In anticipation of the coming winter, the magazine “Behind the Wheel” conducted a test of 18 sets of fourteen-inch tires. Given the crisis realities, popular budget-friendly products costing from 1,770 to 3,960 rubles took part in the “race”. Winter test tests were carried out at the beginning of the year at a special AvtoVAZ training ground, and the "spring" part was conducted at the beginning of May on ordinary roads.
We offer an updated rating of winter tires in 2017, based on the results of tests and reviews.
Winter tire test 2016-2017 R14
“Behind the Wheel” took into account only kits that hit at least five hundred km for studded tires and 300 km for studless tires. At the same time, drivers avoided sudden accelerations and braking so that the rubber tightly grasped the base of each spike. As a test car was Lada Kalina with ABS. For testing studded tires on asphalt, optimal weather conditions were selected - no higher than + 5 ... + 7 ºС. For this, the Za Rule testers had to work at night.
Winter tires rating 2016-2017 (R14)
The list is based on the popularity of models, the ratio of negative and positive reviews and of course, cost.
10. Yokohama Ice Guard IG35
The average cost is 2,398 rubles.
Rating winter tires open tires Yokohama Ice Guard IG35: low noise, good directional stability, predictable behavior of the car. Less: during the winter, even with moderate driving, it can lose up to half of the thorns.
9. Hankook Winter i * Pike RS W419
The average cost is 2 450 rubles.
Relatively versatile rubber, suitable for both snow and asphalt. The thorn seat is shaped like a snowflake; although a trifle, it’s nice to have such an attentive attitude to design. However, on ice and rolled snow due to the small number of spikes and small size, it accelerates poorly and accordingly slows down.
8. Cordiant Snow Cross
The average cost is 2 039 rubles.
Rubber even in severe frost remains relatively soft, does not tan. These tires with aggressive tread patterns have worked well both on snow and on ice. However, it turned out to be noisy for asphalt.
7. Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000
The average cost is 2 605 rubles.
Although in European countries the studs on tires cannot be more than 1.2 mm (on new ones), in this Japanese rubber, individual studs protruded by 2.3 mm. The larger the spikes, the better the ride on ice, as well as the less stopping distance. However, it is likely that Bridgestone tires will soon become less “prickly” - since the beginning of 2016, a new technical regulation has been adopted, according to which the tires must comply with European standards.
6. Gislaved NordFrost 100
The average cost is 2 650 rubles.
An excellent choice for urban conditions, but for extreme people or people living far beyond the city, tires are unlikely to be suitable - neither snow drifts nor sharp acceleration / braking are for these tires.
5. Nokian Nordman 5
The average cost is 2,390 rubles.
Finns know a lot about snowy weather! In the ranking of winter studded tires 2016-2017, three whole sets of tires from the Finnish manufacturer Nokian participate. Nordman 5 - soft, ragged, feel confident on the ice crust and snowy tracks. And the price is not too big.
4. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
The average cost is 4 630 rubles.
One of the most expensive options presented in the rating, but the tires are worth it: they hold the road well, wear-resistant. In such conditions, even with ice, the driver feels confident.
3. Continental ContiIceContact
The average price is 3 470 rubles.
These tires are equally good both during acceleration and braking, and when cornering and show good results on ice, rolled snow, snow porridge, and even with iced snow. The car goes smoothly without drifts and confidently enters the turn. However, on clean asphalt, the machine requires more time to accelerate or decelerate.
2. Pirelli Ice Zero
The average price is 3,180 rubles.
The second place in the top of winter tires was taken by Pirelli Ice Zero - with them any car will feel like an all-terrain vehicle. Rubber perfectly rows even on fresh, friable snow, does not bury, tenacious on ice. A great choice for rural conditions with deep snow or winter trips over long distances. Even after a couple of years of use, almost all the spikes remain in place. But for a purely city ride, you should think about other options.
1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
The average price is 3 220 rubles.
The best winter studded tires 2016-2017 were one of the most expensive. The rubber is soft, relatively quiet on the pavement, has excellent tenacity and patency under any conditions. With an aggressive driving style after the season, as a rule, almost all the spikes remain in place, there are no blisters, no cuts, or tears.