Selection of winter tires 2021-2022 with the best price-quality ratio

The weather whispers: "it's time to change shoes." Therefore, we bring to your attention an overview of the popular Velcro and spikes adapted to the harsh Russian realities. Consider 14-inch winter tires in the context of the best value for money.

Features of choice

The climatic conditions of our country do not allow motorists to relax. Daily temperature fluctuations, unpredictability of precipitation and road surface create the prerequisites for the use of Scandinavian-type winter tires. There are two types of winter tires. But as far as the choice between Velcro and spikes is concerned, this time we will manage only theses.

The greatest insidiousness for drivers is the icy surface of the roads. To date, ice lends itself best to studded tires. But if you have to drive frequently on cleared city roads, then quiet friction tires are the best option. However, their soft rubber tread is less resistant to surface abrasion. Especially on hard surfaces at positive temperatures.



The current "studs" tend to increase the number of "studs" with figured cores. Their tread is tough and durable. In addition, a more aggressive pattern handles loose snow and a mixture of water, mud and snow more effectively.

However, "studs" can be lost and "kick", thereby leveling the initial properties of the tire. It should be borne in mind that such rubber may turn out to be from the category of substandard due to a violation of the studding technology. For example, when the "studs" do not protrude at least 1,1 mm, but are recessed into the thickness of the tread. This is a sin not only for budget models, but also for quite respectable tires from well-known manufacturers.

Therefore, the online purchase of winter tires can be compared to a lottery. It is much better to see the product with your own eyes, feel it, and only then make a choice. However, we have the experience of other users and expert opinion. Therefore, it makes sense to present a rating of the best R14 winter tires, selected according to the optimal price-quality ratio.

Winter tire rating R14 2021 - 2022

Lucky for those who managed to "change shoes" last year. The fact is that now the prices for winter footwear for wheels have grown noticeably. Price tags have increased by 25% and this is not the limit. Those tires that used to be in the middle segment moved into the “premium” category, and the latter rushed to cosmic sums.

And, I must say, after the first wave of the pandemic, several large manufacturers offered good discounts for certain categories of tires. Therefore, last year it was possible to “change shoes” for your swallows at quite affordable prices. Now the sellers are shrugging their shoulders. You understand: the rise in prices for raw materials, the introduction of mandatory labeling, production costs, inflation and other factors. In addition, at the moment, the decline in output has not yet been compensated. This means that in the near future we can expect a banal shortage of winter tires.

And yet, motorists should pay attention to time-tested and user-tested 14-inch tires.

Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000S

Estimated cost - 4200 rubles



This is an improved version of the Ice Cruiser 7000, which appeared on the domestic market about 10 years ago. Then the tires received mixed reviews from users. Drivers said that the tire behaves poorly on ice and slips on loose snow. Then the manufacturer decided to give the model a second wind and released an updated version with the Bridgestone prefix.

Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000S retained the best qualities of its predecessor - for example, unrivaled endurance. The secret lies in the special composition of rubber, which is characterized by increased wear resistance. The driving qualities of the rubber have also become noticeably better - car, equipped with Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000S, becomes more stable on icy turns.

The tire easily gets rid of snowballs thanks to the aggressive tread with two annular channels and wide side outlets. But the Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000S is still tough, so the driver and passengers will feel all the delights of rough roads.

Pros:

• ✦ excellent stability
  
• ✦ good flotation in loose and deep snow
  
• ✦ excellent grip on icy surfaces
  
• ✦ skid resistance
  
• ✦ democratic price
  

As for the shortcomings, users note the lack of softness of winter tires. Still, they are tough for not at all delicate domestic roads.

Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02

Estimated cost - 5000 rubles



Tires from the Japanese manufacturer are distinguished by a directional tread pattern and increased elasticity. Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02 behaves well even in severe frosts. Thanks to reinforced shoulder areas, the tires effectively hold the car in difficult corners with slippery surfaces.

Pros:

• ✦ "iron" grip on icy surfaces
  
• ✦ good endurance and wear resistance
  
• ✦ reinforced side part
  
• ✦ high permeability
  

As for the shortcomings, the Bridgestone Blizzak Spike-02 did not perform very well when braking on slush. In addition, some users note a high level of noise while driving.

Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 8

Estimated cost - 5000 rubles



Perhaps there is no driver who has never heard of the legendary Nokian tires. Tires appeared on the domestic market back in 2013, and since then their popularity has only increased. The main advantages of Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 8 tires are high cross-country ability, efficiency and excellent behavior on icy roads.

The specific tread pattern provides good stability and dynamics both on loose snow and on dry asphalt. A small cavity in the support flange is responsible for comfort during movement - the air in it acts as a kind of spring that dampens impacts on the surface.

Pros:

• ✦ confident acceleration and effective braking
  
• ✦ good stability and high flotation of tires
  
• ✦ economy
  
• ✦ confident grip on the surface
  

As for the disadvantages, some users note a high level of noise while driving and tire stiffness.

Nokian nordman 7

Estimated cost - 3400 rubles



A great option for harsh Russian winters. Nokian Nordman 7 tires demonstrate their high cross-country performance precisely in harsh conditions: on slippery ice and on loose snow. On the pavement, unfortunately, the tires do not behave so confidently. Excellent flotation on snow cover is ensured by air recesses on the sides of the tread. They also reduce the noise level while driving and dampen vibrations.

Pros of Nokian Nordman 7:

• ✦ excellent flotation in loose and deep snow
  
• ✦ economy and durability
  
• ✦ good grip on icy surfaces
  

As for the shortcomings, we can say the following: tires behave insecurely on dry pavement and provide a mediocre level of comfort.

Hankook Winter i*Pike RS2

Estimated cost - 4200 rubles



Quite decent "shoes" for winter riding. These are excellent tires in the corresponding price segment. Hankook Winter i*Pike RS2 features a proprietary tread pattern and zigzag grooves, which are responsible for effective grip on loose snow surfaces. Wide blocks in the central section and fang-shaped edges on both sides help the car to confidently stay on the road regardless of the situation.

Pros:

• ✦ economy
  
• ✦ low noise level while driving
  
• ✦ good handling
  
• ✦ sufficient stability
  
• ✦ softness
  

As for the shortcomings, we can say the following: tires do not behave very confidently on dry pavement.

Winter only seems like a magical time of year to those in the passenger seat. Drivers often bitterly say that the time is approaching when a “barefooted” car easily turns into an unguided projectile. Therefore, high-quality winter tires are, first of all, ensuring safety on the road. We hope our rating will help you make the right choice.