The best budget winter tires of the year. Big Winter Tire Test: Choosing "Driving"! How experts tested studded winter tires

Since we are talking about Russia, the journal "driving" compared the winter tires that our car owners are more often used, namely available at the price of 14-inch tires.

In the rating of 2015-2016, the following winter nothes, so-called "Scandinavian" tires got: Cordiant Winter Drive, Nordman RS, Bridgestone Blizzak VRX, Toyo Observe GSI -5, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2, as well as relatively expensive Nokian and Continental.

Experts measured overclocking and braking in the snow and ice. Tested tire behavior on asphalt. Experts were strict becauseey better winter tires cope with their duties - the less the problems of the driver will be on the road. It is believed that modern tires allow you to maintain control on any surfaces - wet asphalt, ice, loose snow and so on. What kind of winter nothesive tires is better to choose?

After the tests who conducted the experts of the journal "driving", places in the ranking of winter not-cheated tires - "Lipochki" were distributed as follows:

7 CORDIANT WINTER DRIVE

Pros: Very good brake properties in the snow.

Cons: The weakest brake properties on dry asphalt, weak - on wet. Unsatisfactory course stability on asphalt. Complex handling on snow and ice. Limited permeability. Low level of comfort.

Conclusion: possess very modest characteristics, their best qualities will be revealed on snowy roads.

6 Bridgestone.BlizzakVRX.

Pros: Very good brake properties on asphalt. Satisfactory course stability.

Cons: complex handling in the snow and on the ice. Limited permeability. Low level of comfort.

Conclusion: will reveal their best qualities on purified asphalt roads.

5 Toyo.Observe.GSI -5

Pros: Very good brake properties in the snow. Smooth expert assessments In all disciplines.

Cons: the weakest transverse clutch on the ice. Weak brake properties on ice.

Conclusion: your best qualities will be revealed on snowy and purified asphalt roads.

4 Nordman.RS.

Pros: High coupling properties on ice. Clear followed rate on a snowy road. High passability.

Cons: The weakest brake properties on the wet asphalt, weak - on dry. "Loose" course stability on asphalt. Noisy.

Conclusion: will reveal their best qualities on icing and snow-covered roads, on the winter off-road.

3 Continental ContivikingContact 6.

Pros: The best overclocking on the snow and brake properties on the wet asphalt. Very good cross grip on ice and braking on dry asphalt. Quiet.

Cons: Weak brake properties in the snow. Fuzzy followed rate on asphalt. Hard.

Conclusion: suitable for any winter roads.

2 Goodyear.UltraGrip.ICE2

Pros: Best cross grip on ice, brake properties on the snow and on asphalt. High transverse grip on the snow.

Cons: Low Comfort.

Conclusion: suitable for any winter roads, but their best qualities will be revealed on asphalt.

1 Nokian.Hakkapeliitta.R 2.

Pros: Best clutch on ice, high in the snow. The most economical. Clear handling, clear following course. High passability.

Cons: Medium brake properties on asphalt.

Conclusion: suitable for any winter roads and off-road.

The best option for complex winter conditions is recognized as non-seep tires Nokian HakkaPeliitta R2. Such tires provide excellent grip on snow-covered roads, have a unique composition with the addition of small-sized particles in the form of multifaceted crystals. For improved course stability, the developers are provided by rigid central ribs of the tread pattern. Uniform wear of the tread is achieved by its jointed central part.

Continental ContivikingContact 6.

Michelin X-Ice 3

Bridgestone Blizzak VRX.

Dunlop Graspic DS3.

This premium-class studded winter "rubber" with an innovative design of ICEPRO spikes is designed for cars from the SUV segment and SUVs. The characteristics of the model include the innovative design of spikes, directional pattern of tread with transverse grooves and a rubber mixture with silica dioxide, as well as up to 14 rows of spikes in the width of the tread. And to the advantages - reliability in extreme weather conditions, an effective removal of slush and ice from the contact stain and excellent characteristics of behavior on ice and snow. Champiro Icepro SUV offers a large number of sizes for popular SUVs such as BMW X3 and X5, Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-Benz ML and GLK, Suzuki Grand. Vitara, Hyundai IX35 and Toyota RAV4.

2. GT RADIAL CHAMPIRO WINTERPRO HP

This model is the flagship of the GT Radial Winter Line. It is designed specifically for the most demanding motorists who choose modern premium and sports cars. Tire Champiro WinterPro HP contains an improved mixture using natural oils that do not harm the environment, has deep grooves and unique transverse cruciform slots on the protective, which take water and slush, thereby providing excellent adhesion with expensive, handling, braking and safety.

3. Continental IcecontAct

A new studded bus from Continental has been displayed on the markets of Russia, Scandinavia and Baltic countries. In comparison with the predecessor (ContiCecontActation), its handling on a dry road surface is enhanced by 9%, on ice - by 2%, and 8% increased such indicators as the transmission of brake and traction efforts to ice. These results managed to achieve due to the inclined spike of the new generation of CRISTALLDUBB, having an increased number of faces and a smaller weight, an innovative rubber mixture, as well as an asymmetric tread pattern. Increased lifespan and the safety of spikes ensures double firing technology, due to which the tire and spike become almost one. IceContact 2 ruler includes 69 sizes for passenger cars and car class SUV.

4. CORDIANT SNOW CROSS

New sizes studded tires Cordiant Snow Cross is designed for installation on crossovers and SUVs. The sizes of 215/60 R16, 215/70 R16 and 225/70 R16 were added to the already extended lineup. Technologies designed for this model provide reliable tire clutch with an expensive in the most difficult conditions. Snow-Cor technology removes a melt snow from the contact spot, which eliminates the slip in the mix, and thanks to the ICE-COR technology, you can confidently move around the ice roads: the tire is observed in 16 rows, and at the same time there is at least ten spikes in the contact spot. In addition, a rubber mixture with an increased content of silica was created specifically for Cordiant Snow Cross, which allows the bus effectively at extremely low temperatures.

5. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen-1

New high-speed Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen-1 and SnowProtect technology will remind you that winter is not a reason to lose drive and speed! The increased number of lamellae provides a higher level of security when driving in difficult winter conditions, including roads with Founding. Special tread block activators also guarantee confident clutch and braking at high speeds. And the control system helps the blocking system of lamellas, giving the necessary stiffness of the shoulder zone when turning and maneuvers. GOODYEAR ULTRAGRIP PERFORMANCE GEN-1 line is focused on both car segments and sports and premium models.

6. Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac

The Expanded Tire Line Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac will be a discovery for off-road owners who are fond of road and trips along uncharted routes in winter. Having solid off-road characteristics, the model is one of the few tires of this segment designed for the winter - the marking "Snowflake and three mountain peak" on the sidewall testifies to the successful tire test in winter. TractiveGroove ™ micro drivers in tread grooves provide additional engagement edges when driving in deep snow. And the dimensions with the LT index have holes under the spikes, which give advantage when driving on an ice coating. Gamma Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac has 36 sizes that include as staten sizesand special for tuning of SUVs.

7. Kumho Winter Craft WI31

Through the use of a new rubber mixture and the optimal location of the spikes, this novelty from Kumho allows to achieve maximum results and under controllability, and when braking on ice. The latter is also achieved at the expense of a new form of holes around spikes in the form of a turbine blades that allows you to quickly remove the ice crumb. The optimal amount of drainage channels in the shoulder zone guarantees improved driving performance in the snow and wet surface, and even more reliable clutch provides directed design of the toothed edges of the blocks. The tire is also characterized by an increased rigidity of the tread blocks, which is provided with the use of 3D lamellas and self-locking tread blocks having the structure of bee cells, which contributes to better controllability and stability.

8. Michelin Latitude X-Ice North 2+

This model is designed specifically for operation in the harsh winter conditions on various types of SUVs. The novelty has improved clutch rates on ice and in the snow, keeping high coupling characteristics also on dry and wet road. The inner layer of the tread is made of a unique thermoactive rubber mixture of the second generation - ThermoACTIVE Tread Compound 2.0. It increases the reliability of the fastening of spikes and provides a more confident clutch with the icing coating. In addition, the tire is capable of changing the characteristics depending on the temperature, which increases the clutch. The double frame contributes to high resistance to the damage to the sidewall and the tread, as well as good controllability. By season 2015, the tire is offered in 20 sizes, in 2016 the range will be supplemented with another 20 sizes.

9. Michelin X-Ice North 3

The studded novelty of the French tire brand is designed for passenger cars and small crossovers. Its main advantages - abbreviated (up to 10%) brake path on ice, improved fixation of spikes and a stronger sidewall. Such a result was achieved thanks to the use of michelin engineers of the complex of innovative technologies, including the Smart Stud System (Smart Stud System). It includes three patented brand innovations: a new thermoactive rubber mixture, from which the bottom layer of the tread is made, the special IPREM Ice Chipping Technology (Ice Powder Remover), as well as the corporate conical spike. This season, the Michelin X-Ice North 3 tire is offered in 66 sizes.

10. Nitto SN2.

New Japanese Nitto tires represent an unwitting model SN2 for passenger cars. The continuous central edge and grooves of 3D Multi-Wave provide stability and adhesion when braking or acceleration, and the ring grooves of the tread provide an effective removal of water and wet snow. The special composition of the NITTO SN2 tire rubber mixture makes it possible to achieve stability when moving in direct and turning turns, and also provides a long service life. The range of the model is represented by 29 sizes with a wheel diameter from 14 to 18 inches.

NITTO THERMA SPIKE studded tires with an asymmetric design of the tread are designed to provide optimal traction and braking when driving around iced and snow-covered coatings. Tires retain operational characteristics throughout the service life and are an ideal option for use in extreme weather conditions in winter. The clocking grooves of the 3D Interlocking Wave internal tread units and its sawy edge guarantee confident braking and clutch on ice and snow. In addition, the construction of the tire provides the most reliable fixation of spikes and reduces the noise level. This season, the model is represented in 46 sizes with a wheel diameter from 14 to 21 inches.

This embarrassed novelty from Finland is easily rotated and works perfectly both on the icing crossroads of cities and on snow-covered country tracks, and extremely low rolling resistance allows saving fuel. The smallest particles resembling multi-faceted crystals have been added to the rubber cryogenic mixture with silica. They literally "brazen" in the coating literally, providing an impeccable clutch on the ice. And even if the depth of the tread groove approaches the minimum limit of 4 mm, the adhesion properties of the tread made from such a mixture are saved. This is especially important for safety in winter, when the road surface varies from wet and dirty to icy. The range of Nokian HakkaPeliitta R2 includes 56 sizes with a wheel diameter from 13 to 20 inches.

Nokian Tyres presents a new studded model Hakkapeliitta 8. When it was created, it was possible to achieve a cherished for all drivers of the effect - combinations of safety and pleasure from driving around the surface of winter roads. The tire behaves perfectly in even the most extreme situations, is characterized by acoustic comfort, it is easy to rotate, saves fuel and reduces the impact on the road surface. Hakkapeliitta 8 is very well balanced by the longitudinal and transverse clutch on the ice. The location of each spike here is optimized using computer simulation, and the spikes themselves (and they have become 50% more than in the previous model) are distributed evenly throughout the tread. Thus, no spike is overlapped by another, which provides the best clutch with an expensive in any situations.

Italian brand strengthens its presence in the winter tire segment for the northern countries and represents new tire Ice Zero FR. This unwanted model is designed specifically for Kiev and Russia and guarantees safety at the level of studded tires. It is suitable for installation on most passenger cars and SUV class cars, which are operated in urban and other conditions, where the use of studded rubber is undesirable or prohibited. Due to the special design of the tire, dirt and water are quickly discharged from the wheel, which allows you to safely drive the car by hard and wet ice, compacted snow and effectively slow down on snowy roads. The model is available in 30 sizes with a wheel diameter from 14 to 19 inches.

Working on this model, Pirelli relied on 40 years of experience of participation in rally races, which serve as the most severe testing platform of tires created for uneven coatings, ice and snow. The key feature of Ice Zero is a unique patented technology of hissing, namely the technology "double spike". Thanks to it, the contact area of \u200b\u200bspikes with the road and the shape of the pins of the spikes compared to the traditional design was doubled, and due to the use of tungsten carbide, the pin can be deeper into the icing coating. As a result, the retention of spikes in the protective is significantly improved, which ensures sustainable characteristics throughout the large range and several winter seasons. The composition of the rubber mixture of the new generation supports elasticity and feedback in a wider temperature range - From very low to the temperature of melting of snow. Ice Zero is offered in 30 sizes with a landing diameter of 16 to 22 inches.

The OBServe G3-Ice Toyo bus is designed for optimal clutch and braking on ice and snow. Advanced distribution of spikes in combination with unique technology Toyo Microbit (Natural Microsips - Walnut Shell Parts in the Rubber Mixture of the Tread) supports impeccable clutch and braking characteristics in the most severe winter conditions. In addition to reliable clutch on the snow and ice, this model provides a high level of comfort. In the 2015-2016 season tire Observe. G3-Ice is represented in 121 samples with a wheel diameter from 13 to 22 inches.

The Toyo Observe GSI-5 friction tire combines the capabilities of the studded tires and the comfort of a silent ride. The unique composition of its rubber mixture includes the microparticles of walnut shell, which increases the clutch coefficient on the snow and ice, and the absorbent of moisture based on the powder obtained from bamboo coal, which absorbs water formed by friction of the snow or ice. Toyo Observe GSI-5 provides optimal handling in all winter conditions - snow, ice, slush, slippery road - and at the same time it is distinguished by increased wear resistance. This season, the model is represented in 91 sizes with a wheel diameter from 13 to 22 inches.

NORD-TRAC 2 - soft winter tires specifically designed in extreme winter conditions. The reduced tread rigidity in combination with a more frequent zigzag-figurative pattern provides exceptional clutch with road web and excellent tire cleaning indicators from dirt, ice and snow even at very low temperatures. And thanks to the reinforcing elements in the construction of the tire, the driver is guaranteed by the outlined car handling. In addition to the characteristics adapted to winter conditions, the model also demonstrates excellent indicators on a dry and wet coating in the soft winter tire segment.

This unwanted model is included in the bus line with ultra-high operational characteristics and is ideal for 18-inch discs. Very high tire efficiency Vredestein is achieved due to the use of the technology of internal fixation of ISLT grooves and a special composition of tread rubber. The patented design of the grooves acts on the principle of lightning: during deformation, the protector closes the gear walls of the locks. The spikes also allow you to avoid excessive deformation of the tread blocks, without letting the permissible angle of slipping. It increases stability and guarantees the same behavior of the car during braking and wet, and on a dry road. WinTRAC Xtreme S has high rates of winter efficiency and provide excellent quality ride in warm winter.

The W.Drive V905 model with a high speed index is best suited for premium cars, crossovers and small family machines. Wide bent grooves and side groove with variable angle, a new composition, combining microsilica and orange oil, BlueArth technology that promotes fuel economy is the main characteristics of these tires that ensure them an indisputable advantage over other tires. As a result, we have an improved evacuation of water and snow from the tread surface, excellent grip on the wet coverage, confident driving at high speeds, high wear resistance and durability. The main secret of the success of these tires is a new protector with a directional pattern, which provides a narrower and long point of contact, which improves the controllability in the snow and resistance to aquaplaning.

This studded tire from the Japanese company is ideal for cars, and for SUVs. The unique water-absorbing composition of rubber absorbs the water micropoline in the stain of the contact and thereby enhances the clutch on the ice. Also, the mixture includes silica and orange oil, improving the characteristics of the tire on wet and dry surfaces. The high level of safety on winter tracks was achieved thanks to the new spike and their optimized location. The shape of the flange and core in the form of "Stars" enhances the edge effect, which improves the clutch on the ice and holding spikes. The aggressive protector is distinguished by a unique design of the shoulder zone, has a wide branched central edge and wide sloping grooves. Thanks to this, with braking in the snow and ice, the tires coped perfectly.

After the crisis, the most popular and most affordable studded tires chose, not forgetting about Chinese. Seven of the eleven such tires were cheaper than 2500 rubles. New products in the "VAZ" sizes are a bit, but we have "with you" - tires Continental ContiCecontAct. 2 just go to the market. For the first time in our tests, the most affordable domestic "riding" Avatyre Freeze (1770 rubles), Polish sava tires Eskimo Stud (2135 rubles), Chinese Aeolus Ice Challenger (2140 rubles) and Japanese Yokohama Iceguard IG55 (2590 rubles). Among the "Scandinavian" selection is noticeably modest. According to manufacturers, the share of "riding" on the Russian market ranges from 65 to 80%, that is, "non-sheep" remains quite a bit. We found only seven sets. The most inexpensive - Cordiant Winter Drive for 2050 rubles and Nordman RS for 2225 rubles. The average price category (2500-3000 rubles) represent the "Japanese" Bridgestone Blizzak VRX and Toyo Observe GSI-5, as well as Goodyear UltraGrip ICE 2 of Polish production. We did not bother even a couple top models Nokian and Continental, which are more expensive than 3,000 rubles per piece.

The tests were performed in January - February at the AvtoVAZ test site, near Togliatti. Winter was not very frosty: the temperature of the rope within -25 ... -5 ºС. The asphalt part rolled back in early May, on the raised roads. Worked at night when the temperature did not rise above + 5 ... + 7 ºС. It is such a temperature of the tires consider transitional from winter tires to summer and vice versa. Test car - Lada Kalina, equipped with ABS.

How running and you will go

How to hang around?

I repeat that we have speech spikes with any laws limited. But according to Technical Regulations The Customs Union, which unites Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, the tires made from January 1, 2016, for speech of spikes on new tires, a value of 1.2 ± 0.3 mm is set. That is, the spike will have to perform above the tread no less than 0.9 mm and no more than 1.5 mm. It will be interesting to look at tires Bridgestone And Sava next year.

To get acquainted with the results of the test (they are reduced to the table), follow the links: Table # 1 and Table # 2.

What are we tested?

Asphalt tests are also carried out, taking into account the intensity of rubber wear. We start with the assessment and measurements of resistance to rolling and only in the final we carry out braking on the asphalt. Guess why? If not, I will answer the words of Continental specialists, which are called emergency braking on asphalt with stress for winter tires - even if there are abs. And they believe that after a dozen one and a half of such braking, the tires come into disrepair. But we are just lying six - eight times a touch and the same on the wet road. After testing, carefully inspect the spikes and the protectors of the "stressed" tires. Three models whose spikes performed more than 2 mm (Bridgestone, Cordiant and Sava) differ from the other pits in rubber near spikes. When braking, high spikes are very tilted and spit pieces of tread. Yes, and the hulls of the spikes themselves are settled, lost the cylindrical shape and now look like cones. It is surprising that none of these tires lost spikes. The trouble came, from where they did not wait, - Blagov-recipient Toyo broke up with 14 spikes on four wheels. It is noteworthy that last year when the spikes at the end of the tests were sticking out a little more (up to 2.3 mm) than now (up to 1.9 mm), she did not have losses.

Hipovka or Velcro: Afterword

We warn you a particularly exhaust: we should not compare the results of "riding" and "Scandinavocks", they are not found in different tables. According to their own experience, we know that the difference depends on temperature. On a strong frost (-20 ºС and below), soft "Scandinavians" will win on ice, in "greenhouse" (above -10 ºС) the best results will be at the "riding". Perhaps, it is possible to compare only behavior on the asphalt. But it should be remembered that tirens do not compare the data obtained in different days. After all, the result of measurements affects not only air temperature and asphalt, but also humidity, wind power, the amount of ultraviolet and much more. At the same time, Anton Ananiev, Vladimir Wheel, Yuri Kurochkin, Yevgeny Larin, Anton Mishin, Andrei Forms, Valery Pavlov and Dmitry Tests took part. We express our appreciation to the manufacturers to the test products, as well as employees of the AvtoVAZ polygon and Togliatti company Volgashinth for technical support.

The braking efficiency was estimated on snow, ice, wet and dry asphalt. The tests were carried out at different temperatures, and the average result was determined after 15-20 races. On Ice, the car was stopped with 50 km / h, on the snow and wet coverage - from 80 km / h. The tests on the snow-covered and iced surface were carried out both in the outdoors and indoors, where the temperature and humidity adjustment eliminates the influence of the weather.

The traction force in the snow and ice was estimated using the most quick acceleration from 5 to 35 and from 5 to 20 km / h, respectively. The tests were also carried out at different temperatures on the highway and in the covered complex.

An assessment for manageability was raised depending on the time of the circle, and besides this, several pilots constituted their opinions on how tires are accelerated, inhibited and tested on various surfaces. Tests were held blindly, that is, the pilots did not know which tires were installed on the car. In the same way, term stability was estimated, that is, the ability of the tires to maintain the direction of movement without having fun.

In the test on the noise level, the pilots also put subjective assessments by making several races on uneven coatings. Finally, the rolling resistance was measured as follows - the car was freely rolling, slowing down from 80 to 40 km / h, along the smooth surface without the influence of the wind. The tests were carried out at two different temperatures, after which an increase in consumption as a percentage in comparison with the most economical tires was calculated.

Test World emphasized that all tires were purchased in free sale in various stores. If the tires have not yet been available on the market, they sent the manufacturer, but after the start of sales, the results of these tires were additionally checked.

The standards existing in Scandinavia do not limit the number of spikes in the tires. More precisely, there are no restrictions for manufacturers whose new tires were tested by an independent organization, which confirmed that the effect of spikes on road wear does not exceed the permissible values. If the tests have passed successfully, the manufacturer may at its discretion choose the type of spikes and their number.

Another option is to abandon these tests and reduce the number of spikes to the maximum allowed indicator, that is, 50 pieces on the protector mester - in the amount of 205/55 R16, this means that spikes should be less than a hundred. Of the 12 participants of this test, only three producers decided to follow this path.

An increase in the number of spikes improves the clutch on the ice. This is a logical investigation, and the test results confirm it almost always. Be that as it may, one thing only a large number of spikes does not guarantee success in the whole test, although it gives a certain advantage on the ice.

The more spikes, as a rule, there will be more noise, which can hardly irritate while driving. When driving along asphalt, spikes can also adversely affect manageability, stability and even braking efficiency.

An additional clutch on the icing surface is ensured by penetrating the spike to the surface of the ice. In order for the spike "clutched" into the ice requires a certain amount of energy. The more spikes, the less pressure on one separate thorn, and if you drive through solid ice in cold weather, tire clutch with fewer spikes can be stronger.

Nokian "smashed" the market of studded tires a couple of years ago, presenting the tires in which 190 spikes were 50-100% more than that of other tires on the market. After that, the Nokian tire won in one test after another, but their advantage gradually decreases.

This year, the Continental tires are also equipped with 190 spikes. It is easy to guess to whom they were focused when this quantity was determined, but be that as it may, the results are still excellent.

In third place in the number of spikes are Hankook, which have them 170 pieces. The Korean manufacturer is actively invested in scientific developments, and the experts noted that it was nice to see that good winter tires began to come from Asia. As the representative of one of the manufacturers said, 10 years ago, the characteristics of Korean tires for many in the industry were a reason for jokes, but now they are not laughing at them even in major European companies.

A large group of test participants installed 130 spikes in tires. Goodyear, Bridgestone and Pirelli are well-known manufacturers, so it was logical to take their tires on the test. Among the tires from the second order brands there are Sava, Dunlop and former Nokian, which are now offered as Nordman. All of them are an inexpensive and less high-tech alternative tires from premium brands.

Michelin, Gislaved and Chinese Linglong spikes less than a hundred, that is, these tires did not pass the road coating test. The first two models belong to the premium class, however, apparently, other parameters cannot compensate for the lack of clutch on ice in comparison with tires with a large number of spikes. As for Linglong, the tires of this company have already participated in Finnish tests, being among the best winter tires from China.

Friction tire developers do not need to worry about the number of spikes, but their absence must be compensated for in some other way, and this creates a number of other problems. There is a limited set of tools for increasing the clutch on the ice of untouched tires, and mostly engineers use new materials and improved tread patterns, while making compounds as soft as possible. At the same time, if you move with the softness of the rubber mixture, other problems may occur, the worst of which are weak adhesion on the wet asphalt, unstable controllability and low wear resistance.

In recent years, Nokian and Continental occupied the upper lines in friction tire tests. Even without spikes, their tires provide an impressive clutch on ice, but buyers will have to put up with sluggish reactions on the turns of the steering wheel on the asphalt or choose other tires, whose clutch will be weaker again.

Goodyear When creating friction tires, made an emphasis on manageability on the asphalt, which only a little worsened clutch in winter conditions, and Michelin always preferred to create a balance of characteristics without any obvious flaws. Pirelli and Bridgestone are old proven brands, but their models in this test differ from those that have been tested before.

The list added two tires from the lower price segment - Nordman from Nokian and Nankang from the Taiwanese manufacturer, which is known for its sufficiently successful summer tires. This test showed whether their winter tires compete with products from European companies.

In the bus business, the most varying information about how the winter tires of various types are wearing, and how wear affects their grip. Someone says that friction tires wear out twice as quickly studded, and someone is convinced that due to wear of spikes after a couple of years, the grip of studded tires will be weaker than that of non-surfactants.

Test World has chosen six tire models from last year's - four studded, two frictional - and checked their wear, passing them on asphalt roads in cold weather 15,000 km, which is about equivalent to operation within two winter seasons. The route basically ran through the highways, but on every tires were carried out for a hundred braking and accelerations at low speeds to simulate the conditions of urban traffic.

The tests used three cars that followed one route at the same conditions. Two tires were taken for each model, which were rearranged from the front axle to the back. Thus, upon completion of the test, all tires drove the same distance on the front and rear axles, and in addition, the drivers also changed by cars to avoid influence on the result of their driving style.

Tires were tested on ice braking efficiency before the test, after which the same tests were carried out every 5,000 km. It is noteworthy that the tires of both types lost the clutch approximately the same, and after 15,000 km its level decreased by 20% somewhere. In addition, the worsening of the clutch was equally held at the tires of various brands, and the alignment of the forces did not change along the total test. This suggests that the results of the tests of new tires allow you to judge and how those or other tires in the worn out state will behave.

Be that as it may, in terms of durability, the tires differed from each other. The table shows how many kilometers they can pass before the depth of their tread will decrease to 3 mm. Michelin is historically known as tires with particularly good wear resistance, and the tests of the selected model again confirmed this reputation. It is worth noting that the results will always depend on the car, the quality of roads and driving style.

With the exception of Michelin, all other tires of both categories wear out approximately equally, and after the test, their tread depth decreased by 2 mm. Friction Continental wear was only 1.5 mm, but, as in the case of Michelin, due to the relatively small initial tread depth of up to 3 mm, they are extended faster. It is necessary to recall that high wear resistance can adversely affect clutch, and the buyer must decide which parameter is more important.

Test World note that although on paper the differences between tested tires may look insignificant, in fact, in everyday life, they may be more than obvious, and this applies not only to braking efficiency, but also to the grip in the rotations and reactions on the steering turns . According to experts, the worst tires in the test almost do not allow to control the car on slippery surfaces, so the Test World reminds that when choosing winter tires, it is not necessary to navigate only on the price and buy cheap tires. Tests of various organizations Year after year show that budget Asian tires do not provide the optimal level of security, and the accident will be much more expensive, not to mention other, more serious risks.

TEST RESULTS

Left: braking on ice (Brake path from 50 to 0 km / h, m)
Right: overclocking on ice (Acceleration time from 5 to 20 km / h, c)

Left: Ice Handling (Circle time, c)
Right: Ice Handling (Subjective estimates, points)

Left: Braking in the snow
Right: overclocking in the snow (Acceleration time from 5 to 35 km / h, c)

Left: Handling in the snow (Circle time, c)
Right: Handling in the snow (Subjective estimates, points)

Left: Handling on wet asphalt (Circle time, c)
Right: Handling on wet asphalt (Subjective estimates, points)

Left: Braking on dry asphalt (Brake path from 80 km / h, m)
Right: Handling on dry asphalt (Points)

Left: noise (Points)
Right: rolling resistance (Difference in fuel consumption, %)

Expert opinions about each tire are presented below

Whoked tires:

Inspected tires: