Top winter friction tyres R17 (autumn 2014)

Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ 225/50 R17 94S Price from 7 500 up to 8 387 ₴ →

The tyres of the Japanese manufacturer are not famous, but the Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ, which has been on the market since the winter season 2010/2011, has already earned a certain reputation.

Designed for the most part for cars that are used to the maximum in urban conditions. The tread has an asymmetric pattern and is characterized by numerous sipes. The manufacturer calls reliable grip on ice, which it owes to the special composition of the Multicell Comp'd GZ rubber compound, as its main trump card. It has inclusions of a solid polymer, which, when in contact with ice, should create the effect of a studded tyre.

Based on the above, we can conclude that the Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ is a typical urban tyre that is not intended for use in the harshest conditions. For those who rarely travel outside the city in winter, this is quite a suitable option.

Continental ContiWinterContact TS850 225/50 R17 98H Price from 5 266 up to 6 019 ₴ →

The tyre has been on the market since 2012 and is now offered by the manufacturer in the most popular sizes.

German engineers paid maximum attention to performance. Tyres should provide short braking distances on snow, ice and wet surfaces. Claimed high stability of the car on the winter road. As a legacy from previous models, the tyre received a proprietary system for reducing rolling resistance, which not only reduces fuel consumption, but also increases the service life.

As practice shows, almost all the manufacturer's promises turned out to be true, according to consumer reviews and test results from leading automotive publications, which often name the tyre as one of the best in its category. In winter, it provides excellent handling characteristics on slippery and wet roads, and on flooded areas it shows good reserves in hydroplaning.

Short braking distances on snow are provided by numerous sipes. Low wear is noted, which only confirms the good value for money.

The tyre can be recommended to the widest range of consumers who surf both city streets and suburban highways in winter.

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 225/50 R17 98R

The Finnish Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 is not only one of the newest, but also the most expensive friction tyres in our review today.

Its V-shaped directional tread pattern has dense sipe cutting, which should give good grip on ice and snow. For sections of roads with slush, the tread has additional teeth between the blocks. To improve the removal of water from the contact patch, the tread is equipped with so-called lamella pumps. And since they are more numerous than the predecessor model, they, along with more zigzag sipes, also provide improved traction on icy and wet surfaces.

Based on user feedback and many tyre tests conducted by leading tyre manufacturers. car experts, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 grips ice and snow well when accelerating or manoeuvring, and provides short braking distances and good handling. Even despite the relatively rigid central part, the tyre has minor flaws on dry pavement, but they appear already during extreme driving. With a quiet ride, the driver most likely will not feel any discomfort or lack of traction.

The Hakkapeliitta R2 is also characterized by a quiet rolling and high economic performance.

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 2 225/55 R17 97H Price from 8 467 up to 10 079 ₴ →

Another novelty that is just beginning to gain popularity among motorists is being produced at a factory in Poland.

The directional tread pattern has a modern V-shaped design, which indicates the high performance of the model on wet and snowy roads. Good handling is achieved due to numerous block edges and a high groove amplitude in the shoulder area, as well as variable tread block geometry. It is worth noting that in the 205/55 R16 format, the tread pattern is one-piece, while Ultra Grip 9 from 14 to 15 radius can also have a drainage groove in the central part.

According to automotive tests, the ninth generation Goodyear Ultra Grip has a balanced and safe ride. Provides high sensitivity and responsiveness when driving on wet roads. It has high hydroplaning reserves and provides good traction on snow. On dry pavement, mediocre handling is noted, but with a measured ride, this disadvantage is minimized. On pavement, the tyre is quiet and has excellent mileage.

Michelin Alpin 5 225/55 R17 97H Price from 7 692 up to 10 405 ₴ →

The French manufacturer recently introduced the Michelin Alpin 5. A friction tyre with a directional symmetrical tread pattern should provide good performance on dry and wet surfaces. The manufacturer himself claims that the fifth generation of Alpin is mainly designed for operation in European countries with a mild warm climate in the winter season.

Nevertheless, thanks to deep grooves and special tread blocks The tyre must provide good stability and handling on snowy surfaces. The large number of sipes means the grip needed for good snow traction.

The performance claims are confirmed by drivers who have already experienced the model in real conditions. According to reviews, the Michelin Alpin 5 performs well on dry and wet surfaces, provides the necessary traction and good handling on snow.

When buying these tyres, you should take into account all the climate and road conditions in your area. The tyre guarantees a comfortable ride and safety in the conditions for which it is designed. At the same time, Michelin Alpin 5 also has good mileage.