Winter tires - choose good shoes for cars

In order not to give up a comfortable way to travel in winter with a car, it is important to take care of personal safety and the prevention of accidents on the roads. Accident prevention consists in increased caution and the correct speed when the tracks are covered with snow or covered with ice. No less significant is the competent choice of tires that can maintain the controllability of the vehicle even in difficult road conditions, providing grip.

Spikes or Velcro?

There is no single answer to this question - tire performance depends on the weather, driving patterns and other factors. However, in domestic realities, drivers are used to trusting studded tires, since purely visually it is more reliable. This is how the spikes cut into the ice crust, guaranteeing braking in an emergency. In fact, both spikes and friction clutches have their own advantages:

? Studded tires have better braking performance on ice provided they are made from a quality rubber compound.
? On snow, the difference is almost imperceptible if the car is moving at low speed.
? On asphalt, Velcro shows itself better, which, thanks to the elasticity of the rubber mixture, spreads along the roadway, providing traction.
? In terms of comfort, the friction clutch is definitely the leader, since there is no noise from it, unlike spikes
For harsh winters, studded tires are preferable. In urban conditions, when the car mainly drives on dry or wet asphalt or on porridge, the choice is with Velcro. We offer specific versions of trusted brands.

Nordman

Tires of the Finnish brand inspire confidence. Who, if not the inhabitants of a harsh country, are well aware of safety issues on winter roads? The brand offers worthy versions for lovers of both spikes and Velcro:

✅ Nokian Nordman 7 - anchor spikes are complemented by Air Claw technology, which reduces noise and prevents destructive impact on the roadway. The spikes are securely held in the rubber thanks to the wide flange, so that the “shoes” serve for more than one year even in intensive use. Tooth geometry provides excellent grip when starting, braking and maneuvering
✅ Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 - Velcro performs well thanks to a directional tread pattern, a drainage sipe system and inclusions of Nokian Cryo Crystal 3 particles with sharp edges



Both versions are pleased with good directional stability and increased wear resistance. In the first, the spikes do not fly out, and the second retains the main properties as it wears - the rubber becomes rough, which retains controllability.

Hankook

The South Korean manufacturer has now gained a well-deserved good name. It is especially appreciated for the optimal combination of cost and quality.

✅ Hankook Winter I*Pike RS2 W429 is a studded model with excellent grip performance, with reduced shoulder blocks, due to which lateral stability is increased and it is easier to leave the track
✅ Hankook Winter I*Cept - rubber with a directional tread pattern guarantees directional stability, and reinforced steel construction eliminates damage during impacts



Tires of the middle price category confidently compete even with more expensive counterparts.

Dunlop

Millions of car owners are used to trusting this company, if only for the reason that the brand is the oldest tire manufacturer. The company was founded in 1889, and by now has become part of a large transnational corporation.

✅ Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03 - unique AntiTilt spikes provide a secure hold when moving on ice. Rubber shows itself well on trips on snowy roads and clean asphalt. By reducing the weight of the cutters, it was possible to achieve minimal noise and eliminate the destructive effect on the road surface.
✅ Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 - Velcro, with which the car behaves perfectly on loose snow and on wet asphalt, on the ground and even on ice. Thanks to the patented 4D nano technology, the manufacturer managed to minimize wear



Spike from this brand is considered one of the most durable. Practice shows that metal rods do not fly out during the winter - losses are calculated in units.

Gislaved

Another real "elder" comes from Sweden. The company maintains its leadership position through active and relentless innovation.

✅ Gislaved Nord Frost V - This studded tire achieves excellent handling and braking characteristics through an improved tread pattern, an improved stud shape and an innovative rubber compound.
✅ Gislaved Soft Frost 200 - thanks to a successful asymmetric pattern, the rubber shows decent behavior on ice, snow and clean asphalt, while simultaneously providing economical fuel consumption



Tires of this brand consistently occupy leading positions in testing. Mostly they are highly valued for their balanced characteristics.

Bridgestone

The Japanese manufacturer is the world leader in terms of production volumes. The trust in the brand is based on the fact that its rubber performs excellently, providing course stability and giving a feeling of confidence behind the wheel.

✅ Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000S - tires with an optimized stud pattern prevent the car from slipping, demonstrating improved traction. Thanks to large checkers in the central part of the tread, the vehicle keeps its course
✅ Bridgestone Blizzak VRX - friction tires are made from a unique rubber with microscopic pores that absorb water to ensure maximum contact with asphalt



The excellent results of the Japanese company can be achieved thanks to its own research and development center.

Yokohama

Another Japanese brand headquartered in Tokyo. Yokohama Rubber Company has tremendous technological capabilities that it uses to improve products.

✅ Yokohama Ice Guard IG65 - a model with Finnish Tikka studs installed in 2 rows, guarantees confident movement on roads, including icy ones. The tread is made of two-layer rubber for a long tire life without loss of technical and operational properties.
✅ Yokohama Ice Guard IG50 - tires are made of elastic water-absorbing rubber, which guarantees soft rolling and reliable grip. The compacted arrangement of the sipes helped to improve contact with the coating



Using innovative technologies, the brand conducts a balanced pricing policy. The buyer doubly appreciates the opportunity to buy high-quality "shoes" for cars at an adequate cost.

Kumho

The Korean Tire Plant today produces tires for cars of various classes - from luxury to budget vehicles. The quality of products is evidenced by the fact that 25% of sports cars produced in the world are “shod” in rubber under this name.

✅ Kumho WinterCraft Ice Wi31 - the company lightened the weight of the rubber by reducing the stud, but without losing grip. It was possible to increase the coupling due to the aggressive tread pattern and the special shape of the metal inserts. The manufacturer calls these tires with triangular cores the most successful for Russian climatic conditions.
✅ Kumho WinterCraft WI51 - a directional tread pattern is responsible for ensuring stability in motion, and a rigid central rib ensures control response



Offering our vision of which tires will be the best choice for winter, we do not pretend to be the ultimate truth. Therefore, we will be interested if you share your impressions and experiences!