Low-cost field berries: TOP-5 inexpensive winter friction tyres R15

The brainchild of Chinese tyre manufacturers Triangle WinterX TW401 was released on the roads from the second half of 2020. This model is designed for use in mild European winters with a predominance of cleared roads and low sub-zero air temperatures.

The tread pattern of the model is characterized by a pronounced directionality and a symmetrical structure. Its central zone is formed from wedge-shaped blocks that converge closer to the center. On the other side of the two circumferential hydroevacuation channels there are massive open-type shoulder blocks. The surfaces of all blocks are covered with a dense network of wavy sipes - they give the tyre a "stickiness".

A large number of hooking elements provides the tyre with reliable grip in winter driving conditions. In turn, the powerful shoulders guarantee the high manoeuvrability of the Triangle WinterX TW401. Well, as a bonus, the owner of the car receives low rolling resistance, as well as quiet and soft driving properties.

In anticipation of the appearance on the shelves of tyre stores, the model took part in a large test of winter tyres. The Hungarian resource Használtautó classified her as an average performer. The tyre gave way to peers in terms of the length of the braking distance on a wet road. Note that the test involved mainly top representatives of the class of winter friction tyres.

A full 9 years after the release of the Matador MP 92 Sibir Snow winter tyre, which won the hearts of many motorists due to the combination of price and driving properties, the assignee of the tyre, the MP 93 Nordicca friction clutch, began to be delivered to the store shelves.

In the new generation of tyres, they abandoned the asymmetric tread pattern in favor of a directional symmetrical one. It is formed by multifaceted blocks in the central segment of the treadmill, slashed with many wavy cuts. The sipes create an innumerable number of sharp cutting edges that allow the tyre to contact the slippery road surface as closely as possible and enhance traction on snow.

The different-wide blocks of the shoulder zones of the tyre have a free arrangement. They are responsible for stable cornering when manoeuvring and quick cleaning of the contact patch from slush. The water-drainage system of the model increased its efficiency better than any other indicators - the resistance of the Matador MP 93 Nordicca to aquaplaning and slashplanning was brought to a new qualitative level.

Functional elastomers have been added to the tyre cocktail of tyres with a high content of silica. As a result, the rubber does not harden in extreme cold and demonstrates high performance in all operating conditions. A separate plus in the karma of the model goes for the uniform distribution of pressure - it prevents uneven tread wear, provides low rolling resistance and extends the life of the tyre as a whole.

The well-known tyre company Michelin has repeatedly noticed the practice of releasing the same model of tyres under the sign of a huge list of subsidiaries. So, the Kormoran Snow winter model can be found on sale with the names Riken Snow, TIGAR Winter, Taurus Winter, Strial Winter and Orium Winter.

Large blocks of a directional tyre tread pattern have different geometric shapes and with their sharp edges literally “bite” into the snow crust, ensuring a confident vehicle throughput on loose snow. Also, the blocks are notable for the high density of cutting three-dimensional sipes - a large number of gripping edges enhances traction on slippery surfaces and has a positive effect on the perception of precise execution of steering commands.

Additionally, the grip properties are enhanced by the so-called micro-ribs inside the longitudinal drainage grooves in the central segment of the treadmill. They form multiple sharp edges. In general, the hydroevacuation system of the model from a network of channels of increased volume copes with the removal of water and melted snow to a solid "five".

Apart from all sorts of marketing tricks, Kormoran Snow will please motorists with a soft ride, long mileage, resistance to increased loads and mechanical stress. A low rating was assigned to the model only in terms of fuel efficiency - in the size 195/65 R15 this parameter is indicated by the letter of the Latin alphabet D, which is "below the average in the ward."

The extended name of the Toyo Observe GSi-6 winter tyre has a notable HP prefix. The High Performance modification will fit powerful cars that need perfect handling and high speed performance on winter roads.

The model meets the road with a directional tread pattern with a continuous central rib. It adds stability when driving in a straight line at high speed and, thanks to the serrated shape, improves flotation in loose snow. Twin tread blocks studded with three-dimensional multi-sipes adjoin the center track.

In the same blocks of the central tread zone, helical 360-degree slots were made to increase traction and improve traction on slippery roads. In addition, spiral sipes increase lateral stability when cornering and reduce braking distance on wet and snowy roads.

Toyo Observe GSi-6 HP effectively removes excess water and thawed snow masses from the contact spot, retains elasticity at low sub-zero temperatures, and is sensitive to steering wheel rotations. In addition , crushed walnut shells are used as part of the rubber compound of the tyre - Microbit technology further enhances grip on slippery surfaces. The model receives “below average” points in the disciplines “Fuel Efficiency” and “Noise”. At least, the tyre showed such results in 2020, when it was tested together with peers at the Test World test site in Finland.

In the price category up to 2000 UAH. per wheel in size R15 The Finnish Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 looks the most attractive. It beats almost any competitor, providing an uncompromisingly high level of safety when driving on winter roads.

The model belongs to the category of non-studded winter tyres with a Nordic character. She does not care for snow, sleet and even pure ice. At the same time, it performs well on wet and dry pavement. The tyre's balanced driving performance is brought to life by the Arctic Sense Grip concept, which offers the perfect balance between winter driving safety and ride comfort in all driving conditions.

The guarantors of excellent grip properties of the tyre are three pillars: functional sipes in the central zone of the directional tread, Cryo Crystal 3 particles, which create an edge effect in the image and likeness of anti-skid spikes, and “snow claws” to improve the “grip”. Water drainage channels in the form of a branched tree are launched between the tyre tread blocks.

The technological know-how of the model is special lamella pumps that effectively absorb the water film from the ice surface. The tyre, of course, cannot compete on equal terms with "studded tyres", however, in the class of friction winter tyres, it shows almost the most confident movement on icy roads. The strong position of the tyre is strengthened by perfect handling, comfort and softness. You will not find equal to it in the corresponding price range during the day with fire.