Winter tire tests 2021 (Behind the Wheel, Autoreview, ADAC, Auto Bild)
Tests of winter and summer tires, which are carried out every year by a number of qualified organizations, will help you avoid getting lost in the abundance of names, marks and brands. This includes:
ADAC Club
ADAC is a serious organization that has represented the interests of German motorists for more than a century. The largest car club in Europe checks car brands for quality and safety, and also regularly tests tires. It is difficult for tire manufacturers to achieve high ratings from ADAC - their severe tests, carried out with true German thoroughness, can leave neither the bottom nor the tire of the tire. The usual results are “satisfactory”, and rarely does a tire receive a “good” verdict.
Which company should you choose?
The tire manufacturer is also important, because only trusted companies use high-quality rubber compounds and the latest industrial achievements in their products, aimed at maximum protection of the driver and passengers.
We analyzed user reviews and expert advice and compiled a list of the best winter tire manufacturers in 2021.
It included the companies Continental, GOODYEAR, Nokian, Gislaved, MICHELIN, Yokohama, BFGoodrich and Pirelli.
Rating of winter studded tires 2021
Since fresh tire tests are carried out during the peak season, we took tests of R14, R15, R16, R17 tires conducted last winter as the basis for the rating. When allocating places on the list, we also took into account: the popularity of the model in Russia, ratings, reviews and the cost of tires on the Yandex Market service.
Despite the differences in conditions, we tested the best winter studded tires for 2021. carried out using a similar method:
- testing acceleration and braking dynamics on ice, snow, wet and dry asphalt; — the time it takes to travel a certain distance on different types of coverage is taken into account; — an assessment is made of the car’s handling level, its smoothness and how noisy the tires are.
Reviews about winter tires
Konstantin, Volgograd
“I purchased Yokohama Ice Guard as soon as it went on sale. I have used other models from this company before and I like them all. The tires are still rolling well, no complaints.”
Igor, Samara
“I drive the Continental, the third season is coming, everything is fine. They make a little noise, sometimes they don’t start right away if there is a lot of snow under the wheels, but overall everything is fine. I drive around the city and don’t go into hard-to-reach places.”
Kamil, St. Petersburg
“I took Michelin on my head. It was highly praised in the reviews, but in reality it turned out to be an unrealistically noisy tire that copes poorly with the road. The only plus is that the spikes are in place after 2 seasons, but the price is simply exorbitant.”
Anna, Ryazan
“I spent a long time choosing winter tires between continental and domestic Kama. I've been driving recently and don't have much advice, so I had to read reviews and go shopping. I still chose Kama and didn’t regret it. The wheels are reliable and have never let me down. The seller recommended the Euro 519 model, all the studs are in place.”
Kirill, Moscow
“I took a Nokian Nordman 7 Sun for an SUV. I realized that it was possible not to purchase such powerful tires for the capital’s roads, but I often drive in other regions, and they really save me. It handles maneuvers well, everything suits me, I think it will take a couple more seasons.”
Anatoly Ivanovich, Vitebsk
“I’m a fan of domestic products, I only take Kama. This is not the first season that wheels have come to the rescue. Another big plus is that no one will particularly covet it, so I don’t worry about being “taken off.” I recommend it to anyone who cares about quality, not brand.”
Igor, Krasnodar
“Our winter is mild, so I take Bridgestone Velcro. Handles wet roads well, the price is normal, it has never let me down. This season it’s time to change, I think I’ll buy the same tires again.”
Reviews about winter tires will be constantly updated!
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Dmitry Seregin October 16, 2017
Published in: Useful tips and car devices
Tags: rating, Tires
10 Gislaved Nord Frost 200
Average cost - 5,570 rubles.
The rating of studded winter tires for 2021 opens with a new model from the Swedish company Gislaved. The main highlight of the 200th model is the asymmetrical tread pattern and the new ultra-light (less than 1 gram) stud in the shape of a three-rayed star. In general, the tires are quiet, soft, with good directional stability, and grip well on any surface - although on fresh snow and ice it may require adjustments to your driving style. On a slightly icy highway, you should not accelerate more than 100 km on such tires, otherwise the car will drive.
Rating of the best winter tires 2021
So, let's get started with our review of the best winter tires. The ranking will include the top brands and most time-tested models of winter tires.
The best winter tires for 2021 come from several popular manufacturers. In general, last year’s situation on the supply market has not changed much; the annual quality leaders according to the winter tire rating firmly hold their positions
1 place. Our rating of winter tires opens with Nokian
Popular winter tires with a wide range of wheels adapted for the harsh Russian climate. Nokian winter tires are specially designed to suit the characteristics of each vehicle and for different weather conditions. Despite the large range of products, there are also negative opinions about this brand in reviews. One of the disadvantages is the noise when driving. They complain about slight braking difficulties and skidding. In terms of price, the wheels are in the middle of similar offers.
Nokian winter tires are popular among Russian car owners in 2 models: Hakapelita and Nordman. Both models are claimed to be the best in the line specifically for harsh Russian winters.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta studded winter tires
A series of winter tires designed specifically for harsh climatic conditions. The presence of spikes makes the grip on the road reliable, the tires do not make much noise, and do not cause strong complaints according to reviews. This rubber has been the leader among studded tires since 2009. There are 8 models in the Hakapelit winter tire line. The popular Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 has vacuum clutch technology, and “RunFlat” technology is available for some sizes. Radiuses from 13 to 22. In the Sun line there are from 14 to 22 especially for SUVs.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 is still relevant and leads in the main indicator: price - quality. According to the developers, it was created to save fuel, eliminate noise and have excellent grip on the road surface. A test of winter tires 2020 showed that this model copes really well with ice, but reviews indicate that the tires are very noisy.
The latest model in the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 line is even more balanced and adapted to winter conditions. Equipped with two different types of studs, which gives even better grip on ice, under different temperature conditions.
The second most popular winter tire from Nokian also made it to the top:
Studded winter tire Nokian Nordman 7
The range is presented from 13 to 17 radii with a profile width ranging from 155 to 235. The tires are equipped with spikes, tubeless, radial. Excellent traction on ice, snow and wet surfaces is promised. In fact, it gets along well only with snow and partially with moisture. Ice promotes skidding and prevents successful braking. Another variety of the series - Nokian Nordman 7 Sun with radiuses from 15 to 18 and with a profile width of up to 285 is produced specifically for SUVs.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 studless winter tires
These winter tires will delight lovers of silence. This is an excellent balance of safety, comfort and efficiency. Thanks to the tread structure and the latest rubber compound, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 tires have ideal handling.
2nd place. Bridgestone tires
Bridgestone winter tires have been produced by a Japanese company since the 30s of the last century. Since then, car models and production technology have changed a lot. The company produces several model lines of summer, all-season (Velcro) and studded tires. The most popular winter tire models are Blizak and Ice Cruiser.
Bridgestone blizzak VRX and DM V3 studless winter tires
Bridgestone Blizzak VRX for cars and the DM line for crossovers are considered the most universal tires that have proven themselves very well. Designed for long-lasting service on difficult icy surfaces. A special feature of these models is clear instructions for attaching the wheels - they have external and internal sides for more efficient operation. The creators of the models in this series took care of the reliability of the rubber coating. When the outer layer wears off, the porous surface prevents loss of adhesion for a long time. Bridgestone Blizak tires last a long time, remaining soft and resilient. Despite the difficulties of covering domestic roads, they are very resistant to natural features.
We had a lot of experience with the bridgestone blizzak DM V1 winter tires, which have proven themselves only on the positive side. But according to reader reviews, blizzak DM V3 has leapfrogged its predecessors by an order of magnitude.
Also in the bridgestone blizzak line of winter tires there are the increasingly popular SPIKE-01 and SPIKE-02 models, which also deserve attention.
But it didn’t make it into the rating; it was replaced by everyone’s more favorite tire...
Studded winter tire bridgestone ice cruiser 7000
Designed for even more difficult climatic conditions. The new arrangement of studs in 16 lines instead of the previous 12 increases the chances of maximum stability of the car. Bridgestone Ice Cruiser winter tires repel moisture and have good road stability. The rubber was specially developed as a multi-component rubber with the ability to hold studs longer than other manufacturers. The latest model of studded winter tires, Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000, have proven themselves well among car enthusiasts and have taken an honorable place not only in our rating, but throughout the world.
3rd place. Michelin tires
The French manufacturer of winter tires is quite popular throughout Russia. Michelin winter tires have several lines specifically for severe weather with negative temperatures.
Michelin x ice 3 studless winter tires
The michelin x ice line of winter tires is developed using the unique “APS: Adaptability” system. It allows the rubber to bend only in the right places, fixing the position of the car on the road. The sipes of the michelin x ice 3 winter tires are made in a Z-shape, the shoulder area has sharp edges. This allows a car equipped with such tires to get out of any snow “porridge”; the wheels simply grind the substance, throwing it back and pushing the car forward without skidding.
Michelin x ice north 3 studded winter tire
Despite the release of the new michelin x ice north 4 , the third model is still the leader in the line of studded winter tires at the best price and decent quality.
The Michelin X Ice Nord 3 winter tire is equipped with a “smart stud” system. At high negative air temperatures, the rubber around the stud sets, hardens and contributes to better retention of the studs and greater aggressiveness on the road. This may increase noise, but maintains traction more reliably. Overall the tire is quite soft and performs well on any snowy surface.
4th place. Continental tires
The durable frame of products from the German manufacturer won the hearts of Russians back in the 90s. Tires were imported into the country along with used foreign cars. Their endurance made the products popular and gradually Continental winter tires entered the top three in popularity.
Studless winter tires Continental ContiVikingContact 6
The rubber has proven itself well, allowing you to drive on any surface while maintaining good handling. The proprietary technology of double blocks “Adaptive Twin Block” allows you to have good grip even on dry roads.
The products contain high-quality artificial rubber and silicates. The tread has a drainage pattern and many small lines on the tread that drain fluid well. The tire is equipped with rigid diamond-shaped blocks, which perfectly hold the car in turns.
Winter tires Continental Conti Viking Contact 6 are ideal for all-wheel drive vehicles. They easily cope with off-road conditions, literally scattering snow porridge and keeping the car from skidding.
The new model of winter tires Continental ContiVikingContact 7 has not yet gained the proper reputation, but soon it may well replace its predecessor.
Studded winter tire Continental Icecontact 3
They interact well with asphalt, have an asymmetric tread, radii from 12 to 24. Designed for fuel economy and good handling on ice with a smooth ride. A large number of studs gives good grip on ice, and the deep tread handles snow-covered areas of the road well.
According to reviews, the tires are quite noisy and do not pull out of drifts with snow “porridge”. But a good distribution of tread zones, with a fairly multiple number of toothy studs, gives a feeling of security and confident driving sensations.
Its predecessor, the Continental Icecontact 2 winter tire, has long been the leader in the studded tire rating.
5th place. Cordiant tires
Unlike previous tire representatives, Cordiant winter tires have an average price category. They are available to most car owners in Russia, so there are more product reviews.
Winter tires Cordiant Polar
The cordiant polar series of winter tires is produced in both studded and non-studded forms. The rubber was developed on the basis of the predecessors of cordiant polar. It has an ornate pattern on the tread in the form of a snake, which allows you to easily get rid of moisture on the go. The tire is designed for 128 studs in 4 rows. Longitudinal and lateral grip, effective braking and successful vehicle control. Disadvantages include acoustic features and increased fuel consumption. Cordiant Polar 2 drives poorly on snowy roads and can contribute to skidding during heavy braking. The main reason for purchasing for many owners is the affordable price and a satisfactory number of studs.
Studded winter tire Cordiant Snow Cross 2
Cordiant snow cross 2 – tires for compact and middle class cars. Stabilizing agility is achieved through a V-shaped tread pattern and a contact patch that wicks moisture away from the tire. The Cordiant Snow Cross 2 tire is not suitable for winter with air temperatures above +5 degrees. This does not apply to the beginning of the off-season - despite the “mess” on the roads, there are often frosts at night and the use of studded tires is necessary. But if it’s winter like this throughout the entire season, and the asphalt is not covered with snow at all, this model will not be suitable for use. When driving on a road without snow cover, it creates a lot of noise, wears out quickly, and the spikes quickly fly off.
6th place. Dunlop tires
Dunlop winter tires are less popular in Russia compared to the previous titans of tire production for cars. It has the widest range of models specifically for harsh snowy winters. The wear resistance of tires of this brand allows them to be successfully used for several seasons. In total, the company has several popular series, each of which is divided into a list of models with features of the tread pattern and tire structure.
Dunlop produces quite a few good models of studless tires, such as Maxx SJ8, Maxx WM01.
Tire radii range from 13 to 21, there are one and a half sizes. High-quality rubber, withstands long trips at low temperatures. Minimal noise on the road, the tires do not “tan.”
But the most popular and best winter tire among the entire line is Dunlop sp winter Ice 03 and Dunlop Grandtrek Ice 02
Studded winter tires Winter ice 03 for passenger cars and Grandtrek 02 for crossovers are well suited for regions with harsh winters and difficulties on snowy roads. Winter Ice and Dunlop Grandtrack rubber are equipped with 3D Maura-Ori lamellas and a unique triangular pattern in the middle, which effectively removes moisture. Dunlop winter tires have unique studs with carbide cores. This makes them practically indestructible on ice and effective in dealing with snowy roads.
7th place. Pirelli tires
Manufacturer of the world's only snow racing tires. The Pirelli high-speed model is designed for speeds of up to 270 km/h. More modest models are designed to withstand bad weather in its various forms.
Only studded options were included in the Pirelli winter tire rating:
Pirelli Ice Zero winter tires
Produced using the innovative Pirelli Dual Stud technology, which produces special double studs literally sealed into the rubber. Pirelli winter ice zero is designed for rapid acceleration. Otherwise, it does not exhibit very good braking properties in snow, and is quite noisy.
Pirelli Formula Ice winter tires
Equipped with hexagonal studs attached to special flanges. Presented side by side from 13 to 21 radii, for SUV class cars. Pirelli Formula Ice is the manufacturer’s most “long-lasting” model. It is almost impossible to lose or damage reliable studs, so Pirelli winter tires retain their properties for a long time.
8th place. Hankook tires
One of the best, adapted to the variety of harsh Russian climates, are Hankuk winter tires. The special structure of the lamellas, the snowflake on the tread and the “husky tracks”, together with the elegant functional tread pattern, have won the hearts of Russian car enthusiasts. The affordable price of tires finally influenced the popularity.
Winter tires Hankook Winter I Pike
The hankook winter tire line has 14 models, each of them is developed for specific conditions and created according to the wishes of customers.
Hankook Winter I Pike has gained good popularity among car enthusiasts and is well established in the market, gaining its fans. The line also has a sports version, Hankook Winter I Pike RS and Hankook Winter I Pike RS+.
During sharp braking, Winter I Pike winter tires “grab” the road, preventing the car from skidding and reliably holding the vehicle in place. There are through drainage systems and the number of tread blocks has been doubled. Externally, the design is very elegant, which also catches the eye of buyers.
9th place. Kama tires
Despite the active efforts of foreign winter tire manufacturers, they cannot fully understand the difficult climate of Russian roads. In this matter, the domestic expert is. For many years they have been producing reliable, inexpensive and practical tires for modern cars.
The only option for KAMA winter tires that deserve attention:
Studded winter tires Kama Euro 519
Kama 519 tires do not have intricate patterns or complex stud systems. They are developed using the Finnish Irbis system - one of the most reliable studded tires in the world. Kama Euro 519 winter tires have 2.45 mm studs, securely seated in high-quality rubber.
Modern rubber used in the manufacture of products perfectly adapts to difficult weather conditions. The Kama Euro 519 winter tire has a two-layer tread. The long service life of this model is achieved precisely thanks to its two-layer design, where the bottom layer is hard and holds the spikes, and the top layer is softer and can change depending on the type of road surface. This model is the most adapted to all types of roads. The only dissatisfaction is expressed in reviews regarding the handling of a car “shod” with such tires on ice. But the cost and braking performance are at a level suitable for most buyers.
10th place. Yokohama tires
The uniqueness of this manufacturer for Russian consumers lies in the versatility of its product range. The company produces not only tires for passenger cars, but also wheels for agricultural machinery, aircraft, etc. Regarding modern production methods, it is one of the leading leaders throughout the world. Yokohama analytics are based on test drives, scientific studies of rubber properties and customer reviews.
Yokohama winter tires are popular among Russian car owners. The use of an asymmetric tread pattern makes the tires as resistant to slipping as possible and has a good effect on road grip.
The rating includes studded winter tires Yokohama Ice Guard IG35 PLUS
These tires have been on sale since 2013. During this time, a general opinion has already emerged regarding the quality of tires. The wide middle of the tread pattern has a beneficial effect on stability during maneuvers. Modern 3D sipes also contribute to high-quality tire performance on road surfaces with ice and snow. The disadvantage is that it loses its thorns quite quickly.
The new models of studded winter tires Yokohama Ice Guard IG55 and Yokohama Ice Guard IG65 are generally slightly better than the Yokohama Ice Guard IG35 plus, but due to the increased price, they are not yet ready to displace the old one.
9Cordian Snow Cross
Average price: RUB 5,982.
The very name of the tire says that its developers (Russian company Cordiant) paid special attention to the behavior of the tire on snow. The tread pattern is directional, the center of which is a closed rib, which in theory should significantly reduce the likelihood of hydroplaning in the snow. (It’s interesting, by the way, that this same pattern almost exactly copies the tread of the third place in the rating.) The result is good tires at a budget price that ride really well in the snow. True, asphalt is not as good for her as snow.
8Dunlop SP Winter ICE 02
Average price - 8,600 rubles.
A clear improvement over the ICE 01, both in terms of directional stability and reduced noise levels on asphalt. It is difficult to expect the response speed of more expensive tires from mid-price segment tires, but the Dunlop SP Winter ICE 02 delivers 100% of its value. Advantages: high cross-country ability, very strong sidewall, excellent studs, paddles in slush. True, it does not feel very good on asphalt, and is noticeably noisy, and at speeds above 90 km/h it causes increased fuel consumption.
Content:
- TOP 5 studded winter tires R16
- TOP 5 studless winter tires R16
- TOP 5 winter tires R16 for crossovers
- Conclusion
Reputable publications annually publish lists of the best winter tires. However, not each of the presented models has the same range of standard sizes. So that you can choose tires for a specific wheel diameter, we have compiled a rating of winter tires 2021 R16. The list includes tires that received high marks among independent experts and in reviews from car enthusiasts. This rating is subjective and is presented for informational purposes.
| Place in the ranking | Model name |
TOP 5 studded R16 models | |
| 1 | Continental IceContact 2 |
| 2 | Michelin X-Ice North 4 |
| 3 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 |
| 4 | Pirelli Ice Zero |
| 5 | Dunlop SP Winter Ice02 |
TOP 5 studless R16 models | |
| 1 | Bridgestone Blizzak Ice |
| 2 | Pirelli Ice Zero FR |
| 3 | Continental ContiViking Contact 6 |
| 4 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 |
| 5 | Michelin X-Ice XI 3 |
TOP 5 winter tires R16 for crossovers | |
| 1 | Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 4 |
| 2 | Yokohama Ice Guard IG65 |
| 3 | Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV |
| 4 | Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic SUV |
| 5 | Michelin Latitude X-Ice XI 2 |
7Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000
Cost, on average - 6,670 rubles.
Good city tires with the ability to feel comfortable in not too deep snow. It rides well both on asphalt and in dense snow, the noise is within normal limits. It is worth noting that it is best to use this tire in central Russia, where temperatures rarely exceed -15 degrees. But for Siberians with deep snow and prolonged frosts, it is better to think about a more hardy option.
6Nokian Nordman 5
Average cost - 2,410 rubles.
The Nordman series from Nokian is a more budget version of the famous Hakkapeliitta. Soft, comfortable, low-noise tires at a reasonable price, which feel good on both dry asphalt and snow. On wet asphalt, based on reviews, it is better not to accelerate over 100 km. A good option for city residents in the “home-work-dacha” mode. Due to the softness of the rubber, it is difficult to drive out of the ruts, and you should be careful with curbs, branches and other sharp objects. But overall an excellent option in terms of price/quality.
Pirelli Ice Zero - the best winter studded tires according to reviews (2019 - 2020)
In the ranking of studs for winter, pride of place is occupied by Pirelli Ice Zero tires with effective braking and good stability. They hold the road well at speed, behave confidently on steep snow-covered inclines, brake and stop quickly and completely, after which the car starts moving without problems.
No tendency to skid, good grip on compacted and loose snow and ice. The rubber is soft, quite noisy, but not critical. The noise is noticeable mainly on asphalt surfaces, but not audible on snow. A large number of studs, which results in reduced braking speed on asphalt. But it confidently handles any road.
Pros *
- braking;
- directional stability;
- grip on ice, snow (loose, compacted);
- holds any road.
Minuses *
- noisy, on asphalt;
- reduced braking quality on asphalt due to a large number of studs.
5Continental IceContact 2
You can buy, on average, for 4,860 rubles.
While the previous top 10 model was mainly intended for city driving, Continental's IceContact 2 is at its best off-road. Feels great at low temperatures, both on snow and on crust or ice, and is able to take its owner anywhere. The big advantage is the many studs (there are 196 of them). You can't hear any noise from these tires. But on wet, frozen or snowy asphalt you need to take extra care. Also, the “behavior” of the tires on slushy snow has not received the best reviews, where it begins to wander.
Features of winter tires
If you know everything about winter tires, have chosen a model and want to buy winter tires already, go to the “Wheels for Free” - proven! We have ordered from it more than once, the prices are always better than others . Large selection of tires, wheels and various auto products. You can order online with delivery even to the regions.
Before considering the TOP 10 winter tires rating , let's look at the features of the rubber and which winter tires are best to buy. Regular summer tires harden and crack in the cold. Therefore, winter tire manufacturers are trying to use innovative approaches to creating wheels that will keep the rubber intact at any negative temperature. Inexpensive winter tires may not have high quality rubber, which is why their service life is much shorter. It should be remembered that winter tires, unlike summer tires, hardly wear out, and therefore can last more than 5 years.
Before buying tires, sellers, for obvious reasons, will not allow you to test winter tires, so you will have to rely on reviews and reputation of the product. reviews about winter tires at the bottom of the article, as well as on manufacturers’ websites, on special automobile portals and in social network groups.
4Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
Offered, on average, for 10,260 rubles.
Although the V8 is a newer model in the Hakkapeliitta tire line, it is slightly inferior in popularity to its predecessor. One of the main reasons is the very soft sidewall, as a result of which you will have to carefully select the wheels and, despite the excellent cross-country ability, carefully select the riding locations. Otherwise, hernias and cuts. But this tire is very predictable, has a large number of studs (190 pieces) and goes well on ice and packed snow.
Experts who conducted the tests
Before the start of the 2018-2019 winter season, the 185 65 r15 winter tires were tested by the following automotive publishing houses and expert communities:
- magazine "Autoreview" (Russia);
- magazine "Behind the wheel" (Russia);
- automobile portal "Autocenter" (Ukraine);
- technical supervision society GTÜ (Germany);
- Automobile Club of Europe ACE;
- automobile club ARBÖ (Austria).
Nokian winter tires All of the listed communities are authoritative experts whose opinions have a significant impact on the choice of motorists around the world.
3Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
Sold, on average, for 7,100 rubles.
It differs from the eighth model in fewer spikes (by 30%), but its hexagonal anchor spikes are longer and heavier. They use a technology called "bear claw" that prevents the stud from tilting, thereby improving grip. Silent, reliable, albeit expensive tires, which, despite the generation, enjoy a high reputation among car enthusiasts. It feels good both on snow and on ice and asphalt, while being durable and strong. However, like the eighth version, Hakkapeliitta 7 has a very soft sidewall and this is felt when turning the steering wheel sharply.
Non-studded tires
Continental VikingContact 7 – 9.0 points
VikingContact 7 once again proved to be the best in the Velcro environment in all tests. On ice, they sometimes outperform even studded tires! You can't feel them on the asphalt at all: according to our measurements, its rubber is very soft and elastic. To ensure that the tread blocks do not wrinkle at all when braking on asphalt, they are served by a competent system of three-dimensional sipes. But such “softness” also has a downside - the tires threaten to wear out quickly during active driving on asphalt. The tread does not have wide longitudinal grooves, which means it is difficult for it to drain water from the contact patch. The driver runs the risk of noticing trouble not only when driving through puddles, but also in melted snow.
However, their trail is a sight for sore eyes...
pros
- Grip properties on ice and snow;
- Handling on ice and snow;
- Acoustic comfort;
- Smooth ride.
Minuses
- Low resistance to aquaplaning;
- Average adhesion properties to asphalt.
Reviews of Continental VikingContact 7
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 – 8.5 points
The Hakkapeliitta R3 is quite a bit behind the winner in the studless segment. It was let down by its grip properties on a snowy track; they are rougher on uneven surfaces, and just as easily susceptible to hydroplaning on wet surfaces.
Well, the main drawback is the very high price. The Finnish company promises in return to provide an extended warranty, as well as free tire fitting and delivery when purchasing from the manufacturers themselves.
pros
- Grip properties on ice;
- Good handling qualities on ice and snow;
- Low noise level.
Minuses
- Poor resistance to hydroplaning;
- High price.
Reviews of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
Hankook Winter i*cept iZ2 – 8.2 points
Last year was not the best for the Winter i*cept iZ2 tires - they took second to last place among Velcro tires. Now the manufacturer has corrected its mistakes: the tires turned out to be better on ice, with especially favorable properties in the thaw. They also perform well on snowy roads, but the handling lets them down: there are too many wide slides on a winding road.
What Hankook is one of the best at is comfort on asphalt. Another advantageous feature is the two-layer reinforced tread (whereas other tires have only one layer of carcass). The inexpensive Hankook Winter i*cept iZ2 tire is well suited for the city and the province.
pros
- Smooth ride;
- Low noise level;
- Grip properties on snow.
Minuses
- Poor handling on snow and ice.
Reviews of Hankook Winter i*cept iZ2
Nokian Nordman RS2 – 8.2 points
Nordman RS2 is a “replica” of Nokian Hakkapeliitta R tires, which were removed from the assembly line at one time. It differs from its “ancestor” in a simpler composition, but made on the same equipment. This allows it to be slightly inferior to the Hakkapeliitta R3 on “white” surfaces. Unfortunately, it is much more difficult for her on asphalt. It makes up for this by being equally quiet. And for many, the decisive factor: the Nordman RS2 will cost one and a half times less than the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3. And immediately there is one more drawback - only owners of small standard sizes can buy it.
pros
- Grip properties on snow;
- Low noise level;
- Low price.
Minuses
- Weak resistance to aquaplaning;
- Average grip on asphalt.
Nokian Nordman RS2 reviews
Yokohama iceGuard iG60 – 7.8 points
Both last year and this year, the Yokohama iceGuard iG60 tires lag behind in cold ice tests. However, among the Japanese models they are the best - iG60 tires are more balanced in handling and have good grip in snowdrifts.
However, the asphalt ruined everything: on wet surfaces from 80 km/h the braking distance stretches by 40 meters! According to the speed index, the Q produces a maximum of 160 km/h, so in our test it is the most leisurely participant, but it is very affordable.
pros
- Grip properties and handling on snow;
- Patency;
- Low price.
Minuses
- Weak resistance to aquaplaning;
- Grip properties on ice and wet asphalt.
Reviews of Yokohama iceGuard iG60
Bridgestone Blizzak Ice – 7.5 points
Bridgestone Blizzak Ice is the “hot” arrival of the season. On the ice, they breathe down the backs of the “Velcro” leaders. But everything is so rosy only in the cold. Warming leaves no stone unturned from excellent performance. The most important factor that literally ruins Bridgestone’s reputation in Russia is the failure of 12 centimeters of virgin soil. In loose snow, the car has difficulty accelerating with slippage.
It is slightly pulled out by the asphalt: a car on a “black” surface brakes well on dry and wet surfaces. But at such a high price, this advantage still makes little sense - the cost is approximately equal to the much stronger Nokian or Continental.
pros
- Grip properties on asphalt.
Minuses
- Patency;
- Grip properties on snow;
- Handling on snow and ice.
- High price.
Reviews of Bridgestone Blizzak Ice
2Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
Average price - 9,080 rubles.
And here comes the new generation of the famous line. The fruit of four years of efforts by the Finnish company's developers is said to exceed the characteristics of the G8 by 5-10%. The biggest highlight of the new model is two types of studs (although overall there are slightly fewer of them than its predecessor), which should improve lateral grip on snowy or icy roads. And changes in the rubber composition will help the tire feel better at low temperatures. So far, according to preliminary tests, the tires promise to be excellent, but the chickens are being counted in the fall - when mass sales of the “nine” begin.
