09.06.2021
Test drive winter studded tires. Test of winter tires R15, R16: among hummocks and icebergs. Dunlop Ice Touch – Scandinavian-type studded winter tires, test
Bearing in mind the crisis, we chose the most popular and most affordable studded tires, not forgetting the Chinese ones. Seven out of eleven such tires turned out to be cheaper than 2,500 rubles. There are few new products in the VAZ standard size, but we had it with us - the Continental ContiIceContact 2 tires are just entering the market. For the first time, perhaps the most affordable domestic spike, Avatyre Freeze (1,770 rubles), Polish Sava tires Eskimo Stud (2135 rubles), Chinese Aeolus Ice Challenger (2140 rubles) and Japanese Yokohama iceGUARD iG55 (2590 rubles). Among the “Scandinavians” the choice is noticeably more modest. According to manufacturers, the share of “spikes” on the Russian market ranges from 65 to 80%, that is, there is very little room left for “non-spikes”. We found only seven sets. The most inexpensive are Cordiant Winter Drive for 2050 rubles and Nordman RS for 2225 rubles. Average price category(2500-3000 rubles) are represented by the “Japanese” Bridgestone Blizzak VRX and Toyo Observe GSi‑5, as well as Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 made in Poland. We didn’t disdain even a couple top models Nokian and Continental, which cost more than 3,000 rubles apiece.
Tests were carried out in January - February at the AVTOVAZ test site, near Tolyatti. The winter turned out to be not very frosty: the temperature varied between -25...-5 ºС. The asphalt part was rolled out at the beginning of May, on dry roads. We worked at night, when the temperature did not rise above +5…+7 ºС. It is this temperature that tire makers consider transitional from winter tires to summer and vice versa. The test car is a Lada Kalina equipped with ABS.
AS YOU GO, SO WILL YOU GO
The most important part of testing winter tires is running in. After all, it determines how well the tires will perform on snow and ice and how long they will last. If you run in the studs incorrectly, you can easily ruin them: if you drive aggressively on unrolled tires, the studs will simply start to fly out. We ran each set of studded tires for 500 km. Without sudden accelerations and braking, so that each spike falls into place and the rubber tightly grips its base. To do this, we divide the entire run into three or four parts, taking a break in movement for an hour or two after each. To break in non-studded soft “Scandinavians”, popularly often called “Velcro”, 300 km is enough. And the driving style should be more aggressive, with slight slipping during acceleration. Here, the primary task of running-in is different - to completely remove from the tread sipes the remaining lubricant that was applied to the mold (lubricant is needed in order to prevent damage to the tread with 3D cuts when removing the newly welded tire from the mold). In addition, these tires need to remove a thin surface layer of rubber, which after baking turns out to be slightly harder than the core. You don’t have to worry about wear on the sharp edges of the slats: modern models They are designed so that with mutual friction they sharpen themselves. This ensures the stability of the characteristics of studless tires throughout their service life.HOW MUCH TO STICK?
On run-in tires, we measure the hardness of the rubber and the amount of protrusion of the studs, comparing the results with those obtained on virgin tires. After running in, the Shore hardness of the rubber usually changes by several units in one direction or another. The spikes may also come out a little or go deeper as they fall into place. In Russia, the amount of protrusion of spikes is not regulated. But in European Union countries where the use of studded tires is allowed, it is limited - no more than 1.2 mm on new tires. Life has determined this compromise value: a smaller protrusion will not allow achieving effective traction on ice, a larger one will worsen traction on asphalt and lead to a rapid loss of “studs” during operation. In our long-term tests, the average stud protrusion after running in is from 1.3 to 1.6 mm. And now almost all tires fall into this range with a deviation of one tenth of a millimeter. The exception was four models. Firstly, this is the Chinese Aeolus: its spines protrude only 0.5-0.8 mm. It’s immediately clear that on the ice he won’t be missing the stars from the sky. Secondly, Cordiant: the protrusion of the studs reaches 2.0 mm - the maximum permissible value in Europe (although no one checks this parameter on cars). But Bridgestone and Sava are alarming: after running in, some of their studs stuck out by 2.3 mm! Moreover, not only the carbide insert of the stud rises above the tread (it, as a rule, protrudes above the body by 1.2 mm), but also almost a millimeter of its cylindrical body. It is clear that on ice these tires will have an advantage over “legal” tires. At one time, we checked how the protrusion of studs affects the grip properties of tires on ice. Every tenth of a millimeter reduces braking distance by 2.5–3%. Spikes with a protrusion of 2.3 mm will outperform those that protrude only 1.3 mm by at least 25–30%!I repeat that in our country the protrusion of spikes is not limited by any laws. But according to the Technical Regulations Customs Union, uniting Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, for tires manufactured since January 1, 2016, the protrusion of studs on new tires is set to 1.2 ± 0.3 mm. That is, the stud will have to protrude above the tread by no less than 0.9 mm and no more than 1.5 mm. It will be interesting to look at Bridgestone tires and Sava next year.
To get acquainted with the test results (they are summarized in tables), follow the links: table No. 1 and table No. 2.
WHAT ARE WE TESTING?
In the sequence of test exercises, we first measure acceleration and braking on snow and ice. Why? During testing, the spikes act increased loads, under the influence of which the spikes can slowly move outward, and if these measurements are taken last, the spikes will protrude more. After measuring the longitudinal grip, we check the tires on an ice circle and test them on a rearrangement. And after that we evaluate handling, directional stability, cross-country ability and comfort. After completing all tests on “white” roads, we again check the protrusion of the studs. If it has not changed during testing, then the studs are held securely in the rubber, and this is a guarantee that they will last a long time. The most stable were Continental, Nordman, Yokohama and Bridgestone: for these tires, the amount of stud protrusion remained unchanged during all tests. Nokian's spikes have crept out by one "ten", and we also consider this result to be excellent. Toyo and Aeolus look quite passable: their spikes have been increased from zero to 0.2–0.3 mm. But Avatyre, Cordiant, Formula and Sava tires have an alarming increase - up to 0.4–0.5 mm. There is a suspicion that at this rate of growth the studs will not stay in the tires for long. The absolute record holder for the largest stud protrusion is Sava: after testing, some “studs” stuck out by 2.7 mm!We also carry out asphalt tests taking into account the intensity of tire wear. We start with assessing and measuring rolling resistance and only in the end we carry out braking on asphalt. Can you guess why? If not, we will answer in the words of Continental specialists, who call emergency braking on asphalt stressful for winter tires - even with ABS. And they believe that after a dozen or one and a half such braking, the tires become unusable. But we just brake six to eight times on dry roads and the same amount on wet roads. After the tests, we carefully inspect the studs and treads of the “stressed” tires. Three models in which the studs protruded more than 2 mm (Bridgestone, Cordiant and Sava) differ from the rest by the pits in the rubber near the studs. When braking, the tall studs bend strongly and tear out pieces of the tread. And the bodies of the spikes themselves have been ground off, lost their cylindrical shape and now look like cones. It's amazing that none of these tires lost any studs. Trouble came from an unexpected direction - the well-behaved Toyo lost 14 studs on four wheels. It is noteworthy that last year, when the spikes at the end of the tests stuck out a little more (up to 2.3 mm) than now (up to 1.9 mm), there were no losses.
SPIKES OR VELCRO: AFTERWORD
So what should you prefer - “spikes” or “Scandinavians”? When choosing, remember the main advantages and disadvantages of both. “Spikes” have more stable grip properties on any surface, but they are less comfortable. Softer and quieter Velcro are more demanding on the level driving skills on the ice. In addition, I would not risk recommending “Scandinavian” tires for cars without ABS: when the wheels lock on ice, their grip drops significantly, and this is extremely dangerous. The undisputed winner of our test was Nokian tires, which in recent years are the trendsetter of winter fashion: in the class of studded tires, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 model took the lead, and among the “Scandinavians” the Hakkapeliitta R2 took precedence. But they are also the most expensive. So the choice is not easy - and our tables with recommendations for each tire will help you make it.We warn those who are particularly picky: you should not compare the results of “spikes” and “Scandinavians”; it is not for nothing that they are shown in different tables. From our own experience we know that the difference depends on the temperature. In severe frost (-20 ºС and below), soft “Scandinavians” will win on ice, in “greenhouse” ones (above -10 ºС) best results will be at the “spikes”. Perhaps we can only compare behavior on asphalt. But it should be remembered that tire manufacturers do not compare data obtained on different days. After all, the measurement result is influenced not only by the temperature of the air and asphalt, but also by humidity, wind strength, the amount of ultraviolet radiation and much more. Together with the author, Anton Ananyev, Vladimir Kolesov, Yuri Kurochkin, Evgeny Larin, Anton Mishin, Andrey Obramov, Valery Pavlov and Dmitry Testov took part in the tire testing. We express our gratitude to the tire manufacturing companies that provided their products for testing, as well as to the employees of the AVTOVAZ test site and the Togliatti company Volgashintorg for technical support.
The winter tire season started at the end of July. The latest winter tires for 2014-2015 have appeared on store shelves and in online catalogs.
New winter tires from Nokian
Significantly updated winter line tires for passenger vehicles, including SUVs and commercial vehicles. Nokian offers customers the joint production models Nokian Nordman 5 and 5 SUV. The rubber is equipped with spikes new modification with a round (for cars) and square (for SUVs) shape. The famous Bear Claw stud retention technology is also implemented in new tire models.
The range of friction tires has been expanded with the Hakkapeliitta CR3 model. Tires are designed for difficult climatic conditions. A new steel breaker and increased silica content in the mixture are used here. Nokian Hakkapeliitta C3 is designed for installation on minibuses. The rubber is equipped with tetrahedral studs and an optimized steel belt for strength.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV promises the user the strongest sidewall and reliable grip thanks to the use of a new multi-faceted stud. To increase comfort, a soft rubber cushion is placed under the stud.
New from Bridgestone
Updated the line of winter tires for cars off-road. Blizzak DMV-2 received a new generation rubber compound. The manufacturer promises unprecedented grip on the road due to the microporous structure of the tread and the removal of 100% of water from the contact patch. Even load distribution is ensured by an updated pattern, and ECO-Products technology is designed to reduce rolling resistance.
Bridgestone's range of passenger friction tires has also been expanded with the Blizzak VRX model. The manufacturer himself calls the tires his best creation. A new rubber compound, optimal grip on ice and increased service life are the key characteristics of the rubber, the name of which literally translates as “summit”.
New winter tires from Continental
Released to replace the previous flagship model range updated ContiVikingContact 6. The rubber is designed for the harsh winters of Russia and northern countries. The manufacturer has developed a friction rubber tread pattern that is completely different from previous Continental creations. Viking 6 received improved grip, reduced hydroplaning and impeccable braking due to the innovative structure of the sipes.
In addition to the recognized market leaders in premium and mid-range price segment new items showed:
- with studded tires for SUVs Ultra Grip Ice Arctic SUV and friction passenger tire Ultra Grip Ice 2
- with new studded model Ice Guard Stud IG55
Developed WinterCraft Ice Wi61 models with a friction structure and frost-resistant composition rubber compound and WinterCraft Ice Wi31 with the ability to stud and improved behavior on ice.
Released new products in the lines of studded and friction tires: Arctictrekker NP 3 and Arctictrekker NS 3, respectively. Updated models replaced the MA-SPW. The tires are created using the unique Maxxis VIP technology. The rubber has improved grip, increased wear resistance and an optimized rubber compound.
Winter tires for the 2014-2015 season promise greater road safety and comfortable driving. Each manufacturer competes with itself to create the best winter tires. Let's see who succeeded.
- Which tires are better? Choose best tires for winter and summer
- Tire width: designation, selection features and impact on car behavior
- What tires are considered low profile? Pros and cons of low profile tires
- Operating temperature summer tires and its impact on performance
- Tire mileage rate
- Top 10 best companies: winter tire rating 2018-2019
- How to choose tires for a car
- Rating of winter studded tires
- Best before date car tires Is it possible to use expired tires?
- How to find out the year of manufacture of a tire. Shelf life of car tires
- Which winter tires are better?
- Tire wear: reasons and methods for determining the level of tire wear
- What is the shelf life of car tires?
- The most wear-resistant summer tires
- Air suspension for turf NEXT
Summer is over, autumn has arrived, the air temperature is gradually dropping, the rains begin and then the thought comes to mind - “but I’ll soon need winter tires.” That is why, in order to prepare you for an informed choice of tires, we have prepared an article with a rating of winter tires 2014 below.
It's no secret that good winter tires are the key to your safety. Providing good grip on the road, preventing your car from skidding. In this article we will look at the rating TOP 10 winter tires 2014-2015. We will start this rating not, as usual, with those tires that scored the fewest points, but with the best winter tires 2014:
1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
The best winter tires of 2015 according to the “Behind the Wheel” rating, she scored 949 points out of a thousand possible, taking first place in the competition.
2. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic - Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic
These tires use absolutely new form studs, as well as their unusual placement, aimed at increasing the contact patch and improving traction. For better handling on snowy roads, a new tread pattern of this winter tire was specially developed.
3. Michelin X Ice North - Michelin X-ICE North XIN3
Michelin winter tires are annually included in the leading positions in the tire ratings. X-ICE North XIN3 is a new development of the company, which makes it possible to reduce the braking distance on slippery roads by 10%.
4. Nokian Nordman 5 - Nokian Nordman 5
In the production of data tires, the “bear claw” technology, which has proven itself in the Hakkapeliitta series, is used. In the central zone, the tread pattern has integrated blocks, which make steering control more sensitive.
5. Gislaved NordFrost 100 - Gislaved Nord Frost 100
The tires are distinguished by their low weight and optimized stud head geometry. The tread pattern is divided into blocks, the edges of each of which have multidirectional angles. This pattern provides traction and precision control both on snow and on icy roads.
6. Nokian - Nordman 4 -
The tires feature a wide tread and a unique reinforced steel breaker, which together ensure stable performance on any highway surface. Tires provide low level noise, as well as an unsurpassed soft ride, thanks to the elastic pad located under each stud, making it an excellent mid-range option.
7. Bridgestone Blizzak Spike 01 -
This series replaced Ice Cruiser. The new product is equipped with new cross-shaped studs that provide maximum grip on icy roads. A test of winter tires showed a reduction in braking distance by an average of 9% compared to the previous series.
8. Dunlop Ice Touch -
The tread of these tires is distinguished by a multidirectional pattern and the presence of outlet grooves. At first glance, the studs on the tires are located chaotically, but in fact, this arrangement ensures maximum contact with the road.
9. Pirelli Ice Zero -
The best tires of the Italian brand demonstrate new technology studding, similar to chaotic placement. Its multi-directional design helps reduce the mobility of the stud, and its wide base optimizes load distribution.
10. Yokohama Ice Guard IJE 35 —
Japanese tires are equipped with 3G sipes, which improve handling on icy and snowy roads. For better removal of slush and snow, the surface of the tires is covered with semi-radial grooves. The special composition of the rubber mixture prevents the studs from falling out and prevents
Every year, in the midst of a hot summer, experts study car tires from the most different manufacturers, making up winter tire rating.
Good tires provide reliable grip on frozen surfaces, allow you to maintain maneuverability and smooth ride in any frost, and ensure safety and precision control. Today's top ten lists popular tires that meet the highest requirements.
The list is compiled based on an analysis of winter tire tests conducted by the editors of “ ”, “ ”, “ ” and “ ” over the past year.
Japanese tires are equipped with 3G sipes, which improve handling on icy and snowy roads. For better removal of slush and snow, the surface of the tires is covered with semi-radial grooves. The special composition of the rubber mixture prevents the studs from falling out and prevents tire deformation.
The best tires of the Italian brand demonstrate new studding technology. Its multi-directional design helps reduce the mobility of the stud, and its wide base optimizes load distribution.
The tread of these tires is distinguished by a multidirectional pattern and the presence of outlet grooves. At first glance, the studs on the tires are located chaotically, but in fact, this arrangement ensures maximum contact with the road.
This series replaced the Ice Cruiser. The new product is equipped with new cross-shaped studs that provide maximum grip on icy roads. Rubber test showed a reduction in braking distance by 9% compared to the previous series.
The tires feature a wide tread and a unique reinforced steel belt, which together ensure stable performance on any road. The tires provide low noise levels and an unsurpassed soft ride thanks to an elastic pad located under each stud.
The tires are distinguished by their low weight and optimized stud head geometry. The tread pattern is divided into blocks, the edges of each of which have multidirectional angles. This pattern provides traction and precision control.
The “bear claw” technology, which has proven itself in the Hakkapeliitta series, is used in the production of tires. In the central zone, the tread pattern has integrated blocks, which make the transfer of control from the steering wheel more precise.
Michelin winter tires are annually included in the leading positions in the tire ratings. X-ICE North XIN3 is a new development of the concern, which made it possible to reduce the braking distance by 10% and improve the fixation of studs by a quarter.
The tires use an innovative shape of studs, as well as their special arrangement, aimed at increasing the contact patch and improving grip. For better handling on snowy roads, a new tread pattern was specially developed.
In the tests of the publication “Behind the Wheel” it scored 949 points out of a thousand possible, taking first place in the rating.
The tire tread has an increased number of blocks for a wider spread of studs and better grip.
The topic of seasonal tire changes does not lose its relevance - we see great interest in our publications on this topic, and it becomes more acute the closer the next re-shoe season gets. Let us remind you that visitors to the website “Behind the Rules.RF” have the opportunity to ask their questions online and receive answers from professionals. Sergey Mishin - director is in touch with you tire test group. He is assisted by testers Evgeny Larin, Valery Pavlov, Andrey Obramov, Dmitry Testov, Anton Mishin, Yuri Kurochkin and Anton Ananyev.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with the answers to the most typical and most unexpected questions from Za Rulem.RF readers. Perhaps among them you will find information that interests you. If you haven't found it, ask your question in the comments below.
Ivan Ivanovich: So are they spikes or Velcro?
Vyacheslav Subbotin, ex-curator bus group: Velcro, spikes! We conducted a special test on this topic. The temperature range, when Velcro and studs behave the same, say, demonstrate the same braking distance, is minus 13–15 0 C. With more low temperatures friction tires start to win against the spikes. A spike cannot always pierce solid ice. And thanks to the developed lamellas, friction tires have a large area of contact with ice, especially rough ice. With more high temperatures studded tires are better. But there are nuances. At minus 20 0 C the difference between studded and Velcro will be about 20%. And at minus 2–3 0 C, the braking distance of the Velcro will be almost twice as long. Therefore, choose the type of tires primarily based on the average daily operating temperature. Details. It was great work!
Anonymous: Is it important to take a Duster? In terms of weight, it is at the level of foreign passenger cars. Of interest, for example, are the Pirelli Winter Carving Edge tires (listed as for a passenger car/crossover) and Pirelli Ice Zero (listed as for a crossover, i.e. SUV).
Vyacheslav Subbotin: Not important! The difference between SUV tires and tires with the same tread pattern, for example, for sedans, is mainly in the reinforced sidewall. Mixtures, breaker design, etc. identical. But it often happens that for a particular crossover it is simply impossible to find ordinary tires without the SUV prefix - there is no such size.
Evgeniy Korchagin: In all tests there is not a word about tire RESOURCE. So I’m choosing an average-priced stud 215/65/16 for the Qashqai. Tests praise “Nordman” and “Gislaved”, but according to reviews, it’s better to throw both of them away after two, maximum three seasons - there is a problem with the cord, and they also lose their studs. For comparison, the Ice Cruiser 7000 does not shine in tests, but it can easily survive for four seasons, many without losing any studs at all. I myself bought “breeches” for a previous car, overall I liked them, but I have nothing to compare from experience. So the dilemma arises: take tires for tests, but for two or three seasons, or should you still think about their service life?
Vyacheslav Subbotin: Evgeny! A couple of times in our long history of tire testing, we have conducted endurance tests. But the pleasure is expensive. How much gasoline do you need to burn? The last such test was five or six years ago. After a long run of tens of thousands of km, we checked the driving characteristics of the tires. Michelin won then. According to the data obtained, his qualities turned out to be closest to the original ones, but those of others dropped significantly.
However, we drive some models, especially leadership ones, for quite a long time. They are on our editorial machines. And as experience shows, “Nordman” and “Gislaved” (and other models of well-known tire brands and their second-tier tires) practically do not lose their studs even after four seasons. There's no need to even talk about a broken cord. To destroy it, you need to travel for a season with a pressure of one atmosphere. In general, Continental has the most durable stud sealing - they glue them. We tried to tear them out with pincers, and we got into an argument with the manufacturer. They puffed like steam locomotives while they pulled. They tore it out... with a piece of rubber. :-)
Mikhail Kiselev: Tell us about the behavior of Chinese tires (for example, everyone’s favorite Triangle), Korean tires (Nexen or Kumho) and compare them with Russian and, if possible, used Japanese ones (most likely 50% and more tread), because the “Behind the Wheel” tests are of little interest in the Far East.
Vyacheslav Subbotin: Chinese tires they still occupy a tiny share in the domestic market. Our motorist is just taking a closer look at them. So we don’t take these tires into regular tests yet, although we also study products from the Middle Kingdom. You know, from first impressions, they are of the same quality as chinese cars. Driving properties are not very good. I wouldn't buy these for myself. But the low price can serve as a compelling argument. An experienced motorist who has traveled all his life summer tires in winter, he can afford it. It is likely that in the next tests we will try Chinese news to taste. But the result can be predicted in advance. Nexen or Kumo tires from the second tier of Korean tire manufacturers do not shine with test results. “Hankuk” looks much better against their background. They took a serious approach to designing tires for Russia, Scandinavia and others winter countries. For example, they have a powerful research center along with a test site in Europe. That's why our test results are high. We do not roll used tires. And we think it’s risky to buy these and drive them. As a rule, they are very worn and may have hidden damage. In the 90s, I myself rummaged through a pile of tires that had served in Europe. Then the whole capital was in such dumps. I found four, as it seemed to me, excellent tires. I put it on Moskvich-2141, and the poor fellow immediately began to drift to the side. And by the end of winter, the cord came out of two tires. I threw money away.
Tatyana Rzhannikova: “Hakkapeliita” is always ahead in tests. And the price is also a leader. But “Nordman” is the “Hakka” of previous models? Or is it a different tire in all respects, made using simplified technologies?
Vyacheslav Subbotin: “Nordman” is really “Hakka” previous generations, and prepare it on the same molds. The technologies are exactly the same as those of Hakka. But the materials used are a little simpler. Let's say a simple cylindrical spike. If it were different, the price would increase significantly. However, this does not mean that Nordman is bad. Look at the test results, table of measurements and expert assessments. Sometimes he sets the stage for new models from leading companies.Anonymous: Good afternoon, please advise winter tires for Ford Mondeo 1.5 tons, front-wheel drive, 215/55/R17, and which ones are best for my region. I live in Saratov, winter temperatures are from -15 to -25, studded or Velcro? I don’t go outside the city in winter; in the city the roads are rarely unclean, and more often than not there is wet snow.
Vyacheslav Subbotin: Colleague, I also go to! The studded Nord-Frost 5s have been installed for four years now. For this machine and various operating conditions - just what you need. And I go to the mountains to ski on them, and I choke in traffic jams in slushy Moscow. That’s why I recommend studded tires for you, and from the top line. Whatever one may say, the Mondeo is a big, heavy and also nimble car. He needs predictable reactions. After all, its connection with the road is not so great - the steering wheel and brakes are not informative enough. Good tires will smooth out this disadvantage. “Nord Frost” chose, first of all, driving characteristics, but looked at the price/quality ratio. Now there is little wear, a few spikes have fallen out. Before this I was looking at Michelin X-Ice North 2. The characteristics are similar, but the high price confused me. Perhaps next season I’ll still get myself a studded Michelin.
Yuri Rogov: Please tell me what is the difference between “ContiIceContact” tires with BD and HD indices?
Sergey Mishin: These indices appeared on ContiIceContact tires in 2013. The BD index tells you that these are ordinary, “old” ones, with so-called diamond spikes. Tires with the HD index are modernized, modified to comply with the new Scandinavian rules to limit road surface wear, which came into force on July 1, 2013. HD differ from regular ones (BD) by having lighter spikes and a modified composition. The number of studs in HD and BD tires is the same. In 2013, HD were supplied to the Scandinavian market, BD - only to Russian market. Since 2014, Continental has promised to produce and supply only HD tires to all markets.Sergey Amosov: If possible, show the difference in numbers between “European” and “Scandinavian” friction tires (Velcro).
Sergey Mishin: “Scandinavian” friction tires - the main tires for our market - for harsh winters, have more soft rubber tread (50–55 Shore units), which provides best characteristics on ice and snow. Cons: relatively “loose” behavior on asphalt and not the best brakes. “Central European” friction tires are aimed primarily at wet, warm winters. “Sharpened” on handling and brakes on wet asphalt and wet compacted snow, they are characterized by higher resistance to aquaplaning and slashplaning. Cons: low grip on ice.They are divided into soft (hardness 58–60 Shore units) and hard (60–65 units). Can be used in warm regions of Russia and megacities (Moscow, St. Petersburg), where ice on the roads is practically not found. The harder the tires, the better the brakes and behavior on asphalt, but the worse the grip on ice.
Maxim Sysolyatin: Still, I would like to return to the resource of studded tires. Are there any criteria (other than the loss of studs) that you can rely on and understand that it’s time to change the tires? Another question: you said that your editorial machines have different tires with different service life, maybe just check them - compare them with the same new ones. This will be interesting!
Sergey Mishin: The main criterion for assessing the condition of winter tires is residual tires. In reality, a tire ceases to be a winter tire when there are 4 or less millimeters left. At the same time, tire manufacturers allow the operation of such worn tires in the summer. It is incorrect to compare new tires with worn ones over several years, since almost all manufacturers annually upgrade their models (in terms of mixture composition, materials and design). Even new tires of the same model, but with different years of manufacture, differ in characteristics.
20141013_06–2
Maxim Sysolyatin: Several questions at once. Why aren’t heavy trucks and city buses “changed”? At MKAD junctions they are the main cause of congestion! How to find out the production date of tires and what is their shelf life? Finally, is it true thatIs it better to use smaller tires in winter than in summer?
Sergey Mishin: About heavy trucks and buses. In our country there are no laws (like in Scandinavian countries) on the mandatory use of winter tires. It’s very expensive to “change shoes” for trucks and buses, and the storage issue is complicated summer tires. But by and large, you are right; such a law is long overdue. About. On the sidewall of any tire you can find an “embossed” combination of four numbers, for example 2014. The first pair means the number of the week of manufacture, the second - the last two digits of the year of manufacture. About the shelf life of tires. By Russian laws car tire must serve for at least 5 years. Next, the consumer is recommended to independently assess the condition of the tire by the presence or absence of small cracks on the sidewall. Tire manufacturers do not recommend using tires longer than 7–8 years, the critical age is 10 years, even if the tread looks like new. Over this period of time, the rubber significantly loses its characteristics. About. Pay attention to our bus tests in size 14 inches. In summer we test 185/60R14 tires, in winter on the same cars 175/65R14. A wider tire in summer provides better traction on asphalt. A narrow one allows you to achieve a higher specific pressure in the contact patch, which means it will cling to the ice better. In addition, narrow tires “cut” slush on the road more easily and do not float up in puddles so easily.Evgeny Arefiev: Tell me, what studded tires to choose for a Duster within 4,000 rubles per wheel? I live in Volgograd, the roads are poorly cleaned in winter, so the defining qualities of a tire should be cross-country ability and handling on snow and ice. I myself am more inclined to Cordiant Snow Cross or Nokian Nordman 4. Which is better?
Sergey Mishin: For snow and Ice Nordman 4 is better. After all, the tread of this tire follows the pattern of the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4 tire - a repeated winner of many tests.Andre M: On my BMW X3 E83 there is a summer 17R 235/55, tell me what size to put on the winter one?
Sergey Mishin: BMW does not provide narrower tires for your car. So for the winter you will have to stay in the same size. I recommend choosing tires with a directional tread pattern, as they more effectively clear the road of water and snow in the contact patch.Alexander Taubinsky: My Octavia comes standard with summer tires 16R205/55, I decided to save money and buy 15R195/65 wheels, which, other things being equal, is cheaper than buying only 16R205/55 tires, plus saving twice a year on re-shoes. What are the pros/cons of lowering the radius?
Sergey Mishin: Switching to size 195/65R15 instead of 205/55R16 in winter conditions is a technically very competent decision. The rolling radius of tires of these sizes is almost the same, so there will be no distortion in the speedometer readings. Tires with a width of 195 mm float on water and slush at a higher speed compared to 205 mm, and therefore they are safer. On snow and ice, such tires will have slightly better grip, since their specific pressure per unit area is slightly higher. In addition, the increased profile makes the tire more comfortable, adding a smooth ride on uneven surfaces, and road bumps and bumps are more common on winter roads. The disadvantages of narrower and taller tires are that the brakes are slightly worse on asphalt (different laws of physics apply here, the width of the contact patch is reduced). And also - less clear reactions on the same asphalt, due to the fact that high tire deforms more under the influence of lateral forces. But since the points described in the previous paragraph, 195/65R15 tires are preferable. At the same time, as you noted, 15th tires are significantly cheaper than 16th ones.TSHG: Why did ContiIceContact tires show different results in the last two tests of winter tires published on the website - 2nd place in passenger sizes and 4-5th in SUV sizes?
Sergey Mishin: Firstly, the lists of competitors in these tests are different - in the 1st 4th there were no such strong competitors as Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic and Pirelli Ice Zero.Secondly, I believe that small and large pies, even made from the same dough, will taste different - because they are baked differently. One of the factors influencing tire traction and handling is the distribution of specific pressure in the contact patch. These characteristics are likely different for the Continental ContiIceContact tires in sizes 175/65R14 and 215/65R16. Different masses also matter Lada cars Priora and Renault Duster- they load the tires differently. Compare the results of measurements, for example, braking distance on asphalt. In size 175/65R14, the Conti’s result on wet asphalt (20 m) is better than the “Pirelli” Formula Ice (21.1 m) by a meter, and on dry (34.2 m versus 34.6 m) it is better by almost half a meter. And in size 215/65R16, on the contrary, Formula Ice (20.0 m) beats Conti (21.1 m) by the same meter on wet road surfaces. On dry ground, their results - 33.6 m and 33.7 m - are comparable.Olegg: Are there low-noise studs??
Sergey Mishin: One of the main disadvantages of studded tires is increased noise. But this is not the main evil: spikes also increase the braking distance on asphalt (iron slides over it better than rubber even on cars with ABS) by about 5 percent relative to friction.Today, only Nokian has managed to implement in a working prototype a tire (with HKPL 8 tread) capable of releasing and retracting studs if necessary - see photo. But at the same time, the company’s specialists admitted that these prototypes are still far from a finished product that can be offered to the market. In my opinion, there are studded tires that make less noise than others, but only at city speeds - 50–60 km/h. These are tires in which the number of studs has been reduced in accordance with the latest restrictions in Scandinavian countries. I advise you to pay attention to Gislaved Nord Frost 100 and Michelin X-Ice North 3.
Artem Plasteev: Why are Maxxis not found anywhere in tire tests? Normal tires for reasonable money and with a lifetime warranty, not China, but Taiwan after all. But yes, there are a lot of expensive ones in the tests...
Sergey Mishin: Not a completely correct question. This can be set for any model missing in the test. In 2010, we tested winter tires for all-terrain vehicles where this brand was found. Then the tested tire took fifth place.Nicholas K.: I have a problem: there is a bulge on the sidewall of the tire. Is it possible to travel further, and if not, what is the best thing to do? Should I buy a new one of the same model or a pair of more modern ones? The tires are in good condition - Bridgestone Velcro is installed, I think maybe I could take a pair of HKPL R2s and leave the second BR wheel as a spare?
Sergey Mishin: A lump is bad. It can burst at any moment, the wheel will release air very abruptly, and the car can be “lost” at this moment. The surest option is to buy exactly the same tire model. The other pair will differ in characteristics, so the car’s behavior when turning will change: the steering may become excessive (a tendency to skid) or insufficient (a pronounced drift may occur).Andrey Khakhulin: Need advice. When buying a car (used), there were winter tires, but in the following set: Dunlop SP Winter Ice 01 - two pieces, Toyo Observe G3-Ice - two pieces. The tires are in the same condition. Actually, what do you recommend buying, Toyo or Dunlop? I don't like it when cars have different tires...
Sergey Mishin: The Toyo Observe G3-Ice model is much fresher than the old Dunlop SP Winter Ice 01, which today has already replaced the Dunlop SP Winter Ice 02. I hope it’s clear which tires are better to buy.ALEX S: Recommend studded R17 SUV tires, which are optimal in terms of price and quality. The more I read, the more I doubt what to choose...
Sergey Mishin: Read the results of our test of 235/65R16 SUV tires. The sizes R16 and R17 are close. I would choose the Nordman 5 SUV for myself - quite good tires, while being relatively inexpensive. In second place is the Gislaved Nord Frost 100 SUV.Andress: I’m holding two issues of the magazine in my hands: one for September 2015, the other for September 2014. Both tests 14-inch winter tires with a striking difference in results. For example, braking on ice 30–5 km/h this year Nokian HKPL 8 brakes 13.6 m, and last year as much as 18 m! And so with all tires. What, one wonders, should we believe?
Sergey Mishin: The absolute results of measurements on ice are completely different from those on asphalt, on which the results can vary by two to three meters from year to year. On ice they are much larger than on asphalt and depend on temperature environment, humidity and many other weather parameters. Even on the same ice on different days, the same tire will have different results. Not to mention the difference from year to year. You can believe the percentage difference between tires.Andrey Veledeev: How should tires that can be driven in winter be labeled in accordance with the new law? Is a snowflake enough, M+S, or just a “snowflake in the mountain”?
Sergey Mishin: Technical regulations describes winter tires in some detail. Literally: “marked with a sign in the form of a mountain peak with three peaks and a snowflake inside it, as well as marked with the signs “M+S”, “M&S” and “MS”... But at the same time, the permissible during operation is clearly limited residual depth tread - at least 4.0 mm.Olga Maryasova: It's time to buy winter tires; the manufacturer recommends 165/70R14 or 185/60R14. I don’t understand what size to choose for the winter for the Skoda Fabia 2008 model year. with a 1.4 liter engine. Since I don’t consider myself an ace, the choice fell on the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8, but the standard size 185/60R14 is not available. The consultant suggested 175/65. Is it possible to deviate from the car manufacturer's recommendations? R14 is due to the existing wheels with old tires.
Sergey Mishin: Whether or not to deviate from the recommendations of the car manufacturer is a decision that only you will have to make. Tires of size 175/65R14 are suitable for your car if they meet the load capacity index. The rolling radius will be very close to 165/70R14 or 185/60R14 tires.
Alexey Sergeevich: Some manufacturers offer all-season tires. Tell us about them. How effective are they in winter in urban conditions?
Sergey Mishin: All-season tires are universal tires for year-round use in conditions of mild, little snowy winters and cool summers. Don't expect high grip from them in summer on asphalt and in winter on ice. In urban conditions in the summer you can live on such tires if there is no heat and you do not drive aggressively. This Russian winter- more difficult. You can only feel confident on asphalt that is clear of snow and ice. But in yards covered with snow, in icy ruts, such tires are helpless.Victor A.: Good afternoon! I read all the possible tests of studded winter tires and decided on the Gislaved Nord Frost 100 SUV. One problem - the size I need, 225/60 R17 (as required by the manufacturer), is not available from Gislaved. Close - 225/65 R17, but in this case the wheel diameter increases by 22 mm (I'm afraid it will catch on the arches when the steering wheel is fully turned). Please advise a worthy analogue for Subaru Forester IV. Operation - Moscow and the surrounding countryside. P.S. I looked at the Continental ContiIceContact, but it’s a bit expensive. Maybe look at Yokohama (full-time all-season), for example IceGuard Stud IG55? What is your relationship with this brand? For some reason it is not in your tests.
Sergey Mishin: It seems to me that you have a strange attitude towards magazines and tires. First, the tires Yokohama IceGuard The Stud IG55 features twice in our tests this year: in the September issue in size 175/65R14, and in the October issue in 205/66R16. Secondly, this is not an all-season tire, but a real studded tire, which cannot be standard on any car, even on a Subaru Forester IV. Read the magazine more carefully!
Ivan Nikolaev: I choose winter non-studded tires on the Nissan X-Trail. My eyes stopped at the Michelin X-Ice, but I can’t decide whether to take the new Xi3 model or the old Xi2. Do you think there is a big difference when traveling around Moscow?
Sergey Mishin: Any new models are always better than the previous ones. The question is the magnitude of the difference between them. I have not had the opportunity to compare these two tires with each other, but I believe that when driving around the city the difference will be almost indistinguishable. But there is one caveat. Michelin may discontinue production at any time old model, and it will disappear from the shelves. If you damage a wheel, you will have to buy not just one, but a whole set of new ones or from a different manufacturer.Shahin Tarverdiev: Help me choose winter tires. Friends recommend Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 or Gislaved NordFrost 100. The first, as I looked, costs 1000–1500 rubles. more expensive. Is she worth it? Stability and noiselessness are important to me, since on my Lifan Solano No sound insulation. The recommended sizes on the car door are 195/60 and 185/60, is 185/65 possible? As I understand it, 195 is for summer, 185 is for winter. Thanks in advance.
Sergey Mishin: Typical Russian approach: “I would like good tires, but inexpensive.” There is only one place for free cheese... Gislaved NordFrost 100 is perhaps one of the quietest “spikes”. You are right, narrower tires are for winter, wider tires are for summer. As a rule, contact of the wheels with the arch occurs in the case of using more wide tires, and 5% of the profile height should not be critical. To understand whether taller tires are suitable for your car, you should try them on: just assemble and install one front wheel. Squeeze the suspension, turn the steering wheel all the way left and right, pay attention to the gap between the tires and the edge of the arch.
