Rating of winter non-studded tires 2021
Contents:
• Every time with the approach of winter, heated debates flare up in RuNet about what is better: Velcro or studded tires.
• And if studded tires are the first choice for those who often travel on icy or snow-covered roads, then non-studded tires perform well on roads with a porridge of snow and reagents (hello, Moscow and other large cities), as well as on wet and dry asphalt .
If your choice is spikes, pay attention to rating of winter studded tires 2022-2023. And in this review, I will talk about the best friction clutches for ordinary cars, SUVs and crossovers, and present the results of tests of winter non-studded tires from Autoreview and Za Rulem magazines.
Rating of winter non-studded tires
10. Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V3
- Diameter: R15, R16, R17, R18, R19, R20, R21, R22
- Profile height: 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 80
- Profile width: 205, 215, 225, 235, 245, 255, 265, 275, 285, 295, 315
- Maximum speed index: Q (up to 160 km/h), R (up to 170 km/h), S (up to 180 km/h), T (up to 190 km/h)
- RunFlat technology: no
- Silent Tire Technology: No
- Seal technology: no
- Tread pattern type: symmetrical
- Directional protector
• The best Velcro tires in the ranking, according to BestRated, have a 25% increase in wear resistance compared to their predecessor Blizzak DM-V2, and wet braking distances are 6% shorter.
• The novelty has changed the tread pattern, in which the distance between the grooves has been increased and the deformation of the blocks has been reduced. Due to this, as well as the improvement of the rubber compound, it was possible to achieve a 9% reduction in braking distance on ice, again compared to the DM-V2. The manufacturer claims that new tires will last at least 5 years.
• According to Russian drivers, Blizzak DM-V3 is very soft, not noisy and has excellent handling on snow, slush, wet pavement and even on ice (as one of the motorists put it, “like rolling on cat’s paws”). They brake well on ice, and evenly accelerate without slipping.
Pros and consExcellent grip on snow and icevery strong and quietgood hydroplaning resistanceprice9. Yokohama IceGuard IG60
- Diameter: R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19
- Profile height: 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70
- Profile width: 145, 155, 165, 175, 185, 195, 205, 215, 225, 235, 245, 255, 265, 285
- Maximum speed index: Q (up to 160 km/h)
- RunFlat technology: yes
- Silent Tire Technology: No
- Seal technology: no
- directional protector
• The Za Rulem experts liked how this tire behaves on snow and ice. She has a clear directional stability on these winter surfaces, and average on asphalt. But as for the transverse grip on ice, then these tires do not shine. And they slow down for a long time on dry pavement, so it’s not worth scorching on the IceGuard IG60.
• In the reviews, users write that the “horse” of this rubber is a trampled snow-covered road. It brakes well in snowy slush, and is suitable for use in cities where there is rarely heavy ice, but often snow and slush.
Pros and cons behave well on snow and ice soft good wear resistance noisy slow down on dry pavement8 Nordman RS2
- Diameter: R13, R14, R15, R16, R17
- Profile height:50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75
- Profile width: 155, 165, 175, 185, 195, 205, 215, 225, 235, 255
- Maximum speed index: R (up to 170 km/h)
- RunFlat technology: no
- tread pattern type: symmetrical
- directional protector
• The element of these tires is snow. On this surface, the Nordman RS2 showed excellent longitudinal grip. In the "general standings" in terms of cross-country ability and handling on ice and snow, the rubber was rated "good".
• However, the pilots of "Behind the Wheel" had small complaints about the Nordman RS2 in terms of comfort and directional stability on the pavement.
• Ordinary users added to the list of advantages of these tires patency on urban snow slush.
Pros and cons The rubber is ideal for snowy surfaces Predictably behaves on icy conditions SoftAverage performance when braking on asphalt Noisy7. Gislaved Soft Frost 200
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- Diameter: R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19
- Profile height: 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75
- Profile width: 155, 175, 185, 195, 205, 215, 225, 235, 245, 255, 265
- Maximum speed index: T (up to 190 km/h)
- RunFlat technology: no
- tread pattern type: asymmetric
- directional protector
• What winter tires are better to choose if you plan to actively move around the city and beyond in winter? We recommend opting for the Gislaved Soft Frost 200, a solid all-rounder that feels equally comfortable on both “white” and “black” roads.
• Za Rulem experts note that it is not recommended to perform extreme maneuvers on snow with Soft Frost 200 tires. Otherwise, they performed well on icy and snowy roads, and excellent braking on dry pavement.
Pros and cons predictable, confident behavior on various types of winter roads brakes quickly on dry pavement soft not noisy not suitable for extreme driving on snowy roads6. Toyo Observe GSi-6 HP
- Diameter: R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19, R20
- Profile height: 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75
- Profile width: 175, 185, 195, 205, 215, 225, 235, 245, 255, 265, 275
- Maximum speed index: H (up to 210 km/h), V (up to 240 km/h)
- RunFlat technology: no
- Silent Tire Technology: No
- Seal technology: no
• When creating these tires, the manufacturer added ground walnut shells to the rubber compound. It serves as a kind of "natural spikes" – stronger than ice, but softer than asphalt.
• A car “shod” in such tires behaves predictably on dry pavement and on a snowy road, and quickly slows down in the snow. These are the advantages that the editors of Za Rulem noted.
• In the Autoreview tests, this model also behaved with dignity, delighting the pilots with a good grip on ice and a soft start of sliding on the handling track. But these tires do not like big puddles – they pop up early.
• And Russian users like the “Japanese” for acoustic comfort, and strong sidewalls combined with a soft rubber compound. However, the car starts off on such tires "with laziness", it's hard. And on dirty or wet pavement, the Observe GSi-6 HP does not slow down too quickly.
Pros and cons Quiet, strong, good lateral grip on snow and ice, they move hard at positive temperatures, they float5. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
- Diameter: R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19
- Profile height:40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70
- Profile width: 175, 185, 195, 205, 215, 225, 235, 245
- Maximum speed index: T (up to 190 km/h)
- RunFlat technology: no
- Silent Tire Technology: No
- Seal technology: no
- tread pattern type: symmetrical
- directional protector
• These Scandinavian type clutches are not the lowest price on the market. But this is justified by their excellent handling on snow, lateral grip on ice and quick braking on wet pavement.
• Wheels with these tires balance perfectly, and riding on UltraGrip Ice 2 is a joy to hear, no intrusive noises. And it is not surprising, because when creating this model, proprietary SoundComfort technology was applied.
Pros and cons high acoustic comfort excellent braking on ice and wet pavement good handling on loose and rolled snow extreme snow maneuvering – not for these tires4. Pirelli Ice Zero FR
- Diameter: R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19, R20
- Profile height:40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70
- Profile width: 175, 185, 195, 205, 215, 225, 235, 245, 255, 265, 285
- Maximum speed index: H (up to 210 km/h), T (up to 190 km/h)
- RunFlat technology: yes
- Seal technology: no
- winter tires without studs
- type of winter tires: for northern winter
- tread pattern type: symmetrical
- directional protector
• What winter tires are best for long trips? The editors of "Behind the Rulem" in their new test preferred the Pirelli IceZero FR, as these Korean tires showed high directional stability.
• They confidently and predictably go both in the snow with active driving and on ice (here, of course, it is no longer recommended to drive fast). Is that on the pavement directional stability is slightly "lame".
Pros and cons high directional stability on snow excellent handling on icy roads equally well suited for operation in the city and beyond short stopping distances on the "white" and "black" roads noisy not economical in terms of fuel consumption3. Hankook Winter i*cept iZ2
- Diameter: R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19
- Profile height: 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70
- Profile width: 155, 175, 185, 195, 205, 215, 225, 235, 245, 255
- Maximum speed index: T (up to 190 km/h)
- RunFlat technology: no
- winter tires without studs
- tread pattern type: symmetrical
- directional protector
• For several years in a row, these inexpensive and reliable Korean tires have been in the leading top 5 according to the results of the “Behind the Wheel” tests. They can be recommended to drivers who value tires not only for good stability on snow and asphalt, but also for economical fuel consumption.
• "Koreans" showed themselves well in active driving in the snow, they hold the road well on a snow-covered road surface. And only mediocre directional stability on asphalt did not allow them to move into the top 2.
• Those who have purchased these tires write in reviews on Yandex.Market that their Hankooks excellently resist hydroplaning, confidently maneuver in ice without slipping. However, at positive temperatures, they have a small roll – a consequence of the softness of the rubber.
Pros and cons confidently go on snow and ice quiet and soft wear-resistant medium directional stability on asphalt2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
- Diameter: R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19, R20, R21
- Profile height: 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70
- Profile width: 155, 165, 175, 185, 195, 205, 215, 225, 235, 245, 255, 265, 275, 285
- Maximum speed index: Q (up to 160 km/h), R (up to 170 km/h), T (up to 190 km/h)
- RunFlat technology: yes
- Silent Tire Technology: No
- Seal technology: no
- winter tires without studs
- type of winter tires: for northern winter
- tread pattern type: symmetrical
- directional protector
• In terms of economy, these are the best winter tires "Behind the Wheel". Experts noted their excellent grip on both icy and snowy roads. In addition, the Hakkapeliitta R3 is the only tire in the ranking, which received at least 7.5 points for all characteristics.
• Russian car owners also praise the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3, and note its excellent cross-country ability in snow conditions, excellent handling on ice and fast braking on ice. At positive temperatures, the tires are slightly rolly, but this is the trouble of all friction clutches.
Pros and consvery quietgoes well on any type of winter road surfaceconfident braking on dry and wet pavementgentle sidewalls1. Continental VikingContact 7
- Diameter: R14, R15, R16, R17, R18, R19, R20, R21
- Profile height: 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70
- Profile width: 145, 155, 165, 175, 185, 195, 205, 215, 225, 235, 245, 255, 265, 275, 295
- Maximum speed index: T (up to 190 km/h)
- RunFlat technology: yes
- Silent tire technology: yes
- Seal technology: yes
- winter tires without studs
- directional protector
• The ranking of winter non-studded tires for the 2021-2022 season is headed by the Viking from Germany, which is suitable for both experienced and novice drivers.
• This friction rubber turned out to be the best on ice, it is distinguished by high comfort both in terms of sound insulation and when driving over bumps. The only Driving Test in which the VikingContact 7 scored less than 7 points was handling during aggressive maneuvering on snow.
• According to the manufacturer, the VikingContact 7 rubber compound based on rapeseed oil is optimally suited for the weather conditions of Russia and Scandinavia. It does not lose elasticity at low temperatures, and the addition of a large amount of silicon dioxide improves tire grip on winter roads.
Pros and cons very quiet good handling and grip on snow and ice wear resistant soft sidewallsTests of winter non-studded tires 2021-2022
Test from experts "Autoreview"
• In 2021, Autoreview magazine has not yet tested non-studded tires. So you have to rely on last year's test, which took place in Finnish Ivalo.
• There, experts tested various models of studded and non-studded tires in different temperature conditions. A Renault Arkana passenger car was chosen as the "experimental" car.
Winter tire test «”passed in loose “powder”, in deep snow, on ice, on dry and wet roads. When assigning seats, factors such as acoustic comfort, braking properties and acceleration dynamics, handling comfort and handling (lap time), as well as hydroplaning resistance on wet pavement, were taken into account.
Tire test results from Za Rulem magazine
The testing of the best winter tires took place at the Technotrac test site built by Hankook in Finnish Lapland. Experts «" became the first journalists invited to this training ground. Asphalt tests were carried out at the AvtoVAZ test site in Tolyatti.
• Tests at the Hankook proving ground took place at low temperatures – from -30 to -10. He happened to drive on artificial ice filled on the ground, and on virgin snow, and on wet and dry asphalt.
• When testing various models of friction tires, experts evaluated the following qualities:
- acceleration time and braking distance on ice and snow,
- transverse grip according to the time of passage of the ice circle,
- handling on ice and snow,
- directional stability combined with measurements of fuel efficiency on asphalt,
- comfort level.
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