Friction or studless winter tires (colloquially known as “Velcro”) are increasing their market share from year to year, becoming the choice of an increasing number of motorists. Therefore, the question is how effectively such tires will cope with their direct responsibilities in full-fledged road conditions, is very relevant for domestic drivers. And an exhaustive answer to it can only be given by full-fledged sea trials carried out in “combat” conditions.

In general, friction tires (on their sidewalls there is a “studless” mark, which means “without studs” in English) are divided into two groups:

• The first is tires for harsh northern winters (aka “Scandinavians”), which are designed for operation on snow and ice, which is why their tread is made of soft rubber(50-55 Shore units).
• The second is “shoes” for warm Central European conditions (“European shoes”), which are primarily focused on wet asphalt, which is why they have not only a more rigid compound, but also developed grooves that allow them to more effectively resist hydroplaning and sliding on slushy snow. .

In Russia, “Scandinavian” women have become more widespread - this is explained by the frosty and snowy winters in our country. As for Central European tires, they are chosen only by those car owners who winter time does not leave the city limits, but moves mainly along cleared roads, which are constantly treated with chemicals.

That is why nine sets of Scandinavian-type tires with size 225/45 R17, which is popular among owners of golf cars, were selected for testing. First of all, the products of tire manufacturers included in the “big five” manufacturers of automobile “footwear” were tested - these are Bridgestone Blizzak VRX, Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2, Michelin X-Ice 3, Continental ContiVikingContact 6 and Pirelli Ice Zero FR (new season). They were accompanied by expensive Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 tires, new models Hankook Winter i*cept iZ2 and Dunlop Winter Maxx WM01, as well as the most affordable of all participants Toyo Observe GSi-5, which are well known to Russian car enthusiasts.

To carry out the tests, one of the test sites was chosen, located in the northern part of the earth’s hemisphere and allowing for a wide range of various tests, during which the air temperature was kept in the range from –2 to –18 ºC. The tire carrier turned out to be one of the popular “C” class cars, equipped with ABS, ASR, ESP and other auxiliary electronics.

In order for friction tires to show the most accurate results, the ice must be clean, since even light snow or bright sun can significantly distort them. That is why, for greater accuracy of the final numbers, all measurements were repeated six, or even more, times.

And the first exercise was acceleration on an icy straight from 5 to 30 km/h, where the car shod with Dunlop tires performed best - it took only six seconds. Only one tenth of a second was lost to Nokian, while Hankook and Bridgestone trailed behind (they did it in 7.3 and 7.4 seconds, respectively).
As for braking from 30 to 5 km/h, Nokian tires demonstrated themselves more effectively than the others - they only slightly exceeded 15 meters. Continental tires turned out to be slightly worse. The outsiders included Bridgestone and Pirelli, who needed 17.5 meters to slow down.

In order to evaluate the lateral properties, the tests continued on an ice circle, and in cloudy weather - under such conditions the results were noticeably more stable (but in any case, eight to ten circles were wound on each set of tires). And the Continental tires “bite into” the surface better than others, on which the car completed the lap in 26 seconds, and the Nokian gave them a little more than half a second. The slowest tires were Toyo tires, which measured 28.8 seconds.

Exercise on snow is less demanding of the vagaries of nature, with the exception of heavy snowfall: most often fresh flakes are slippery. To evaluate longitudinal grip, a long platform was used, which allowed the car to accelerate from a standstill to 40 km/h, and then slow down to 5 km/h.
The fastest tires on the snow were Hankook and Pirelli, while Bridgestone and Dunlop were at the opposite end of the ranking. In braking, the balance of power changed slightly: Continental and Pirelli were the leaders, and Goodyear, Bridgestone and Michelin were the outsiders. But even the last “three” cannot be fully called losers, since only a difference of 4% separated it from the first results.

Unfortunately, the lack of compacted snow at the test site did not allow the “rearrangement” to be carried out, but this gap was more than compensated for by assessing handling on specially prepared tracks with ice and snow surfaces.

Not all exercises can be measured - for example, controllability and maneuverability can only be assessed subjectively. And the first test for all tires was the assessment of directional stability - here the leaders were Bridgestone, Goodyear, Continental, Nokian and Hankook, which distinguished themselves by stable straight line retention. high speed and quick reactions to steering movements during soft lane changes. As for the rest, all of them, without exception, received only minor comments.
To evaluate handling, we used a track with a set of turns of varying steepness. In this discipline, you accelerate faster and use the “steering wheel” more often than when assessing directional stability. And the most understandable behavior in in this case Hankook, Toyo and Nokian tires were demonstrated, but on Bridgestone and Dunlop the car turned out to be the most “nervous” due to the low information content of the steering wheel and delays in reactions.
Nokian and Pirelli tires showed the best cross-country ability - a car shod with them confidently starts and maneuvers in deep snow, and, if necessary, easily reverses (this is in the case when moving forward is no longer possible). But Bridgestone, Michelin, Toyo and Goodyear let us down - in snowdrifts they only allow you to start under pressure, in case of slipping they often “burrow”, and the maneuverability is not entirely confident.

When assessing controllability on ice with your refined reactions and high reliability Michelin tires conquered, and only slightly lost to Continental, Nokian and Pirelli. But the rest of the subjects also proved themselves to be good, so there were no obvious outsiders in this discipline.

Having completed the cycle of “winter tests” carried out at subzero temperatures, it was time for asphalt exercises, during which the air was warmed up to levels from +4 to +7 ºC, and first of all, efficiency was assessed. Hankook and Nokian were the least "gluttonous", while Dunlop and Toyo tires "eat" more than others. But even between the leaders and outsiders, the discrepancy in the results was insignificant - only 200 ml per 100 km.

During a warm-up lap at speeds from 110 to 130 km/h, directional stability on asphalt was assessed. And here, the Michelin tires showed clear adherence to the given course, as well as informative effort on the steering wheel (almost like flight tires in the warm season). Dunlop, Goodyear and Pirelli proved themselves to be good, while Hankook and Toyo had many questions: they disappointed with an uninformative “steering wheel” and a certain “braking” when adjusting the direction of movement.
To check the noise and smoothness of the ride, several tracks were used: initially, the car on each set of tires was tested on a good surface, after which it was “moved” onto roads with potholes, cracks and chips. The palm in this discipline went to Continental - in terms of smoothness and acoustic comfort, they found themselves “ahead of the rest.” Goodyear also demonstrated low noise. Dunlop, Toyo and Michelin turned out to be harsher and more grumbling than others, while Pirelli did not have the best smooth ride. They received similar comments - vibrations on small bumps, sharp jolts on medium and large potholes, a feeling of overinflated tires.

The final chord in the tests was braking on dry and wet asphalt. To ensure the most accurate results, the exercise was carried out along one track on a narrow strip, and after each measurement the brakes were cooled. On a dry surface (braking is carried out from 80 to 5 km/h), the Goodyear tires ran less than the others - on them the car needed 28.8 meters to stop. Continental and Michelin tires showed a meter loss to the leader, while Toyo (33.1 meters) lagged in the rearguard.

On wet asphalt (deceleration occurs from 60 to 5 km/h), the balance of power was a little different: Continental tires took first place with a result of 19.7 meters, and Goodyear were content with second position with a lag of half a meter. As for the outsider, he remained the same: braking distances Toyo exceeded the leadership indicators by six meters.

Seasonal tire change is a mandatory condition for vehicle operation. Each type of tire is designed for certain weather conditions. This is influenced by the composition of the manufacturing material, tread pattern and the presence of additional elements.

When is it legally necessary to change your shoes to winter tires in 2016?

Timely change of tires from 01.11.2015 is fixed on legislative level The technical regulations of the Customs Union (TR CU) in Appendix 8, Section 5.5 indicate that winter tires with studs are prohibited from being used in the summer - from June to August. The same applies to summer tire models, for which the restrictions are December, January and February.

In fact, there are no clear rules when to change to winter tires in 2016. Information about amendments to Law No. 16 - Federal Law “On Transport Safety” regarding the procedure for changing tires from one type to another is not true. Therefore, issuing fines by traffic police officers based on existing regulations is illegal. The exception is the minimum tread depth on winter tires, which should not be less than 4 mm. In this case, a fine of 500 rubles may be issued.

But for your own safety, it is recommended to follow the rules for changing tires on your car from summer to winter:

• Constant air temperature less than +5 °C. Summer models change their properties, which leads to deterioration of road grip;
• If winter tires are marked “MS”, they can be used from September 1 until the end of spring;
• Take into account the climatic features of the region. This applies to the installation of studded tires.

It is imperative to check the condition of winter tires - the degree of tread deformation, the presence of defects.

The best winter tires 2015-2016: test, ratings, reviews

To choose the best winter tires, you need to consider several factors. The main thing is the quality of tires and their type. Additionally, the date of manufacture is taken into account (no more than 2-3 years), load index (depending on the weight of the vehicle), speed index, wear resistance.

The following classification of winter tires is conventionally accepted:

• European. Maximum traction in rain or wet snow. They have a diagonal pattern with a large number of thin slits;
• Scandinavian. Designed for travel on snowy or icy roads. Characterized by sparse pattern, there are many lamellas (small stripes) on the treads;
• Studded. The best option for icy conditions. The spines may be round or quadrangular form ;
• With an asymmetrical pattern. The inner part provides better traction for snowy surfaces, and the outer part for asphalt.

To select, it is recommended to study the test of winter tires 2015-2016. This may be data from expert publications or specialized companies. It is important to read reviews about operational properties of a particular winter tire model.

Test of winter tires R16 2016 according to the magazine “Behind the wheel”

For the winter tire test, specialists from the magazine “Behind the Wheel” identified a number of factors. The most interesting results were shown by the R16 studded tires. They were evaluated based on cross-country ability, quality of grip on various surfaces, directional stability and impact on fuel consumption. Based on this, five most optimal models were identified.

1 Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7

They went on sale in 2009. When traveling on ice they showed optimal longitudinal grip. Also on this surface, high-quality acceleration and braking were observed, and cornering stability was good. When traveling in deep snow, a positive indicator of maneuverability. It is not lost when switching driving modes.

On dry asphalt, braking is weak, the noise from the studs penetrates into the cabin. However, during long trips, no abrasion of the studs was observed - the decrease in the height of the protrusion was 0.1 mm.

2 ContiIce Contact

Began selling in Russia in 2010. Tests on classic “winter” tracks showed good results. On ice and snow, traction is excellent in all directions. With a significant amount of snow, advancement is only possible by slipping.

There is also a low rate information content on the steering wheel. The test on wet and dry asphalt showed the best results. Braking and acceleration are carried out according to the technical data of the vehicle. Control adjustments are minimal.

3 Michelin X—Ice North 2

Tire sales have been carried out since 2009. A characteristic difference is the spikes with a large core. On ice, grip properties in the longitudinal direction are average, and in the transverse direction they are good. On a snowy track, these indicators indicate high-quality control.

Braking on dry and wet asphalt is within normal limits. There is a dampening of minor fluctuations. Disadvantages include noise level.

4 Pirelli Winter Carving Edge

The first models began to be sold in 2008. The manufacturer is constantly improving the model, but without external changes. Experts note the optimal properties of transverse and longitudinal adhesion on ice. The same indicators for high snow cover.

But for good road grip you have to sacrifice comfort. Trips around paved routes are accompanied by a high level of noise. Fuel consumption is average, regardless of driving style.

5 Nordman 4

They have been sold in Russia since 2009. They performed well on icy roads. All types of clutch are at a good level. Problems arise on a snowy track - there is a dependence on snow density, at small turning angles it is not enough information content.

On paved surfaces need constant course correction. Vibration is observed on small irregularities. Noise increases after 40 km/h.

Test winter tires Behind the wheel 2015

Rating of the best winter studded tires in 2015-2016

For a full analysis of studded tires, it is necessary to take into account not only the opinion of experts from the publication “Behind the Wheel”. In addition to them, the best winter studded tires 2015-2016 were determined by several others specialized companies - “Tuulilasi”, “AutoReview” and the publication “Test Word”. Based on these data, an optimal tire rating was formed..

1 Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8

The main advantages of this model include a large number of spikes - 190 pcs. In order to reduce weight, special fillers were introduced, the presence of which did not affect the decrease in mechanical strength. Tires are characterized good handling on snowy and icy roads, have a minimum braking distance on paved covering

2 Continental ContiIceContact

The manufacturing material has been modified - components have been added to it to increase service life at low temperatures and high humidity levels. Fine recommended yourself when driving on all types of snowy and icy surfaces. The disadvantage is slippage that occurs when in contact with a mixture of water and ice.

3 Pirelli Winter Ice Zero

These studded winter tires can be classified as middle class. When driving on snow or ice surfaces, fairly good control is observed. Optimal braking distance when stopping on icy asphalt in the presence of a layer of water.

However, when cornering, the grip on the surface is not good enough. The braking distance has also been increased by paved covering

4 Nokian Nordman 5

To increase grip on the road, a special spike is installed in the upper part of the tread, shaped like a bear's paw. Additionally worth noting democratic cost, good car handling when traveling in winter.

The degree of operating comfort is low - high noise levels and problems with sensitivity during sharp turns, relatively long braking distance on dry asphalt.

5 Goodyear UltraGripIce Arctic

In this model winter studded rubber was applied original v—figurative thorn. IN totality With pattern tread is created reliable clutch With road surface. TO shortcomings Can attribute reduced controllability at harsh maneuvers.

Rating the best winter studless tires 2015 —2016 G

Availability thorns on tires Not Always acceptable For some conditions operation. IN peculiarities This concerns frequent trips By dry paved coating. IN result this thorns are erased, Part from them falls off, What leads To deterioration properties winter rubber.

For solutions this Problems manufacturers were developed studless models tires. Their feature is compound rubber, which Not changes at influence low temperatures. So called « Velcro» will allow manage by car How on icy or snowy highway, So And on dry or wet asphalt.

1 Nokian HakkapeliittaR2

Leader rating winter tires 2015 —2016 G their did good controllability on everyone types coatings, optimal indicators cross-country ability. Consumption fuel Not rises, level noise minimum. Optimal fit For trips By tracks or off-road.

To the manufacturer necessary do some work above improvement brake qualities on dry asphalt. But This Not critical, So How meaning brake ways Not exceeds acceptable.

2 GoodyearUltraGripIce2

Recommended exploitation V urban conditions or on equipped tracks. Their the best quality winter tires showed on paved surfaces. Regardless from degrees icing or level snow revealed good transverse clutch on ice. Minimum brake path at clutch With paved surface.

3 Continental ContiVikingContact 6

TO positive parties these tires Can attribute fast acceleration without slipping on snowy road. Also are noted good brake quality on wet asphalt. Thanks to drawing tread transverse clutch on ice one from the best For tires this class.

IN progress tests was revealed fuzzy following course in time trips on paved road. This due to elevated indicators rigidity.

Today, more and more car enthusiasts prefer to buy studless tires for the winter, and there are many reasons for this. Firstly, winters in megacities are becoming milder, and ice appears less and less on the asphalt. Secondly, people began to buy all-wheel drive cars more often, and, as many motorists assure, the drive to all 4 wheels almost completely compensates for the lack of studs. And third - efficiency friction tires has increased significantly, and if previously, in order to feel confident on the road, you only had to wear studded tires, then with the advent of modern technologies, the presence of studs simply ceased to be mandatory.

But let's get to the point, namely: which tire models are in great demand? The answer will be a specially compiled rating of the best non-studded tires for the winter of 2015-2016.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2

1) The Finnish new Hakkapeliitta R2 is designed for use in various urban environments. Nokian has developed a tire that has excellent grip on wet asphalt and roads covered with ice and snow.

The developers tried to create both durable, comfortable tires with a great design, and they succeeded, plus, thanks to the latest tire composition, they also managed to reduce fuel consumption. This model can be “put on” even before the cold weather sets in, which will help to significantly save time that can be lost standing in huge queues at the tire shop, and as you know, they form instantly as soon as the first snow appears.

A full tire run-in is 200-300 km, so you will have time to complete it before the real winter sets in.

2) Italian Ice tires Zero Friction can be used on both regular cars, and equipped with all-wheel drive.

A special directional tread pattern provides Pirelli's new product with excellent grip.

The center of the tire copes well with snowy road surfaces, and the presence of grooves helps prevent hydroplaning.

Wave-shaped shoulder blocks with longitudinally shaped drainage channels increase tire contact with the surface in the snow gripping area and increase traction. A special rubber composition, most of which is filled with silicon, makes the tires durable even in severe frosts - even if the air temperature is -50˚C, your car will be able to cover the intended distance without any problems.

3) Tires French brand Michelin were developed specifically for our climate. The X-Ice 3 model is made from a specific mixture and therefore, in comparison with older models, the new product boasts a reduced braking distance (by 10%).

In our winter conditions, it often happens that snow suddenly begins to melt abundantly, but for X-Ice 3 this is not an obstacle. Micro-Pump technology, combined with a unique tread pattern, allows the tires to effectively remove snow slush and water precipitation, thereby increasing the level of grip on asphalt. According to the manufacturers, X-Ice 3 will last quite a long time, if you delve into the specifics - such tires can travel at least 60 thousand km.

Nokian RS2 SUV

4) The Finnish company Nokian has released tires for lovers of extreme recreation - RS2 SUV, which cope with snowy expanses, despite unstable weather conditions and road quality.

All the most modern technologies were implemented here: equipping with special pump sipes allows the tires to stay stable on icy surfaces, and reinforced tread blocks provide effective braking. RS2 SUVs will be appropriate if you plan to go on an off-road trip covered with snow, because even in such conditions the tires guarantee you plenty of positive impressions received from the trip. The presence of a double cord and a unique rubber composition have a positive effect on the reliability and durability of the product, so its strength remains beyond any doubt, and this is a fundamental factor for cars off-road overcoming extreme routes.

5) Our winters, just like our roads, often throw unexpected surprises at us, and if today the roads are literally littered with snow mixed with mud, then tomorrow all this can turn into ice.
The South Korean company Kumho has released a tire model that can withstand even such a sudden change in weather mood.

Silica, which is part of the rubber compound, makes WinterCraft WP51 tires extremely stable even in severe frosts, not to mention specially designed sipes that guarantee excellent grip. In warm weather, the tires will provide their owners with confident driving, the reason for which is the presence of multiple grooves with a longitudinal arrangement, which facilitate the active removal of liquid and snow from under the tire. As a result, this will greatly increase their contact with the road surface. WinterCraft WP51 is an ideal option for lovers of comfort and safety.

6) If you want to purchase premium winter tires at a regular price, then your choice is the I`Zen KW31 XL model.

Kumho brand tires cope excellently with both ice and snow, and the presence of sticky blocks located in the center of the tire guarantees successful grip.
Thanks to a new rubber composition using environmentally friendly components, the tires are also economical. Thus, the vehicle’s fuel consumption is significantly reduced, and the unique placement of the grooves contributes to a comfortable ride not only on slippery ice, but also with slush formed after thawed snow.

7) The Japanese brand Bridgestone released the innovative Blizzak WS80 model back in 2014, which still occupies a leading position in the winter friction tire market. These tires are designed for cars with any body type, so they are considered universal.

Unlike its predecessor, the Blizzak WS70 tire, the improved model has become even safer and more maneuverable, and also has better traction on icy, snowy and frozen asphalt from the winter cold. The special feature of the Blizzak WS80 is its special rubber compound, which retains its elasticity despite sudden temperature changes. The microparticles included in the tire structure bite into the ice, thereby increasing the vehicle's maneuverability, grip and traction, and the use of the Multicell multi-cellular compound allows the outer layer of the product to actively absorb moisture that is formed from contact with the icy surface.

This feature resists slipping and helps you corner steadily. The central tread blocks of this model have a parallelepiped configuration, which, in turn, are cut into two identical triangles, resulting in the formation of significantly more (20%) cutting edges, thereby reducing the braking distance and improving the directional stability of the car. Three-dimensional zigzag lamellas, scattered at different angles on the rubber blocks, give it the necessary rigidity and distribute an even load.

8) Winter Maxx WM01 tires from the British developer Dunlop perform excellent when braking and show good handling on exceptionally different roads.

The tire tread has an asymmetrical pattern.
On top of that, the product is made from a new rubber mixture, which made it possible to equip it with the thinnest lamellas and increase their opening upon contact with the road surface, which means improving the car’s braking. The abundant silicon content in the rubber composition allows the tires to be used in any weather. Winter Maxx WM01 will appeal to fans of fast driving.

Which tires to choose is up to you. We can only advise that buying winter tires is not a case where you can save money, therefore, if possible, it is best to give preference to more expensive models, which differ high quality. And remember: the newer the tires, the more high-tech they are, because the development of automotive products does not stand still, and over time, newly released products become increasingly safer, and safety is the most important criterion for any motorist.

Bearing in mind the crisis, we chose the most popular and most affordable studded tires, not forgetting the Chinese ones. Seven out of eleven such tires turned out to be cheaper than 2,500 rubles. There are few new products in the VAZ standard size, but we had it with us - the Continental ContiIceContact 2 tires are just entering the market. For the first time, perhaps the most affordable domestic studded tire Avatyre Freeze (1,770 rubles), Polish tires Sava Eskimo Stud (2,135 rubles), Chinese Aeolus Ice Challenger (2,140 rubles) and Japanese Yokohama iceGUARD iG55 (2,590 rubles) are participating in our tests. Among the “Scandinavians” the choice is noticeably more modest. According to manufacturers, the share of “spikes” on the Russian market ranges from 65 to 80%, that is, there is very little room left for “non-spikes”. We found only seven sets. The most inexpensive are Cordiant Winter Drive for 2050 rubles and Nordman RS for 2225 rubles. Average price category(2500-3000 rubles) are represented by the “Japanese” Bridgestone Blizzak VRX and Toyo Observe GSi‑5, as well as Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 made in Poland. We didn’t disdain even a couple top models Nokian and Continental, which cost more than 3,000 rubles apiece.

Tests were carried out in January - February at the AVTOVAZ test site, near Tolyatti. The winter turned out to be not very frosty: the temperature varied between -25...-5 ºС. The asphalt part was rolled out at the beginning of May, on dry roads. We worked at night, when the temperature did not rise above +5…+7 ºС. It is this temperature that tire manufacturers consider the transitional temperature from winter tires to summer tires and vice versa. The test car is a Lada Kalina equipped with ABS.

AS YOU GO, SO WILL YOU GO

The most important part of testing winter tires is running in. After all, it determines how well the tires will perform on snow and ice and how long they will last. If you run in the studs incorrectly, you can easily ruin them: if you drive aggressively on unrolled tires, the studs will simply start to fly out. We ran each set of studded tires for 500 km. Without sudden accelerations and braking, so that each spike falls into place and the rubber tightly grips its base. To do this, we divide the entire run into three or four parts, taking a break in movement for an hour or two after each. To break in studless soft “Scandinavians”, popularly often called “Velcro”, 300 km is enough. And the driving style should be more aggressive, with slight slipping during acceleration. Here, the primary task of running-in is different - to completely remove from the tread sipes the remaining lubricant that was applied to the mold (lubricant is needed in order to prevent damage to the tread with 3D cuts when removing the newly welded tire from the mold). In addition, these tires need to remove a thin surface layer of rubber, which after baking turns out to be slightly harder than the core. You don’t have to worry about the wear of the sharp edges of the lamellas: on modern models they are designed in such a way that they self-sharpen with mutual friction. This ensures the stability of the characteristics of studless tires throughout their service life.

HOW MUCH TO STICK?

On run-in tires, we measure the hardness of the rubber and the amount of protrusion of the studs, comparing the results with those obtained on virgin tires. After running in, the Shore hardness of the rubber usually changes by several units in one direction or another. The spikes may also come out a little or go deeper as they fall into place. In Russia, the amount of protrusion of spikes is not regulated. But in European Union countries where the use of studded tires is allowed, it is limited - no more than 1.2 mm on new tires. Life has determined this compromise value: a smaller protrusion will not allow achieving effective traction on ice, a larger protrusion will worsen traction on asphalt and lead to a rapid loss of “studs” during operation. In our long-term tests, the average stud protrusion after running in is from 1.3 to 1.6 mm. And now almost all tires fall into this range with a deviation of one tenth of a millimeter. The exception was four models. Firstly, this is the Chinese Aeolus: its spines protrude only 0.5-0.8 mm. It’s immediately clear that on the ice he won’t be missing the stars from the sky. Secondly, Cordiant: the protrusion of the studs reaches 2.0 mm - the maximum permissible value in Europe (although no one checks this parameter on cars). But Bridgestone and Sava are alarming: after running in, some of their studs stuck out by 2.3 mm! Moreover, not only the carbide insert of the stud rises above the tread (it, as a rule, protrudes above the body by 1.2 mm), but also almost a millimeter of its cylindrical body. It is clear that on ice these tires will have an advantage over “legal” tires. At one time, we checked how the protrusion of studs affects the grip properties of tires on ice. Every tenth of a millimeter reduces the braking distance by 2.5–3%. Spikes with a protrusion of 2.3 mm will outperform those that protrude only 1.3 mm by at least 25–30%!

I repeat that in our country the protrusion of spikes is not limited by any laws. But according to Technical regulations The Customs Union, which unites Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, for tires manufactured since January 1, 2016, sets the protrusion of studs on new tires to 1.2 ± 0.3 mm. That is, the stud will have to protrude above the tread by no less than 0.9 mm and no more than 1.5 mm. It will be interesting to look at Bridgestone tires and Sava next year.

To get acquainted with the test results (they are summarized in tables), follow the links: table No. 1 and table No. 2.

WHAT ARE WE TESTING?

In sequence test exercises We first measure acceleration and braking on snow and ice. Why? During testing, the spikes act increased loads, under the influence of which the spikes can slowly move outward, and if these measurements are taken last, the spikes will protrude more. After measuring the longitudinal grip, we check the tires on an ice circle and test them on a rearrangement. And after that we evaluate controllability, directional stability, maneuverability and comfort. After completing all tests on “white” roads, we again check the protrusion of the studs. If it has not changed during testing, then the studs are held securely in the rubber, and this is a guarantee that they will last a long time. The most stable were Continental, Nordman, Yokohama and Bridgestone: for these tires, the amount of stud protrusion remained unchanged during all tests. Nokian's spikes have crept out by one "ten", and we also consider this result to be excellent. Toyo and Aeolus look quite passable: their spikes have been increased from zero to 0.2–0.3 mm. But Avatyre, Cordiant, Formula and Sava tires have an alarming increase - up to 0.4–0.5 mm. There is a suspicion that at this rate of growth the studs will not stay in the tires for long. By the size of the protrusion of the spines absolute record holder- Sava: some “studs” stuck out 2.7 mm after tests!

We also carry out asphalt tests taking into account the intensity of tire wear. We start with assessing and measuring rolling resistance and only in the end we carry out braking on asphalt. Can you guess why? If not, we will answer in the words of Continental specialists, who call emergency braking on asphalt stressful for winter tires - even with ABS. And they believe that after a dozen or one and a half such braking events, the tires become unusable. But we just brake six to eight times on dry roads and the same amount on wet roads. After the tests, we carefully inspect the studs and treads of the “stressed” tires. Three models in which the studs protruded more than 2 mm (Bridgestone, Cordiant and Sava) differ from the rest by the pits in the rubber near the studs. When braking, the tall studs bend strongly and tear out pieces of the tread. And the bodies of the spikes themselves have been ground off, lost their cylindrical shape and now look like cones. It's amazing that none of these tires lost any studs. Trouble came from an unexpected direction - the well-behaved Toyo lost 14 studs on four wheels. It is noteworthy that last year, when the spikes at the end of the tests stuck out a little more (up to 2.3 mm) than now (up to 1.9 mm), there were no losses.

SPIKES OR VELCRO: AFTERWORD

So what should you prefer - “spikes” or “Scandinavians”? When choosing, remember the main advantages and disadvantages of both. “Spikes” have more stable grip properties on any surface, but they are less comfortable. Softer and quieter Velcro are more demanding on the level of driving skill on ice. In addition, I would not risk recommending “Scandinavian” tires for cars without ABS: when the wheels lock on ice, their grip drops significantly, and this is extremely dangerous. The undisputed winner of our test was Nokian tires, which last years are the trendsetter of winter fashion: in the class of studded tires, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 model took the lead, and among the “Scandinavians” the Hakkapeliitta R2 took precedence. But they are also the most expensive. So the choice is not easy - and our tables with recommendations for each tire will help you make it.

We warn those who are particularly picky: you should not compare the results of “spikes” and “Scandinavians”; it is not for nothing that they are presented in different tables. By own experience We know that the difference depends on temperature. On severe frost(-20 ºС and below) soft “Scandinavians” will win on ice, in “greenhouse” ones (above -10 ºС) top scores will be at the “spikes”. Perhaps we can only compare behavior on asphalt. But it should be remembered that tire manufacturers do not compare the data obtained in different days. After all, the measurement result is influenced not only by the temperature of the air and asphalt, but also by humidity, wind strength, the amount of ultraviolet radiation and much more. Together with the author, Anton Ananyev, Vladimir Kolesov, Yuri Kurochkin, Evgeniy Larin, Anton Mishin, Andrey Obramov, Valery Pavlov and Dmitry Testov took part in the tire testing. We express our gratitude to the tire manufacturing companies that provided their products for testing, as well as to the employees of the AVTOVAZ test site and Tolyatti company Volgashintorg for technical support.

They occupy a small one. Only 5-8%. But in our country, winter studded tires are vital for any car enthusiast. They occupy 60% Russian market. The Scandinavian type of tires is considered to be the most suitable for Russian weather conditions. It copes well with snow and ice. So that you don’t make a mistake and make a choice in favor of high-quality tires, we have compiled a rating of winter tires for 2015-2016. This list compiled based on the results of tests of several leading Russian and foreign journals. Among them: “Behind the Wheel” and “AutoReview”.

Thanks to the open tread pattern, the tires interact well with the road even in poor grip. With X-IceNorth, the vehicle will confidently drive through slush. A car shod with tires of this model showed the shortest braking distance on a dry road. This tire, which opens the rating of winter tires, is most suitable in conditions where there is not much snow and ice. Because accelerating and braking with X-IceNorth 3 will be mediocre. The winter tire model is sold at a reasonable price.

Thanks to hexagonal studs made of aluminum, the tires of this model are perfectly suited for driving and braking on snow and ice. A car shod with these tires will feel great on dry roads. Formula Ice, ranked 9th in the list of winter tires 2015-2016, will provide vehicle high smoothness. This model is suitable for those who live in big city, and rarely travels beyond its borders. The attractive price will be an additional advantage in choosing this model.

Winter tires from Korean manufacturer has 180 studs and a lamella system to reduce braking distance. The car goes well in the snow on slopes, tracks, and forest routes. It doesn't matter whether the road in front of you is dry or wet, with Hankook Winter tires your car can confidently drive even on a dirty road. True, driving in the snow is uneven. This is the only disadvantage of the model, which ranks 8th in our top list of the best winter tires 2015-2016.

Tires with multi-faceted studs for perfect grip on ice. Wide tire contact area road surface becomes possible thanks to numerous hooks. A car shod with tires of this model behaves flawlessly on wet snow and ice roads. On dry surfaces, the performance of the rubber, which took 7th place in the winter tire rating, is not so good: the rolling resistance is high, and the braking distance leaves much to be desired.

With the help of special V-shaped sipes, the tire guarantees perfect grip on snowy roads. The performance of this tire also gives confidence to the car enthusiast. On wet asphalt, the “shod” car behaves confidently, although on dry pavement it turned out to be the slowest of all the presented models in the 2015-2016 winter tire rating.

Nordman 4 features reduced noise and studs with great durability. Special pads soften contact with the road. On wet asphalt and ice, the performance of this model, which occupies the middle of the 2015-2016 winter tire ratings, leaves much to be desired. But otherwise, Nokian Nordman 4 is a strong mid-ranger, sold at an affordable price.

Good braking of the Nordman 5 is achieved with the help of a “bear claw” - a protrusion on the tread that is held vertically during braking. The attractive price of this model, which ranks 4th in the 2015-2016 winter tire rating, will please every car enthusiast. Thanks to Nokian Nordman 5, the car consumes fuel moderately and shows excellent stability on ice, snow and dry asphalt. The only drawback: the car's handling is not very comfortable; in heavy snowfall it does not show the best cross-country ability.

Pirelli tire manufacturers test their products in the most extreme conditions, as they operate on icy and snowy surfaces. Therefore it is expected that this model showed excellent performance on surfaces 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 the car loses traction when turning. Strong tire noise also does not add to the advantages of Winter Ice Zero. On dry asphalt, the braking distance is not as short as we would like, which is why the winter tire rating for 2015-2016 is bronze.

Universal tires suitable for both passenger cars, and SUVs. The special rubber compound is made taking into account the characteristics of cold and unpredictable climates. The car, “shod” in Continental, brakes well on ice and shows good handling both on a snowy road and on dry asphalt. Withstands rapid acceleration and braking. ContilceContact would come first if its slip resistance were perfect. But this is not the case, which is why winter tires are rated silver.

Tires with 190 studs and light weight (using special additives) do an excellent job on the track with any type of surface. Snow, snow-covered or frozen surface does not matter. After all, there are no obstacles for Nokian Hakkapelitta, which is becoming the leader in the winter tire rating. A car equipped with this model shows a short braking distance on dry and wet asphalt.

Disadvantages: noisy model.