Which manufacturer of winter tires has better reviews. What winter tires are better to choose? Which brand of winter tires to choose

24.12.2021

The car market offers a huge range of tires, it is very difficult to choose the best ones. Therefore, to simplify the choice of motorists, independent experts compile ratings of winter tires, they indicate the advantages and disadvantages of tires of various brands.

In the winter season, drivers have a question: “to stud or not to stud tires?”. Studded products are designed for harsh winters, ensure the normal stability of the car when driving on ice or deep snow. Studless tires are not only suitable for driving on icy or snowy roads, they can be used on dry or wet road surfaces. There is an alternative option - these are the so-called "Velcro", they have a large lamella of the tread blocks, this design, in the absence of spikes, ensures the stability of the car on snow or ice. Which of these tires is better depends on the preferences of the driver and the operating conditions of the vehicle.

When choosing tires for the winter on your own, use the ratings of winter tires, when they are compiled by independent experts, the following characteristics of tires of various brands are taken into account:

stopping distance of a car on a dry, snowy, slushy, ice-covered road;
maximum acceleration of the car;
fuel consumption;
rubber noise;
driving comfort.

Comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of rubber from different brands allows you to identify leaders in the manufacture of high-quality tires.

Leaders and outsiders of budget classes of studded tires

First place

Tire Sava Eskimo Stud

The tire is designed for extreme winter conditions, it occupies a leading position among models of budget tire classes. It consists of a silicon-containing polymer, which provides the elastic properties of products at a sufficiently low ambient temperature.

Advantages:

low noise;
vehicle stability on ice, snow, dry and wet asphalt;
average course stability.

Disadvantages: average handling, directional stability when tested on a wet road surface.

Second place

Tire Matador MP30 Sibir Ice 2

Tires are designed in compliance with world standards and taking into account the peculiarities of the Russian climate. The composition of rubber provides elasticity, resistance of products to low-temperature operating conditions.

Advantages:

wear resistance;
low weight due to the use of aluminum spikes;
good acceleration on winter roads;
short braking distance on wet and dry road surfaces;
average grip on ice and snow.

Drawbacks:

average directional stability and handling on roads covered with ice;
noisy.

Third place

Tires Cordiant Snow Cross

These tires are designed for harsh Russian winters. The resistance of products to wear is ensured by the presence of silicon in the composition of rubber. These tires proved to be excellent when driving on packed snow, in some respects they even surpassed middle-class tires.

Advantages:

average braking on the road covered with ice;
good acceleration on packed snow and icy road surfaces;
average exchange rate stability among test participants.

Disadvantages:

not the shortest braking on dry and wet paved surfaces;
spikes protrude strongly, creating additional noise while driving;
increase in fuel consumption when moving the car at high speeds;
there is a chance of getting stuck when driving on loose snow.

Fourth place

Rubber Kama Euro 519

Structurally tires consist of two layers of rubber. One makes the studs resistant to falling out, the second makes the tires flexible at very low temperatures.

Advantages:

fast braking on snow and dry pavement;
average cross-country ability on winter roads;

Drawbacks:

increased braking on icy roads and wet pavement;
tires respond slowly to steering commands;
low stability on snowy, icy roads.

Fifth place

Tire Viatti Brina Nordico V-522

The products have an asymmetric tread pattern that provides traction with the road surface. The outer part of the tread ensures the stability of the machine during cornering.

Advantages:

good directional stability of the car on a snow-covered road;
elasticity.

Disadvantages:

for all types of testing, tires showed low results;
increased braking on any type of road surface;
a small patch of rubber contact with the surface when driving on ice.

Leaders and outsiders of the middle class of studded tires

First place

Tire Hankook W419 iPike RS

These tires have a unique composition of the rubber compound, which provides increased rubber elasticity at fairly low temperatures. The silicon which is a part of rubber increases resistance of products to wear.

Advantages:

good braking performance on winter roads;
excellent tire grip with the road surface when driving on packed snow or a road covered with a shallow snow layer;
provide directional stability of the car when driving on asphalt;
help reduce fuel consumption;
high wear resistance.

Disadvantages:

poor cross-country ability while driving on slush or road surface covered with snow porridge;
unpredictability of tires when performing maneuvers on dry pavement;
not the quietest tyre.

Second place

Tires Gislaved Nord Frost 200

Rubber developed by a Swedish company using new technologies. The improvement in the performance of these tires when tested on a snowy road is provided by a large number of small tread blocks. The tread lamellas have a different design, providing greater grip of rubber with the road surface.

Advantages:

provide confident movement of the car on a snow-covered or snow-covered road;
good braking performance on asphalt;
Tires make virtually no noise.

Drawbacks:

tires respond to steering commands with a slight delay;
poor handling on icy ruts.

Third place

Tire Nordman 5

The tire is designed with a special tread that provides good grip of tires on the road surface. The design feature of the tread is the location in its central part of the longitudinal rib, which has edges in the form of zigzags - this improves the directional stability of the car.

Advantages:

light spikes that reduce the weight of the product;
good braking performance on snowy or icy road surfaces;
help reduce fuel consumption.

Disadvantages:

in comparison with competitors, manageability is not the highest;
poor braking performance on dry asphalt pavement;
weak lateral part of the tread is often damaged;
noisy.

Fourth place

TireYokohama IceGuard Stud IG55

Designed with a special tread design that provides good grip of rubber with the road surface. The spikes are located on the surface of the product in such a way as to reduce the amount of noise while driving.

Advantages:

good indicator of directional stability and controllability;
spikes rarely fly out due to their deep seating in rubber;
practically silent.

Drawbacks:

the braking performance on an icy or snowy road is not the highest among competitors;
poor patency on a surface with icy ruts;
average directional stability while driving on an asphalt road surface.

Fifth place

Tire Kumho WinterCraft ice WI31

The tire tread is covered with a large number of sipes to ensure a good grip of tires with the road surface. The aramid fibers that make up the tires give them rigidity and serve as micro-studs.

Advantages:

excellent performance when driving on dry and wet asphalt;
deep-set studs reduce rubber noise;
good performance on packed snow.

Disadvantages:

weak braking on ice;
slipping on a slurry of snow;
poor handling on snowy roads.

Conclusion

Winter tire ratings determine the top best manufacturers, allow you to choose the most suitable tire option for a specific car and its operating conditions. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the winner does not always fit the characteristics of the operating conditions of the vehicle, and outsiders, in most cases, behave well when driving around the city.

Also take into account the tire sizes recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, and the matching of tires and wheels. As a rule, you can install larger diameter wheels and lower profile tires, for example, wheels with a radius of R14 can be replaced with R15 or R16, choosing the appropriate rubber.

With the onset of the cold season, motorists face the question of which tires to buy. Replacing car tires is a very serious procedure, since summer tires will not be able to guarantee high-quality grip on snowy or ice-covered road surfaces.

If you ignore this issue, and how to use summer tires before, the likelihood of getting into an accident will increase many times over, since the braking distance on such wheels will increase many times over, and during sharp maneuvers and turns, uncontrolled drifts and car slippage may occur.

Friction tires, they are also Velcro, have a number of advantages that radically distinguish them from studded tires. In order to figure out how these tires will behave in a number of specific conditions, you need to carefully study their advantages, disadvantages, as well as some of the features.

Some useful related links:

The difference between Velcro and studded rubber

The main difference between Velcro and studded tires is the complete absence of studs on the surface of the wheel. Instead, sipes are located on the surface, grooves on the tread that stick to the road surface, thereby providing good traction.

The sipes tend to expand when the tire touches the roadway, thereby forming a vacuum space, through which the tire confidently comes into contact with asphalt and other surfaces. These tires are best suited for driving on dry and wet road surfaces, as well as for driving in large cities and places where roads are being cleaned.

Velcro has a number of advantages due to which these wheels significantly outperform studded tires:

The structure of the sipes ensures that the entire surface of the tire is in close contact with the road surface, evenly distributing water over the existing grooves. She, in the truest sense of the word, sticks to a flat road surface. From here we have the excellent qualities of tires when driving in urban areas on cleared roads.
It is absolutely impossible to damage the road surface with friction tires, so their use is not harmful if we consider their use from the operational side.
Many models of friction tires are made of a softer material than studded tires. Due to this, at lower temperatures, the tire will not freeze, retaining, as before, the properties relating to elasticity.

Despite many advantages, the Velcro tire is still quite peculiar, and sometimes not suitable for use under various conditions. These shortcomings are:

Some kits guarantee weaker traction than the studded counterpart. The reason for everything is excessive, according to experts, the softness of the Velcro itself. When trying to accelerate, as well as in the event of sudden braking or sharp maneuvers, the lamellas move completely freely in different directions, thereby making the car feel insecure, even on a dry road.
These tires have unreliable grip on snowy surfaces. Also, their behavior on loose snow causes many reproaches. Tires do not cope with heavy snow coverage, and as a result, they begin to slip very much. Also, these tires are not recommended for use when driving out of town in winter, when the ground is covered with snow and frosty crust.

To select tires with the best properties, it is recommended to choose those sets that have good performance and an excellent reputation in the market or shop. This rating contains ten of the best models of friction tires that will definitely not disappoint the car owner.

The best Velcro winter tires

Let's start from the end

#10. Kumho Marshal I'Zen RV Stud KC16

In tenth place, among the leaders in sales, are Kumho Marshal I'Zen RV Stud KC16 tires. The company's production is aimed at Western markets, and has a branch in the UK. Even though this brand ranks only tenth, it is the most common among many car enthusiasts, and leaves many tires far behind.

#nine. Continental Conti 4×4 Winter Contact

Custom tread pattern allows tires Continental Conti 4×4 Winter Contact it is very effective to be cleaned from sticking of snow and dirt, thanks to the transverse grooves. Due to the relief pattern of the tire, good stability is ensured. Among the main advantages, it is worth noting the possibility of moving on country roads covered with a thick layer of snow or a dense ice crust.

#8. Hankook DynaPro i*cept RW08

In eighth place, quite thoroughly, there is another representative, released in Korea, which is rapidly conquering markets around the world, these are tires of the brand Hankook DynaPro i*cept RW08. The tires have good traction on icy surfaces and do well on snow-covered trails. Also, they have good acoustic properties and quite reasonable price.

#7. Yokohama Geolandar I/T-S G073

The seventh line is occupied by Japanese-made tires Yokohama Geolandar I/T-S G073. Tests have shown that with these tires you can easily climb a small hill, even when it is covered with a small layer of ice. When making sharp turns or braking, like most Velcro, it tends to slip and make involuntary skids. Poor braking performance on ice.

#6. Nokian Nordman RS2

Tire tread Nokian Nordman RS2 has clear lines, which allows the removal of dirt and snow from the bottom of the car. The rib located in the center of the tire guarantees increased wear resistance. The lamellas are developed using a special technology, thanks to which the grooves are located one inside the other. This design allows you to significantly improve traction, reduce slip to a minimum, and in most cases, eliminate tire deformation during driving.

#five. Pirelli Ice Zero FR

The first representative from Europe, located in fifth place, is an Italian company that produces tires Pirelli Ice Zero FR. Rubber, to a greater extent, is designed for use in countries with a harsher climate, such as Russia, Canada and some Scandinavian countries. According to the manufacturer's company, the tread called "butterfly" does not need to be run in at all.

This is not entirely true, but the time to fit the tires has been significantly reduced. Quite acceptable, as for Velcro tires, stability on various surfaces, makes it possible to produce sharp braking and enter a turn without any skidding. The main disadvantage is the very poor fluid output by the wheel, this is caused by the special structure of the tread.

#4. Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2

This product, respected in many parts of the world, brand Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2, is intended, to a greater extent, for SUVs, jeeps and other vehicles of this type. Tires are also suitable for city cars, but this emphasis tells us that these tires have very good grip and excellent stability in the conditions that the above types of cars are subject to.

#3. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice WRT

Third place in a bitter struggle goes to American-made tires Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT. The tires were recognized as the best, according to their properties, such as: good traction on snow, stability during sharp maneuvers, short braking distance, fast acceleration. The main disadvantage is the noise background, which exceeds the average level.

#2. Michelin Latitude X Ice 2

A little short of reaching the very top and stopping a step away from victory, in second place in the tire rating Michelin Latitude X Ice 2. Many times they were recognized as winners in various polls and competitions. Many articles are written about these tires by various automotive magazines and Internet sites.

Surprisingly, the studded tires of this manufacturer do not enjoy such fame and are much lower in the ratings. If we consider the functionality of Michelin tires, we will see that such qualities as driving on ice or on snow, as well as dry or wet road surfaces, deserve only praise.

#one. Nokian Hakkapeliita R2 SUV

Tires became the leader of the rating, rightfully taking first place. Nokian Hakkapeliita R2 SUV, the manufacturer is a Finnish company. The tread feature, which is unique to this manufacturer, allows you to confidently brake, as well as accelerate on an icy surface, so that these tires can compete even with studded counterparts.

But, it should also be said that the special surface of the tire does not make it possible to smoothly and accurately enter turns, there is a slight slip.

"Gold" and "silver" of our competitions were received by long-standing competitors in the face of Nokian and Continental. It is worth noting that these two companies update their product line almost every year. Prices for competing tires are approximately at the same level of 3,700 rubles. At the same time, Hakkapelliita 7 shows slightly better results, therefore it is ahead of ContilceContact in terms of quality / price ratio.

The North 2 products of the X-Ice series from Michelin firmly settled in the third position, although they are far from the “first freshness”. They cost about 3300 rubles.

The NordFrost 5 model from Gislaved is in fourth place in terms of cost (3200 rubles), and in terms of total points (892) it is in sixth place. People still willingly buy this rubber, apparently, relying on the good reputation of its predecessor. However, in reality, the price of these tires should be lower.

Next comes Ice Cruiser 7000 from Bridgestone for 2900 rubles. The new tire model has average qualities and properties for harsh Russian winters. That is why she takes only 8th position with her modest result of 829 points.

Identified trend

Apparently, our motorists are ready to pay more for a well-promoted and well-known brand. However, some buyers appreciate the tire's increased herniation resistance, which allows you to confidently drive over bumps in the road and jump through pits without serious consequences.

Yokohama tires are traditionally slightly cheaper than Bridgestone, but at the same time they are practically not inferior to them in terms of performance. The cost of Japanese tires is 2800 rubles. We again consider this bar too high. Customers treat tire products from the Land of the Rising Sun well, even despite the “Made in the Philippines” label.

Winter Carving Edge from Pirelli costs 2700 rubles, but at the same time it is one of the top five tires in our test. By the way, the problem of the previous generation rubber model with the loss of spikes was completely solved. The average cost/quality ratio is 3.0. Not a bad result.

Cheaper (for 2400 rubles) you can buy Korean I'ZEN KW22 and Nordman 4th generation of domestic production. According to the test results, Russian-made tires look much more attractive, therefore they deservedly take the 4th place in our rating. It is worth noting that this is a very curious product.

Sno-Max from Cordiant in terms of price can be considered an even more advantageous option. Their price tag reflects 2200 rubles. The final position in the test deserves respect - 852 points and a legitimate 7th place. At the same time, tires of domestic design outperformed imported tires of eastern production.

The cheapest tires in our test are Kama's Irbis (505). They cost less than 2000 rubles. At the same time, according to the test results, they did not even reach the 800-point threshold, gaining only 776 points. They cannot be called the last century, since the rubber model appeared 6 years ago. However, in terms of grip and properties, the tires clearly do not reach the modern level.

Note

You might be wondering why we haven't tried the latest 518 and 519 Euro-series from Kama? The fact is that such winter studded tires R14 in the most running size 175/65 are not produced. The Russian plant limited itself to producing only the old model in this class.

Separate conversation about each tire model

And now we can talk about each participant in our test in more detail. We will identify their characteristic features, main advantages and main disadvantages. We will also present their characteristics and average cost in the market.

11th place

Characteristics

These tires appeared with Gislaved in 2006.
On an icy road, tires have the weakest grip in both longitudinal and transverse directions. On a snowy track, the transverse is also very weak, and the longitudinal is simply none.
The car, shod in such rubber, will experience serious difficulties with acceleration. The wheels strive to slip into slipping, picking up speed at all unwillingly.
On a snowy track, it is best to drive carefully and slowly. The car scours the bumps very strongly and all the time tends to go to the side of the road, where the snow is deeper. The steering wheel is uninformative and empty, as if you are playing arcade racing.
In corners, the car behaves as it pleases. There is a feeling that the steering wheel is simply disconnected from the vehicle. The car can easily “crawl out” or break into a skid. At the end of the maneuver, you can even turn around. The situation is aggravated by large delays and simply huge steering angles. The problem can be solved by a strong speed limit when cornering.
Driving through snowdrifts with Kama Irbis is very problematic. You can safely drive a snowy distance only without stopping. An attempt to start off ends with the tires buried in snowdrifts.
On an asphalt road, tires "float" and require constant steering.
On wet roads, braking is poor, and on dry roads, it is average.
The tires are completely uncomfortable. They make a lot of noise, transmit shocks and vibrations even in those places where the roadway seems smooth.
Increase consumption at speeds over 90 km/h. When driving no more than 60 km / h, fuel consumption increases slightly.
The protrusion of the spikes (1.5 mm) and its growth after the tests (1.7 mm) are within acceptable limits. After testing, none of the spikes were lost.

Pros:

relatively acceptable braking properties on dry pavement and snow

Minuses:

terribly slow on ice
performed poorly on ice and snow in acceleration and lateral grip tests
unconvincing braking qualities
difficult to manage
poorly keep the trajectory on a snowy track
make a lot of noise and increase fuel consumption

Total amount - 776 points

Verdict

Can only be used on roads well cleared of snow. It is not recommended to operate on snowy and icy roads.

10th place

Characteristics

First appeared in 2008. In 2009, they began to be sold in our country.
They have weak grip parameters on an icy track in the longitudinal direction. Cross coupling qualities - averages. On a snow-covered road, acceleration is satisfactory, while braking and lateral grip leave much to be desired.
On such tires it is not necessary to start abruptly. During acceleration, slight slipping is allowed.
They go well on a snow-covered straight.
On the snow in the corners, the car, shod in Kumho, behaves rather strangely, as if it cannot decide between drifting outward or skidding and going inside. Transitions to slides are sharp and unexpected for the driver. In this case, slips are of a long-term nature. On an icy road, the behavior is more stable: only a skid, but at the same time very sharp and difficult to control.
In deep snow, when starting from a standstill, tires can easily dig in. It is best to get under way with these Korean tires, and move with a little slip. However, tires are poorly suited for driving on virgin soil. Reversing will not help if something happens. Tires move in the opposite direction very uncertainly.
On a straight asphalt road, they hold the trajectory well, but the delays in reactions and the need for taxiing are a little annoying.
They have average braking parameters on wet pavement, while on dry pavement they are the worst among all the test subjects.
Slightly increase fuel consumption at any speed.
The protrusion of the spikes (1.4 mm), as well as the change in this parameter after the tests (1.5 mm), does not go beyond the established norms.

Pros:

acceptable smoothness
stable on snowy roads
actually have no effect on consumption.

Minuses:

mediocre braking performance on snow and ice, and on dry pavement - the worst
difficult to manage on winter roads
make a lot of noise
very often “burrow”, they are characterized by poor cross-country ability

Total amount - 826 points

Verdict

A good budget option for car “shoes” for cleared, lightly icy and slightly snowy trails.

9th place

Characteristics

On an icy road, tires have poor traction in the longitudinal direction, and in the transverse direction, things are better. Here are the average results. On the snow, the balance changes slightly: the lateral qualities and acceleration dynamics are a little pleasing, and braking is upsetting.
You can move from a place to a car with slipping. True, then it is recommended to stop it, because in order to pick up speed faster, it is better to move tight.
On the road with snow, the car roams strongly and constantly tries to leave the trajectory of movement towards deep snowdrifts.
Pleased with the behavior of the car with Yokohama in the corners. The steering is tight and intuitive, and initial reactions are immediate. However, the speed of maneuvers on any type of coating is limited by skidding.
Not suitable for deep snow. They move forward with great difficulty, and in reverse they are unlikely to get out of the snowdrifts.
On the asphalt road, which is cleared of snow, you should also not rush. The machine is constantly in need of adjustments. Large steering angles also interfere with fast driving.
On a dry road they stop fine, but in the wet braking test they took last place. Such is the contradictory result.
Tire comfort level leaves much to be desired. Tires shake strongly on any potholes, bumps and other road irregularities. At the same time, Japanese-made Filipino-made tires make noise on ice and snow.
Slight increase in fuel consumption.
Tire studs, it seems to us, are a little deepened (1.2 mm). This can explain the poor grip on ice. The rate of increase in the protrusion of the spikes does not go beyond reasonable limits (1.3 mm). There are no lost.

Pros:

good fuel consumption
very good braking on dry pavement

Minuses:

poor braking on snowy and icy roads
the worst acceleration and braking performance on a wet track
poor directional stability on the track with snow and on clean asphalt
not adapted for deep snowdrifts, instantly “burrow”

Total amount - 828 points

Verdict

Allowed with a stretch to all types of coatings, except for a wet road with snow in positive temperatures. Large drifts should also be avoided.

8th place

Characteristics

As with Yokohama, we included the latest model in our test. The updated Bridgestone tires appeared in 2010, but they were brought to our country only in 2011.
On ice, they are distinguished by very uncertain acceleration, but at the same time good braking properties and lateral grip. On the snow, frankly weak grip in the longitudinal direction.
When accelerating, they lose momentum at the slightest slip. In it, Bridgestone tires, by the way, break very unexpectedly.
There are no complaints about running on a snowy track. He is measured and even. We also have no comments on the directional stability of the tires.
It is useless to rush on these tires in corners. On the ice, everything is limited by skidding, which comes on suddenly and requires immediate correction. On snow, the car constantly straightens the trajectory. At the same time, it slides outside the turn for a very long time.
In the snowdrifts in the tires, confidence is not felt. It's better to move without skidding. At the same time, tires make it possible to confidently get out of the “snow trouble” in reverse.
On an asphalt track without snow, the tires “float” a little. It is difficult to correct them and “catch” the correct trajectory. This is hindered by low information content of the steering wheel and noticeable delays.
On wet and dry pavement braking is good.
Very noisy tires. What sounds only they do not make when moving. On asphalt and ice with Bridgestone tires you will be provided with an unpleasant howl and rumble. Any of the road bumps responds with vertical accelerations.
They negatively affect the consumption, increasing it.
There are no complaints about the protrusion of the spikes (1.4 mm) and the rate of its change (1.5 mm). During the tests, none of the spikes were lost.

Pros:

directional stability on a snowy track
good braking on dry/wet pavement

Minuses:

the steering wheel does not obey well, the tires are difficult to control
increase fuel consumption
very noisy
Poor snow braking, ice/snow acceleration, snow lateral grip

Total amount - 829 points

Verdict

You can drive slowly on cleared, partially snowy and icy roads.

7th place

Characteristics

The debut of the tire took place in 2009.
On an icy track, they have mediocre braking performance. They accelerate and cling to the road in the transverse direction a little better. On snow, the situation is completely different: weak acceleration with satisfactory lateral grip and good braking.
Decently accelerating on Cordiant tires is obtained only by tension.
On a straight stretch on a snow-covered road, they scour from one side to the other. The steering process is complicated by the low information content of the feedback.
In high-speed corners, it will not be possible to accelerate, since the execution of the maneuver is limited by drift. Outward sliding is very noticeable, it takes a long time to restore adhesion.
Russian tires ride well in snowdrifts. You can ride them without tension.
You can drive fast on an asphalt road, but it is quite difficult. Constant swimming within the lane requires the driver to be careful and careful driving, a clear course correction. At the same time, an inexperienced driver can be taken by surprise by the turning angles of the steering wheel (quite significant), as well as its lack of information content.
Wet and dry braking is very good. The results of these tests can be compared with Nokian.
Comfort is not their forte. They make a lot of noise and thump on the flaws in the roadway. There is also one unpleasant habit, which consists in voicing the change of coatings.
It's very hard to save money with these tires. Fuel consumption at a speed of sixty km / h is average, and at more than 90 km / h - increased.
There are no missing spikes. Their protrusion (1.8 mm) and growth rate (1.9 mm) are normal.

Pros:

Good braking on snow, wet/dry pavement
Excellent flotation in snowdrifts

Minuses:

Increased consumption
Mediocrely hold the trajectory
Low braking performance and lateral grip on ice
Poor speed on snow

Total amount - 852 points

Verdict

Good for snowy roads. With them, you can not be afraid to "burrow" in any snowdrift.

6th place

Characteristics

This is another one of the "oldies" of our test. The rubber model first appeared in 2006. Since the same year, it has been sold in our country. True, this winter the rubber compound was improved.
Longitudinal coupling parameters, both on ice and on snow, do not go beyond the average, but the transverse ones on a snowy road are very good, and on ice they are even better.
It is better to accelerate on such tires on the verge of slipping. It will be much more efficient.
On a snowy road, they drive smoothly and calmly, but still the information content of the steering wheel is not enough.
There are some minor comments on the performance indicators. In the initial stage of the turn, the tires behave approximately, but on the arc itself, problems begin, associated either with drift or skidding. It is this uncertainty that will greatly strain and annoy the driver.
On the track with deep snow, they require minimal slippage, they are confidently tightened. Getting back if necessary with such tires will be easy.
On the pavement, the tires keep a straight course. There are no special remarks. In braking tests, Gislaved products were the best in dry and wet conditions.
They are distinguished by average comfort, although they “howl” a little on dense snow and asphalt road.
Slightly increase fuel consumption.
The protrusion of the spikes is at a good level (1.5 mm). After the tests, their average value increased slightly, within the normal range (1.6 mm). However, during the tests, we lost 5 spikes. This is very disturbing.

Pros:

the best braking performance on dry/wet pavement
best lateral grip on ice, good on snow
quite comfortable
well kept for the chosen trajectory on any road

Minuses:

accelerate medium on any type of surface
increase consumption
loss of five spikes
there are a number of remarks on control

Final score - 892 points

Verdict

The element of this tire model from Gislaved is well-cleaned roads, on icy and snowy ones, unfortunately, they are not as comfortable, reliable and efficient as we would like.

5th place

Characteristics

Tires were created in 2008. Since then, they have been refined and modernized many times. The last time was at the beginning of 2012.
Braking performance on snow is the best, but on ice it is not credible. Lateral grip on both types of surfaces is fairly average. Accelerates well, and on any road. However, tires are especially effective when driving under tension.
On a straight stretch in the snow, the tires are a little surprising with a clear and accurate course. In addition, the tires boast good asphalt responses and small steering angles when adjusting the direction of travel.
Turning into corners in Pirelli shoes is pure pleasure. To "understand" and even feel the vehicle allows immediate reactions and a tight and informative steering wheel. It is also worth noting close to neutral understeer.
Dangerous areas with deep snow are best overcome without stopping. When starting from a place, the tires fall into the snow, although they are not prone to self-digging. In reverse, the car is selected confidently.
On pavement, a clear course resembles that of summer tires. Small directional correction angles and tight rudder.
On a wet surface, a car with these tires slows down moderately, and on a dry surface it is frankly bad.
Tires every time sound a change in coverage and roughness of the asphalt. At the same time, they diligently transmit shocks from bumps to the vehicle body.
Modest fuel consumption.
The protrusion of the spikes is normal (1.5 mm), and the changes are minor (1.7 mm). Lost only one spike, but it's not critical.

Pros:

economical consumption
best in snow braking
good acceleration on snow/ice
have good lateral grip on ice
perfectly hold the trajectory and good handling

Minuses:

braking on a dry track is frankly weak
minor claims to patency and comfort

Total amount - 912 points

Verdict

Best suited for road conditions on any winter roads. It is better to avoid serious snowdrifts.

4th place

Characteristics

Tires were created in 2009. Since the same year, this tire model has been sold in Russia. The tires have been upgraded this winter.
In terms of grip, they are similar to the Michelin product, which ranks third. They showed themselves well on ice and snow (transverse and longitudinal properties), and on the rearrangement they are ahead of even our winners.
On a straight line, they "float" a little, so do not forget about the constant adjustment of the direction. They do not allow the driver to relax, they constantly keep him in suspense.
In sharp turns, the car is easier to control the gas pedal than the steering wheel. Screwing in responds to the speed reduction of the tire, and the turning radius increases to its growth.
On deep and difficult snow they feel good. In reverse, you can get out of almost any snowdrift. However, there is one feature. Tires prefer soft and smooth starting without slipping. But on the go, you can completely “drown” the gas pedal. It only helps. The more gas, the faster the car goes on Nordman 4.
On a cleared asphalt road, there are similar features as on a snowy one. Deviations from the given direction must be constantly corrected.
They brake well on wet pavement, and moderately on clean and dry pavement.
The ride is good, but the tires are noisier than the more expensive tires in 1st to 3rd places.
They are modestly priced.
The spikes protrude within the normal range (1.4 mm). The value changes slightly (1.5 mm). During the tests, only 3 spikes from the front tires were lost.

Pros:

modest fuel consumption
handle well on winter roads
excellent cross
good braking qualities on ice, wet pavement and snow
excellent lateral grip on snowy roads

Minuses:

remarks on the parameter of exchange rate stability
increased noise level

Total amount - 913 points

Verdict

An excellent choice for winter roads of any kind. Also with them you can go on winter off-road.

3rd place

Characteristics

First appeared in 2009. In the same year they made their debut in Russia.
Well balanced grip performance.
Acceleration on a winter road is confident. Slip during acceleration does not reduce the efficiency of acceleration. On a snow-covered track, they drive calmly, evenly and stably, regardless of the thickness and unevenness of the snow cover. Responsive to direction correction.
Entry and cornering behavior on ice and snow is highly predictable. There is understeer in the form of soft drift. However, it is easily “removed” due to competent steering, since the “steering wheel” has immediate reactions.
They do great in deep snow. In motion, slipping is preferred. At the same time, Michelin help out the driver well. Even if his car "creeps on his belly", the tires in most cases will allow you to get out.
On asphalt, tires can also be praised. At a decent speed, they keep a straight trajectory well. Without the slightest delay, they respond to the manipulation of the driver with the steering wheel.
Good braking on dry/wet roads.
They have a good level of comfort. Quiet enough. There are no complaints or comments about the smoothness of the course.
Fuel consumption is modest.
The protrusion of the tire studs is normal (1.5 mm). During our test, this parameter increased by only 0.1 mm, which indicates a good quality of the studding. By the way, they never lost a single spike.

Pros:

small consumption
good braking and acceleration on snow and ice

No cons found.

Total amount - 921 points

Verdict

Perfectly balanced and good tires for winter. In which case they will "help out" on deep snowdrifts.

2nd place

Characteristics

Tires were born in 2010. They immediately came to our country. In 2012, the design of the spikes was updated and the composition of the mixture was improved.
The tires showed the best traction in all tests on snow and ice. The only exception was the passage of the ice circle.
The snowy road is not very smooth. It is felt that the tires pull the car into deeper snow, sliding noticeably on transverse slopes. At the same time, the bagel could have been more informative.
Managed well, but there are a number of features. The speed of passing sharp turns is limited by the drift at the front axle, and in faster and gentler turns they are prone to a sharp skid. It is better to parry it at a small angle, not allowing it to develop, so as not to cause trouble.
Tires are not afraid of snowdrifts, but require the driver to adapt to their behavior. They do not like intense skidding. They like pull-in movement more. They can not always rescue the car in reverse from a large snowdrift.
There are no comments on road holding on cleaned asphalt. They excelled in dry/wet braking tests, trailing only Gislaved products.
They are not characterized by increased noise. The tires are quite comfortable, but noticeably shake the car on bumps.
Modest expense.
The protrusion of the spikes did not change at all during the tests (1.8 mm). The stitching is of high quality.

Pros:

better braking and acceleration performance on snow/icy roads and lateral grip on snowy roads
good lateral grip on dry, brushed/wet pavement

Minuses:

remark on the smooth running and patency of tires
far from the best directional stability

Total amount - 927 points

Verdict

Good all-round tires for all winter conditions.

1st place

Characteristics

The debut of tires took place in 2008. A year later they were already sold in Russia. At the beginning of 2012, the tires were seriously upgraded in such areas as the geometry of the studs and the composition of the rubber compound.
The traction of the tire is perfectly balanced. On snow and ice, the longitudinal properties are actually best in class. The transverse on icy roads is very good, only Gislaved is better, and on snow it is above average.
On a snowy track, the tires ride smoothly and without the slightest comment. Tires respond well to driver commands given by the steering wheel. True, its information content can still be improved.
In turns, they hold well to the trajectory chosen by the driver, the front wheels. The rear wheels grip the road surface a little less, resulting in slight oversteer. This unpleasant phenomenon is easily eliminated by the gas pedal.
Deep snow is not afraid at all. Easy and simple to maneuver on it. If the car rested its front bumper in a formidable snowdrift, then getting out of it in reverse is not difficult.
They do well on asphalt. At high speeds, the tires roll smoothly, brake well on dry land, and on a wet track they are good.

Looking for good winter studded tires? We will talk about which model is better to choose in this review.

Winter tire tests 2018-2019 (Behind the wheel, Autoreview, ADAC, Auto Bild)

To answer your question as fully as possible, which winter tires are better, we searched for information in the following sources:

Magazine "Behind the Wheel"

This is the oldest (issued since 1928) Russian publication dedicated to cars and the automotive industry. The 2018 winter tire test "Behind the Wheel" is an indicator of the high quality and reliability of a particular model.

Driving test results - click to open in full window

Newspaper "Autoreview"

In the past, the Soviet, and now the Russian automotive publication, which is engaged in testing both cars and child seats, tires, fuel and various car accessories. The 2018 Autoreview winter tire test was carried out last winter on the tracks of the White Hell test site in Finland, with temperature fluctuations from 5 to 23 degrees below zero.

ADAC

The largest automotive organization not only in Germany but also in Europe. ADAC's tire testing is not for every candidate. For example, in last year's summer tire test, only 6 models out of 16 passed all tests on wet and dry roads. And the requirements for winter tires are even stricter, because she has to withstand much more severe conditions.

This German automotive magazine is published under license in 36 countries. It publishes reviews of new models, tests of new and used cars, as well as news related to the automotive world.

Rating of the best winter tires 2018-2019

Since studded tires are a specific thing, they are tested in winter. And our review was based on tests conducted in the winter of 2017. The following parameters were taken into account:

dynamics of acceleration and braking on an icy road, wet and dry snow;
the time required to overcome the same distance on different types of roadway;
controllability of the car, smooth entry into turns;
rubber noise.

As a result, in the ranking of winter tires 2018-2019. we have collected the best winter tires that have earned positive ratings from both car owners and experts from various reputable automotive publications. Each tire of dimensions R14, R15, R16, R17 has been tested for a large number of positive reviews on Yandex.Market. The price of the models is indicated for 1 piece of size R15.

10 Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 8

Low price - 4,050 rubles.

Among the studded winter tires available in Russia, the Hakkapeliitta 8 is one of the best options for ice and snow. The Finnish tire has a diamond-shaped design of studs (there are 190 of them), behaves confidently in corners, and does not “scour” on the road. But these tires are not the best choice for areas where the roads are not under a blanket of snow all season. It does not work well on simply wet after rain or dry roads. This is a by-product of its excellent performance on snowy and icy surfaces.

The Hakkapeliitta 8 is not a quiet tire, it hums even at low speeds. One user described it as "the boom of a Boeing taking off".

The average price is 4,040 rubles.

The French brand MICHELIN has successfully withstood the test of time and fierce competition in the market. And the X-Ice North 4 model is one of the most successful from this manufacturer. It has over 250 spikes (albeit a reduced size), accelerates and brakes confidently on an icy track, does not dive into a rut, and behaves predictably on the road. At the same time, it makes a lot of noise, but here, as they say, “either checkers, or go.”

It costs, on average, 3,260 rubles.

This model is produced by the American division of MICHELIN, so on the one hand they are of high quality, and on the other hand they are cheaper than the MICHELIN X-Ice North 4.

These tires have studs located on the "shoulders" of the tread. Thanks to this, an optimal combination of studded and non-studded tires is achieved. And the increased density of the spikes helps with quick braking in the event of an unforeseen situation. The g-Force Stud tire performs well on loose and packed snow, wears slowly and is quite quiet compared to competitors from the winter studded tire rating.

On ice, these tires have worse braking performance than on snow.

The average price is 2,900 rubles.

The high quality and low cost of tires from Firestone allowed them to overtake more eminent competitors and land in seventh place. They use a unique self-cleaning tread design with a wider contact area for better traction. According to the reviews of the owners, the tires serve at least 2-3 seasons, the spikes sit firmly, and the patency on various surfaces is five points out of five.

Minus - it can be difficult to find on sale even in Moscow. What can we say about smaller cities.

Price from 5 705 rubles.

Perhaps the best winter tires, if we evaluate such a parameter as noise. It has 196 spikes, goes well on icy and snow-swept roads, and even on dry and wet asphalt. With directional stability when rebuilding, IceContact 2 also has no problems.

However, when accelerating to 110 km / h, a slight roll occurs. Perhaps this is due to the fact that the rubber is soft.

You can buy for 3 470 rubles.

These tires are produced under the Swedish brand, but at the Gislaved plant in Kaluga. The studs for the Nord Frost 200 are produced by the Finnish company Tikka.

The model is stable in turns, has excellent grip on snow and just good on ice. There is only one “but”: in order for it to fully reveal its qualities, a run-in is required - about a thousand kilometers.

The Nord Frost 200 shovels snow well, and the asymmetric directional tread pattern on their tread is taken from the popular first generation Continental ContiIceContact.

In very deep snow, these tires do not feel too confident.

The cost is from 3 470 rubles.

Yokohama tires are soft and quiet. They withstand very low temperatures, which allows them to be used on the roads of the Urals, Siberia and other cold regions of Russia. They are very stable on compact, rolled snow and allow you to drive at speeds up to 70 km / h on a porridge of snow and reagents.

The drain grooves on the tires are designed to drain water and snow mass, which are abundant on Russian winter roads, and increase directional stability in rainy weather. Because of their construction, the Ice Guard F700S perform well in dry conditions as well.

However, at high speed on a slushy road, a car with such tires begins to pull to the side.

They cost from 5,110 rubles.

Japanese quality, confident behavior in tight corners, high wear resistance - these are the three whales on the backs of which the Blizzak Spike-02 floated to third place in the list of the best studded winter tires of 2018. Dense, high-quality rubber will not let you down on bare ice and in a snowdrift and on dry pavement.

Of the minuses, we can only note the rumble.

Price from 5 910 rubles.

With a directional tread pattern and large studs (60 per meter), these tires are well balanced for wet and dry conditions. The zigzag shape of the sipes is designed to improve tire grip on ice and snow.

Many Dunlop tire owners have ridden them for 3 to 5 seasons. If durability and reliability are the main criteria for choosing winter tires, then this is the perfect candidate for you.

There are two drawbacks to this model - excessive rigidity and a strong rumble.

1. Pirelli Ice Zero

Sold for 3,090 rubles and above.

The undisputed leader of the winter tire rating of both this and last year. Thanks to the reinforced studs, Ice Zero keeps the car securely on an icy track. And the increased contact patch provides excellent grip on dry pavement. In terms of acceleration and braking characteristics on dry and wet pavement, Pirelli tires are not much different from

Adequate price, “omnivorous” road surface, softness and predictable cornering behavior are the main advantages of Ice Zero.

One minus, like other studded tires, is noise.

Brief summary: which winter tires to choose in 2018

The first candidate for the acquisition is, of course, Ice Zero from Pirelli. If for some reason it does not suit you, pay attention to Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02 or Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02. The price is high, but this rubber will last up to 5 seasons.

For those who prefer not very noisy, quality tires, we recommend Yokohama Ice Guard F700S, BFGoodrich g-Force Stud or Continental IceContact 2.

If you often have to drive on roads covered with ice crust, Hakkapeliitta 8 tires from the Finnish Nokian, MICHELIN X-Ice North 4 or Gislaved Nord Frost 200 will do.

If you drive in snow more often, then we can advise BFGoodrich g-Force Stud, Firestone Ice Cruiser 7 or Gislaved Nord Frost 200.

For owners of SUVs, hatchbacks or sedans who care about a comfortable and safe ride in the winter, it is important to change your car in time to friction or studded tires. Of course, there is still time before winter. But it is important to take care of safety in advance. In addition, today a huge number of models are presented on the tire market at seasonal discounts. Which option is right for you? Especially for you, we have compiled a rating of winter studded tires 2018-2019. Using this rating, you can choose the best solution for your vehicle in the shortest possible time.

Price - from 2056 rubles

These are inexpensive winter tires with a symmetrical tread pattern designed for driving on ice and densely packed snow for passenger cars, which have proven themselves well on Russian roads. Tire type: for northern winter. The maximum load per Nokian Tires Nordman 5 tire is 630 kg.

The advantage of this car tire is low rolling resistance, low fuel consumption - everything practically corresponds to the summer version. Such high-quality tires are not noisy enough, keep the trajectory well, and are stable on the road. They have a very strong sidewall. Among the shortcomings of this model, as users note, is that they do not brake well on bare pavement.

Nokian Tires Nordman 5

No. 9 - Pirelli Ice Zero

Price - from 2777 rubles

These are reliable tires designed specifically for driving in winter, on snow and ice. This model is in high demand because it has low rolling resistance. At the same time, it stands out for its good strength and minimal wear. Among the advantages of the Pirelli Ice Zero are directional stability, good grip on ice, on porridge and on ordinary asphalt, as well as an adequate price. According to numerous user reviews, braking on wet and dry asphalt during acceleration practically does not differ from a summer tire, despite the presence of spikes. Among the shortcomings is that the Pirelli Ice Zero is quite noisy at the very beginning of the break-in due to the large number of spikes, this is especially noticeable at speeds that exceed 55 km / h.

Pirelli Ice Zero

#8 - Continental IceContact 2

Price - from 3162 rubles

Such inexpensive, but very high-quality tires with an asymmetric tread pattern are designed for passenger cars for use in the winter, they stand out for their excellent braking performance. Among the advantages of this model are stud landing, cornering stability, excellent directional stability, good handling on snow, mixed surfaces, ice, on wet and dry pavement. The tires are not noisy, there is no discomfort during use. At speed, there is practically no noise, the braking distance is minimal. After running in, after a while, Continental IceContact 2 become even quieter.

Continental Ice Contact 2

No. 7 - Yokohama Ice Guard

Price - from 4003 rubles

Modern tires of high quality with a symmetrical tread pattern, designed for northern winters. The uniqueness of this model is concentrated in stable indicators for various evaluation criteria, which indicates their balance. They do a great job with Russian snowy winters. They are quiet and have excellent wear resistance. According to multiple user reviews, the tires hold asphalt well, including wet ones, and behave well on ice. Rubber in comparison with other models is not noisy. ABS almost does not work, slows down well, is well controlled. Yokohama Ice Guard on the ice is predictable and holds up well.

Yokohama Ice Guard

#6 - Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02

Price - from 5040 rubles

Popular winter tires with a maximum load per tire of 750 kg, designed for SUVs to operate in harsh Russian winter conditions. They are distinguished by an original design, which gives the product excellent adhesion properties. Among the advantages of this model are sealing on the sidewalls, the presence of a strong tire, good grip, the tread is not clogged with dirt, the tires are quite rigid, with good coverage. Bridgestone Blizzak Spike are not noisy enough, when braking they demonstrate a high level of braking quality and a short braking distance.

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02

No. 5 - BF Goodrich g-Force Stud

Price - from 5084 rubles

BFGoodrich g-Force Stud due to its functionality takes its rightful place in the top 10 best winter studded tires. These tires with a symmetrical pattern of high-quality directional tread are designed for off-road vehicles, for the northern winter. The BFGoodrich g-Force Stud performs well in icy conditions, has a reinforced sidewall and rides well even on a water-filled road. From the very beginning of use it is quite noisy, but after running it becomes much quieter. The tire to the track is quite sensitive, but not critical. The model is distinguished by excellent predictable handling and excellent braking on winter roads, wet and dry pavement, as well as good wear resistance.

B.F.Goodrich g-Force Stud

#4 - GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice WR

Price - from 6115 rubles

GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice WR - tires with a symmetrical tread pattern are designed for off-road vehicles, for the northern winter. This model is quite quiet and soft. The tread is quite deep, stands out for wear resistance. Users note that thanks to such tires, the chassis starts to work more pleasantly, the responsiveness of the steering wheel increases. Other advantages include excellent braking on wet and dry pavement, good cross-country ability, fairly confident movement and handling on slush and snow. The disadvantage is the roll characteristic of aggressive maneuvering.

GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice WR

#3 – Dunlop Grandtrek Ice

Price - from 7320 rubles

Dunlop Grandtrek Ice is a high quality winter tire with a symmetrical tread pattern and reinforced sidewall, for northern winter, with studs, designed for off-road use. The maximum load per tire is 875 kg. Among the advantages of this model is the fact that there are no drifts on the ice, the tires provide a confident ride on snowy porridge, and guarantee good cross-country ability even off-road. They are soft, not afraid of ruts, they are distinguished by normal balancing. Among the shortcomings, many users highlight noise, especially in the early days. After running in, the noise is significantly reduced.

Dunlop Grandtrek Ice

#2 - Gislaved Nord Frost 200

Price - from 4500 rubles

Gislaved Nord Frost 200 is a high quality studded winter tire with an asymmetric tread pattern for SUVs. The maximum load per tire is 875 kg. Tires are the best option, especially for big cities and regular trips out of town. The model has good braking on dry and wet pavement and even on slush. On loose snow - braking leaves much to be desired. The sidewall of the tires is soft but strong enough. Among the advantages is a quite acceptable noise level, which noticeably decreases after running in. The tires are not sensitive to ruts, they sit very well, which is very important for aggressive driving.

Gislaved Nord Frost 200

No. 1 - Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 9

Price - from 15762 rubles

Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta are high-quality tires with studs and symmetrical tread pattern for SUVs. The maximum load per tire is 975 kg. Tire type - for the northern winter. Tires fully comply with the characteristics declared by the manufacturer. This model is distinguished by excellent handling, excellent braking on winter roads, and strong studs.

Thanks to the excellent characteristics of the tires, rutting is practically not felt. Among other advantages - a short braking distance, predictable handling, various spikes for cornering and straight. Such a product fully corresponds to the description as the best winter tires, since it fully meets the declared characteristics and functionality.

Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 9

Optimal choice

The top 10 winter tires presented in our review combined models selected according to consumer reviews and the characteristics declared by manufacturers. All of these options do an excellent job with tests and delight users with their parameters - braking, handling, stability. All these properties are very important to consider when choosing, because what you should pay attention to in the first place is always safety. And good tire quality is your ally in this matter. However, the choice also depends on personal needs, as well as financial capabilities. That is why the decision is yours.

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