The best winter studless tires
With each new season, more and more studless tires appear in the car market, and it can be difficult for an inexperienced driver to choose the right winter friction tires. Despite the fact that manufacturers try to leap over their heads every year, sometimes the models of the previous generation still take the leading positions due to balanced performance. To make it easier for you to choose new "shoes" for your car, we have compiled a rating of the best friction rubber.
TOP-10: Rating of winter studless tires
When selecting the best models for our ranking of non-studded winter tires, we were guided not so much by general popularity as by the relevance of tires, their availability in today's market and experience. The rating contains models of different categories, so that a driver with any budget can change the car for winter.
GOODYEAR Ultra Grip SUV +
And our rating of non-studded winter tires opens, albeit not a new, but an excellent model for SUVs. Good for northern winters, especially for city and highway driving - drivers rate turns and braking on dry and wet asphalt a high score. Friction tires are presented in a wide range of widths and heights of the profile, which will allow you to choose the rubber for any car. The maximum load on one tire is from 750 to 1120 kilograms, so such winter “shoes” will withstand even a weighty SUV. Another feature of the model is its excellent cross-country ability through snowdrifts.
Pros:
- Does not lend itself to the influence of temperature - does not melt, does not harden.
- Suitable for riding from mid-autumn to early spring.
- Quiet on any type of asphalt.
Minuses:
- Does not keep the car on ice very well - the car starts to skid.
| Winter non-studded rubber is called frictional, but the simple word "Velcro" has gained popularity among the people. Drivers, discussing tires, even give them such characteristics as "stickiness" on the road, that is, whether the car will go smoothly, without skidding. |
MICHELIN Alpin 5
A good, but not a budget option for moderate, not very snowy winters. Drivers from the Crimea respond especially well to this non-studded winter tires. The key feature is that the tires will not "float" even at a very positive temperature, they will remain in shape and will not give the feeling of riding on deflated wheels. But despite the well-known name, this model may be inferior to some less "eminent" manufacturers. In addition to the price, it should be noted that the rubber has a rather soft sidewall, which is why even a slight abrasion will lead to rupture, followed by a complete replacement.
Pros:
- Stability when driving on dry or wet asphalt.
- Grip on wet, dry asphalt, slush.
Minuses:
- Highly unpredictable on ice.
- Soft sidewall, there is a risk of rupture.
| When is the best time to use studless winter tires? Such wheels are most suitable for the off-season and not very cold winters, when there is no need for studded tires, and summer tires will no longer be effective enough. However, some models have been designed for use in regions with low temperatures. |
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
Many car owners recommend this model for Petersburg winters - with a dry road or dry loose snow. The tires are perfect for both passenger cars and SUVs, which significantly expands their scope - they can be purchased for a variety of car brands. Compliance with RunFlat technology - optional, you can order Velcro with or without it. Due to the balanced loss of softness, the wheels will not "float" at freezing temperatures, which makes them suitable for early spring and late autumn.
Pros:
- Good "rowing" on loose snow, pulls the car when slipping.
- Soft, but not to the point of melting at positive temperatures.
Minuses:
- Unexpected imbalance is possible.
- Clear ice and ice under the snow can pull the vehicle to the side.
Bridgestone Blizzak VRX
Experienced drivers agreed that despite the average price category, this model of friction rubber is really "sticky". Moreover, it has a rather unique characteristic - it drives a car more confidently on ice than other non-studded winter tires from the same segment. It is also important that the tires perfectly soften the bumps on the road, which makes the ride on them comfortable and predictable. The maximum load per tire is 475-900 kilograms, which depends on the selected diameter, width and height of the profile. It should be noted that the choice of these parameters is quite large.
Pros:
- Good grip on various surfaces.
- Can easily "pull" the car when slipping.
- Possesses good braking and steering properties.
Minuses:
- After 100 thousand kilometers, a slight hum may appear during the ride.
Belshina Artmotion Snow
This model of inexpensive Velcro is great for urban environments and has proven itself best in northern winters. Sufficiently soft Velcro, which makes it most suitable for wet roads and loose snow, but be careful on dry asphalt! The model range is presented in the most popular diameters, widths and profile heights, so this non-studded winter rubber can be easily selected for different car brands. It has a high indicator of resistance to wear, and despite its price, it can safely compete with models that are 30% more expensive from its category.
Pros:
- Good grip on wet asphalt and loose snow.
- Quiet, inaudible at low noise reduction.
- Softens collision on bumps.
Minuses:
- You need to drive carefully on the track.
- The softness may make the tire appear deflated.
Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ
Another not the newest, but definitely time-tested model is an excellent option for city driving, as it demonstrates good traction on various asphalt. Dry, wet, with loose or packed snow - no matter what kind of asphalt is under the wheels, this non-studded winter tire will do just fine with anyone. It has an asymmetric tread pattern, and does not lose its properties as its depth decreases. If you are looking for an inexpensive but good option for mild winter conditions, this Velcro is a good choice, and due to the variety of diameters, widths and heights of the profile, it will suit a variety of cars.
Pros:
- It enters corners well, does not skid the car.
- Does not impair handling with a thin crust of ice.
- Budget cost.
Minuses:
- Too soft, "floats" at positive temperatures.
| Before the cold weather sets in, of course, so that the drop in temperature doesn't catch you off guard. In addition, purchasing tires off-season will save you on the 'for relevance' markup. |
MICHELIN Pilot Alpin 5 SUV
Symmetrical directional projector, Seal technology, wide range of sizes - these are all key characteristics of a high quality brand of friction rubber for SUVs. Since these are quite expensive wheels, not many can afford to buy them, but those who decide will definitely not change them for others. Thanks to its balanced characteristics and high quality, the model in the winter is as controllable and comfortable as the best summer tires in the corresponding season. Provides the driver with good grip on snow and asphalt.
Pros:
- High braking performance.
- Comfortable handling, does not lead the car sideways.
- Best suited for southern winters.
Minuses:
- Over time, it becomes noisy.
- Very expensive.
Yokohama Ice Guard IG50
This model was included in our rating of non-studded winter tires for its good performance both on wet and dry asphalt and on loose snow. Excellent resistance to rolling, does not take the car to the sides and brakes efficiently. Many tires in this category do not withstand low temperatures - however, this model was tested at temperatures of -30, did not chill and kept its shape well.It perfectly withstands northern winter conditions, and is designed for passenger cars - you can choose any size.
Pros:
- Low fuel consumption.
- Value for money.
- Resistant to low temperatures.
Minuses:
- Sensitive pressure, you need special attention to this.
- Weak sidewall, possible breaks.
Toyo Observe GSi-5
Velcro will provide everything you need for a comfortable winter ride - good acceleration, short braking distances, cornering confidence and resistance to different temperatures. It is noted that the rubber is inferior to studded on ice, but not much - it allows you to calmly drive on ice, or on crumbling snow. Wears out evenly, can last for two or more seasons without losing quality characteristics. It is considered universal in terms of car brands - the model range has a wide selection of dimensions and speed index.
Pros:
- Does not steer the car to the side on the track.
- Resistant to rapid wear.
- There is no feeling of loss of control.
Minuses:
- Insecure aquaplaning.
- Handling is impaired at temperatures above freezing.
Continental ContiVikingContact 6
Good, but expensive rubber suitable for different brands of passenger cars, as it has a wide range of dimensions. Equipped with Seal technology and optionally selectable RunFlat technology. In addition, due to the asymmetric tread pattern, it provides stability on asphalt in northern winter. The tread is not clogged with snow, it cleans well while driving. Quiet and quite soft, while it does not float when the temperature rises to above zero. It can keep its shape even at +15.
Pros:
- "Rakes" the car out of the snowdrifts.
- Has good grip on dry and wet asphalt.
Minuses:
- May not cope with bumps in the road.
- Under heavy braking, the vehicle may be pulled sideways.
What to look for when choosing Velcro?
It is best to rely on which winter you are planning to purchase tires for. We tried to collect in our rating the best models that are suitable for all conditions - cold, dry or completely without snow. In other parameters, it is worth paying attention to your comfort - among the tires suitable for the weather conditions of your region, purchase the one that will help you feel confident on the road.
