A pleasant surprise from Belshin. Test of budget winter tires

The car market offers a huge range of tires; choosing the best ones is very difficult. Therefore, to simplify the choice of car enthusiasts, independent experts compile ratings of winter tires, indicating the advantages and disadvantages of tires from various brands.

During the winter season, drivers have a question: “should I stud or not stud my tires?” Studded products are designed for harsh winters and ensure normal vehicle stability when driving on ice or deep snow. Studless tires are not only suitable for driving on icy or snow-covered 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 lamellaization 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 driver’s preferences and operating conditions of the vehicle.

When choosing tires for the winter yourself, use the ratings of winter tires; when compiled by independent experts, the following characteristics of tires from various brands are taken into account:

• braking distance of a car on a dry, snowy, slushy, ice-covered road;
• maximum vehicle acceleration;
• fuel consumption;
• tire noise;
• driving comfort.

Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of rubber from different brands allows us to determine the leaders in the production of high-quality tires.

Leaders and outsiders of budget classes of studded tires

First place

Sava Eskimo Stud tire

The tires are designed for extreme winter conditions and occupy a leading position among budget tire models. It contains a silicon-containing polymer, which ensures the elastic properties of products at fairly low ambient temperatures.

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages: average handling and directional stability when tested on wet road surfaces.

Second place

Tire Matador MP30 Sibir Ice 2

The tires are developed in compliance with international standards and taking into account the peculiarities of the Russian climate. The rubber composition ensures elasticity and resistance of products to low-temperature operating conditions.

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages:

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

Third place

Cordiant Snow Cross tires

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

Advantages:

• average braking on roads covered with ice;
• good acceleration on packed snow and icy road surfaces;
• average course stability among test participants.

Flaws:

• not the shortest braking on dry and wet asphalt surfaces;
• the spikes protrude strongly, creating additional noise while driving;
• increased fuel consumption when moving the vehicle at high speeds;
• There is a possibility of getting stuck when driving on loose snow.

Fourth place

Kama Euro 519 tires

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

Advantages:

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

Disadvantages:

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

Fifth place

Tire Viatti Brina Nordico V-522

The products have an asymmetrical tread pattern that provides traction on the road surface. The outer part of the tread ensures stability of the car when cornering.

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

Leaders and outsiders of the middle class of studded tires

First place

Tires Hankook W419 iPike RS

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

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

Second place

Tires Gislaved Nord Frost 200

The rubber was developed by a Swedish company using new technologies. Improved performance of these tires when tested on snowy roads is ensured by a large number of small tread blocks. The tread sipes have a different design, providing greater adhesion between the rubber and the road surface.

Advantages:

• ensure confident movement of the car on a snow-covered or snow-covered road;
• good braking performance on asphalt;
• tires make virtually no noise;

Disadvantages:

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

Third place

Tires Nordman 5

The tires are designed with a special tread that ensures good adhesion of the tires to the road surface. A design feature of the tread is the location in its central part of a longitudinal rib, which has zigzag-shaped edges - this improves the vehicle's directional stability.

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

• compared to competitors, handling is not the best;
• poor braking performance on dry asphalt surfaces;
• weak side part of the tread is often damaged;
• noisy.

Fourth place

Tire Yokohama IceGuard Stud IG55

Designed with a special tread design that ensures good adhesion of the tires to 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;
• studs rarely fly out due to their deep seating in the rubber;
• almost silent.

Disadvantages:

• braking performance on icy or snowy roads is not the highest among competitors;
• poor maneuverability on surfaces with icy ruts;
• average directional stability when driving on asphalt roads.

Fifth place

Tire Kumho WinterCraft ice WI31

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

Advantages:

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

Flaws:

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

Conclusion

Winter tire ratings determine the top best manufacturers and allow you to choose the most suitable tire option for a specific car and its operating conditions. It should be taken into account that the winner does not always match the characteristics of the vehicle’s operating conditions, and outsiders, in most cases, behave well when driving around the city.

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

More and more new types of tires are being added, supplied by completely different brand manufacturers. The material below discusses only the most popular models that any motorist can purchase in 2018. It is worth noting that the choice was made according to the price-quality ratio, and not according to the popularity of the manufacturer or the price of the tire. It is important to take into account the fact that the tires considered in the list were tested according to dozens of criteria, and the technical features of absolutely each model were measured using special equipment. In addition, the personal feelings of motorists were taken into account, who were able to test in practice the properties and capabilities of the examined samples. Of course, many motorists may be surprised by such a set of tires, since the tires presented have many differences, primarily in cost. However, the options considered were deliberately selected from different price categories, which will allow a car enthusiast with any budget to choose the most optimal option for himself.

Rules for choosing the best studless tires

It is quite difficult to choose the best ones, since the wide range of products offered belong to completely different manufacturers. In addition, the optimal choice should take into account not only the region in which a particular motorist lives, but also weather conditions. Naturally, some regions can “delight” the car enthusiast with a harsh snowy winter, while in other regions rainy weather and slush prevail. If only Scandinavian type tires are suitable for harsh climates, then European type tires are suitable for slush. Of course, not all car markets can find these models, however, in more or less large cities, purchasing any type of tires will not be a problem for the motorist.

Of course, every car enthusiast should know how to choose studless winter tires. According to the advice of experts, you should choose exclusively from well-known models that have been successfully used by thousands of motorists for many years. Of course, among domestic manufacturers there are several relatively acceptable companies whose products can be considered as an alternative option. True, the opinion that it is better to refuse to buy Russian or Chinese tires in favor of more reliable ones has not yet been eradicated.

Not all car owners have the opportunity to purchase; however, it is better to avoid buying a used product altogether. You should not make a purchase even if the tread is not worn out; it is likely that these tires have been idle for a long time, which has aged the rubber and led to a deterioration in its properties. Any tire is capable of meeting the characteristics declared by the manufacturer only for a certain time, until it reaches critical wear. The same rule should apply to retreaded tires that are considered dangerous and unreliable.

If a motorist is interested in which non-studded winter tires are better, the 2019 rating will help find the answer to this question. The list contains models that have different tread patterns. It is worth noting that this indicator is extremely important when choosing the most optimal model. The tread will help determine the tires that take into account the weather conditions of the region. In particular, in case of heavy rains and constant slush, you should buy rubber with the ability to drain water. Aggressive designs designed to handle snowy, icy trails. The diamond-shaped tread, which Scandinavian tires are equipped with, easily copes with laying a path through snow crust.

Tires must also take into account the temperature range. Some manufacturers produce tires that lose their properties over time; in winter, such models become soft, and in summer, on the contrary, more rigid. In turn, on the market you can find options that are resistant to sudden temperature changes. Whatever the reason, he can familiarize himself with the rating of the best winter non-studded tires, which for some reason outperformed other models and also showed good qualities when used on domestic roads.

Rating of studless winter tires 2019

Motorists are accustomed to calling non-studded tires Velcro, while experts call them friction tires. This type of tire is not equipped with metal studs. The tread pattern has a unique shape, it contains recesses that can get rid of excessive amounts of moisture and snow. Thanks to these properties, traction with the road surface is improved, while the tread is freed from snow without accumulating it. This type of tire is ideal for those regions where winter is moderate and the thermometer rarely drops below -15 - -20 degrees. Friction tires are usually purchased by Europeans.

The top 10 winter non-studded tires opens with a new friction model from the famous German company. We can say that this tire is ideally adapted for harsh winter conditions. The special composition of the rubber compound with increased softness provides this tire with excellent grip on icy or snowy road surfaces, even in frosts below ten degrees.

The tread is equipped with a system of deep drainage grooves, which, unlike the previous model with an asymmetric pattern, form a single network, which facilitates faster removal of snow and ice chips from the contact patch. The sipes present on the tread blocks provide good grip on winter roads.

According to tests, this tire, created for the Scandinavian countries and northern regions of Russia, is 8% superior to ContiVikingContact 6 in terms of handling. The entire range of the model, which is 112 articles in the R14-R21 range, is designed for a maximum speed of 190 km/h. Excellent low-temperature characteristics of the tread, including elasticity, are ensured by the addition of rapeseed oil to the silica.

Some VikingContact 7 sizes are equipped with the ContiSeal system, which ensures sealing of punctures with a diameter of up to 0.5 cm. The line of tires of this model also includes tires with the SSR Runflat system (the so-called accident-free driving technology), as well as with the ContiSilent system, which reduces tire noise.

The oldest tire brand has prepared its new development for the market of the Russian Federation and CIS countries - a studless winter tire WM02 with an asymmetric tread pattern. The second place in the list of the best studless tires for winter of this model was ensured by its versatility - it copes with snow crust, icy road surfaces, and wet asphalt with equal success.

The unique design of the tread pattern lies in the presence of sharp edges in the blocks, which improve the traction properties of the tire on slippery ice surfaces, while wide drainage grooves, which partially extend to the side edges, are responsible for draining water and snow crumbs.

The pattern itself is selected so that the tire, by compressing the snow, forms zones of improved grip on the road surface. Winter MAXX 02 features the Miura-Ori system, which uses slats with zigzag geometry. It was also used in previous tire models, but here the length of the lamellas was increased, which contributed to the increase in the number of sharp edges.

The modernized MegaNano Fit Rubber composition, which is characterized by greater elasticity, also contributes to improving the adhesion properties of rubber. Its distinctive feature is the inclusion of components made from biomass, due to which the performance characteristics of the tire are maintained throughout the entire period of its use. A total of 36 Dunlop WM02 sizes are available in the range of mounting diameters R13-R19.

French tires are well known to Russian consumers, but mainly due to their summer/all-season tires. The XI3 model is included in the 2019 rating of the best studless winter tires due to one of the best cost/quality combinations: a minimum size tire costs from 3,400 rubles.

A unique feature of this model is the M-Chip rubber compound structure, which contains many absorbent bubbles. When the tire comes into contact with a slippery surface, these bubbles appear on the surface, and due to their concave shape, they effectively remove the water film that forms on an icy road (approximately the same technology is used in Yokohama iceGuard tires).

Thanks to this, the effect of rubber slipping on ice is minimized, significantly reducing the braking distance.

We also note that the X-ICE 3 shoulder blocks have micropumps - holes in the shape of elongated cylinders, the action of which is similar to the operation of the M-Chip: they “dry” the ice crust and help remove the water film. The second positive aspect of their use is the improvement of tire handling due to an increase in the rigidity of the shoulder blocks.

The most significant drawback of the model is that it has a slippery surface with significant tread wear, but this is a common disease of practically friction Velcro.

Although this model was first introduced by the Finnish manufacturer at the beginning of 2018, it quickly managed to gain popularity, entering the majority of independent ratings of studless winter tires. The concept of a distinct Nordic type tire is based on the proprietary Arctic Sense Grip technology, which provides precise and easy control on slippery surfaces due to improved grip properties of the tire. Computer modeling was used to develop the tread geometry. As a result, the relative position of the grooves, lamellas and slots is optimized in such a way as to ensure effective operation of the rubber in winter conditions, regardless of the condition and type of road surface.

In the central part of the symmetrical tread there are pump sipes (patented Nokian technology). Strictly speaking, they are present in other winter models, but here their number has increased significantly. The purpose of such sipes is to quickly and effectively remove water from under the wheel in order to provide reliable traction on slippery surfaces. The number of sipes in the shoulder area of ​​the tread has also been increased.

When accelerating/braking sharply, the sharp zigzag edges of the side sipes open, facilitating better adhesion of the tire to the road in the contact patch. The same goal is facilitated by the use of Cryo Crystal 3 microparticles, which improve the lateral/longitudinal grip of tires on winter roads. Worn tires do not lose their properties largely due to the presence of these microparticles, evenly distributed throughout the entire thickness of the rubber.

The NH R3 range consists of 68 sizes with tires from R14 to R21 and a speed index in the range of 170-190 km/h.

The engineers of the American company did everything possible and impossible to ensure that the Nordic “Velcro” UGI2 surpassed its predecessor, the UltraGrip Ice+ model, in its performance indicators. And they succeeded - since 2015, Ice 2 has almost always been included in the ratings of the best winter tires. So if you are in doubt which non-studded winter tires are best to choose for your car, we can recommend this particular model as a potential candidate that has already proven itself.

Excellent handling on ice and snowy roads is ensured by the use of ActiveGrip technology. It is based on the use of hybrid lamellas in combination with cryo-adaptive components included in the rubber compound.

The top tread layer has increased elasticity, which allows the soft tire to confidently grip the road in frosts down to minus 25 degrees. But the base compound is harder - it begins to work already at zero or positive temperatures.

As for the tread pattern, it is divided into three zones - the central one with V-shaped sipes and the side ones with mesh sipes. Thanks to this tread design, UltraGrip Ice 2 has good resistance to unpleasant effects such as slashplaning and aquaplaning. Side sawtooth checkers, together with deep side grooves, ensure excellent tire performance in deep snow and are responsible for the rapid removal of water and snow from the contact patch.

This new product, which appeared on shelves in the second half of 2018, pleases with its winter characteristics. There is nothing surprising here - the use of studs is prohibited on Japanese roads, so Bridgestone specializes in Velcro - the company has a lot of them in its product range.

What is good about this model, since we included it in the top 10 best winter studless tires? Compared to its predecessor, the Blizzak VRX, these tires demonstrate a 10% shorter braking distance, their service life is 23% longer, and they are 30% less noisy. These impressive successes were achieved thanks to the innovative tread pattern and the consistent improvement of the proprietary Active Multicell Compound technology.

The uniqueness of the tire compound lies in the addition of many other components to the silica, which, distributed evenly throughout the entire volume in the rubber compound, ensure the ability of Blizzak Ice to effectively remove a layer of water from the grooves. Sulfur and polymer components are used to maintain the elasticity of rubber at low temperatures, increasing the coefficient of adhesion on slippery surfaces.

It is impossible not to note the asymmetrical tread pattern, which includes deep three-dimensional sipes and a network of grooves, the relative arrangement of which forms a complex geometric pattern. Tires have a pronounced edge effect, which increases the coefficient of friction during active braking on ice. Rigid shoulder tread blocks are responsible for comfortable handling on snow.

Although this model cannot be called new (the development date is 2017), when choosing winter non-studded tires, it is preferred by those motorists who prefer an active and even aggressive driving style. It is no coincidence that WinterContact TS 860S tires are equipped with such sports car models as BMW Series M, Porsche, Audi Sport and AMG from Mercedes-Benz.

The main advantage of this tire should be considered SSR technology. This is a type of emergency protection that allows you to drive another 50-80 km at speeds of up to 75-80 km/h if a tire is punctured. Its essence is to strengthen the sidewalls, which minimizes the risk of rubber slipping off the rim.

But the winter characteristics here are also excellent. Reducing the braking distance on a slippery surface is achieved due to the presence of several narrow inter-block grooves, ensuring that individual blocks operate as a single whole during emergency braking.

The enlargement of the WinterContact TS 860S shoulder blocks and an increase in their rigidity led to a decrease in the lateral elasticity of the tire, providing better handling in high-speed corners. What else is needed for a tire positioned as a sports tire?

The model range includes 15 standard sizes with a diameter of 18-21 inches and a maximum permissible speed of 270 km/h - an impressive indicator for winter tires.

The famous French tire company also has high-speed winter tires in its arsenal. The presented model is distinguished by predictable behavior on a snowy road, excellent maneuverability on dry asphalt, as well as effective braking on wet and slippery surfaces. Introduced in 2017, the Pilot Alpin 5, two years later, in 2019 is confidently included in the ratings of the best studless winter tires.

A characteristic feature of the tread pattern is its symmetry - compared to its predecessor, PA4, which had an asymmetric tread, this made it possible to improve the grip properties of the rubber in winter conditions.

The negative profile of the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 helps to confidently and calmly overcome sections of the road with a layer of snow. Changing the shape of the lamellas reduced the deformability of the blocks when driving at high speeds and turns, improving the handling of cars equipped with these tires.

Alpine rubber with a proprietary composition of components, including silicic acid nSiO 2 nH 2 O and polymers, does not become rigid even in severe frosts, however, it does not suffer from “blurring” even at near-zero temperatures. Alas, the tire size starts at 17 inches - they are unlikely to be suitable for city sedans of class B/C.

Who said that Koreans don't know how to make winter tires? The Winter i*cept Evo2 is the latest generation of UWPT tires (ultra winter performance tyres). The presence of the word “ultra” means that if you live in an area with harsh winters and do not know which non-studded winter tires to choose, here is your answer. With a load index of up to 850 kg, such tires can accelerate to 240 km/h. True, the cost of such pleasure is quite high, and if not for the price factor, Winter i*cept Evo2 would probably have taken a higher place.

The characteristics of the product are good in everything: the tires have excellent grip on all types of winter surfaces, they are easy to control and stable on slippery roads, wear-resistant and brake effectively.

In severe frosts, tires do not “tan” thanks to the use of a highly dispersed nanocomponent based on silicon dioxide. This allows you to maintain a stable coefficient of adhesion with the road surface. Optimizing the tire profile and improving the shape of its supporting surface helps reduce the risk of the car hydroplaning. The asymmetrical arrangement of the lamellas and grooves ensures that the vehicle maintains directional control when driving in wet snow.

By increasing the number of tread blocks, Korean engineers ensured that the Winter i*cept Evo2 tire literally bites into loose snow, and three-dimensional sipes reduce the deformation of the blocks, increasing the tire service life.

The SUV version is an evolutionary version of the second generation model, with a more modern and aggressive tread pattern design, which allows optimizing fuel consumption, improving ride comfort and achieving more confident traversing of winter roads. In our rating of the best studless winter tires, this is the only model aimed at the SUV class.

To make the grip edge larger, the Finnish tire makers used shoulder areas with jagged edges in the R3 SUV - this increased grip on slippery roads in the transverse plane. Compared to the version for passenger cars, the central rib here is wider - for heavy SUVs and crossovers, such strengthening contributed to improved stability.

The anti-slip properties of the winter tire have been improved thanks to the use of proprietary Arctic Sense Grip technology, which we have already talked about. The same purpose is served by deep sipes that cut through the tread blocks over the entire area of ​​the tire.

The use of another proprietary concept, Aramid Sidewalls (reinforcement of the side walls of the tire with aramid fibers), has improved directional stability, including uneven country roads, and provided additional protection against impacts. The range of model sizes is quite large (65 varieties), the range of mounting diameters is R16-R21. The presence of the XL index, which marks most standard sizes of the model, means the maximum load-carrying capacity of the tires.

Conclusion

The presented rating of studless winter tires includes those tire options that any motorist can purchase on the Russian market in 2019. It is worth noting that any of the models considered is worthy of attention. The only thing every motorist should think about is the parameters that the preferred model should have in the first place.

The most affordable is Cordiant Snow Cross. A completely domestic (both development and production) tire, modernized last year. Another model from last season is a little more expensive.

Four more tires that can be called inexpensive by today's standards are Nitto Therma Spike (the second brand of the Japanese company Toyo), the South Korean Kumho WinterCraft Ice, the popular Formula Ice (developed by Pirelli, and produced in Russia) and the popular Japanese tire from Malaysia. assembly" Toyo Observe G3‑Ice.

Among the representatives of the second echelon are new models with German and Finnish ancestry, but produced in Russia: Gislaved Nord Frost 200 with a tread copied from the first generation ContiIceContact, and Nordman 7 with the “face” of the Hakkapeliitta 7 tire.

And finally, the leaders of our past: Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic and Continental IceContact 2. And also a hot new product from Nokian - the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 model.

Tires in the north

We have already conducted tests outside of Russia and consider this one to be very positive. This time we decided to go to the Pirelli winter training ground. It is located in the northern part of Sweden, in the province of Norrbotten, near the town of Älvsbyn. Ice trails are laid on the frozen lake Lilkorstresk (Small Cross Swamp), and snow trails along its shores.

At the beginning of February, pre-run-in tires were delivered there, and at the end of the month we carried out all the snow and ice tests. The temperature during the tests ranged from -1 to -15 ºС, but at first the Swedish north made me very nervous. On the first day of our work, a warm atmospheric front came to the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia - and the air temperature rose to plus seven degrees! Snow and ice melted before our eyes. Locals said that in their entire lives they could not remember such warmth in February. Only on the third day, in the evening, it froze, the melted lake ice became stronger again and within a day it was already holding the car. Let's start testing on ice!

We saddle up the brand new Kia Rio hatchback and refine our own “toolkit”. This time, in all exercises, experts give assessments not in whole points, but in half-point increments - for greater accuracy of the results.

On thin ice

First, an assessment of the longitudinal adhesion properties. Using the VBOX device, we record the acceleration time from standstill to 30 km/h and immediately after that we brake, determining the value from 30 to 5 km/h. The length of the “track” allows you to take four measurements in one direction. Then four more back - and calculate the average value. We roll the base tire every three test tires; At the end of the measurements, we recalculate all the results taking into account how the results of the “stove” changed.

The Rio showed the best acceleration, 6.5 seconds, on Continental tires, the second result - on Nokian: 6.8 seconds. No one doubted that tires with 185–186 studs would be ahead. However, Cordiant, Goodyear and Nordman, which each have 110 studs, are hot on their heels - these three show a result of 6.9 seconds. The longest acceleration is from Kumho: 9.7 seconds.

In braking, Nokian wins over the Continental by the slightest - 16.4 meters versus sixteen and a half, and the third result, 16.7 meters, is shown by Goodyear. Kumho was again the last: 23.7 meters.

Pit at zero

We evaluate controllability on a closed circuit configuration. This is a “track” about a kilometer long with turns of different radii and a long straight. And most importantly, the ice here is very slippery, polished by the wind. We carry out the assessment together, we drive three laps each on each set of tires, then we change.

Crap! Incredibly slippery! To change places, I had to literally crawl from one side to the other without taking my hands off the car.

Nokian tires earned the highest score in this exercise: clear reactions and good steering information are complemented by a soft, predictable start to the car's slip and stable grip regardless of the degree of slippage.

Rio, shod in Nitto, behaved a little worse. In the first case, I liked the good balance of longitudinal and lateral grip, the clear moment of transition to sliding. The rating was slightly reduced due to slight delays in reactions. At Nitto, the car captivated us with its good handling even when sliding and its tight, “understandable” steering at large turning angles. However, there were minor complaints about the information content of the steering wheel at small angles - in the initial phase of the turn. The tire industry calls this effect hole in zero.

The lowest scores were given to Gislaved, Goodyear and Formula. On these tires, the driver is forced to increase the steering angles, causing delays in reactions. In addition, Rio on Gislaved tires slides for a long time in a turn, and then the grip is sharply restored, which provokes a whip effect - a sharp skid in the opposite direction.

Goodyear did not like the imbalance of longitudinal and lateral grip: the car holds the turning arc much worse than it accelerates and brakes. On the Formula there is low information content “on the steering wheel” in turns, which provokes its twisting and subsequent skidding.

The ice circle is the most unpleasant exercise for the driver. You need to find the maximum speed on the verge of sliding, show the best time (it is recorded by VBOX) and confirm it. In this case, you have to drive in one direction, counterclockwise. With good grip, the body and head roll with a decent lateral force - you constantly strain all your muscles. You have to constantly look from the “road” to the instruments and back. After about fifty laps my head starts to spin.

Continental and Nokian were faster than the others on the lap - 19.9 seconds per full revolution. Cordiant was just one tenth behind them (20.0 sec). The slowest tires are Kumho: the best achievement is 22.5 seconds.

How many laps did you have to do on each set to achieve the best results and repeat them? From ten to fifteen! The only tires that required more attention and skill were Goodyear: the car shod with them kept trying to skid, and I had to do 19 laps. And in total, taking into account repeated races on base tires, our Rio had to turn up more than two hundred revolutions!

Let's move on to snow procedures

Snow fell exactly the next day after all ice tests were completed. It is easier to prepare a track for assessing handling than a plateau for measuring longitudinal grip. Therefore, we start with more creative and interesting work.

At one bend the route lies on the side of a hill, so it has a short but rather steep ascent and descent. This is a “trick” of local tracks for assessing handling - most tire manufacturers use mainly flat tracks. Ascents and descents load and unload the suspension, changing the vertical forces acting on the wheels. It is especially interesting when the wheel is unloaded in a turn: the downforce decreases and the tire begins to slip.

Fresh snow fell on the cold ice - and shifted as the car slid in the turns. The result was a mixed surface: snow in some places, ice in others - real!

Here, in terms of handling, I liked the Nokian tires more than others: very soft but confident cat-like habits, predictable behavior of the car. Rio on these tires does not require the driver - he simply turns. The maximum speed is limited by a soft skid that helps to register the turn, requiring virtually no adjustment.

The experts made the greatest claims against the next three participants. annoying with an unexpectedly occurring skid with a sharp, unpredictable stall, a long slide and the same sharp restoration of traction, which provokes a “shooting” skid in the opposite direction. On Gislaved tires, the steering wheel becomes unpleasantly empty and uninformative - you have to turn it at excessively large angles, which leads to an unexpected sharp slip into a skid and deep slides. I didn’t like the Kumho tires because of noticeable delays in reactions, significant steering angles, prolonged slides and deep skidding on an arc, requiring immediate adjustments from the driver.

The “rearrangement” exercise was only partially completed due to excessively soft snow - they were able to evaluate only the behavior of the vehicle during extreme maneuvering, and refused to determine the maximum speed for successfully completing the maneuver.

Here, as on the handling track, Nokian tires earned the most points thanks to the clearest reactions, soft and predictable behavior and easy self-correcting drift at top speed. I liked Dunlop least of all: on these tires the Rio exhibits not only noticeable delays in reactions, but also an unstable, wide balance of turning: from significant drift of the front axle at the first tug of the steering wheel to skidding of the rear wheels when trying to stabilize the car in a lane change.

And here is a well-trodden snowy straight line - you can start measuring acceleration time and braking distance. As in similar ice exercises, we combine acceleration with braking, repeating the exercises eight to ten times. Moreover, the acceleration time from 0 to 40 km/h on snow was assessed twice - with the TCS traction control system turned on and without it. Braking from 40 to 5 km/h - only with ABS.

So, acceleration is normal, with TCS preventing tire slippage. The best results are on Continental, Goodyear and Nokian tires. On them, the Rio reaches 40 km/h in exactly six seconds. Kumho has the worst performance. Just like on ice, they accelerate slowly, trailing the leaders by more than 11%.

We turn off the electronic “collar” and repeat the measurements. It turns out faster! Goodyear holds the leading position: 40 km/h from a standstill is achieved in 5.2 seconds. Acceleration on Continental and Nokian tires lasts only one tenth longer. Kumho tires also show the most modest results in this mode.

Braking is won by the leading pair - Continental and Nokian, which showed the same result: 14.8 meters. The last ones this time are relatives Nitto and Toyo.

The final exercises are to assess directional stability on a snowy road and cross-country ability in deep snow. At high speed, the Rio, shod with Nokian, follows a given course better than others and is most clearly rebuilt. Additionally, we note the high information content of the steering: the driver drives the car in a straight line intuitively, without concentrating.

Four participants had the worst scores. On Cordiant and Gislaved tires, when changing lanes, the Rio experiences unpleasant steering of the rear axle, which turns into a skid. An attempt to correct the course on Dunlop and Kumho tires is fraught with skidding, requiring immediate action even with soft lane changes.

Goodyear tires are more confident than others - Rio is ready to conquer any snowdrift on them. But on Kumho and Toyo tires you can only drive well. Getting underway in the snow is extremely difficult: the slightest slip and the wheels slip, digging deeper and deeper.

What's with the spikes?

We were pleasantly surprised. On all tires after running in, the studs protruded above the tread within reasonable limits. The maximum is 1.41 mm for Cordiant, the minimum is less than 0.9 mm for Formula, Gislaved and Nokian tires. But the Nokian has 185 studs on each tire, while the Formula and Gislaveda have only 110. And such a number with such a small protrusion is clearly not enough to provide good grip on ice.

Let us remind you that the regulated stud protrusion on new tires is no more than 1.2 mm. From experience we know that after running in this value can increase to 1.3–1.4 mm.

It is gratifying that tire manufacturers have stopped abusing the increased protrusion of the studs. After all, strongly protruding spikes “saw” the asphalt, which creates deep ruts. And for the first time during our tests, not a single tire lost a single stud, confirming the postulate that the reliability of stud retention in the rubber is inversely proportional to the amount of their protrusion. The less you stick out, the more you sit!

On the asphalt

In Tolyatti, at the AVTOVAZ training ground, we again had to wait for the weather. Dry roads and calm conditions are the conditions for obtaining reliable results on rolling resistance. The asphalt part of the tests could only be completed in the first half of May. We had to work at night to meet the permissible temperature for winter tires +5…+7 ºC.

The procedure for assessing efficiency is the same as in the case of . We start by warming them up, making a full circle around the speed ring (10 km) at a speed of 110–120 km/h. At the same time, we evaluate how much the car deviates from a given course under the influence of external forces (side wind, slope), and also maneuver smoothly, simulating a gentle detour around an obstacle or changing lanes for overtaking. At the same time, the tester carefully monitors the reactions and behavior of the car, and also evaluates how convenient and understandable (read: safe) it is to drive. The wider the “zero” and the greater the angles of rotation of the steering wheel, to which the car does not respond, and the lower the information content (the rate of increase in force on the steering wheel with increasing angle of rotation), the worse the rating.

Experts gave Formula Ice tires the highest rating for directional stability: the clarity of course holding and reactions of the car wearing them can be the envy of some summer tires! The complete opposite is Dunlop tires. The main disadvantages in the behavior of a car on these tires: a wide “zero”, an empty steering wheel, delays in reactions when adjusting the course.

After a circle around the ring on a two-kilometer straight line, we estimate the amount of run-out from the maximum permitted “city” and “suburban” speeds. We take measurements in opposite directions and repeat three to five times, depending on the results obtained. At the same time, the driver accumulates impressions of the noise and smoothness of the ride at different speeds. Nokian tires turned out to be the greenest, that is, economical.

Before changing tires to refine its comfort rating, the Rio takes a lap around service roads with cracks and gouges. We found Gislaved, Toyo and Nitto tires to be the quietest, and Continental and Nokian to be the softest.

The next exercise is measuring braking distances on dry and wet surfaces. Initial braking speeds for winter tires are reduced by 20 km/h compared to summer tires - up to 80 km/h on dry roads and up to 60 km/h on wet roads. Continental tires looked better than others when braking on wet asphalt, and Nokian tires on dry asphalt. Nitto had the weakest results, regardless of the condition of the surface, and on dry asphalt Nitto was joined by Cordiant.

Summarizing

The winner of the test, scoring the most (936) points, was the new tires Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9. Second place with a total of 914 points took Continental IceContact 2. We classify both tires as excellent and recommend them to drivers of all levels.

On the third step of our pedestal - Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic, which earned 898 total points, missing only two points from the title of excellent tires. His element is unclean winter roads and even virgin snow.

In fourth position with 888 points is Nordman seventh generation. Very good tires for the Russian winter, they will give you confidence in any conditions.

All listed tires are located in our table of ranks in accordance with price ranking. Or they have a price that is adequate to the characteristics and properties, which, in fact, is the same thing. And starting from fifth place, slight distortions begin in one direction or another.

For example, Cordiant Snow Cross earned 871 points, which allowed it to gain a foothold in the “very good tires” category and take fifth place in the final test result. They will not fail on any road, unless they require maintaining a long distance on dry asphalt due to modest grip properties, and also slow movement on a snowy road. You can buy them for 2500 rubles apiece.

Tires that score 852 points (sixth place) open the category of good tires. A decent product with average performance in almost all disciplines. Not without weaknesses, including modest lateral grip on ice, poor directional stability on snowy roads and asphalt, and a low level of comfort. But it sells for the same money as Cordiant Snow Cross: price - 2550 rubles.

On the seventh and eighth steps there are even more expensive tires - Toyo Observe G3‑Ice And Nitto Therma Spike, practically brothers both “by blood” and by properties. They scored 847 points and settled in the “good tires” category. I liked the low noise level. The Toyo brand is well known in our market, but Nitto appeared quite recently, therefore it is a little cheaper.

The ninth and tenth places are shared by and, who earned 841 points each. These tires still fall into the good category. Gislaved, more even by objective indicators, “failed” in handling and directional stability in the snow. The Formula has somewhat unbalanced characteristics: it is weak in longitudinal grip on ice, but behaves more confidently on asphalt, is close to the best results in dry braking and provides clear course holding. But the difference in prices is noticeable: Formula is three hundred rubles cheaper, so a set of four pieces will save more than a thousand. However, there is one technical nuance that both tires have in common: the protrusion of the studs is insufficient - less than a millimeter after testing. We believe there was a glitch during the installation of the studs.

Seven or eight years ago, together with Continental, we studied and obtained the following pattern: one tenth of their protrusion is equivalent to three percent of the braking distance on ice. Increasing the stud protrusion to the legal limit of 1.2 mm on the new tires will allow Gislaved and Formula to improve longitudinal grip by about 10% - this is where the hidden reserves are hidden!

On the eleventh line are tires Kumho WinterCraft Ice, who scored 803 points. It’s a little weak for modern “spikes,” but it’s logical, since in most exercises these tires show modest results. Considering the not-so-low price, they can hardly be called a bargain.

Count your money

In our chart, the tested tires are arranged from left to right in ascending order of price, with the height of the bars corresponding to the number of points scored. The small columns at the bottom of the chart display the relationship between quality and price and show how many points the tire gains for every thousand rubles paid for it.

If you put price at the forefront and scrupulously count every ruble, pay attention to another group of columns: the more points a tire earns for every thousand rubles of price, the more profitable the purchase! The rating is headed by Cordiant Snow Cross tires, and the test leader Hakkapeliitta 9 is in last place - expensive tires! Kumho WinterCraft Ice tires are in the middle range, which is why many people buy them.

By comparing all the results of our test and prices, you can make the right choice. Have a good trip!

Test results

	11th place	9th–10th place	9th–10th place	7th–8th place
brand, model
Country of manufacture	Korea	Russia	Russia	Malaysia
Load and speed index
	9,1–10,0	9,2–9,4	9,1–9,7	8,5–8,9
	61–62		55–56	60–61
Number of spikes, pcs.
	1,35	0,93	0,93	1,43
Tire weight, kg
	2800	3140	2850	2900
Quality/price*	0,29	0,27	0,30	0,29
Amount of points awarded	803	841	841	847
pros	Satisfactory grip on asphalt. Stable handling on the “Russian road”	Satisfactory handling during extreme maneuvering and cross-country ability. Least noisy	Better directional stability and good braking on asphalt. Clear handling during extreme maneuvering on snow	Satisfactory handling and directional stability. Low internal noise level
Minuses	Worst grip properties on ice. The weakest acceleration is in the snow. Difficult handling during extreme maneuvering on snow and directional stability. Notes on handling on ice. Limited cross-country ability. Low level of comfort	Low efficiency at high speed. Difficult handling on ice and directional stability. Notes on handling on the “Russian road”	Weak longitudinal grip properties and difficult controllability on ice. Notes regarding directional stability in snow. Noisy. Low level of smoothness	The weakest braking properties on snow. High fuel consumption at a speed of 90 km/h. Mediocre cross-country ability. Hard

*Obtained by dividing the total points by the retail price. The higher the score, the better the purchase.

	7th–8th place	6th place	5th place	4th place
brand, model
Country of manufacture	Malaysia	Thailand	Russia	Russia
Load and speed index
Pattern depth across width, mm	8,9–9,1	9,1–9,4	9,8–10,1	9,2–9,4
Rubber hardness Shore, units.	61–62	59–61	56–57	52–53
Number of spikes, pcs.
Protrusion of spikes after tests, mm	1,21	1,32	1,51	1,17
Tire weight, kg
Average price in online stores at the time of preparation of the material, rub.	2710	2550	2500	3200
Quality/price*	0,31	0,33	0,35	0,28
Amount of points awarded	847	852	871	888
pros	Clear controllability. Good maneuverability. Good directional stability on snow. Least noisy	Clear handling on the “Russian road”. Attractive price	Good grip on ice. Confident maneuverability in deep snow	High braking properties on snow. Confident acceleration on ice. Low fuel consumption. Reliable handling. Stable directional stability on snow. Good maneuverability
Minuses	Lowest braking properties on snow and asphalt. Low efficiency at high speed. Comments on directional stability on asphalt and ride smoothness	Low lateral grip on ice. High fuel consumption. Difficult directional stability on snow, problematic on asphalt. Notes on handling during extreme maneuvering on snow. The toughest and noisiest	Weak braking on dry asphalt. Low efficiency. Complex directional stability. Comments about handling on the “Russian road”. Very noisy. A bit harsh

It is not worth comparing the results of studded and non-studded tires, since they were tested on different days, in different weather conditions, and the ratio of the grip properties of both tires depends very much on the weather. At one temperature there are “spikes” in front, at another - soft “Velcro”. We found this out a few years ago: ZR, 2009, No. 1

Now let's introduce the participants.

15 INCH, STUDLESS

The most expensive tires are Nokian at 4,150 rubles, but they are also the best - Hakkapeliitta R (Russian production) together with Michelin X-Ice 2 shared first place. Price/quality ratio - 4.5.

A little cheaper, for 4100 rubles, you can buy ContiVikingContact 5. Our results suggest: these tires are in their place. True, in terms of price/quality ratio (4.6) this purchase is slightly less profitable.

But Michelin X-Ice 2 is in the best position in the price competition: 3,900 rubles. The price/quality ratio of 4.2 is the most attractive in the top three. We believe that the price of this tire is deliberately underestimated, since there is already a new model on the market - the third generation Michelin X-Ice. It was officially presented last winter outside of Russia, postponing the official presentation of the new product here for almost a year.

In fourth place is Goodyear UltraGrip Ice+ at RUB 3,560. per piece (we believe the price is too high - payment for a high brand). Price/quality ratio - 4.1.

Fifth in the financial ranking is Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ - RUB 3,520. The tire is just a little cheaper. Earning 892 points in our tests, it came in fourth place with an even more attractive price/quality ratio of 4.0.

Very close in price (3500 rubles), but in sixth place is the next tire - Pirelli Winter IceControl. In the final table it also ranks sixth with 846 points. We believe that it should be sold a little cheaper: now the price/quality index is 4.1 - the same as the stronger Goodyear.

Yokohama iceGUARD iG35 for RUB 3,400. in seventh place, although she showed the eighth result in the test, scoring only 820 points. If they buy it, it means there are those who are willing to pay for the Made in Japan inscription.

Nizhnekamsk Viatti Brina scored 816 points and took ninth place. A tire with a foreign name costs only 2,600 rubles. per piece should sell well, local marketers believe. Let's wish them good luck.

The cheapest tire is Cordiant Polar SL for RUR 2,500. And in the test it took seventh place, even ahead of the Japanese product. In our opinion, 826 points with a price/quality ratio of 3.0 is a result worthy of attention.

All tables open in full size with a mouse click.

16" SPIKES

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 for 6600 rub. ahead of the rest. Expensive, but deservedly so, since these are the best tires in our test: 929 points. The price/quality ratio is also “leading” - 7.1.

In second place is ContiIceContact. The difference with the winner is 200 rubles. (“Conti” costs 6,400 rubles) and 4 points reduce the price/quality index to 6.9.

Third place goes to the new Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic, which is fair, since the tire is clearly one of the leaders. You can buy it for 5,500 rubles.

Michelin X-Ice North 2 is sold a little cheaper - for 5,400 rubles. The cost is even slightly underestimated, because in our tests XIN 2 scored 923 points, the price/quality ratio is the most attractive in the leading three tests: 5.9.

Another 100 rubles. cheaper than Gislaved NordFrost 5 (RUB 5,300). According to the test results, the tire scored 905 points, taking sixth place. The price/quality ratio of 5.9 is equivalent to Michelin. Our people love “Gislaved”, that’s why they don’t spare money.

In sixth place is Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 for 5,250 rubles. In our tests, this model was only able to take eighth place, scoring 855 points. The price/quality ratio is 6.1 - more than Michelin and Gislaveda.

In seventh position is the Pirelli Winter Carving Edge, which can be purchased for RUB 5,200. We recommend these tires because they came in fourth place in the tests, scoring 918 points. And with such a cost, the price/quality ratio is the most attractive in the first six of the test: 5.7.

Next is the Yokohama iceGUARD iG35 - and, as usual, with a small gap in price with the “bridge”: it sells for 5,100 rubles. The place in the price list is close to that occupied in our test, but the price/quality ratio is too high: 6.1.

In a completely different price category (4,500 rubles) they sell a new Hankook product - i-Pike RS. A decent tire that made a big step forward from the previous model and scored 886 points. Almost very close to the 900 point mark, which distinguishes very good tires from others. The price/quality index is 5.1 - it's worth taking a closer look.

Nearby, the no less worthy Russian-made Nordman 4 is offered for only 4,400 rubles, that is, two-thirds the price of its leading older brother. Meanwhile, in our final list, “Nordman” occupies the fifth (!) position. The price/quality ratio is tempting - 4.8. Good offer.

For 4000 rubles. you will find Cordiant Polar 2. The place in the price ranking corresponds to the situation we received, although the price/quality ratio (5.0) is less attractive than that of Nordman.

Closing the parade of popular tires is the Kama-Euro 519: only 3,500 rubles - last place in our test. Buying a tire with a price/quality ratio of 4.3 will not be ruinous for the most modest budget.

FRICTION TIRE RATING 195/65R15

1–9_no_copyright

They were born in 2010 and are participating in our test for the first time.

Weak on ice in all areas - acceleration, cornering and braking. In the snow they are more flexible: they hold turns worse than others, accelerate weakly, but brake well - on a par with the Nokian! Directional stability on a snowy road leaves much to be desired: the car noticeably yaws, requiring steering. Low information content prevents you from maintaining the desired direction - the steering wheel is almost empty in terms of effort. In fast turns, the first reaction is good, although the steering angles are too large. The transition to sliding is soft, the specified trajectory is maintained, however, even here the driver will be disappointed by the overly light, empty steering wheel.

They don’t like snowdrifts; if necessary, it is better to overcome them at speed, without turning or stopping. They refuse to change direction; starting is possible only under tension. When slipping, they try to dig in and get out reluctantly. On an asphalt straight line, the car goes straight only when accelerating. At a constant speed it floats, requiring tireless adjustments, to which it reacts with unpleasant steering of the rear axle.

They brake weakly on dry roads, and worst on wet roads. Uncomfortable: loud noise, getting louder as speed increases. They transmit shocks from medium and large road irregularities and vibrate on small ones. Fuel consumption is average at any speed.

2–9_no_copyright

3–8_no_copyright

Created in 2008, it appeared on our market in 2009, but it is taking part in the ZR test for the first time.

On ice, lateral grip and acceleration are weakest. Braking is average, which is good. But in the snow, both braking and acceleration are worse than all other test participants, although the grip on the road in corners is average. On a snow-covered straight line they yaw a little, take the car away from the given direction, pulling it into deeper snow. Handling is mediocre: the car doesn’t listen well to the steering wheel and tries to straighten its trajectory, sliding out of the bend. Skidding occurs only if provoked, but is well compensated.

In deep snow it moves uncertainly, and only with a certain degree of slipping. Refuses to turn, slips into a rut or where there is less resistance. It goes smoothly on asphalt, but when adjusting the direction it gets annoying. At low angles the steering is very sluggish, but as the steering angle increases, the car suddenly changes direction to a greater angle than required.

Braking is stable on both dry and wet asphalt, the braking distance is average. Quite comfortable: quiet on any road, only slightly itchy on the comb. They transmit shudders and small shocks from small irregularities. They don’t waste extra fuel, but they don’t save money either.

4–8_no_copyright

5–7_no_copyright

Production and sales began in 2009.

On ice, the behavior is unbalanced - acceleration is average, grip in corners is weak and braking is the weakest. But on snow everything is smooth, grip is average in all directions. On a snowy road, the car seems to be moving smoothly, and the steering wheel at “zero” is tight and understandable, but the rear moves from side to side, and this does not give confidence. The behavior is unstable when cornering. In the initial phase, an unpleasant skid often occurs, which can be compensated for by adding gas. When turning the steering wheel, its information content decreases sharply, literally drops. Nobody knows how things will end - we have to fight either demolition or skidding.

The same uncertainty exists in deep snow. They move well only on the verge of slipping. Slipping at the moment of starting is especially dangerous: it leads to digging. On the other hand, maneuvers are given without tension, the car moves in reverse confidently. On the asphalt they go smoothly, the reactions when adjusting the direction are clear. But here, too, the rear axle does not allow the driver to relax, steering after steering input. This gives the car delayed oversteer.

Braking on both dry and wet roads is weak. The tires cannot be called quiet - they emit an increased noise. They transmit shocks to the body from medium and large irregularities, and vibrate on small ones. Fuel consumption is above average at any speed.

8–7_no_copyright

6–6_no_copyright

Created in 2009, it began selling in Russia at the same time, and was modernized in 2011.

On ice, braking and lateral grip are average, and acceleration is weak. On the contrary, on snow, acceleration is average, braking is weak, and lateral grip properties are the lowest, on par with the Viatti. They walk smoothly on a snow-covered road, without reacting to the different thickness of the snow blanket - Pirelli's directional stability is traditionally good. Handling is also without any comments: the steering wheel is tight, understandable, and the reactions are clear. The transition to sliding is soft, the trajectory can be set and adjusted using both the steering wheel and the gas. There is practically no skidding; at the limit, the whole car begins to slide outward.

They don’t want to overcome deep snow. They move forward reluctantly, even while moving they try to dig in. Well, at least they get out in reverse. On asphalt they resemble summer tires - tight steering in the near-zero zone, excellent information content and clear adherence to the given direction.

Braking is surprisingly weak on wet pavement and weakest on dry pavement. The noise is increased, the vibration load is high - the company pays little attention to comfort. They don't roll very willingly - fuel consumption is increased at any speed.

9–6_no_copyright

7–5_no_copyright

They were born in 2009 and have been on the market since 2010.

Deservedly included in the top five. They differ from those who were left behind by having a good balance: all the characteristics, although not leading, are even on any of the surfaces that you will find on our roads in winter. For example, on ice they showed average results in both longitudinal and transverse directions. Not so good on snow: acceleration and lateral grip are average, but weak braking lets us down a little. At high speeds they go smoothly in the snow, but there is not enough information on the steering wheel. There is also a lack of confidence when cornering. Upon entry, a noticeable delay in reactions forces you to turn the steering wheel unnecessarily. For this reason, in the initial phase of the turn, the car goes into drift, requiring you to release the gas. And on the arc of the turn it tries to slip into a skid, which, fortunately, is easily parried.

They overcome snowdrifts without strain, they move forward confidently, they don’t dig in when starting, but they don’t like to skid too much. They scour the asphalt slightly on transverse unevenness and respond to steering inputs with a slight delay. There are no complaints regarding noise; even on rough asphalt they roll quietly. But on convex bumps they shake the car quite a bit and transmit vibrations from seams, cracks and micro-irregularities in the road.

Braking is average, showing no preference for dry or wet surfaces. At a speed of 60 km/h they help save fuel; at 90 km/h they look average from this point of view.

10–5_no_copyright

11–4_no_copyright

The model is the same age as Goodyear, created in 2009, sold on our market since 2010.

Good acceleration on ice, braking properties and lateral grip are only average. On snow, acceleration and lateral grip are average, and braking is weak. Only Yokohama stops worse. They walk smoothly along the snowy road. Experts noted not only the confident directional retention, but also the informative steering, as well as immediate reactions to course adjustments. In fast turns, the speed is limited by a soft drift of the front axle, which is eliminated by turning the steering wheel or slightly reducing the speed. The information content of the steering wheel is high.

They overcome snowdrifts reluctantly, move forward uncertainly, and turn poorly. Reversing moves more confidently, allowing you to get out of the snow trap. They walk almost smoothly on asphalt, they yaw a little on transverse unevenness, and when adjusting the direction they are a little late.

They brake well on wet surfaces, and stop better than anyone else on dry surfaces. Quite comfortable - they walk smoothly and quietly on any surface, with the exception of a slight hiss on a snowy road. Fuel consumption is average at 60 km/h, and increased at 90 km/h.

13–4_no_copyright

12–3_no_copyright

They have been produced since 2008, at the same time they began to be sold on the Russian market.

During this time, the mixture was modernized more than once. On ice they show average results in braking and lateral grip, but accelerate well. But they cling to the snow better than anyone else: they were in the lead in the corresponding exercises. But directional stability is a little let down: minor difficulties arise when trying to correct the direction of movement. With every slight turn of the steering wheel, the driver is a little annoyed by the slow reaction and a shallow but prolonged skid. In fast turns, delays in reactions and low information content of the steering wheel interfere, which leads to an increasing drift with prolonged stabilization.

In deep snow they turn a car into a tractor. They start, move and maneuver very confidently in any mode, without fear of slipping. On asphalt they float slightly, are subject to the influence of side winds, and are noticeably delayed in taking corrective actions with the steering wheel. They transmit vibrations from small irregularities and pass through road joints harshly, causing the car to shudder. They make noise, crunch unpleasantly and hum in slippery turns when they find something to grab onto.

They brake on wet asphalt better than anyone else. And they show good results on dry conditions. At a speed of 60 km/h they are the most economical (on par with Goodyear, Michelin and Nokian), and at 90 km/h they also do not require too much.

14–3_no_copyright

15–2_no_copyright

Created in 2008 and sold since then.

A good balance of grip properties on all surfaces that can be found on a winter road. On ice, the grip properties are even, regardless of actions and modes - when turning, when accelerating, when braking. On snow, lateral grip and acceleration are good, but braking is average. They walk smoothly in a straight line, without a hint of a desire to deviate from the given direction, and accurately respond to the steering wheel when adjusting the course. In turns they behave clearly, without problems or surprises. Turns are clearly defined and allow you to adjust the radius using the steering wheel or by changing the fuel supply.

They feel at home in the snowdrifts. The sensations are similar to those you get from the Continental. They row confidently, start in any mode, and maneuver without difficulty. They ride smoothly on asphalt and impress with clear reactions comparable to the behavior of summer tires.

They brake well, regardless of whether the asphalt is dry or wet. Comfortable: only slightly noticeable about the tractor trail and rough ice. There are no comments about the smoothness of the ride either. Economical at city speeds, do not abuse fuel even at 90 km/h.

17–2_no_copyright

16–1_no_copyright

Created in 2008, since then they have been modernized almost every year.

On ice - grip properties unattainable for competitors in the test in all disciplines: braking, acceleration and cruising. The grip on snow is very good: during acceleration and cornering it is the best, on par with the Continental; in braking efficiency it is slightly inferior - the second result. They walk smoothly along a straight “white” road, without requiring adjustments. In terms of handling, they are similar to the Bridgestone and Pirelli: the reactions are just as clear, the car just as obediently changes its trajectory when manipulating the steering wheel or gas. The same good stabilization after slips caused by the driver.

It is better to overcome deep snow by pressing the gas pedal to the floor. True, in this mode you risk getting into a snowdrift from which you cannot get out without a shovel or outside help. Although it was not needed during the tests - the car always drove in reverse. They walk smoothly on asphalt, but experts noted slight delays when adjusting the course.

Brakes are good on wet surfaces and average on dry surfaces. As for comfort, there are some minor comments - the noise level on uneven roads is slightly increased, and vibrations from small irregularities are transmitted. At any speed, fuel consumption is the lowest in the test.

18–1_no_copyright

STUDY TIRE RATING 205/55R16

19–11_no_copyright

Created in 2008, since then it has been sold. In 2010, the composition of the rubber mixture was modernized.

Nevertheless, compared to other winter tires, the Kama-Euro 519 looks weak. On ice, the grip properties are very low, only the Cordiant is worse. On snow, grip is also more than modest. The only consolation is that the balance of grip properties is quite even in all directions: it brakes, accelerates and holds the road in corners weakly. It is better to drive slowly on a snowy road: the car scours from side to side. In a slippery turn, the behavior is jerky: the car either drifts or skids. More or less obeys the steering wheel only on packed snow. On ice, even at low speed it goes into a skid. Glides on any surface for a long time. Very large steering angles and significant delays in reactions make it difficult to keep the car under control.

In deep snow it does not move quite confidently. It is better not to skid when starting off. It starts better with the wheels turned to the side than straight ahead. Getting out in reverse is no problem. On the asphalt it wanders along the road a lot. Correcting the direction is hindered by very large steering angles, significant lag and low information content, as well as unpleasant steering of the rear axle.

Braking on wet asphalt is weak, on dry asphalt it is the weakest. On ice and asphalt the tread howls loudly. Very hard - they transmit shocks from medium-sized irregularities and vibrations from small ones.

22–11_no_copyright

20–10_no_copyright

They were released in 2009, but appeared in our test for the first time.

Excessively recessed studs make the tire practically helpless on ice - it cannot accelerate, turn, or stop. It holds up a little better in the snow. Lateral grip is closer to average, although acceleration is weak and braking is the weakest. The course on snow is quite smooth, with only slight yaws and changes in depth. On ice, grip properties are subjectively assessed as very poor. Do not turn the steering wheel sharply, otherwise the car will refuse to turn. If you still managed to turn, a skid awaits you on the arc. In the snow, speed is limited by a sudden slip into a skid. It is hampered by the lack of information content of the steering wheel and slight delays in reactions.

In deep snow they do not move very confidently. There are no pronounced preferences in driving modes; the car pulls well with slight slipping. They walk in reverse confidently. They walk smoothly on asphalt, but when adjusting the direction, slight steering of the rear axle and insufficient information content of the steering wheel interfere.

Braking is average on both dry and wet roads. They don’t indulge in comfort: they hum irritatingly loudly, shake the body on convex bumps, push on medium ones, and transmit vibrations on small ones. Fuel consumption at 60 km/h is increased, at 90 km/h it is above average. The spikes are not held very securely: during the tests, the amount of protrusion changed by three “tens”.

23–10_no_copyright

21–9_no_copyright

Quite new tires, created in 2010, since that time they have been sold in Russia.

But in our test they showed up for the first time. On ice, grip properties are average in all directions. On snow they behave less confidently: braking and lateral grip are weak, acceleration is the most sluggish, on par with the Bridgestone. There is a bit of scrambling on the snowy road. When cornering, the grip properties are not high enough - the car slides completely outward.

Snowdrifts are not for these tires: in deep snow they get stuck, as they say, out of the blue. When starting off, they fall through and try to bury themselves. They move in reverse uncertainly. They drive smoothly on ideal asphalt, but this is not common on our roads. Therefore, constant adjustment of direction is required, which is complicated by delays in reactions and unpleasant steering of the rear axle.

On a dry road the car stops reluctantly, and braking on a wet road is the weakest. Very hard: shocks from uneven surfaces are transmitted to the floor and seat, and vibrations occur in the steering wheel. They make loud noise and hum with their spikes. Fuel consumption is average at any speed. The spikes are held securely, there are no losses, but the size of the protrusion is more than modest: such spikes will not be able to reliably cling to ice and dense snow.

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25–8_no_copyright

They were created in 2009, but appeared on the Russian market belatedly, in 2010.

On ice, grip properties: average in braking, cornering, and acceleration. They drive on snow less confidently than on ice. Braking is weak, acceleration is the most sluggish, like Yokohama, lateral grip is also the lowest. On a snowy road they scour a little, but do not leave the trajectory. Slow reactions to steering inputs. In fast corners, speed is limited by long drifts. When sliding with the front axle, the car does not respond to additional turns of the steering wheel.

In deep snow it starts and moves confidently, but only with tension. As soon as the wheels turn a little, traction is lost and the car immediately stops. They walk smoothly on the asphalt and maintain the set course. But when it is necessary to correct the direction of movement, the driver is bothered by the steering of the rear axle and the insufficiently informative steering wheel.

When measuring the braking distance, the “Yokohama” whiff was again felt. Like her, braking is weak on both dry and wet surfaces. Not comfortable enough: they transmit shocks from uneven surfaces to the body, make loud noise from the tread and studs, even at high speed. Fuel consumption at 60 km/h is increased, at 90 km/h it is above average. The protrusion of the spines and the rate at which the protrusion increases are normal. There are no losses during the test.

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26–7_no_copyright

New on the Russian market. As they say, it's piping hot.

On ice, the grip properties are high, the balance is reasonable. Braking and lateral grip are good, acceleration is average. They are also quite strong in the snow. Longitudinal grip properties are good, transverse grip properties are average. On a snowy road they yaw slightly, but do not leave the trajectory. There was insufficient information content of the steering wheel and a slight delay when adjusting the direction of movement. Slips and slips in corners are harsh, the car slides longer than we would like, but traction recovery is soft and smooth.

In deep snow they do not move very confidently; if they slip at the moment of start, they tend to bury themselves. They walk in reverse confidently. On asphalt, they force the car to float along the strip. The wide “zero”, delays in reactions, steering of the rear axle and insufficient information content interfere.

The brakes are weak, both on dry asphalt and on wet ones. Comfort notes: slight vibrations from small bumps and increased general noise typical of studded tires. At a speed of 60 km/h, fuel consumption is below average, at 90 km/h - the most economical. The amount of protrusion of the spines and the rate at which the protrusion increases are normal. There was no loss of studs during the test.

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27–6_no_copyright

The oldest tires in our test.

Produced since 2006, since the same time they have been sold in Russia. On ice they boast good balance: they brake and turn well, and accelerate moderately. On snow, traction in any direction is average - also good. They go smoothly along a snow-covered straight line, without requiring steering. When turning on ice and compacted snow, you are pleased with clear reactions and a very soft transition to sliding. However, on loose snow on an arc, a sharp skid occurs, requiring clear parrying actions from the driver.

They don’t like deep snow; they move confidently only on freshly fallen powder. If the snow is a little denser, compacted, you can only drive under tension, without slipping. The car runs smoothly along an asphalt straight line, reactions to changes in course are immediate, except that the information content on the steering wheel is slightly lacking.

Braking is simply brilliant: the tires stop perfectly on both wet and dry asphalt. The background noise is high, like most “spikes”, but there are no complaints about the smoothness of the ride - all road irregularities are smoothed out well. The most voracious at any speed. The amount of protrusion of the spikes and the rate of its growth during the tests are optimal. Lost a couple of studs from the front wheels.

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31–5_no_copyright

Produced since 2009, sold since the same time.

The tread pattern is a legacy of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4 tire. They differ from it in the composition of the compound and studs with a round core. This is the first time they are participating in our tests. On ice, braking and lateral grip are average, acceleration is good. On snow, the behavior is more confident: the longitudinal grip properties are good, and the lateral grip is the most reliable. Both the front and rear axles scour along a snow-covered straight line, reacting to the density of the snow. At small angles of rotation of the steering wheel, insufficient information content was noted. You can drive fast in corners - the reactions are clear, the behavior is understandable. Speed ​​is limited by a slight skid, which can be easily compensated by steering or adding gas.

They are not afraid of snowdrifts: just add gas, and the car will go where the steering wheel is turned. Getting out in reverse is no problem. They drive smoothly on asphalt, but when adjusting the course, there is a noticeable delay in reactions and a somewhat empty steering wheel.

Braking on dry asphalt is average, on wet asphalt - good. They make loud noise from the tread and studs, especially from 40 to 60 km/h. The smoothness of the ride can be called good, without slight vibrations from minor irregularities. Fuel consumption is average at any speed. The amount of protrusion of the spikes and its increase during the tests are close to the optimum. There are no lost thorns.

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32–4_no_copyright

They were born in 2007. Since 2008 they have been sold in Russia.

Periodically, the design, spikes and mixture composition are updated, leaving the “face” unchanged. Recent innovations have allowed Carving to join the leading group. On ice, longitudinal grip is average, and lateral grip is the highest. On snow, traction is good in all directions. On a snowy road they hold their course perfectly. The car moves like an arrow and reacts sensitively even to small turns of the dense, highly informative steering wheel. Turns are prescribed with a twinkle. Clear, understandable controls, sensitive reactions to the slightest turn of the steering wheel. At the limit, the speed is limited by a soft and smooth skid, which can be extinguished by adding a little gas or turning the steering wheel. The glide is fast but stabilizes gently.

It overcomes snowdrifts easily, does not dig in when starting, drives both under tension and with slipping, and maneuvers easily. They walk smoothly on asphalt, and a clear “zero” helps to correct the direction.

Braking is average on wet surfaces, good on dry surfaces. Traditionally, they do not indulge in comfort: they make noise as if an airplane is flying by, shake on any uneven surfaces as if they were overinflated. Most likely, a low level of comfort is a kind of price to pay for the pleasure of driving a car on a winter road. Fuel consumption is average at any speed. The amount of protrusion of the spikes and the rate of their growth during the tests are optimal. There are no losses.

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33–3_no_copyright

Offered on the Russian market since 2009.

Today's leaders are the only ones using round core studs. On ice, longitudinal grip properties are average, transverse grip properties are good. On snow, the situation is slightly different: the longitudinal grip is good, and the transverse grip is average. The car is driven smoothly and stably along a snowy road. Reactions during course correction - no comments. When cornering, the behavior is clear and understandable. The speed is most often limited by a soft drift, but the car responds well to turning the steering wheel and tries to maintain the given trajectory.

Even when sliding, it does not leave the driver’s control. You can not only cut through snowdrifts, but also easily maneuver in them, stop and start again. If you stopped the car, you backed up a little and drove on. It is always possible to get out in reverse. On asphalt, directional stability is good, the “zero” is clear, the steering is tight - the tires are almost like summer ones.

They brake well on dry asphalt, but average on wet asphalt. The noise level is increased; on hard surfaces the hum of the studs is clearly audible, especially in the range of 60–90 km/h. Smooth running without any comments - any irregularities are well absorbed. Fuel is saved in all speed modes - both at 60 and 90 km/h. The protrusion of the spines and the rate of change in the size of the protrusion are normal. During the running-in and testing, not a single stud was lost.

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37–2_no_copyright

A relatively recent model, which appeared in 2010.

Since the same year it has been sold in Russia. It differs from other tires in the “diamond” shape of the studs. On ice, grip is good in all directions. On snow it’s the same - both longitudinal and lateral grip are at a high level. They allow you to drive fast on a snowy road and keep your car level. But the information content on the steering wheel is not enough. When cornering, front axle drift prevails. A skid, if it occurs, manifests itself softly and smoothly and is eliminated without much difficulty.

In deep snow they perform well only with intense slipping, but this mode is not very informative. If you dig in, reverse will not help. They walk smoothly on the asphalt, the steering wheel is tight, the “zero” is clear, the reactions when adjusting the direction are immediate.

They brake on wet asphalt better than others, and on dry they show average results, on par with the Gislaved. The spikes make loud noise on hard surfaces - both on ice and asphalt, especially loudly from 70 to 90 km/h. Quite hard: they transmit vibrations from road irregularities to the body floor, seat and steering wheel. Fuel consumption is average at any speed. The protrusion of the spikes is within the optimal value. The studs are held in the rubber very securely.

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38–1_no_copyright

Introduced at the end of 2008, sold since 2009.

They are constantly being updated, which allows them to remain among the leaders. On ice they demonstrated the best longitudinal adhesion properties, and average transverse ones. On snow - better acceleration, good braking and grip in corners. They walk smoothly along the snowy road, without any comments. The steering wheel is tight and the reactions are clear. In turns, the speed is limited by a soft, assisted skid, which is most easily eliminated by adding a little gas. Even when sliding, the car obeys the driver’s commands and restores its trajectory softly and smoothly.

In deep snow they move confidently, maneuver well, and get moving without the desire to dig in. Any mode: from professional pulling movement, without turning the wheels, to “blonde” “gas to the floor”. They get out very well in reverse. On asphalt the movement is smooth, but when making adjustments the rear axle steers unpleasantly.

Braking on dry asphalt is weak, on wet asphalt - average. Comfort is not ideal: the distinct noise of spikes on asphalt and smooth ice, shocks from road irregularities, especially convex ones. Economical at any speed. The amount of protrusion of the spikes is close to the reasonable limit. However, the average protrusion changed by only 0.1 mm during testing, which means that the studs are held securely in the rubber.

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39–0_no_copyright

New product, preparing for sale this year.

We were unable to calculate the final points, because in braking on snow, Ice Arctic beat the best production tire, which we took as the “base” in our calculations. On ice, longitudinal grip properties are high, and transverse grip properties are average. On snow - super braking, very good acceleration and average lateral grip properties. On a snowy road they yaw slightly, reacting with a delay to direction adjustments. In fast turns the behavior is ambiguous. In the initial phase, at the stage of entering a turn, there is a noticeable delay in reactions, leading to the drift of the front axle. After the clutch is restored, already on the arc, there is a high probability of a skid, which has to be compensated by both the steering wheel and the addition of gas at the same time. After sliding, traction is restored quite abruptly, provoking a shooting skid in the other direction.

The concept of “deep snow” does not exist for these tires. The car never needed help to get out of snow captivity. On asphalt they float noticeably from side to side, requiring constant adjustment. Very wide “zero”, delays in steering inputs.

They brake well on wet asphalt, but average on dry asphalt. They push on medium uneven surfaces, making a loud noise from the tread and studs. The amount of protrusion of the spikes is at the limit. However, a change in the protrusion during the tests of only one “ten” indicates that the studs are firmly fixed.

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You can find out more about the designations and classification of tires

Vadim KORABLEV, Yuri KUROCHKIN, Evgeniy LARIN,

Anton MISHIN, Andrey OBRAZUMOV,

Valery PAVLOV and Dmitry TESTOV.

We thank the employees of the AVTOVAZ test site for the technical support,

Togliatti company "Volgashintorg",

as well as tire manufacturers,

submitted their products for testing.

What will we drive this winter? For those who are planning to buy winter tires, we offer test results for winter tires - studded and non-studded. Magazine experts "Behind the wheel" Traditionally, we conducted test drives of tires that are sold in Russian stores before the 2011-2012 winter season.

Let's start with studded tires. Pirelli (Winter Carving Edge model) unexpectedly took first place, overtaking last season's leaders - Nokian, Michelin and Continental (it owns the Gislaved brand).

The best studded tires 2011

Place	Manufacturer and model
1.	Pirelli Winter Carving Edge
2.	Michelin X-Ice North 2
3.	Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
4.	Continental ContiIce Contact
5.	Nord Frost 5
6.	GoodYear UltraGrip Extreme
7.	Cordiant Sno-Max
8.	Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000
9.	Kama Euro 519
10.	Contyre Arctic Ice II
11.	Amtel NordMaster ST310

Note: the test was carried out on tires with size 205/55R16

As for studless tires, also called “Scandinavians” or “Velcro”, there were no surprises. As last year, the leaders in the ranking were Nokian, Continental and Michelin.

Best studless tires 2011

Place	Manufacturer and model
1.	Nokian Hakkapeliitta R
2.	Continental ContiViking Contact 5
3.	Michelin X-Ice 2
4.	Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ
5.	Cordiant Polar SL
6.	Amtel NordMaster CL

Note: the test was carried out on tires with size 175/65R14