Which tires are the strongest? Runflat tires

Specialized magazines, forums, car clubs, and international associations often formulate ratings of summer passenger tires, especially in February-March, when by law it is necessary to replace winter tires with ones more suitable for the season. Independent test drives, competitions, and product line inspections are preliminarily carried out in order to identify existing problems in the manufacturing and marketing of products, as well as outline a list of entrepreneurs who can find the most profitable solution in the current situation. The entire foreign and domestic auto industry is aimed at creating safe and comfortable tires, and all innovative technologies and experiments with the production scale of a new tire are aimed at this. Competition in the market stimulates the management of large companies to continuously develop and modernize tires. Successful companies are on everyone’s lips, because the authority of an innovator has already been earned, and besides, such a terrible word as “rating” hangs over everyone. The list of leaders is based on different parameters, most often tires are divided into domestic and foreign models, and also formed according to quality and innovation classes, pricing policy is also taken into account, especially since there is a large variation in the cost of the product, the price of tires varies from 2,000 to 15,000 rubles

Summer tires

There are brands that most often occupy leading positions in the ratings, mainly tires from large corporations that have their own research laboratories, regularly introduce innovations and conduct test drives, but also special resources inform consumers about class B products , C, which are credited with versatility and affordability.

Premium summer tire rating

Rating of universal tires class B

Rating of summer economy class passenger tires

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Tires are one of the most important factors in ensuring the comfort and safety of any car. Neither a powerful engine nor a high-speed gearbox will help a car drive quickly and confidently if it has bad tires. Unfortunately, while almost all car enthusiasts understand the need to use high-quality winter tires, the situation with summer tires is much worse. Many people choose the cheapest summer tires without being particularly interested in their characteristics beyond the price. And some people drive on winter tires all year round. However, there are good reasons why the seasonality of tires should not be neglected.

Firstly, summer tires are harder, which allows them not only to grip the road better, but also to wear out less. At positive temperatures, winter tires heat up too much, which leads to rapid “eating” of the tread.

Secondly, the tread pattern is different. If in winter it is necessary to have a large number of lamellas in order to confidently cling to a slippery surface, then in summer it is more important to maintain stability during hydroplaning, and even better to prevent it. In addition, the tread of summer tires is less deep, which increases the stability of the car when cornering. Finally, summer tires are much more economical and quieter.

If we talk about cost, then the larger the car, the more aggressive the driving style, the more difficult the operating conditions - the more expensive a set of tires will cost. Given the fierce competition among manufacturers, even companies that produce premium products are trying to have several budget options in their line. In any case, no matter what price segment the tires are in, we can list the main selection criteria in descending order of importance:

1. Stability on the road.
2. Resistance to hydroplaning.
3. Ride comfort.
4. Strength.
5. Wear resistance.
6. Economical.
7. Noisy.

It is worth understanding that there is no absolutely universal rubber. One will cope better with dry asphalt, the other with wet asphalt, the third will be quiet, but not very stable.

• popularity among car owners;
• the number of positive reviews from real customers;
• tire test results in independent laboratories;
• price-quality ratio.

The best inexpensive summer tires

This category includes tires whose maximum seat diameter does not exceed 17 inches. This is quite natural, since budget tire options are usually purchased for inexpensive cars, which, in turn, are rarely equipped with large-diameter wheels.

In addition, it is worth considering that the best budget tires may have good basic characteristics - handling, wet grip, softness, but are intended almost exclusively for driving on good asphalt and drivers with a restrained driving style. You should not expect high wear resistance or exceptionally low noise from them.

3 Triangle Group TR928

The most budget
Country: China
Average price: 2,700 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.5

The tire from a purely Chinese company has already managed to surprise quite a few car owners. Thanks to the alternating size and pitch of the checkers, the tire grips the road well. Also pleasing is the excellent directional stability provided by the central longitudinal rib.

Triangle Group TR928 is a clear confirmation that you can’t have everything at once. Due to its high rigidity, the rubber confidently holds traction with the road surface and has good reliability, Excellent resistance to hernias. But on the other hand -most small irregularities can be felt.

2 Yokohama Blu Earth AE01

Sustainable and economical
A country:
Average price: 3,000 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The development of the famous Japanese brand Yokohama is considered among experienced drivers to be one of the most wear-resistant and durable tires in its price segment. Many people note a decrease in fuel consumption when using this rubber. Handles confidently on dry and wet roads at reasonable speeds.

Some owners complain about the lack of stability on wet roads - they have to significantly reduce speed. It is better not to use these tires on dirt roads and grass; their purpose is asphalt.

What type of tread should I choose? Comparison table for three types of tread patterns: symmetrical, asymmetrical and directional (V-shaped):

Tread type	pros	Minuses
Symmetric	Stable at high speed Durability (up to 4-6 seasons) Low noise level The direction and side of installation does not matter	Low stability on wet surfaces at high speeds (hydroplaning)
Asymmetrical	Excellent directional stability when cornering Maneuverability	In case of improper installation, controllability deteriorates significantly Rapid wear
Directional (V-shaped)	Better directional stability on wet roads “Rows” well off-road	Difficulties may arise during installation or when replacing a punctured tire with a spare wheel (due to the fact that the wheel is designed for a specific side) Noisier than other types

1 Nokian Nordman SX2

Best comfort among inexpensive tires
A country: Finland (produced in Russia)
Average price: 3,190 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The main advantage of this tire, which is noted by almost all buyers, is its comfort. The tires are soft and have good stability even at high speed. The other side of the coin is rapid, uniform wear, including on excellent roads and a calm driving style.

Owners note the low noise level and good tread pattern, which allows them to feel confident on the highway even in heavy rain, and believe that the tires have an excellent price-quality ratio.

The best summer tires in the mid-price category

The vast majority of products from the middle price segment are the ideal combination of price and quality. Tires were no exception. By choosing budget options, you are obviously agreeing to a mediocre option. Premium tires have excellent parameters, but the overpayment is often too high. Figuratively speaking, to get a 5-10% advantage, you will pay 30-40% more.

Middle-class tires have a fairly good set of characteristics and are not intimidating with their price. In addition, unlike products in the budget segment, tires in this category are not distinguished by any one parameter, but have fairly balanced characteristics.

4 Toyo Proxes CF2

Better handling
A country: Country of origin: Japan (manufactured in Malaysia)
Average price: 4,850 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Thanks to a specially designed tread pattern and a well-chosen composition of materials, the tires of this model are stable and quiet. At the same time, the majority of buyers who have already tried it for several seasons are definitely going to buy the next set of the same brand.

It should be noted that these tires are best suited for driving on good asphalt. In such conditions, they behave perfectly both on dry and wet roads - excellent grip and no hydroplaning. If there are potholes or other obstacles on the way, you should be careful - the tire bead is quite soft, which has a positive effect on comfort, but reduces strength.

3 Michelin Energy XM2

High sidewall strength
Country: France
Average price: RUB 3,862.
Rating (2019): 4.7

One of the quietest summer tires in the mid-segment is the Michelin Energy XM2. Almost every car owner, listing the advantages of Michelin Energy XM2, points to its low noise level. This model is also distinguished by increased sidewall strength, which is very important when driving on Russian roads. The frame threads are made of materials of increased strength and flexibility, and the unique sidewall design evenly dissipates the load at the moment of impact throughout the sidewall structure. This can significantly reduce the risk of hernias (for example, when hitting a deep hole).

Energy XM2 is also praised for its good road grip. Rapid drainage of water from the contact patch is achieved through a system of wide drainage channels. The downside is that the tires are only available in 13, 14, 15 and 16 inch sizes.

2 Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31

The optimum ratio of price and quality
Country: South Korea
Average price: 8,700 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Kumho is one of the most popular South Korean brands, whose tires have won the trust of car owners due to such qualities as wear resistance and low noise. A special feature of Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31 tires (as well as other brand products) is the unique ESCOT technology, which allows you to make the sidewall seamless. This eliminates vibration from contact with the road surface at high speeds, improves handling, reduces braking distance and reduces noise.

The technological rubber composition and tread pattern provide excellent grip on wet roads. According to some reports, the longitudinal ring channels and V-shaped pattern when creating tires were borrowed from cars participating in Formula 1. Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31 is recommended for active driving on good roads in any weather.

1 Yokohama Geolandar SUV G055

Excellent wear resistance
A country: Japan (produced in Russia and the Philippines)
Average price: 7,868 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

When creating the Yokohama Geolandar SUV tires, Japanese engineers used a unique technology for producing a rubber compound using orange oil. Oddly enough, they managed to solve the main task that they set for themselves: to create environmentally friendly tires with increased mileage and good grip characteristics.

With Yokohama tires, the driver can not only enjoy driving, but also have as little impact on the environment as possible. Numerous European tests have shown that Yokohama Geolandar SUV tires have excellent wear resistance. Thus, in the authoritative German publication “Auto Bild” Yokohama took an honorable third place in this indicator and first place in handling on a dry surface.

The best summer tires for wet roads

Perhaps most car enthusiasts are familiar with the effect of aquaplaning. This is a situation where a thin layer of water forms between the tire and the asphalt, which makes the car completely uncontrollable. An important part of the problem is that drivers often simply do not attach importance to a seemingly innocent puddle. That is why it is necessary to choose rubber that, among other things, copes well with wet surfaces.

But how can you tell good tires for driving in the rain from bad ones? Of course, the most reliable option is independent professional tests and comparisons. But you can do it with your own eyes, because such tires have a specific appearance. Firstly, they must have at least one continuous longitudinal groove into which water will be drained. Secondly, a herringbone pattern is preferred, thanks to which water will be more effectively removed from the contact patch with the road. Finally, we must not forget that insufficient tread depth has an extremely negative effect on grip.

3 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx

Excellent grip on wet surfaces at maximum speed
Country: UK
Average price: RUB 10,311.
Rating (2019): 4.7

This model is the flagship in the company's tire line. Thanks to the joint work of Japanese and German tire makers, SP Sport Maxx turned out to be extremely successful. It combines excellent handling on wet surfaces and a fairly high speed index - Y (up to 300 km/h).

Stability during aquaplaning is provided by four longitudinal grooves. It is also worth noting the central part, which drains water well and allows you to maintain controllability. Disadvantages: rigidity and high price.

2 Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 K120

Optimum grip, softness and wear resistance characteristics
Country: South Korea
Average price: 9,250 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Summer tires Hankook Ventus V12 are one of the best in terms of wet grip, handling and wear resistance. Water is removed from the tread instantly due to the improved drainage system. It consists of four large drainage channels and a large number of small notches and cuts. The directional tread pattern allows you to confidently drive the car at high speeds.

The Hankook Ventus V12 tires feature a central continuous rib, which reduces feedback times. The increased wear resistance of the tires is due to the use of a new rubber compound containing unique components. The Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 K120 is available in diameters ranging from 15 to 21 inches.

1 Uniroyal RainExpert

The best indicator of longitudinal and transverse aquaplaning
Country: Germany
Average price: 6,650 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

According to the test results of the authoritative German publication Auto Bild, Uniroyal RainExpert summer tires were recognized as the best in terms of longitudinal and transverse aquaplaning. In terms of confidence in driving on wet roads, they are confidently ahead of all competitors, including tires from the Hankook and Viking brands.

Uniroyal RainExpert performs best in the rain, showing excellent grip on wet roads. This is achieved thanks to the directional V-shaped tread pattern - grooves that serve to drain water from the contact patch. Special narrow lamellas in the tread help to significantly reduce the braking distance of the car. Water is the element of Uniroyal RainExpert summer tires. Among the disadvantages, owners mention the fact that small stones can get stuck in the tread, as well as minor problems with balancing.

The best silent summer tires

Among car enthusiasts there are completely different people. Some people like complete silence, comfort and a measured ride, others like the roar of the engine and the squeal of tires, but certainly no one likes the monotonous hum from the tires. Therefore, manufacturers from all over the world, in addition to providing better traction, are increasingly focusing on reducing noise levels. For this purpose, softer types of rubber are used, as well as tread blocks of various shapes and sizes, which reduces the noise.

But do not forget that the noise level depends not only on the tires. This is also affected by the quality of the road surface, its properties, tire pressure levels and many other parameters.

2 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2

Minimum braking distance
Country: USA
Average price: RUB 14,730.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Of course, this tire belongs to the premium segment, which is confirmed not only by the huge price tag, but also by excellent characteristics and innovative technologies. Take, for example, RunFlat, which allows you to drive up to 160 kilometers even with a punctured cylinder. Also worth attention is the Active Braking technology, which ensures that the tread blocks expand during braking, which increases the contact patch and, accordingly, reduces the braking distance.

Owners consider this tire to be quiet and very grippy. They also praise its softness and durable sidewall. The criticism is, of course, that the price is too high.

1 Bridgestone MY-02 Sporty Style

The quietest sports tires
Country: Japan
Average price: 5,530 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Bridgestone MY-02 Sporty Style tires can be recommended to those who love a sporty driving style and for whom such characteristics as noise insulation are important. The manufacturer did a great job and released designer tires with an aggressive appearance. At the same time, in terms of noise level, they are one of the quietest among competitors.

Low noise levels are achieved thanks to five randomly arranged shoulder blocks of varying sizes. Bridgestone MY-02 Sporty Style is a very popular summer tire, trusted by millions of car owners around the world. The downside of this rubber, according to buyers, is insufficient resistance to aquaplaning.

The best summer tires for fuel economy

It is very rare that a car enthusiast would not want to save on fuel. Still, prices for fuel are rising regularly, and few people want to part with their iron horse because of this. Special tires marked “E” - “Economy” can help a little in the pursuit of savings. In such models, manufacturers try to reduce rolling resistance, because it is because of it that the notorious 1-2% of fuel is lost, which ultimately results in large sums.

2 Continental ContiEcoContact 5

Safe and economical driving
Country: Germany
Average price: 6,407 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Continental ContiEcoContact 5 is a perfectly balanced energy-saving tire. The introduction of new technologies when creating the frame made it possible to optimize rolling resistance for greater fuel economy. According to some reports, the overall fuel savings from using ContiEcoContact 5 is 3% compared to conventional tires.

However, fuel economy is not the last high indicator of this rubber. The wear resistance and safety of ContiEcoContact 5 are also at a high level. The new rubber compound and improved tire profile have increased cross-country ability and improved performance on wet roads.

1 Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance

The best in terms of efficiency
Country: USA
Average price: 6,460 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance is one of the most fuel-efficient car tires available. The new base component, which is created using FuelSaving technology, reduces rolling resistance by 18% and reduces fuel consumption. Compared to competitors, the difference can reach up to 0.3 liters per 100 km. This has also been confirmed by multiple tests. The manufacturer states that when creating the product, special materials (rubber mixture) are used to lighten the weight of the tire.

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance tires, according to the manufacturer, save fuel by an average of 5%. Owners also find them very comfortable and quiet, although somewhat overpriced.

The best wear-resistant summer tires

In the previous section, we were able to save a little on fuel by choosing the right tires. In addition, choosing wear-resistant tires, which will have to be changed much less frequently than conventional competitors, will help you save money. But here it is worth considering that you will have to endure minor inconveniences, such as high rigidity and not very good grip.

1 Michelin Latitude Tour HP

The best solution for an urban crossover
Country: France
Average price: RUB 12,537.
Rating (2019): 4.9

An equally popular model of car tires, which is in particular demand among owners of city crossovers. The developers of the Michelin Latitude Tour HP used a special rubber compound based on a polymer used to make truck tires. As a result, they managed to obtain tires with an increased service life. Michelin Latitude Tour HP tires can last 30-50% longer than most competitors.

The model is distinguished by improved properties of resistance to punctures, cuts, abrasion and abrasive wear. These are some of the most reliable and durable car tires available. Buyers note that the tires are quiet, go over bumps and potholes smoothly, and help save fuel. Owners are confused by the high price and the fact that the minimum fit size of the model is 15 inches.

Tires are responsible for the quality of road grip and for increasing driving comfort. Drivers often use reinforced tires. Let's figure out what they are and what their operating features are.

What is special about reinforced tires?

All tires with reinforced sidewalls have approximately the same design, allowing them to carry heavy loads. Technically, the design reduces the risk of tire damage when hitting obstacles.

To better understand the situation, it is worth considering why the tire is damaged. If the wheel hits an obstacle or hole, the disc pushes through the sidewall. The situation occurs quickly and with great force, as a result the rim actually cuts the cord running along the sidewall.

To protect against this problem, XL tires have a reinforced carcass. The reinforcement method depends on the technical features of the tire and its purpose. In the simplest version, the rubber has two layers of cord on the sides. Another more reliable method is to use a diagonal design on the sides. This method is the most effective; even if the side of the tire is damaged, it can be repaired and used.

For greater reliability, the cord is made from reinforced polymer threads. They can withstand loads better. It is quite difficult to cut them down. Polymers provide sufficient elasticity.

In addition to all of the above, a different, more rigid rubber compound is used in production. It also improves tire reliability. Sometimes the tread is modified, but this factor is not the main and mandatory one.

Operational features of reinforced rubber

The reinforced sidewall must withstand the load created by the car, but this comes at the cost of increased rigidity. As a result, driving a car equipped with such tires is less comfortable; it absorbs minor impacts from driving over uneven surfaces less well.

The use of tires with reinforced beads does not guarantee complete absence of damage. You should not consider such a tire invulnerable; when driving through potholes, take precautions.

In addition, all tires with reinforced elements always weigh more than regular tires. The reason is the additional cord and denser rubber. This creates increased load on the suspension.

Let us list the main advantages that such tires have.

• Increased security. There is less risk of tire damage.
• The tire is resistant to deformation, reducing the likelihood of damage to the wheel rim.
• The car is more stable when cornering. This indicates improved directional stability and controllability.
• Typically, such tires have an increased speed index.
• Fuel consumption is reduced. Tires have less rolling resistance.

What cars are they suitable for?

You need to understand that tires with reinforced sidewalls are designed for certain cars. It is useless to install it, for example, on Daewoo Matiz. We list the vehicles most suitable for such tires.

• Cars designed for high speeds. The sports car can accelerate to 270 km/h. Regular rubber is more likely to tear quickly at such speeds, and the reinforced sidewall protects against damage.
• SUVs. Reliable tires are an important element of off-road travel. During such trips you often have to run over various obstacles; the sidewall must be properly protected from damage.
• If you just often travel to places with poor quality roads. Then you will have few problems with tires, and they will last longer.

How to tell if a tire has a reinforced sidewall

It is important to know how to distinguish such a tire. There is a special marking for this. It complements the standard size and is indicated immediately after the speed index. In rare cases, markings may be indicated separately, usually along the circumference of the side.

When marking in a standard size, two Latin letters XL are added there. The words “extra load” may be indicated on board. It is completely identical to the marking in the standard size.

It is worth mentioning separately what XL means. In fact, this is an indication that the load index increases by 3 units. That is, if the tire has an index of 97, if there are additional markings, the permissible load will be equal to the index of 100.

Tires with reinforced sidewalls are reliable and stable in difficult conditions. But, they have their own operating characteristics. This needs to be taken into account; you should not purchase them for traveling around the city.

Which tires have the strongest sidewalls? Which tires hold up best? I present to you the eight most reliable winter tire models.

How to determine the strongest tires?

Autoreview experts will help us answer this question; they conduct tire tests impact tests: install a border 94 mm high. They drive at an angle of 45 degrees with one wheel. After successful passage, increase the speed by 5 km/h.

The speed is increased until it happens through sidewall breakdown. After this, the tire begins to deflate. Such an experiment allows us to simulate a situation when a wheel falls into a hole with a sharp edge or hits a stone, brick or piece of sharp ice.

Of the nineteen models of the 2016 super test, I offer you the top 8 strongest tires, divided into three groups. The tires with the weakest impact resistance suffered a breakdown at a speed of 40 km/h. Now look at the winners...

Good tires with strong sidewall

These tires managed to blow out at a speed of 50 km/h, they are better than most of the other participants:

• (Wi31), quiet tires with good performance on asphalt.
• - the frame was specially reinforced for Russian conditions, and they are produced in Russia. Pros: traction on snow and wet asphalt.
• - tires with good performance on asphalt.
• Japanese ones are good on ice and easy to drive on snow.

Very strong winter tires

In this group there are tires whose sidewalls are stronger than the average group, but do not reach the leaders:

• - inexpensive tires with high resistance to aquaplaning,
• - passable Velcro with good grip on snow.

These tires were punctured at a speed of 55 km/h. Pirelli is the only studless tire in this collection.

The strongest tires

There are two tire models that allow you to increase speed even more.

When choosing which tire sidewall is better, hard or soft, you need to pay attention to your own preferences, beliefs, driving style and operating conditions of the car with the selected tires. Below are recommendations on what is better to choose, summer tires with a hard sidewall or a soft sidewall, taking into account the most common conditions of car use and the driving style of drivers.

Calm driving style - choosing tire sidewalls for summer

If you have a relaxed driving style, you can buy summer tires of almost any sidewall hardness or softness. When driving at a measured pace, the load on the tire is minimal, therefore, it is more logical to buy tires with a softer side part.

Such a tire will be more comfortable than rubber with hard sides, and at the same time no less reliable under medium impact and high-speed loads. When choosing summer tires, it is better to choose a sidewall of medium softness or hardness; this will be the most balanced tire option that will allow you to feel confident and comfortable on any road surface. You can choose tires with the maximum softness of the sidewall if you plan to operate the car in city conditions on a road surface of at least average quality, and the tire profile height will not tend to a low profile.

Active driving style - choosing tire sidewalls for summer

If you have an active driving style, any sidewall of a summer tire will not work. Active driving increases the load on tires, and, therefore, the selection of tires must be approached with the maximum understanding of what properties and qualities are required of them.

A dynamic driving style requires high reliability from tires, which means it is better to choose tires with a hard side part; there will be less comfort compared to soft tires, but there will be much more confidence in the tires, which will allow you to get maximum pleasure from active driving. The more aggressive the driving, the stiffer the sidewall of the tire must be to support the expected loads.

Urban use - choosing tire sidewalls for summer

When choosing the sidewall of summer tires for the city, first of all you should pay attention to the quality of the roads for future use. If the roads are mostly free of holes, potholes and washboards, then you can choose any tires.

If the roads are more often broken than smooth, then the harder the tires should be chosen, the lower the tire profile and the more active the driving style, which increases the requirements for reliability. For comfortable city driving, you can choose tires with a fairly soft sidewall, but in this case, the tire profile should not be lowered, but, on the contrary, increased if possible within the dimensions recommended by the car manufacturer. In some cases, it makes sense to buy wheels and tires with a smaller radius, but at the same time, with an increased profile of the soft sidewall of the tire, so that the wheel diameter remains unchanged.

Operation on the highway - choosing tire sidewalls for summer

When choosing summer tires for use on the highway, first of all, you need to choose reliable tires that will allow you to withstand high speeds and shock loads if your wheel hits a pothole.

Summer tires with a strong sidewall will be preferable, since the track requires increased safety. Therefore, it is better to sacrifice comfort and choose a tire with optimal sidewall stiffness, which will allow you to feel more confident on the track. By and large, when choosing tires for the track, all recommendations for choosing tires for an active driving style are suitable. In both cases, increased tire reliability is required, which is the passive safety of any car.

Operation on dry primer and gravel - choosing tire sidewalls for summer

If the car is used most often on dry dirt and gravel roads, then summer tires with a strong sidewall are suitable.

For dirt and gravel, not only the lateral rigidity of the tire is important, but also the rigidity of the tread rubber, as well as a tread that is more “evil” than road tires, which will allow it to withstand loads from sharp stones, protruding roots and “washboards”.

As the long-term practice of millions of car owners shows, if you choose the right tires for operating conditions, they will last much longer. If there is not enough money to buy tires that are suitable in quality and reliability for the operating conditions, it is better to borrow or buy on credit exactly those tires that are best suited, otherwise the tires may not last very long. For example, if you use soft asphalt tires on a gravel road, you will have to buy a new set of tires much sooner than if you had purchased suitable tires in the first place.