Car owners have long figured out the choice between spikes and Velcro. In the city, friction tires are more convenient and comfortable, with regular trips to the winter track, studded tires are safer. Does this rule apply to all-wheel drive SUVs and crossovers? Checking tires Bridgestoneat the training groundland Rover experience.

Why, in fact, the emphasis is on crossovers and SUVs? The most important argument is the features of operation. After all, everything is clear with passenger cars - their habitat is asphalt, in the winter period of time, cleaned or not cleaned. They can’t climb off-road, don’t plow virgin snow, don’t go on winter fishing to the lake through the forest. The task of tire manufacturers is greatly simplified.

But where the owners of crossovers will turn up or what adventures the owners of serious SUVs will go on is not clear. In addition, such cars have a head start in the form of all-wheel drive in front of most passenger cars. After all, a two-wheel drive car, even on the best tires, can get stuck where an all-wheel drive car will pass on the worst. So why pay more then? Let's find out in practice.

So, we have a new friction tire Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2. It has two features: firstly, it was created specifically for crossovers and light SUVs, and secondly, according to the manufacturer, they created it, focusing precisely on the specifics of operation in Russia. The latter includes a harsh, from the point of view of the Japanese, climate and not the best roads.

In general, the process of improving the new generation tire turned out to be standard. The manufacturer has little choice here - a game with a tread pattern and a rubber compound from which the tire is made. In the latter case, Bridgestone continues to improve its patented Multi-Cell Compound technology with a hydrophilic coating and RC polymer. According to company representatives, all this made it possible to achieve two additional important indicators: to reduce dependence on temperature changes and increase the service life.

The Multi-Cell system works in a similar way to tires Hakkapeliitta R2 principle, pumping moisture out of the contact patch. Only if the Finnish tire is responsible for this with special sipes - “pumps” in the tread, then the DM-V2 works on the principle of a sponge, absorbing water with micropores in the tire.

For stability on ice and snow, the new directional tread pattern, which received 3D sipes, is now responsible. In addition, the side blocks have been reinforced, which not only improves behavior and handling on snow, but also increases resistance to shock loads. Simply put, the tires have become stronger.

A Range Rover Evoque city slicker was provided to perform the DM-V2's active-driving tire test program to test the Bridgestone rubber's high-speed maneuvering ability on ice and snow. It is for such urban crossovers that the choice of friction rubber most often falls.

What can I say, several laps on the snow and ice track, snakes, rearrangements and even a “police turn” stated: safe driving on a winter road is non-stop work with constant interaction between the car, tires and, of course, the driver.

Field tests of tires without competitors and measuring equipment, of course, are aimed at creating subjective sensations. Auto journalists in this case act as "advanced" users, having behind them personal experience in operating and testing different rubber and trying on a new product, as they say, for themselves: "I would buy / would not buy."

The main thing about Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 tires is predictability. On the melted areas, where soil, concrete or asphalt protruded to the surface, the tires behaved comfortably and, most importantly, stably, decelerating confidently. Driving out onto a snowy road was also no worries - a clear start, constant steering and good reactions to the brake pedal.

However, in snowy turns, the tires were very well facilitated by the car itself, helping to twist into corners with all-wheel drive, stabilize on straight lines, and clean up busting with speed or twisting the steering wheel with safety electronics.

True, after a while the track was rolled into ice, on which the “frictions” “floated”. At this point, the laws of physics cannot be deceived by any mixture compositions and electronic systems - there is nothing for Velcro to cling to bare ice. However, this does not mean that it is impossible to ride on it on such tires. The main character of safe traffic, the driver, comes into play.

Moreover, the organizers even specially rolled out the car to the ice rink, where the instructors of the Land Rover Experience showed how to take turns. The secret is simple! Remember the driving school where they taught you how to brake on slippery surfaces? That's right, jerky, depressing/releasing the brake pedal to keep the car under control. (This process, in fact, was replaced by the ABS system.)

So, driving a car on bare ice follows the same principle - the driver, by repeated jerks of the steering wheel in the direction of the turn, spins the car into an icy turn, while clearly controlling the speed limit and the demolition process. Tires and stabilizing electronics are already in addition here. A couple of laps - and Evoque on tires Blizzak DM-V2 already confidently hit the trajectory.

We conquered off-road obstacles on the Discovery, shod with the familiar studded Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01 tires. For background comparison, the mighty Range Rover was also driving along the same track on the same DM-V2 Velcro.

What can I say, the latter, thanks not only to good tires, but also to the diesel engine traction, as well as the ingenious Terrain Response all-wheel drive system with all electronically controlled locks, of course, did not get stuck anywhere. But, getting the wheels into the rolled-out pits, he "cracked" pretty much with all his systems. Whether it's the case of Discovery, which, clinging to any surface with its "claws", dragged it uphill, broke through the snow, scratched the ice, but without the slightest sign of slipping, drove along a given route.

The advantage on difficult surfaces of biting spikes was obvious, especially since Bridgestone has its own, branded spikes. The Blizzak Spike-01 tires feature Cross-Edge Pin technology. In fact, a cross notch is made on the stud flange, due to which the contact area is reduced, thereby increasing the pressure on the surface, so to speak, biting the tire into the ice. True, it is not clear how much the abrasion of such a spike has increased.

In addition, the fastening of the stud has been strengthened, and a special groove has been made around the landing site, which helps to quickly clear the surrounding surface of snow. Like the friction tires, the Spike-01 is reinforced along the contour for both endurance and better handling in deep snow. On studded tires, this is felt more noticeably - the tires go along the track much harder. The composition of the studded rubber mixture must also hold the iron “claws” tightly. The tread received extended cross grooves designed to better capture snow, as well as self-cleaning sipes throughout the contact patch.

The main question for Bridgestone tires has always been about comfort, and to be more precise, noise. Having a comparative experience of Blizzak Spike-01 tires and tires of the Ice Cruiser series, it is worth saying that the Japanese have made a noticeable step forward. However, when tires hit melted snow, a distinct buzz is also present on the new model. Here, alas, there is nowhere to go - studded tires will never be compared with frictional ones in terms of acoustic comfort.

What is the upshot?

There are two conclusions worth noting. The miracle didn't happen. The recommendations for choosing between friction and studded tires for an all-wheel drive crossover or SUV are exactly the same as for any other car. Are you going to conquer the slightest winter off-road - only spikes, and Blizzak Spike-01 in particular. Neither four-wheel drive nor a powerful engine will save. They only help the tires and the driver to go through difficult winter sections faster and safer.

Do you live in conditions of mild winters and excellent work of utilities? Velcro like Blizzak DM-V2 is enough for the eyes. Even if the cleaners sleep through the snow, the friction tires work great in the snow, especially when combined with all-wheel drive.

Well, as for the Bridgestone tires themselves, I’m not sure that in direct comparative tests they will beat all competitors, but in their price range they are definitely recommended for choice, especially for pragmatic buyers.

Average tire priceBridgestone Blizzak DM-V2

crossover dimension 225/60R17 is about

6200 rubles for a tire.

studdedBlizzak spike -01 will cost about

8000 rubles.

In February 2015, Avtodela took part in the annual Bridgestone winter tire test. The journalists were able to test tires for SUVs and crossovers - studless Blizzak DM-V2 and studded Blizzak Spike-01.

The test carried out is a classic choice problem for almost any motorist who buys winter tires. To take with spikes or without?

The participants of the races were given a unique opportunity to test Blizzak winter tires, as well as to experience their key features in real off-road conditions on the tracks of the Land Rover Experience international off-road training school. Specific tracks have been selected for each tire to demonstrate the claimed benefits of the Bridsgestone winter tire test models.

“The collaboration between Land Rover Experience, an international off-road training school, and Bridgestone once again shows that vehicles can be even more efficient in off-road conditions. Safety is a key factor when traveling, especially in winter, so the role of tires in this matter is really hard to overestimate,” commented Mr. Kuroki Minoru, General Director of Bridgestone CIS LLC, on the joint work of the two companies.

Bridgestone winter tires were tested on Land Rover Defender, Land Rover Discovery, Land Rover Range Rover and Land Rover Evoque. Tires were tested on several tracks of the polygon.

The test participants were offered several exercises to visually assess tire grip, acceleration and braking, both on ice and in deep snow.

Before we talk about the test results, let's take a closer look at the new items.

Blizzak DM-V2 is a winter studless tire for crossovers, as well as mid-size and large-size SUVs. According to Bridgestone, the Blizzak DM-V2 tire was developed specifically for Russian roads and taking into account the specifics of the Russian winter.

The company positions the Blizzak DM-V2 as an all-round tire capable of handling both ice and snow. At the same time, a distinctive feature of the tire is a long service life. The tires are designed mainly for those who drive in the city and periodically go out on snow-covered country roads.

The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is the second generation of the already proven DM V1 tire. Compared to its predecessor, Blizzak DM V2 received a number of changes.

Firstly, what can be seen visually is the tread pattern, which increases the contact patch and provides more efficient removal of water and snow mass from the contact patch. This made the Bridgestone Blizzak DM V2 tire more efficient on ice. At the same time, the modified shape of the shoulder blocks increased the effectiveness of snow grip, which made it possible to improve the braking performance of the tire on snowy surfaces. Added to this are new three-dimensional 3D slats and a stand for support. These innovations keep the distance between the sipes: as a result, a stronger edge effect is achieved and, accordingly, the grip of the tire on snowy road surfaces is improved.

Secondly, this is something that is not visible without special devices: the Blizzak DM V2 tire uses a new composition of the proprietary Multi-Cell Compound rubber compound, the feature of which is the presence of micropores. Familiar to consumers from the first generation, the technology received a number of improvements that made it possible to increase the absorption of water from the contact patch. The enhanced absorbency combined with the longitudinal microgrooves improves the performance of the tire in thick water and reduces the vehicle's tendency to hydroplan.

In addition to performance, the use of the new Multi-Cell Compound in the Blizzak DM V2 virtually eliminated the need for new tire break-in. In addition, Bridgestone claims that the new tire has become less sensitive to temperature changes and has an extended life. This is made possible thanks to the RC polymer in the tread and the shape of the bubbles and channels in the rubber compound, which allows the tire to show its best performance throughout its entire life.

Compared to the first generation Blizzak DM V1, the new Blizzak DM V2 performs better on all fronts in tests conducted by Bridgestone. However, the company was particularly successful on ice.

Bridgestone BLIZZAK SPIKE-01 studded tires have replaced the Ice Cruiser line. The new tire incorporates advanced technologies developed through extensive research and testing during the development of the predecessor line.

Compared to the non-studded Blizzak DM V2 tire, the BLIZZAK SPIKE-01 studded tire is more versatile - it can be successfully used for both serious SUVs and conventional cars.

The main difference of the BLIZZAK SPIKE-01 tire is the unique Cross-EdgePin with carbide inserts. The hole shape was designed to optimize cleat retention. All this together allows the tires to stay in contact with the ice longer and withstand heavy loads without damage. The manufacturer claims that in the conditions of the Russian climate, BLIZZAK Spike-01 spikes are able to maintain high performance for 3-4 seasons.

The advanced tread pattern of the BLIZZAK SPIKE-01 combines three elements:

Modified cross grooves for better snow grip
- Self-cleaning lamellas for the removal of snow and ice, optimizing the operation of the spikes;
- Shoulder blocks that improve flotation in deep snow.

In addition, the new studded tire from Bridgestone received a rubber compound designed specifically for the low temperatures typical of the Russian winter. This allows the BLIZZAK SPIKE-01 tire to remain soft and maintain its performance over a wide temperature range.

Also in the new BLIZZAK SPIKE-01 tire, the company has reinforced the sidewall. To demonstrate the improvements, Bridgestone conducted a special test in which the car approaches the impact zone where an obstacle is placed at different speeds. The test starts at 60 km/h. After the test finish at 60 km/h, each subsequent test is carried out with a decrease in speed by 5 km/h until the tire is damaged. After that, the condition of the tire was evaluated. According to Bridge4stone's test data, the Spike-01 tires remained intact throughout the entire speed range.

Bridgestone says that for the new BLIZZAK Spike-01 tire, the company's developers have managed to significantly improve braking performance on all types of road surfaces: on ice, on snow, as well as on a melted winter road.

Tires BLIZZAK Spike-01 are presented in 70 standard sizes. In the future, it is planned to increase the number of standard sizes up to 82.

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 and Blizzak Spike-01 tire test results

Blizzak DM-V2 non-studded tires were tested on the Skating Rink track. The exercises “Snake” (bypassing cones at speed) and “Rearrangement” (acceleration in a straight line, emergency braking and getting into the corridor) were performed on the ice rink.

In turn, the Blizzak Spike-01 studded tire was tested on the Lesnaya track - in deep snow on a difficult section of a forest track with descents and ascents - conditions far from urban. The test participants had to overcome a variety of obstacles, including fallen trees, as well as broken deep ruts covered with a thick layer of snow.

To compare the two tires, tests were also carried out on the classic snow tracks of the Land Rover Experience.

During the test, the weather seemed to break loose and decided to show everything that the Russian winter is capable of. The strongest wind, thaw and frost in the evening, grabbing melted snow and ice with a crust of ice - in general, almost a complete set of winter surprises that a car driver may encounter in winter in Russia.

So what are the two tire test resultsBridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 and Blizzak Spike-01?

I must say right away that I liked both tires - these are really high-quality winter tires with good characteristics. Therefore, it was extremely difficult to give marks. Especially considering that the tires were compared with each other, and not with similar products from other brands. So the test results were more than predictable.

As a matter of fact, the test came down to solving the question that has already set the teeth on edge: “Which is better - Velcro or spikes?”. And the only correct answer here, as expected, was not found.

"Velcro" against "thorns"

Personally, I have been a fan of Velcro for a long time. This went on until I took the risk of putting a cheaper Velcro on my car. Having received a fair dose of adrenaline, I rushed to the other extreme and quickly put myself on a spiked one. And since the winter of 2013, my own car has not known troubles.

However, to say that I became a "fan" of spikes is impossible. No, the rubber is still happy, is in perfect condition and works great - there are no complaints about the tires. However, there are nuances in the operation of the spikes, which sometimes make Velcro fondly remembered.

The first of them is the sound accompaniment of trips. Spikes are loud. And not just loud, but tiringly loud, especially when speeds are high, the trip is long and there is much more asphalt on the way than snow or ice. At the same time, the soundproofing in the car is mediocre.

The second is operation in the off-season, when it is already or still warm, but the air temperature is not far from the freezing point of water, that is, from zero degrees Celsius.

Let me remind you that summer tires begin to lose their properties when the average daily temperature drops below 7-10 degrees Celsius. At temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius, the loss in the quality of summer tires can be very noticeable - it is not for nothing that the transition period is aptly nicknamed "tinker's day" by the people. Therefore, it is better to change winter tires for summer tires and vice versa with a certain margin of heat, so as not to get into an accident at night, when the air temperature drops noticeably. And here the spikes become uncomfortable - after all, during the day the temperature can reach up to 15 degrees of heat. Not only do the spikes rattle, it’s simply a pity for them - you can’t see snow at such a time for a long time. It's good to drive a light, low-power car - high-quality spikes can withstand such mockery without any problems. But on heavier and more powerful machines, the loads on the studs are significantly higher, and the durability of the studs and rubber can be significantly lower. The quality of the work of "spike" without spikes is not at all identical to the work of "Velcro". By the way, this is where convinced fans of the “all-weather season” appear - in some regions of our country, such preferences can be more than justified.

As a result, for me, as the owner of an SUV, the minimum ideal would be three tire options (this is without taking into account the trips “in the mud”): summer, all-weather Velcro and studded winter tires. But for many, this is an excessive luxury, so when choosing rubber, you should carefully weigh the pros and cons.

So, spikes are needed when about Most of the time you drive on snowy and/or icy roads. And it doesn’t matter if they are urban or suburban - in some cities, problems with cleaning roads from snow create many interesting moments for motorists. Here, no matter how hard you try, the spikes on the ice still slow down better and make the car more manageable. Strictly speaking, this is what spikes are for.

But there is no need to be afraid that the studs turn into “skates” on asphalt - modern high-tech and high-quality studded tires (which include both Bridgestone and Nokian tires) are practically devoid of this property. Yes, the braking quality will be worse than Velcro. But this is with what "Velcro" to compare! Therefore, first of all, when choosing among modern high-tech tires, you should focus on comfort and durability of operation and maximum tire performance.

If 99% of the winter time you drive on asphalt (for example, a warm climate or a metropolis where, due to anti-icing reagents, you can’t see snow at all for the whole winter), then you don’t need spikes. Even if you have to go to the country once or twice in the worst weather. You just need to be corny more careful about the speed limit and drive more carefully.

To finally intrigue the reader a little, first look at the table, which shows the ratings of the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 and Blizzak Spike-01 tires on a five-point scale.

Table 1. Comparison of the performance of Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 and Blizzak Spike-01 tires on a five-point scale.

Tire		Ice braking ice brake	Handling on ice Ice handling	Snow braking snow brake	Snow handling snow handling	Inclined grip (concrete) Grip on a ramp	Off-road performance off road performance	Noiselessness noise level
studded	Blizzak Spike-01
Non-studded

But why are there "triples" and "twos" ?! - the amazed reader will ask. - After all, rubber is high-quality and high-tech? Yes, and they themselves wrote that she liked it!

The answer here is simple: in comparison with summer conditions in winter, even excellent braking of excellent tires is just a drawn C grade.

Be careful on the road!

Photos by Natalia Paramonova and Bridgestone.

The choice of winter tires is a search for a balance between different requirements for safety, comfort and technological capabilities. Moreover, all these requirements, like the swan, cancer and pike in the well-known fable, drag the "cart" in different directions. It is necessary to achieve good performance on ice, and on snow, and on asphalt, and even ensure comfort and safety.

Manufacturing companies present various technological innovations on the market, which immediately begin to be closely studied not only by consumers, but also by specialists from other corporations. Moreover, each design bureau of a large company has its own style, it’s not for nothing that they say that there are Scandinavian, German, Japanese tires ... Something turns out better for some, something for others, but Scandinavians have always been trendsetters in winter tires.

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 - winter studless tires for SUVs and crossovers, test

MODEL FEATURES

Blizzak DM-V2 is a new addition to Bridgestone's winter studless tire range. The developers claim that it is specially designed for the conditions of Russian harsh winters, and its scope is SUVs and crossovers.

The tires use a new rubber compound that the company has patented as Multi-Cell Compound technology. Its essence is the use of small longitudinal grooves in the tread, the task of which is to dry the contact patch by removing a water microfilm from the ice surface. The surface is hydrophilic, i.e. It is well wetted by water, and due to this it was possible to increase the absorbent properties of rubber. The microporous structure is present not only in the surface layer, but throughout the entire thickness of the tread, which allows you to maintain the effect of the Multi-Cell Compound technology even after several seasons of rubber operation.

Rice. 1. Technical features of the new tread compoundBridgestone Blizzak DM- V2, made using the Multi-Cell Compound technology.

Ice braking

The work of the microporous layer is most pronounced when driving on bare ice, although it will be useful on wet asphalt as well. Testing at the factory site showed that the reduction in stopping distance from 30 km / h was 7% - this is a very good indicator.

Driving in the snow

But the road is rarely covered only with ice. As a rule, both snow and ice await on the road in winter. In order for the microporous layer to work, it is necessary to remove the snow from the contact patch or to ensure sufficient adhesion to the compressed layer of snow. The tread pattern and sipes are responsible for this. The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 winter tire features a new directional tread pattern that, along with 3D sipes, provides improved performance on icy and snowy surfaces. Optimization of the distribution of the contact pressure of each block made it possible to maintain the optimal gap between the lamellas, which contributes to a more efficient removal of the snow mass. A large number of edges provides grip of the tire with the road surface, and special holes in the sipes - increased tire grip on ice.

The new shape of the shoulder blocks effectively grips the snow, which provides a tighter contact with the road surface and maintains high braking performance.

Test results

In addition to the Blizzak DM-V2 factory tests that Bridgestone shares in the presentation (and demonstrates an improvement in all respects), we want to talk about two more comparative tests.

One was carried out at the Dmitrovsky training ground for invited journalists, and the second - consumer - testing was organized by the editorial staff. It so happened that in both tests the rubber was compared with the leader of the winter tire market - Nokian products.

For the polygon, the markings of the tires of competitors were cut off, but meticulous journalists still determined by the tread pattern that they were Nokian Hakkapeliitta R. Our driver compared the Blizzak DM-V2 with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV, but this was not done on purpose, but forcedly, because on the test car Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 had just such tires before the new item.

During testing, the main focus is on handling at high speeds and emergency braking. To do this, at a speed of 80 km / h, a “moose test” was carried out with rebuilding, as well as emergency braking at a speed of 110 km / h, typical for country roads. In both cases, grip on difficult winter surfaces and vehicle handling were studied. During the test, complex measurements were not taken, but visual methods were used. The driver had the opportunity to repeat the exercises several times, the results were summarized and averaged.

The main thing is that such a method, even without an accurate quantitative assessment, made it possible to see the difference between the test Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 and the opponent.

According to the results of the races, a clear narrowing of the corridor on the Bridgestone was recorded during the passage of the “moose test”, which was noticeable at speeds above 50 km / h. Decreased braking distance or equal braking performance with a competitor is noted. In some races, it was possible to achieve a reduction of up to a couple of meters, which in an emergency can save a life or a wallet.

It is very important that positive results were obtained in different races and by different drivers. Moreover, the tires were tested on cars of different brands: Volkswagen Touareg, Toyota RAV4, Range Rover Evoque, and on all of them the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 was better or on par with the Scandinavian Nokian Hakkapeliitta R.

Now let's move on to our test on public roads. The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 150 is a great car and its road holding, especially when shod in the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 SUV, is to be commended. But the Hakkapeliitta 7 is a studded tire, while the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 is not, and this makes a big difference in the car's behavior on the road. Therefore, we had big doubts whether the quality of the car’s movement would deteriorate in conjunction with the Japanese novelty. Looking ahead, let's say that this did not happen.

Let's start with the most difficult thing for non-studded - with behavior on ice and snow. In the snow, winter tires Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 bite with a bang. When starting off, there are no problems. The tires are grippy enough that the Land Cruiser's traction control doesn't even have to intervene. Braking on snow is also excellent, in this part the rubber is in no way inferior to the eminent Scandinavian.

On the ice, the test comparison was not in favor of the Japanese: after all, good studded tires look better here so far, but the difference in the behavior of the car is not catastrophic, and the driver did not have to change the driving style after changing the rubber. So the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 did a good job on the ice as well.

Now about asphalt. It was on it that all the advantages of the new rubber appeared. Excellent handling and braking properties - it goes without saying. But the main thing that the owner of the car noted: the cabin has become much quieter. With similar road properties of the new Bridgestone and those Nokian that were on the car before them, he made an unequivocal choice in favor of Japanese rubber.

SUMMARY

We talked about the pros and cons of the new winter non-studded tires for SUVs and crossovers Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2, noted by us and other testers during operation. In conclusion, let's add a cherry on the cake: Bridgestone tires are traditionally cheaper than their European and Scandinavian competitors, which is a very significant factor in a crisis period.

Promo video for the replacement of non-studded tires Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2, which details its features.

Related Articles

Autochemistry Ruseff: against corrosion!

We analyze how to deal with the most common problems associated with car corrosion with the help of modern Ruseff auto chemical compounds. Video instructions.

Ruseff against oxides!

We continue a series of publications dedicated to solving the regular problems that motorists face. First, we examined the difficulties that arise during the winter operation of the car, then we told how to deal with corrosion. This material is devoted to the protection of electrical systems of the car.

Choosing the right winter tires for your car can be a daunting task. A huge number of manufacturers offer products that differ not only in price, but also in quality. According to polls, the Japanese company can rightly be considered the leader, and the models of which we will consider below are very popular among car owners around the world.

Brand Information

The history of the Bridgestone company begins in 1930, when the founder of the company Shojiro Ishibashi created the first tire. Over time, the founder of the brand, Shojiro Ishibashi, realized that he would like to become the first rubber manufacturer in Japan. His dream came true already in 1953.

It currently has branches in 27 countries around the world and is ranked first among other rubber manufacturers. The company's products are used to complete racing cars participating in Formula 1. The company is a leader in the production of run-flat tires. The tires received reinforced sidewalls that help keep the shape of the tire even with a complete loss of pressure. This allows the driver to drive about 80 km on a flat (punctured) tire to the nearest car service.

The lineup

Tires "Bridgestone" are presented in a wide range. The manufacturer offers high-quality winter, summer and all-season tires. Each model is developed taking into account various weather conditions.

Some of the best summer Bridgestone tire models are Ecopia EP150, Turanza T001, Bridgestone B250, Regno GR-8000. They are characterized by high reliability, reduced rolling resistance and complete acoustic comfort. All-season tires for passenger cars and SUVs are available in such models as Bridgestone Dueler H/T, Dueler M/T, Dueler A/T 693.

Particularly noteworthy are winter ones, which are maximally adapted for operation in climatic conditions characteristic of some regions. Such "winter" models as Revo GZ, Ice Cruiser 7000, Blizzak VRX, Blizzak Spike-01 are considered to be among the most popular among domestic motorists.

Production of winter tires

The brand manages to maintain world leadership due to the creation of high-quality products and the introduction of innovative technologies. Winter tires are in the highest demand. Bridgestone offers both friction and studded models. Velcro for the cold season is chosen by most drivers. Such rubber showed itself well both on dry pavement and on slush and ice. It has high wear resistance. Some of the most popular wheels among consumers are the Blizzak Revo GZ, Turanza T005 RFT, Blizzak Revo DM-V1, Blizzak VRX, Ecopia EP300, Blizzak LM001 Evo and Blizzak LM-30.

Studs from the Japanese brand are ideal for use in regions with harsh winters. They give complete confidence in the safety of driving on winter roads, have excellent traction and good handling on a flat road and off-road. The following models have gained popularity in the domestic market:

1. "Bridgestone" Blizzak Spike 01.
2. "Bridgestone" Ice Cruiser 7000.
3. "Bridgestone" Noranza 2 evo.
4. "Bridgestone" Ice Cruiser 5000.
5. "Bridgestone" Noranza SUV 001.

Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ

"Bridgestone Blizzak" - a winter range of tires. Among the many modifications, Blizzak Revo GZ deserves special attention. Velcro has earned a lot of positive feedback and is considered one of the best winter tires. It was first introduced in 2010 and almost immediately won the trust of car owners.

Friction rubber is designed for operation with a serious "minus". This model received excellent grip properties from the developers, thanks to which the car can safely drive on ice, slush and rolled snow.

Tread

The tire received an asymmetric tread pattern, which was specially created using computer modeling. This made it possible to transfer the entire load to certain areas of the tread surface. The asymmetric tread is great for braking and accelerating on any type of surface.

Rapid removal of water and snow porridge from the contact patch is provided by wide grooves. Three-dimensional sipes and advanced shoulder blocks are responsible for safe control. The sidewall curves received unusual asymmetric contours from the developers. This solution made it possible to reduce vibrations and body sway during cornering, as well as maintain directional stability.

Expert reviews of Bridgestone winter tires indicate that the outer part of the tread helps protect the rubber from deformation due to densely spaced blocks and the presence of checkers with peculiar jumpers. The "toothy" inner tread pattern is responsible for the car's handling on winter roads. Tread wear can be monitored using special indicators.

Rubber compound

The softness of rubber, even at very low temperatures, can be maintained through the use of special Multicell Compound technology. Its essence lies in the fact that the rubber inside has many micropores, which are designed to absorb a water film as quickly as possible, which impairs adhesion to the roadway. Moreover, the number of these micropores does not decrease during operation. When the tread wears out, new cavities appear, which allow you to maintain the technical characteristics of the tires throughout the entire service life.

Reviews and cost

A huge number of motorists prefer to “shoe” their vehicle in rubber from the Japanese tire giant Bridgestone. "Winter" in the Blizzak Revo GZ model proved to be excellent not only during the tests, but also during operation on domestic roads. The presence of high technical characteristics declared by the manufacturer is confirmed by both experts and drivers. Rubber quickly responds to steering commands, moves clearly and confidently on snow, slush, ice and dry asphalt.

You can buy Bridgestone tires in this model in almost any specialized store. The cost of tires starts from 2400 rubles (R13).

Bridgestone Blizzak VRX

Another representative of high-quality winter tires from Bridgestone is the Blizzak VRX. The model belongs to friction and looks very similar to the Blizzak Revo GZ discussed above. By inheritance, the rubber inherited an asymmetric type of tread pattern and a unique compound technology.

The central part of the tread was subjected to refinement - the shape of the blocks and the density of their arrangement changed. The blocks are shorter and more rigid. This has a positive effect on the behavior of rubber on dry and wet road surfaces. Multidirectional edges and sipes allowed to shorten the braking distance and improve the dynamics of acceleration.

Test results

Numerous tests have proven the excellent performance of this tire model. In winter, when the weather conditions are almost aggressive, drivers may not worry about passing even the most difficult sections of the road. Velcro "Close VRX" will provide good grip on snowy and icy asphalt, will allow you to get out of any snowdrift without slipping.

Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 Overview

From "Bridgestone" - with a directional symmetrical tread pattern. Among experts and car owners, it is considered one of the best in its category and rightfully takes prizes in tests. What is the peculiarity of this model? First of all, it is suitable for operation in the most difficult weather conditions.

"Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000" has components in the rubber compound that increase its grip, repel moisture and reduce rolling resistance. The manufacturer notes that this result was achieved through the use of natural rubber, silica, absorbent gel and other substances. This model is specially made for operation on domestic winter roads.

Classic tread patterns, a soft rubber compound, good grip on snow and ice, and a reinforced sidewall that can survive road surprises - that's what Bridgestone promises to buyers of this tire model. Some of this can be seen immediately, something can be felt on a short test, and something will have to be checked in a long acquaintance. And since the tires have spent a lot of time with us, we can draw certain conclusions for each of the groups of characteristics. Well, let's start.

External acquaintance

The Spike-01 has finally ceased to be a novelty this season, with the release of the new Spike-02 model. However, they did not turn into a pumpkin - there is also a “special” spike here, and a good compound that prevents the tires from “dumming” in severe frosts. In addition, in the new product, the manufacturer does not focus on the strength of the sidewalls and the presence of lugs in the shoulder area, and for Spike-01 these properties are noted, although the first external examination will not give you. The tread pattern is traditional, V-shaped, with deep “ridges” of the main deflection sipes. They will be especially useful in deep snow: the width of the grooves makes them self-cleaning, and the angled position can help "force out" snow when driving under traction - and along with water during the thaw period. Otherwise, the tread structure is quite classic for winter tires: a huge number of thin sipes, coupled with the softness of the compound, provides the necessary frictional properties.

Another feature that can be seen upon closer inspection is the shape of the spike - more precisely, the carbide insert on it. Here, a round spike with a head made using the “Cross-Edge Pin” technology is used. Behind this high-profile name lies a completely logical solution: a round spike head with a cross-shaped notch on it. Such a head, thanks to the resulting "teeth", should pierce the ice more aggressively, contributing to a more effective deceleration.

We leave on the road

The very first days of operation made it possible to find out several important consumer characteristics of new tires. Throwing tires that have just had their stickers off into a skid on lightly powdered pavement would be too cruel a test, but you can understand the noise level and the degree of softness of the rubber almost immediately. There were no problems with the second one - of course, adjusted for the fact that any winter tires are by default many times softer than summer tires, and Spike-01 is also softer than some others due to the declared ability to withstand severe frosts.

However, the new tires showed very confident traction at city speeds (however, who would doubt it) and, more importantly, predictable behavior in corners: up to the limit and stall into drift, the Blizzak does not require constant steering and course correction.

As for the noise level, everything here turned out to be quite predictable. In the sense that miracles did not happen, and studded tires did not show a degree of noiselessness comparable to friction models - but acoustic comfort is provided at speeds up to the maximum permitted. Of course, the rubber does not add any noticeable vibrations, and the light hum of the spikes can be clearly heard only when driving on clean asphalt at country speeds - in other cases it merges with the general background noise. Although this characteristic, of course, cannot be absolutely objective, since it depends on the size of the rubber, the specific car and the level of its sound insulation.

Soon, after running the tires a little, we tried them in harder modes with dynamic accelerations and decelerations - and the tires did not disappoint. Increasing the load does not affect the confidence of the car's behavior in any way - and only by breaking the wheels into the axle box, you can achieve yaw and drift of the drive axle. Summarizing the behavior of Spike-01 in a mild winter with asphalt, snow-water porridge and reagents, we can say that the result is definitely positive.

However, it turned out to be no worse in thoroughly sub-zero temperatures, when ice and snow appeared under the wheels. With the change of rubber, the behavior of the car on ice has noticeably improved (although, again, this is not very significant due to the certain wear and tear of the previous set): the need to firmly hold the steering wheel in readiness to steer has gone, the speed and angle of recovery of tire adhesion to the surface after demolition have increased, and also increased stall speed in this very demolition. Also, it's worth noting that Bridgestone's idea of ​​the knurled stud heads seems to be working: smooth movement and deceleration on ice when the studs are shearing is healthy.

We're pulling off the road

For completeness and objectivity of impressions, we traveled to our heart's content both in snow-covered yards and on country paths - as far as the car allowed, of course. And here another expected difference between the new set of tires and the old one showed itself.

1 / 3

2 / 3

3 / 3

When moving evenly in shallow snow, Blizzak makes a clear track behind it. But as soon as you go to the area with the “powder”, the Spike-01 immediately reminds you that it was put on the car quite recently: the old set, when losing speed, strove to stall, rolling the snow under it, and the new one confidently starts digging when the wheels turn, until does not get to the area with the best grip or ... does not dig the car at all. This is exactly the case when it is worth using the available opportunities wisely: either coasting at a constant speed (as, in general, the logic of movement on snow requires), or moving in steps, gradually laying a deep track and not dragging in front of you snowdrift to the last, until the wheels begin to burrow into the snow.

However, if you do not get involved in off-road trips, the possibilities of rubber are enough. An exhaustive characteristic can be considered the fact that in three months we never got stuck in uncleaned yards (of course, on a Freelander) and were not afraid to drive out of town without support - without intending to storm off-road, of course. So the small snow adventures of Blizzak Spike-01 are quite capable.

And one more note regarding the reinforced sidewalls. We can't judge how other tires would have performed in the same conditions, but our set has experienced quite a few blows over the winter, some of which were quite serious due to the sharp edges of the pits. So: these sharp edges did not force Spike-01 to give up and show us the "fig", swollen on its side. The whole season went without a hitch, and we didn't have to remember about the installed tires, except when it was planned. And what else does a car owner need, striving to get normal tires for sane money?

Counting money

In a financial context, two aspects are worth mentioning: fuel consumption and, in fact, the cost of the rubber itself. The first, however, can only be said in passing: the winter consumption is too uneven. It is much more influenced by temperature, warming up and road surface than the rubber itself - and therefore we were not able to note a statistically significant decrease or increase in fuel consumption. However, he was indirectly affected by the saving of time: with new tires, rare wanderings around the yards in search of optimal travel were noticeably reduced, as the cross-country ability increased. So there is definitely a small financial and time benefit in changing tires.

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01

Price for 1 tire

2,500 - 3,000 rubles

As for the price of the tires themselves, it should be borne in mind that the Blizzak Spike-01 belongs to the middle price segment. Tires are presented in sizes starting from 13 inches - this is another indirect evidence of their "mass" orientation, and the price tag for rubber of this diameter is a little more than two and a half thousand rubles in large networks, which is quite consistent even with the idea of ​​"budget". Obviously, this circumstance should also become an effective tool in the struggle for the hearts and wallets of buyers. The choice, as always, is theirs.