Studded tire test. Tire test group sp answers questions. Nokian tires

• Avatyre Freeze - domestic development
• Gislaved Nord Frost 100
• Toyo Observe GSi-5
• Hankook Winter I*Pike RS+

On each set of tires 205/55 R16 before the tests, the pilots drove 500 km to break them in. After that, the organizers checked the protrusion of the spikes and the hardness of the rubber.

To assess the longitudinal and lateral grip on the ice, the organizers measured the acceleration time, the length of the braking distance and the lap time along the track. Each set was tested at least 7-10 times to identify errors in the results. For a more accurate calculation of the transverse adhesion, a twelve-meter rearrangement was used. This maneuver is also called the "elk test" - a quick detour of a sudden obstacle (moose on the road).

To avoid the subjectivity of the pilot's assessment, several people tested the same tires. They rated for directional stability and handling. Course stability was tested at a speed of 90-110 km / h. The pilot rotated the steering wheel at small angles and observed the behavior of the car on the test tires.

In another test, patency in the snow was checked, the ability to overcome snowdrifts, maneuver, start off and move in reverse. The organizers of the test felt that it was also important for winter tires like all of the above. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic performed best in this test. According to the organizers, with these tires, a front-wheel drive car turned into a real all-terrain vehicle!

Ride and noise in the cabin were evaluated on different surfaces and at different speeds. After testing the tires on ice and snow, the experts assessed how protruding the studs were in the tires.

On asphalt, tires were tested for such an indicator as fuel consumption. All tires were tracked in both directions to compensate for the effects of road inclines or light breeze. The length of the braking distance on dry and wet pavement and directional stability were also evaluated.

And the very last test was to inspect the tires and count the spikes that had come out. Bridgestone tires lost the most - 18 studs. In second place were toyo tires who lost 7 spikes.

As a result, Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 became the winner of the test according to the results of all tests. In second place, with a margin of just half a percentage point, were Continental ContiIceContact 2 tires.

The test results for winter studded tires 205/55 R16 are shown in the tables below.

Winter hit the European territory of Russia imperceptibly. It seems to be warm, and the grass is still green, and there is foliage on the trees, and the beginning of the next week was marked by a drop in temperature, heavy leaf fall, heavy precipitation and gusty winds. At night the thermometer almost dropped below zero. Time to think about changing tires...

Switching to winter tires is just right when the average daily temperature fluctuates at five to seven degrees Celsius. Especially if you have to travel early in the morning or late in the evening. Slippery can become unexpected. Although premature transition is harmful. To a lesser extent, if we are talking about winter tires of a friction type without studs or tires designed specifically for a mild European winter, and to a greater extent, if these are Scandinavian-type studded tires designed primarily for snow or ice.

Once again, AvtoDela will compare the readings of reputable publications by analyzing the failures and achievements of the same models in several tests, and will also consider the most relevant winter tires participating in the tests of a single expert community.

Experts, as always, will be leading European institutions, including ADAC, ACE / GTU / ARBO, Auto Motor und Sport, Test World and Tuulilasi (tested only studded tires), as well as recognized Russian publications - the newspaper "Autoreview" and the magazine " Behind the wheel".

ACE/GTU/ARBO

This season, materials from foreign sources became publicly available first of all. The European triad ACE / GTU / ARBO, consisting of the German Society for Technical Supervision (GTÜ), the Automobile Club of Europe (ACE) and the Austrian Automobile Club ARBÖ. Ten tires of dimension 205 / 55R16 fell into the hands of the expert community. All tires are exclusively friction, non-studded, that is, what is popularly called “Velcro”. All of them are designed for mild winters in Central Europe.

The tests were carried out at the Nokian test sites in Tampere and Ivalo. Traction on snow was evaluated during acceleration from 8 to 30 km / h with traction control working. The braking distance was determined on snow from 40 to 5 km/h (the distance to a complete stop was calculated), on wet asphalt from 80 to 1 km/h, on dry asphalt from 100 to 1 km/h. The handling tests took into account the lap time and the subjective assessment of the behavior of the tires. In longitudinal aquaplaning resistance tests (7 mm of water), the speed at which the slip level reached 15% was taken into account; also, the "floating" speed was evaluated in the test for resistance to transverse aquaplaning (6 mm of water). In addition, the tires were tested on a circular track, where it was determined the best time circle. Rolling noise was evaluated at a speed of 80 km/h and rolling resistance at a load of 6,031 Nm and a pressure level of 2.1 bar. The tests were carried out on VolkswagenGolfVII. During the tests, the experts noted as a trend an increasing level of safety, which, in their opinion, is achieved by a symbiosis of good rubber and sophisticated car safety systems.

Auto Motor & Sport

Winter tires were evaluated in the same size by German experts from Auto Motor und Sport magazine. A set of test models - friction rubber of the Central European type. Disciplines are standard: snow, ice, asphalt. A test site in Swedish Lapland was rented for the snow tests. Persistently low temperatures, spacious, well-prepared trails on the surface of frozen lakes and difficult routes through snow-covered forests create ideal conditions for testing. Six tons of tires, wheels and equipment, as well as four cars, were already waiting at the Arctic Circle. Ten sets of non-studded winter tires were tested for traction, braking performance, handling and emergency handling. Initially, the experts evaluated the performance of tires subjectively during several races on a snow-covered ring track. After that, using the equipment, the longitudinal grip necessary for effective acceleration and braking was determined. In order to evaluate how the tires respond to changes in loads, the pilots went to the slalom section. Here the car is driving on a smooth level surface, turning right and left alternately at the limit of adhesion. The maximum lateral accelerations are automatically recorded electronically.

A few weeks after the test in Sweden, the winter tires were to demonstrate their ability in the overcast conditions of northern Germany. On wet pavement, braking performance, hydroplaning resistance, handling and cornering were evaluated.

The German automobile club ADAC tested tires this year in two different sizes: and very. Interestingly, the individual models were tested in two dimensions.

test world

Braking performance tests were carried out at different speeds depending on the type of surface. At the same time, tests on ice and snow were carried out both outdoors and indoors, where, thanks to the control of temperature and humidity, the influence of the weather can be eliminated. Handling was assessed in two ways. Lap times were determined first, and to show a good result, the tires needed a combination of fast acceleration, high lateral grip and effective braking. Following this, the pilots expressed their subjective impressions of each model. Separately, subjective scores were given to tires for directional stability.

All tires were bought in regular stores so that manufacturers could not send a modified version of the tires. In the event that the model was not yet available for sale, the tires were supplied from the factory, but after they appeared in stores, control tests were carried out to determine if there were differences.

The test of the newspaper "Autoreview" this year turned out to be both large and not very informative. This is because of the 11 sets of tires, four turned out to be studded, four more were European-style Velcro, and three other models were Scandinavian friction tires.

The test technology is as follows: start - with traction control, braking - with ABS, handling on a winding track - with the support of ESP. The weather was capricious. First, a light frost, and then - minus twenty. However, the most important races - acceleration and deceleration on ice were carried out at stable temperatures and complete absence of precipitation, since the exercises were performed under the roof of a 300-meter hangar. Ten accelerations, ten decelerations, and then a kit change ...

Testwintertires 2014-2015

Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The official website of Continental, describing the friction tire ContiWinterContact TS 850, promises impeccable safety. At the same time, the text frankly says that this model is designed for a mild European winter, which may be typical for the south of Russia.

When used in the right conditions, the ContiWinterContact TS 850 must provide impeccable safety thanks to a host of innovative technologies. According to the company, the tire offers better grip on European winter roads, shorter braking distances on wet pavement, longer tire life and better fuel economy. In order to make the tire as safe as possible, the German engineers at Continental paid close attention to every detail, resulting in a real work of technical art.

TEST RESULTS

The German winter tire Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 appeared in several tests at once this year and won prizes everywhere. She has three first and one second positions. Each of the instances praised this tire, first of all, for its balance. German engineers managed to train their tire stably good behavior on almost all possible surfaces winter road. At the same time, the experts highlighted and especially strengths Continental ContiWinterContact TS850. ADAC club praised friction tire"Continental" for excellent behavior on wet pavement and ice, good performance on snow and low wear. Colleagues from Auto Motorund Sport were in full solidarity with them, reinforcing their praises with the comment “highly recommended”. The testers from ACE/ GTU/ ARBO also used this phrase, which, however, did not stop them from putting another tire in first place - Nokian WRD3.

An old modification of the model, TS830, participated in the test of the Autoreview newspaper. The Russian experts liked the level of comfort offered by the Continental tire, both acoustically and in terms of smoothness. Acceleration on an icy surface turned out to be good. When handling on the track, they turned out to be unexpectedly weak. The grip on snow left much to be desired. But on wet pavement - the minimum braking distance, on dry pavement - the second result. It is obvious that the main attention when fine-tuning these tires was paid to comfort and safety on pavement. It is a pity that at the expense of winter qualities.

Nokian WRD3 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Nokian's main theses regarding the WRD3 model are as follows: equally reliable grip on wet, dry and snowy roads; durable and economical even in difficult conditions; effective prevention of slush planing and aquaplaning; Low rolling resistance, environmental friendly and fuel saving.

At the same time, like the Continental ContiWinterContact TS850, the Nokian WRD3 tire is designed exclusively for mild Central European winters, which is written in black and white on the company's website.

SlushBlower

Nokian research has shown that slush is even more dangerous to drive than ice or hydroplaning. When driving in slush, the risk is four times higher than when driving on a dry surface. Melting snow, a layer of water on the road surface and ice slush create a combination that makes driving difficult even for experienced drivers.

Nokian WR D3 tires have a directional tread pattern and new solutions that actively prevent hydroplaning.

"We've improved the tire's resistance to hydroplaning and slushplaning by using a chamfered, zigzag leading edge of the tread blocks. This innovation is called SlushBlower because it actually effectively blows water and slush out of the tire's grooves. The polished grooves also speed up the flow of water and slush ", says Teppo Huovila, Vice President of R&D at Nokian Tires.

CoolTouch technology for easier control

Thoroughly tested Nokian WR D3 design and tread solutions guarantee excellent maneuverability and handling qualities, as well as good directional stability. Low rolling resistance and durability are improved with several new solutions and innovations.

Computer and thermographic modeling was applied to find the optimal symmetrical tread pattern. The grooving does not disturb the edge of the block, which provides excellent traction and allows the framed block to maintain its rigidity. Cool Touch technology also minimizes friction and heat generation caused by excessive groove movement. The tire rides lightly and maintains an inertial, energy-saving motion with low rolling resistance.

Thanks to the uniform tread structure, the Nokian WR D3 responds quickly to steering movements and has a calm, stable contact with the road.

Noise absorption technology (Silent Sidewall Technology).

Tire noise is the second key factor after driving comfort control. Silent Sidewall Technology improves driving comfort. Nokian WR D3 tires have areas in the sidewall that filter noise and vibration from the road surface through the tire tread and direct it towards the bead to reduce noise inside the vehicle.

Cryogenic Canola Compound for extreme driving conditions (ice, snow and wet grip)

The new Nokian WR D3 tread compound, canola cryogenic compound, is a combination of natural rubber, silicon and canola oil; it optimizes winter traction, wet grip and wear resistance at various temperatures.

A new type of full-silica silicon additives contains the so-called cryosilane, which increases the functionality of the rubber compound. Canola oil provides higher tear resistance and increased grip on ice and snow. Due to the high silicon content, environmentally friendly Nokian tires WR D3 have very low rolling resistance, reduce fuel consumption and reduce harmful emissions compared to traditional competitors.

The Nokian WR D3 tires are environmentally friendly - a typical example of Nokian Tires' sustainability principle: product qualities remain virtually unchanged even with aging and wear.

Winter Safety Indicator (WSI) to ensure additional security and comfort

Trouble-free winter driving is only possible when the tires are in good condition. The Nokian WR D3 tires are equipped with a comfort-adding Driving Safety Indicator (DSI) with a unique snowflake symbol, the winter safety indicator.

This standard element, patented by Nokian Tires, is located on the tire tread and indicates the depth of the tread grooves in millimeters. The snowflake symbol remains visible as long as the groove is four millimeters deep. When the symbol disappears, the vulnerability to slush planing and other such phenomena increases significantly, and the driver must purchase new winter tires for safe driving.

The sidewalls of the tire have an info zone, which contains information about the recommended pressure. Proper tire pressure makes steering more accurate, reduces tire damage and reduces fuel costs.

The Nokian WR D3 tires are available in a wide range of sizes from 13" to 20", speed ratings from T to W. These new winter products are intended for Central European markets in particular.

TEST RESULTS

Along with ACE/ GTU/ ARBO, the Nokian WRD3 tire was judged by experts from Auto Motorund Sport. Surprisingly, in their ranking, the Finnish tire received only sixth place. The Germans from Auto Motorund Sport noticed a lot of advantages in her, but also identified several drawbacks. On the plus side of the Nokian WRD3, they recorded excellent lateral stability, short braking distances, high traction on snow, good lateral grip on wet pavement, decent aquaplaning resistance and safe handling on dry pavement. As disadvantages, the testers of the German magazine sent a relatively long braking distance on wet pavement, as well as increased rolling resistance. However, despite the sixth line, Auto Motorund Sport recommends the Nokian WRD3.

The Autoreview newspaper has the Nokian WRD3 tire as the class leader. It is noteworthy that despite the focus on mild winters, Russian experts generally approved its use in large cities of central Russia. The tires work well on asphalt, but they do not behave much worse on ice and snow.

Goodyear UltraGrip 9 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Goodyear UltraGrip 9 is new for the season. Like the tires above, it is designed for use in mild winters.

According to the manufacturer, in appropriate weather, Goodyear UltraGrip 9 will provide a confident and safe movement on snow-covered roads thanks to the proven 3D-BIS technology, a new tread pattern, and an improved rubber compound.

Goodyear sellers highlight the following positive features of the new model: a high level of siping and a large tread depth of the tire provides confident movement and maneuvering on a snowy road; an optimized tread pattern is needed for hydroplaning resistance; new rubber compound provides improved performance on ice and snow; tire tread wear indicator.

TEST RESULTS

The Goodyear UltraGrip 9 performed equally well in the ACE/ GTU/ ARBO test and in the Auto Motor und Sport test. The first instance gave them the third line. The second - awarded this winter tire "silver". German experts from Auto Motor und Sport scolded the Goodyear UltraGrip 9 only for its relatively long braking distance on wet pavement, and for all other parameters they praised it and recommended it for purchase.

Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The manufacturer's description of these tires says that the new Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D is made with a number of innovative technologies designed to increase safety and improve the information that allows the driver to feel more confident in winter conditions.

The new tires got their name from new system"four-dimensional lamella". Compared to the previous model (Dunlop SP WinterSport 3D), the company's engineers have added a new transverse sipe to the proven 3D sipe system and created a micro block that allows better distribution of pressure in the contact patch. The 3D technology increases the number of sipes and hence the engagement edges, further enhancing braking and acceleration performance. The new sipe creates an extra lateral lip which is ideal for improving lateral grip. This combination (4D SipeSystem) creates an independent micro-unit that allows better distribution of pressure for excellent handling and side grip on snow.

To reduce braking distances in deep snow Dunlop tires The SP WinterSport 4D also features a sawtooth design on the inside of the blocks. On ice driving performance new Dunlop have been improved with a compound containing "functionalized polymers" that prevent the rubber from hardening at cold temperatures.

Such polymers provide the optimal dynamic stiffness required at various temperatures. These active ingredients in the rubber compound ensure that the tires can perform excellently on wet pavement without sacrificing snow performance.

But how is it in practice?

TEST RESULTS

Dunlop SPWinter Sport 4D passed through three winter tire tests. These tires covered ACE/ GTU/ ARBO, Auto Motor und Sport and ADAC, where these tires finished fourth, third and third again, respectively. AutoMotorundSport experts noted good handling, short braking distances and high lateral stability on snow. In addition, the Germans from a reputable magazine liked the behavior of the Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D on wet pavement. As disadvantages, they singled out only significant rolling resistance noise, which, however, did not affect the conclusion. These winter tires are recommended by AutoMotorundSport experts. As did their counterparts at the ADAC club, who primarily liked the balance of these tires, as well as their predictable behavior on wet pavement.

Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

TEST RESULTS

The Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 was tested by the ADAC club and the Autoreview newspaper. And they did very well in both instances. Autoreview experts liked the traction properties of the tire on snow. The braking was also good, but the handling was not so perfect. On dry pavement, everything is worthy, but on wet pavement, competitors objectively look stronger.

The expert group of the ADAC club declared a comparable alignment, adding only a resource to the list of advantages. These tires are more likely to puncture than to wear out the tread pattern. Curiously, Michelin Pilot Alpin 4 tires are available in two versions: with an asymmetric tread pattern (“for everyone”) and with a specially designed directional tread pattern for Porsche cars (eight sizes marked NO and N1).

Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

TEST RESULTS

In the third generation, the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 tires received a directional tread pattern reminiscent of Pirelli Snowcontrol tires. It is possible that it was the “directionality” of the tread pattern that helped Pirelli tires demonstrate better resistance to slashplaning. But in the rest of the exercises, this figure did not justify hopes. On ice, the tires operate at an average level characteristic of Central European winter tires. On the snow, they hold well in the transverse direction, but the acceleration dynamics are the weakest in the Auto Review test.

Michelin Alpin 5 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The manufacturer says that the tires are produced using the latest technologies, using an improved rubber compound, and have a modern tread pattern. Manufactured using electronic quality control of finished products. All this is designed to ensure the safe behavior of the car in mild winter conditions. Is it really?

TEST RESULTS

French tires have always been pampered with a well-balanced balance. But in the case of the Michelin Alpin 5, things are not so simple at all. If in the Auto Motor und Sport test these tires performed well, sharing fourth place with the Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3, then ADAC experts sent the Michelin Alpin 5 to seventh place, honoring the model with only a “satisfactory” rating. Although this tire seems to have obvious weaknesses also no.

Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

If the manufacturers of tires higher on the list point out that they are designed exclusively for the mild winters of central Europe, then on the Pirelli website the Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3 friction winter tire is presented as a universal winter product. The company promises excellent traction and braking on snowy roads. High level transverse adhesion to the road.

TEST RESULTS

Winter tires Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3 passed test sites ACE/ GTU/ ARBO, Auto Motor und Sport magazine and two ADAC tests. The ACE/ GTU/ ARBO triad placed these tires in sixth place, while recommending them for purchase. Auto Motor und Sport magazine gave the Pirelli winter tires the fourth line, also with a recommendation to buy, but the ADAC club testers rated the Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3 only satisfactorily, sending this Velcro to the eighth and ninth lines.

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 is a frost-resistant winter friction tire for passenger cars. This is how this tire is described on the Bridgestone website. The manufacturer promises traction on snowy ground and high performance in rainy weather. In this regard, it is not entirely clear which winter this model is oriented towards.

TEST RESULTS

The Japanese tire industry in the winter tire segment, as always, proved to be no above average. In the Auto Motor und Sport test, Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 tires only ranked seventh. And this is out of ten possible. However, the Germans still honored this model with the status of “recommended”, although they scolded it for poor lateral stability, long braking distances and low traction on snow. At the same time, in fairness, it is worth noting that the Germans saw the Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32 and dignity. In particular, the behavior on the pavement, both dry and wet.

Hankook Winter i*cept RS W442 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Hankook Winter I*cept RS W442 is an economical winter tire with improved grip and traction on snowy and icy roads. With these words, the description of the model begins on the official website of the Korean tire giant.

Hankook Winter I*cept RS W442 is a winter tire designed for high performance vehicles. Tread blocks with oversized notches and sipes provide excellent traction on snow and ice. Tires are great for harsh winter conditions. Thanks to the rubber compound with Silica components, rolling resistance is reduced to a minimum, which reduces noise, improves comfort and, last but not least, reduces fuel consumption.

The stiffening rib divided into segments provides excellent directional stability and maximum handling on snowy roads.

The notches on the tread provide unusually powerful grip, as well as short braking and accelerating distances. Longitudinal grooves perfectly remove water and snow from the contact patch, thereby increasing the maneuverability and balance of the car on an icy road.

The tire tread carcass was created using computer simulation, which made it possible to optimize all the properties of the Hankook Winter I * Cept RS W442 tires to the maximum. The use of the latest technologies in the creation of tires has made it possible to increase their strength and wear resistance. The level of rolling resistance has also been significantly reduced, which has reduced fuel consumption.

TEST RESULTS

The Hankook Winter i*Cept RS W442, like the Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3, passed all four tests. The association ACE / GTU / ARBO, these tires, like the Pirelli Snow Control Serie 3, received the sixth place, and the publication Auto Motor und Sport - the eighth, which did not prevent the German experts from recommending these tires. In the ratings of the ADAC club, Korean winter tires received eighth and tenth lines with a “satisfactory” stamp.

Toyo Snowprox S943 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Winter car tires Toyo Snowprox S943, designed specifically for a wide range compact and medium sized family cars. The model was presented to the public in 2013. Toyo has developed an even more comfortable and practical model, demonstrating excellent driving performance on wet and dry pavement, as well as confident braking in snowy and icy areas.

TEST RESULTS

Winter tires Japanese made rarely ready for real winter. And if Bridgestone or Yokohama are still well known, then Toyo winter tires are somehow not talked about. And good! According to experts, they are adapted exclusively for the Japanese winter, and not for European or Russian ones. Auto Motor undSport magazine gave these tires a Conditional Recommended rating. The Toyo Snowprox S943 ranked ninth overall in their test. And at ADAC, the same rubber received only the eleventh, along with the comment “satisfactory”.

Firestone Winter Hawk 3 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Winter tires Firestone Winter Hawk 3 are designed and adapted to the specifics of operation on medium-sized passenger cars in urban areas. The tire is an evolutionary continuation of the WinterHawk winter tire series. It retained all the advantages of its predecessors - high levels of safety, traction and grip on a winter road - and increased its own operational resource by 30% compared to its predecessors. Moreover, this model received a more balanced tread design, which increased stability, smoothness and comfort of movement on a winter track.

Claimed benefits of using the Firestone Winter Hawk 3 tire:

The completely new directionally symmetrical tread pattern is distinguished by the same depth throughout its entire area - from one “shoulder” to the other. This technology made it possible to achieve the same quality of grip with the road surface at any point of the tread, which minimized the occurrence of sudden vehicle movements and increased general security driving on a snowy road.

Compared to the tires of the previous generation of the WinterHawk series, this model received a modified rubber compound formula, which received its own brand name - Nano Pro Tech. Her distinguishing feature an increased proportion of frost-resistant additives that allows the Firestone Winter Hawk 3 to maintain elasticity, increasing grip on frosty days by almost 10% compared to winter tires of the same class.

The V-shaped tread pattern in the central part of the tread forms an anti-snow wedge included in the efficient drainage system of the Firestone Winter Hawk 3 tire, which disperses water and melted snow from the central part to the shoulder areas and beyond the contact patch. This technology increases the directional stability of the car when overcoming difficult sections of the winter route.

TEST RESULTS

The little-known tire Firestone Winter Hawk 3 is a curious model. V ADAC test she was awarded the fourth position and the rating "good". Experts did not find obvious disadvantages in this model, and therefore only praised it. The German Automobile Club especially liked the clear balance and confident behavior on the ice. No worse than the Firestone Winter Hawk 3 behaves on asphalt, and relatively low fuel consumption will be a nice addition. Good winter tire.

Fulda Kristall Montero 3 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Fulda KRISTALL MONTERO 3 is a tire that will work effectively all winter, but still a European winter.

Maximum efficiency in all winter conditions. The Kristall Montero 3 handles cold, wet, snowy and icy roads with ease - all at an affordable price. Its features: excellent grip on snowy roads; designed specifically for efficient operation throughout the winter; excellent traction at low temperatures.

TEST RESULTS

The winter tire Fulda Kristall Montero 3 passed the test of only one instance - the ADAC club. And she showed herself average. The Germans praised her for her snow discipline and scolded her for her behavior on asphalt, which is extremely unexpected for the layman. Usually Velcro is expected to be less expensive on asphalt and some weaknesses are allowed in the original winter disciplines. In the case of the Fulda Kristall Montero 3, the opposite is true, and in general, this is not the only tire with a similar alignment.

Scandinavian style models for harsh winters

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

The new Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 studless winter tire is designed to withstand the most severe winter conditions. It works great both in the city and in the countryside. The manufacturer promises improved grip and steering precision not only for a couple of seasons, but also as the tire wears out. Innovation has helped achieve this.

Nokian Cryo Crystal Concept

Excellent grip in winter, responsive steering. The smallest particles added to the rubber compound, shaped like polyhedral crystals, bite into the road surface, working like tires and significantly improving grip on ice. The traction properties of such a tread compound are retained for a long time, even if the tread groove depth approaches the minimum limit of 4 mm. This rubber compound operates safely over a wide temperature range while improving tire wear resistance.

New cryosilane rubber compound with silica

The new rubber compound is not afraid of wet or icy roads. Rapeseed oil (a type of rapeseed) optimizes the interaction between silica and natural rubber. Like the new Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 studded tire compound and the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 friction compound, the amount of natural rubber has been increased.

Natural rubber works as a stabilizer over a wide range of temperatures. The tread compound of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 remains flexible in all conditions. The sipes in the tread blocks work actively, despite the level of grip and temperature changes. The rapeseed oil improves the tire's tear strength and improves grip on snow and ice.

Frequent lamella, partially enlarged lamellae.

The aggressive design of the projector is covered with a grid of frequent lamellae. Wider sipes in the central part of the tread increase the grip area of ​​the tire, especially when its level is wet ice minimal, which indirectly guarantees high grip on heavy winter roads.

In addition, special pump sipes improve traction on wet surfaces. They are built into the shoulder blocks of the tire and pump water out of the contact patch with the road, providing reliable grip.

The teeth between the blocks increase the quality of grip on icy and snowy surfaces. Located between checkered blocks, improve grip during braking and acceleration, especially on snow and ice.

And special sipe reinforcements improve traction on ice and snow. They are located in the shoulder areas of the tread and activate the activity of the sipes on the most slippery surfaces, due to which a wider sipe opens up a narrow one, improving the functionality of the tread.

Claws against slush

They resist planning on sludge. The claws are located between the checkered blocks in the shoulder areas. Designed to break snow and water porridge, biting into it with sharp edges. The claws prevent the accumulation of slush between the tread blocks, which, according to the manufacturer, increases the safety of riding in the off-season.

New directional tread pattern with rigid central rib improves directional stability. The united central part of the tread increases safety, provides its more uniform wear during long-term operation of the tire.

The multi-layer tread structure, designed specifically for friction tires, works in combination with rubber compounds. In terms of exchange rate stability, this combination yields new Nokian The Hakkapeliitta R2 goes above and beyond conventional friction tires. The tire does not move off course, but stubbornly moves forward with any changes in winter weather. Sensitive handling helps the driver to notice changes in the level of grip, which makes it possible to respond in time to changes in the traffic situation.

The tread wear indicator (DSI - Driving Safety Indicator) is located in the central part of the tread and shows the remaining depth of the tread groove in millimeters. As the tire is used, the numbers are erased in descending order. The snowflake-shaped winter wear indicator remains until the tread groove wears down to a depth of 4 mm. Beyond this limit, tires are considered unsafe for winter use and are recommended to be replaced.

Updated info section on the sidewall - you can make notes about the recommended tire pressure and their location, you can enter the torque of the wheel bolts.

56 sizes from 13 to 20 inches. The speed index of the novelty, like that of the previous model, is 170 km / h.

TEST RESULTS

The victory of the friction Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2, designed for harsh winters, was not a revelation. Into own top models the Finnish manufacturer invests a gigantic stock. On ice, there is minimal loss of traction in the longitudinal direction compared to studded tires, and on the track, the handling of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 tires even surpasses some of them! On snow, everything is also consistently strong. But on the pavement, the unbridled power of the Hakkapeliitta R2 dwindles somewhat. The soft tread, indented with numerous lamella cuts, cannot effectively withstand increased loads. At the same time, non-studded Nokian ride comfortably and quietly. In addition, they have low rolling resistance. The lack of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 on wet pavement was more clearly described in Test World. In their opinion, they performed poorly in this discipline.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Goodyear refers to technology when explaining the advantages of its tires. According to them, ActiveGrip technology maintains optimal contact with extremely slippery road surfaces. Combined with cryo-adaptive materials, ActiveGrip technology provides excellent performance on ice. Active serrations on the blocks increase the transfer of lateral forces during maneuvers, providing excellent stopping distance on ice and increasing performance. Side-open grooves combined with shouldered sawtooth blocks improve snow and water evacuation and improve tire performance in deep snow.

TEST RESULTS

If the victory of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 was predictable, then the first place of the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 in the Test World test came as something of a surprise. They received the "gold medal" primarily for balance. They perform well on snow and ice, as well as on wet pavement. In addition, parameters such as comfort and rolling resistance are also at a decent level.

Continental ContiVikingContact 6 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Winter friction Continental tires ContiViking Contact 6, designed specifically for the Russian winter, in the fall of 2014 will replace the already proven Russian market, predecessor - Continental ContiVikingContact 5. It was a difficult task for German engineers to surpass it, which they successfully coped with. Improving grip was the main goal in the development of the new premium winter tires, which in turn improved driving safety on snow and ice covered sections of the road. Functionally divided into three parts, the asymmetric tread of the new Velcro tires is made of a soft rubber compound. It is designed so that when cornering, the areas that take the most load along the edges of the tread, with the help of reinforced double blocks, provide improved grip on snow and asphalt, and the central section of the tread provides effective grip on ice.

TEST RESULTS

German winter tire without studs, but Scandinavian type - Continental ContiVikingContact 6 shared 2nd-3rd place in the Test World test with French tires Michelin X-ice Xi3. Continental is the novelty of the season. They have good performance on snow, but somewhat worse behavior on wet pavement - in critical situations, their reactions can be too slow and blurry. At the same time, on a dry surface, Continental is among the leaders. In addition, they have a low noise level and reduced rolling resistance, which saves fuel.

Michelin X-ice Xi3 - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

Michelin, along with competitors, claims many advantages that are achieved through the use of a number of technologies. In particular, Michelin Xi3 tires have more tread blocks, which as a result gives them more gripping edges for increased traction. Outer side The central blocks have a zigzag shape, further enhancing both lateral and longitudinal grip, the sipes arranged at three angles provide sufficient grip, no matter what angle the tire is in relation to the movement. Neighboring blocks partially contact, protecting general design from unwanted deformation when driving on dry asphalt. The shoulder area is ridged for improved traction in deep snow.

TEST RESULTS

Michelin X-ice Xi3 performed well in traditional winter disciplines. On snow and ice, they showed themselves on a par with the leaders. As a result, Michelin received the same rating as Continental and, like them, feel a little insecure on the pavement. The noise is low, but the rolling resistance is too high.

Bridgestone Blizzak VRX - non-studded (friction) winter tire, test

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

When driving on an icy slope in winter, water on the ice surface causes slipping. Non-studded tires are made using a Multi-Cell Compound rubber compound, which, thanks to its microscopic pores, ensures tighter contact with the ice. As the tire passes over the surface of the water, these pores act as tiny reservoirs to drain water and absorb it into direct contact with the road. Bridgestone has taken this technology even further to create the new Multi-Cell Compound. The special hydrophilic coating of these pores made it possible to improve the absorbent properties. The new compound can absorb more water from the ice surface, allowing the rider to apply braking performance more confidently.

New asymmetric tread pattern

The new asymmetric tread pattern of the Bridgestone Blizzak VRX improves snow flotation by providing full contact with snowy roads. The arrow-shaped tread blocks provide even traction, while the cross grooves effectively capture snow.

When installing them, it is necessary that inner side the tire (with the inside label) is on the inside, and the outside of the tire (with the outside label) is on the outside. Tires with an asymmetric tread pattern do not have a direction of rotation.

Excellent grip on ice

In addition to the new Multi-Cell Compound tread compound, BLIZZAK VRX incorporates various technological advancements that deliver superior driving performance no matter the winter conditions. Especially the new Multi-Cell Compound has significantly improved handling and braking performance on an icy surface. In Bridgestone's own tests, the BLIZZAK VRX allowed riders to stop on bare ice as much as 10% closer than the previous model.

Maximum performance on snow

Compared to the previous model, the number of lateral grooves (intersections) has been increased on the BLIZZAK VRX, which improves the snow gripping properties between the tread blocks when in contact with a snowy surface, and at the same time helps to effectively self-clean during rotation.

In addition, a new asymmetric tread pattern (with grooves of different widths in the center and at the edges of the tire) has optimized performance in every area of ​​the tread.

Long service life

The longer a tire is used, the more its performance deteriorates and the harder the rubber becomes. As the tread wears, the new Multi-Cell Compound creates new micro-pores, keeping the rubber compound soft and providing effective braking for a long time. We are proud to report that BLIZZAK VRX tires will last 3-4 seasons.

TEST RESULTS

The Bridgestone Blizzak VRX tire was tested by the Autoreview newspaper. The experts of the publication liked the braking on ice. Acceleration and handling seemed somewhat weaker. On snow, the results are moderate, but the tread does not cope well with snow-water porridge. I was also surprised that on dry pavement, the grip properties are close to ideal, but on wet braking, almost the worst. That being said, the Bridgestone Blizzak VRX is very comfortable, which is especially unusual in light of the fact that the Blizzak VRX tires are extremely impact resistant. Even at a speed of 95 km / h, the experts did not manage to spoil the tire.

In the cold season, it is better to give preference to winter tires. With the help of new technologies in the production of car tires, interesting characteristics are achieved, allowing car owners to drive with no less confidence than in summer. Many believe that winter tires can be replaced with all-season options. But this is not so - demi-season tires are not a way out of the situation: they are uncomfortable to ride in either summer or winter.

The main feature of winter tires is softness and the ability to tenaciously hold on to the snowy road surface. We bring to your attention the rating of the best winter studded tires 2014-2015.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 - the best offer among winter tires

The leader of most tests in Russia and in other countries was Finnish rubber, produced at one of the most technologically advanced world factories in the world. This Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 is a great driver's assistant in difficult winter conditions.

Tires are able to perfectly deal with any cold surface, provide comfort and safety of the trip. The following unique properties of Nokian winter tires should also be noted:

• special technologies and tread pattern protect the driver in any weather;
• adhesion to any surface, even with ice, reaches maximum values;
• rubber is present in a large assortment of radii and sizes;
• this model also has spikes, which are applied according to a new pattern.

Rubber was introduced last year, but before today it remains the leader of most ratings. If you want real comfort and complete safety in winter time, be sure to pay attention to this offer of a Finnish corporation.

Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic - a prototype from the legendary manufacturer

This proposal was one of the few representatives of the 2014-2015 season who managed to make their way to the top positions after three years of success. Goodyear has always been famous for producing premium tires that ensure the safety of winter and summer driving on any vehicle. With the help of new technologies, the corporation managed to create tires with the following advantages:

• excellent grip on snow and cold asphalt with the help of an unusual tread and spikes;
• nineteen sizes - a choice from 13 to 18 inches for any wheel width;
• The ultra-soft parts of the rather hard tread provide grip on any surface;
• sliding is minimized due to the special shape of the tread.

The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic also features stud integration technology developed in 2012. The features of this tire are different from most competitors and allow you to achieve incredible ride parameters. At the moment, the rubber is going through one of the last seasons, after which the manufacturer announced several important updates and a name change.

Michelin X-ICE North XIN3 - last year's leader model

This rubber was also on the list of the most successful purchases for motorists last season. If it's time to get some new winter tires this year, check out this one. Michelin always offers the best technology, but X-ICE North really exceeded all customer expectations:

• the softness of the car increases significantly;
• traction with any soil is noticeably improved;
• increases the durability of the rims;
• the braking distance is almost halved.

Halving the stopping distance is a rough estimate, which is confirmed by many unofficial test drives. But even in this perspective, this rubber deserves a place in the ranking of the best winter tires in 2014-2015.

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01 - another successful series of the concern

The Blizzak series from Bridgestone Corporation is already known to many car owners. Enough high price does not stop potential buyers from purchasing this excellent winter tire option. In the new generation, which will appear on the market at the end of summer 2014, the manufacturer has introduced the following innovations:

• the chemical composition of raw materials for the manufacture of rubber was completely changed;
• the protector is made of soft material that can withstand temperatures up to -50 degrees without physical changes;
• spikes are present, but they are not the main part of the tire;
• there is no need to break in the rubber before its full operation.

These characteristics make the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01 one of the most technologically advanced offerings in the 2014-2015 Best Winter Tire rankings. Nevertheless, a lot of money will have to be paid for the purchase, so it is too early to talk about the popularity of rubber.

Dunlop Ice Touch - winter tires closing the leaderboard

According to experts, Dunlop tires have every chance of becoming leaders this year. Their cost is perfectly combined with the quality characteristics, which makes the purchase of rubber much more profitable for the driver. Main features and technical advantages of Dunlop ice touch appear in the following characteristics:

• incredibly different tread pattern from competitors;
• the presence of spikes in disordered mode;
• high adhesion properties with an icy road surface;
• universal application for middle class cars and compact crossovers.

Excellent tires Dunlop Ice Touch offers high performance and interesting features for owners of almost all cars. You can choose the right size from a huge range and get good protection your car from the surprises of the icy road.

Summing up

Among the winter tires described above, there are offers from previous years, but many experts believe that this particular rubber deserves to be on the list of the best winter tires in 2014-2015. When choosing tires for the winter, pay attention Special attention to the specifications that suit you.

Some Suggestions modern market are great option for lovers of travel on uncharted routes, others offer optimal modes of urban movement. Also remember that tires differ in speed and load index, which is very important to consider when buying new winter tires.

Are there motorists among our readers who have already bought tires for the 2014-2015 season?

Frictional winter tires, or popularly Velcro, are inferior in popularity to studded wheels in Russia, but their market share is steadily growing, so the results of their tests are very useful for domestic motorists. So, who became the best in the 2014-2015 season?

• Our rating opens (from the last position in it) with Sunny SnowMaster SN3830 friction rubber, which came to us from China. 12th line, 6.1 points - excellent performance indicators only on wet and dry pavement - this is all that Chinese tires can boast of, which are clearly not suitable for Russian winter conditions.
• In 11th place are the South Korean tires Kumho I * ZEN KW31, which also do not shine on snow and ice. The final 6.6 points is too low for high-quality winter tires.
• The 10th line was taken by Vredestein Nord-Trac 2 tires produced in the Netherlands. They have 6.7 points, which is also very bad, especially considering the country of origin belongs to the EU with its strict requirements for product quality.
• The 9th place was given to German-made Dunlop SP Ice Sport friction rubber, which earned 6.8 points. This result also cannot be called good, given the fact that these tires showed one of the worst performances on ice.
• The 8th and 7th lines of the rating of winter non-studded tires of the 2014-2015 season went to Chinese-made Pirelli Winter IceControl and Sailun Ice Blazer WSL2 tires. With a score of 7.2 each, both models performed roughly equal in all tests, but the Sailun tires performed worse on wet pavement and the Pirellis struggled with rolling resistance.
• Japan's Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 took 6th place in the rankings, scoring 7.3 points and showing average results in all tests.
• The list of five leaders of the season is opened by Velcros Maxxis SP02 ArcticTrekker released in China. Their result is 7.7 points, excellent behavior on snow, slightly worse performance on ice and mediocre braking on dry pavement.
• 4th and 3rd place were shared by Michelin X-ice Xi3 wheels made in Spain and Continental ContiVikingContact 6 made in Germany. They have 7.8 points each and almost equal marks for all tests. True, we note that the Michelin X-ice Xi3 tires have poor rolling resistance, and the Continental ContiVikingContact 6 tires are not very good on wet pavement.
• There was no clear winner among friction tires this season. The first and second places were shared by Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 from Finland and Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 from Poland. Both stickies earned 8.2 points each, but it is worth mentioning that good year tires UltraGrip Ice 2 are more efficient on dry and wet pavement, while Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 feel great on snowy tracks.

Summer is over, very autumn has come, the air temperature is gradually dropping, the rains begin, and then the thought comes to mind - “But I will soon need winter tires". That is why, in order to prepare you for an informed choice of tires, we have prepared an article with a rating of winter tires 2014 below.

It's no secret that good winter tires are the key to your safety. Providing good traction, preventing your car from skidding. In this article, we will consider the rating TOP 10 winter tires 2014-2015. We will start this rating not as usual with those tires that scored the least points, but with the best winter tire of 2014:

1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8

Best Winter Tire 2015 according to the "Behind the wheel" rating, she scored 949 points out of a thousand possible, taking the first line in the competition.

2. Good Year UltraGrip Ice Arctic

These tires use a completely new stud shape and unusual stud placement to increase the contact patch and improve traction. For better handling on snowy roads, a new tread pattern has been specially developed for this winter tire.

3. Michelin X Ice North - Michelin X-ICE NorthXIN3

Michelin winter tires are annually included in the tire rating in the leading positions. X-ICE North XIN3 is a new development of the company, which allowed to reduce the braking distance on slippery roads by 10%.

4. Nokian Nordman 5 - Nokian Norman 5

In the production of data tires, the "bear claw" technology, which has proven itself in the Hakkapeliitta series, has been applied. In the central zone, the tread pattern has integrated checkers that make steering transfer more sensitive.

5. Gislaved NordFrost 100 - Gislaved NordFrost 100

Tires are characterized by low weight, as well as optimized stud head geometry. The tread pattern is divided into blocks, the edges of each of which have multidirectional angles. This pattern provides traction and precise handling on both snow and ice-covered roads.

6. Nokian - Nordman 4 -

The tires feature a wide tread pattern, as well as a unique reinforced steel breaker, which together provide stable behavior on any road surface. The tires provide low noise levels as well as an unrivaled ride thanks to the elastic pad located under each stud, making it a great mid-range option.

7. Bridgestone Blizzack Spike 01 -

This series has replaced the Ice Cruiser. The novelty is equipped with new cruciform studs that provide maximum grip on icy roads. The winter tire test showed an average reduction in braking distance of 9% compared to the previous series.

8. Dunlop Ice Touch -

The tread of these tires is characterized by a multidirectional pattern and the presence of diverting grooves. At first glance, the studs on the tires are arranged randomly, in fact, this arrangement provides maximum contact with the road.

9. Pirelli Ice Zero -

The top tire from the Italian brand showcases a new studding technology similar to random placement. The stud's multi-directional design helps reduce stud movement, while the wide base optimizes load distribution.

10. Yokohama Ice Guard AIJe 35 -

Japanese tires are equipped with 3G sipes that improve handling on icy and snowy roads. For better removal of slush and snow, the surface of the tires is covered with semi-radial grooves. Special composition rubber compound prevents studs from falling out and prevents