Top winter studded tyres (autumn 2014)

Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic 205/55 R16 94T

Produced in Poland, the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic tyre was originally designed for the harsh winters of the northern regions. The technologies used in it should provide an increased coefficient of adhesion on snow and ice, as well as shorten the braking distance in such conditions. The directional tread design features V-grooves with sharp-angled sipes and wide lateral grooves for optimal moisture and snow evacuation. In addition, the triangular design of the MultiControl Ice studs is designed to provide good traction in icy conditions.

The tyre has been on the market for 2 years. According to user reviews, the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic performs well on the snow, allowing you to fully control the car. In icy areas, handling is also at its best, primarily due to the spikes and a large contact patch, only slight flaws are possible during sharp manoeuvres. On a wet road, the behavior is stable, but on dry sections of asphalt, in the event of sharp manoeuvres, a noticeable slip occurs. But that's how most studded competitors behave as well.

With a smooth ride, Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic tyres provide safe handling on all surfaces and enjoy relatively quiet rolling for a studded tyre class. Thus, we can note an excellent balance of characteristics for various weather conditions and a good price / quality ratio.

Dunlop Ice Touch 225/50 R17 94T

The Dunlop Ice Touch boasts the same technology as the Goodyear UltraGrip Ice Arctic: sipes with similar internal tread, dual ply tread and triangular spikes. But if Goodyear has lamellas without internal engagement, then Dunlop Ice Touch has all of them closed. Thus, the mobility of adjacent tread blocks is limited, which should give the car more sporty responses. The lightweight construction of the tyre should have a positive impact on fuel and environmental ecology.

Based on many tests and reviews, it is safe to say that Dunlop Ice Touch behaves well on icy and snowy roads, and also demonstrates high grip properties when braking and acceleration, although it has minor flaws in the handling category. With sharp manoeuvres on polished ice, the grip properties are also slightly weak, but there are no problems with measured movement. There are no comments on wet pavement, but on dry pavement there is slight instability.

In general, the model already has a well-deserved reputation and fairly high marks in tyre tests conducted by leading automotive publications. Dunlop Ice Touch can be safely recommended for purchase. The tyre is produced in Poland at the same plant as Goodyear.

Continental ContiIceContact 215/55 R17 98T

The German manufacturer Continental, taking into account the stringent European requirements for studded tyres, first of all modernized the stud itself in the ContilceContact model. More than two years ago, the Brilliant Plus spike was replaced by a hybrid one. To make it “walk” less, its base has a larger diameter and cuts on the sides. To prevent the stud from turning and losing it, it is glued into the tyre at the factory.

The tread pattern is asymmetric, which means uniform load distribution and, accordingly, more even wear. Thanks to the synthetic emollient component, the rubber remains flexible in low winter temperatures. The manufacturer positions the Continental ContiIceContact as the tyre for the most severe winter conditions.

Many of those who managed to test the performance of the model note the predictable behavior and short braking distances on icy road sections. In terms of its grip properties, it demonstrates excellent performance on ice and snow, and also has proven itself very well on wet and dry pavement.

We can safely say that the slightly overpriced price is fully justified, because for it you will get a very balanced a studded tyre capable of providing good handling and safety in a wide variety of weather conditions. In addition, it can be recommended for both city trips and changeable country roads.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 235/50 R18 101T

The Finnish company Nokian Tyres offers the eighth generation of its famous Hakkapeliitta model line for winter outings. Taking into account the requirements for studded tyres in the northern countries of Europe, the manufacturer did not reduce the number of studs, but reduced their height by 0.5 mm. They also thickened the rubber cushion under the stud, which reduced the pressure on the roadway and kept the tyre's performance at a fairly high level.

The directional tread pattern provides an optimal arrangement of blocks and sipes, which increases traction on slippery surfaces. In addition, the Hakkapeliitta 8 has more tread blocks, which means more grooves between them. This allows the tyre to better grip ice and packed snow. Open shoulder areas provide good porridge removal from the tread.

Thanks to such solutions, the Hakkapeliitta 8 demonstrates high traction on icy areas and on snow. But on wet pavement, the tenacity is at an average level. But in general, the tyre provides predictable behavior of the car on any surface.

The high cost of this model may scare away potential buyers, but it is worth remembering that it is covered by the HAKKA warranty, which implies one free repair of the tyre if damage is detected during operation , plus one free replacement if the tyre is beyond repair.

Michelin X-Ice North 3 245/40 R18 97T

The third generation of the famous X-ICE North line from the French company Michelin, which has been popular among motorists for several winters in a row. Under strict European regulations, the X-ICE North 3 actually only makes contact with the road for 50 studs per metre of rolling. To maintain high performance under such a limitation, Michelin used a conical “smart stud” that provides stable grip on icy surfaces and a completely new technology for removing ice chips.

For better traction on snow, the number of tread sectors has been increased, and optimization of drainage grooves increased resistance to hydroplaning. As noted by comparative tests of winter studded tyres, the third generation Michelin X-Ice North demonstrates optimal performance in all conditions. The behavior of the car is easily predictable, although on ice the tyre lacks tenacity a little and because of this, the braking distance is longer than that of competitors, albeit slightly. This is most likely due to the same reduction in the number of studs.

On snow, the model demonstrates very high performance, and on wet roads it is not so prone to losing course. On dry pavement, the X-Ice North is average, but it never loses traction completely and suddenly. Thus, it can be recommended for our climatic conditions, where ice is quite rare.