balance between all performance characteristics, experimenting with materials, tread patterns and manufacturing technology.
What should the consumer do? Of course, use the results obtained with maximum benefit! Select summer tires based on the climatic conditions of your region.
And if you have already purchased tires, take into account their features, which you learned about from our test. Change your car's shoes in a timely manner, and when traveling, calculate a safe distance taking into account temperature changes.
When one standard size is selected, it is easy to comparative analysis, figure out which product is worthy of becoming a leader or whether its destiny is an outsider. In the article, let us pay attention to the features of tires manufactured in different countries in order to understand how in Italy, Japan, Holland and Slovenia they understand the “quality mark” in the automotive industry, and which tires 195 65 r15 summer fill up the rating there. Products will be compared in pairs. Initially, we will pay attention to the products of Japan and Italy, and then we will analyze who is stronger - Holland or Slovenia in the imposed duel for quality.
Summer tires 195 65 r15
Representative from Italy –
Are being manufactured Pirelli tires Cinturato P1 Eco for small or compact passenger cars, are included in the rating summer tires 195 65 15 for a number of advantages that consumers attribute to the product. Car enthusiasts often note that a car shod with Pirelli Cinturato P1 Eco drives easily and confidently; such driving simply gives pleasure to the driver and guarantees safety. And it’s not for nothing that rubber has the Eco tag, that is, it does not spoil the ecology of the region, and this is an important fact in the twenty-first century. The desired result was achieved due to the fact that the level of gasoline consumption was reduced, as well as the noise effect of the rubber was reduced. The Eco prefix was earned by this product during numerous test drives, the results of which revealed the progress achieved by the developers of the Pirelli Cinturato P1 Eco in the automotive industry. The result is awards, participation in exhibitions and a summer tire rating of 195 65 15.
Pirelli Cinturato P1 Eco tires When they developed the designated model, they introduced a number of innovations to achieve dramatic results in reducing tire weight. And there is a result - the tires have become almost 15% lighter. The developers also fought for acoustic comfort, and here again victory awaited - externally the tire produces noise of 1.5 dB, but only minor echoes of 1 dB are heard in the cabin.
In European countries, Pirelli Cinturato P1 Eco tires have been highly appreciated; it is not for nothing that they complement the rating of summer tires 195 65 r15.
For the Pirelli Cinturato P1 Eco tires, they also developed a reliable innovative tread pattern, in which you can see wide and fairly deep longitudinal grooves. There are also special lamellas, a whole elaborate system of them. And in a perfectly assembled composition, they protect the contact patch from rain streams, dirt, dust from dirt roads, as well as fine gravel on country roads.
Pirelli Cinturato P1 Eco tires Let's determine the features of Pirelli Cinturato P1 Eco tires
- Sufficient hydroplaning resistance is achieved
- Confident grip on the road surface
- Tread pattern wear resistance
Thus, the Italian Pirelli Cinturato P1 Eco tires are included in the summer tire rating 195 65 r15 and are valued in Europe as a product with the Eco index. But what can you say about Italy’s rival, Japan, which is also entering into a duel for leadership in products of size 195 65 r15. The competitive battle will pit two different temperaments and mentalities against each other. So what does Japan offer?
Representative from Japan - Bridgestone Turanza T001
Japanese tires 195 65 r15 summer rating complement and are quality tires tested on race tracks and product testing runs. Before this, there was a Japanese tire on the market, Bridgestone Turanza ER300, which was considered simply the standard of reliability and predictable maneuverability, but the next generation turned out to be innovative and interesting to consumers. It is believed that the Bridgestone Turanza T001 feels best at high speeds and long routes, and in general all its characteristics are so balanced that operating such a tire is simply comfortable and reliable, and even financially profitable.
Bridgestone Turanza T001 tires What innovations were used in the manufacture of Bridgestone Turanza T001
- Japanese tires 195 65 r15 summer ratings are often supplemented because they are famous for their low noise and acceptable acoustic comfort. The fact is that the product has a Helmholtz resonator, which is formed by the shape of the existing tread. The developers made such a design that with its transverse drainage grooves and walls it creates the shape of multiple vessels, and so they perform the function of a resonator.
- Another term that allowed the Bridgestone Turanza T001 to supplement the summer tire rating of 195 65 15 is called in the article - NanoPro-Tech. What is this? – A special rubber composition, where the dominant component is a special polymer that reduces the removal of heat from the tread, which occurs as a result of friction between the molecules of the existing carbohydrate. As a result, the special rubber composition had a positive effect on the wear resistance of the product and also reduced the degree of rolling resistance.
- Bridgestone Turanza T001 is a tire with an asymmetric pattern, that is, in the very center of the pattern, three wide longitudinal and fairly deep grooves are noticeable; they form a well-functioning drainage system. The shoulder areas of the tread are specially enlarged, so the braking process is carried out without unnecessary difficulties, and this characteristic is one of the most important on which the inclusion in the rating of summer tires 195 65 r15 depends.
- The product from the Japanese brand Bridgestone has a flat contact patch that is quite reliable and can be worn evenly.
So the Bridgestone Turanza T001 is like a tire Japanese quality, is an example of bold innovations, but the Italian product of the automotive industry - Pirelli Cinturato P1 Eco - is an example of traditions and norms. And these are the tires 195 65 r15 summer, the rating from which will not go away: they will always be in a state of competition and a constant process of improvement.
Duel: Holland vs. Slovenia, or which tires are better
We can say that behind the Dutch tire Vredestein Sportrac 5 there are Italians who have been supervising this product for a long time, even working on its design. And the Slovenian product Sava Intensa HP is also manufactured in the spirit of European proven technologies; it seems that the two products are on par in strength, capable of sharing one place in the rating of summer tires 195 65 r15, and claiming bronze. The following general advantages can be attributed to them:
- Acoustic comfort, resonant noises and vibrations seem to be very well controlled
- Dutch and Slovenian tires 195 65 r15 summer, which formed the rating, are resistant to the unwanted effect of aquaplaning
Thus, we understand that in Italy, Japan, Holland and Slovenia they are not afraid of progress in rubber production; they try to work on every new model, trying to make it reliable and safe. Which side are you on, which country's tires do you prefer?
Making ratings is a thankless task, since it is almost always simply impossible to include all worthy models in it. But still, we tried, researched reviews on Yandex Market, tested tires and chose for you ten good summer tires in size 195/65/R15. This size is one of the most popular because it combines the optimal balance between tire width and profile.
Our rating will start with budget tires and increase in price. All models are highly rated on the Market and many positive feedback. The tires are road grade, with no hydroplaning (or minimal at high speeds). So, let's go - if you're looking for a good summer tires, it’s definitely worth paying attention to these models.
Cordiant Road Runner
Let's start, perhaps, with domestic tires - really cheap, but the quality is head and shoulders above the price. On the “Behind the Wheel” website they were given a fairly high rating, they were tested extensively and they showed that they are worthy of attention. On dry asphalt it’s simply superb, the rubber is soft and very grippy. Many people note low noise, but for some this is important. Don't be biased towards domestic tires, now there is a struggle for every buyer and the quality of Cordiant pleases. It’s definitely worth paying attention, the price tag for a cylinder in our size is about 2,300 rubles. Let’s note for “picnic lovers” - the rubber is not afraid of wet dirt, the side hooks drag well through the mud.
Nokian Nordman SX
A mega-popular model from Nokian, very important - it’s really budget-friendly, the price tag is around 2,700 rubles. Two of my friends use these tires on Priors and are happy. The tread pattern is purely road, it provides water drainage and excellent braking and directional stability. Everything is up to standard, the tires are worth their price and even more. While turning confidently at average “Prior” speeds, aquaplaning can occur at speeds over 150 km/h. The tires are not sports tires, for leisurely everyday driving.
Barum Brillantis 2
Barums have long established themselves as excellent inexpensive tires. you can often see her on domestic cars— Kalina, Priora, tens, nines and others. Such popularity is dictated by a really convenient price - tires in this size cost 2,600 rubles. Comfortable, grippy road bike, brakes well, withstands bumps in potholes, hydroplaning is minimal. For your money - one of the best, along with the first models from this article. If you need tires up to 2,600 rubles, the second “diamond” is worth paying attention to. By the way, the wear resistance is very good, it lasts a long time.
Matador MP 44 Elite 3
The 44th Elite Matador is a cool inexpensive road bike. The average price is only 2200 rubles per cylinder. The “Elite” prefix fully corresponds - the tires are soft, comfortable, with such indicators they should obviously cost more. It’s good at speeds up to 130 km/h, higher even despite the high speed index it’s unsafe, it starts to float. Hydroplaning is possible at high speeds, up to 120 km/h - everything is very comfortable and predictable. So if you don't race, pay attention.
Nokian Hakka Green
Green “Hakka” is another mid-price segment tire that can be safely recommended. Confident “comfort” class, the tread is specially created for wet asphalt, and therefore the rubber does not plan at speeds up to 140 km/h. Driving faster in the rain is not a good idea, even on more expensive tires. The tires are soft, comfortable, and handle well. However, according to reviews, one of the disadvantages is the weak sidewall, so if you ride on a highway with bad roads (regions, outback), it’s better to take something stronger like Cordiant. Hakka is for good roads. The price tag is a little higher, about 2800 rubles per cylinder in size 195/65/R15.
Hankook Optimo K715
715th Optima from Hankuk - many positive reviews, this model It is installed by default on many foreign cars. For the money, the tires are worthwhile and combine a certain level of comfort, handling and reliability. Soft, well controlled in its speed index, minimal or no hydroplaning (depending on the speed). Ideal for low speeds up to 140 km/h. Some car enthusiasts complain that the tires wear off quickly. There are a lot of reviews and most of them are positive; on Yandex Market the tire rating is 4.5 with 30 reviews - a very decent indicator. And of course the price is attractive.
Bridgestone Turanza T001
We are moving to the next price segment and higher quality and speeds. Turanza T001 is a very popular tire designed for high speeds and aggressive driving. Recommended for those who like instant steering response. The speed index starts from 210 km/h and reaches as much as 300 km/h. So this tire can be called sports. Phenomenal handling, braking, stability in turns and shaking on cracks in the asphalt - something has to be sacrificed)) The rubber is mega-hard, just like a sports tire should be. There are a lot of positive reviews, you can safely take it. You can also forget about hydroplaning; water removal is simply amazing.
Michelin Energy XM2
Michelin always means high quality tires, especially summer tires. The average price tag for this model is about 3,400 rubles and it earns its money’s worth. Not for high speeds, more suitable for the city and highways, where you can’t speed at 150 km/h. Its comfort is a maximum of 120 km/h, if you drive faster, pay attention to Turanza or Potenza Adrenaline. This model has the name “Energy” - the tire rolls further, and therefore rolling energy is conserved, which means you will save gas. In general, it’s ideal for the city and speeds of 120-130 km/h, very soft, comfortable, saves gasoline and does not hydroplane up to 120 km/h.
Bridgestone MY-02 Sporty Style
Breeches “Sports style” - the name speaks for itself. Rubber with a fairly high speed index - from 210 to 270 km/h. The price tag is about 3200 rubles per cylinder. The most important advantage of this tire is its absolute indestructibility. The mega-strong sidewall withstands such impacts that the rims break, but the tire does nothing. We have already heard from many tire fitters that Bridgestone is the best for our roads. the best option. So if you are driving along the highway/intercity and the roads are not great, pay attention. “Sport” in the name of the tire - don’t pay attention, even from the tread pattern you can see that the speeds here are low, people ride up to 140 km/h comfortably, but do you need more? At such speeds, the Bridges handle confidently and do not glide - everything you need for comfortable driving. The only thing is that it makes a little noise, you have to pay something for indestructibility. An excellent tire for tracks with bad roads, and in Russia there are exactly 90 percent of them)) By the way, the rating on the Market is 4.5 and for a hundred reviews it is a fantastic indicator.
Continental ContiPremiumContact 5
Well, let’s finish our top ten summer tires in size 195/65/R15 with the Premium class tire and the most expensive of all - the fifth Premium Contact. Mega-comfortable German tire is simply created for the pleasure of driving around good roads- so if you regularly drive on the autobahn, pay attention. Very soft tire, very quiet and mega-comfortable. From this follows its main disadvantage - the sidewall is weak against impacts. It is highly not recommended on bad roads. For a city with good roads and highways - super. It holds its course perfectly, does not aquaplane, and brakes well. Super grippy on dry and wet asphalt, which is why there is increased wear. You have to pay for everything in this life, right?))
But the tire is very good, in our size the speed index is up to 210 km/h, you can safely drive fast on the autobahn. However, when cornering, rolliness appears due to the soft sidewall, so the optimal speed is still around 140 km/h. These are not sports tires - these are tires for comfortable movement, when you don’t need to strain when entering a turn at a speed of 200 km/h)) You drive like this at 140 km/h, the tires rustle, the car goes smoothly, does not yaw - that’s comfort. The Germans know a lot about comfort.
We carried out tests at the end of last summer at the AVTOVAZ test site near Togliatti, where we collected all the new products for the upcoming spring-summer season of 2016. During the tests, the air warmed up to +20…+30 ºС.
A kind of watershed in the price line can be the well-known Hankook Kinergy Eco on the market at 2800 rubles and a new product from Finland - the second generation Nokian Hakka Green tire, which can be bought for 3100 rubles.Cheaper are the familiar domestic tires Nordman SX (2,700 rubles), Yokohama BluEarth AE01 (2,550 rubles), Cordiant Sport 3 (2,400 rubles) and a new product from the Korean company Kumho - the Ecowing ES01 model (2,500 rubles), made in China. And the most affordable tire in our test is the Amtel Planet Evo tire (2,200 rubles), a new product for the season. The Pirelli company considered the brand leaving the market to be well promoted in Russia and decided to breathe new life into it, using modern technical solutions and technologies.
More expensive test participants are the very popular Continental ContiPremiumContact 5 tires (3,500 rubles), as well as the Japanese Toyo Proxes CF2 (3,400 rubles) and Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance (3,450 rubles). There are two more models in the same price group: for the first time, Michelin Energy XM2 tires (3,500 rubles), made in Russia, and Japanese Bridgestone Turanza T001 (3,500 rubles) are participating in our tests.It is gratifying that five out of twelve models are domestically produced.
You need to choose the appropriate car for budget tires. We liked it. Due to its age, this is an inexpensive car, but in perfect condition. It also does not have a stabilization system, which is to our advantage: the electronics will not interfere with exercises.
Test procedures
Modern summer tires do not require running-in. All manufacturers confirm this: before testing, just drive a couple of kilometers - and they are ready for testing. So for summer tires, not only the procedure, but also the very expression “running in” is an anachronism.
Having finished with efficiency, we make a circle along the service roads. Here, on road patches, seams, cracks and special irregularities, we once again evaluate the smoothness of the ride and the noise level in the cabin - under more severe conditions, as close as possible to real ones.
In these exercises they did not perform at their best compared to others Kumho tires: at speeds of 90–100 km/h they emit an unpleasant low-frequency hum; on road irregularities, shaking and vibration are annoying.
Before returning to the base, we taxi up a 12% dirt climb, simulating a country road. Here we subjectively (without measurements) evaluate the ability of tires to start and accelerate on a dirt road (with dust and sand). The exercise is somewhat reminiscent of assessing cross-country ability in deep snow: the expert tries to start and accelerate with and without slipping; checks how much traction drops when slipping, whether it is difficult to control the moment the wheels slip into slipping.
Let me remind you that the “ground” test is optional, its results do not count toward the overall standings, but are presented only as Additional Information. We introduced it into the test program at the request of readers who were interested in the capabilities of tires on unpaved roads.
wet business
The next test is braking on wet asphalt, since on it, especially with the use of ABS, the tires wear out minimally.
We start the test... by stripping the coating. We perform a dozen to one and a half braking sessions on non-qualifying tires - in this way we carefully “sweep” the asphalt, removing wind-blown dust, grass and very small stones from it. After this procedure, the asphalt becomes clean and the adhesion coefficient is stable.
According to the method that is used today by both tire manufacturers and independent experts, we measure the braking distance on wet asphalt when decelerating from 80 to 5 km/h - since at speeds close to zero, the ABS does not work correctly, sometimes allowing the wheels to lock, which leads to distortion of results. Many tire companies set a different minimum speed threshold in their internal tests - they end measurements at 7 and even 10 km/h.
To get better results, it is important not only to start braking at the same point, but also to approach it at the same speed. We keep 83–85 km/h - not according to the speedometer, but according to the high-precision measuring device VBOX. The braking corridor should be very narrow - we brake literally next to the next. This is extremely important: a dozen centimeters (only half the tread width) to the side - and the coating already has a different coefficient of adhesion, which means the result will float away.
Before braking, the tester must be sure that the brakes are cold, which means their effectiveness is maximum. Therefore, after each measurement, the pads and discs need to be cooled - when returning to the starting position, the driver does not use the brakes; the speed is reduced by switching to lower gears. By the way, this is also why we chose a car with a manual transmission.
The average number of braking events is six. Sometimes, if the tires show unstable results, you have to add a couple more runs.
Continental tires, as usual, “brought” about a meter of saved braking distance to their closest rivals. But imagine our surprise when the new Hakka Green tires beat them by almost the same amount!
Wear
Let's move on to more strenuous exercises. The first is braking on dry asphalt. The technique is essentially the same as in the wet, but we brake from 100 km/h - accordingly, the speed of approach to the braking point is 103–105 km/h. To further cool the brakes, you have to make a larger circle.
In this exercise, I was pleased with the stability of the Continental - for many years in our tests it consistently brakes better than others. Nokian came close to the leader, but could not stand level - the loss was a meager 100 millimeters. But Michelin was disappointing - it showed the weakest braking properties both on dry and wet asphalt.
In conclusion, the most interesting and revealing, but at the same time the most difficult test for the pilot: a change of lane, which is also called a one-time lane change. The driver’s task is to find the maximum possible speed at which the car will successfully perform the maneuver and stay on the given trajectory, that is, it will not knock down any of the cones that mark the entrance and exit corridors. Races begin at a known passing speed, and with each subsequent approach it is increased by 1–2 km/h. It’s not just the best result that counts, but the one that can be repeated.
This exercise, on the one hand, is taken from real life- there are so many people on our roads who like to fuss between the rows! On the other hand, it allows you to evaluate the lateral grip properties and steering characteristics of tires, the ability of the frame to withstand sharply increasing, literally peak lateral loads, and steering accuracy during extreme maneuvering.
The geometric parameters of the rearrangement are also not far-fetched - the width of the lanes is 3.5 meters, just like on a real road. But on the first lane, the “path” is sandwiched by cones so that on each side the car has a margin of no more than 100 millimeters. This forces the tester to use the same trajectory at the entrance. The length of the transition from the left lane to the right is 12 meters. GOST for vehicle testing regulates 12-, 16-, 20- and 24-meter distances. And the maximum lateral load on tires is provided by the 12-meter one.
First, the rearrangement is performed on wet asphalt, and at the end we repeat this exercise on a dry surface, where the tires get more than the total in all previous exercises.
On wet roads, both in terms of speed and handling, the updated Nokian Hakka Green tires were ahead of the rest. The Continental tires were very close in terms of maximum rotation speed, but noticeably inferior in terms of handling.
We got the most interesting results on dry asphalt - here the best speed (68.2 km/h) was simultaneously shown by three tires: Amtel, Continental and Nokian, and the Kumho result (68.1 km/h) was only one tenth more modest.
They got up in a bunch!
Perhaps it would be best to start the epilogue with congratulations to the winner of the test, and these are the Nokian Hakka Green 2 tires. Nevertheless, all the tires that took part in the tests pleasantly surprised us.
Firstly, we were pleased with the accuracy of the final results. The tires that took the last seven places have a difference in final points of less than two percent! In fact, this is close to the measurement error. Secondly, all the tires performed very well, despite the fact that their prices are more or less affordable.
The crisis hit not only the automobile market, but also the tire market. Sales volumes are falling, drivers are increasingly refusing expensive tires premium brands in favor of the “second line”, especially when it comes to bore diameters of 14, 15 or 16 inches. So we compared the relatively affordable summer tires dimensions 185/65 R15, and the car we chose was not an expensive one - Hyundai Solaris.
We collected tires for this test in the early fall of 2015 - and we were not sure that in six months all the models would remain on our market. However, although the ruble has collapsed, it does not seem to be enough to put suppliers of imported tires out of the game. As for tires produced in Russia, their exports have increased noticeably, and the share of “second line” brands in supplies to the domestic market has increased. Not Nokian, but Nordman, not Continental, but Matador, not Pirelli, but Formula. Our “second line” is represented by the Nokian Nordman SX, Tigar Sigura, Formula Energy and Matador MP 44 Elite 3 models. We also include in this subgroup those developed in Russian tires Cordiant Road Runner, and also Chinese Headway and GT Radial Champiro Eco. It is curious that the Chinese promise outstanding performance, comfort and safety, and GTRadial tires even boast stickers convincing that the tires have been tested in accordance with the classification adopted in the European Union for rolling resistance and grip on wet asphalt, and their class is higher than that of Matador tires.Oh?
The Racelogic measuring system allows you to accurately determine the distance traveled and its time derivatives - speed and acceleration.
But we didn’t limit ourselves to the “second line”! Among the competitors are Bridgestone Ecopia EP150, Hankook Kinergy Eco K425, Nokian Hakka Green 2 and Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance tires. The choice of these particular models was also dictated by the fact that their prices are slightly higher than those of the “second line” tires.
This time we carried out the tests at the summer testing ground of the Nokian Tires company near a Finnish town - what a coincidence! - Nokia.
This testing ground is small. Here, for example, there is no ring track to evaluate “high-speed” handling - and if we were testing UltraHighPerformance (UHP) class tires, we would probably have found another place. But to evaluate consumer properties related to safety and comfort, everything you need is here.
We start with the main thing - and put all the tires on “clean water”, that is, on a wet surface.
When changing wheels, you can feel the difference in the weight of the tires: the lightest are Nokian and Goodyear (weigh seven kg each), the heaviest are Chinese tires and domestic Cordiant tires (8.1 kg).
Braking from a speed of 80 km/h. Six to eight measurements with each set of tires - and the first surprise. The last line of the protocol is occupied by Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 tires, which we formally classified as the “first line”. Chinese tires are even better! The leaders are Matador, Hankook and Nokian, which allowed the car to stop in less than 30 meters.
Now the task is the opposite: do not slow down, but accelerate. There is a one and a half centimeter layer of water under the wheels. The car enters a special bathtub at a speed of 75 km/h, third gear, gas to the floor, Solaris reaches approximately 80 km/h - and the front drive wheels lose contact with the road: aquaplaning! You most often encounter this dangerous phenomenon when driving through deep puddles or getting into a rut rolled into the asphalt. However, on some tires hydroplaning occurs at a higher speed (Cordiant, Hankook, Nokian and Chinese Headway), while on others it is noticeable earlier: Bridgestone or Formula tires allow you to accelerate only to 73 km/h, and then “freestyle swim”, that is uncontrolled movement until the speed drops or the puddle becomes shallower.
To evaluate the resistance to hydroplaning, a bathtub filled with a one and a half centimeter layer of water is used. After each passage there is a mandatory pause so that the water supply system has time to “return” tens of liters of splashed water.
It would be useful to remind you what to do in such a situation. The main thing: do not panic and do not try to make sharp maneuvers - even if the car is careening towards an obstacle! Strongly turned front wheels, having gained traction with the road, will throw the car to the side with such force that before you know it, you will find yourself in a ditch or oncoming traffic. It's best to slow down - and prepare to maneuver if necessary. After all rear wheels they walk along a “drier” track, so the car will slow down in any case. But it’s better, of course, not to get into such situations - and sit down in front of puddles in advance (also because a deep hole may be found under the water). And on high-speed roads you should stay off the ruts. And at the same time, do not spoil your karma by spraying downstream neighbors like a fire hose.
In EU countries, all tires are now sold with the following stickers: the letter marking gives an idea of the tire's rolling resistance and braking properties on wet asphalt, as well as the noise level. But here’s the problem: the classes (from the highest A to the lowest G) are declared by the manufacturers themselves, and in reality the labeling does not always correspond to reality.
Now controllability. Of course, today many problems are solved by the stabilization system, but it also works within the framework of the laws of physics. This means that the friction force in the contact patch between the tire and the road depends on the vertical load and the coefficient of friction. It is to increase this coefficient that tire developers are struggling. Judging by the results of the races on the compact handling course, specialists from Nokian and Hankook succeeded well here. If the stabilization system was activated, the Hankook and Nokian would deserve equally high marks, but with the system disabled (Solaris allows this), subtle nuances can be revealed. For example, that the slip on Nokian tires is more stretched, and the car’s reactions are not so accurate. So the subjective assessment for control reliability is one point lower.
Headway and Bridgestone tires require extreme caution on wet asphalt: a little too much speed and the car goes into a prolonged slide. Cordiant tires also force you to be on your guard: there are very sharp skids.
Artificial irregularities in the form of well hatches and asphalt ledges help evaluate the smoothness of the ride.
We assessed the handling and braking properties on dry asphalt, but here the difference is smaller, and from a safety point of view it is not so critical. Exceeding the limits of tire grip on dry public roads is either deliberate hooliganism or an insidious combination of circumstances. Be that as it may, on dry asphalt the leaders and outsiders are approximately the same as on wet asphalt. Goodyear and Hankook tires are among the first, and Chinese tires and Bridgestone close the test report.
We evaluate comfort subjectively, and this is not out of laziness: over many years of testing, we have more than once been convinced of an extremely low, or even non-existent, correlation expert assessments and readings from vibration meters or sound level meters. However, this time there is no need to talk about significant differences in the influence of tires on comfort, although we drove on asphalt of varying roughness and shook on calibrated bumps. Of the total mass, only Bridgestone, Formula and Matador tires slightly stand out for the worse. The variation in ride smoothness is also small, but Bridgestone, Headway and Tiger are worse than others, and Goodyear is better. And this did not surprise us: high level Comfort is a hallmark of Goodyear tires, and almost all of our comparison tests confirm this.
The most accurate consumer method of “chemical analysis” of rubber is measuring the braking distance on wet asphalt. When braking from 80 km/h, the spread of results exceeds six meters!
And finally, an invitation to execution. We fix a granite block 68 mm high on the asphalt and drive the right wheels onto it at an angle of 45°. We start at a speed of 40 km/h and increase it until we break through the sidewall. This time - because of more high profile- the limit turned out to be on average much higher than when testing 17-inch tires with a 45 percent profile (AR No. 5, 2015), and we couldn’t break through four tires even at 90 km/h! These are Bridgestone, Hankook, Matador and Nokian. But Goodyear and Tiger gave up at speeds of 60 and 70 km/h, respectively. They are too delicate, especially for those who travel not only around the capital and around toll roads. By the way, the Nokian Hakka Green 2 tire also gave up the ghost at 60 km/h, but by the time of our tests it had already been decided to produce tires of this model with a reinforced frame - such a tire “reached” up to 90 km/h.
A car with the stabilization system turned off allows you to better assess the effect of tires on handling.By the way, you can’t praise yourself... It was at our instigation that Nokian Tires began conducting “impact” tests three years ago.
But in the end, even taking into account the increased impact strength, the new Nokian Hakka Green 2 tires take an honorable second place. And in the first place, albeit with a minimal margin, are the Korean tires Hankook Kinergy Eco K425. Durable, tenacious - and even interesting from a handling point of view.
Impact test: at the end of the tests, even a granite block could not withstand, but among the participating tires, four samples withstood a collision with this obstacle at a speed of more than 90 km/h!
The outsiders are Chinese tires, which is not surprising, but the failure of the Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 was discouraging. However, they also have an undeniable advantage: they “take a hit” perfectly. It is interesting that in comparative tests carried out by our European colleagues, Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 tires look good. But this only suggests that Bridgestone tires for Western markets are baked from a higher quality “dough” than for Russia.
More than a hundred full-throttle braking from a speed of 105 km/h is a serious test not only for the tires, but also for the Solaris brakes. We survived!
Hankook Kinergy Eco K425
Overall rating: 9.6
The "Eco" in the model name suggests low rolling resistance, although we didn't get the impression that this was true. However, according to European classification at Hankook tires Kinergy Eco is only the fourth efficiency class (E). But grip properties on wet asphalt - according to the same markings - refer to upper class Oh, and we had no reason to doubt this. On wet roads there is excellent grip both when braking and when cornering.
On dry asphalt, Hankook tires boast minimal braking distances and reliability in extreme situations. And in terms of smoothness on small bumps, they are second only to Goodyear tires.
These tires also hold up well to impact: even at a speed of 90 km/h we couldn’t hit them on a calibrated curb.
As a result, we confidently recommend Hankook Kinergy Eco tires for use on any roads, including rough ones.
Pros:
High impact strength
Minuses:
Medium rolling resistance
Nokian Hakka Green 2
Overall rating: 9.4
New Nokian Hakka Green 2 tires in five sizes, including the test 185/65 R15, correspond to the highest class AA, that is, they combine reliable grip on wet surfaces and low rolling resistance. And according to the results of our measurements, Nokian tires have the lowest rolling resistance, but the main thing is that on wet asphalt they provide a minimum braking distance, and on the highway - maximum speed cornering. True, when sliding, the car “hangs” a little more than on Goodyear or Hankook tires, and therefore the subjective rating is one point lower.
On dry asphalt, side slips and delayed reactions are a little more than we would like. Comfort indicators are at an average level, but impact resistance is one of the best. Finnish tire makers, focusing on the Russian market, introduced a special undertread layer made of high-strength steel cord into the design. It is curious that “reinforced” tires are no heavier than regular tires - and at the same time lighter than competing tires!
Another great option, although not the cheapest.
Pros:
Grip properties on dry and wet asphalt
Handling on wet asphalt
High impact strength
Low rolling resistance
Minuses:
Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance
Overall rating: 8.9
A promising “elite” name, and the range of sizes is dominated by large bore diameters.
On wet asphalt, Goodyear tires confirm their highest “traction” class A. And the car handles exemplary: clear reactions, a soft start to sliding. But here’s the problem: when the water level on the asphalt reaches 15 millimeters, these tires float up before their main competitors. Very strange, especially if you remember what has always been strong point summer Goodyear tires. However, the new European labeling (read: tire value system) does not reflect resistance to aquaplaning in any way, and if so, the designers apparently decided that they shouldn’t bother.
But the fact that during impact tests the tire gave up the ghost already at 60 km/h did not surprise us: Goodyear tires did not withstand impact well before. But - the softest comfortable rolling, and in the end - good tires for good roads.
Pros:
Grip properties on dry and wet asphalt
Handling on dry and wet asphalt
Comfort
Low rolling resistance
Minuses:
Low impact strength
Matador MP 44 Elite 3
Overall rating: 8.8
Two years ago, Matador MP 44 Elite 3 tires already earned high marks in our comparative test (AR No. 6, 2014) - and they confirm this now. Grip properties on wet asphalt are at the level of the test leaders, although in fast turns there is a tendency for the front end to slip.
And on dry surfaces the car reacts sluggishly to the steering wheel and requires increased steering angles. But on a straight line, the Solaris on Matador tires is stable.
The rolling noise is audible over the entire speed range, but its tone is not annoying. When driving over uneven surfaces, the level of vibration is acceptable, but in tight corners it is already accompanied by noticeable shocks on the steering wheel. We also praise these tires for their durability: we did not manage to puncture them even at a speed of 90 km/h.
The tires are strong and inexpensive. And, apparently, their quality remains stable.
Pros:
Grip properties on wet asphalt
High impact strength
Low rolling resistance
Minuses:
Average handling performance
Average level of comfort
Nokian Nordman SX
Overall rating: 8.6
For “second line” tires, Nokian uses tread patterns of previous generations: it simply changes the design of the sidewall and calls them Nordman tires. It is curious that Nordman tires of the same model can have different tread patterns. Thus, the Nordman SX of small sizes is a “screenshot” of the tread of the Nokian i3 tires that were released. Some 15- and 16-inch models have the Nokian H tire pattern, while the 17- and 18-inch Nordman SX are available with the spectacular sports tread of Nokian Z tires.
Nordman SX tires demonstrate high grip on wet asphalt, and the driving pleasure is no less than on Nokian Hakka Green 2 tires. And on dry surfaces everything is fine, although the simplified frame does not contribute to either impact resistance or reduced rolling resistance.
Decent “second line” tires - it’s not a sin to save money on these by refusing to buy the “original”. That is, from Nokian tires of the current generation.
Pros:
Grip properties on wet asphalt
Minuses:
Average hydroplaning resistance
Cordiant Road Runner
Overall rating: 8.2
Russian-developed tires produced at the Yaroslavl Tire Plant did not fade in comparison with their famous competitors. On the tire account Cordiant is the best resistance to aquaplaning, good “wet” grip properties in the longitudinal direction. And the braking performance on wet asphalt is decent. But a surprise awaited us on the handling track: the car suddenly acquired a tendency to skid, so much so that you just have time to catch the car!
This tendency persisted on dry surfaces, although to a lesser extent. Comfort and shockproof properties are all right, but the same cannot be said about rolling resistance.
The tires are successful in some ways, but the problem is a poor balance of consumer qualities.
Pros:
Grip properties on wet asphalt
High resistance to hydroplaning
Minuses:
The car's tendency to skid on wet and dry asphalt
High rolling resistance
Formula Energy
Overall rating: 8.2
The factories of the bankrupt company Amtel in Kirov and Voronezh were purchased by the Pirelli concern - and after modernization, they began producing tires under the Pirelli and Formula brands (“second line”).
The good pedigree of Formula Energy tires is evidenced by low rolling resistance and a neat asymmetrical tread pattern. However, it turned out to be ineffective in “big water”: the car floats up before everyone else! But on wet asphalt the tires work well in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. And the slides are soft and predictable.
On dry asphalt, Pirelli tires offer quick and precise reactions. However, there is a lot of noise, especially on rough asphalt at speeds over 100 km/h. But the resistance to impacts is excellent.
A good option in terms of price and quality ratio.
Pros:
Grip properties on wet asphalt
Low rolling resistance
Minuses:
Low resistance to hydroplaning
Tigar Sigura
Overall rating: 8.1
Tigar tires are produced at a plant in Serbia, which has been owned by Michelin since 2010. Now these tires are not very popular, although in past years they were even supplied to Tolyatti and Nizhny Novgorod for the original equipment of cars.
On wet asphalt, grip properties are moderate - and, contrary to expectations, the directional tread pattern did not please with drainage capabilities: hydroplaning begins early. The tires' handling on wet roads is also unimpressive, although it is easy to drive the car along the optimal trajectory - thanks to the excellent balance of grip properties in the longitudinal and transverse directions.
The reactions are also pleasant on dry asphalt: smooth but precise.
These tires have nothing more to boast about. Compared to its competitors, the Tigar tires are harsh, but at the same time they do not withstand impacts: the sidewall was punctured at a speed of 70 km/h.
If you need inexpensive tires for driving on good roads, you can consider the Tigar.
Pros:
Reliable handling on wet and dry asphalt
Minuses:
Insufficient hydroplaning resistance
Low impact strength
Headway HH301
Overall rating: 7.6
Chinese Headway tires are better known to truck drivers, especially in America. A plant for the production of passenger tires was opened in 2013.
The HH301 tires are unremarkable: both the old-fashioned tread pattern and mediocre properties. Weak grip on both wet and dry asphalt, but they resist hydroplaning well. And they don’t bother you with rolling noise. Although the smoothness of the ride leaves much to be desired: on short-wave surfaces the car shakes more than on other tires. Rolling is also difficult, so, in addition to resistance to hydroplaning, the only advantage that remains is resistance to impacts - but this, perhaps, is not enough to deserve our recommendation. Even the price is not captivating.
Pros:
High resistance to hydroplaning
High impact strength
Minuses:
Low grip properties on dry and wet asphalt
Poor ride
High rolling resistance
GT Radial Champiro Eco
Overall rating: 7.5
Giti Tire is one of the largest tire manufacturers in the world! Six factories are in China, one in Indonesia, and in 2014 production was launched in the USA.
If you believe the accompanying papers, then the GT Radial Champiro Eco tires correspond to European class C in terms of rolling resistance, and class B in terms of grip on wet asphalt. The declared indicators are higher than those of Matador tires! But our observations cast doubt on the sincerity of Chinese tire manufacturers. If on Matador tires the braking distance from 80 km/h on wet asphalt does not exceed 30 meters, then on GT Radial it is 34 meters! And in other disciplines, these tires do not shine, although their behavior is not bad: the car is easy to control in transient conditions.
On dry asphalt, the braking distance is longest, the car reacts sluggishly to the steering wheel, and in response to releasing the gas it goes into a poorly controlled skid. Noise, vibration and shock resistance are at an average level.
We don’t see the slightest point in buying these tires, especially when there are less expensive and higher quality Matador, Formula or Cordiant tires nearby on the shelf.
Pros:
Reliable handling on wet asphalt
Average impact strength
Minuses:
Low grip properties on dry and wet asphalt
Low resistance to hydroplaning
Handling on dry asphalt
Bridgestone Ecopia EP150
Overall rating: 6.9
The Thailand-made Bridgestone Ecopia EP150 tires were a disappointment in our test. Braking distances vehicle on wet asphalt from a speed of 80 km/h increased by as much as seven meters compared to the leading tires. And the races along the wet handling track made me remember the techniques of emergency driving on ice: sliding starts at a harmless speed. And in puddles, Bridgestone tires float up early.
