Studded tires for crossovers – the choice of experts “Behind the wheel”

Laboratory Verification

In the laboratory we evaluate the economy by determining the rolling resistance coefficient on a drum set according to UN Rule 117. And we see that it is more economical than any Nokian. And the biggest pull will be in a car that is steamed up in Viatti. Although we recalculate the difference in coefficients in liters per 100 kilometers, we find that the difference in consumption is about 150 ml. Not so much.

Sum up

The results of the test are the most interesting to consider, bearing in mind that: how many studs are in which tire and how much they protrude above the tread . There was practically no loss of spikes – only one in Yokohama.

Domestic Viatti Bosco Nordico (113) medium protrusion spikes 0.7mm) took last place. Why do these tires need spikes at all, if their number is less than allowed, and the protrusion of carbide inserts is even lower than the minimum prescribed by the Technical Regulation (0.7 mm vs. 0.9)? It is clear that there is insufficient grip on the ice. Although there is a blessing in disguise – the tires took third place in terms of acoustic comfort. We hope that the manufacturer will adapt the stud technology.

Tigar SUV ice cream (136/1.4) proved to be a weakling on snow and ice, as well as the loudest and toughest asphalt hero. We consider it acceptable only for use on well-cleaned roads. If you’re dealing with ice and snow on these tires, do it carefully, by a good margin, and rely on electronic assistants.

Only on the sixth line, at a respectful distance and already in the zone of “mediocre” (from 800 to 849 points) are products Hankook Winter i*Pike X (170/0.9). It managed to let the economy class tires run its course and was found to be noticeably weaker than its passenger version of the Hankook Winter i*Pike RS2, which repeatedly proved “excellent” or “good” in our testing. In summary, not only insufficiently protruding spikes, but also the work of the tread, which can not provide a decent grip on the snow.

Very close in the ranking – Yokohama ice protector iG 65 (173/1.3)the tire is average and even in all characteristics, and therefore has no preferences and restrictions.

In fourth place Nordman 8 SUV (186/1.3). It will show its best properties on snow and ice, but the cleaned asphalt is not favorable and does not give you appetite.

Third overall – Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 Off-Road (220/1.1), but according to our classification it already belongs to “good” tires (from 850 to 899 points), and not to “excellent”. The only one who violated the pattern “the number of spikes – the position taken”. Reasons – Goodyear is weak on asphalt, uncomfortable and not economical enough.

Continental Ice Contact 3 (209/1.2) comfortably lead the way. Everything else comes second. The most balanced tire!

leader – Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10p SUV (222/1.3mm). The maximum number of “nails” gives the best performance on winter surfaces and especially on ice, but only third on asphalt.

The most profitable studded tires for crossovers

Tires have risen in price in recent years. And therefore, without even looking at the price tags, you can exclaim “Expensive!” – and hardly anyone will argue with this. Therefore, before buying it is especially important to understand how balanced the costs and features are. For this we use our own methodology for determining the “fair price” (PR no. 3, 2019).

• In austerity mode the maximum benefit will be the purchase of Viatti Bosco Nordico tires – they are almost a third cheaper than the “fair price”.
• High performance without paying too much for “premium” Continental offers IceContact 3 (13% savings). Nordman 8 SUV and Yokohama ice Guard iG 65 are sold at a “dumping” rate of seven and five percent, respectively.
• Which tires are too expensive and for how much? You pay the least (2%) when buying Tigar SUV Ice tires. The price tags of the Goodyear UltraGrip Arctic 2 SUV and Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10p SUV models are 9% higher than the “honest” models. The anti-record was set by Hankook Winter i*Pike X – its cost is overestimated by a third.

• Summary of tire tests “Behind the wheel” (2018-2021) – follow this link
• “Behind the wheel” can be read and in viber.