Winter tire rating 2021: which is better to choose

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

With the onset of winter, for safety on slippery roads, winter tires must be installed on the car. But few people know (especially novice drivers) how to choose them correctly, which company and type (studded or non-studded) to give preference to. The 2021 winter tire rating can help with this.

Which to prefer - studded or non-studded tires

Before buying rubber for a car, it is necessary to study the characteristics of both types of tires, their advantages and disadvantages. This will help you decide and choose the most suitable ones. First of all, the climatic conditions of the region of residence are taken into account.

The following criteria are also important:

• the driving style of the car owner;
• tire design;
• the possibility of reducing fuel costs;
• rubber composition;
• resistance;
• noiselessness;
• purpose of use (ice, different types of road surface, off-road, city roads, etc.).

Experts recommend that novice car enthusiasts and owners of old cars give preference to studded options. This is due to the high comfort that such tires provide when traveling, and safety. The main thing is to choose high quality rubber with the correct design.

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Rating of budget studded tires

Inexpensive studded tires, just like premium tires, are capable of meeting the highest quality standards. The main thing is to purchase products from trusted manufacturers. The 2021 rating will help to find the best budget winter tires.

3rd place - Sava Eskimo Stud

Excellent rubber that can withstand even very low temperatures, optimal for northern winters. The stable directional stability of these studded tires is ensured by a rigid longitudinal rib located exactly in the center of the tread.

Main technical parameters:

• diameter - from 13 to 17;
• directional protector;
• number of sizes - 10;
• maximum possible speed - T (up to 190 km / h);
• load per tire - up to 775 kg.

The advantages of the model include:

• excellent cross-country ability;
• comfortable driving;
• effective braking on ice and loose snow;
• good grip on wet road surfaces.

There is only one significant drawback of this rubber - it becomes too soft at positive temperatures.

2nd place - Cordiant Snow Cross

Budget rubber, which, due to its excellent quality, is able to last for several seasons. The manufacturer did everything so that the car was able to overcome snow drifts, did not slip and did not slide on ice and loose snow.

Main technical parameters:

• diameter - from 13 to 18;
• directional protector;
• number of sizes - 10;
• maximum possible speed - T (up to 190 km / h), Q (up to 160 km / h);
• load per tire - up to 1250 kg.

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The main advantages of the model include:

• instant drainage of loose snow and water;
• deep protector;
• excellent ice roll control;
• good cornering stability;
• moderate noise.

These tires are not designed for temperatures that are too low (below –30 ° C). In this case, they have the following disadvantages:

• notches cease to function;
• resistance decreases;
• permeability decreases.

Experts advise you to be very careful when buying rubber of this line, as in some batches there may be problems with balancing.

1st place - Hankook Tire Winter i * Pike RS2 W429

This rubber is suitable for a wide range of vehicles. The improved model allows you to move comfortably even in a harsh winter climate on any road surface. Main technical parameters:

• diameter - from 13 to 19;
• directional protector;
• number of sizes - 11;
• the maximum possible speed - 190 km / h;
• load per tire - up to 900 kg.

The advantages of this model, according to the owners, include:

• stable control (both on asphalt and on snow);
• reliable grip;
• effective braking on loose and compacted snow, on ice.

Disadvantages:

• too soft sidewall;
• insufficient stability on wet road surfaces;
• poor management of snow porridge.

Car owners who have opted for this studded tire note that a wheel run-in of at least 2,000 km is required.

Rating of the best studless tires

On the Russian market, consumers are presented with a large selection of studless rubber from world manufacturers. In the ranking of 2021 - winter tires of excellent quality that meet all the requirements of motorists.

3rd place - Yokohama Ice Guard IG50

One of the most popular models among Russian motorists. This is due to the excellent characteristics of these studless tires and a wide range of sizes. The ability to prevent aquaplaning due to the moisture-absorbing rubber composition helps them to maintain a fairly high position.

Main technical parameters:

• diameter - from 12 to 19;
• directional protector;
• number of sizes - 10;
• maximum possible speed - Q (up to 160 km / h);
• load per tire - up to 900 kg.

The benefits, according to drivers' reviews, include:

• acoustic comfort;
• good grip;
• excellent braking on ice and loose snow;
• low fuel consumption;
• acceptable cost.

The disadvantage is the weak sidewall.

The final cost of these tires depends on the car brand and wheel size.

2nd place - Bridgestone Blizzak VRX

These studless tires will fit almost all popular car brands. The manufacturer provided them with a long service life and excellent braking on ice and snow-covered tracks.

Main technical parameters:

• diameter - from 13 to 19;
• directional protector;
• number of sizes - 10;
• maximum possible speed - T (up to 190 km / h), S (up to 180 km / h), Q (up to 160 km / h);
• load per tire - up to 900 kg.

The main advantages of this rubber:

• excellent braking properties;
• strong sidewalls;
• good grip;
• effective braking on ice and loose snow.

The only significant drawback noted by drivers is the need to run in at least 1,500 km.

1st place - Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2

This rubber has improved safety characteristics, provides a significant reduction in fuel consumption and maximum driving comfort. Ideal for northern regions, as it tolerates very low temperatures. Main technical parameters:

• diameter - from 14 to 21;
• RunFlat technology - optional;
• directional protector;
• number of sizes - 10;
• maximum possible speed - R (up to 170 km / h);
• load per tire - up to 1360 kg.

Main advantages:

• low noise level;
• excellent grip on any road surface;
• comfortable driving on ice, loose snow and wet asphalt;
• long service life.

There is only one drawback, according to drivers, - the high cost.

Outcomes

With the onset of winter, every car enthusiast should take care of changing tires. Which type of tires should I give preference to - studded or non-studded? A large assortment of winter tires on the Russian market from different manufacturers makes it much more difficult to choose, especially for novice car enthusiasts. The rating of the best with a description of the main technical characteristics, pros and cons of winter tires will help to decide which ones to choose.