In anticipation of the coming winter, Za Rulem magazine tested 18 sets of fourteen-inch tires. Taking into account the realities of the crisis, popular budget products costing from 1770 to 3960 rubles took part in the "race". Winter tests were carried out at the beginning of the year at a special testing ground of AvtoVAZ, and the "spring" part - at the beginning of May on ordinary roads.
We offer an updated 2017 winter tire ratingbased on test results and reviews.
Winter tire test 2016-2017 R14
"Behind the Wheel" took into account only the sets that have driven at least five hundred kilometers for studded tires and 300 km for studless tires. At the same time, the drivers avoided sudden accelerations and braking so that the rubber tightly wraps around the base of each spike. Lada Kalina with ABS was used as a test car. For testing studded rubber on asphalt, the optimal weather conditions were selected - not higher than + 5 ... + 7 ºС. For this, the testers "Behind the Wheel" had to work at night.
Winter tire rating 2016-2017 (R14)
The list is based on the popularity of the models, the ratio of negative to positive reviews and, of course, cost.
10. Yokohama Ice Guard IG35
Average cost - 2,398 rubles.
The rating of winter tires is opened by Yokohama Ice Guard IG35 tires: low noise, good directional stability, predictable behavior of the car. Minus: during the winter, even with moderate driving, it can lose up to half of the studs.
9. Hankook Winter i * Pike RS W419
Average cost - 2,450 rubles.
Relatively versatile rubber, suitable for both snow and asphalt. The spike seat is shaped like a snowflake; albeit a trifle, but such an attentive attitude to design is pleasant. 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
Average cost - 2,039 rubles.
Even in severe frost, the rubber remains relatively soft, does not tan. These aggressive tread tires perform well on both snow and ice. However, they turned out to be noisy for asphalt.
7. Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000
Average cost - 2 605 rubles.
Although in European countries the spikes on tires cannot be more than 1.2 mm (on new ones), this Japanese rubber has individual spikes protruding by 2.3 mm. The larger the studs, the better the ice ride, and the shorter the 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 tires must comply with European standards.
6. Gislaved NordFrost 100
Average cost - 2 650 rubles.
An excellent choice for urban conditions, but for extreme sportsmen or people living far outside the city, rubber is hardly suitable - neither snow drifts, nor sharp acceleration / braking are not for these tires.
5. Nokian Nordman 5
Average cost - 2,390 rubles.
Finns know a lot about snowy weather! As many as three sets of tires from the Finnish manufacturer Nokian participate in the 2016-2017 winter studded tire rating. Nordman 5 - soft, zagrebny, feel confident on the ice crust and snowy slopes. And the price is not too high.
4. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
Average cost - 4 630 rubles.
One of the most expensive options in the rating, however, the tires are worth it: they hold the road well, wear-resistant. In such conditions, even in icy conditions, the driver feels confident.
3. Continental ContiIceContact
Average price - 3 470 rubles.
These tires are equally good both when accelerating and braking, and when cornering and show good results on ice, rolling snow, snow slurry, and even with icy snow covered with snow. The car runs smoothly without drifts and confidently enters the turn. However, on clean asphalt the car takes longer to accelerate or decelerate.
2. Pirelli Ice Zero
Average price - 3 180 rubles.
The second place in the top winter tires was taken by Pirelli Ice Zero - with them any car will feel like an all-terrain vehicle. The rubber paddles well even on fresh loose snow, does not dig in, it is tenacious on the ice. An excellent choice for suburban conditions with deep snow or long distance winter trips. Even after a couple of years of use, almost all the spikes remain in place. But for driving around the city, you should think about other options.
1. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7
Average price - 3 220 rubles.
The best winter studded tires of 2016-2017 are among the most expensive. The rubber is soft, relatively quiet on asphalt, has excellent grip and flotation in all conditions. When driving aggressively after the season, as a rule, practically all the studs remain in place, there are no bulges, no cuts or tears.
Pirelli Ice Zero - much that is written here is true. But there is such a feature - he really does not like the snow-ice track. I advise those who drive on roads where the rut is icy in spring, not to buy this rubber. They may argue that any rubber does not like this. Before that I went to Goodyear Ice Arctic - there was no such problem.