A sure and safe way to save money on tires is to know their strengths and weaknesses and therefore buy better, not just more expensive. Experts from Za Rulem, the oldest and most authoritative automotive publication in Russia, Dmitry Testov and Sergey Mishin are constantly testing tires and identifying not only the best, but also the most underrated tires on the market.
This time they tested 8 sets of studded winter tires for crossover sizes 195/65 R15 in different price categories:
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10P (Russia, 8960 rubles each),
- Michelin X-Ice North 4 (Russia, 8440 rubles each),
- Nordman 8 (Russia, 6920 rubles each),
- Pirelli Formula Ice (Russia, 5960 rubles each),
- Cordiant Snow Cross 2 (Russia, 3910 rubles each),
- Kama Alga (Russia, 3440 rubles each),
- Kormoran Stud 2 (Serbia, 4800 rubles each),
- GT radial Ice Pro 3 (China, 4450 rubles each).
As a result of the tests, the three most underrated tires were identified. These are Kama Alga, Cordiant Snow Cross 2 and Nordman 8. They are all made in Russia.
1 Nordman 8
Savings when buying these tires are low – 5%, but these are tires that took 3rd place in the general classification. They show excellent braking on ice as well as acceleration on snow. In addition, these tires are distinguished by good handling on ice and flotation.
Only one minus – not the best braking on dry roads.
2. Kama Alga
In terms of performance, they turned out to be slightly better than the more expensive GT Radial. Ice Pro 3. Their strengths are braking and drifting on snow. But it was not without weaknesses. When choosing these tires, it is worth remembering that on ice and on wet roads they slow down worse than their strewn “colleagues”.
According to our testers, these tires are may cost 10% more.
About which band was most underestimated – on the next page.
Source: Z R
