Winter studded tires Toya. What are Japanese winter tires Toyo: reviews and characteristics

High-quality and reliable winter tires largely ensure safety while driving. There are many models that differ from each other in some characteristics. Although vehicle owners have their favorites in this matter, they often explore new offers on the market. This is exactly what Toyo winter tires are like, with and without studs, the reviews of which are quite good.

Toyo winter tires have definitely proven themselves to be the best on the market. The combination of practical characteristics and reasonable price gave the desired effect. The range of models is incredibly large, all of them can be characterized by decent quality.

For passenger cars, buyers prefer Toyo Observe Garit HT. This model is universal, as it is designed for excellent driving not only on slushy snow, but also on icy surfaces. It is these two conditions of snow that are characteristic of winter in our climate.

Toyo Observe Garit HT

The list of new products includes Toyo Observe Ice-Freezer studded tires. It underwent final testing in Russian ice and harsh winters and showed excellent results. Judging by the tread, its central part has become noticeably wider, and the number of transverse edges has also increased. Thanks to such innovations, it is necessary to stud the tires for maximum grip during acceleration and braking.


Toyo Observe Ice-Freezer

Speaking about studded tires in general, it is advisable to highlight its advantages:

  • impressive results when braking on snow and ice;
  • excellent grip characteristics on any road surface;
  • good vehicle handling and stability while driving;
  • affordable pricing policy.

Despite the advantages, there is also a disadvantage: poor quality of the studs. According to reviews, they often fly out, but equip the rubber with the simplest round elements. There are two ways out of the situation: either prepare for a self-recovery procedure, or do not give preference to cheap models in order to avoid problematic situations.

Toyo winter tires are an excellent choice

If we put this point aside, Toyo winter tires with sensational reviews about studs are in a worthy place in the tire rating.

You can become the owner of Toyo brand studded tires for only 2,900 Russian rubles. This is exactly how much one wheel costs at the lower price threshold. There is no doubt that the higher the price of a model, the more efficient it is in operation.

Rubber with Velcro

Are you afraid of driving a vehicle during icy conditions or snow flurries? A thoughtful choice of winter tires should lead you to buying good tires from the Toyo brand with modern Velcro.

Toyo Observe Garit G4 winter tires are new to the lineup. They represent a completely new and different generation of special winter friction tires. The development of the model was carried out using an exceptional state-of-the-art computer modeling method. As a result, a car shod with Observe Garit G4 becomes soft and stable during icy conditions.


Toyo Observe Garit G4

Dwelling on the advantages of Velcro, it is necessary to note its advantages:

  • absence of noise during operation;
  • good strong sidewall;
  • a tread that does not become clogged with snow due to drainage grooves;
  • excellent braking, in which the rubber clings and does not break off;
  • maneuverability on any road surface;
  • preservation of functional qualities in severe frost;
  • sale at an acceptable and adequate price.

Judging by the reviews, Toyo Velcro winter tires provide reliable grip on the roadway regardless of weather conditions. Among the disadvantages, it is important to note the difficulty of finding the required model, because these tires are quite popular among car enthusiasts.

In general, this is a relatively good option for winter wheels from this brand, which can be purchased for 2,900 Russian rubles.


Toyo Velcro Tire

Conclusion

The choice of winter tires with studs or Velcro remains solely with the vehicle owner. Toyo company offers both options for the winter season:

  1. This is a budget tire option from a Japanese manufacturer.
  2. The lowest price for a wheel on the Russian market is 2,9000 rubles.
  3. Owners note problems with thorns. For some they fly out.
  4. There are no complaints about Velcro.

What do you think of Toyo tires?

Kazuki Kawakami, project manager at Toyo Tires' research and development center, enthusiastically drew graphs to explain the design features of winter tires. And most often, speaking about innovation, he mentioned a new product on our market - the studless model Observe Garit GIZ. And at the end of the conversation, he asked me to forget those same graphs and not reproduce them in magazine materials. I promised to forget about the graphs, but it makes sense to talk about the technologies used in the creation of the Toyo Observe Garit GIZ

The Observe Garit GIZ tire was introduced to the Japanese market in 2014, and this winter season it is offered in the markets of Europe and Russia. And, it would seem, this combination of regions should be alarming: we are well aware of the “European” tires aimed at the mild winter of Central Europe. But the developers themselves assure that the rubber compound of the tire tread was precisely created taking into account large temperature differences (which, by the way, is typical for a number of regions of Japan), and therefore the tire retains elasticity and, accordingly, stability of characteristics over a wide temperature range. That is, there is a reference point to Russian conditions. And the first point among the important characteristics of the Observe Garit GIZ, Toyo Tires engineers call improved braking and handling on ice. There is nothing to argue here: for a studless tire this is really very important. The “abrasive” properties of the tread are provided by the walnut shell microparticles already familiar to us from the Observe GSi-5 model, but on the icy surface there is another enemy - a thin film of water that forms in the contact patch of the tire with the road. NEO absorbent carbon micropores are designed to combat this film; like a sponge, they dry out the contact patch between the tire and the road and thereby improve the adhesion of two surfaces - the tire tread and the icy road. Helpers of this very “sponge” are three-dimensional lamellas, which also absorb a layer of water on the ice surface. But the role of these lamellas is not limited to drainage: clinging to the ice with their edges, they improve grip.

A. 3D sipes absorb water that forms between the tire and the road surface and also grips icy roads. B. Grooves in the shoulder area extending into the center area drain water and snow and improve traction on wet and snowy roads. C. "Snow Claw" increases the rigidity of the blocks and provides traction in the snow. D. Composite blocks with minimized offsets improve tire stability when cornering. E. The high-stiffness shoulder area makes the tire resistant to road potholes and sidewall wear. F. Frequently wavy sipes reduce tread block movement and provide consistent performance on dry, wet and icy surfaces.

The Observe Garit GIZ model has a very original tread design. By the way, some tire developers insist that the originality of these products can also emphasize the individuality of their owner. But in this case, the functionality of the design is much more important. Toyo Tires engineers dubbed the transverse zigzags on the central rib of the Observe Garit GIZ a “snow claw”: indeed, with their sharp edges they literally “bite” into the snow, but at the same time provide grip both on ice and on a dry road. Developed shoulder grooves contribute to both traction on snowy roads and the drainage of water (which improves traction on wet roads) and slush. The tread blocks located on both sides of the central rib also have an original design - this solution provides the necessary rigidity that prevents them from moving, which has a positive effect on handling. There is also a solution in the tire design that, given the quality of most of our roads, our car enthusiasts will certainly like: the stiffness of the shoulder area has been increased, which protects the tire from damage when driving on roads with poor surfaces. There is one more novelty that is not always used in tire construction. The Observe Garit GIZ shoulder zones are equipped with omnidirectional First Edge sipes, which provide traction even during the tire break-in period. By the way, for some reason we don’t pay much attention to this period of tire operation.

Grip effect: walnut shells scratch the hard surface of the ice

Absorbent Carbon Powder

NEO absorbent carbon micropores are 20 times larger than conventional absorbent particles

We are ready to listen to the client

INTERVIEW WITH KAZUKI KAWAKA, PROJECT MANAGER, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, TOYO TIRES

Competition in the Russian tire market is high. Moreover, both in the segment of summer and winter tires. What is needed to develop successfully in this market?

First of all, we need to understand the needs and demands of consumers. It is on the basis of such requests that we develop new models. And from our point of view, this is the most important factor for success.

Not so long ago, tires were a scarce commodity on the Russian market. Then the crisis began, and the main factor for buyers became price. Today, price is also an important factor, but people are also thinking more and more about safety. In such a situation, how can we achieve a balance between price and quality that will ensure success?

Very good question. The balance between the cost of a tire and its performance is indeed a very important factor, and Toyo always pays a lot of attention to these components. As an engineer, I first of all try to get the best characteristics of the product I am developing. But the “flight of creative thought” should not be divorced from reality: we should always think about what price niche we are designing this or that model for. And the price of the tire with the highest and most balanced performance should always remain reasonable.

In Russia there is still a stereotype regarding winter tires: we do not have much confidence in those products that are developed in a country where there are no harsh winter conditions. What arguments can you make that Toyo tires are suitable for our conditions?

It doesn't matter where the tire is developed. It is important where and how it is tested. We do not limit ourselves only to testing at our test site on the island of Hokkaido (where, by the way, winter conditions are quite severe), but also actively use the polar test site in Ivalo. We carry out these tests constantly, trying to obtain as much information as possible, on the basis of which we develop the product. But testing tires in real conditions is only the final part of the development process. The equipment of our laboratories allows us to conduct tests simulating any conditions. In addition, the company has supercomputers on which we conduct virtual testing of prototypes using a database. The advantage of computer simulation and testing on laboratory equipment is that the conditions under which testing takes place are absolutely stable. But, as I said above, we pay a lot of attention to testing in real winter conditions.

With tires equipped with studs, everything is clear - they are aimed at the markets of Scandinavia and Russia. What are the features in the development of friction tires intended for Europe and Russia?

As for studless tires, Toyo Tires is more focused on the needs of the domestic market. We offer two models of studless tires on the Russian market: the already familiar Observe GSi-5 and this season’s new Observe Garit GIZ. The latest model was taken from the domestic market, and during its development the focus was on performance on ice. But the Observe GSi-5 model was developed for European markets, including the Russian market. During its development, the emphasis was placed on the balance of performance on snow, ice, and wet roads.

Regarding Observe Garit GIZ. You mentioned that the main focus was on the tire's performance on ice. Can we talk about the high level of other, no less important characteristics that ensure safety on the winter road?

Of course, we also tried to bring the remaining characteristics to the highest level. But the most difficult moment for a studless tire is braking on ice. The tire's grip on ice was precisely the parameter on which the developers focused. Achieving high performance on other types of road surfaces encountered in winter was not difficult for us.

Russian winter is also characterized by large temperature differences. Here, the formulation of the rubber compound is of great importance, allowing the tread layer to maintain elasticity at extremely low temperatures. Most often, the problem is solved by the percentage of silica in the rubber mixture. Are there any special secrets in the compound of Toyo winter tires?

The rubber compound of a tire is a very complex product. And its main ingredients are natural and synthetic rubbers. It is synthetic rubber that is largely responsible for how the rubber compound behaves at low temperatures. Adding silica alone will not solve the problem. Suppose, by adding silica, we will improve the tire's grip on ice, but the grip on snow may suffer. The engineers' task is to find a balance of the materials used (including polymers) and ensure that the tire behaves stably on any surface and at any temperature.

Let's try to summarize everything that has been said. Can you give three reasons why readers of our magazine will choose Toyo Tires products?

The first is the performance of our products in winter conditions, the second is the stability of the tires under all conditions, the third is the unique and very original tread pattern. But there is a fourth argument, the question of which was already asked at the beginning of the interview: our products have a balanced price level, which is very important in the current economic situation. We very carefully control production costs and actively use new materials and technologies. Therefore, the consumable part (and, accordingly, the final price of the product) is reduced, but not at the expense of reducing the characteristics of our products.

ToyoTire&RubberCo., Ltd. - a Japanese manufacturer that develops winter tire models using ultra-modern DSOC-T computer technology: a specialist can predict in advance how a tire will behave on a certain type of car while driving on a certain type of road surface.

From us you can buy Toyo winter tires, which are the latest innovations in the winter line and have proven themselves well in Russia and the CIS countries.

Winter tires Toyo - Technologies and reviews

The winter line of recent seasons includes high-quality studded and friction tires. Also, the quality of Toyo winter tires is confirmed by numerous reviews and opinions of the owners of this tire.

Toyo winter tires, from which new tire models are produced, have the following features:

  • Thanks to the improved combination of components, it has optimal elasticity during any frost.
  • Walnut shells in rubber are small particles with sharp edges that act as microspikes.
  • A sorbent based on bamboo charcoal powder effectively, like a sponge, absorbs moisture, reduces braking distance and acceleration time on ice.

Toyo winter tires now have fewer studs, but this is done to achieve greater grip. This brought them closer to the standards of the Scandinavian Tire and Wheel Manufacturers Organization.

But the grip has improved and the braking distance has become shorter. This is achieved thanks to the improved distribution of studs on the tread surface. Compare for yourself in the photo: the mark from the previous generation tire (on the left) and from the new Toyo OBSERVE G3-ICE with a reduced number of studs (on the right).

New Toyo winter tires in the Dilijans catalog

New model for the 2013 - 2014 season. for passenger cars. It embodies all the latest technologies. Her element is cold winter with ice and snow.

Toyo OBSERVE GSi5 is a friction passenger model with increased sipe density and a new rubber compound. Suitable for almost any winter weather.

Open Country I/T is a modern model for SUVs. Equipped with studs, best suited for riding during snowy winters.

Toyo H09 is a friction tire for commercial vehicles - small trucks and minibuses. It has a unique tread pattern that ensures a confident ride in different weather conditions.

We invite you to buy Toyo winter tires in our online store


We offer you:

  • A wide range of models, all new items from the latest seasons.
  • Large selection of standard sizes for different cars.
  • Convenient catalog with photos and descriptions.
  • Affordable prices for Toyo winter tires: we sell directly from the warehouse and work directly from the manufacturer.
  • Accurate and fast delivery of goods by reliable shopping centers.
  • Original quality guarantee from the manufacturer.

Winter tires Toyo Tipes have been produced by the concern of the same name since the mid-twentieth century. The company was born in the Japanese city of Osako. Today, this company is engaged not only in the production of tires, but also in automobile components and petrochemical products.

The company has an excellent material and technical base for the development of first-class tires, including testing grounds. The management of the concern uses all methods for advertising and promotion, so Toyo models can be seen at annual rallies, as well as other automobile competitions. Thanks to these participations, specialists are able to monitor the technical characteristics of the tires in operation, as well as use them for subsequent developments.

In 2008, a representative office of the Toyo company appeared in Russia with the aim of strengthening international relations, as well as promoting products in Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan.

The company's specialists pay special attention to the development of tires for winter. It took many years to create a special mixture of rubber with the addition of silicon dioxide, due to which Toyo winter tires have become more practical, frost-resistant, reliable, and narrow sipes make the grip on the road stronger. According to owner reviews, Toyota Observer is the best model of winter tires for a Toyota Camry.

Description of popular models

Winter is one of the most difficult times of the year for motorists, especially in our country. The temperature regime over the past few years has left much to be desired. The weather “jumps”, causing sudden changes - from severe frosts to thaws. In such difficult conditions, Toyo winter tires show very good performance when driving on winter roads.

The Toyo company produces two modifications of winter tires:

  • Toyo observe g 3 ice;
  • Toyo observe gsi 5.

In the process of creating the rubber base, a special technology was used, in which natural material was added to the rubber mixture - crushed walnut shells. Thanks to this component, the tires have a high level of grip on snowy roads, since shell particles attract snow and bite into it with force. Both modifications are available, both studded and non-studded. Top sizes are available from r15 to 22. The most popular is radius 16. You can buy Toyo 205 55 r16 winter tires in Moscow from 4,200 rubles.

The composition of the Toyo observe gsi 5 rubber compound includes a special absorbent substance that does not allow moisture to interfere with movement, which is why the car confidently heads to its destination on a wet road. Reviews characterize the Toyo observe gsi 5 winter tires positively, noting its high driving performance, low noise levels, and excellent grip.

Toyo observe g 3 ice winter tires, judging by reviews, have excellent track grip due to the special arrangement of grooves in the tread pattern. To develop the sketch, special computer technology was used, which made it possible to accurately distribute the location of the studs, which had the most favorable effect on the noise insulation qualities and the level of grip on the road.

Advantages and disadvantages

Following the reviews of owners about Toyo winter tires, the advantages of the model include:

  • excellent grip on the road in any weather;
  • the tires are safe while driving due to inclusions of walnut shells;
  • high noise insulation properties.

Disadvantages include:

  • does not always cope with the track at high speeds;
  • high price.


How to choose the right model

What the reviews say:

  • The tire profile should not be too wide. The smaller it is, the more stable the car;
  • what year the tires were produced - preference should be given to more modern models;
  • Toyo Velcro winter tires should be used in regions where winter temperatures drop below 20 degrees. In regions with milder climates, studded winter tires are more suitable. This is confirmed by reviews from owners;
  • It is best for city residents to use a “swoosh” shaped tread pattern, as then their grip on the road is higher;
  • for trips on ice and in regions with unstable climates, it is best to use Toyo studded models;
  • For residents of small towns, Toyo winter tires without studs are perfect.


TOP 5 options

Name Description Price, rub
Toyo observe g 3 ice The model was released from the assembly line in 2014. Thanks to a special technology for creating a rubber mixture, as well as computer modeling of the tread, it has excellent grip on the road. For the best grip, not only traditional size studs are used, but also micro studs. Tests of the model showed excellent driving results in extreme conditions and during icy conditions. from 2430
Toyo observe gsi 5 The studless model is intended for trips outside the city, as well as at temperatures above minus twenty degrees. The technology for creating a rubber mixture made it possible to use particles of crushed walnut shells. Universal, can be used for a wide range of cars. The “checkmarks” on the sides of the tread have a positive effect on the traction properties of the tire. from 5000
Toyo Observe G2S The model is designed specifically for traveling on snowy and icy roads. It has a special design for the placement of spikes. Ideal for slushy city roads, does not get stuck, and has excellent traction characteristics. from 6100
Observe Garit G30 The model is designed with excellent traction characteristics, ideal for urban off-road travel. The zigzag shape of the hollows prevents snow from getting clogged. Confidently holds the track. from 3900
The model was created specifically for regions with harsh winter conditions. It has good grip properties and holds the track. The zigzag tread pattern prevents slipping on snowy roads. from 5800


Where can I buy

Toyo winter tires are sold in almost every tire center in the country. Below are store addresses, prices and owner reviews:


Lapland greets us with a blinding sun. “Who is that standing there? Oh, these are hot Finnish guys running!” This anecdote to a certain extent illustrates the rhythm of life in snowy Ivalo. The Sami have inhabited this land for more than 10 thousand years, and they are proud that there is no other such indigenous people in the European Union.

The bright sun creates the illusion of comfort. In the morning the thermometer at the Test World test site showed - 30°C. By lunchtime the temperature rose by 8 degrees

The country's government is doing its best to cultivate their self-identity. In prime time, the local TV channel broadcasts a report about the change of director at a local history museum, and not a crime chronicle. The Saariselka newspaper (including in Russian!) informs tourists about the upcoming Royal Reindeer Race. By the way, a visiting guest, having reinforced his desire with hard coin, can go on a safari on domestic deer or huskies.

The symmetrical V-shaped pattern is responsible for removing water and slush from the contact patch. Stability and lateral grip driven by the supporting central rib. Sawtooth blocks on the shoulder areas enhance grip on the snow.

The Finns have managed to monetize their small north so that the flow of foreigners does not stop here. Who would have thought that Japanese of all ages would travel to distant lands to... have sex. It turns out that in the country of the samurai it is believed that a child conceived under the northern lights will certainly be lucky in life... Shinnikov is even more attracted to polar Finland. The local testing grounds are equipped to modern standards. Combined with the cold climate, they create ideal conditions for running in a pre-production tire.

The “underwater” part of the stud is made in the form of a five-pointed star, immersed in the body of the tread, which should reduce the likelihood of it falling out

However, the Toyo Observe G3-Ice stud is already quite standard and even certified for Russian roads. The tread of this tire is made of a soft rubber mixture with the addition of natural rubber, silica and walnut shells. According to the manufacturer, shell microparticles help increase traction on slippery surfaces. To show it in action, Toyo representatives prepared two groups of cars - Audi A6 and Volkswagen Golf. Inside, each team was further divided: some were “shoeed” into the Japanese novelty, and others into the “seventh” Hakkapeliitta.

The first exercise is a “snake” on a perfectly flat ice surface. I get into the all-wheel drive “six” with Japanese tires. At speeds up to 40 km/h the car is quite confidently controlled. A little faster - and both axles begin to slide to the outside of the turn. I’m changing my car, now I’m driving a Hakka. Having not yet reached 40 km/h, the rear of the A6 breaks into an unpleasant skid, despite the ESP chirping. I try again - the situation repeats itself...

The next test is acceleration and braking on the Golf. When braking “to the floor” on ice from a speed of 60 km/h, the Finnish tire loses about half a car length to the Japanese one. Only on the snowy track does Hakkapelita take revenge. Both tires allow you to pass the track at a fairly decent speed. But as soon as the car hits a compacted section of the road, you immediately feel the advantage of a “walnut” tire on ice. What's the secret?

On snow the chances of both tires are approximately equal

Russian dealers, for whom this event was mainly organized, also for a long time could not believe in the superiority of “Japanese shoes.” Some pros felt that the spike on the G3-Ice protrudes above the surface more than the required 1.2 mm. However, due to the lack of measuring instruments, this could not be verified. The situation will become clearer when the winter tire rolls on Russian roads. Without biting into a nut, as they say, you won’t know its taste.