Winter tires from 12 manufacturers were tested in two stages. This was done by the Krasnoyarsk CSM and the Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
At the first stage, the institute's laboratory assistants took samples of tires for the experiment and began to test them for quality. Checked for wear, frost resistance, elasticity and the permissible limit of sub-zero temperatures.
Each tire was sampled three times and tested in three ways. First, a piece of rubber was cut off, passed through a machine with a "coil" until it began to rub - this is how the samples were tested for strength. Then another piece was lowered into a container with nitrogen and alcohol. The third sample was pressed from above with a press - this was how the level of frost resistance and elasticity was determined.
As experts explain, 12 samples are tires that are most popular in Russia and in Krasnoyarsk in particular. Samples were selected in 3 sizes:
- 205/55R16- used on KIA Ceed, Ford Focus, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Huyndai Elantra, Mazda 5, Opel Zafira, Renault Laguna, Seat Toledo, Skoda SuperB, Subary Legacy, Toyota Auris, Toyota Avensis, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Corolla Verso, VW Passat, Renault Megane and others;
- 225/65R17- used on Toyota Rav4, Vanguard, Honda CR-V, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Honda CR-V, Dodge Caravan, Grand Caravan, Journey, Mazda CX-5, etc.;
- in the light truck segment, the most popular size was taken 185/75R16 °С- used on GAZ 3302 "Gazelle", "Sobol" cars and their modifications.
“Given the fact that in the winter of 2017 the temperature below minus 55°C was recorded in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, it is of particular interest to study brands that initially position themselves as “tires for harsh winter conditions,” such as Nokian and Cordiant, - says in the study.
Also, attention was paid to the price of tires. The most informative about the quality is the indicators of frost resistance and the temperature limit of brittleness. The third indicator, abrasion, largely depends on the test conditions - in the laboratory or in the fields.
The operating temperature of the tire is essential - the operating temperature of winter tires is below 0 ° C, the composition of the rubber mixture is designed in such a way that the performance characteristics give maximum performance at a negative temperature (including "mileage"). It is for this reason that the operation of winter tires in the summer leads to a sharp decrease in the tire life, while the tire does not provide proper grip on the roadway (the braking distance increases), the principles of the CSM explain.
The result of the monitoring showed, the researchers believe, that all tires are suitable for operation in harsh Krasnoyarsk conditions in terms of their characteristics. At the same time, they have a small difference in temperature indicators, and prices differ significantly.
Among the sizes 225/65 R17 (sample 5–8), the undisputed leader was sample No. 7 - Cordiant Snow Cross. He showed the best results in terms of temperature and at the same time turned out to be affordable in price, and "hence, it has the best value for money." Samples #5, 6, 8 (Yokohama IceGuard IG55, Dunlop Grandtrek Ice 02, Toyo Observe G-3 Ice) have good temperature performance but higher price.
Among 185/75 R16 °C (sample 9–12), the best temperature coefficients were shown by sample No. 11 of the Nokian Nordman C brand at the highest price. Samples No. 9 (Kama-Euro-520), No. 12 (Codriant Business CW-2) also have good temperature characteristics at a lower price. Sample No. 10 of the Matador MPS 500 Sibir Ice Van brand, being in the same price segment, is slightly inferior to samples No. 9, 12 in terms of temperature.
The last options considered were 205/55R16. Samples No. 1, 2, 3 have almost the same temperature indicators (minus 65–66°C), while sample No. 1 (Cordiant Snow Cross) has the lowest price and, accordingly, is the most interesting in terms of price-quality ratio. For sample No. 4 (Hankook Winter I*pike RS w419), the temperature brittleness limit was minus 54°C, at a not the lowest cost, the sample showed the lowest result, the experts summed up.
“Prepare summer tires in winter, and winter tires in summer,” this simple rule regularly helps motorists save time, money and nerve cells. Therefore, it's time to take a look at our 2017 winter tire test and choose the tires that are ideal for both weather and temperature conditions, as well as lifestyle and driving style.
Winter tire tests 2017-2018 (Behind the wheel, Autoreview, ADAC, Auto Bild)
Winter and summer tire tests, which are carried out by a number of qualified organizations every year, will help you not to get lost in the abundance of names, brands and brands. This includes:
ADAC Club
ADAC is a serious organization and has been representing the interests of German car enthusiasts for more than a century. The largest car club in Europe checks car brands for quality and safety, and also regularly tests tires. It is difficult for tire manufacturers to achieve high ratings from ADAC - their severe tests, carried out with true German thoroughness, can leave neither the bottom nor the tire from the tire. The usual results are “satisfactory”, and rarely is a tire awarded with a “good” verdict.
The oldest Russian magazine dedicated to motorists and their iron horses. He regularly tests tires that are popular and not so popular on the post-Soviet market in hot and cold weather, and also conducts interesting studies like "How temperature affects the braking distance of a car." 
Car enthusiasts from more than 35 countries read licensed editions of the German magazine Auto Bild. The magazine features not only motorsport and industry news, but also comparative tests, test drives and, of course, tire testing in various interesting places - for example, in a small Finnish village above the Arctic Circle.
The popular Russian (and earlier Soviet) publication Autoreview regularly conducts comparative tests of cars at the test site, crash tests according to the European methodology with its own independent rating, and also tests automotive products, ranging from fuel to child car seats. Of course, tires are on the list too.
Rating of winter studded tires 2017-2018
Since fresh tire testing is carried out during the peak season, we took tests of tires R14, R15, R16, R17 carried out last winter as the basis for the rating. When distributing places in the list, the following were also taken into account: the popularity of the model in Russia, ratings, reviews and the cost of tires on the Yandex Market service.
Despite the differences in conditions, testing the best winter studded tires 2017-2018. carried out in a similar way:
- acceleration and braking dynamics are tested on ice, snow, wet and dry asphalt;
- the time of passing a certain distance on different types of coverage is taken into account;
- an assessment is given of the level of controllability of the car, its smoothness and how noisy the tires are.
10. Gislaved Nord Frost 200
The average cost is 5,570 rubles.
The rating of winter studded tires 2017-2018 opens with a new model from the Swedish company Gislaved. The main highlight of the 200 model is an asymmetric tread pattern and a new ultra-light (less than 1 gram) stud in the shape of a three-beam star. In general, the rubber is quiet, soft, with good directional stability, keeps well on any surface - however, on fresh snow and ice, it may require adjustments in driving style. On a lightly icy track on such tires, you should not accelerate more than 100 km, otherwise the car will drive.
The price, on average, is 5,982 rubles.
The very name of the tire says that its developers (the Russian company Cordiant) paid special attention to the behavior of the tire on snow. The tread pattern is directional, the center of which is a closed rib, which in theory should significantly reduce the likelihood of hydroplaning in snow. (It is interesting, by the way, that this very pattern almost exactly copies the tread of the third place in the rating.) The result is a good rubber at a budget price that rides really well in the snow. True, asphalt is not given to her as well as snow.
The average price is 8,600 rubles.
A clear improvement over the ICE 01 both in terms of directional stability and noise reduction on the pavement. It is difficult to expect the responsiveness of more expensive tires from rubber in the middle price segment, but Dunlop SP Winter ICE 02 fulfills its cost by 100%. Advantages: high cross-country ability, very strong sidewall, excellent spikes, rowing in snow porridge. True, it does not feel very good on asphalt, and it makes a noticeable noise, and at speeds above 90 km / h it causes increased fuel consumption.
The cost, on average, is 6,670 rubles.
Good city tires with the ability to feel comfortable in not too deep snow. It rides well both on asphalt and on dense snow, the noise is within the normal range. It is worth noting that it is best to use this rubber in central Russia, where temperatures rarely exceed -15 degrees. But for Siberians with deep snows and prolonged frosts, it is better to think about a more hardy option.
The average cost is 2,410 rubles.
Nokian's Nordman series is a more budget-friendly version of the acclaimed Hakkapeliitta. Soft, comfortable, low-noise tires at a reasonable price, which feels good both on dry pavement and on snow. On wet pavement, based on reviews, it is better not to accelerate over 100 km. A good option for urban residents in the "home - work - dacha" mode. Due to the softness of the rubber, it is difficult to get out of the rut, and you should be careful with curbs, branches and other sharp objects. But overall a great option in terms of price / quality.
You can buy, on average, for 4,860 rubles.
If the previous top 10 model was mainly intended for city driving, then Continental's IceContact 2 is best off-road. It feels great at low temperatures both on snow and on crust or ice, it is able to take its owner from anywhere. A big advantage is the many spikes (there are 196 of them). No noise from these tires.
But on wet, frozen or snowy pavement, special care must be taken. Also, the “behavior” of rubber on snow porridge deserved not the best reviews, where it begins to scour.
It is offered, on average, for 10,260 rubles.
Although the 8 is a newer model in the Hakkapeliitta tire line, it is slightly less popular than its predecessor. One of the main reasons is the very soft sidewall, as a result of which you will have to carefully select the discs and, despite the excellent cross-country ability, carefully choose the places to ride. Otherwise, hernias and cuts. But this rubber is very predictable, has a large number of spikes (190 pieces) and goes well on ice and packed snow.
It is sold, on average, for 7,100 rubles.
It differs from the eighth model in a smaller number of spikes (by 30%), however, its six-sided anchor spikes are longer and heavier. They use a technology called "bear claw" that prevents the cleat from tilting, thereby improving traction. Silent, reliable, albeit expensive rubber, which, despite the generation, enjoys a high reputation among motorists. It feels good both on snow and on ice and asphalt, while being hardy and strong. However, like the eighth version, the Hakkapeliitta 7 has a very soft sidewall and this is felt when turning the steering wheel sharply.
The average price is 9,080 rubles.
And here is the new generation of the famous line. The fruit of the four-year efforts of the developers of the Finnish company, as stated, exceeds the characteristics of the "eight" by 5-10%. The biggest highlight of the new model is the two types of studs (although overall there are slightly fewer of them than its predecessor), which should improve lateral grip on snowy or icy roads. And changes in the composition of the rubber will help the tire feel better at low temperatures. So far, according to preliminary tests, the tires promise to be excellent, but they count the chickens in the fall - when mass sales of the "nine" begin.
1. Pirelli Ice Zero
On average, it costs 15,550 rubles.
Paradoxically, it turned out that the Italians know better about the production of winter studded tires than the inhabitants of snowy Scandinavia. One of the "highlights" of the model is the original double carbide stud insert, which provides the tire with excellent behavior on ice.
Other advantages: high cross-country ability, good acceleration and braking performance on snow and ice, high directional stability. And endurance - there are chances to bring the tires to retirement with a full set of spikes. Excellent, almost universal rubber for winter conditions, feeling good both on asphalt and in the countryside. True, the noise level is quite high. Yes, and the price "bites".
Which winter tires are better to choose in the end
So which winter tires are the best? The 2017 ranking includes both "urban" rubber types and tires designed for more severe weather conditions. For frequent off-road driving, Pirelli Ice Zero, Continental IceContact 2 or Dunlop SP Winter ICE 02 are perfect. For a quiet city ride, it is better to choose Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000, Nokian Nordman 5 or Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8. Otherwise, when choosing rubber, you should first consider temperature conditions, and the surface on which you have to drive.
Tires from the Russian manufacturer Cordiant are often compared in terms of performance with tires from the Finnish manufacturer Nokian. Such a comparison is quite appropriate, because most tire models are the same in terms of indicators and components used in the rubber compound for the production of tires. They can also be compared with tacit indicators, such as safety, comfort of use, grip and other characteristics.
So what are the best tires and which models should you choose in different seasons? Let's consider these questions in more detail.
Tires Cordiant
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Russian Cordiant tires have some advantages that most other tire models from other European manufacturers do not have. These advantages, first of all, include the possibility of using tires in harsh winters, their margin of safety is incredibly high, and the design features of the tires and the composition of the rubber compound allow these tires not to lose air pressure during sudden temperature changes. For the use of such tires in Russian conditions, this is a very important advantage, since most European modifications of car tires have such an unpleasant property - tire pressure drops sharply with a sharp jump in air temperature.
It should also be noted that Cordiant tires have excellent grip. A large number of winter tires are studded, which gives such excellent grip even on a completely icy road surface, even when driving on such a road at very high speeds. The braking properties of these tires are also well developed - the braking distance, even on slippery surfaces, is quite short.
Susceptibility to temperature extremes, grip and braking qualities - these are the properties that can be considered the most important advantage of using Russian tires. This is not to say that these tires no longer have positive qualities, but all other properties are less well developed.
Nokian tires
Finnish Nokian tires are well known to both Russian drivers and everyone else around the world. Everyone knows that these tires have excellent performance and are famous for their safety and reliability of use. Let us consider in more detail all the benefits that drivers of cars equipped with these Finnish-made tires receive.
Let's start with the fact that all Nokian car tires have excellent grip on the road, even on Russian roads. I must say that this is facilitated by a large number of factors - these are the design features of these car tires, and the optimized tread pattern for each Finnish-made tire model, and the composition of the rubber compound that is used to produce Nokian tire models.
The optimized projector pattern has expanded grooves in almost all models, and this allows water masses to be removed from the contact patch in a fairly short period of time. This property prevents the formation of a water wedge when driving on a wet canvas, which in principle indicates the actual absence of drift from a straight path during high-speed movement.
It should also be noted that all Nokian tires have a very high degree of safety and reliability. Tires are made from a large number of synthetic materials, which may indicate insufficient environmental friendliness of materials, but in reality this is not the case - the composition of the rubber mixture is still dominated by the presence of natural rubber.
The best tire models Cordiant
Comfort PS 400 and Winter Drive can be considered the best modifications of car tires in the Cordiant lineup, according to the opinions and estimates of independent experts. The first model is intended for use in the summer season, but many Russian drivers often use it in the winter as well, because the margin of safety and excellent road grip allows this.
The only drawback of this focus is the loss of tire pressure, after all, this is a summer model, which is not entirely intended for use in the winter season. In general, road grip, excellent rolling resistance, and excellent properties for removing water masses from the contact patch are quite developed in this model and are in no way inferior to many leading European-made models.
As for the Winter Drive model, this winter modification also has an exceptionally high level of safety of use, and also creates excellent reliability when driving on poor road surfaces in winter. This tire model is equipped with spikes, which can significantly reduce the braking distance during any braking. It should also be noted high acceleration properties, which are achieved due to the optimized tread pattern. It is because of it that the tires fit snugly to the roadway, allowing cars to quickly accelerate and brake sharply.
The best Nokian tires
The most leading tire models of the Finnish manufacturer Nokian are the Hakka Green and Nordman SX modifications. The first model is summer, and it has a huge number of advantages. These tires have virtually no drawbacks - every quality is highly developed, which allows drivers to feel comfortable and safe drivers of any car on the road in any condition in various weather conditions.
It is especially worth highlighting the grip with the roadway, which allows you to keep a straight line of motion when driving on poor quality roads. Also in this model there is excellent sound insulation - the sound of wheel contact during high-speed traffic is virtually inaudible. Also, the properties of water repellency and rolling resistance are at a fairly high level.
As for the Nordman SX model, all the same qualities can be noted here. The only thing worth noting here additionally is better grip with the roadway of any quality. These tires have an excellent optimized rubber compound - it includes absorbent gels, natural rubber and silica. All this together gives these tires excellent performance in all conditions of use. 
Final comparison of Cordiant and Nokian tires
If we compare the best Cordiant and Nokian tire models, it becomes clear that after all, Russian-made tires still do not reach the level of performance that is in the production of Finnish tires. In all respects, Nokian tires are superior to Russian counterparts, except for one component - if we consider the conditions of use in Russia, then, of course, Cordiant tires win here, since they were created specifically for use on Russian roads.
However, they also found use on European roads. In all other respects, Cordiant tires noticeably lose to Finnish products - both in terms of grip quality, braking properties, speed characteristics and many other features.
Summary
As a result, we can say the following - even if we consider the model ranges of both manufacturers of car tires in full and try to compare them with each other, then such a comparison is inappropriate and meaningless here - car tires from the Finnish manufacturer Nokian win here with a clear advantage. In the model range of the Finnish manufacturer there are no models that would have either low performance, or at least average. 
This suggests that the Finnish manufacturer really did a great job on the production technologies of its own products, which eventually brought Nokian tires to a qualitatively new high level. The Russian manufacturer in this direction should only work further. It cannot be said that everything is so bad with Russian Cordiant tires - not at all, many characteristics are very well developed. But still, this development does not take place at such a qualitatively high level as with Finnish-made tires.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced driver, you probably understand that tires are a very important part of a car. Tires are always in contact with the road surface. And it is on their working condition and their quality that safety on the road will depend.
What are the characteristics of nokian tires
Riding safety depends on many factors. These are, first of all, weather conditions: slippery ice, slush, asphalt heated in the heat. It is important that your vehicle's tires can handle these tests. There are other factors, for example, pedestrians crossing the carriageway, as well as a rather difficult terrain, for example, outside the city. And if the tires are really high quality, then they will be fine in urban conditions and in difficult terrain. This article will focus on two brands of high-quality tires. These are Nokian tires and Cordiant tires.
Nokian Tires developers are always guided by only innovative solutions in order to take tire safety to a new level. These tires are designed for all temperature and road conditions and function perfectly even in the harshest winter. Both summer and winter tires are ideal for Russian roads.
It is worth noting that this Finnish company is perhaps the only manufacturer of tires for northern conditions. Thus, the Nokian winter tire range includes studded and non-studded tires. The NORDMAN4, HPKL5, HPKL7 and HPKL8 tire models will allow you to drive confidently on snow and ice. As for non-studded tyres, this season NokianTyres introduced a novelty Hakka peliitta R2P tires, which belong to the group of friction non-studded tyres. There are also other non-studded models R2 SUV, HPLK2 and others. All these tire models will provide you and your car with the maximum level of safety in winter.
As for summer tires, their choice should also be taken quite seriously. This is due to an increase in the number of cars on the roads, as well as an increase in driving speed Nokian summer tires provide comfort and safety on the road in all weather conditions. The summer tire line includes Hakka Black, Hakka Blue, Hakka Green and others. The Hakka Black model is one of the latest innovations of the concern and is designed for fans of a sporty driving style.
What are the features of Cordiant tires
Cordiant tires provide good grip, which ensures good vehicle handling. These tires are manufactured according to the most modern European technologies. Also, they are quite affordable.
The profile pattern on the tire provides stability on the road surface, as well as the predictability of the vehicle on the road in any season and in all weather conditions. Cordiant tires provide short braking distances as well as reduced fuel consumption.
Cordiant tires are presented in various models, both for winter and summer.
Kumho, hankook, goodyear tires are also popular.
The end of 2015 was marked by key changes in the Russian tire market: it overtook winter tires in sales and, as a result, significantly increased its market share. At the beginning of 2016, another event occurred that seriously worsened Nokian's market position - former employees of the company reported that the tires that were sent for tests were different from serial ones. Which explained Nokian's constant victories in various tests, especially those that were held at their sites in Finland.
Against the backdrop of this scandal, another story related to the Finnish company remained unnoticed. In June 2015, Nokian Tires PLC filed a lawsuit against Cordiant JSC with a demand to “prohibit the defendant from any actions to use the industrial design protected by the RF patent”, which is the Cordiant Snow Cross tire. From Nokian's point of view, the herringbone tread pattern used in the Cordiant Snow Cross is taken from the tread pattern of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 tire. Although in terms of design features, the tires are no more similar to each other than other tires with a similar pattern . Nokian's attention to Cordiant Snow Cross tires is due not to a technical moment, but to a market one!
Cordiant Snow Cross
It is worth noting that similar tread patterns have been used by almost all tire companies for more than 15 years. At the same time, each company makes its own changes to the pattern, which allow the tire to work better in difficult winter operating conditions. Examples of tires with a similar tread pattern include the Pirelli Ice Zero and the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02.
For the layman, the tread patterns of the Cordiant Snow Cross and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 tires are really very similar. At the same time, the Cordiant Snow Cross tread pattern is patented in the Russian Federation, which means that it has at least 5 significant design differences from other tires with a similar type of tread pattern.
The confrontation between the key players in the tire market - Cordiant and Nokian - took place in the Arbitration Court of St. Petersburg. The trial lasted more than a year: after Cordiant JSC won the first instance, Nokian's lawyers filed an appeal. The final decision was made by the court on May 23, 2016, when the court upheld the decision of the first instance and dismissed Nokian's complaint.
Nokian also tried to influence, through Rospatent. The company filed objections to the then-issued patent for Snow Cross tires. Having received the first decision of Rospatent to refuse to satisfy the objection to the issuance of the RF patent No. 92061 for Snow Cross tires, Nokian applied to the Intellectual Property Court to invalidate this decision, but the Court, by its decision dated 06.12.2016, dismissed Nokian's application.
