The best friction (non-studded) winter tires 215/55 R17

Before the 2023-2024 winter season, the tire portfolio of the American corporation Goodyear was expanded with a remarkable top-level friction model UltraGrip Performance 3.

The tire was designed on the basis of the well-known Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Plus and UltraGrip 9 Plus models. Moreover , its weight was reduced by about 10%, which led to a minimization of rolling resistance. And although in terms of fuel efficiency, the tire is still slightly inferior to the flagship counterparts from the winter non-studded tires detachment, in all other respects, we are presented with a truly top-notch solution for the cold season.

The model uses a herringbone-shaped tread pattern without a pronounced central stiffening rib. The side zones of the tire are separated from the central segment by wide and voluminous aquadrainage channels - they serve for quick self-cleaning of the contact patch from water and melted snow, due to which the risk of the car falling into aquaplaning is reduced to a minimum.

A complex system of lamellas coupled with Wet Braking+ technology helps to increase the grip indicators and the transmission of traction and braking efforts on wet and slippery roads. The tire "steers" perfectly, is characterized by low noise and comfortable ride, and shows omnivorousness to the changeable weather conditions of the winter season. In addition, the compound of the model has reliable protection against abrasive wear and mechanical damage.

Masterfully honed car control in the winter season entirely depends on the tires. The flagship model from the Italian tire makers Pirelli Powergy Winter will help to achieve it.

The central part of the V-shaped tread of the rubber is responsible for the controllability and obedience of the car when driving on wet, slippery or snowy roads. It consists of many directional blocks, dotted with a dense network of 3D lamellas. The sharp edges of the blocks and the edges of the cuts of the tire tenaciously hold on to the winter road, and the rectangular profile of the contact patch additionally enhances the stability of the rubber's behavior even in extreme weather conditions.

The reinforced side zones and shoulders of the tire ensure the stability of the car when maneuvering at any speed. At the same time, the tire quickly and effectively self-cleans from water and slush, which prevents the risk of the vehicle falling into aquaplaning. The drainage system of the model is formed from two circumferential hydroevacuation channels and diagonal grooves for the removal of excess masses.

Many variations of the model feature the proprietary puncture-proof Seal Inside technology, which is an analogue of Run Flat. Another technological know-how of the tire is a special noise-absorbing layer of PNCS (Pirelli Noise Cancelling System) foam. Pirelli Powergy Winter demonstrates low noise when rolling, ride comfort and can boast a long operational mileage - all this is what you want to see in a flagship winter tire.

In 2024, the top segment of winter non-studded tires from Bridgestone was expanded with the Blizzak 6 model. It replaced the popular LM005 friction tire, which has proven itself well among many car owners.

The model in question is suitable for installation on wheels of both classic cars with an internal combustion engine and electric cars. The tire is manufactured using Enliten's proprietary technology: its weight is reduced by approximately 10% compared to standard premium touring tires, and its rolling resistance is 20% lower. This minimizes the vehicle's fuel consumption and reduces harmful emissions of exhaust gases into the atmosphere. At the same time, driving properties and safety indicators remain at a high quality level.

The tire has acquired a traditional V-shaped tread design with a pronounced pattern direction. Such a tread provides excellent grip on wet and slippery roads, guarantees effective transmission of traction and braking forces, and allows for predictable responses to steering commands. A network of three-dimensional lamellas in the tire tread elements enhances grip on snowy and icy road surfaces.

The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 rubber "cocktail" contains about 25% recycled and renewable materials. In general, the compound formula is selected in such a way that the tire's driving qualities remain consistently excellent regardless of the weather outside the vehicle. The model captivates not only with its eco-friendliness, but also with its comfortable and low-noise ride, and long mileage before the tread wears out.

German tires Continental WinterContact TS870P are available in a huge range of sizes for passenger cars, SUVs and off-road vehicles. And the rigid design of the tire allows it to be used on the wheels of heavier electric cars.

The tire is designed to replace the friction model Continental WinterContact TS860. Instead of an asymmetric tread pattern, it uses a classic winter V-shaped design with a pronounced symmetry of the arrangement of functional blocks. The tire's tread is pierced by four circumferential hydroevacuation channels - the tread of the model is cleared of water and melted snow as quickly as possible, thereby preventing aquaplaning and slushplaning of the vehicle.

The rubber is made from Cool Chili compound with natural resins and increased silica content. It maintains proper elasticity in a wide range of outside temperatures and literally "sticks" to slippery road surfaces. Additionally, multiple three-dimensional sipes in the tread blocks are put on guard to enhance the tire's grip qualities.

The positive properties of the Continental WinterContact TS870P include high efficiency in the transmission of traction and braking forces, expertly honed controllability, and a quiet and smooth ride. In addition, the rubber compound of the model has good wear resistance - the tire will last more than one winter season in a row.

Michelin Alpin 7 is a winter non-studded tire for passenger cars with internal combustion engines, hybrids and electric vehicles. The model debuted in the spring of 2024.

The tire is manufactured using the EverWinterGrip concept, which involves the use of a multi-layer rubber compound and a herringbone tread pattern. The tire tread pattern consists of narrow and long blocks that widen closer to the shoulder areas - this ensures excellent performance on snowy and slippery winter roads. The blocks are separated from each other by aqua-drainage grooves for quick drying of the contact patch.

The model belongs to the category of friction tires, i.e. it does not provide anti-skid studs. Instead , dense lamellaization of the tread blocks with an expanding structure of cuts in depth is proposed. As the tread wears out, the tire retains its inherent grip qualities, reliably "sticking" to the icy road surface.

The tire is characterized by low rolling resistance, which reduces fuel consumption, ride comfort and long service life. There are special wear indicators on the contact surface of the tire, allowing you to visually monitor the condition of the tread.