In this article, we have compiled the results of test trials of studded and non-studded tires conducted by some of the leading automotive magazines and organizations.
Studded tires
«Za rulem» /«Autoreview»/«Auto Bild»
The rating of the best studded tires was compiled by the test group of Russian automotive publications «Za rulem», «Auto Bild» and «Autoreview». At the same time, journalists took into account the results of tests by the European automobile club ADAC.
1. Nokian HKPL 8
+ Have the best grip properties on icy surfaces, acceleration on snowy roads, braking on dry road surfaces, excellent fuel efficiency; excellent handling on snowy and wet roads; off-road capability and comfort rated a solid «five»
- Minor comments regarding directional stability on dry road surfaces
Test team verdict: The best tires in almost all parameters, suitable for any kind of winter roads and off-road conditions
2. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic
+ Have the best braking on snow; excellent off-road capability; excellent grip on ice; superb handling on winter asphalt and braking on wet road surfaces
- Minor comments regarding braking on dry roads and directional stability; somewhat stiff; a bit noisy
Test team verdict: Tires for snowy and icy roads, on rugged terrain they turn the car into an off-road vehicle
3. Continental ContilceContact
+ Have excellent grip on ice and good braking on the track
- Minor complaints regarding directional stability, handling on snowy and icy asphalt, as well as off-road capability; comfort level rated a «four»
Test team verdict: Powerful tires, suitable for any kind of winter roads
4. Michelin X-Ice North 2
+ Have excellent off-road capability, high lateral grip on ice, good braking on dry roads, on winter asphalt and directional stability; characterized by good fuel efficiency
- Insufficient longitudinal grip on icy surfaces
Test team verdict: Economical tires for any kind of winter roads, handle off-road conditions well
5. Pirelli Ice Zero
+ Have high longitudinal grip on icy and snowy roads, good directional stability on asphalt; economical
- Weak comfort level; minor comments regarding directional stability, handling on winter and snowy asphalt, as well as off-road capability
Test team verdict: Economical tires, suitable for any roads of the winter season
6. Gislaved NordFrost 100
+ Characterized by the best braking on wet roads; decent off-road capability and directional stability on snowy asphalt; quiet
- There are complaints about directional stability, handling on winter roads; ride smoothness rated a «three»
Test team verdict: For any kind of winter roads
7. Nordman 4
+ Have good off-road capability
- Minor drawbacks in directional stability, handling on winter roads, as well as ride smoothness; noise level above normal
Test team verdict: For any kind of winter roads
8. Hankook Winter iPike RS2
+ Have good braking on dry roads; economical at speeds up to 90 km/h, comfort level more than average
- Not good enough braking on wet roads; minor comments regarding directional stability, handling on snowy and icy roads, as well as off-road capability
Test team verdict: Comfortable and economical tires for any kind of winter roads
9. Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-01
+ Have a clear course on flat roads, decent grip on icy roads;
- Unclear course on snowy asphalt, off-road capability below average; somewhat weak braking on dry roads; increased fuel consumption; too noisy
Test team verdict: For slightly icy and snowy road surfaces
10. Viatti Brina Nordico
+ Have a clear course on snow
- Insufficient grip on snowy roads and braking on flat roads; weak longitudinal grip on icy roads; heavy handling on snow; unclear course on dry roads; comfort below average
Test team verdict: For moderate driving on any kind of winter roads
According to the test results of the test group «Za rulem» /«Autoreview» / «Auto Bild»/ first place went to Nokian HKPL 8 tires.
In last place were Viatti Brina Nordico tires.
Non-studded tires
ACE/GTU/ARBO
In September of this year, tests of ten sets of non-studded winter tires were conducted by three European automotive organizations - the German Technical Inspection Association (GTÜ), the European Automobile Club (ACE) and the Austrian automobile club ARBÖ. Tires of size 205/55 R16, popular among owners of golf-class cars, were subjected to rigorous tests.
The tests were conducted on Nokian special tracks in Ivalo and Tampere, where the tires could «compete» on three types of roads: dry, wet and, of course, snowy. Specialists of the organizations tested the tires for handling, traction, resistance to longitudinal aquaplaning, braking distance, rolling resistance and lateral aquaplaning, as well as rolling noise.
Tires from four manufacturers - Nokian, Continental, Goodyear and Dunlop turned out to be in the lead. They coped with all tasks with a solid five. Tires of the other six brands mostly performed similarly, but specialists noted somewhat weak lateral stability on wet surfaces and a high noise level.
In total, the test subjects could score 260 points. The rating of winter non-studded tires 2014/2015 from ACE/GTU/ARBO organizations looks like this:
1. Nokian WR D3
Total points: 219
Conclusion: highly recommended
2. Continental ContiWinterContact TS 85
Total points: 205
Conclusion: highly recommended
3. Goodyear UltraGrip 9
Total points: 204
Conclusion: highly recommended
4. Dunlop SP Winter Sport 4D
Total points: 202
Conclusion: highly recommended
5. Semperit Speed Grip 2
Total points: 199
Conclusion: recommended
6. Hankook Winter I`Cept RS W442
Total points: 196
Conclusion: recommended
7. Pirelli Winter Snowcontrol 3
Total points: 196
Conclusion: recommended
8. Vredestein Snowtrac 5
Total points: 193
Conclusion: recommended
9. Bridgestone Blizzak LM-32
Total points: 192
Conclusion: recommended
10.Kumho I`Zen KW23
Total points: 188
Comment: recommended
According to the test results of ACE/GTU/ARBO, first place went to Nokian WR D3 tires.
In last place were Kumho I`Zen KW23 tires.
