The British company under the Dunlop brand was founded back in 1888. Now this product is produced in 9 countries. It was Dunlop who first invented winter tires with rubber and metal studs, and also increased the number of rows on the tread. The company also owns the invention of a rubber compound that can repel water. Dunlop products complete their cars of Toyota, Honda, Mercedes, Renault, BMW, Opel, Nissan, Audi, Ford.
Tires have in their composition special additives and silica, which do not allow the tires to "tan" in the cold. The ten-step tread instantly removes water from its surface. Now the company's specialists are actively working on innovative technology, according to which the tires will give a signal to the driver if there are any problems with the rubber.
Dunlop tire range
In addition to many sizes, Dunlop tires are distinguished by seasonal orientation:
- Winter tires. Zigzag lamellas and spikes allow the tires to feel confident on slippery roads. And the side lugs further increase grip with the roadway.
- Summer tires have a special tread pattern, are soft and wear resistant.
- All-season tires combine elasticity and good grip on slippery surfaces.
General Benefits of Dunlop Tires
- They do not wear out for a long time, they can last more than three seasons with active driving.
- A special tread pattern that increases the grip area of the wheels with the road surface.
- Increased flotation in mud and snow.
- Reduced tire noise due to shifted blocks on the tread.
- Handles loose snow and mud well.
- Acceptable cost.
- Huge selection of models.
General disadvantages of tires
- In side slip, grip is lower than desired.
- Rubber is more for drivers who prefer to travel on the roads in a relaxed manner.
- At high speeds (more than 100 km / h), the grip of the wheels with the road deteriorates.
My tire rating
- Dunlop SP Sport LM704.
- Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02.
- Dunlop SP Winter ICE02.
- Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6.
- Dunlop Winter Maxx WM01.
- Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8.
- Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D.
- Dunlop SP Sport FM800.
- Dunlop Direzza DZ102.
- Dunlop SP Sport Maxx.
Tires Dunlop SP Sport LM704
Summer tires Dunlop SP Sport LM704 are suitable for comfortable city and highway driving. They provide maximum controllability of the car, allow you to appreciate the high speed and safety. The tires have a sporty character, while they have excellent performance properties.
The tread pattern effectively prevents hydroplaning and makes the machine stable and controllable on wet roads. The tires have five parallel longitudinal ribs, which increases the size of the contact patch - this increases handling and reduces tire wear. These tires dampen road bumps well, make the ride smooth and comfortable.
Specifications Dunlop SP Sport LM704
| A type | tires |
| seasonality | summer |
| spikes | No |
| Purpose | for a passenger car |
| RunFlat Technology | No |
| Are common | |
| Purpose | for a passenger car |
| seasonality | summer |
| Diameter | 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 |
| Profile width | 155 / 175 / 185 / 195 / 205 / 215 / 225 / 235 / 245 |
| Profile height | 35 / 40 / 45 / 50 / 55 / 60 / 65 / 70 |
| Functions and Features | |
| spikes | No |
| RunFlat Technology | No |
| Tread pattern type | symmetric |
| Directional protector | No |
| Maximum speed index | |
| Load index | 73...100 | 365...800 kg |
| Chamber | No |
| Diagonal | No |
Pros and cons of Dunlop SP Sport LM704
Dunlop SP Sport LM704 tires have the following advantages:
- excellent grip;
- controllability even at high speed;
- reduction of braking distance;
- smooth movement on imperfect roads;
- strength and wear resistance.
The disadvantages include noise and not the best handling in mud and slush. In general, these are tires with average performance in their class. They are not an innovative model; proven technologies are used in their production. The optimal combination of price and quality in the price segment is slightly above average.
Dunlop SP Sport LM704 video review
Tires Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02
Specifications Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02
| A type | tires |
| seasonality | winter |
| spikes | Yes |
| Purpose | for SUV |
| Maximum speed index | T (up to 190 km/h) |
| RunFlat Technology | No |
| Are common | |
| Purpose | for SUV |
| seasonality | winter |
| Type of winter tires | for northern winter |
| Diameter | |
| Profile width | 205 / 215 / 225 / 235 / 245 / 255 / 265 / 275 / 285 / 315 |
| Profile height | 35 / 40 / 45 / 50 / 55 / 60 / 65 / 70 / 75 |
| Functions and Features | |
| spikes | there is |
| RunFlat Technology | No |
| Tread pattern type | symmetric |
| Directional protector | there is |
| Maximum speed index | T (up to 190 km/h) |
| Load index | 100...116 | 800...1250 kg |
Pros and cons of Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02
The advantages of this rubber can be noted as follows:
- Very grippy on ice and snow.
- Good braking on snowy roads and on ice.
- Comfortable management.
- Easily balanced.
- Overcomes the track without problems.
- Excellent combination of price / quality.
The disadvantage is the noise when driving.
Video review Dunlop Grandtrek Ice02
Tires Dunlop SP Winter ICE02
Specifications Dunlop SP Winter ICE02
| A type | tires |
| Diameter | 18 |
| Profile width | 255 |
| Profile height | 45 |
| seasonality | winter |
| spikes | Yes |
| Purpose | for a passenger car |
| Maximum speed index | T (up to 190 km/h) |
| Load index | 103 |
| RunFlat Technology | No | 875 kg |
| Are common | |
| A type | tires |
| seasonality | winter |
| Type of winter tires | for northern winter |
| spikes | there is |
| Purpose | for a passenger car |
| Size | |
| Diameter | 18" |
| Profile width | 255 mm |
| Profile height | 45 % |
| Speed and load indices | |
| Speed index | T (up to 190 km/h) |
| Load index | 103 (875 kg) |
| Other functions and features | |
| RunFlat Technology | No |
| Tread pattern | symmetric |
| Directional tires | Yes |
Pros and cons of Dunlop SP Winter ICE02
Of the positive points, the following can be noted:
- Good snow traction.
- Predictably behaves on the ice.
- Good braking grip.
- Exchange rate stability is very pleasing.
- Comfortable handling.
- Soft rubber and quite strong.
Among the shortcomings can be noted noise.
Dunlop SP Winter ICE02 video review
Tires Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6
Specifications Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6
| A type | tires |
| seasonality | winter |
| spikes | No |
| Purpose | for SUV |
| RunFlat Technology | No |
| Are common | |
| Purpose | for SUV |
| seasonality | winter |
| Type of winter tires | for northern winter |
| Diameter | 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 |
| Profile width | 195 / 205 / 215 / 225 / 235 / 245 / 255 / 265 / 275 / 285 |
| Profile height | 45 / 50 / 55 / 60 / 65 / 70 / 75 / 80 |
| Functions and Features | |
| spikes | No |
| RunFlat Technology | No |
| Tread pattern type | symmetric |
| Directional protector | there is |
| Maximum speed index | Q (up to 160 km/h) / T (up to 190 km/h) |
| Load index | 95...116 | 690...1250 kg |
| Chamber | No |
| Diagonal | No |
Pros and cons of Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6
- Does not lose softness at low temperatures.
- It behaves predictably on a snowy road, in slush and on ice.
- Strong and wear resistant.
- Easily balanced.
The disadvantage of these tires is not confident behavior in a rut and on wet ice.
Dunlop Grandtrek SJ6 video review
Tires Dunlop Winter Maxx WM01
Specifications Dunlop Winter Maxx WM01
| A type | tires |
| seasonality | winter |
| spikes | No |
| Purpose | for a passenger car |
| Are common | |
| Purpose | for a passenger car |
| seasonality | winter |
| Type of winter tires | for northern winter |
| Diameter | 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 21 |
| Profile width | 155 / 175 / 185 / 195 / 205 / 215 / 225 / 235 / 245 / 255 / 265 / 275 |
| Profile height | 40 / 45 / 50 / 55 / 60 / 65 / 70 |
| Functions and Features | |
| spikes | No |
| RunFlat Technology | optional |
| Tread pattern type | asymmetric |
| Directional protector | there is |
| Maximum speed index | R (up to 170 km/h) / S (up to 180 km/h) / T (up to 190 km/h) |
| Load index | 75...114 | 387...1180 kg |
Pros and cons of Dunlop Winter Maxx WM01
The advantages can be noted as follows:
- Predictable handling on snowy roads and in snowy "porridge".
- Good cross-country ability on snowy roads.
- Comfortable handling.
- Not noisy compared to studded wheels.
Of the shortcomings, it should be noted the increased braking distance on dry asphalt at zero temperature and above, rutting is not acceptable.
Video review Dunlop Winter Maxx WM01
Tires Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8
Specifications Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8
| A type | tires |
| seasonality | winter |
| spikes | No |
| Purpose | for SUV |
| RunFlat Technology | No |
| Are common | |
| Purpose | for SUV |
| seasonality | winter |
| Type of winter tires | for northern winter |
| Diameter | 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 |
| Profile width | 205 / 215 / 225 / 235 / 245 / 255 / 265 / 275 / 285 |
| Profile height | 40 / 45 / 50 / 55 / 60 / 65 / 70 / 75 |
| Functions and Features | |
| spikes | No |
| RunFlat Technology | No |
| Tread pattern type | symmetric |
| Directional protector | there is |
| Maximum speed index | R (up to 170 km/h) / T (up to 190 km/h) |
| Load index | 96...116 | 710...1250 kg |
| Chamber | No |
| Diagonal | No |
| Additional Information | the tire can be installed on a minibus class car |
Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8 pros and cons
The positive aspects of this rubber are as follows:
- Good grip when braking on snowy roads and on ice.
- Soft and not noisy.
- Good handling and patency in the temperature range from -43 to +5.
- Fairly strong and durable.
- Confidently behave when rutting.
- Takes water well.
The disadvantages include weak grip during intensive acceleration.
Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8 video review
Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D tires
Specifications Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D
| A type | tires |
| seasonality | winter |
| spikes | No |
| Purpose | for a passenger car |
| Are common | |
| Purpose | for a passenger car |
| seasonality | winter |
| Type of winter tires | for northern winter |
| Diameter | 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 |
| Profile width | 175 / 185 / 195 / 205 / 215 / 225 / 235 / 245 / 255 / 265 / 275 / 285 / 295 |
| Profile height | 30 / 35 / 40 / 45 / 50 / 55 / 60 / 65 / 70 |
| Functions and Features | |
| spikes | No |
| RunFlat Technology | optional |
| Tread pattern type | symmetric |
| Directional protector | there is |
| Maximum speed index | H (up to 210 km/h) / Q (up to 160 km/h) / T (up to 190 km/h) / V (up to 240 km/h) / W (up to 270 km/h) |
| Load index | 82...111 | 475...1090 kg |
| Chamber | No |
| Diagonal | No |
Pros and cons of Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D
The positive aspects of this rubber are as follows:
- Quiet enough.
- Confidently behaves on snow, porridge and water.
- Wear resistant.
The negative side includes:
- Uncontrolled behavior on the ice.
- Harsh for winter tires.
- Gauge not acceptable.
Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D video review
Tires Dunlop SP Sport FM800
Specifications Dunlop SP Sport FM800
| Diameter | 15 |
| Profile width | 185 |
| Profile height | 60 |
| seasonality | summer |
| spikes | No |
| Purpose | for a passenger car |
| Maximum speed index | H (up to 210 km/h) |
| Load index | 82 |
| RunFlat Technology | No | 475 kg |
| Are common | |
| seasonality | summer |
| Purpose | for a passenger car |
| Size | |
| Diameter | 15" |
| Profile width | 185 mm |
| Profile height | 60 % |
| Speed and load indices | |
| Speed index | H (up to 210 km/h) |
| Load index | 82 (475 kg) |
| Other functions and features | |
| RunFlat Technology | No |
| Tread pattern | symmetric |
Pros and cons of Dunlop SP Sport FM800
The advantages of this rubber include:
- Soft.
- Confident in wet weather.
- Comfortable handling and directional stability.
- Good braking grip in both wet and dry conditions.
- Low aquaplaning.
- Wear resistant.
The disadvantages include not significant noise.
Dunlop SP Sport FM800 video review
Tires Dunlop Direzza DZ102
Specifications Dunlop Direzza DZ102
| A type | tires |
| seasonality | summer |
| spikes | No |
| Purpose | for a passenger car |
| RunFlat Technology | No |
| Are common | |
| Purpose | for a passenger car |
| seasonality | summer |
| Diameter | 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 22 |
| Profile width | 185 / 195 / 205 / 215 / 225 / 235 / 245 / 255 / 265 / 275 / 285 |
| Profile height | 30 / 35 / 40 / 45 / 50 / 55 / 60 |
| Functions and Features | |
| spikes | No |
| RunFlat Technology | No |
| Maximum speed index | H (up to 210 km/h) / V (up to 240 km/h) / W (up to 270 km/h) |
| Load index | 82...102 | 475...850 kg |
Pros and cons of Dunlop Direzza DZ102
The positive aspects of this rubber can be noted as follows:
- Moderately hard, strong sidewall.
- Good handling both on wet and dry roads.
- Excellent braking grip.
- Hydroplaning resistance.
- Pleased with exchange rate stability.
- Wear resistant.
The negative side is not much noise when driving.
Dunlop Direzza DZ102 video review
Tires Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
Specifications Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
| A type | tires |
| seasonality | summer |
| spikes | No |
| Purpose | for a passenger car |
| RunFlat Technology | No |
| Are common | |
| Purpose | for a passenger car |
| seasonality | summer |
| Diameter | 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 |
| Profile width | 195 / 205 / 215 / 225 / 235 / 245 / 255 / 265 / 275 / 285 / 295 / 305 / 315 / 325 |
| Profile height | 25 / 30 / 35 / 40 / 45 / 50 / 55 / 60 |
| Functions and Features | |
| spikes | No |
| RunFlat Technology | No |
| Tread pattern type | symmetric |
| Directional protector | there is |
| Maximum speed index | H (up to 210 km/h) / J (up to 100 km/h) / V (up to 240 km/h) / W (up to 270 km/h) / Y (up to 300 km/h) / Z/ZR (over 240 km/h) |
| Load index | 82...114 | 475...1180 kg |
| Chamber | No |
| Diagonal | No |
Pros and cons of the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx
The advantages of this rubber are as follows:
- Good handling in both dry and wet conditions.
- Predictably copes with the rut.
- Comfortable handling.
- Strong sides.
- Wear resistant.
- Hydroplaning resistance.
- exchange rate stability.
The disadvantages include the weight of the rubber and a little noise when driving.
The long-awaited summer time has come, the time of holidays. But before going on vacation outside the city, car owners who have not yet done so in the spring should “change their shoes” on their “iron horses” in summer tires.
Now you can buy tires for every “taste”, since many companies are engaged in the production of tires. However, not everyone monitors the quality of their products. According to numerous reviews from motorists, the most popular summer tires are Henkook and Dunlop. They are rightfully considered leaders in sales, and the demand for them will definitely not dry up.
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And this is quite natural, because manufacturers have done their best, correcting all those disadvantages that are most often found in most tire models.
As a result, new modern tires of unsurpassed quality appeared on the market, and consumers faced the problem of choice: which summer tires are better to take - Henkook or Dunlop? To answer this question, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each of these models and subject these data to a thorough analysis. So let's get started!
Tires Hankook
Hankook summer tires have been around for a long time and, most importantly, they are deservedly very popular among car owners. The manufacturer of this tire model has gained worldwide fame due to its innovative solutions and the introduction of new technologies into the production process of its products. When creating these tires, the company's specialists unsuccessfully tried to listen to all the desires of consumers and decided to focus on maximum driving comfort and increased handling.
To achieve such indicators, a completely new water drainage system and a special directional tread pattern were used, which provides good handling regardless of what surface and at what speeds the car is moving. 
Advanced water drainage system
Recently introduced into the production of Hankook tires, a new water drainage system consists of 4 drainage channels and many small notches and cuts. Larger channels remove fluid from the tread rather quickly, thus reducing the chance of hydroplaning. Small channels in this system are needed in order to reduce vehicle noise and increase tire grip on wet roads.
The entire system of channels has an unusual shape, which makes it possible to increase grip on a wet road surface, and this also works in straight-line traffic and when performing various maneuvers.
Directional tire tread pattern
Tires of this type have a special directional tread pattern with excellent 
performance at high speeds. In order to significantly increase directional stability, the manufacturer introduced a central continuous rib into the tire design, which also reduced the feedback time.
In addition, the shoulder blocks have sharp edges that increase the grip of the tire with the road surface when cornering, and the presence of a special rubber ring made it possible to increase the protection of the wheel from various damages.
This summer tire has excellent road holding and is very stable on various types of road surfaces. Thanks to the modern three-layer design of tread blocks and their unusual location, the area of interaction between the wheel and the road has significantly increased.
New coating
During the production of this model of summer tires, a completely new coating was used, which contains truly unique components in its composition. Thanks to this innovation, the tire has become even more wear-resistant, as a result of which it was possible to increase its mileage, and this was achieved in all driving modes.
In addition, the use of this new rubber compound made it possible to significantly reduce the tread recovery time and increase the level of wet grip of the tire.
What is the difference between the Hankook tire and analogues
- An improved rubber compound made it possible to increase tire mileage, as well as increase wet grip;
- A unique cooling system that allows heat to be evenly distributed over the entire surface of the tire, as a result of which it was possible to increase the controllability of the car and the life of automobile tires;
- An updated water drainage system to prevent possible slipping on wet surfaces and improve ride comfort through a significant reduction in driving noise.
Dunlop tires
Dunlop summer tires are targeted at a specific type of buyer who owns the most powerful and improved models of today's passenger cars. This type of tire has been adapted for use under very heavy loads, namely driving at high speed, which makes it possible to show excellent performance even in such difficult conditions, which most analogues cannot boast of.
Efficient tread design
One of the distinguishing features of this tire model can be considered that manufacturers were able to combine in it 
spectacular appearance with very high technical characteristics. This was achieved only through the use of a V-shaped tread pattern, in which each element has a high efficiency. But none of this would have happened if Dunlop's specialists had not applied 3D modeling technology in the tire development process.
As a result of this innovative innovation, it was decided to divide the tread into a number of zones. Each of them is designed to perform strictly defined functions, as well as complement and enhance the actions of neighboring zones. Thus it was possible to achieve excellent tire performance in all road conditions.
Exceptional hydroplaning resistance
In addition to the tread of the Dunlop tire, its drainage system also has separate functional areas. The basis of this system can be called 2 longitudinal grooves, which are distinguished by a significant volume, located in the center. The water that accumulates in them when the car is moving on a wet surface is quickly discharged through a large number of diagonal grooves of small volume.
As a result, this process is carried out very intensively, which is also facilitated by their inclination and direction against the movement of the wheel. All these innovative ideas, brought to life by the designers, allowed the tread to cope very effectively with drifts on wet roads.
The main features of Dunlop tires
- The tread pattern, which was developed by applying technology such as 3D modeling, has a very effective V-shaped design and differs from other tread patterns in very high performance under various road conditions;
- The carcass, which was made using a new technology, when the cords are wound seamlessly, increased the handling performance at high speeds and made it possible to significantly reduce the heating of the tires, thus increasing their wear resistance;
- Excellent slip resistance on wet surfaces, achieved through the introduction of a special drainage system, the high performance of which is due to its division into functional zones.
Which summer tires are better - Hancock or Dunlop?
Based on the foregoing, now you can confidently answer this question, which is of such interest to all motorists. The best option for them would be to buy Hancock summer tires.
Although these 2 types of rubber are very similar in terms of the main indicators, for example, they have an almost identical tread structure and a drainage system that provide better car handling and prevent tires from slipping on wet road surfaces, however, Hancock tire models are still better because they are more wear-resistant, and the noise emitted while driving is so insignificant that the driver will not even hear it.
These days, relentless tire marketing is changing the state of mind of unprepared customers much faster than a skilled hypnotist. Millions of dollars invested in the promotion of established and completely new brands have prepared for us a huge number of simple and correct solutions that do not require, at first glance, evidence.
Choosing the best option is not an easy task.
The novelties of the season, created solely thanks to innovation, are pouring down on us like from a cornucopia. Perfect tread shape, completely new rubber compound, fuel economy, improved grip performance and even such an abstract argument as tire design are presented by advertising as a great reason to buy. But what is behind these words? Are they really synonymous with quality, reliability and comfort? Well, let's try to figure it out and put everything on the shelves.
Dexterity and a bit of cheating
It's no secret that in an effort to justify the need to purchase a particular product, the manufacturer often uses some tricks. Even such a simple parameter as test temperature can play a cruel joke when choosing rubber. If you test tires at 15 degrees on a cloudy day and at 25 degrees on a sunny day, the results can change significantly.
And it is worth remembering the nuances of the road surface, a wide range of tire sizes, the ability of rubber to age and the condition of the tread, so hands immediately drop. In fact, the increased safety and reduced braking distance declared by the manufacturer can only be achieved under certain conditions, which can only have a mediocre relation to your real life.
Cheat sheet for the buyer
Judge for yourself, if in St. Petersburg the average temperature from April to October is 11.6 degrees, an average of 62 mm of precipitation falls, and road potholes formed after the winter are not so rare, then in Rome it is 20 degrees, no frosts and precipitation in 2 times less. So will we get the coveted safety of premium European tires, and is it worth paying for?
The situation for tire buyers is, of course, difficult, but not as hopeless as it might seem. To win in the “enemy territory” of merciless marketing, we will arm ourselves with basic knowledge about the types of summer tires and take the test results of Russian and European publications as allies. Then we will invite their majesty logic, statistics and the Internet and try to draw unbiased conclusions.
Some basic knowledge
Summer tires differ from winter tires not only in the tread pattern, but also in the chemical composition of the rubber used. Since the latter is a trade secret of the manufacturer, it is easier for the average buyer to use such a wording as hardness. For summer tires, it always exceeds 60 Shore units, and for winter tires it is 48-55 Shore units. In fact, hardness indirectly indicates the temperature range of tires, and a drop-down range of 55-60 units falls on the all-season tire segment.
It is economically unjustified to use winter tires in summer due to high wear and low grip at temperatures above 15 degrees. Of course, at low speeds, careful driving style and tiny miles in cold summer conditions, the use of non-studded tire options can be logically justified, but the price for such savings can be too high. This situation is well illustrated in the Autoreview test results, where expensive winter tires turned out to be worse than the most budgetary summer options.
Summer tire tread patterns
If we exclude from the review tires for special purposes that are not used on ordinary passenger cars, then formally there are four tread groups:
Tread patterns
- Classic protector the most common and versatile: it has an average noise level, does not depend on the direction of rotation. Typically, such a pattern is used on budget tire models and does not impose special requirements on the direction of rotation when installed on a car.
- Directional symmetrical always marked on the outer side with direction of rotation. This type of tread well removes water from the contact zone and has increased resistance to aquaplaning.
- Directional asymmetric the pattern is also labeled "Rotation" and is sometimes additionally labeled with the words "Inner" and "Outer" to designate the inside and outside.
- Asymmetric non-directional tires are usually designed for extreme driving conditions, as they allow you to make more abrupt lane changes. They are marked in the same way as directed asymmetric, i.e. they are labeled on the inside and outside.
seasonality
The following types of tires are suitable for use in the summer:
- all season,
- summer.
All-weather - is it worth it?
All season necessarily marked ALL SEASON and sometimes M + S, such tires have many transverse straight grooves or curved sipes designed to displace water from the contact zone. They are more passable on primers, able to provide good grip on snowy and wet roads, but noisier than summer road tires. At temperatures below -5 degrees Celsius or above +25, the efficiency of such tires begins to decrease.
A driver operating an ordinary passenger car in the territory of the post-Soviet space in 99% of cases is interested in summer tires only road type. Summer tires for cross-country SUVs (marking All Terrain or Mud Terrain), sports track tires or slicks for drag are needed by units, and the requirements there are more specific. In our review, we will build on the needs of most drivers, so road-type tires are relevant for us.
These tires are designed to drive on a hard surface, regardless of whether it is dry or wet. They necessarily have longitudinal wide grooves, the number of which determines the stability of rectilinear movement and the ability to drain water from the contact patch at high speeds.
If such a tire is additionally marked by the manufacturer as HIGHWAY, then it demonstrates its best performance on highways, however, in the winter or transition period, in the presence of snow, mud or ice, the operation of this type is tantamount to suicide.
High-speed tires with the PERFORMANCE marking behave similarly, differing from the previous type in greater resistance to overheating and allowing you to move, respectively, with greater speed and loads.
Rubber "All Weather"
Tires with a pronounced V-shaped tread pattern are sometimes called rain tires, since this form allows water to be very effectively removed from the contact zone. If the tread, in addition to the longitudinal grooves, has a large number of transverse grooves, then such tires are sometimes marked as “All weather”, i.e. all-weather. This is a step towards all-season tires, since their tread is actually identical, but since the composition of the rubber remains a mystery to us, it is still not worth using such tires in sub-zero temperatures.
Such tires will be ideal for drivers who place high demands on safety on wet roads and do not want to slip on the road to the country house on the first hillock with mud or wet grass.
Summer tire test results for 2014-2015
So, we got acquainted with the theory, now we turn to practice. This is where things get a lot more confusing than it seemed when studying the information about tread types. We come to the aid of tests from such authoritative sources as the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC for short), Russian automotive magazines Za Rulem, AvtoRevue, as well as a selection of tests from independent European online publications.
It is immediately striking that in recent years the leaders of the tire world ratings have remained unchanged. Like five years ago, products from brands such as Nokian, Michelin, Goodyear, Continental, Pirelli and Dunlop consistently occupy the top lines, which is not surprising, given the very high price category. Perhaps the main feature here is the emergence and growth of production of some brands, such as Nokian, in the territory of the Russian Federation.
Rubber parameters
A very interesting event is the growth in the quality of tires by the Korean manufacturer Hankook, which, despite the average price segment, is not inferior to the leaders in many respects. An interesting trend is also observed in the lower price segment, where Chinese and Russian manufacturers are firmly rooted. And if China continues to cause mistrust, then such new domestic brands as Nordman and Cordiant, on the contrary, have become strong middlings in terms of quality while remaining affordable.
Optimal solution
Economy class
Buying four tires requires a serious financial sacrifice from the family budget, but if your religion allows you not to idealize tire gods, then you should not change traditions. The budget segment has always been a compromise, it has never been and never will be ideal solutions.
Although if you remember what inexpensive summer tires were like fifteen years ago, then, as they say, this is “heaven and earth”. So what are the best summer tires?
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Our selection of summer tires |
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| Cordiant Sport 3 (Russia) | Formula Energy (Russia) |
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| Where can I buy: | Where can I buy: |
| Price: 2700 r (for 205/55 r16) | Price: 2699 r (for 205/55 r16) |
Middle price segment
As they say, "the best combination of price and quality", and it is difficult to add anything to this statement. When braking on dry pavement, Hankook outperformed half of the much more expensive tires, and on wet pavement he became the new tire deity. Nordman was slightly inferior in terms of grip, but saved money, besides, as they say in the market: “Nordman invented and made Nokian to sell the same tires cheaper!”.
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Our selection of summer tires |
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| Hankook Ventus Prime2 (Hungary) | Nordman SX (Russia) |
 |
 |
| Where can I buy: | Where can I buy: |
| Price: 3190 r (for 205/55 r16) | Price: 2900 r (for 205/55 r16) |
Luxury tire segment
For those who don't like to skimp on their safety, Michelin is a great option. In almost all tests of various publications, this tire takes first place in 2015, and its only drawback is the price. If you still don’t like the Michelin brand or have problems with the availability of tires, then Nokian would be an excellent choice.
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Our selection of summer tires |
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| Michelin Primacy 3 (Germany) | Nokian Hakka Blue (Russia) |
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| Where can I buy: | Where can I buy: |
| Price: 3800 r (for 205/55 r16) | Price: 3890 r (for 205/55 r16) |
All-season tire segment
All-weather season is not liked by manufacturers, sellers in the market, or employees of a tire shop. Just think, while normal people buy two sets of tires and change them every five years due to natural aging, someone manages to buy one.
From a marketing point of view, this is a blatant injustice, and it would be easier for everyone to forget about this type of tire, but bad luck, demand always generates supply and marketing forces are powerless here. The German club ADAC states: there is an all-season tire that brakes better than some budget tires - both in winter and in summer. Testers clarify: good all-season tires brake only 5% worse than the average summer or winter tires, and in the off-season this is an ideal option!
Well, well, the choice is yours, and we have the best options:
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Our selection of summer tires |
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| Goodyear Vector 4Seasons (USA) | Hankook Optimo 4S (Korea) |
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| Where can I buy: | Where can I buy: |
| Price: 5740 r (for 205/55 r16) | Price: 4816 r (for 205/55 r16) |
