Winter tires occupy a small share of the world market, unlike summer tires. Only 5-8%. But in our country, winter studded tires are vital for any car enthusiast. They occupy 60% of the Russian market. The most suitable for Russian weather conditions is the Scandinavian type of tire. He copes with snow and ice. In order not to be mistaken and make a choice in favor of high-quality rubber, we have compiled a rating of winter tires 2015-2016. This list is based on the test results of several leading Russian and foreign magazines. Among them: “Behind the Wheel” and “Auto Review”.
10. Michelin X-IceNorth 3
Thanks to the open tread pattern, the tires interact well with the road even with poor grip. With X – IceNorth, the vehicle will drive confidently through slush as well. The car shod in tires of this model showed the shortest braking distance on a dry road. This rubber, which opens the rating of winter tires, is most suitable in conditions where there is not much snow and ice. Because the car will be mediocre to accelerate and brake with X – IceNorth 3. Model winter tires sold at a reasonable price.
9. Formula Ice
Thanks to hexagonal studs made of aluminum, the tires of this model are perfectly adapted for riding and braking on snow and ice. A car “shod” in this rubber will feel great on a dry road. Formula Ice, ranked 9th in the 2015-2016 winter tire list, will provide the vehicle with a very smooth ride. This model is suitable for those who live in a big city, and rarely travels beyond it. Attractive price will be an additional plus in choosing this model.
8. Hankook Winter i * Pike RS W419
Winter tires from a Korean manufacturer have 180 spikes and a lamellar system to reduce braking distance. The car goes perfectly in the snow on the slopes, tracks, forest trails. Whether the road is dry or wet in front of you, it does not matter, with Hankook Winter tires your car will be able to drive confidently even on a dirty road. True, driving in the snow is uneven. This is the only negative of the model, occupying the 8th place of our top of the best winter tires 2015-2016.
7. Gislaved Nord * Frost 100
Multi-spike tires for perfect traction on ice. A wide contact area of the tire with the road surface becomes possible due to the numerous hooks. The car, “shod” in the tires of this model, behaves impeccably on a wet snowy and ice road. On a dry surface, the performance of rubber, which took 7th place in the rating of winter tires, is not so joyful: the rolling resistance is high, and the braking distance leaves much to be desired.
6. Goodyear UltraGripIce Arctic
Using special V-shaped slots, the tire guarantees perfect grip on snowy roads. The performance of this rubber also gives confidence to the motorist. On wet asphalt, a “shod” car behaves confidently, although on dry surfaces it turned out to be the slowest of all presented models of winter tires rating 2015-2016.
5. Nokian Nordman 4
Nordman 4 features reduced noise and spikes with great durability. Special pads soften contact with the road. On wet asphalt and ice, the characteristics of this model, which occupies the middle of the rating of winter tires 2015-2016, leave much to be desired. But the rest of the Nokian Nordman 4 - a strong middle peasant, sold at an affordable price.
4. Nokian Nordman 5
Good braking of the Nordman 5 is carried out with the help of a “bear claw” - a protrusion on the tread, which is held vertically when braking. The attractive price of this model, which takes 4th place in the rating of winter tires 2015-2016, will delight every motorist. Thanks to Nokian Nordman 5, the car consumes fuel moderately, shows excellent stability on ice, snow and dry asphalt. The only drawback: not very comfortable driving, with heavy snow shows not the best cross.
3. Pirelli Winter Ice Zero
Pirelli tire manufacturers test their products under the most extreme conditions, as they operate on icy and snowy surfaces. Therefore, it is expected that this model showed itself perfectly on the surface with melted snow, and ice. There are no questions about braking and handling in these conditions. So if you are going out of town and the weather outside is terrible, Pirelli tires are the best choice. Sometimes a car loses traction when cornering. The strong noise of the tires also does not add the advantages of Winter Ice Zero. On dry asphalt, the braking distance is not as small as we would like, therefore, the bronze rating of winter tires is 2015-2016.
2. Continental ContilceContact
Universal tires suitable for both passenger cars and SUVs. The special composition of the rubber compound is made taking into account the characteristics of a cold and unpredictable climate. The car, “shod” in Continental, brakes well on ice and shows good handling, both on a snowy road and on dry pavement. Withstands rapid acceleration and braking. ContilceContact comes first if its slip resistance were perfect. But this is not so, therefore, the silver rating of winter tires.
1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
Tires with studs in the amount of 190 pieces and light weight (with the help of special additives) perfectly cope with any type of canvas on the track. Snow, snowy or frozen cover - it does not matter. Indeed, for Nokian Hakkapelitta, which is becoming the leader in the rating of winter tires, there are no barriers. The car, “shod” in this model, shows a short braking distance on dry and wet asphalt.
Among the shortcomings: a noisy model.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDGAyfEh2go