And “Belshina” is not as simple as it seems. Winter tire tests of one of the most popular sizes

10/16/201904/13/2020 Ivan Korabelnikov 0 comments

You need to “change” your car in the fall, when the average air temperature does not rise above 5-7 °C, so studying the rating of winter tires will be more than relevant for car enthusiasts. Today you will learn what types of winter tires there are, how to choose them correctly, and get acquainted with the opinions of real users about the pros and cons of a particular model.

How do winter tires differ from summer tires?

Universal tires have not yet been invented that will behave the same in all weather conditions and road surface conditions. Some believe that winter tires differ from summer tires only in the presence of studs and a special tread pattern. This is not entirely true.

The main difference is the composition of the rubber mixture. The fact is that summer tires at low temperatures begin to “paint”, lose traction, and, as a result, the risk of an accident increases.

Winter tires have a unique composition that allows the tires to remain soft and elastic even in severe frosts. But in the warm season, such tires become so soft that car control deteriorates.

That is why every motorist should have two sets of tires - summer and winter - and change them depending on the season. There are also off-season tires, but they exhibit average qualities and are more suitable for the temperature range -7...+10 °C.

Position 3. Hankook winter studded tires and owner reviews

The Koreans have also responded to the demands of the modern buyer. The manufacturer of world-famous racing tires Ventus has not forgotten about the harsh Russian winters. that Hankook Winter I*Pike was created .

The aggressive wedge-shaped protector cleans the contact patch well, reliably repelling water and slush. The special arrangement of the studs has led to the fact that acoustic comfort is at a high level.

It should be noted that Hankuk winter studded tires have only positive reviews. During the movement, there is no extraneous noise inside the car. The contours of the tire pattern are very similar to the ideal Nokian HKPL 5.

The car easily drives out of any snowdrift. On ice the product is highly predictable. You can drive through an icy “snake” on such tires quickly and confidently.

Types of winter tires

Winter tires are divided into two types:

• friction (Velcro);
• studded.

Studded tires

Studded winter tires are equipped with studs and are designed for driving on icy surfaces and compacted snow crust. But in urban conditions, on dry or snow-free asphalt, the grip of the wheels on the road is sharply reduced.

Driving in the city on studded tires will definitely shorten the life of the tire by several times. Literally in a season you can lose all the studs, after which the tires completely lose their winter qualities. But despite this, 70% of domestic motorists prefer studded tires.

Advantages:

• effective braking on icy surfaces;
• excellent grip on ice and compacted snow.

Flaws:

• disgusting grip on wet and dry asphalt, as a result of which the braking distance increases significantly and there is a risk of skidding;
• in the snow porridge the car “floats”, “buries itself” and can sit “on its belly”;
• due to the spikes, the movement will be very noisy, reducing the comfort of the ride;
• Spikes destroy asphalt; in some European countries they are prohibited by law.

Non-studded tires

Friction, or studless, winter tires do not have studs, and high traction characteristics are achieved due to a large number of sipes - tiny zigzag-shaped cuts in the tread blocks. On a wet road, water and snow get inside these holes, causing the tires to “stick” to the road surface.

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/transport-pattern-texture-wheel-3366372/ For this property, friction rubber is popularly called “Velcro”.

Studless tires are divided into two classes.

1. Scandinavian - designed for harsh winters and snow-covered roads. This is an ideal option for our Russian conditions. The tread has a large pattern with free-standing blocks and a large number of deep drainage grooves (up to 10 mm) to drain water and slush. Each block is equipped with an abundant number of slats. While driving, such a tire easily pushes through the durable surface of snow or ice crust, providing excellent traction, and also quickly clears clogged snow and dirt.
2. European - designed specifically for mild winters in city conditions. Recommended for those who rarely leave the city and drive mainly on wet or cleaned asphalt. The tread pattern is V-shaped or diagonal, with a developed network of drainage channels and a large number of sipes. There are lugs located along the periphery of the tread. Thanks to the large number of sipes, the tire effectively “clings” to the road surface, displacing water from under the wheel.

Advantages:

• designed for driving on dry and wet asphalt;
• during thaws, the rubber compound does not “float” and does not reduce controllability;
• low noise when driving;
• do not harm the asphalt surface.

Flaws:

• traction characteristics are significantly reduced when driving on ice and compacted snow.

If you live in a metropolis, where snow removal equipment works efficiently and in a timely manner, and the roads are sprinkled with reagents, then your choice is friction rubber. European - in mild climates, Scandinavian - in more severe climates.

In the case when a car enthusiast lives in a less civilized area or often makes country trips, then the choice is clear - studded tires.

#3 Continental IceContact 3

Quite a new tire, production began at the beginning of 2019. Appeared to replace Continental IceContact 2.

They are produced in a large number of countries, such as Germany, England, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Turkey, and there are also facilities in Russia.

As the manufacturer himself assures, this tire is almost a standard and takes winter driving to a new level.

The tread of this studded winter tire is directional. There are a large number of studs, which is why this rubber can hardly be called quiet.

PROS – Excellent braking on wet and dry asphalt, excellent acceleration, braking and handling on ice, good cross-country ability and handling in snow. Moderate noise, despite the large number of spikes.

CONS – Not very good handling on wet asphalt (not to be confused with braking on wet asphalt), and even on dry asphalt the handling leaves much to be desired.

The price, according to the Yandex market, is approximately from 5800 to 6663 rubles, for version 205/55 R16

The most popular brands and manufacturers

The leaders among all tire manufacturers are:

• Continental (Germany);
• Michelin (France);
• Goodyear (USA);
• Cooper (USA);
• Pirelli (Italy);
• Bridgestone (Japan);
• Yokohama (Japan);
• Nokian (Finland);
• Hankook (Korea);
• Kumho (Korea);
• Toyo (Japan).

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/winter-snow-frost-car-tire-way-3915847/ The products of these concerns are distinguished by the latest technologies, unique composition of rubber compounds, quality, reliability and safety. True, the prices are premium. Therefore, if you want to save money but get equally high-quality winter tires, pay attention to the subsidiary brands :

• Gislaved (Continental);
• Firestone (Bridgestone);
• Nordman (Nokian);
• BFGoodrich (Michelin);
• Dunlop (Bridgestone, Goodyear);
• Fulda (Goodyear);
• Falken (Goodyear);
• Sava (GoodYear);
• Mickey Thompson (Cooper);
• Formula (Pirelli);
• General Tire (Continental);
• Matador (Continental);
• Kleber (Michelin);
• Tigar (Michelin);
• Lassa(Bridgestone);
• Laufenn (Hankook);
• Nitto (Toyo);
• Marshal (Kumho).

There are many companies producing economy class tires. Here you need to be especially picky in your choice, since budget products are often unstable. The following manufacturers enjoy a good reputation:

• Nexen (Korea);
• Roadstone (Korea);
• Maxxis (Taiwan);
• Nankang (Taiwan);
• Triangle (China);
• Goodride (China);
• Linglong (China);
• Firenza (China);
• Infinity (China);
• Sunny (China);
• Kama (Russia);
• Viatti (Russia);
• Cordiant (Russia);
• Belshina (Belarus);
• Rosava (Ukraine).

Winter tire tests 2018-2019 (Behind the Wheel, Autoreview, ADAC, Auto Bild)

To answer your question as fully as possible, which winter tires are better, we looked for information in the following sources:

Magazine "Behind the Wheel"

This is the oldest (published since 1928) Russian publication dedicated to cars and the automotive industry. The 2020 winter tire test “Behind the Wheel” is an indicator of the high quality and reliability of a particular model.

“Behind the Wheel” test results – click to open in full window

Newspaper "Autoreview"

In the past, it was a Soviet and now a Russian automotive publication that tests both cars and child seats, tires, fuel and various car accessories. The 2020 Autoreview winter tire test was carried out last winter on the tracks of the White Hell test site in Finland, with temperature changes from 5 to 23 degrees below zero.

The largest automotive organization not only in Germany, but also in Europe. Not every candidate will pass the tire testing carried out by ADAC. For example, in last year's summer tire test, only 6 out of 16 models passed all the tests on wet and dry roads. And the requirements for winter tires are even stricter, because they have to withstand much more severe conditions.

Auto Bild

This German car magazine is published under license in 36 countries. It publishes reviews of new models, tests of new and used cars, as well as news related to the world of the automotive industry.

Winter tire rating - review of popular products

And now we present to your attention the TOP 12 of the most popular and trusted winter tires by consumers.

12th place. MICHELIN X-Ice North 3 winter studded

The tread pattern is classic, directional. There are only 96 spikes, they have a round, time-tested shape - there are no additional marketing extras.

The thermoactive rubber compound around the stud tans very quickly, giving the studs additional stability in the “nest”. In the shoulder area (the side edge of the tread), the blocks have protrusions and teeth, which allows the car to quickly “crawl” out of the ruts.

Unfortunately, several batches of products turned out to be defective - the spikes broke and fell off literally from the first days of operation. There were many complaints from customers, all of whom received a new set of tires.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• excellent grip on icy roads;
• predictable machine behavior;
• quiet and soft running;
• confident braking on any surface;
• a moderate number of studs makes the tires suitable for the city;
• the spikes do not rust.

Flaws:

• after the first winter, almost half of the studs fell off; it turned out that there was a problem batch of defective tires;
• quality of the spikes - they fly out and break off.

MICHELIN X-Ice North 3 winter studded tire

11th place. Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000

The tires are made in Russia, but the plant is owned by a Japanese company. The tread pattern is directional, the studs are located on the side parts of the tire. The core of the spine is round, the base is diamond-shaped.

Deep grooves in the tread are cut in such a way as to drain away water and slush well. The tread depth is 9.5 mm, and the wear indicator is 8.5 mm.

The rubber is quite hard, the sidewalls are dense. Wear resistance is excellent, the tire will last at least four seasons.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• handling on ice and snow;
• after the first season all the spikes are in place;
• wear-resistant;
• excellent quality of studs;
• manufacturer - Japan;
• predicted behavior on the road.

Flaws:

• a little noisy;
• price;
• on the highway in the slush they behave uncertainly.

Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000

10th place. Matador MPS 500 Sibir Ice VAN winter studded

These tires are designed for installation on minibuses and light trucks. The Matador brand belongs to the Continental concern and belongs to the budget class segment.

The protector is symmetrical and non-directional, that is, it is simply impossible to make a mistake during installation. The high strength of the studs and the peculiarities of their fastening allow them to be firmly held in the rubber and provide excellent grip on ice.

There are parallel stiffening ribs in the central part of the tire, and compact tread blocks in the shoulder areas. This helps improve directional stability and prevents skidding when turning. A large number of sipes ensure wheel grip on the road and good braking performance.

The sidewall of the tire is equipped with a protective rib with an additional layer of rubber, which significantly increases its service life.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• excellent grip on icy and snowy roads;
• excellent maneuverability;
• does not skid during sharp turns;
• not noisy;
• well balanced;
• very tenacious.

Flaws:

• after -15°C they begin to tan;
• in the second season, the thorns began to fall.

Matador MPS 500 Sibir Ice VAN winter studded

9th place. Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta R2 winter

This model from a Finnish manufacturer is manufactured in Russia and combines all the positive characteristics of friction and studded rubber. Thanks to new technologies, reliable grip on slippery, wet and icy road surfaces is ensured.

“Anti-slush” grooves are built into the tread, which prevent aquaplaning, and a large number of sipes literally “suck” water from under the wheel.

The rubber mixture contains a fair amount of microscopic crystals that act as spikes and improve grip on ice both in the longitudinal and transverse directions.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• quiet, soft, economical;
• there is a warranty from the manufacturer;
• excellent road holding, except on bare ice;
• the car accelerates and brakes perfectly;
• no worse than spikes.

Flaws:

• not for northern regions;
• at above-zero temperatures on a wet road, the braking distance increases significantly;
• relatively quick wear - three seasons and needs to be replaced.

Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta R2 winter

8th place. Bridgestone Blizzak RFT winter

This model is designed for powerful high-speed cars. RunFlat technology makes it possible, after a tire puncture, to continue driving at a speed of 80 km/h for at least another eighty kilometers, which is very important for drivers who do not bother with having a spare tire.

The main feature of the tires is their high level of reliability and safety on almost any winter surface. The tread pattern is asymmetrical, allowing comfortable movement at high speeds and excellent directional stability.

A large number of lamellas improve traction properties, and wide longitudinal grooves effectively drain water and prevent hydroplaning.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• soft and comfortable;
• Japanese brand;
• "runflat" technology;
• three seasons – normal flight;
• strong, high quality, silent;
• The braking distance is short and does not skid when cornering.

Flaws:

• difficult to find on sale.

Bridgestone Blizzak RFT winter

7th place. Yokohama W.Drive V905 winter

High-speed winter model for premium cars, crossovers and small family cars. It does not require preliminary running-in, and already from the first kilometers of operation it copes with its task perfectly - providing reliable grip on wet or snowy roads. The rubber mixture contains orange oil and microsilica.

The tread pattern is symmetrical, wide grooves located at an angle displace water from under the wheel when driving through puddles, slush and snow. Side serrations provide better grip on snowy roads.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• no hydroplaning in spring;
• excellent level of grip;
• good braking, short braking distance;
• cornering stability;
• quiet;
• cling tightly to any road.

Flaws:

• the rubber is too soft and will wear out quickly;
• There is no runflat function.

Yokohama W.Drive V905 winter

6th place. Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02 winter studded

Tires from a Japanese manufacturer are made in Thailand, are characterized by good stability, provide excellent handling and effective braking in all weather conditions.
The central part of the tread consists of diamond-shaped and triangular blocks, thanks to which traction and braking characteristics are improved on snowy and icy roads. Deep grooves effectively remove water and slush from the contact patch, reducing the risk of aquaplaning. 3D lamellas significantly shorten the braking distance.

The quadrangular cores of the studs are made of tungsten, their base is enlarged - they sit firmly in the tread and provide good grip on ice. The unique rubber compound keeps the tires flexible even in severe frosts.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• confident on any surface - asphalt, ice, snow;
• does not get caught in ice;
• confident movement on slushy snow;
• excellent tenacity;
• reinforced sidewall;
• predictability;
• good quality studs.

Flaws:

• a little harsh;
• very noisy;
• Doesn't perform very well on bare asphalt.

Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02 winter studded

5th place. Pirelli Ice Zero winter studded

The tread pattern is quite “aggressive”, has shoulder areas with transverse blocks and deep grooves for water drainage, as well as hooks for directional stability. The rubber compound in the center is softer than on the sides, which allows the contact patch to be stretched more efficiently.

The spikes are large, powerful, in the form of a W-shaped claw - they provide grip edges for acceleration, as well as effective braking. The number of studs is 130 per tire. Due to the size of the spike, the noise is quite noticeable.

This model can boast of good braking performance on dry asphalt, which is rare for studded tires.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• excellent quality, fully worth the price;
• low noise level;
• snow, ice crust - excellent tenacity;
• extended warranty from the manufacturer;
• confident behavior on the road;
• predictable braking;
• indestructible rectangular spikes.

Flaws:

• unpredictable in slushy snow;
• very noisy on asphalt.

Pirelli Ice Zero winter studded

4th place. GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice SUV winter

This model is designed for SUVs and harsh climate conditions.
The tread pattern is directional, which guarantees excellent traction on snowy roads. The shoulder blocks are wide, almost transverse, ensuring cross-country ability in snow ruts. The central part is arrow-shaped, maintaining directional stability. The balanced profile and numerous sipes form an optimal contact patch and contribute to improved traction and more effective braking.

The rubber compound contains an innovative polymer, thanks to which the tires remain elastic at low temperatures and provide maximum grip on icy surfaces.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• soft, quiet;
• confident move;
• good grip on snow and wet asphalt;
• do not float in snow slush;
• average quality, handling 4;
• the season ended normally;
• They hold up well when cornering, without skidding.

Flaws:

• During icy conditions it is better to walk.

GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice SUV winter

3rd place. Continental ContiVikingContact 7 winter

The model was released in 2020 and is focused on Russian climatic conditions.

The tread pattern is radically new for Continental - the middle part consists of diamond-shaped blocks, the side ones are transverse rectangles. The drainage grooves are deep and provide high-quality drainage of water and slush. The tread pattern shows that the tires feel great on wet road surfaces and in slushy snow.

The rubber mixture is soft but elastic, which ensures traction between the wheel and the road even at very low temperatures.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• obedient, good handling, tenacity;
• silent;
• made in Germany;
• even at -35 °C the rubber remains soft;
• accelerates confidently and brakes predictably;
• smoothly overcome all obstacles.

Flaws:

• on a country road (without reagents) the car has poor directional stability;
• carefully on the ice!

Continental ContiVikingContact 7 winter

2nd place. Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 8 winter studded

Premium winter studded tires have occupied a leading position for six years now. The 2020 winter tire test confirms the unique qualities of this model. The tires provide excellent wheel grip on snowy and icy roads, behave predictably in extreme situations, rotate easily, save fuel and reduce the negative impact on the asphalt.

The strengths of the model are high predictability of control, effective braking, excellent grip on most road surfaces, including clean asphalt. Disadvantages include noise.

The rubber mixture is made on the basis of second generation cryosilane, natural rubber and rapeseed oil. Due to this, the rubber remains soft and elastic even at extremely low temperatures.

The tread pattern is directional, herringbone-shaped, with deep drainage grooves, maintaining traction both on loose snow and on icy surfaces. 3D lamellas provide high adhesion characteristics under longitudinal and lateral loads. The spikes are located so that none of them blocks the trajectory of the other.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• diamond-shaped spikes;
• on asphalt and in ruts the car drives confidently, does not float, without skidding;
• 190 studs on the tire;
• handles any road except dry asphalt;
• ideal for Siberia and northern regions;
• excellent directional stability.

Flaws:

• on dry asphalt, braking distance increases;
• noisy to the point of roaring.

Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 8 winter studded

1st place. MICHELIN Alpin 5 winter

And our tire rating ends with the MICHELIN Alpin 5. According to users, these are the best winter tires of the current year.
What are they good for? Friction winter tire is designed for mild winter conditions in the central and southern regions of Russia. The updated tread pattern has a V-shape. In combination with an increased number of lamellas, it provides excellent grip on snow and ice.

The unique shape and arrangement of self-locking sipes increase the tire's rigidity during maneuvers, improve handling and braking efficiency.

The rubber mixture contains substances that ensure the elasticity of rubber both at low temperatures and during thaws.

What are users saying?

Advantages:

• perform well on dry and wet asphalt, snow and even ice;
• soft, comfortable and silent;
• beautiful tread pattern;
• you can confidently drive through slushy snow and puddles;
• stability - does not skid, does not drift;
• In terms of quietness and controllability, they are practically no different from summer ones.

Flaws:

• does not brake well on ice and crust.

MICHELIN Alpin 5 winter

Position 2 in the ranking of winter studded tires: Dunlop products

The long-known Dunlop company has only one stud in its winter series - SP Winter Ice 01 . Wavy grooves promote confident acceleration on snowy roads. S-shaped sipes increase control over the car in corners.

This is the only Dunlop winter studded tire in its range and the reviews about it, unfortunately, are disappointing. Many drivers focus on the fact that this product is highly sensitive to pressure. A slight excess of the latter beyond the required limits is accompanied by a complete loss of the properties declared by the manufacturer.

Compared to the Nokian HKPL7, the tire can easily overcome icy hills. Despite the “cushion” technology, the hum from the tire is clearly transmitted into the cabin. Consumers note an inadequate reaction of the tire when approaching icy turns - an increased likelihood of skidding or drift.

What parameters to pay attention to when choosing

Photo: https://pixabay.com/photos/auto-tires-profile-winter-wheels-3833643/
How to choose winter tires for beginners? Focus on the following criteria.

• Manufacturer. If your goal is to purchase winter tires of impeccable quality, reliability and safety, then choose products from famous brands, or at least their subsidiaries. Budget tires can fail in extreme conditions, and their wear resistance is poor, so it’s not a fact that you will save money if you change winter tires every two or three seasons. It is better to immediately buy good, expensive tires.
• Tread pattern. It will completely depend on the conditions where the car is operated. In urban environments, on more or less clean asphalt, choose a diagonal pattern of small blocks. But if there are frequent snowfalls, snowdrifts, or slush, opt for a more aggressive design - large blocks with wide drainage grooves.
• The shape of the spikes. The standard and most common stud is shaped like a nail, but many manufacturers, wanting to improve grip, are experimenting with the shape, offering diamond-shaped, rectangular, cross-shaped and other types of “claws”. The braking distance at speeds over 60 km/h actually becomes shorter, but is it worth exposing yourself to danger on difficult winter roads and exceeding the speed limit? In addition, over time, the spikes wear off, and the shape does not play a special role. But such tires cost a couple of thousand rubles more per tire.
• Date of manufacture. When stored properly, rubber does not lose its properties, but who can guarantee you that the tires were stored properly? In most countries, last year's tires are sold at a discount, since it is believed that the elasticity of the rubber compound has become 3-5% lower. Only this rule does not apply to our country. Always check the production date, it is stamped on the tire itself with four numbers: the first two indicate the week of production, and the last two indicate the year. Of course, it is advisable to purchase a fresh model of the current year, and not last year’s at an inflated price.
• Domestic or foreign. Do not assume that our Russian tires are of poor quality. In our country there are many factories owned by foreign concerns, for example, Bridgestone, Nokian, Yokohama. Tires are made from our raw materials, by our own people, but using foreign technologies. The quality is no lower than in European factories. And our manufacturers are trying to keep up with foreigners. They have been producing high-quality tires for a long time, tailored to our climatic conditions, and at a very attractive price.

The difference between studded and non-studded tires

If with spikes everything is approximately clear, they grip and help slow down, then with Velcro it’s less so. Their patterned surface makes the ride easier, but won't help when cornering. With such tires, even on a crossover it will be difficult to brake and drive; you will experience skidding when cornering. They do not provide grip and behave unpredictably on ice. Although their price differs slightly from studded tires, Velcro does not provide the same result. In addition, they cannot be called the quietest; they are very noisy when driving. Owners often opt for studded tires for their car wheels. Such models help to better cope with ruts. Let's try to figure out how to choose quality tires and consider the top favorites.

Useful tips and tricks

When is the best time to buy winter tires?

At the end of the season, closer to spring, when goods are not in demand, but leftovers need to be sold, large shopping centers organize sales, promotions and discounts. This is the best time to buy winter tires.

Don’t forget about folk wisdom - prepare your sleigh in the summer. During the holiday season, few people think about winter tires, but in vain, since the prices for them at this time are the most reasonable. But at the beginning of autumn, the cost of “footwear” for cars will skyrocket.

How to properly prepare winter tires for the next season?

Tires must be stored in a dry place. Under no circumstances on the street. Under the influence of precipitation, wind and direct sunlight, rubber will quickly fail.

Before “preserving” your tires, clean them of dirt, wash them well and dry them. Mark with a marker, chalk or colored sticker which axle and side the tire was on.

If the tires have rims, then it is best to store them lying down, stacked one on top of the other, or hang them on the wall. On the contrary, tires without rims are stored standing up, without hanging or stacking on top of each other.

https://youtu.be/KJ4ZkIAyaHs

#1 Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9

Simply a VERY popular tire among all manufacturers. It appeared back in 2020, now it is produced near St. Petersburg in the city of Vsevolozhsk, there is a huge plant there, but in Finland production has almost been curtailed. By the way, I was at this plant and saw how it all works, what materials are used in the rubber compound and cord production. Then we were in Finland at the test site, where we saw how these tires were tested. It should be noted that Nokian has the largest winter testing ground in the world, which, by the way, is rented (for a lot of money) by other manufacturers.

AT this test site we did a bunch of different tests, acceleration and braking on ice, snow, snakes, and we rode in extremely negative temperatures. And at any moment this tire performed very well. It should be noted that it only has a directional protector!

Some people scold her, others, on the contrary, simply idolize her. BUT it is a fact that Hakkapelita 9 is one of the best tires.

The advantages are excellent traction on ice, cross-country ability in snow, braking, lateral retention, and a great guarantee.

Cons – A LOT of spikes, noisy on asphalt, not as effective in slush, high price

In this article we will compare prices for the most common size 205/55 R16. If you believe the Yandex market, then prices range from 6517 to 8426 rubles. Not cheap, but she deserves it.

In any case, I consider Hakkapelita 9 the best winter tires for the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2020. Therefore, first place in our ranking.

Advantages of Velcro tires over studded ones

Velcro and studded tire

Velcro winter tires are getting better and better from year to year, so they constantly attract new potential owners who are included in quality and safety ratings compiled based on reviews from motorists or a series of tests conducted by publishers and automobile concerns, photos or videos of which are included in the report.

The positive aspects of high-quality Velcro tires for all the vicissitudes of winter include:

• extended service life;
• reasonable cost;
• excellent road grip in all weather conditions;
• excellent braking, even if you press the pedal sharply;
• deep seating of the tire, which prevents it from falling out;
• increased stability and maneuverability;
• ability to remove snow porridge, pieces of ice, and water from under tires.

Depending on the manufacturer of Velcro tires without any studs, you can find a few negative aspects. They directly depend on the softness and quality of the tire, the tread pattern and its depth. The negative aspects include:

• skidding when getting into a rut;
• increased noise and vibration;
• uncertainty in behavior in deep snow or ice;
• high rigidity for European options;
• low fuel consumption;
• reduced maneuverability when hitting dry or hard wet roads;
• reduced comfort;
• weak braking in severe frost or thaw;
• high cost of some models.

It is worth noting that the cost of winter tires for a vehicle will not depend in any way on the brand name or position in the rating, but only on the technical qualities. At the same time, the quality of budget tires can be quite high, and the pricing policy is artificially restrained by representatives of the automobile concern in order to increase sales.

At the same time, even the best Velcro tire cannot be guaranteed to be safe and reliable, since it may be a skillfully made fake. Professionals and experienced motorists strongly advise purchasing studless tires from trusted car dealerships, where they can provide the appropriate certificates.

Brief summary: which winter tires to choose in 2018

The first candidate for purchase is, of course, Ice Zero from Pirelli.
If for some reason you are not satisfied with it, pay attention to the Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02 or Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02. The price is high, but these tires will last up to 5 seasons. For those who prefer quiet, high-quality tires, we recommend Yokohama Ice Guard F700S, BFGoodrich g-Force Stud or Continental IceContact 2.

If you often have to drive on icy roads, Hakkapeliitta 8 tires from the Finnish Nokian, MICHELIN X-Ice North 4 or Gislaved Nord Frost 200 tires are suitable.

If you drive in snow more often, we can recommend BFGoodrich g-Force Stud, Firestone Ice Cruiser 7 or Gislaved Nord Frost 200.

Velcro is the most versatile and balanced option for city tires, which perform equally well on any road surface and, unlike studded tires, provide a quiet and comfortable ride.

We present the rating of the best studless velcro tires of 2018-2019. It includes 12 tire models designed for passenger cars, SUVs and crossovers. A tire's placement on the list has nothing to do with its rating. All models are first sorted by price segment (from premium to budget), and within the price segment are arranged in alphabetical order.

Recommended reading:

What types of Velcro are there?

To decide on the best choice of Velcro, you need to understand what they generally are and what the differences are between similar models.

First, you need to understand that Velcro comes in two main types - for harsh winters with low temperatures (Arctic type) and for relatively warm winters (European type).

The former are distinguished by a softer rubber composition (so that the tire does not “harden” in severe frost) and a large number of small slots (sipes) on the tread. Such a tire has a number of advantages for operation in regions with cold climates, but at the same time it begins to wear out quite quickly when the temperature rises to around zero.

The second type of Velcro is intended for use in warmer regions; it has a slightly stiffer rubber composition and a tread with more rounded elements. Such Velcro will feel quite comfortable in a slushy European climate with frequent temperature changes through zero. But in severe frosts, such a tire will be inferior to the Arctic type of Velcro in terms of road grip and handling.

By the way, determining the type of Velcro is relatively easy even for a beginner. You can often tell which tire is harder and which is softer by touching the tread with your hands.

At the same time, the appearance of the protector can also clearly tell which type it belongs to. If about 5-6 lamellas (slots) are placed on the tread element located closer to the edge of the tire, then this is an arctic type for severe frosts. If on this tread element the lamellas are located 1.5-2 times less often, for example, only 3-4 slots (lamellas), then this is a European type of Velcro.

A typical representative of the Arctic Velcro:

A typical representative of European Velcro:

The best winter tire manufacturers

All reputable tire manufacturers produce SS winter tires and are in demand among car owners.

In first place is the Finnish concern Nokian, which has been producing tires since 1898. Winter tires began to be produced in the 1890s. The products are distinguished by their quality, reliability, and safety. Winter tires

Suitable for driving conditions in Russia. During production, temperature changes, the presence of snow, and various types of vehicles were taken into account.

Goodyears, Americans produce winter tires for a variety of climatic conditions and different types of vehicles. The products are durable and high quality. It has good grip on the road surface and provides good cross-country ability in snowy areas.

The Japanese Bridgestone have been producing winter tires since 1930. The products are innovative, wear-resistant, durable and of high quality. In Russia you can find both studless products and tires with studs from Dunlop; the Irish company uses computer technology in modeling; a large number of winter tire models have been developed. The products are of very high quality, the products are used for 2-3 seasons. All products have an aesthetic appearance; the company focuses not only on quality, but also on design. The difference is found in the tread pattern, its structure, and composition.

Michelin is a well-known French company and is also among the leaders. Production technology ensures product durability and fuel savings. There are several lines with winter tires.

Continental AG, Germany, produces tires with a strong casing that are durable and quality.