If you have already thought about what to put on your car for the winter, we will tell you about the trends of this season, help you with the choice and guide you in understanding the issue. So, winter tires are a way to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Winter tires: what? where? when?

Tires are one of the main and constant expenses for car maintenance, and if you still do not understand what winter tires are, we will try to get to the bottom of it.

Winter tires are car tires that are specially designed for operation in the cold season at temperatures not exceeding +7°C. And what is the difference between winter tires and summer tires, and how fundamental is this difference?

Winter tires will help your car to winter without excesses

It is believed that the main difference winter tires from summer is the tread pattern, but in fact this is not the most important difference. From childhood, you must remember what happened to an ordinary eraser in the cold - it literally broke and crumbled. In other words, rubber is a material that loses its properties (in this case, elasticity) at low temperatures. That is why modern car tire manufacturers use all their experience to invent rubber chemistries that would be "sharpened" for a particular season, a particular temperature range.

When to change and buy winter tires

Legislatively, the time for changing summer tires to winter tires in our country is not specified. In principle, in Russia, no one forbids driving in severe frosts on summer tires, so if you don’t care about your own life from a high bell tower, you can close this page, forget about the existence of winter tires and continue your suicide race.

The majority of car owners know that the car should be “changed shoes” when the thermometers sleepily crawl up to + 5 ° C, and the temperature continues to fall every day, like the ruble exchange rate against the backdrop of news from the Persian Gulf countries. If we talk about it in terms of calendar measures, then this is October-November.

As for the purchase of winter tires, it is important to remember that the sled needs to be prepared in the summer. Summer prices will pleasantly surprise you. And then it will take you no more than half an hour to change summer wheels for a prepared winter set.

Types of winter tires and their characteristics

The device of winter tires is quite complicated. Their main element is the tread, which is made of wear-resistant rubber. The base connects the tread to the inner layers of the tire and is responsible for reducing rolling resistance and reducing shock from bumps.

The steel cord works to increase tire shape stability, increase driving stability and increase mileage.

Beneath the steel cord is a pad made of textile cord to resist internal overpressure.

The tire bead is protected by a carcass made of special strips, which, in turn, are made from rubber.

The smoothness of depreciation, as well as the stability of handling, is ensured by the wing tape, which is soldered into the edge of the tire, closer to the wheel.

However, all these are just general characteristics that are inherent in all winter tires. We need to understand their main types in order to understand what our car will be shod with this winter.

Studded winter tires

This type of tire is designed for driving on icy roads. If you try to conquer the asphalt on spikes, know that your attempt is doomed in absentia to a complete failure. On paved road surfaces, the grip of studded tires leaves much to be desired.

Studded tires designed for icy roads

Studded tires have an extremely negative effect on the road surface, increasing its wear and tear in just one winter by 5-8 times. Despite this, about 70% of Russian car owners prefer this particular type of tire.

On such a surface you can only drive on studded tires

For those who decide to purchase "studs", it will be useful to know that such tires need to be run in before serious loads, which will allow the studs to grind and secure them in the tread. For the first 500 or 1 thousand kilometers, try not to reach a speed of more than 80 km / h and exclude emergency braking from the “diet” of your car.

Advantages and disadvantages of studded tires

pros	Minuses
Studs work great on snowy and icy roads	Wet road crosses out everything positive traits studded rubber. On wet and dry pavement, studs significantly lengthen the braking distance and reduce skid resistance. In loose snow, as well as on a swampy primer, studded tires “dig in” the car more quickly and can even put it “on the belly”.
The braking distance on ice for a studded tire is much shorter than for a “smooth” one.	Ride comfort is reduced by the noisiness of studded tires
	Studs destroy the pavement (in some countries, for this reason, studded tires are illegal)
	Such tires, albeit slightly, but still increase fuel consumption.

Non-studded winter tires

Studless rubber is divided into European and Scandinavian classes. The first was developed in order to provide the best grip on wet or wet snow-covered roads. The main feature of such tires is a network of drainage channels on the tread and powerful lugs on it.

Non-studded winter tires are great for wet snow.

The Scandinavian class of winter tires was developed for roads that winter hides under the snow. They are perfect for Russia. The flattened tread pattern, consisting of rectangles and diamonds, provides perfect grip on icy or snowy tracks.

Colored markings on tires

Each tire manufacturer puts labels on their products that are designed to guide you when installing tires. After installation, the mark should be located next to the nipple. By the way, this is a great way to check the qualifications of the tire fitting workers where you are serviced. The nuance of color marks should be known to every professional.

Tire and ABS connection: a problem that does not exist

The bulk modern cars equipped anti-lock braking system, which is often referred to as an "electronic collar". That is why you should not be surprised that many foreign tire manufacturers focus their products specifically on cars with electronic systems. For example, if vehicle equipped with a stability control system, then when cornering best result will be achieved if the tire tread is cut with longitudinal lamellae. The same is true for ABS. If the slip ratio of the tires is less than 10%, the tires with longitudinal grooves will have a significantly higher ratio with the road surface than tires with transverse "grooving", which can be called classic. In the event that there is no anti-lock braking system, then the situation is exactly the opposite - it is the transverse sipes that work best when blocking the wheels.

Thus, the designers of modern tires are wondering how to find a compromise between the properties of tires with or without electronic systems. The trend of the last decade is such that preference is most often given to qualities that appear only if there is ABS and exchange rate stability systems.

And what about those who drive a car without ABS? Always use the intermittent braking method? This is hardly an effective solution, because tires designed for cars equipped with ABS will not brake better from this. The thing is that ensuring a constant slippage coefficient within 10-15 percent is simply impossible for a person. It's the same as if a person were able to provide the frequency of impact on the brake pedal, which is capable of anti-lock braking system - up to 15 brake strokes per second. Therefore, the only way out is to select “shoes” for your car, which would be ideal for cars without electronic systems.

At first glance, all this may seem insignificant and petty, but the difference in braking distance between tires that are designed for cars with ABS, and tires that are able to show good results with a high slip coefficient, can reach 10 or even 15 percent. If we translate these figures into more familiar values ​​for us, it turns out that when braking to the floor at a speed of 50 km / h with ABS, the difference can be almost 10 meters. Do you still think these are small things?

We will try to sort out some tire models that are very popular among drivers. And we will do this on an unobvious basis - along the braking distance that a car passes without an anti-lock braking system.

Best winter tires 2011 - 2012

Picture	brand
	Tires first Michelin X-Ice North, the soft composition of the rubber compound of which and the presence of a large number of transverse sipes make braking as effective as possible. Even if the wheels are completely blocked, these tires provide an acceptable stopping distance.
	Second place went to tires Goodyear Ultra Grip, which demonstrate good braking qualities both when the wheels are completely blocked, and on the verge of blocking. One of the good things about Goodyear winter tires is that the driver can quite easily feel when the wheels start to lock up and apply intermittent braking. These tires are the best option for those drivers who know how to intermittent braking on vehicles without ABS.
	Third place went to domestic tires Amtel Nordmaster . Apparently, the designers of these tires took into account the fact that the majority of cars in Russia are not equipped with an anti-lock braking system. That is why these tires allow you to feel the moment of locking the wheels well.
	Tires are in fourth place. Nokian Hakkapeliitta, which slow down well with “skid”, but the moment the blocking starts is felt on them, to be honest, it doesn’t matter. This greatly complicates the application of the intermittent braking method. However, on a car equipped with ABS, these tires perform just fine.
	TOP-5 close tires Continental ContiWinterViking, which are ideally focused on "electronic assistants".

Specific brands of tires were not specifically indicated, because the problem of the behavior of one or another rubber on cars without ABS can be called more ideological than technological. That is why all manufacturers choose their own strategy: Continental is focusing on vehicles with “ electronic assistants”, Michelin prioritizes balance of performance, Nokian relies on… unpredictability.

Ways to save money on winter tires

Illiterate economy

Use of summer tires in winter.
There is, by and large, nothing to talk about. Driving in icy conditions on summer tires is an unjustified and at the same time deadly risk.

Used winter tires.
50% worn winter tires, despite the fact that they look like new, do not have the qualities that are characteristic of high-quality tires for driving in winter. Considering that you will be able to use such a “beushka” for no longer than one season, then the savings in this case are a phantom that gave rise to your desire to save.

The service life of winter tires, as a rule, is no more than 2-4 seasons. It all depends on those thousands of kilometers that you had to measure the odometer of your car.

The use of "all season".
Immediately it is worth telling blindly believers that all-weather tires do not exist in nature. You should also be aware of the fact that there is only summer and winter tires, and "all season" is just a way to compromise. In the West, this compromise is quite justified, because the mild winter of Europe is far from the harsh climate of Russia, in which the annual temperature variation is something around 60 degrees. Are you really going to walk in the snow with flippers if there are skis in the corner?

Choose tires with the same tread to avoid skidding

Using an incomplete set.
If you don’t have enough money for four tires, and winter is already breathing down your neck, then buy ... four tires. In this case, the difference between two and four winter tires can cost you your life. And this is without exaggeration and unnecessary intimidation.

Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses states that a fine can be imposed on a car owner if studded and non-studded tires are installed on the car at the same time or different tires are on the same axle of the car.

Competent savings

You can save money on buying tires if you “play” with the sizes. Nobody tells you to drastically deviate from the recommendations that the car manufacturer gives regarding the tires used. But also don't take it literally. The cost of tires depends on such parameters as the landing diameter and profile.

In addition, pay attention to the tire speed index - the higher its value, the more "green American presidents" will move from your wallet to the seller's pocket. If you never drive faster than 150 km / h, there is no point in buying tires with a speed index higher than R.

Indices top speed tires

index	max speed km/h
F	80
G	90
J	100
K	110
L	120
M	130
N	140
P	150
Q	160
R	170
S	180
T	190
H	210
V	240
W	270
Y	300

How to choose the right winter tires

Manufacturer.
If you're aiming for quality, then immediately discard domestic tires, the quality of which, to put it mildly, is unstable. You should pay attention to the products of such famous brands as Nokian, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Gislaved or Michelin. If budget is important to you in the first place, then be prepared for the fact that such tires will have a rapid degree of wear. Domestic tires cost between 2-2.5 thousand rubles, while a product of overseas production will cost about 3.5-4.5 thousand rubles per wheel.

Tread pattern.
The choice of this parameter depends entirely on the conditions in which the vehicle is operated. If you are lucky enough to drive in the winter on a good road that is regularly cleaned, opt for small checkers. But in the event that you constantly have to conquer the Chomolungmas of snowdrifts, choose a more aggressive pattern.

Model age.
New models are definitely more expensive than old ones, but it is not necessary to abandon what was relevant a year ago. The only downside to older models is that if needed, you may find it difficult to find one tire to replace a failed one.

Planned mileage.
In the event that you know for sure that the car’s mileage for the season will be impressive, do not skimp on good tires, because the cheap ones will wear out quickly enough, and your savings will play into the box before you realize it.

The best manufacturers and brands of winter tires

Many publications carry out independent tests of winter tires, and if you compile their results, you get a good guide to choosing tires.

	Picture	brand
1		Nokian(minimum price 2.5 thousand rubles): excellent braking performance on icy roads, as well as unsurpassed vehicle control in all conditions.
2		Michelin(minimum price 3.2 thousand rubles): products of the highest quality, the company built a plant on the territory of the Russian Federation, which made it possible to significantly reduce prices.
3		Gislaved(minimum price 2.8 thousand rubles): winter tires of the series “ nord frost from this Swedish manufacturer.
4		Pirelli(minimum price 2.55 thousand rubles): a huge selection of standard sizes, low noise and high speed characteristics.
5		good year(minimum price 2.65 thousand rubles): a variety of technical characteristics and a wide range that allows you to choose tires for any car.
6		Dunlop(minimum price 2.65 thousand rubles): The British company Dunlop is the world's oldest tire manufacturer.
7		Vredestein(minimum price 1.5 thousand rubles): the most reliable grip on the roadway and comfort while driving.
8		Cordiant(minimum price 2.1 thousand rubles): excellent tires designed specifically for use on Russian roads.
9		Bridgestone(minimum price 2.8 thousand rubles): strong side cords make it possible to use tires on poor-quality road surfaces, and modern technologies are a guarantee of confident control over the car.
10		Hankook(minimum price 1.4 thousand rubles): tires from a Korean manufacturer provide fairly high quality at a relatively low price.
11		Kama(minimum price 1.5 thousand rubles): maximally adapted to harsh conditions Russian winter and domestic roads.

1. Nokian
2. Bridgestone
3. Michelin
4. Continental
5. good year
6. Vredestein

In the next article on winter tires, we will present an overview of the best tire models of this season. Don't switch!

With the end of summer, car owners face the question of the need to replace rubber. The most responsible motorists approach this issue in advance, without waiting for frosts and ice on the roads. But, choosing tires for the winter for your car, it is difficult to understand the many details that fall on the head of the owner.

It should be noted right away that there is no universal rubber that is suitable for all cars and drivers. There are many factors to consider when choosing winter tires.

Which winter tires should be chosen in certain options - detailed instructions on the example of typical situations.

Spikes or not?

Sooner or later, every car owner faces the question of whether to buy studded tires or choose Velcro. If you look at various automotive forums and sites, you can see the ongoing wars of supporters of both one and the second option. The answer to this question is simple and complex at the same time. It is simple because studded tires with a rough tread pattern are well suited for those regions where winter weather is usually dry and the road surface is densely packed ice. But at the same time, when driving, such tires make more noise.

If there is slush on the roads in winter, the spikes do not provide sufficient grip of the car with the road. Also studded tires the best choice when driving in winter on clean asphalt. Spikes are not recommended for those who like to drive their cars.

Non-studded tires are an alternative to studded tires.

Winter non-studded tires are represented by two types:

• European tires;
• Scandinavian tyres.

The difference between these types of tires lies in the characteristics of the weather conditions that the driver faces on the road in winter.

In the first case, tires are designed to grip the road surface in bad weather conditions (rain, sleet). European type winter tires allow you to ride on high speeds. There are four speed indices for it: W (270 km/h), V (240 km/h), H (210 km/h) and T (190 km/h).

But such tires perform poorly when driving on ice or packed snow. Fans of dynamic driving need to remember that on slippery surfaces you need to be especially careful when riding on these tires. It is also not recommended to use this rubber when driving in warm weather, as high temperatures impair the braking performance of these tires.

In the second case, optimal wheel traction is ensured on an icy road and a road surface with snow crust. Due soft rubber tires of this type feel good at very low temperatures.

But when using such tires, it is necessary to abandon the aggressive driving style: sudden braking and rebuilding or steep cornering.

Importance of tread pattern

In a store from one manufacturer, several models of winter tires are presented and, in addition to the presence of spikes, it differs in a different tread pattern. This is due to the fact that on different roads tires perform different functions, which is reflected in the nature of the tread pattern:

• if the car is moving on a road with a good layer of packed snow, then it is necessary that the wheels provide good braking and no slippage when driving. To do this, the tires should "bite" into the snow as much as possible. In this case, winter tires are required, the tread of which consists of separate diamonds, cubes, snowflakes, which are separated from each other by sufficiently large gaps;
• when driving on a road on which snow porridge lies, the removal of water and snow from under the wheels and resistance to drifts come to the fore;
• if you are driving on dry pavement in cold weather, the tires require maximum grip.

Read tire labels correctly

The tire manufacturer puts on it all the properties that are important for the consumer, you just need to know how to read them. With this knowledge, the process of choosing winter tires for your needs can be minimized.

When inspecting the surface of a winter tire before buying, you can get the following information:

1. Manufacturing date. Designated as four digits on the sidewall of the tire (the first two digits indicate the week of the year, the second two indicate the year of manufacture).
2. Wear resistance. On the surface of the tire is indicated by the inscription Treadwear and is measured in units. Standard wear resistance - 100 units, which is enough for 48,000 km (average mileage per season).
3. Speed ​​index. It is encrypted with the letters of the English alphabet - from N (140 km / h) to ZR (above 240 km / h). For those who are interested in driving speed and such an indicator as low wear, it is best to take tires with the S marking.
4. Load indicator. At its core, it means how much weight is on each wheel. According to experts, this index should be within 30-35 percent of the curb weight of the car.
5. Tire type. Winter tires must be marked M+S (Mud + Snow) and/or Winter, meaning "mud and snow" and/or "winter". You should be very careful when choosing tires marked All season - "All-weather" or All weather - "All-weather". A number of manufacturers produce tires with similar markings for countries with a warm climate, where the temperature drops only to zero in winter.
6. Certification. Compliance with the quality of rubber to the requirements of the European Union is indicated by the letter E, and to the requirements of the USA - DOT. On some tires you can find both of these markings.

Additionally, signs such as wet grip (from A to G), fuel efficiency (from A to G), as well as acoustic comfort (1 bar - optimal level, 3 bars - poor) are marked. It is also worth recalling that professional off-road and racing tires are not marked, as are welded, studded and some other types. This should be taken into account when buying.

Regardless of which winter tires the owner of the car chooses, you need to remember some simple rules.

1. Change summer tires necessary on all wheels at once, installing the same type of winter tires.
2. You can not pull with the replacement of tires. As soon as the air temperature drops to plus 5 degrees, you can safely go and change your car's shoes into a winter set of tires.
3. In winter, you should be more careful on the roads and, if possible, avoid an aggressive driving style.
4. If the car is wearing studded tires, then you should be especially careful when driving on bare asphalt, it is recommended to reduce your speed limit.

And perhaps the most main criterion when choosing winter tires - quality. It is necessary that the seller guarantees that the tires available to him correspond to the declared properties.

Winter is coming, which means it's time to think about "shoes" for your car. The modern market is ready to offer motorists a lot of different new products. Sometimes it can be very difficult to find something suitable. Let's try to understand a little the nuances and consider the rating of the best winter shingles for almost all types of cars.

Why do you need good tires?

Let's take a simple example. In order to stop a car on a mirror of ice at a speed of 50 km / h with studded tires, you need about 30 meters, for Chinese rubber it will be 20 meters more.

Here, even the accuracy of driving will not save - you either need to move at a lower speed, or have the gift of foresight in order to know exactly when pedestrians will start crossing the street or the traffic light will turn red. Naturally, both the first method and the second are not real. Therefore, the purchase of good tires is a must.

One more example. This is the time with which this hypothetical track on ice will be completed. Many will say that they are not racers. And so, when testing winter tires on good tires, the driver drives through the track in 48 seconds, and on bad tires in 71 seconds. This says that in the second case, you need to go slower in order to prevent skidding or something else. It's nerves, tension, uncertainty. Winter is already a huge stress for people, and then the road will make you nervous.

One more note

The automotive rubber industry is developing at a fantastic pace. 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 the once good and technologically advanced tires are in last place today. Prices that are higher each year than the previous year are technology fees.

All these conclusions are made on the basis of the tests carried out. So, experts from Finland have tested a lot of tires at a test site located beyond the Arctic Circle. They are the real authorities in the selection of rubber. Their tests are published in the best and most famous automotive magazines. This season they also tested 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. The rubber has a boot index of 94T. In the test, this product scored 8.2 points.

The product is well balanced. They showed overall good results at almost all stages of the audit. This model has excellent performance when driving on snow and ice. The tires also work great. wet pavement. The engineers did a great job, but they still managed to come up with a great solution. In addition, this model is characterized by low noise. Therefore, this rubber knowingly got into the rating of winter tires without studs 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 great on how many surfaces and managed to get around even some studded models. However, with all the advantages, there are also disadvantages, because without them it is impossible. These tires from Finnish engineers do not behave well on a wet track. One can draw a simple conclusion that it is difficult to be the best everywhere. During the test, the tires also scored 8.2 points.

3rd place - Continental ContiViking Contact 6

This product of the German company also has a load of 94T. The novelty almost immediately got to the test, losing only a little to the other two contenders. Here we have good performance when driving on snow, but if suddenly wet asphalt, 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 non-studded tires on both snow and ice. On asphalt, the product of the French specialists is not too strong. However, it all depends traffic situation. During testing, low noise was revealed, 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 the Chinese quality. Despite the origin, they could not become the best, but they worked very smoothly in all tests. There were no surprises here. This option managed to outperform most non-studded tires on both snowy and wet roads. Noise and rolling resistance - average. This is a decent choice at decent prices.

6th place - Bidgestone Blizzak WS70

In sixth place is Japan. The indexes are 94T. More recently, the products of this company were considered the leader in their class, but this time - the average level. Here, the experts found effective braking, but the level of lateral grip is very average.

Most of all, the experts did not like skidding on wet roads. They are practically silent, but the level of rolling resistance is high.

7th place - Pirelli WInter Ice Control

This is China with indexes in 94T. On the snow, they show an excellent level. They would be in the winter rating. They are able to accelerate quickly and brake perfectly. But on the ice - for a 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

With speed and load indexes in 91H. These are inexpensive Chinese winter tires, the rating showed that they managed to stand on a par with more famous brands. On the ice 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. Experts note a little nervousness when the tires are at their grip limit. The Chinese product has little resistance to rolling, and there is a lot of noise from them.

9th place - Dunlop SP ice Sport

German quality. Indices - 91T. They were able to surprise with a frankly weak level of grip on the ice surface.

However, the same model, but with spikes, practically topped the rating of winter

There were complaints about everything - they accelerate poorly, respond poorly to control, and also brake poorly. In the snow everything is fine. On wet pavement - excellent. Good directional stability, but tires make the loudest noise.

10th place - Vredstein Nord-Trac 2

These tires are made in the Netherlands. They behave much better than the previous ones on ice. But when the experts decided to accelerate on them, they replaced the weak grip indicators. They work well on wet roads, but directional stability is very upsetting.

Worst winter tires - 2015 season ranking

The Chinese Sunny SnowMaster SN3830 became the worst. They may be suitable for the European winter, but they are not suitable for Russian roads at all. Disgustingly, they showed themselves both on ice and on snow. On wet roads - they are not so bad. But for our region, this is not enough.

Studded tires

We will not look at all studded winter tires, the rating has highlighted only the best.

So, in the first place - "Nokian Happelitta" 8. Indices - 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 studded tire rating proved it).

In last place again are the Chinese Sunny SN 3860. According to many characteristics, they are suitable for Europe. They are distinguished by good grip, handling in asphalt conditions. Snow and ice are far from their element.

New generation winter tires for SUVs

It is known that they have a more durable side part. And they have a completely different tread pattern. In addition, these tires have larger side grips. For crossovers, which are city cars with increased ground clearance, you can use ordinary car tires. Another aspect that owners of parquet SUVs should definitely 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 of winter tires for SUVs

In 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 technologies and innovations, modern and improved tread, rubber composition - all this allows the tire to receive excellent result s on any surfaces.

Among the advantages of the tire, a special studding technology is distinguished. Rubber stands out from the mass of others with strong grip on any surface, and the braking distance is quite short. The tire handles well and is highly stable on all types of surfaces. Aramid fibers in the carcass give the side section extra strength. The spikes do not harm the road surface. The cover is very quiet. These are the best winter ones. The rating proves it.

Next comes the production of the company "Michelin X Ice North" of the 3rd generation. The French offer our motorists the most optimal tires for light crossovers. There are many modern and unique technologies. So, they distinguish a “smart spike”, a modern and technological tread pattern, a new mixture. All this gives the tire a lot of advantages over products from other manufacturers.

After optimizing and refining the spikes, the engineers managed to achieve a significant reduction in the braking distance on slippery surfaces. The rubber also stands out for its excellent snow handling characteristics. Snow grip is also very good. Excellent winter tires, the rating is a well-deserved second place.

Another model from the manufacturer "Toyo". This is an Observe G3-ice. The tire is designed specifically for light crossovers. The Japanese manufacturer used a new super-technological mixture, as well as natural walnut shell micro spikes. According to the manufacturer, riding them is completely safe in any weather and road conditions. These are real winter tires for a crossover. Rating - third place.

The Italians presented the Pirelli Winter ice Zero model for this season. This rubber from a well-known manufacturer is applicable for 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, the fifth place among studded tires. This is a Bridgestone 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 all conditions, good comfort and a high level of safety.

Non-studded winter tires for a crossover: rating

Finland is in the lead here. Nokian has prepared a unique model for this season.

This is the "Happelitta" R2 SUV. The tire is suitable not only for SUVs. It will also work great for off-road car. Thanks to special technologies, the manufacturer managed to improve the effect of movement on ice and snow surfaces. The tire rides even better than the studded representatives.

Manufacturers of winter tires are well prepared for the winter. The rating allows you to evaluate the models, their qualities and characteristics. Perhaps it will be very useful to those who choose their tires for the winter.

So, we found out what are the best winter tires you can buy for your car. We hope this article has helped you make your choice. Good luck on the roads!

We list the advantages of the model, which allowed it to take a worthy third place in our rating of winter studded tires.

Let's start with the tread pattern. Compared to the NH 7, it received deeper drainage and open shoulder areas, which increased the tire's resistance to water and splashplaning. The blocks located in the central area of ​​the tire are firmly interconnected - this is done to increase the rigidity of the rubber and the ability to confidently overcome dry sections of winter roads.

A large number of self-locking three-dimensional sipes located on the shoulder areas of the tread improve cornering control and increase off-road performance of the tires.

The serrated shape of the rear part of the tread blocks provides excellent grip with the road surface under active braking, reducing the length of the braking distance. In addition, this form of brake boosters contributes to more efficient removal of snow and slush from under the wheels of the car.

We also note the use of proprietary Eco Stud 8 technology for Hakkapeliitta 8 studding, as well as Cryo-Silane technology used in the preparation of the rubber compound (increase in the proportion of rapeseed oil and silicon dioxide). The tires have been produced since 2013, but are still considered one of the best in their category, competing on equal terms with younger competitors.

In the ranking of the best studded winter tires in 2019, there is another long-awaited novelty that replaced the first generation of Ice Zero winter tires. Compared to its predecessor, the second generation tire is characterized by:

1. improved handling characteristics, accuracy of reactions to driver actions;
2. more efficient winter braking;
3. noise reduction (by 20%), despite the presence of a large number of spikes.

The unique tread pattern has V-shaped drainage grooves that become wider closer to the edges - this design provides the most efficient removal of water and slush from the contact patch of the tire. To reduce braking distance and increase traction characteristics tires perpendicular to the main lamellas, Italian engineers placed additional ones.

The central tread area received a number of dual blocks to improve the vehicle's road holding. To ensure safety when driving on dry roads, the tire's edge effect has been enhanced by using zigzag block edges. Finally, the 3D lamellas that appeared in the shoulder areas of the tire provide the necessary rigidity of the rubber, making it easier to pass through high-speed corners.

It is worth noting the improved tire flotation in relation to deep snow- this is facilitated by snow hooks located in the shoulder area of ​​​​the blocks, special containers are responsible for the rapid removal of ice chips and snow mass.

The Pirelli Ice Zero 2 tires use double stud technology, which consists of placing them in pairs on multidirectional blocks. This helps to reduce the noise level when driving on all types of roads. The core of the spike is made of tungsten-carbide alloy, which increases its resource, and the high impact resistance of the spikes is ensured by the increased size of its surface.

The grip properties of the tire are also improved due to the addition of components such as certain types of resins to the rubber mixture, and in the place where the spikes are attached, the rubber is made of a more rigid composition. An increase in the number of rows of studding up to 24 helps to avoid getting spikes into the same furrows.

If you are the owner of an off-road class car, you probably have to solve the problem with a certain frequency, which winter studded tires for crossovers / SUVs are the best. In 2019, we advise such car owners to pay attention to the second generation Grandtrek Ice02 tires from Dunlop.

The unique design of the tread pattern guarantees excellent consumer properties of this rubber. Miura Ori proprietary technology, which consists in the use of three-dimensional zigzag sipes of great length with hard edges, prevents the tread blocks from bending, increasing the grip area of ​​​​the tire with the roadway.

Thanks to this pattern, rubber wear occurs as evenly as possible, and tire handling at all stages of its operation remains stable, guaranteeing high sensitivity of the tires to steering turns.

But main feature The Grandtrek Ice02 should be considered an advanced stud design. They are made of steel and have a corrugated rectangular tungsten carbide core. This provides increased penetration against icy surfaces and packed snow. The core has a length of 2.8 mm. with a width of 2.0 mm., at the base, the spike thickens to 8 millimeters. Applied innovative technology of formation seats, reducing the likelihood of losing spikes. In total, the model has 16 rows of studs with a density of 60 pieces per rm, which complies with the technical regulation CU-TR 018, adopted in 2011.

The rubber itself has a two-layer structure: the top layer consists of a soft compound that provides the most tight contact with the winter road, the inner one is more rigid, contributing to better retention of the studs and extending their life. The rounded, symmetrical tire profile helps to reduce the deformation ability of the rubber between the sidewall and the shoulder area, improving handling and reducing fuel consumption.

Another representative of the Finnish tire manufacturers in the top 10 best winter studded tires, the Nordman 7 model, has been produced since 2017. This rubber can be ranked among the best representatives of universal tires in the middle price category, designed for use on passenger transport during the winter season.

By and large, the "Nordic" model is a slightly improved copy of the famous "seven" Hakkapeliitta, providing an optimal ratio of wear resistance and excellent grip on slippery surfaces.

A feature of the model can be called the Air Claw technology, which consists in the use of studs with anchor fastening and the presence of teardrop-shaped recesses on the tread blocks. This is what gives the rubber the softness property necessary for confident movement on winter roads. The effect of such recesses is similar to the effect shown by the heel shock absorbers in modern sneakers: they reduce the level of vibrations and make the anti-skid effect characteristic of studs softer. Of course, this also reduces the wear of asphalt, as well as the noise effect characteristic of metal contact with a hard road surface. Thanks to the wide flange, such "claws" are securely held in the tread like an anchor - hence the name of the fastening.

It is also worth mentioning the proprietary studding technology called Eco Stud System - it is actively used in all latest models Nokian winter tires.

Its essence lies in the innovative technology of making holes for laying spikes: they are made at the stage of rubber vulcanization and are equipped with shock-absorbing pads that do not affect the reliability of their retention. For these purposes, another technology is used, Bear Claw, which means “bear claw”, which helps to keep the spikes in a plane perpendicular to the tread even during sharp acceleration / braking.

From the name of the model, you can already understand that it is designed for operation in the most severe conditions. In the 2018/2019 ranking of the best studded winter tires with a tire radius from R16 to R21, this model is the only one with triangular studs.

The use of MultiControl Ice technology made it possible to significantly increase the area of ​​​​contact between the tire and the roadway. Although the carbide spike itself has a semi-circular outline, it is enclosed in a triangular shell. This design in the section resembles the famous cocked hat. The operating principle of such technological solution next: the outer insert, also made of carbide material, has sharp edges that greatly improve the acceleration and braking properties of the tire. In the presence of pronounced lateral accelerations, smooth transitions of the body itself begin to work, while braking - the rear surface of the spike, which has an increased width. When installing the "thorns" in the factory, glue is not used - the reliability of fastening is so high that it does not even allow the thorn to scroll around its axis.

Second feature Ultra Grip Ice Arctic concerns the patented tread pattern (3D-BIS). The V-shaped design, traditional for the winter series, is complemented by a large number of wavy lamellas, on which there are waffle grooves that accelerate the removal of snow porridge and excess water from the contact patch through wide drainage channels.

To ensure the best grip on all types of winter road surfaces, the compound includes an innovative silicon polymer filler. It should be noted the low weight of UltraGrip Ice Arctic tires, which is achieved by using shoulder zones of a small radius, tread contour special kind and a two-component rubber compound with a soft outer and a harder inner layer.

A characteristic feature of the Nord*Frost 200 model with an asymmetric tread pattern is its excellent traction properties and excellent lateral stability when driving on slippery surfaces - compacted snow and ice.

Although this model is considered a “veteran” in the 2019 ranking of the best winter studded tires (sales started in 2015), this does not detract from its merits. One of them is the use of a unique tread pattern, which has proven its effectiveness on winter roads according to the results of numerous tests conducted on the tracks of Russia and Scandinavia.

The central area of ​​the tread includes three rows of blocks in the form of irregular polygons, which is done in order to increase the number of sharp cutting edges. They provide reliable grip on snowy / icy highways. The multidirectionality of these sharp edges contributes to the stability of tires in the transverse/longitudinal directions. The number of three-dimensional wavy sipes matches the number of blocks, ensuring reliable tire contact with the road during braking and abrupt starts, as well as when maneuvering at high speeds.

The width of the drainage grooves is sufficient for the rapid withdrawal of any amount of excess water, snow mass and ice chips, so you can forget about the manifestation of the effect of aquaplaning and splashplaning here.

The special composition of the compound provides an optimal balance between the elasticity of the tire and its rigidity, regardless of the thermometer readings.

It differs from its predecessor with the RS W419 index by improved grip and braking performance on ice and snow, loose and compacted surfaces. When modeling the tread pattern, computer optimization tools were used, so that the new pattern has practically nothing in common with the old pattern, except for the symmetry and directionality of the relief. Instead of a narrow monorib, enlarged blocks appeared, which made it possible to optimize the load on the tire surface in the contact patch area, improve directional stability on dry roads and ensure comfortable handling on slippery road surfaces. But the blocks in the shoulder area of ​​the tires have become smaller, but their number has increased, improving the lateral stability of the rubber and facilitating the exit from a deep snowy rut.

Most winter tires have a developed network of three-dimensional sipes. The i*Pike RS2W429 is an exception, and some of them are placed at a low angle relative to the direction of travel, so that when maneuvering on a snowy or icy track, the tires behave more predictably, following the turns of the steering wheel. The second purpose of such lamellas is to improve the grip properties of rubber in the longitudinal direction, as well as to redirect excess water into wider drainage channels.

Compared to the first generation Winter i*Pike, the number of rows of studs has increased from 10 to 12, and those responsible for anti-skidding are more evenly distributed over the tread surface, shifting to the center of the tire.

The top 10 of the best winter studded tires is completed by the new 2018 tire, which replaced the IceCruiser 7000 model, which has been produced since 2010. Interestingly, the tread pattern has not changed much, but the application innovative technologies in studding and compound made it possible to significantly improve the grip characteristics of the tire on slippery surfaces. Users note the traditionally high quality of the Japanese tire, its reliability and durability, as well as the ability to keep the spikes from falling out throughout the entire service life.

A feature of the tread pattern is the unique organization of large blocks located in the central region, aimed at increasing the deformation stability of the product. Shoulder blocks are characterized by increased rigidity, which improved stability when maneuvering on ice, snow and wet roads. The presence of sharp jagged edges led to an improvement in the lateral stability of the rubber, facilitating movement on loose snow.

Note the high efficiency of the IceCruiser 7000S drainage system. It consists of two wide annular channels and a network of inclined grooves oriented towards the center - they provide high resistance to hydroplaning and reliable removal of water and slush from the contact area with the road.

Although the spikes themselves are traditionally made of aluminum, their ability to bite into the ice is due to their advanced design. Reliable retention in the tire is ensured by the presence of a central insert with an adapted level of hardness and the use of a two-component compound.

Summary

Each of the presented tires deserves its high place in the ranking. Some have certain shortcomings, which are difficult to call significant. It is objectively difficult to say which studded tires are the best. Although experts and ordinary consumers have made it clear that the main focus in winter in Russia is on Finnish products. Nokian, this in no way diminishes the merits of the products of other manufacturers in the top 10.