Chinese winter tires are no longer a rarity on Russian roads. Experienced motorists speak positively about the quality of Chinese tires. Moderate prices for these tires attract more and more buyers.

Tires of different quality are produced in China. There are enterprises that produce fakes of popular brands with limited performance characteristics. At the same time, other brands of Chinese rubber are not inferior in quality to European brands and, at the same time, are attractive in price. To eliminate the risk of buying low-quality goods, you need to know the advantages and disadvantages of Chinese brands.

Pros and cons

Advantages of Chinese winter tires:

• relatively low price;
• quality that is not inferior in important criteria to expensive brands;
• use of modern developments;
• positive feedback from motorists.

General disadvantages of purchasing rubber from China:

• the risk of buying a fake;
• poor response to braking;
• noise at high speeds.

Some models may have other disadvantages.

Is it worth buying

Buy tires made in China should be prudent, having previously studied the information about the recommended brands and models.

Despite the presence of unscrupulous manufacturers, there are Chinese rubber brands with good performance in such performance characteristics as:

• rolling resistance;
• reduction in fuel consumption;
• avoiding hydroplaning;
• road grip;
• stopping distance;
• behavior in difficult road conditions;
• controllability at high speeds;
• reaction of the material to low temperatures;
• durability.

To reduce the likelihood of an unsuccessful purchase, you should choose not only a trusted brand, but also reliable outlets. Even Chinese stamps are counterfeited by small handicraft manufacturers. Such goods are sold in the markets, from hands, in small shops.

Top Firms

Major Chinese tire manufacturers have quality certifications and use innovation.

1. Triangle is supported and controlled by the Chinese government. The company produces tires for various types of transport. The composition of the rubber compound is kept secret. It contains natural rubber. Products comply with ISO, ECE and DOT, x-ray and ultrasound tested.
2. Jinyu is one of the best Chinese truck tire manufacturers. It also manufactures tire models for passenger cars. The company has received 5 quality certificates.
3. Sailun offers noiseless tires of acceptable quality at a low price, which can be used up to 50-60 thousand km in both urban and off-road conditions. The plant was created on the basis of the Qingdao Development Center. The company uses modern developments in production. According to consumers, these tires are the best value for money.
4. Landsail manufactures tires suitable for all road conditions and speeds.
5. Ovation offers inexpensive tires with special additives, pronounced tread patterns and durable cords.
6. Comforser - durable tires with good flotation and stability at an average price.
7. Maxxis is one of the most popular brands. The products of this manufacturer have good performance and attractive prices, especially for SUV models.
8. Goodride manufactures tires with low noise levels, carefully examines the issue of market research and customer preferences. The products of this brand are distinguished from competitors by handling and wear resistance. The plant was formed on the basis of the former state enterprise. Certificates obtained from the US Department of Transportation, European Economic Commission, ISO, INMETRO. The world record for the longest drift was set on a car with tires of this brand.

Winter tires from a Chinese manufacturer

Chinese winter tires of some models have proven themselves well on Russian roads.

Comforser CF3000 215/75 R15 100/97Q

Model advantages:

• the presence of large lugs on the sides;
• tread depth - 14.2 mm;
• durable steel cord;
• rapid removal of dirt and water from the contact patch;
• confident track holding;
• noiselessness;
• soft rubber.

Flaws:

• weight - 23 kg without disc;
• possible problems with balancing;
• deterioration of dynamic properties and increase in fuel consumption due to weight;
• lack of full labeling.

Goodride SW606

Goodride brand rubber is produced by China's largest tire corporation.

Model advantages:

• low noise;
• good handling (up to 130 km/h);
• the presence of a tread that removes water and snow mass from the surface of the tire for traction with the road surface.

The disadvantage is the lack of spikes.

The cost is 2,500-4,500 rubles. depending on diameter.

Landsail Ice Star IS37 235/65 R16

The model is designed specifically for cars with a reinforced center of gravity. The rubber compound with numerous micro-voids absorbs water for improved traction on ice.

Other benefits:

• noiselessness;
• handling in slush, on ice, on a snowy road;
• the presence of 3D-lamellae;
• mileage over 60 thousand km.

Disadvantage of the model: to maximize the use of positive operational properties, the installation of spikes is necessary.

The cost is 3,700-4,200 rubles.

Triangle TR646

All-season tires of this brand have the following advantages:

• good grip even in icy conditions;
• orientation to difficult weather conditions;
• good balance;
• durability;
• minimum resistance, reducing fuel consumption;
• low price.

The cost is 3,300-3,700 rubles.

Sailun Ice Blazer WST3 215 60 R17

This model is a friction winter studded rubber. The design and material take into account the peculiarities of road conditions in the Nordic countries.

Model advantages:

• reliable grip with the track even at temperature extremes;
• 8-row studding in the form of continuous strips;
• increased number of hooks for stability on ice;
• sawtooth lamellas for snow removal;
• Stiff center rib for high speed handling
• softness of rubber at low temperature;
• good balance;
• easy exit from the track.

The disadvantages include moderate noise and lack of protection against side cuts.

The cost is 4,000-4,600 rubles.

Arctictrekker NS3

These winter tires from Maxxis have the following advantages:

• noiselessness;
• high quality, not inferior to the quality of European studded tires;
• good handling;
• self-cleaning from snow;
• low price.

The cost is from 4,600 rubles.

For use on an icy road, the reviews recommend the Sailun Ice Blazer, for crossovers and SUVs, the Landsail Ice Star or Comforser CF3000 models. When choosing between Chinese tires and used tires of world brands, experts advise purchasing an inexpensive but new product. It is advisable to make a purchase at official dealerships.

The prices shown are valid as of December 2019.

According to Russian law, from December to February, a mandatory period for driving on winter tires is established. Depending on the actual onset of winter, local authorities determine the time themselves, because snow can fall as early as November, and disappear only at the end of March.

However, winter tires are a guarantee of safe driving, so motorists with such serious questions do not joke and disciplinedly change tires for their “iron horses”.

If your choice is tire products from Chinese manufacturers, below we have compiled TOP 5 the best brands in China. The rating is based on feedback from motorists who have tested tires from various companies in real conditions.

5. GOODRIDE- comfortable and reliable

Goodride has been in production since 1958 and produces 17 million sets of tires annually. The products have received worldwide recognition - the ISO certificate, have been certified in the USA, the European Union and Brazil.

A wide range of tires for various types of vehicles is presented for the Russian market. The Goodride winter tire pattern provides excellent grip and good braking performance on slippery roads. The teeth on the tread are applied along and across, providing acoustic comfort. In the manufacture of protectors, a special rubber compound is used that does not tan at low temperatures.

Speaking specifically about models, then in the production line, you should pay attention to these three tires:

1. Goodride SW 618- non-studded tread designed for severe testing.

2. Goodride SW606- studded tires for passenger cars with good acoustic comfort.

3. Goodride SnowMaster SW601- comfortable ride for milder winters.

4. SUNNY- quality at low cost

The company's capacity allows it to produce up to 4 million sets of tires on the market annually. The credo of the company is the minimum price for products without sacrificing quality.

In production, Sunny uses high-tech modern equipment and technical developments of leading auto engineers from Europe, the USA and Japan. The company's products are popular far beyond China, and are included in the package of new cars from Audi, Mazda, Volkswagen, Nissan. Sunny is constantly updating its lineup, releasing about 30 new models every year.

Russian car owners choose Sunny winter tires due to their safety and confident handling at high speeds. The use of a special rubber compound and

reinforced cord, increased tire strength. The tire has one more trump card - low cost. And the disadvantages include excessive rigidity and noise on the road.

Especially motorists note such tire models:

1. Sunny SN293C- winter non-studded tire for light trucks retains maximum directional stability and instantly responds to steering.

2. Sunny SN3830- non-studded winter car tire with self-cleaning function of the tread when driving. Does not give 100% confidence on the ice.

3. TRIANGLE- economical and balanced tires

Triangle confidently took the golden middle of the rating of Chinese winter tires. The brand produces 30 million items a year, ranking 14th in the world in terms of tire production. Products have international ISO, ECE and DOT certification.

All tires of this brand have good balance and low rolling resistance, which saves fuel. Factory quality control completely excludes marriage from falling into the hands of the buyer.

In Russia, models with both studded and alpine tires are very popular. After using tires in practice, good directional stability, acoustic comfort and practicality of products are noted.

1. Tire Triangle TR777 features good performance even in harsh winter conditions, comfort is achieved by reducing noise and hum.

2. Triangle TR646- non-studded winter tires for minibuses and commercial vehicles. Show excellent coupling and traction properties, wear-resistant.

2 SAILUN

The tire concern has been producing modern high-tech tire models for any equipment since 2002. This is a unique company, as it produces tires, develops and tests them. Sailun tires have received European and American quality certificates, and since the brand does not set high prices for its products, the cost of tires is lower than that of competitors for analogues.

In the Russian car market, this brand is recognizable and popular. Winter tires provide perfect traction, regardless of the conditions and the presence of difficult terrain. It is also worth adding high strength and wear resistance. Overall, this is an affordable rubber that meets world quality standards with excellent performance.

When choosing winter tires from the Sailun brand, pay attention to the models:

1. Sailun Ice Blazer WST1- Studded tires showing excellent traction and skid resistance. They have good traction on ice and snow.

2. Sailun Ice Blazer WST3 with a studded tread provides reliable grip on icy and snowy surfaces.

1. MAXXIS- Most popular tires

Maxxis - takes the palm in our ranking of Chinese winter tires, and for good reason. These tires are the most popular among Russian car owners.

The company began producing tires in 2008 and almost immediately took 12th place in the world in terms of turnover. This rubber can be found on brand new cars from such concerns as Nissan, Chrysler, Peugeot, Hyundai, Ford, Peugeot, Toyota.

Maxxis tires are made using a rubber compound with a higher concentration of rubber, which increases their wear resistance. In their reviews, the owners admire the excellent performance characteristics of rubber - comfort, good directional stability of the car on wet road surfaces and on snowy roads.

The best Maxxis winter tires are:

1. Arctictrekker NS3- popular and high-quality tires, considered the best in the winter tire line from Maxxis.

2. MA-W2 Wintermaxx show good traction and hydroplaning resistance.

3. Arctic Trekker NP3- Studded tires for improved grip and handling.

All of the listed Chinese winter tire brands are the best for winter use. The rating was compiled based on surveys of car owners and a comparison of technical and operational characteristics.

60 years ago, the whole world was actively discussing the Japanese economic miracle, trying to understand how a backward semi-feudal country, which was Japan before World War II, in a short time turned into one of the pillars of the world economy. Then came the turn of South Korea, and lately everyone is talking about the Chinese phenomenon. This is all the more surprising because officially the Celestial Empire is a country with a communist system and ideology. The current level of its development is not very consistent with the works of Karl Marx, but the fact remains that Chinese manufacturers are advancing on all fronts. The automotive market is no exception, in particular, the production market.

Just yesterday, well-known firms are actively crowded into the market by brands with a worldwide reputation and a long history. Simply amazing progress! But in Russia, as well as in the rest of the world, there is still a strong prejudice against Chinese products, which is understandable - how can a company that just appeared on the market yesterday produce quality products? It turns out that it can, if you approach the matter wisely. However, local production is extremely heterogeneous - there are both clear leaders who managed to break into the planetary TOPs, and there are really little-known manufacturers that produce cheap tires with dubious performance characteristics. But the consumer market is just as heterogeneous - there is a considerable layer of buyers for whom cost is the dominant factor.

Features of the Chinese tire market

If you turn to the facts, then the best modern Chinese tires are practically in no way inferior to recognized European, Japanese or American counterparts.

The phrase "Made in China" means nothing today. It can be both good and frankly low-quality products. You will be surprised, but now about 500 enterprises of various levels are engaged in the production of rubber in the country. Although, if we compare this figure with the population in China (and these are the same half a billion people), then everything becomes clear. What is interesting here is this: every fifth inhabitant of the planet is Chinese, and the share of Chinese tire factories in global production is still higher - about 30%. Of course, this number also includes those enterprises that have transferred the production of tires from other countries - because of cheap labor, low taxes and affordable raw materials.

But here's the paradox - their products did not become cheaper because of this! Michelin or Pirelli tires made in China cost almost the same as those made in other factories. And this situation is observed in many areas of production, including high-tech.

But let's get back to the Chinese tire manufacturers. In the latest rating of tire manufacturers, five companies from China entered the TOP-10! Is this not evidence of the decent quality of local products? Let's take a look at these manufacturers:

• Maxxis;
• Gitti Tire;
• Hangzhou Zhongce;
• triangle;
• Shandong Linglong.

Remember them so as not to goof off after the next trip to the auto shop. These are the best Chinese tire manufacturers, although some of the names are probably unknown to you.

It is impossible not to note one more striking feature of the Chinese industry in general and tire production in particular. This is a love for copying the products of world leaders, as well as a tendency to borrow famous brands. It is hard to fight these phenomena, especially with names - one changed letter is enough to make any lawsuits meaningless. It is noteworthy that in this case, the calculation is made on the markets of third countries, whose population is reverent for popular brands, but not so educated as to distinguish Sony from Sonny or Soni.

Advantages and disadvantages of Chinese rubber

It must be admitted that even among the products of recognized European and Japanese tire companies there are models that clearly should be attributed to failure in terms of reliability, quality, resource and other specific characteristics. In the same way, the Chinese segment is also heterogeneous, which, on the whole, is still inferior to world brands, but is confidently and progressively approaching them. Already today, the best representatives of the Chinese tire industry can compete in popularity with more eminent products.

So, what are the good tires from China:

• winter Chinese tires, regardless of the presence / absence of studs, retain their elastic properties very well at temperatures typical for winter in most of Russia. It can be recommended to use them on our roads, subject to low traffic intensity;
• as for the wide rubber, according to the results of numerous tests, it is distinguished by a smooth ride and a low rolling resistance. Therefore, such tires are good on rough roads because they minimize vibration and shaking;
• even according to such a key indicator for the Russian user as wear resistance, Chinese products are quite competitive. Moreover, some models outperform tires from well-known world brands in terms of range;
• it is not worth saying that tires from China have no competitors in terms of affordability;
• Another positive point is that the real resource of Chinese tires, according to tests, is higher than that declared by manufacturers.

And now for the cons:

• A significant part of Chinese tire products are not very good in terms of braking performance, handling, grip coefficient with slippery / icy / snowy road surfaces. Leaders tend to have these indicators in the norm, but they also have unsuccessful models;
• hydroplaning resistance is still not given enough attention by local developers. As a result, you cannot be sure that a car on a wet track will not skid when braking. Similar problems exist for winter roads. It is noteworthy that almost all Chinese manufacturers sin with this, although to varying degrees;
• Finally, it should be noted that the Chinese pay little attention to the fight against noise. Their rubber is one of the noisiest, especially when driving at high speeds. However, for many domestic motorists, this disadvantage is clearly secondary.

Tire rating of Chinese manufacturers

An impatient reader is probably waiting for the publication of the ranking of the best tires labeled "Made in China". Well, it's time to satisfy their curiosity.

triangle

Founded back in Soviet times in 1976, this company initially specialized in the production of tires for trucks. At present, it is the largest Chinese manufacturer of tires, in the assortment of which the whole range of tires is presented - winter, radial.

This is a modern enterprise, which has a number of undoubted advantages:

• high-tech production with its own laboratory and research units that ensure the production of competitive products;
• Triangle products are installed regularly on most cars produced in this country, and this also says a lot;
• the range of tires by types, sizes and cost of tires is extensive and is able to satisfy almost all consumer segments;
• tires under this brand are characterized by a decent resource, which makes them more and more in demand on the Russian market.

If you believe real reviews, then the Triangle tires, despite the increased noise, are quite soft. In other words, even in conditions of negative temperatures, these tires will provide good grip on the road. True, the prices for these tires are not so affordable compared to domestic products or lesser-known Chinese brands, but the quality here is world-class. Among the most popular models are tires PL01, PS01, TR77.

Maxxis

This brand can be ranked among the oldest Chinese players - it was created back in 1967, when Mao Zedong was the Chinese leader. In 1981, the company began to cooperate with the Japanese tire brand "Toyo", which had the most positive impact on product quality. Currently, Maxxis tires are regularly installed on Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, Peugeot, Ford cars, which already says a lot.

So this brand is confidently included in the TOP-3 of Chinese rubber.

The most popular summer models are MAZ1 Victra, MAS2 Marauder 2, HPM3 Bravo. They have excellent wear resistance and good performance.

As for winter tires, here the opinion of motorists is not so unanimous. In the Velcro category, Russian users are positive about the MAPW Presa Snow model, which has a directional tread pattern and unique side sipes. This tire effectively counteracts aquaplaning and provides good directional stability.

Among the worth noting is the NP3 Arctic Trekker, which combines a two-layer tread with an exclusive pattern. Good grip characteristics are ensured by the presence of silicon dioxide in the upper rubber layer.

Sunny

This is a relatively young player in the Chinese tire market, which shows amazing progress. If the first generations of tires under this brand were frankly weak, then at the moment the company's products occupy a leading position in terms of price / quality ratio. A characteristic feature of Sunny tires is their excellent durability, for which not only owners of budget cars love these products.

Other advantages of these tires:

• the use of winter tires is not associated with an increase in fuel consumption, which is typical for most Chinese tires;
• summer tires hold the road quite tolerably, coping well with mud;
• overcoming deep puddles at speed on this rubber is quite safe;
• Sunny tires cope well with increased loads and can be called high-speed.

Russian consumers most often mention the SN3830 model, and the reviews are mostly positive. The unique tread pattern with aggressive directional sipes does an excellent job of quickly getting rid of slush, and this is a wide-profile rubber.

Among the flight tires, the SN3970 can be distinguished - a variant of a high-speed tire capable of operating at increased weight loads both on dry and. In general, these are not the best Chinese tires, but definitely the cheapest among the good ones.

good ride

This Chinese company in terms of production capacity is second only to the leader Triangle. Goodride products have been presented on the Russian market for a long time and have already become one of the most popular. Good quality tread, affordable cost and excellent wear resistance are the main features of these tires. The company uses only high-quality materials, acquiring rubber compounds from industry leaders. Note that Goodride specialists do not hesitate to adopt other people's ideas, including those related to the tread pattern. Can this be called a minus? From a consumer point of view, no, because with the corresponding global performance, we get products that are more affordable.

We note the most popular tire models:

• Sport RS - summer tires. As the name implies - highly specialized, designed for drift driving. It is characterized by a symmetrical pattern that provides enviable directional stability at high speeds;
• SA 37 is a more mundane summer version, not distinguished by outstanding properties. This rubber is good for the average car owner who prefers an aggressive style;
• SW 606 is a winter studded full profile tire with a V-shaped pattern. Increased rigidity is provided by side protrusions. One of the best options for budget cars with a seat in the R14-R16 range.

Infinity

Here is a typical example of the abuse of a well-known brand name. Unlike the Japanese brand, the Chinese one does not suffer from megalomania - its tires can only be called good, because they are produced without the use of cutting-edge technologies. Own rubber recipe and relatively simple tread - nothing outstanding. But the company got the opportunity to compete in the lower price segment. At the same time, in its assortment there are models that are quite worthy in terms of characteristics, which are in demand in our country.

Despite the use of classic technologies, Infinity is ready to offer large customers individual production of tires. By the way, its model range cannot be called huge, but it has a place for trucks and motorcycles.

Kinforest

This is another representative of the new wave, present on the market since 2007 and has already won a good place under the sun. Initially, the enterprise was designed with the expectation of using the most modern technologies, and at present the company's products really look quite worthy even against the backdrop of world industry leaders.

In the ratings of Chinese tires, the brand is constantly in the TOP-10, producing rubber mainly for luxury cars. Proof of the high quality of Kinforest tires is the presence of a number of international certificates confirming the high consumer properties of Chinese rubber.

In our country, the most famous is the KF-717 model, focused on full-size SUVs and crossovers. Since the wheel dimensions for this class of cars are high (from R18), tires from world brands were too expensive for the owners of such vehicles, and the appearance of affordable and high-quality products from Kforest was met with great enthusiasm.

Antares

Being the same age as Kforest, this plant was created using Bridgestone technical documentation. The production base of the company also turned out to be appropriate: high-tech Japanese robotic equipment eliminates the production of defects - on this account, the consumer can be completely calm. By the way, since the plant is under the protectorate of the government, the state reacts very harshly to any deviations in technological processes, exercising control at all stages of production. At the same time, the pricing policy of the company is quite democratic.

In Russia, the Ingens A1 model has a special place. It is characterized by almost complete coverage of all standard sizes for passenger cars, from the minimum R13 to the premium R20. For the latest rubber, the speed index does not differ from models that cost at least twice as much. Especially TV in this regard are distinguished by low-profile tires.

However, these tires cannot be called outstanding, rather they are a strong middling tire that performs best in urban conditions.

GiTi Tire

This Chinese company owns the GT Radial brand, which is very well known to the Russian consumer. The company's factories operate not only in China, but also in other countries of Southeast Asia.

We note the most popular models of the brand:

• Champiro UHP1 is a road tire with good speed parameters. In the domestic market, this tire is the most preferred option for inexpensive low-profile rubber with a well-drawn sports slope and not outstanding, but decent characteristics when driving on dry asphalt. Produced with mounting diameters in the range R15-R19;
• Champiro ECO is good for everyday use and is tread designed for safe riding at all speeds. With excellent directional stability and acoustic performance, the tire does not have the same tenacity as the UHP1, but its smoothness is clearly better;
• Champiro ICEPRO is a representative of the winter tire class, focused on small cars and family sedans. It has spikes installed according to a special pattern. In the presence of wide tread grooves, this design provides effective water/snow removal and good ice traction.

Ling Long

One of the oldest tire manufacturers. It is a sub-brand of Shandong Linglong Tire established in 1975. At present, it is one of the five hundred largest Chinese enterprises. In the industry ranking in 2012, it took 19th place, leaving behind the Finnish manufacturer Nokian.

The total capacity of all plants of the company is about 10 million tires/year. According to this indicator, it ranks third in China. In terms of product quality, it belongs to the second line.

Fusion

Tires under this trademark are produced by a company that actually belongs to the famous Bridgestone brand. But you should not expect the same excellent performance characteristics from this rubber - this is a strong entry-level middle peasant, the main advantage of which can be called the price. A typical example of the fact that a world-famous manufacturer does not always produce products that match its image.

Is it worth it to buy Chinese tires

The main advantage of tires from China is their relatively low price. As for the advantages, you had the opportunity to get acquainted with them by reading our short review. However, it should be viewed critically. It can only be noted that recently, in almost all quality indicators, the best Chinese manufacturers included in the TOP-10 are pulling up to world brands.

So if you are tempted by a low price - ask if the company is mentioned in the ratings, and in what place. In any case, if it is performance characteristics that are important to you, it is better to give preference to eminent brands. But for those who drive little and not fast, Chinese tires will be the most preferable option.

Having accelerated along the high-speed oval, the driver entered a profiled turn and, squeezing the passengers with a lateral overload, released the steering wheel: they say, look how the car is on an arc. Moreover, we were speeding along the steep banking not in a squat sports car, but in an overcrowded Mercedes Sprinter minibus! A frenetic minibus with unbelted passengers was conducting a tour of the Chinese test site of the tire company Maxxis.

Maxxis tires are being tested at the automobile test site in Kunshan. This trademark was born fifty years ago under the wing of the Taiwanese company Cheng Shin Group, the ninth largest global manufacturer of tires for bicycles, motorcycles and cars. The Maxxis brand is quite well known in the European, Asian and American markets (Taiwanese tires are sold in 170 countries, but the US is the priority market), and we know it too. And some time ago, the winter studded Maxxis Presa Spike SUV and Maxxis Arctic Trekker NP3 even took part in the comparative tests of the Autoreview (see and), showing an average result: we scolded Taiwanese tires for the unstable quality of the studding and, as a result, for mediocre work on ice. This year, Maxxis plans to sell about 200,000 tires in Russia (mostly summer tires, with a focus on automotive class B), and in the next three years to capture at least two percent of our tire market, displacing manufacturers such as Kumho, Hankook and Dunlop .

The situation on the test roads is controlled by sixteen monitors

The engineering nest of Maxxis International is located in Taipei, there are factories in Thailand and Vietnam, regional technology centers operate in the USA and Holland, but the largest and most modern foreign technological site was built in Kunshan, China: with full technological load, the local plant is capable of producing up to 55 thousand tires per day. And the test site and research center Maxxis Proving Ground was designed jointly with the Japanese: the Maxxis tire brand developed with the technological support of Toyo Rubber Ind. Co. The School of the Land of the Rising Sun is visible literally in everything: every meter of the territory is adapted for testing grounds. Rigid access system, automated video control and electronic registration of vehicles operating in a particular sector...

Porsche Panamera in branded livery during our visit to the training ground in Kunshan worked as a show car, rolling guests non-stop

And the range of coatings - you never dreamed of! Or rather, we were just dreaming. But in the eyes of inexperienced Europeans, the test center in Kunshan is like a road cabinet of curiosities. Gravel, cobblestones, railway crossings, road repair sites, concrete, pits dear to the heart of every Russian ... Perhaps the only thing I did not see at the Chinese tire test site was urban asphalt with open sewer wells. Because the Chinese are engaged in the killing of wheels in a scientific way, imitating an oblique blow to a curbstone. The American obstacle (General Motors method) has a trapezoidal profile, and according to the Japanese rules (Toyota method), the impact is made on a beam with rounded edges. In both cases, the collision speed is 35 km / h, and the criterion for rejecting a tire is swelling, damage to the sidewall or depressurization. By the way, in Autoreview tests we use a more complex “destructive” technique: the height of the beam is selected depending on the size of the tire (an obstacle is 10 mm higher than its profile), and the speed of hitting the beam increases step by step - until breakdown. When conducting comparative tests, this is more informative.

The track for testing “dry” controllability is a circular section 2.8 km long, for “wet” exercises there is a painted “treble clef” with watering of different intensity and a circle filled with water with a diameter of 140 meters. A camera that takes a real picture in the contact patch helps to assess the resistance of a tire to hydroplaning. But the strongest impression on me was made by special roads, where the Chinese simulate a high-speed lane change (dynamic “rearrangement”) and check the operation of car stabilization systems. This is done with a national flavor: on ordinary cars without roll cages, with live passengers instead of tank mannequins, at speeds well over a "hundred" and, as it seemed to me, without much understanding of the possible consequences. Horror!

In dynamic tests, the Chinese use the equipment of the Vbox family. There are no other means of measurement

An interesting detail: all test drivers admitted to high-risk work are Taiwanese. The locals don't seem to be trusted.

Well, at the test site in Kunshan, they offered me to participate in the comparative testing of Maxxis Premitra 5 and Goodyear EfficientGrip tires in dimensions 205/55 R16 and evaluate their behavior on dry surfaces and on water. The aggregate carrier is a two-liter Ford Focus with an automatic transmission, and the evaluation criterion was the dry and wet track times measured using the Racelogic device. The Chinese did not hide the fact that they had already removed all the driving characteristics from this couple and even revealed their expert findings. They say that Maxxis tires look better than their competitor in everything except for the overall resource and vibroacoustic comfort.

The aggregate carriers during our tests were Ford Focus cars with two-liter gasoline engines and automatic transmissions.

I don’t pretend to be an expert, but I unconditionally recognize the “dry” superiority of the Chinese product: where Goodyear forced me to slip out of the corner too wide, the Maxxis tires allowed me to cling to the trajectory more effectively, and the car’s reaction to the release of gas was much more pronounced. As a result, with Chinese tires, I drove an average of two seconds faster on the test track.

On wet surfaces, the “Chinese” time also turned out to be better, but ... In the limit turn on wet pavement, the Maxxis Premitra 5 tires very sharply switch from rolling to sliding: you go into an arc, you feel the hold, you try to drive more boldly and then - wow! - the car spins around a vertical axis. In two races out of six, I just flew off the track.

Tire interior noise is measured by two microphones (at the head of the driver and rear right passenger) connected to the Bruel & Kjaer complex. And the outer one - with external microphones, standing in an electronic alignment. The car rolls into the measurement zone in neutral and with the engine off, and the speed of entry is controlled by the radar

One problem: they speak very little English at the training ground in Kunshan, so you have to sign up for Chinese courses. Like a true realist.

It is especially difficult to choose good tires from the Middle Kingdom for a car due to the huge assortment and the high risk of obtaining low-quality products. The fact is that some manufacturers produce fakes and analogues of well-known models with low performance and a high degree of wear. But there are also worthy players on the market, whose products cope with extreme loads on Russian roads without any problems, are stable on any type of surface and last more than 2-5 years. We are talking about the best Chinese tires, which are presented in our ranking.

Here is a list of the best Chinese car tire manufacturers:

• triangle- a well-known brand that produces tires made of natural rubber. The technological solution provides good balance, minimum rolling resistance and reduces fuel consumption. In order to reduce the number of rejects and to ensure that products comply with ISO, ECE and DOT standards, the company has implemented X-ray and ultrasound testing of products, and now the risk of receiving substandard products has been minimized.
• Dunlop- a company owned by GoodYear (USA) and Sumitomo (Japan), one of the countries where its products are manufactured is China. Tires are supplied to Russia exclusively from China. The peculiarity of the company's tires lies in the special technology of creating rubber, which allows the car to continue moving in the event of a puncture of the chamber. The products of the concern are distinguished by high rates of dynamics and absolute driving safety.
• Jinyu- a major Chinese manufacturer, considered one of the best in the production of tires for trucks. After achieving success in creating tires for large vehicles, the company released a line of models for passenger cars. The advantages of the company: the presence of certificates from 5 advanced quality institutes, the title of the best tire supplier in China, wear resistance and product safety.
• Sailun- a world-renowned tire brand with a large assortment of cheap rubber. Under this brand, soft, silent tires of medium quality are produced, which can withstand loads up to 50-60 thousand km in domestic conditions on various types of coatings. The main advantage of this product is that it provides driving comfort both in urban conditions and on difficult road sections.
• Landsail is a young Chinese tire manufacturer producing PCR, LTR, UHP, SUV and OTR tires. The company manufactures a universal tire that is great for both flat and bumpy roads. The product performs well when driving at high speed, has a not very long braking distance and good grip.
• Ovation is a leading Chinese brand producing tires for passenger cars, crossovers and SUVs. The range includes inexpensive models with special technologies to increase the reliability and stability of products. Unique additives in the rubber compound, combined with an aggressive tread pattern and a durable cord, give the car efficient handling, road stability and reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
• compressor is a company established in 2013 and in such a short history has managed to stand out for the high quality of tires: they are durable, stable and have good tread patterns with responsive handling. The company positions itself as a manufacturer of tires for SUVs, so the latter is characterized by increased cross-country ability and stability. Its products belong to the middle price category.

Rating of the best Chinese tires

In the field of tire production in the Chinese market, there is tremendous competition, therefore, in order to compile the TOP of the best manufacturers, it is important to take into account all product characteristics.

• rolling resistance;
• Impact on fuel consumption;
• Prevention of hydroplaning;
• The quality of grip with the track;
• Duration of braking;
• Resistance to difficult road conditions;
• Controllability at various speeds;
• Durability and wear resistance of rubber.

To rate each of the items, we focused on personal feelings from the rubber, on the reviews of the owners and the opinions of experts. Value for money also played an important role.

The best Chinese summer tires

The best Chinese tires for summer should feature efficient high-speed handling, cut and wear resistance, and shortest stopping distances. According to the quality of handling, 3 models were selected for the rating of such tires.

This model belongs to the high performance series and features strong traction and short braking distances on wet and dry roads. Tire gives the car a response to minimal steering movements and maintains acoustic comfort. Large blocks in the shoulder area improve the maneuverability of the car when cornering.

The tire has an asymmetric tread pattern with numerous notches and sipes that reduce noise levels, promote rapid moisture removal from the contact patch and reduce rolling resistance. To improve handling and directional stability at high speed, 3 ribs and a rigid rim are located in the central part of the wheel.

I decided to purchase such tires for the Infiniti G37. Season on her departure - about 10 thousand km. During this time, I can note that the tires are quiet even on embankments and bumps, they hold the road perfectly at a speed of about 100 km / h, are soft and have good balance. The car enters corners well and its braking is confident. An important nuance is the relatively soft sidewall, the small strength of which negatively affects when accelerating to 120 km / h and above, while a significant rumble appears.

Advantages:

• Rigid sides;
• Good exchange rate stability;
• Noise while driving is almost inaudible;
• Tires effectively hold the road on various types of surfaces and speeds;
• Even wear.

Flaws:

• Small sidewall bumper to protect against friction.

With its softness, the inexpensive Triangle rubber glides easily on the knurled road, retains fuel, and is resistant to bumps on bumps. The optimal spot size combined with an asymmetric tread pattern reduces tire heating and protects it from deformation.

Buying Chinese Dunlop tires will be appropriate for drivers of medium and budget class cars who are looking for a balance between comfortable rides and excellent handling at high speed. The tire is based on a symmetrical type S-shaped pattern that increases the contact patch, reduces the amount of noise and vibration. The durable longitudinal rib of the tire gives the car easy handling, accurately and quickly responds to all steering movements, and ensures directional stability. The radius of the shoulder zones makes it easy to enter turns and perform sharp maneuvers.

Advantages:

• wear resistance;
• Minimum noise level;
• They perform well both on the tracks and off-road;
• Moderately soft rubber for comfortable passage of pits and bumps;
• Fast and predictable response to steering movements.

Flaws:

• On the mud, sometimes it slips and can go into a skid or skid.

Of particular note is directional stability and maneuverability. In a rut on asphalt, there is no rattling and rudder deflection, and during rebuilding everything happens smoothly and as expected. Braking is also good, performed quickly, without jerking.

The Jinyu YU63 is recommended for drivers who are looking for something in between high performance and soft tyres. Rubber provides a quick response to the steering wheel. Its composition guarantees softness of movement and acoustic comfort for passengers. The asymmetrical tread pattern includes large blocks on the outer sides that offer good grip during cornering. 3 longitudinal grooves in the center help the car maintain directional stability. Due to the two side ribs, the tires are resistant to deformation when crossing difficult sections of the road.

Advantages:

• They perform well both on dry and wet roads;
• Withstand fairly strong impacts;
• Uniform wear and durability;
• No noise and vibration while driving;
• Good grip on the track.

Flaws:

• Sometimes there are difficulties in balancing.

Numerous sipes of various sizes ensure hydroplaning resistance. Water and dirt exit quickly, so stopping distances are minimal and there is virtually no risk of slipping.

The best Chinese winter tires

In winter, Russia has a more severe climate compared to China, which tire manufacturers had to take into account at the manufacturing stage, but not all products from the Celestial Empire are suitable for domestic conditions. However, the experts still managed to select 3 of the best models for the rating of Chinese tires, which are distinguished by effective snow removal, resistance to low temperatures and excellent grip on ice.

This is a friction winter tire with spikes for passenger cars, designed for use in harsh winters. The design and material of the tires are adapted for use in cold regions. Road grip is reliable even in conditions of temperature fluctuations. The tires are based on 8-row studs in the form of continuous strips. The increased number of hooks allow the car to confidently stay on the ice. Numerous sawtooth sipes provide fast snow removal, preventing hydroplaning. A rigid rib in the center in the form of an arrow improves directional stability and makes the car's behavior predictable when driving at high speeds.

Advantages:

• Excellent grip on ice
• Durable spikes that will not fall out soon;
• Tires in the cold remain soft;
• Good balance;
• Easily leave the rut, without throws.

Flaws:

• They emit moderate noise, which is typical for all studded tires.

Thousands of sipes, lots of studs and balanced softness - this is all that is needed for comfortable driving on tracks with any road surface condition.

These tires are designed specifically for SUVs and crossovers, so they are adapted to cars with a reinforced center of gravity. This had a positive effect on traction, handling and noise levels. A feature of this model is the rubber compound with numerous microscopic voids. They trap moisture to improve traction on icy trails. As the tread wears, the performance of the tires does not weaken. The model supports the installation of spikes (over 100 elements) and is equipped with 3D sipes that improve grip on ice.

Advantages:

• Elastic rubber compound;
• Quickly dry the contact spot;
• Acoustic comfort while driving at different speeds;
• Predictable behavior on ice and broken snow;
• They don't "prowl" in the slush.

Flaws:

• For complete safety while driving, spikes are needed, without them there is a risk of slipping and skidding.

Tire tires are quite reliable and wear-resistant, withstand movement of at least 50-60 thousand km, and more often even more. At the same time, the model is distinguished by directional stability and maneuverability both on dry pavement and on snow.

These are low-cost Chinese-made studless tires that create strong traction on any type of road surface. Tires are made with an asymmetric tread design, divided into 2 parts: external with a large longitudinal rib and internal, consisting of 2 longitudinal rows of blocks. The shoulder area provides the tread with rigidity, directional stability and reduces rolling resistance. The inner area forms a moderately large contact patch, which improves the vehicle's traction. 3 large grooves for drainage of water and slush protect riders from the risk of hydroplaning.

Advantages:

• Quietly behave on the road;
• Effective braking at various speeds;
• Compensate for road irregularities
• Good road holding;
• Responsive management.

Flaws:

• At high speed, they do not always behave stably - body swaying can be felt.

These budget tires successfully hold the road in slush and snow, although they float slightly on icy roads, but non-studded tires all behave in a similar way.

The best all-season Chinese tires

All-season models can handle both cold and high temperatures without compromising traction or ride safety. However, universal tires on ice are significantly inferior to studded ones, but they do not require seasonal replacement and behave predictably on various types of surfaces.

All-season tires from Comforser are designed for SUVs. Once installed, the tire improves driving comfort on off-road, bumpy sections on highways and in urban areas. A characteristic feature of this model is an aggressive tread pattern, which has large lugs on the sides. Tires are distinguished by a wear-resistant rubber compound and a durable steel cord. Tires show effective grip on rocky roads, asphalt in summer and on ice and snow in winter. The design is self-cleaning and allows you to quickly remove dirt and moisture from the contact patch, protecting against slipping.

Advantages:

• Soft rubber;
• Effective design;
• Acoustic comfort;
• Excellent drainage that prevents liquid from being thrown from puddles onto the windshield;
• They do not “roam” and confidently follow the rut.

Flaws:

• Due to the tread depth of 14.2 mm, the weight of the product is 23 kg without a disc;
• Sometimes there are problems with balancing;
• Lack of complete marking, dealers can send all the rubber to one side of the car.

Due to the increase in overall weight, these tires made in China slightly impair the vehicle's dynamic properties and lead to a slight increase in fuel consumption. However, this is quite understandable and more than pays off with the high cross-country ability of the machine equipped with them.

Which Chinese tires are better to buy

To choose the best tires for the car, you need to decide on the operating conditions and the desired characteristics. Soft rubber, although it improves driving comfort, shows itself worse at high speed. For fast driving it is better to take tires harder, but they are noisy on the go. The main task of the buyer is to correctly prioritize, and our recommendations will help with the choice.

Here are the best tires from China to take:

• For comfortable and safe driving in the warm season, it is appropriate to buy Triangle Group Sportex TSH11 / Sports TH201 245/45 R18 100Y. The quality of driving and the patency of this rubber is beyond praise, the only insignificant minus is the rumble at high speeds.
• With a mixed driving style, it is better to choose Dunlop SP Touring T1 205/55 R16 91H tires. They are quite quiet and are highly stable and reliable traction when accelerating to 140 km / h or higher.
• If you choose a medium hard rubber with good maneuverability at a reasonable price, then you can recommend Jinyu YU63. With high performance, tires are quite rare in Russia, so it is more convenient to order them via the Internet.
• For maximum grip on icy roads, it is advisable to install Sailun Ice Blazer WST3 215/60 R17 100T tires, they perform well both in urban conditions and on highways.
• When looking for high performance SUV and crossover tires, Landsail Ice Star IS37 235/65 R16 121/119R removable studded tires are recommended.
• As a reliable rubber at an affordable price, it is appropriate to use Ovation Tires W-586 185/65 R15 88T. At a modest cost, it behaves well on all types of coatings.
• On SUVs that are often used in difficult conditions, it is worth putting Comforser CF3000 215/75 R15 100/97Q all-season tires. Off-road, dirt, slush - these are the main conditions for using rubber, which it can easily cope with.

All positions in the rating can be taken without great fears about quality, but taking into account the necessary indicators of acoustic comfort and speed characteristics. To make the right decision on the purchase of tires, you should first study the reviews of Chinese tires. Despite prejudice against Chinese products, most of the listed models have 90% positive ratings on Yandex.Market.