The content of the article:
- Types of winter tires
- Tire parameters
- The best winter tire models
Choosing winter tires for a car is a task that inevitably faces every car owner. In order to make the right choice, it is best to study the assortment offered on the automotive market in advance.
In the climatic conditions of our country, rubber is optimal, which will behave effectively both during glaciation and on snow, and also does not save in front of mud half-and-half with water.
What tires are considered the best today and why? Let's figure it out.
Types of winter tires
The range of tires for winter weather conditions on the modern market is simply huge, and in order to successfully navigate the endless list of models and model lines, you must first understand the classification of winter tires.
Experts divide all winter tires into two large types:
- tires of European type;
- Scandinavian tires.
European type of rubber It is oriented towards a rather mild winter: the air temperature is not lower than ten degrees of frost, the asphalt surface is wet or covered with a thin snow cover, which quickly turns into a mixture of ice and mud under the wheels of transport.
It is not difficult to come to the conclusion that this type of rubber will be in demand in the south of the country. Where in winter the car is forced to move on mud and wet asphalt, such advantages of European-type tires as diagonal treads and the presence of grooves that drain water will be in great demand.
As for the more northern regions of the country, here are in great demand Scandinavian tiresdesigned for more severe winters. These tires are good at handling ice and deep snow.
Scandinavian rubber is distinguished by the staggered arrangement of the pattern on the tread, which allows excellent grip on the road and control of the car when driving even on loose snow cover.
Tire parameters
When choosing tires, the following parameters must be taken into account:
- wear resistance;
- maximum load on the tire;
- speed indicator.
All of the listed characteristics are shown on the tires themselves. It is believed that the optimal speed indicator for domestic roads is "S". A higher index is suitable for ideal autobahns, and according to our road conditions "S" - the optimal ratio of speed and durability.
The wear rating is indicated on the tire after the word Treadwear. The figure is deciphered as follows: 100 units of the indicator is approximately 50 thousand kilometers.
The choice of the maximum load should correspond to at least one third of the mass of the loaded vehicle.
The best winter tire models
Now that everything is more or less clear with the types and parameters of winter tires, you can go directly to the review of the top ten models.
Nokian Tires Nordman 5
Today, perhaps, the undisputed winner of the rating. Most car owners rightly believe these are the best studded tires for winter conditions.
During the development of the model, the technology "Bear Claw" was applied, which is one of the technological innovations of the developers for studded rubber. The tires are distinguished by the fact that the studs here remain in an upright position and do not sink deep into the rubber under the weight of the machine. As a result, traction on the road is improved, regardless of whether it is snowy or icy.
Of the pleasant characteristics of this model, one should first of all mention the quite budgetary cost, high durability. According to the creators, such a set of tires is quite capable of serving up to ten winter seasons.
Another important advantage is the low noise level when driving.
The tires of this model can be used not only in urban conditions, but also when traveling over rough terrain. In the event of a thaw, the rubber will cope with the slush thanks to special grooves to drain moisture.
The model is designed for a car weight up to three tons. Even at positive temperatures, the tires retain excellent rigidity, and the studs do not fly out when driving on bare asphalt thanks to new technology.
Of the minuses of the model, drivers call the tendency of tires to side drift, as well as the need to be extremely careful when braking: this type of tire can provoke a car to skid.
Pirelli ice zero
Italian model of Scandinavian type rubber. The double-cored cleats are the result of the latest developments by Pirelli specialists. In the classification it passes as one of the best velcro rubber.
Of the advantages, first of all, it is worth mentioning the ratio of quality and cost. It features a short braking distance regardless of the road surface. The tires of this model hold the road perfectly.
The disadvantage of the model is the fact that at positive temperatures, the rubber becomes too soft... For slush and melting ice, this type of rubber is not very suitable. On the first thousand kilometers, tires make a fairly loud noise.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
High quality studded tires with a high degree of reliability. The rubber belt is reinforced with aramid elements, which has a positive effect on the service life of the tires. In this line, models are available in different widths, from 15 to 21 inches.
Hakkapeliitta is slowly subject to wear, excellent road holding even on dry surfaces, has the ability to remove slush and moisture. These tires produce almost no abnormal noise and are characterized by a firm stud fit.
The downside of the model is the rather high price. The kit installation process will require tire balancing. Reinforced sidewalls give a somewhat undesirable effect when driving on a rut - in these conditions the car can behave uncertainly.
Nokian nordman 7
A fairly inexpensive option for winter tires, perfect for urban operating conditions. The softness of the model allows you to guarantee a sufficiently wide area of contact with the road surface.
The tires proved to be excellent on a flat road and have minimal rolling resistance. These tires do not make noise, do not have a noticeable effect on the degree of vehicle handling.
Of the features of the model, an important point is the unwanted acceleration of the car over 100 km / h. It also does not behave too well during heavy braking: a skid will be more than likely. When the temperature rises to positive, the tire becomes too soft.
Hankook Tire Winter i * Pike RS W419
This model has proven itself both in urban conditions and off-road. Slippery icy roads are also not a problem for these tires. It is interesting that initially the model was met without much enthusiasm, but very quickly gained popularity among motorists.
Sharp edges on the tread allow the car to overcome loose and deep snow without problems, and the studs provide stability.
Hankook products are not too expensive, yet they have good grip, even when the asphalt is covered with a significant layer of snow. Unlike most winter tires, this model has virtually no noise while driving.
But on a dirt surface or on ice, the characteristics of the model are not as good as we would like; the reason is too soft rubber.
Yokohama Ice Guard IG55
In the budget segment of winter tires, this is one of the most popular and inexpensive winter tires. However, there is one caveat: according to the testimony of motorists, the characteristics of these tires depend on where they were produced.
Original Yokohama Ice Guard IG55 tires - this is an excellent quality, but it is problematic to acquire them, since the number of fakes is simply a huge amount.
The original tires do an excellent job with snow-covered road surfaces, move well in city conditions, and provide excellent vehicle handling. Also in the list of advantages, not in the last place is a high service life, low noise level when driving.
Of the minuses of the original, it is perhaps worth mentioning only the lack of confidence when moving on ice. The optimal speed for a car with this rubber on an icy road is no more than 60 km / h, otherwise the likelihood of a skid and an accident is too high.
Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic
This type of winter tire, unlike the previous one, copes well with an icy road due to the unusual sharp edges of its studs. Even braking under these conditions is not a problem for this model. Moisture and slush under the tread is easily removed due to the special grooves and pattern.
Slow wear and low noise level also complete the list of advantages of the model. If tires are purchased for the far north, this is one of the most optimal choices.
Of the minuses, motorists call the likelihood of lateral hernias. The reason is the rather soft rubber on the sidewall of the tire.
Cordiant Snow Cross
The main distinguishing feature of this studded model is the reduced risk of skidding in the snow, provided by a special pattern. These tires are inexpensive. They are distinguished by their short braking distances on icy road surfaces. The model copes well with snow-covered dirt roads.
But on the asphalt the car will not behave too confidently. Also, one of the minuses is the fact that the spikes are often not fastened firmly enough and fly out when driving. This happens especially often when braking suddenly or when moving on ice.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2
This model of non-studded winter tires is focused primarily on crossovers and SUVs. The rubber contains crystalline additives that improve the behavior of tires in slush and melting ice. The tires have good grip on the road surface and have a short braking distance. Reinforced sidewalls provide excellent off-track behavior. The softness of the rubber is moderate, the noise when driving is quite small.
Among the shortcomings of the model, we can mention its high price.and sometimes - unsteady cornering behavior if the car is moving on the asphalt.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV
A distinctive feature of this rubber model is the aramid fiber reinforcement. The tires are designed by Nokia engineers specifically for the harsh northern winter. Experienced drivers point out that this model requires a special run-in, and only after it does it show its merits.
The rubber is characterized by high-quality grip on any winter surface, has a short braking distance on dry asphalt surfaces, is characterized by durability and has a reinforced side section.
Of the minuses, it is worth considering the rather high price of the model and the characteristic noise during the running-in of the kit.
Conclusion
Selecting the optimal model of winter tires is not an easy task. A good advice is a recommendation, after familiarizing yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of the most popular models, to consult with motorists who already have experience in operating these models in the same climatic zone.
