Spikes and slots
A wide choice - that's fine, no one disputes. But sometimes the abundance of similar consumer features and price of goods of different models and manufacturers can reduce the buyer's mind. Buying winter "rubber" - similar to the case. Especially because it (purchase) is often necessary to perform at the last moment, when zadubevshie summer tires no longer "hold" on the pavement covered with ice.
The purpose of our review - to gather in one place as much information about the bus updates on the domestic market as well as to remind you about the tires, which sold more than a year and are popular among Russian motorists.
In preparation of this material, we mainly used the bus-tests, two Russian newspapers, which annually carry out their own tests. This magazine is "Driving" and newspaper "Auto Review." "Avtorevyushniki" test cheap tires in the Moscow region, Dmitrov to landfill, and the median and a premium grade being tested for polyarnyim circle on the slopes of the Finnish landfill Test World. Experts "at the wheel" preparing its rating on the results of measurements, which they do in Samara avtopoligone Science and Technology Center of AvtoVAZ.
Review of winter tires for the 2008-2009 season
In principle, tests of both editions are similar. Conducted measuring the stopping distance and time required to break the ice, snow and highway asphalt. In this case, the tests differ only in details. For example, experts 'Driving' is measured as the car accelerates from 0 to 30 miles per hour, while in "Auto Review" - from 5 to 35 mph. In addition, both the publication examines the behavior of "rubber" to "track handling" with a winter coat.
But there are differences. Thus, "the wheel" publishes data on fuel consumption when driving in fifth gear at 90 miles an hour, and the newspaper "Autoreview" checks, such as tires behave on snow and slush and water react to a sharp change of direction - with a sharp turn steering wheel 180 degrees to the deceleration. And, of course, different measurement techniques themselves and the equipment used.
In addition, information on the number of tires we publish, with reference to tests conducted by German motoring club ADAC. In Germany, despite the mild climate, the "rubber" is also testing "in full". There are also measurements of inhibition, and check handling on slippery surfaces. In addition, the Germans used the technique allows to measure the traction tires with snow and ice with the help of instruments. For this test car pulls in tight coupling of the heavier car. With increasing engine speed using the dynamometer measured traction force on the tow bar. The sooner, the car stops pulling, the worse the grip of "condition".
The review winter tires are divided into three groups: the "budget class" - tires worth about two thousand rubles, or less, "middle class" - from two to three thousand; "premium class" - more than three thousand rubles tire R15. In assessing the average cost of tires, we were guided by suggestions of online shops. Price is given for the three most popular sizes, suitable for most passenger cars of foreign brands - 185/65 R14, 195/65 R15 and 205/55 R16.
Budget class
Amtel NordMaster
Amtel NordMaster 2
Amtel NordMaster CL
Amtel NordMaster ST 310
Amtel NordMaster ST
Wanli Winter Challenger
Kama 505
Middle Class
Barum Polaris 2
Barum Norpolaris
BF Goodrich Winter G
Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000
Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60
Cordiant SNO-MAX PW-401
Cordiant Polar
Dunlop Graspic DS2
Dunlop SP Winter Sport 400
Federal Himalaya WS1
Hankook Winter i-PIKE (W409)
Kama-Euro 518
Kleber Kapnor 5
Pirelli Winter Carving
Pirelli Winter Carving Edge
Pirelli Winter 190 Snowcontrol
Vredestein Icetrac
Yokohama Ice Guard iG20
Yokohama W.drive
Premium-class
Continental ContiVikingContact 3
Continental ContiVikingContact 5
Continental ContiWinterViking 2
Continental Continental ContiWinterContact TS 810
Gislaved Nord Frost 5
Gislaved Soft Frost 2
Gislaved Soft Frost 3
Goodyear UltraGrip Extreme
Goodyear Ultra Grip 7
Michelin X-Ice North
Michelin X-Ice
Michelin X-Ice 2
Michelin Alpin A3
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5
Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4
Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero
Toyo Snowprox S952
Amtel NordMaster
The presence of thorns: IS
Picture: the
This is the firstborn of the family Nordmaster - winter tires, designed by the international holding company Amtel- Vredestain. It directed the protector with lots of Z-shaped sipes and ten rows of spines.
In a test conducted by "the wheel", Amtel NordMaster, not surprisingly, has lost many eminent competitors, finishing in tenth place. However, among the low tire, he lost only tires Matador-OMSKshina MP-51 Sibir 2.
The main shortcomings "Nordmastera" marked by experts, "the wheel" - the noise, low permeability and "ragged" behavior on the ice. Advantages - low price, confident behavior on the pavement and a small stopping distance.
Amtel NordMaster 2
The presence of thorns: IS
Picture: the
Experts' Autoreview "these tires are not liked because of poor traction and braking on ice and snow. But these tires do not strongly affect the car's handling - it keeps well trajectory and smoothly goes to the slide, which is easy to control the steering and gas.
But the bottom line Nordmaster 2 experts "Autoreview" not liked. Evidence - in his rankings, they put these tires on 8 place, even lower than non-studded Amtel Nord Master CL.
Amtel NordMaster CL
The presence of thorns: NO
Picture: the
But at this year's test, "Autoreview" same "Nordmaster" triumphed among the inexpensive tires without studs. In this case, Nordmaster CL showed good results even in comparison with "reference" Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 (with spikes). Elite "Nokia" on the results of the test scored 9.2 points, and the Russian "rubber" - 8 points. To compare the "outsider" Kumho I'Zen KW-1917 was only 6.7 points.
Why are so different from each other the results of tests of the same tires (at least, the name and dimensions are identical) in two authoritative publications, we, unfortunately, is not known. We can only state it as fact.
Amtel NordMaster ST 310
The presence of thorns: IS
Picture: directed
Last year's test, the newspaper Autoreview "NordMaster ST310 yielded only Czech Barum Norpolaris, and found himself in second place. "Nordmaster" has a high-traction on ice, and to disperse the snow shows the best result. Experts newspapers highlighted the easy drivability, "booted" in the tire. Only comfort and noise NordMaster ST 310 are far from ideal. It is important to note that in this test were compared only cost options for winter tires.
Amtel NordMaster ST
The presence of thorns: IS
Picture: directed
Barum Polaris 2
The presence of thorns: NO
Picture: directed
Barum Norpolaris
The presence of thorns: IS
Picture: the
However, one year after the test with a more eminent contenders Czech bus failed, was the second ... from the end. Tires were almost helpless in the snow-water slush, ice and winding road. Moreover, if the first test, the experts recommended Barum Norpolaris, then it is not advised to buy them.
In last year's trial of "the wheel" Norpolaris won only tenth place overall. And in the middle class bus took fourth place. Contrary to the results of the newspaper "Auto Review", in the hands of experts, "the wheel", "Barum" best brakes in the snow than on ice. Thus the car badly managed on the winter road and quickly bogged down in deep snow.
BF Goodrich Winter G
The presence of thorns: NO
Picture: the
Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000
The presence of thorns: IS
Picture: the
Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60
The presence of thorns: NO
Picture: the
The test, conducted in spring 2008, the magazine "Behind the wheel," these non-studded tires proved to be very good. Car on the "Blizzake" well dispersed, slow and controlled on all types of road surface - from ice to wet asphalt. The main complaint against Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60 - they are noisy and power hungry. "
Continental ContiVikingContact 3
The presence of thorns: NO
Graphic: Asymmetrical
In 2008, because of its age this tire on the test to take longer.
Continental ContiVikingContact 5
The presence of thorns: NO
Graphic: Asymmetrical
However, on the pavement, this "rubber" is doing badly. However, like all other good winter tires, which specialize in snow-water slush, snow and ice impacts. Braking distance ContiVikingContact 5 on the asphalt was the longest. Journalists Autoreview "is not advised to buy these tires for aggressive riding on a powerful machine for free from snow and ice city streets.
Continental ContiWinterViking 2
The presence of thorns: IS
Graphic: Asymmetrical
And it seems this time the list of know-how, not just marektingovy move. Tested ContiWinterViking 2 experts newspaper Autoreview "and of" the wheel "in unison the universal call this tire, that is working well not only in harsh winter conditions - ice and snow, but also on pure asphalt. The only fly in the ointment - an unstable behavior when driving on winter roads. At the track the car much prowl. In this view, journalists of both publications were also unanimous.
Continental ContiWinterContact TS 810
The presence of thorns: NO
Graphic: Asymmetrical
But in tests on an icy road, these tires in an outsider. Hard rubber, providing a good grip with a pure asphalt, on a slippery surface works poorly. However, in the snow ContiWinterContact TS 810 behaves better, and even ahead of the results of some of studded tires.
Cordiant SNO-MAX PW-401
The presence of thorns: IS
Picture: the
The results of the tests this spring, Yaroslavl Tyre Cordiant SNO-MAX PW-401 received first place in the Economy Class "by the magazine" At the wheel "and were named the best in the test cost of tires newspaper Autoreview." And, "avtorevyushniki", comparing this with the standard tire Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5, notice that the domestic "Sno-max" slow on the ice better.
As you would expect good winter tires on pure asphalt SNO-MAX bad brake on the rate "float" and react with a delay at the helm. Is this "condition" still a couple minor flaws - it is noisy and can not provide a decent ride. If we believe the journalists, "Auto Review", only these little things interfere with "Sno-Max" to compete for consumer quality Hakkapeliitta 5. Can you imagine?
Cordiant Polar
The presence of thorns: IS
Figure: the
Dunlop Graspic DS2
The presence of thorns: NO
Picture: omni
Dunlop SP Winter Sport 400
The presence of thorns: NO
Figure: the
Federal Himalaya WS1
The presence of thorns: NO
Picture: the
Goodyear Ultra Grip Extreme
The presence of thorns: IS
Picture: the
Gislaved Nord Frost 5
The presence of thorns: IS
Picture: the
In the rating "Autoreview" rubber Nord Frost took third place from the end, ahead of only the Czech Barum (as Gislaved is the concern Contienental) and Chinese Kingstar . tire quickly pops up on the snow-water slush, and despite inherited from ContiWinterViking two spikes with the "brilliant" head abruptly goes into a skid on the ice. Besides, it roam in a rut on a snowy road. of plus Nord Frost "journalists "Autoreview" noted only low noise and satisfactory behavior on the asphalt.
On the other hand, the experts of "Behind the wheel, according to the results of tests conducted this spring, put the Nord Frost in his ranking of fourth place. This rubber surpassed only Continental ContiWinterViking 2, Michelin X-Ice NORTH and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5. "Zarulevtsam" really liked the exchange rate stability on snow-covered road, cross-coupling properties and dispersal in the snow, as well as adhesion to clean asphalt during braking.
Last year on probation newspaper Autoreview "Nord Frost 5 took fourth place, behind ContiWinterViking 2. Both tires scored the same number of points. In this case, about the fifth" Frost Nord, "saying that he has good traction on ice, but lost in the snow, and also shows low noise and good handling on dry pavement.
Spikes and slots
A wide choice - that's fine, no one disputes. But sometimes the abundance of similar consumer features and price of goods of different models and manufacturers can reduce the buyer's mind. Buying winter "rubber" - similar to the case. Especially because it (purchase) is often necessary to perform at the last moment, when zadubevshie summer tires no longer "hold" on the pavement covered with ice.
The purpose of our review - to gather in one place as much information about the bus updates on the domestic market as well as to remind you about the tires, which sold more than a year and are popular among Russian motorists.
Review of winter tires for the 2008-2009 season
In principle, tests of both editions are similar. Conducted measuring the stopping distance and time required to break the ice, snow and highway asphalt. In this case, the tests differ only in details. For example, experts 'Driving' is measured as the car accelerates from 0 to 30 miles per hour, while in "Auto Review" - from 5 to 35 mph. In addition, both the publication examines the behavior of "rubber" to "track handling" with a winter coat.
But there are differences. Thus, "the wheel" publishes data on fuel consumption when driving in fifth gear at 90 miles an hour, and the newspaper "Autoreview" checks, such as tires behave on snow and slush and water react to a sharp change of direction - with a sharp turn steering wheel 180 degrees to the deceleration. And, of course, different measurement techniques themselves and the equipment used.
The review winter tires are divided into three groups: the "budget class" - tires worth about two thousand rubles, or less, "middle class" - from two to three thousand; "premium class" - more than three thousand rubles tire R15. In assessing the average cost of tires, we were guided by suggestions of online shops. Price is given for the three most popular sizes, suitable for most passenger cars of foreign brands - 185/65 R14, 195/65 R15 and 205/55 R16.
Budget class
Amtel NordMaster
Amtel NordMaster 2
Amtel NordMaster ST 310
Amtel NordMaster ST
Wanli Winter Challenger
Middle Class
Barum Polaris 2
Barum Norpolaris
BF Goodrich Winter G
Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000
Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60
Cordiant SNO-MAX PW-401
Cordiant Polar
Dunlop SP Winter Sport 400
Federal Himalaya WS1
Hankook Winter i-PIKE (W409)
Kama-Euro 518
Pirelli Winter Carving
Pirelli Winter Carving Edge
Pirelli Winter 190 Snowcontrol
Vredestein Icetrac
Yokohama W.drive
Premium-class
Continental ContiVikingContact 3
Continental ContiVikingContact 5
Continental Continental ContiWinterContact TS 810
Gislaved Nord Frost 5
Gislaved Soft Frost 2
Gislaved Soft Frost 3
Goodyear UltraGrip Extreme
Goodyear Ultra Grip 7
Michelin X-Ice
Michelin X-Ice 2
Michelin Alpin A3
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5
Nokian Hakkapeliitta RSi
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4
Pirelli Winter 210 Sottozero
Toyo Snowprox S952
Amtel NordMaster
The presence of thorns: IS
This is the firstborn of the family Nordmaster - winter tires, designed by the international holding company Amtel- Vredestain. It directed the protector with lots of Z-shaped sipes and ten rows of spines.
In a test conducted by "the wheel", Amtel NordMaster, not surprisingly, has lost many eminent competitors, finishing in tenth place. However, among the low tire, he lost only tires Matador-OMSKshina MP-51 Sibir 2.
The main shortcomings "Nordmastera" marked by experts, "the wheel" - the noise, low permeability and "ragged" behavior on the ice. Advantages - low price, confident behavior on the pavement and a small stopping distance.
The presence of thorns: IS
Picture: the
"Rubber" Amtel NordMaster 2 was introduced in autumn 2006, but then it went on sale, but has positioned itself as a novelty winter season 2007-2008. Drawing the second generation is very different from its predecessor and tire-tread like another well-known bus - Nokian Hakkapeliitta 4.
Experts' Autoreview "these tires are not liked because of poor traction and braking on ice and snow. But these tires do not strongly affect the car's handling - it keeps well trajectory and smoothly goes to the slide, which is easy to control the steering and gas.
But the bottom line Nordmaster 2 experts "Autoreview" not liked. Evidence - in his rankings, they put these tires on 8 place, even lower than non-studded Amtel Nord Master CL.
The presence of thorns: NO
Picture: the
Last year, Amtel Nordmaster CL did not like the experts of "behind the wheel." They were able to find this model is actually only one advantage - their grip when braking on the asphalt. But the plus is more than offset by an impressive list of flaws - the tire is bad brakes and accelerated both on the ice and the snow, demonstrated patency unimportant and handling on slippery roads. As a result, the ranking of non-studded tires sezona'2007-2008 Nordmaster CL finished last in sixth place.
Why are so different from each other the results of tests of the same tires (at least, the name and dimensions are identical) in two authoritative publications, we, unfortunately, is not known. We can only state it as fact.
Amtel NordMaster ST 310
The presence of thorns: IS
Picture: directed
Amtel NordMaster ST 310 are created by technology NordMaster 2, but with a different tread pattern. It was this bus was the basis for creating a model NordMaster CL.
Amtel NordMaster ST
The presence of thorns: IS
Picture: directed
NordMaster ST different from the model with an index "310" tread pattern. Bus oshipovanny red steel studs with double anti-corrosion coating (copper + chromium) and dvuhflantsevoy design. Any tests of this condition could not be found.
Barum Polaris 2
Picture: directed
Polaris 2 - is a Czech company tires Barum, since 1993 part of the group Continental AG. According to a test last year, the German club ADAC tires Barum Polaris 2 no matter behaved on wet and icy roads, have received low marks on the noise level, but like the experts on the snow cover. Tires are also distinguished in terms of "durability". This year, ADAC also advises to buy this "rubber."
Barum Norpolaris
The presence of thorns: IS
Two years ago in the test cost of tires newspaper Autoreview "tires Norpolaris scored the most points for grip on ice, surpassing even Michelin X-Ice North, which were taken as a reference. The snow vehicle with these tires, brakes bad, not the best way he behaves on a winding road. But experts like tires in deep snow and on pavement. As a result of the test they took the first place.
However, one year after the test with a more eminent contenders Czech bus failed, was the second ... from the end. Tires were almost helpless in the snow-water slush, ice and winding road. Moreover, if the first test, the experts recommended Barum Norpolaris, then it is not advised to buy them.
In last year's trial of "the wheel" Norpolaris won only tenth place overall. And in the middle class bus took fourth place. Contrary to the results of the newspaper "Auto Review", in the hands of experts, "the wheel", "Barum" best brakes in the snow than on ice. Thus the car badly managed on the winter road and quickly bogged down in deep snow.
The presence of thorns: NO
Picture: the
About U.S. tire BF Goodrich Winter G is only known that it has a wide range of drainage channels and a special structure of lamellae, effectively remove water from the contact patch. Tests of the "Goodrich" has been found.
The presence of thorns: IS
Picture: the
Shipuemaya winter tire Ice Cruiser 5000 was released especially for Russia and the successor to the model WT-17. In last year's test of "the wheel" Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 5000 went to the ninth line of the final table. Experts said better than competitors skidding on snow, but bad handling on asphalt and snow-covered roads, and the low level of comfort.
The presence of thorns: NO
Picture: the
Japanese tire Blizzak WS-60 changed the model with the index "50". This tire was created using a technology which gave the name "Tube Multicell Compound". Its main feature - in the tread compound, consisting of microparticles, which are "gnawing" in the ice surface, act like spikes.
Continental ContiVikingContact 3
The presence of thorns: NO
Graphic: Asymmetrical
The manufacturer recommends this bus, especially for cars equipped with antilock brake system (ABS). Until 2007, ContiVikingContact three consecutive years held the lead in the tests of the newspaper Autoreview "among non-studded classmates. The experts were satisfied with the behavior of tires on a smooth ice, the passage "route handling and reaction to the car in the snow. On the pavement - perfect response at the helm, but the average inhibitory properties.
Continental ContiVikingContact 5
The presence of thorns: NO
Graphic: Asymmetrical
However, on the pavement, this "rubber" is doing badly. However, like all other good winter tires, which specialize in snow-water slush, snow and ice impacts. Braking distance ContiVikingContact 5 on the asphalt was the longest. Journalists Autoreview "is not advised to buy these tires for aggressive riding on a powerful machine for free from snow and ice city streets.
Continental ContiWinterViking 2
The presence of thorns: IS
Graphic: Asymmetrical
And it seems this time the list of know-how, not just marektingovy move. Tested ContiWinterViking 2 experts newspaper Autoreview "and of" the wheel "in unison the universal call this tire, that is working well not only in harsh winter conditions - ice and snow, but also on pure asphalt. The only fly in the ointment - an unstable behavior when driving on winter roads. At the track the car much prowl. In this view, journalists of both publications were also unanimous.
Continental ContiWinterContact TS 810 <<>> The presence of thorns: NO <<>> Graphic: Asymmetrical <<>> At this year's test, the newspaper Autoreview "These tires have earned a very good estimate ... for the conduct of the asphalt. Experts of this edition even advised to put ContiWinterContact TS 810 powerful cars, whose drivers travel mainly in large cities, and winter continue to "light" over-year. <<>> But in tests on an icy road, these tires in an outsider. Hard rubber, providing a good grip with a pure asphalt, on a slippery surface works poorly. However, in the snow ContiWinterContact TS 810 behaves better, and even ahead of the results of some of studded tires. <<>> Cordiant SNO-MAX PW-401 <<>> The presence of thorns: IS <<>> Picture: the <<>> The results of the tests this spring, Yaroslavl Tyre Cordiant SNO-MAX PW-401 received first place in the Economy Class "by the magazine" At the wheel "and were named the best in the test cost of tires newspaper Autoreview." And, "avtorevyushniki", comparing this with the standard tire Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5, notice that the domestic "Sno-max" slow on the ice better. <<>> As you would expect good winter tires on pure asphalt SNO-MAX bad brake on the rate "float" and react with a delay at the helm. Is this "condition" still a couple minor flaws - it is noisy and can not provide a decent ride. If we believe the journalists, "Auto Review", only these little things interfere with "Sno-Max" to compete for consumer quality Hakkapeliitta 5. Can you imagine? <<>> Cordiant Polar <<>> The presence of thorns: IS < <> Figure: the <<>> As a result of this year's test, the newspaper Autoreview "these tires were the second from the end. And we are talking about the test cost of tires. Upgraded I-670 worked badly as on slippery surfaces and snow and on the asphalt. And besides, they were too noisy and harsh. <<>> Dunlop Graspic DS2 <<>> The presence of thorns: NO <<>> Picture: omni <<>> Graspic DS2-called budget analogue Bridgestone WS- 50 - they do not even like structure "zetobraznogo" tread. At the same time in last year's test, the newspaper Autoreview "tires proved to be much better than Bridgestone: they became the first when braking on ice among the non-studded tires. However, in the snow," Dunlop "was not so perfect. Protector does not work during acceleration and braking, while the brute speed of possible long skid. But on the asphalt again good performance in all tests. <<>> Dunlop SP Winter Sport 400 <<>> The presence of thorns: NO <<>> Figure: the <<>> This high-speed tires designed specifically for countries with cold climates. Tread designed using computer modeling. Figure consists of deep zigzag sipes. Testa Dunlop SP Winter Sport 400 we could not be found. <<>> Federal Himalaya WS1 <<>> The presence of thorns: NO <<>> Picture: the <<>> This year in Russia there were cheap winter tires from Thailand Federal Himalaya WS1. However, the low price should not bite - Tested these tires experts "Autoreview" claim that the Federal slippery ride and ice and snow. However, on the pavement, "rubber" behaves better, especially when perestavke with inhibition, but probably at least once during the winter countryside still want to leave ... In general, Thais that well, the Russian death. <<>> Goodyear Ultra Grip Extreme <<>> The presence of thorns: IS <<>> Picture: the <<>> The experts of "Driving" celebrate good grip Goodyear Ultra Grip Extreme with asphalt at braking. Journalists from the "Auto Review", on the contrary, the coupling of this "condition" with a clean surface seemed average, but really liked the braking distance on ice. In one of the journalists of both publications were unanimous - tires Goodyear Ultra Grip Extreme at least for tests and did not shine, but ultimately did not inundated any of the tests on different types of pavement. And such reliability is expensive. <<>> Gislaved Nord Frost 5 <<>> The presence of thorns: IS <<>> Picture: the <<>> This year opinion of two prominent Russian publications that publish their own tire tests on this tire separated. <<>> In the rating "Autoreview" rubber Nord Frost took third place from the end, ahead of only the Czech Barum (as Gislaved is the concern Contienental) and Chinese Kingstar . tire quickly pops up on the snow-water slush, and despite inherited from ContiWinterViking two spikes with the "brilliant" head abruptly goes into a skid on the ice. Besides, it roam in a rut on a snowy road. of plus Nord Frost "journalists "Autoreview" noted only low noise and satisfactory behavior on the asphalt. <<>> On the other hand, the experts of "Behind the wheel, according to the results of tests conducted this spring, put the Nord Frost in his ranking of fourth place. This rubber surpassed only Continental ContiWinterViking 2, Michelin X-Ice NORTH and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5. "Zarulevtsam" really liked the exchange rate stability on snow-covered road, cross-coupling properties and dispersal in the snow, as well as adhesion to clean asphalt during braking. <<>> Last year on probation newspaper Autoreview "Nord Frost 5 took fourth place, behind ContiWinterViking 2. Both tires scored the same number of points. In this case, about the fifth" Frost Nord, "saying that he has good traction on ice, but lost in the snow, and also shows low noise and good handling on dry pavement.