Winter is coming soon, which means it's time to think about “shoes” for your car. The modern market is ready to offer motorists many different new products. Sometimes it is very difficult to find something suitable. Let's try to understand a little nuances and consider the rating of the best winter shing for almost all types of cars.
Why do you need good tires?
We give a simple example. In order to stop the car on an ice mirror at a speed of 50 km / h with studded tires, you need about 30 meters, for Chinese rubber the braking distance will be 20 meters more.
Here, even driving accuracy will not save - you must either move at a slower speed or have the gift of foresight to know exactly when pedestrians will begin to cross the street or the traffic light will turn red. Naturally, the first method and the second are not real. Therefore, the acquisition of good tires is simply a necessity.
One more example. This is the time with which this hypothetical track on ice will be covered. Many will say that they are not racers. And so, when testing winter tires on good tires, the driver passes the track in 48 seconds, and on bad - in 71 seconds. This says that in the second case, you need to drive slower to prevent skidding or anything else. These are nerves, tension, uncertainty. Winter is already a huge stress for people, and then the road will make me nervous.
One more remark
The automotive rubber industry is growing at a fantastic speed. Those options that were the best a couple of years ago, today are very behind the modern ones. So, the rating of winter tires can show that once good and technological tires are in last place today. Prices that are higher each year than in the previous one are technology fees.
All these conclusions are based on tests. So, experts from Finland tested a lot of tires at a landfill located beyond the Arctic Circle. They are real authorities in the selection of rubber. Their tests are published in the best and most famous automobile magazines. This season, they also experienced winter tires. The rating is very interesting. He will perfectly show the state of affairs and the best of the best.
Friction rubber
1st place - GoodYear UltraGrip ice
These tires are made in Poland. Rubber has a load index of 94T. In the test, this product scored 8.2 points.
The product has good balanced characteristics. They showed generally good results at almost all stages of the audit. This model has excellent performance when moving on snow and ice. Also, tires work great on wet pavement. The engineers did a great job, but they still managed to make a great decision. In addition, this model is characterized by low noise. Therefore, this rubber was not in vain in the rating of winter tires without spikes and took first place in it.
2nd place - Nokian Hakapelitta R2
This product is made in Finland. It has a load and speed index of 94R.
Manufacturers managed to make the most efficient tires that work perfectly on how many surfaces and even managed to get around some studded models. However, with all the advantages, there are also disadvantages, because without them it is impossible. These tires from Finnish engineers behave poorly on wet roads. A simple conclusion can be made that it is difficult to be the best everywhere. During the test, tires also scored 8.2 points.
3rd place - Continental ContiViking Contact 6
These German products have a speed and load index of 94T. The novelty hit the test almost immediately, losing to the other two applicants only a little. Here we have good performance when driving on snow, but if suddenly asphalt is wet, then in a critical situation, these tires do not have quick reactions. But experts have identified excellent behavior on a dry road. This model does not make noise.
4th place - Michelin X-ice Xi3
These tires are made in Spain. This is one of the best among non-studded both on snow and ice. On asphalt, the product of French specialists is not too strong. However, it all depends on the traffic situation. When testing revealed a low noise, as well as high rolling resistance.
5th place - Maxxis SP025 Arctic Trekker
The products of the brothers from the Middle Kingdom are known to many. For the first time in many years, this rubber was able to refute Chinese quality. Despite their origin, they could not become the best, but they worked very smoothly on all tests. There were no surprises. This option was able to get around most studless tires on both snowy and wet roads. Noise and rolling resistance are average. This is a decent choice at decent prices.
6th place - Bidgestone Blizzak WS70
In sixth place is Japan. Indexes are 94T. More recently, the products of this company were considered the leader in their class, but this time - the average level. Here, experts revealed effective braking, but the level of lateral grip is very average.
Most of all, the experts did not like the drifts on the wet road. They practically do not make noise, but the level of rolling resistance is high.
7th place - Pirelli WInter Ice Control
This is China with 94T indices. In the snow they show an excellent level. They would - in the rating of winter studded tires. They are able to quickly accelerate and brake perfectly. But on the ice - on the C grade. There is also a weak exchange rate stability. Another advantage - they almost do not make noise.
8th place - Sailun ice Blazer WSL 2
Chinese tires with 91H speed and load indices. These are inexpensive Chinese winter tires, the rating showed that they managed to stand on a par with more famous brands. On the ice cover they turned out to be mediocre, but on the snow they proved to be one of the best. Even wet asphalt is not a hindrance for them at all. Specialists note a slight nervousness when the tires are at their traction limit. The Chinese product weakly resists rolling, and there is a lot of noise from them.
9th place - Dunlop SP ice Sport
German quality. Indices are 91T. They were able to surprise with a frankly weak level of adhesion on the ice cover.
However, the same model, but with spikes, almost topped the rating of winter
studded tires.There were complaints about everything - they are poorly accelerated, react poorly to control, and also slow down badly. In the snow, everything is fine. On wet pavement - excellent. Good directional stability, but tires are the loudest.
10th place - Vredstein Nord-Trac 2
These tires are made in the Netherlands. They are much better than the previous ones, they behave on the ice surface. But when the experts decided to accelerate on them, they replaced the weak traction indicators. They work well on wet roads, but directional stability is very disappointing.
Worst winter tires - 2015 season rating
The worst were the Chinese Sunny SnowMaster SN3830. They may be suitable for the European winter, but for Russian roads they are not at all suitable. Disgustingly, they showed themselves on ice and on snow. On wet roads - it’s not so bad on them. But for our region this is not enough.
Studded tires
We will not watch all studded winter tires, the rating highlighted only the best.
So, in the first place - “Nokian Happelitt” 8. Indexes - 94T, and spikes - 180 pieces. It's a great choice. They are effective even in the most difficult road conditions. They showed a high level of security. These are the best winter tires (the rating of studded tires proved it).
In the last place, again, the Chinese Sunny SN 3860. By many characteristics, they are suitable for Europe. They are distinguished by good grip, handling in asphalt. Snow and ice are far from their element.
Winter tires, the rating of which you saw above, are intended for passenger cars.
Next up are SUVs and crossovers. They, like no other, need winter “shoes”.
New generation winter tires for SUVs
It is known that tires for SUVs have a more durable side part. And their tread pattern is completely different. In addition, such tires have larger lateral hooks. For crossovers, which are city cars with increased ground clearance, you can use ordinary rubber for cars. Another aspect that parquet SUV owners need to pay attention to is the load index. Indeed, on crossovers, the load on the tire is much higher than that of a conventional passenger car.
Rating winter tires for SUVs
In the first place is the Finnish Nokian Happelitta 8 SUV. This is one of the most advanced options to date. It is ideal for both light crossovers and large heavy SUVs. Modern technology and innovation, a modern and improved tread, rubber composition - all this allows the tire to get excellent results on any surface.
Among the advantages of the tire, a special studding technology is distinguished. Rubber stands out from the mass of others by strong adhesion to any surfaces, and the braking distance is quite short. The tire is perfectly controlled and is highly stable on all types of surfaces. Aramid fibers in the frame give the side part special strength. Spikes do not damage the road surface. The tire is very quiet. These are the best winter tires for SUVs . Rating proves this.
Next is the 3rd generation Michelin X Ice North products. The French offer our motorists the most optimal tires for light crossovers. Many modern and unique technologies have been applied here. So, they distinguish “smart spike”, a modern and technological tread pattern, a new mixture. All this gives the tire many advantages over products from other manufacturers.
After optimizing and refining the spikes, the engineers managed to significantly reduce the braking distance on a slippery surface. Rubber also stands out for its excellent snow maneuverability. Grip on a snowy road was also at a very good level. Excellent winter tires, rating - well-deserved second place.
Another model from the manufacturer "Toyo". This is Observe G3-ice. The tire is designed specifically for light crossovers. The Japanese manufacturer used a new super-technological mixture, as well as natural microchips from walnut shells. According to the manufacturer, it is completely safe to ride on them in any weather and road conditions. These are real winter tires for the crossover. Rating - third place.
The Italians introduced the Pirelli Winter ice Zero model for this season. This rubber of a well-known manufacturer is applicable to both heavy crossovers and off-road vehicles. Engineers have significantly improved the model compared to last season.
This gave excellent results on snow as well as on ice. These are normal winter tires, the rating is fourth and therefore it is better to use them in not too extreme conditions.
And finally, fifth place among studded tires. This is Bridgestone's product, and the model is Blizzak Spike 01. This rubber is a descendant of the popular Ice Cruiser. The Japanese have invested heavily in the development of this rubber. It is characterized by predictability in any conditions, good comfort and a high level of security.
Non-studded winter tires for crossover: rating
Finland leads here. The Nokian company has prepared a unique model for this season.
This is the Happelitt R2 SUV. The tire is suitable not only for the SUV. It will also work great on an off-road car. Thanks to special technologies, the manufacturer was able to improve the effect of movement on ice and snow surfaces. The tire rides even better than the studded representatives.
Well prepared for the winter manufacturers of winter tires. The rating allows you to evaluate the model, their quality and characteristics. Perhaps it will be very useful for those who pick up tires for the winter.
So, we found out what the best models of winter tires can be purchased for your car. We hope that the article helped you make the right choice. Good luck on the road!