Though traffic rules the change of tires from summer to winter is not regulated, almost all motorists put on winter tires by mid-November. This is justified by the fact that winter tires are much more reliable than summer tires and reduce the risk of accidents during icing.

Drivers with little experience who decide for the first time which winter tires to choose are faced with a variety of brands and different tire characteristics. I decided to help beginners understand this matter. Next, I will write down what the markings on tires mean and where it is better to buy their tires for your car.

It is important to know in what conditions the car will be used, because the mileage on one set of tires depends on it. The complexity of the choice is also in the fact that it is impossible to check how certain brands of rubber will behave in practice. Objectively choose best option unfortunately not possible.

Tire options

On the sidewalls of the tire there is an inscription with the main characteristics. Of course, it is difficult to determine from them which winter studded tires are better, but you can choose the appropriate characteristics.

Size parameters often look like a combination of letters and numbers, for example: R14 175/70. This code has several parts:

• R14 is the diameter of the car disk in inches;
• 175 - tire width in millimeters;
• 70 - an indicator for calculating the height of the sidewall of the tire (calculated according to the formula: 185 \ 100 * 70).

Speed ​​index. It has an alphabetical Latin designation in alphabetical order and indicates the recommended speed of use:

• from F to R - from 80 to 170 km / h;
• H, S, T, U - from 180 to 210 km / h;
• V, W, Y - from 240 to 300 km / h.

The load on the tires signs in a peculiar way. There is a numerical designation from 1 and above. This parameter indicates the strength of the frame of the rubber product. The higher the score, the stronger the material. For example, with a minimum value of "1", the tire can withstand a load of up to 46.2 kg.

Marking is a letter engraving that indicates the conditions of use. Can be replaced with a snowflake image. For example, M+S means "mud and snow".

These parameters will help you choose the wheels for your needs. I don't really follow speed mode. Even for the winter I took myself high-speed tires. When sizing, follow the manufacturer's recommendations (see service book or check with your dealer). Accordingly, first of all, decide on the diameter, and then proceed to the spikes, manufacturers and characteristics. Personally, I had to choose for a long time which winter tires are suitable for disks - r16. I could not decide which is better - the option with spikes or without them.

Studded or not?

Many specialists and school teachers extreme driving believe that safety in winter is much more influenced by the behavior of the driver on the road than the make and model of tires. Therefore, when determining which winter tires are better, you can ask relatives for reviews and opinions, or choose them solely based on the price. Now I will sign the pros and cons of studded tires. This will help you choose them. To begin with, the advantages of rubber products with spikes:

• the braking distance is reduced;
• better grip on the road;
• easy to drive on ice;
• at more low temperatures Ah, better than the other options.

Minuses:

• not suitable for permanent use in the city;
• poorly overcome loose snow;
• quickly deteriorate on asphalt;
• do not tolerate slush or puddles.

Advantages of studless tires:

• much softer and more comfortable;
• shows itself well on rolled snow and asphalt;
• large tread makes it easy to overcome snowdrifts.

• shorter service life, wear out faster;
• behaves badly on ice.

My rating of studded tires

The leading positions in the winter wheel market have been held by three brands for quite a long time:
Michelin, Continental, Nokian. These brands are characterized by high quality and differ only in some features.


Nokian - proudly bears the title of "the best rubber for the Russian winter." Consists of soft rubber compound and a large number of small lamellas. Among the advantages it is worth highlighting:

• were developed for conditions that are as similar as possible to Russian ones;
• intended for deep snow, ice, uncleaned road;
• good cross;
• indifference to the track.

There are also disadvantages:

• high price;
• behaves poorly on dry pavement (poorly controlled).

Michelin is as quiet and comfortable as possible, it performs well in almost any conditions. I liked the fact that there is no vibration and noise while driving. Among the cons:

1. Longer stopping distance compared to competitors.
2. Worse cross-country ability compared to Nokian.

Continental - best suited for the city. Available good qualities:

• confidently behave in the snow and urban slush;
• proprietary studding technology;
• handles well on asphalt and snow.

Flaws:

1. Harsh winter can let you down on the road.

Personal rating of studless tires

Three leaders in the industry can also be distinguished here: ContiVikingContact, Gislaved, Nokian. These foreign manufacturers offer non-studded winter tires, and which one is better for consumers to choose.


ContiVikingContact is considered one of the best non-studded brands that are made in Germany.
Pros:

• excellent behavior on ice and asphalt;
• asymmetrical pattern and unique composition;
• confident acceleration and braking;
• excellent handling on asphalt.

Flaws:

1. Bad braking on asphalt.

Gislaved is made in the same factory as Continental, so they are practically the same in quality. There are advantages:

• nice price for excellent quality (cheaper than Continental);
• quiet;
• universal: suitable for the city and the countryside.

Among the shortcomings stand out:

• poor handling on asphalt.

Nokian - suitable for harsh winters. This brand took pride of place in the second ranking, as the test results in severe frosts are amazing. There are good qualities here, namely:

1. They perform well at low temperatures.
2. Excellent handling on ice.
3. Confidently behave on a winding track.

1. Poor grip on snow.

If in doubt which winter tire is better to buy, then choose a larger diameter, because it is easier to overcome deep snowdrifts on it. It is better to give preference to foreign manufacturers. It is important to know that three years after production, the rubber already belongs to the second category, so pay attention to the release date.

I would advise you to make a choice depending on the region where you live. Thus, while living in Tyumen, I bought studded winter tires from Michelin. I gave 26 thousand rubles for it for shoes for 4 wheels. The quality is excellent, I think it will last a long time. You act the same way. Think about which of the proposed list will satisfy your needs. With financial problems, I recommend choosing a used option. Also a worthwhile topic.

According to test results winter tires we have selected for you 5 studded tires and 2 Velcro made in Russia.

The best Russian-made studded tires 2016

Champion of champions, most frequent tire test winner. It's nice that passenger tires produced in Vsevolozhsk. Nokian are the best on ice, snow and snowy roads.

Autoreview experts write about it: “on ice, tires with figured spikes step on the heels of the test leaders.” Pirelli tires in Russia are produced at factories in Kirov and Voronezh. Strengths Pirelli: cross-country ability, traction on snow and ice.

“For any winter roads, they will like it on long trips,” the “Behind the Wheel” testers say about tires manufactured in Davydovo, Moscow Region. Of the benefits: they make little noise, are soft, behave well on rolled snow.

Average in tire tests, but the most affordable of this rating, and they are “brewed” in the Cordiant holding, which includes factories in Omsk and Yaroslavl. Pretty quiet, good grip on snow, good accelerating dynamics.

The best Russian-made non-studded tires 2016

To meet the growing demand in the market, friction tires are also produced in Russia.

Balanced, including, and for the price, tires.

According to the results of tests of friction tires 205/55 R16 of 2017

In the middle winter tests, especially good on ice, with excellent exchange rate stability on asphalt.

Made in Russia, they slow down well on snow, another plus is directional stability.

The winter road is fundamentally different from the summer road in our latitudes, and therefore the answer to the question of whether it is necessary to “change shoes” for the season is unequivocal: definitely!

Different from summer tires in terms of rubber compound composition, thickness, density, tread pattern, winter tires are designed to increase the level of safety in difficult winter conditions.

The issue of saving remains relevant for many motorists, especially in our time. Winter tires are more expensive than summer tires, and premium tires, the reliability of which can be no doubt, are not affordable at all.

Fortunately, inexpensive high-quality winter tires are not a myth. Paying attention to the products of the budget and medium price segment, it is quite realistic to choose the best option in terms of price and set of characteristics.

Choosing inexpensive high-quality winter tires

Popular tire brands

Even well-known brands have inexpensive products in their lines. Among these manufacturers are Kumho, Cordiant, Kama-Euro and even Nokian, whose tire lines include inexpensive R17 winter tires, models and sizes for economical small cars and full-fledged sedans. More below detailed description the best of the best for the conditions" Winter tires- inexpensive, but high quality.

Winter tires Cordiant

Russian Cordiant tires appeared on the market relatively recently and have already gained popularity among domestic motorists. An important advantage is that tires are developed taking into account the difficult conditions of the Russian winter and, of course, the roads.

The company operates on modern equipment innovative technologies. Thanks to new and time-tested rubber compounds, the original tread pattern and reinforced tire structure, Cordiant rubber is characterized by high operational characteristics. Even with an aggressive driving style on difficult roads, it lasts at least 2-3 seasons.

Motorists note another advantage of tires, which is extremely important for the cold period. This is the resistance of tires to skidding in corners, the rubber holds on to the road so tightly. The price for this is a slight increase in fuel consumption.

For snowy roads, the Cordiant Snow-Max is a good option. This is a studded stud available in a number of sizes for sedans and crossovers, and therefore inexpensive winter tires R18 will no longer be a problem in finding tires for an SUV.

Choosing inexpensive high-quality winter tires Kordiant

The advantages include an affordable price (from $ 30), good grip on loose snow and ice, softness and wear resistance in severe frosts, strong sidewalls, good balance, good braking performance, aquaplaning, firmly seated and not flying spikes.

Of the minuses - an increase in fuel consumption, increased noise (at a speed of 70 km / h), the risk of bumps.

Winter tires Kama-Euro

The products of Nizhnekamskshina have long been known to the domestic consumer and in neighboring countries. Today, Kama rubber is not only tires mainly for trucks, large passenger vehicles and agricultural machinery, but also a wide range of options for small cars, sedans and SUVs.

If you need inexpensive R16 winter tires for driving on snowy and icy roads, then Kama-Euro 519 studded tires will be a good option. Tires show good grip on snow slush. In general, the appearance of this brand provided NKSZ products with a new wave of popularity due to the introduction modern technologies, scientific developments and European standards.

We choose inexpensive high-quality winter tires Kama-Euro

The advantages of rubber are good balance, softness and strength of the sidewall, low noise level (up to 80 km / h, rubber practically does not make noise), firmly seated spikes.

In terms of cost and quality ratio, Kama-Euro, both studded and friction, is a good solution. The tire price starts at $35, which will allow you to purchase full set without a significant impact on the budget. The service life of tires of this brand reaches 3-4 seasons.

Winter by Nokian

The Finnish brand Nokian mainly produces high-end products, offering premium tires for small city cars, full-size sedans, sports cars and powerful SUVs.

The Finnish origin of the brand captivates: firstly, high European quality, and secondly, who, if not the Finns, knows what a harsh snowy winter is? In addition, Nokian, both studded and Velcro, is always distinguished by high technical and operational characteristics, reliability and durability.

However, friction winter tires Nokian Nordman RS produced in Russia are an exception to the rule. When saving High Quality this rubber is available to a wide range of consumers, since the price of one tire starts at $ 33. Perhaps this is one of the most popular tires on the market. Russian roads today, which is not surprising:

• in addition to popular sizes, the Nokian Nordman RS line includes winter tires R13 inexpensively;
• the composition of the rubber compound provides softness and strength, while even in severe frost, the tires do not tan or crack;
• the pattern and structure of the tread guarantee reliable grip on the road, including on ice, loose and packed snow; on the track perfectly keep the road;
• virtually silent operation.

Choosing inexpensive high-quality Nokian winter tires

The disadvantage of this winter tire is that it is designed for use at low temperatures, and only then it shows its high properties. At temperatures above 0 ° C, the rubber begins to “float” and wear out quickly, although its normal service life reaches 3-4 seasons.

Winter tires Kumho

Worthy options in terms of price and quality are offered by the Korean brand of cars Kumho tires. This winter tires R14 is inexpensive, and options for sedans and SUVs. The quality and manufacturability of the premium Kumho is beyond reproach. More budget options are also characterized by excellent performance.

From just $40 a piece, the price of Kumho WinterCraft Ice WI31 studded tires starts. There are no options for economical small cars in the line, but owners of sedans and crossovers will be able to change their car into reliable winter “shoes” for adequate money.

Choosing inexpensive quality winter tires Kumho

At the same time, Winter Craft Ice is quite quiet, it copes with snow porridge and slippery roads at once. Of the advantages are also good aquaplaning and braking properties, strength and durability.

The disadvantage is a certain instability on ice. Also, for dry urban asphalt, this is not the best option.

More versatile winter Kumho tires I'Zen KW22. It is also a spike that exhibits the properties of a friction clutch. Their price is almost 2 times higher (from $ 75), however, the line includes both R15 inexpensive winter tires and tires with a larger radius. Given that the life of these tires reaches 4-6 seasons, the cost of a set of tires is really low.

The advantages of this rubber are excellent driving properties on loose snow and snow porridge, it enters corners perfectly, holds on to ice and wet asphalt quite confidently, remains soft even in severe frost, and is perfectly balanced.

There are also disadvantages that can be described by noise at a speed of 80 km / h, rather fast loss of spikes and abrasion of the tread, especially with aggressive driving.

TO good motorist winter does not come unexpectedly. Usually, experienced drivers they don’t even wait for icy conditions to change their shoes. As they say, the road is a spoon for dinner, so your car should be fully equipped to meet the frosts. Of course, you want only the best winter tires on your car. And preferably at an affordable price. How to choose good inexpensive winter tires - this is what will be discussed in the material.

It is not necessary to spend money on expensive winter tires - you can always choose a quality budget option

Swap shoes for boots

First, let's define why? It is easy to understand this with a simple example. Do you yourself change shoes for boots with the advent of winter? Of course yes. Because it's warmer, more comfortable, safer. That is, just as there is no universal pair of sandals, so there is no universal rubber.

Don't suffocate...

Same principle with a car. Different rubber has different properties, which manifest themselves depending on temperature regime. in the cold, they simply become dull, and as a result, at any moment the car can become completely uncontrollable.

Video on how to choose winter tires:

...and don't be shy

And in the manufacture of winter "shoes" manufacturers use a different chemical composition, which makes rubber resistant to low temperatures. At the same time, even at a light positive temperature, it loses strength and literally “deflates”. In addition, winter and summer tires differ in tread pattern.

Not two, but ... five!

When you are looking for good inexpensive winter tires, you may be offered to save money on the number of tires. For example, install new tires. But judge for yourself. If, for example, you are skidded or start to turn around on an icy “glass”, then in order to cope with such a situation, to resist centrifugal force, you need to use all four wheels. Do you still need to buy four tires? No. The correct answer is five, because your winter spare should be from the same "dough" as the working tires.

Top 10 best winter tires

And how to choose a decent tire model? Based on the opinions of experts and feedback from motorists, a rating of the "top 10 best winter tires" was compiled, which have been selling well for several seasons in a row. So, how were the sympathies of the drivers distributed?

Maxxis MA-STL - 10th place

This is a model. Its indisputable advantage is the price. For one tire of radius No. 13 in retail, they ask from 1,500 rubles. She behaves well in snowy weather, but, admittedly, she copes with large snowdrifts with difficulty. Maxxis MA-STL was only in tenth place due to a number of nuances. The tires are hard, “buzz” and duplicate the pits on the road. Also, this rubber does not differ in particular dynamism - it starts off, accelerates and slows down very mediocrely.

Toyo Snowprox S94I - 9th place

Inexpensive Japanese tires. Designed for middle class cars. They cope well with snow porridge and are not afraid of uncleared roads. The composition of rubber includes silicone, which does not allow the tire to tan. For one such wheel, they ask an average of 1600 rubles.

Kleber Kris alp HP - 8th place

Kleber is a subsidiary of the famous Michelin premium tire manufacturer. Kleber uses technologies and materials similar to Michelin to manufacture its products, but these tires will be much cheaper than VIP ones. For example, there is an inexpensive winter model without studs Kris alp HP. It was created for representative, but it costs - from 1700 rubles.

Hankook Winter I Cept W605- 7th place

The seventh in this race came Hankook. She represents winter tires I Cept W605. The average cost is 1800–2000 rubles. In the manufacture of this rubber, materials containing silicon were used, which made it possible to achieve good grip, elasticity and traction.

Amtel Nordmaster ST - 6th place

Optimal combination of price and quality. A unique tread pattern, four rows of studs and a reinforced lip are the secret to excellent grip from the Amtel Nordmaster ST. On average, one tire will cost about 2000 rubles.

Cordiant Polar 2 - 5th place

Also Russian tires. This model features an unusual "curly" groove in the tread. Stability is increased due to additional lamellas. Four rows of anti-slip studs guarantee good grip. The average cost is 2000 rubles.

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01 - 4th place

When choosing good inexpensive winter tires, pay attention to the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01. These are solid Japanese tires with cross studs. "Crosses" give maximum grip during icy conditions. This model outperformed the popular Ice Cruiser, reducing the braking distance by 9% during tests. It is important that the Japanese developed this type of tire specifically for our roads, taking into account all the features and nuances. At the same time, it is interesting that back in 2013 Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01 occupied the seventh step. The average cost of a tire is about 3000 rubles.

Continental ContiIce Contact - 3rd place

This is a German brand. A model for those who want to achieve excellent cross-country ability and easy handling in any weather. On such tires, neither rain nor snow is terrible. It goes smoothly: you may not even notice that you drove through an icy area. It was specially developed for operation in countries with severe winters. Moreover, this model is applicable for both SUVs and for. Cost - from 2000 rubles.

Nokian Nordman 4 - 2nd place

In second place is also the Russian tire. Nokian Nordman 4 - relatively inexpensive winter tires (average 3000 per wheel). Its “trick” is that each of the spikes is “supported” by a special pillow. This makes the tires more elastic and softer for the driver.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 - 1st place

So, the leader of the tire race. In the first place are tires from Finland. The model is reinforced with additional spikes. The wheel itself has become lighter, and the clutch is just a sin to complain about. The blocks in the tread are closely intertwined with each other, the sipes have become more “grooved” and more than ever able to grip the snow. The average cost is 3000 rubles.

Security drawing

We have already mentioned the importance of tread pattern when choosing tires several times. So what does he change? By choosing the right pattern, you have automatically selected tires that will perform best on the road in your region, with all its features. After all, on different surfaces, the functions of rubber vary. For example, in snow it is important that the wheels do not slip and brake well, literally grow together with the road. In slush - the main thing is to avoid drifts. In dry weather, you need good grip.

Off-road tires

In order not to miscalculate and buy a good one, it is important to have an idea for what tasks the tires are “sharpened”. For example, there is "off-road winter". In such tires, the pattern is made in the form of separate patterns (up to 10 mm high), which are placed at a decent distance from each other and in most cases are made in the form of snowflakes and rhombuses. You can safely buy this rubber if you live in a snowy area or often ride in "porridge". Such tires do not care about snowdrifts.

Excellent cross-country ability, but on a dry road you will encounter the fact that it will "sound", and also, possibly, the braking efficiency will increase and be reduced.

Such a Eurowinter

Another model is the "European winter". These are tires that allow you to drive even in winter. The drawing here is made in low elements - no more than 7 mm. But “European” tires are suitable only for dry and very well-groomed roads ... Therefore, it is unlikely that such tires will soon be in demand on the domestic market.

Asymmetry on the tread

Another option is tires with an asymmetric tread pattern. The drawing is divided longitudinally into two components. One of them looks traditional and is responsible for the quality of the clutch. The other - as in the case of "off-road winter", allows you to confidently steer in the snow and slush.

This proposal in our market is relatively new and motorists are still skeptical about it. Like, such a “half-hearted” solution does not allow to fully implement any of the specified functions ... There is also an opinion that asymmetry is still a good option as a replacement for the classic version of tires. But for double functionality you will have to pay more.

Classic, sir

But what about the Winter Classic itself? These are traditional - 8 mm, medium gaps between elements, wide grooves. The best option for motorists who drive according to the principle: "You go quieter - you will continue." "Classic" assumes safe winter driving, without snow extreme and recklessness. And here is a surprise for those who need inexpensive winter tires. Such tires are cheaper than their "brothers" and at the same time much more durable.

Drive in winter

And finally, it really depends a lot on technical condition your car, but not in everything. Even if you are driving on brand new tires, do not lose vigilance. In winter, it is unacceptable to adhere to the summer driving style. This is not the time for recklessness, so increase your distance to nearest car and reduce your movement speed by at least 20%.

Car owners know that winter tires are a guarantee safe movement during the winter season. Her choice should be treated very responsibly. Select suitable rubber help you helpful tips presented in the article, as well as our rating winter tires 2020 with prices and characteristics of all models.

New 2020

Every year, more and more new products appear among car accessories. So, among the latest new models of winter tires are:

• Non-studded Bridgestone tires Blizzak WS90

The release date for the Russian market and outside North America is not yet known.

According to the manufacturer, Bridgestone tires have incorporated best innovation for winter tires: the ability to brake on ice has been improved, the tires have good elasticity compared to the previous model, and by the way, it does not change even at very low temperatures. The tires maintain a constant level of grip, easily adapting to any road surface.

Another advantage of the new innovative tread design: circumferential bulges in the form of grooves are directed along the pattern. Thanks to this, the tires do an excellent job of draining water. Improved rain and winter performance performance, improved handling on wet or snow-covered roads.

• Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

This is another novelty from Bridgestone for bulky cars (SUVs).

The manufacturer assures that tires are a guarantee of safe driving, even in the most unpredictable conditions.

This is achieved due to the special directionality of the tread pattern, as well as due to the unique rubber compound created using nanotechnology.

These tires are expected to replace the Blizzak LM001 Evo, as well as the LM001, LM80 and LM80 Evo models.

The model is sold in 116 sizes with bore diameters from 14 to 22 inches, but we also expect 2020 The assortment will be replenished with another 40 standard sizes.

Price - from 11100 rub. for R19.

• Ice Contact 3

New Ice tires Contact 3 are designed for bulky and passenger cars. Will be sold in sizes with unique rubberized spikes contiflex, and also in the size of 14-16 inches - with standard spikes. Tire radii with R14 - R20.

Advantages and benefits: excellent grip on ice, important for winter driving; improved control system in snowy areas and in slush conditions; the revolutionary technology ContiFlexStud ™ is applied.

Price R15 - from 5100-5500 rub.

• Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03

These are studded tires - a Japanese novelty developed in the design center Sumitomo Rubber Industries. Most likely it will replace the model of past ratings - Dunlop SP Winter Ice 02 due to a number of its improvements.

The most noticeable difference is in braking on ice and handling on snow.

The developer has also optimized the tread pattern to reduce extraneous noise which is a definite plus. Price R15 - from 8000 rubles. Available radii from R14 to R20.

• WinterCraft ice Wi31

Tires are represented by two hundred spikes instead of one hundred and fifty. Studs are used in the tires of the Wi31 model Scason Turbine (Finland) High Quality. The special design of the area around the spikes speeds up the removal of snow and mud. The core has become wider by more than 8%. The level of comfort in city driving is more than high, and the noise level is lower.

R15 cost - from 4100 rub. Sold in radius R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19.

In 2020, other well-known novelties will also be available for purchase, such as Goodyear UltraGrip Cargo, Nexen Winguard Snow’G 3, Nokian WR Snowproof, Pirelli Ice Zero 2 other.

Well, we'll take a closer look Most Popular tires of the past and the coming year.

How to choose winter tires

Winter tires, unlike summer tires, are specially adapted to low temperatures, high loads and driving on snowy and icy roads. They are subdivided into studded, equipped with special metal inserts (spikes) and non-studded (tires - Velcro).

Studded tires

In our country the most popular are studded tires. They are distinguished by an average hardness of rubber and the presence of special inserts (studs) made of durable alloys.

Studded tires are great for icy, snow-covered and snow-packed road. It can be used for both city driving and country driving.

Design features of tires the following:

• tire material - medium hardness;
• the presence of metal spikes - the protrusion, as a rule, is 1.2 - 2.3 mm;
• the presence of zigzag lamellae, providing strong grip and stability.
• sinuous, wavy tread pattern.

In studded samples, it can be noted the following benefits:

1. excellent grip on snowy and icy road sections;
2. good braking performance.

The disadvantages are:

1. rubber noise while driving;
2. negative impact on the roadway;
3. slight increase in fuel consumption.

Non-studded tires

Non-studded samples in our country are used much less frequently, due to the impossibility of their use in the harsh Russian winters.

Velcro are used mainly for the city, providing excellent maneuverability and speed of movement, which is clearly an advantage over studded counterparts.

These tires are equipped lamellas attached to the outside of the tire to improve traction. The thicker the lamella, the better the grip - it's simple.

Tires are divided into two kinds:

• Scandinavian- used for driving on snowy and ice-covered roads. They are made from soft rubber and are supplied with drainage channels and flexible lamellae. Tread Height - no more than 8 mm, it is performed in the form of rectangles and rhombuses. They are mainly used in changeable weather conditions. Suitable for the southern and some central regions of the country.
• European- are used exclusively within the city at low negative temperatures. They are distinguished by a network of drainage channels on the tread and powerful lugs. They provide reliable grip on wet or sleet-covered trails, but are not suitable for snowy and icy areas. They have a good effect on the maneuverability of the car, they are quiet.

Advantages of rubber - Velcro:

1. great for dry driving wet asphalt.
2. do not reduce control vehicle;
3. tire material does not lose its properties at high temperatures.
4. practically do not make noise;
5. do not damage the road surface.

The disadvantages of this type include:

1. inability to use on heavily icy roads
2. long stopping distance on ice;
3. patency on snow is lower than that of studded samples.

Selection rules

To choose the right winter tires, you need to rely on:

• vehicle operating conditions— road and climatic;
• your driving style;
• tire manufacturer- it is better to opt for proven brands;
• tire lifespan- the tire cannot be stored for more than 5 years;
• Availability at the seller relevant certificates for products.

Service life of branded winter tires is maximum 5-6 seasons, and her Chinese analogue - 2-3. The tests carried out show that even after one season of operation, braking properties tires are shrinking by at least 10%.

So in any case, it is better to buy new tires, albeit cheaper than buying used ones.

Winter tire rating 2020

When choosing winter tires, you should not rely only on price and choose the cheapest option. Good tires can't be very cheap. However, quality does not always come at a high price. Often you can find reliable budget options. Our rankings of the best winter tires 2020 feature only the best, proven models in various price categories.

Studded tire rating

T top 10 best winter studded tires:

1. Top best winter studded tires open Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7- it's not enough to say that rubber can withstand almost any low temperature without becoming hard, in addition, the spikes have an unusual shape - a rhombus with beveled-pointed corners. This structure allowed to improve the lateral grip with the track and improve the stability of the ride on it. In addition, tires are almost silent, due to the use of proprietary technology Air Claw Technology- in particular, due to the air dampers of the tread. Feedback from car owners on Nokian is only the best. The cost of the model starts from the mark in 3300 rub. for radius 13, R14 will cost 4300 rubles, and R17 is already almost 8700.
2. Nokian Nordman 7- Tires feature a radial design. They are equipped with spikes and are tubeless models, which makes them ideal for driving on snow and ice both outside the city and within the city. The line consists of models with sizes 13 to 17 inches, price for R17 starts from 7500 rub.
3. Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02 SUV- differ in the most frequent arrangement of spikes, which ensures reliable. The tread uses a new directional spike with a strong hold. The sidewalls of the tire are reinforced for wear resistance. The cost for R17 starts from the mark in 10000 rub., available in various sizes: from R15 to R20.
4. Continental Ice Contact 2- are distinguished by asymmetric lines on the tread, which helps to save fuel, improve the car's maneuverability on ice, and also allows the car to move smoothly from the start. The studded elements are very close to each other, which ensures good grip on the track. Price for size R17 starts from 12500 r.
5. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic - Designed specifically for use in the northern territories and off-road driving. The structure of the tread allows you to achieve excellent adhesion to the road for the car, while minimally affecting acceleration and minimizing the braking distance. Produced in radius R15, R16, R17, R18. Price varies from 4500 to 11000 rubles.
6. Yokohama Ice Guard IG65- the model can hardly be called a novelty, but one of the best in the class is definitely possible. In the model, deep furrows and grooves are intertwined in a symmetrically directed pattern against the movement of the car, which allows self-cleaning of snow. The tire is quite thick, can withstand the load from 650 to 1250 kg and ensures a quiet ride. Available in sizes R16, R17, R18. Price starts from 6000 r.
7. Pirelli Ice Zero– the manufacturer positions them as solutions for cars premium, where they are among the most efficient and cheapest. A feature of tires is that they are able to provide fast acceleration and good resistance on ice, as well as minimize skidding when cornering when driving fast. From design features it is worth highlighting that the lamellas are located on increased frequency which improves road holding. The cost of the model 3500 r. for R15.
8. Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02 XL- specially designed for driving on wet asphalt and snowy roads. This model may well lead the rating of winter tires for crossovers and compact SUVs. The tread pattern of this rubber is symmetrically directed, the drainage grooves are placed against the movement. This rubber is available in radii R15, R16, R17, R18, R19, R20. Price starts at 7650 rubles per radius R17.
9. Michelin X Ice North 4 — this model is a continuation of the previous generation. V updated version, the tire has become much faster to slow down the car (by 10%). Improvements can also be seen in the redesigned groove shape, which improves maneuverability on ice. Tire prices vary from 4100 r. depending on wheel diameter. Available for radius R14, R15, R16 and R17.
10. Winter studded tire rating completes Kama Euro 519. Tires are developed according to Finnish technology Irbis. Equipped with studs 2.45 mm. Features a two-layer tread. The bottom layer of the tire is hard, the top layer is softer, able to adapt to the type of roadway. Customer reviews speak of not the best car handling, but they note its excellent braking properties. The cost of the model starts from 2400 r. for 14 radius.

Rating of non-studded tires

1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 ready for all weather conditions due to the special rubber formula that does not harden even in the most extreme temperatures below zero. The structure of the tires includes unique three-dimensional zigzag-like sipes that themselves remove mud, snow and water, due to which the model behaves perfectly on loose snow. Price starts from 3500 rubles for R14, from 6000 rubles. for R16 and from 8000-9000 rubles. for 17 radius.
2. Goodyear Ultragrip Ice 2- allow you to drive both on clean ice and on large snowdrifts. Ultragrip Ice 2 is produced from a cryo-adaptive composition, which allows the tire not to lose its qualities when the temperature drops down to - 50 degrees Celsius. Available in sizes from 13 to 19 inches. For example, R17 will cost from 7600 to 8500 r.
3. Continental ContiVikingContact 6 — allow you to quickly start and slow down, demonstrate excellent handling on packed snow. Differ asymmetrical pattern tread in the form of rhombuses. Available in sizes 14 to 19 inches. R14 can be purchased from and 4700 rubles, and R17 - for 8000.
4. Pirelli Ice Zero Fr — allow you to quickly start on a snowy road without losing maneuverability. Great for snowy and icy roads. It is not recommended to use the model on dry pavement - model tests, as well as driver reviews, indicate rapid abrasion on a dry surface. The peculiarity of this model lies in the special formula and the large thickness of the rubber. Price Ice Zero in the area from 3000 to 9000 r.
5. Michelin X ice 3- different interesting feature- deform both from the load and from the temperature, but deform within the specified limits, which allows the tire to adapt to different tracks and better stabilize the ride on ice and snow. The sipes on the treads are Z-shaped with sharp edges, which helps to get out of the water porridge with snow. Price starts at 3100 r. for R14, R15 will cost 5300, R16 - at 7000, R17 - at 9,500 rubles.
6. Bridgestone Blizzak DM - are distinguished by the presence of two layers, which makes the model very strong. These are one of the few tires that were specially designed for Russian weather conditions. Included in many ratings of winter tires for SUVs and crossovers. Available in diameters from 15 to 20 inches, the price of R17 is 10,000 rubles. Their reviews are the best, according to data from popular Internet portals.
7. Hankook Winter icept iZ2- have a wedge-shaped tread pattern, which allows you not to lose control of the car even on snowy roads. Suitable for both ordinary cars and large SUVs. The cost is relatively low - R17 can be purchased for 6300 rubles
8. Barum Polaris 5- they are distinguished by a low price, covering minor functional flaws. The model was designed by Continental engineers. A feature of the treads is the specific arrangement of the annular channels, which evenly diverge into small grooves towards the central part of the tire, which allows you to quickly self-clean from snow, debris and provide good grip on the road. Among the budget options in 2020, these tires will be among the best. Prices start at 2300 rubles for R13, from 3500 for R16 and 4000-4500 for R17.
9. Bridgestone Blizzak VRX- feel confident even on fairly snowy roads. Prices for R16 approx. 6300, and for R17 - 8800.
10. Yokohama Ice Guard IG50- if the version of tires with spikes is fixed in the middle of the rating, then the model of Velcro tires is somewhat inferior. Tires are equipped with grooves for the removal of snow and water, are not afraid of low temperatures and provide excellent maneuverability. Available in sizes from 12 to 20 inches, the price of R17 in stores is 6200 rubles.

A test review of winter tires is presented below.

author

For 15 years I have been repairing various types of cars, including brands such as VAZ, UAZ, Chevrolet, Mazda, Kia and many others. Everything related to the box, engine or chassis. You can write me your question below in the comments and I will try to answer it in detail.