It’s time for the review of best winter tires for this season. We have studied reviews of many European and American experts and combined them with our own experience to provide you with the list of the best tires designed to withstand severe winter conditions.
The general idea that comes as a result of the review says that the difference between top brands is not that big. Most tire models show good performance on snow, ice and slush maintaining good grip and traction as well as efficient braking on slippery winter roads. Needless to say, that no summer or all season tires can compete with winter tires in terms of these factors.
Tire manufacturers have brought many innovations to winter tires such as a new tread design with deep grooves for removing snow from between the treads and sipes that enhance performance on ice. New rubber compounds with addition of silica and metal powder combine flexibility and longer service life.
As a result, we have chosen 5 best winter tires, each of them having its unbeatable strong point.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 – probably the best winter tire
There is no doubt that among all contestants Nokian boasts greatest expertise in making winter tires. It is the only tire manufacturer that has all-year round operating facility for creating best winter tires. A new compound contains silica and rapeseed oil that improves grip on ice and wet snow.
Ultra low rolling resistance makes this tire quite economical still providing good handling. The peculiarity of Nokian Hakkapeliita is perfect excellent traction on all surfaces whether it is snow, slush or ice.
Michelin X-Ice 2 – excellent braking on ice
Michelin X-Ice 2 is a studdless winter tire with directed tread pattern that is a second generation of Michelin X-ice North with improved braking, handling and roadholding characteristics. Full Active Tread technology enhances contact point size for better grip. Michelin X-Ice 2 is proven to be the best in braking and acceleration tests on ice with outstanding performance for an unstudded tire. The tire also has a good comfort level thanks to low noise and has best quality for this price.
Dunlop SP Winter Sport 4D – contemporary winter tires
These winter tires from Dunlop have good grip and dynamic characteristics. They enable good braking on wet surfaces but sometimes may be prone to aquaplaning. The newest technologies used in the production of this tire refer it to the ultra high performance class.
Goodyear Ultra Grip 8 – all kinds of weather and road conditions
Goodyear Ultra Grip 8 has earned very good reviews form the majority of experts all around the world. Goodyear boasts its patented 3D BIT technology with innovative sipe design that reduces braking distance and improves wet and dry handling and traction. The directed tread design with wide grooves prevents slushplanning. Light weight and low rolling resistance reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emission.
Continental ContiWinterContact TS 830 – perfect braking on wet surface
This versatile tire has two tread zones for better performance on both wet ice and snow, especially when accelerating and braking. The inner tread section is designed for good ice performance while shoulder zone is designed for snow. The usage of Innovative 3D-sipes results in good draining which is very efficient during braking on wet ice and slush. TS 830 tires ensure good handling and allow higher speed on turns which is urgent when you need to go round the suddenly appeared obstacle.
This was our list of best winter tires. Remember that even experts often have different opinions, so choose your tires according to your needs and budget.
