Winter tyres are a key element of safety on the road during the cold season. Selection of high-quality and reliable winter tyres provides optimal traction, preventing slipping and reducing braking distance. We present to your attention the rating of winter tyres R15 for 2024.
1. Nokian Hakkapapeliitta 9
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 is a winter-studded tyre designed to provide outstanding traction on winter roads.
Key features:
- Double spikes: The main innovation of this model is the double studs. One stud provides optimum grip under braking and acceleration, while the other stud improves handling in corners and in linear driving.
- Eco Stud 9 Technology: This technology reduces noise and vibration from the studs and improves the tyre’s grip and stability.
- Sophisticated tread pattern: It provides excellent traction on both snow and ice, as well as excellent handling in difficult winter conditions.
- Durability: The special rubber compound is resistant to wear and tear, extending the life of the tyre even when it is actively used.
Benefits:
- Outstanding grip on ice and snow thanks to double studs.
- Reduced noise level for a studded tyre.
- Exceptional handling on snowy and icy roads.
Disadvantages (compared to some competitors):
- The price may be higher than other studded tyres.
- On tarmac roads, grip may not be as sure-footed as on ice or snow (although this is typical of many studded tyres).
2. Michelin X-Ice Snow
Michelin X-Ice Snow is a non-studded winter tyre designed to ensure safety and reliability on snowy and icy roads. These tyres have been developed using the latest technology and represent one of the latest innovations in the Michelin winter tyre range.
Benefits of Michelin X-Ice Snow:
- Flex-Ice 2.0 technology: A special rubber compound that provides excellent grip at low temperatures.
- Tread pattern: The optimised tread design improves traction on snow and ice and enhances stability and handling on the road.
- Durability: Compared to some competitors, the Michelin X-Ice Snow offers a long service life thanks to advanced manufacturing techniques.
- Micro-coarseness: A technology that allows for improved traction on ice thanks to micro-coarseness on the tread surface.
- Spike recess: Although the X-Ice Snow is a non-spiked tyre, it contains recesses for studs to be fitted if necessary.
Michelin X-Ice Snow disadvantages :
- Price: Michelin tyres are often more expensive than some other brands, which can be a barrier for buyers on a tight budget.
- Noise level: Some users notice that they can be a little noisier on tarmac roads compared to some other models.
- Wet traction: While traction on snow and ice is outstanding, some competitors may offer better performance on wet tarmac.
However, it is worth noting that the choice of winter tyres depends on many factors, including the driver’s personal preferences, operating conditions and budget. Despite its shortcomings, the Michelin X-Ice Snow remains one of the best options on the market due to its outstanding safety and reliability on winter roads.
3. Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is one of the models of winter non-studded tyres from the well-known manufacturer Bridgestone. This model is designed to provide high safety and reliability on winter roads, especially in wet conditions.
Key features of the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005:
- Optimised tread pattern: This provides excellent grip and stability on snow and wet asphalt. Deep grooves efficiently channel water away to prevent aquaplaning.
- Nano Pro-Tech Technology: A special rubber compound that improves grip on wet roads, ensuring short braking distances.
- High wear resistance: The tyre design ensures even pressure distribution, resulting in even wear and extending tyre life.
- 3D sipes: These sipes provide excellent grip on snow-covered roads and improve vehicle handling.
Benefits:
- Excellent traction on wet and snow-covered roads.
- Short braking distances due to special rubber compound.
- Long service life and even wear.
Disadvantages:
- On ice, traction may not be as sure-footed as with specialised models.
- The price may be higher compared to other brands.
The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is the ideal choice for drivers looking for high quality winter tyres that offer safety and reliability in a variety of winter conditions, especially on wet roads.
4. Continental WinterContact TS 870
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is the latest winter tyre designed for maximum performance and safety on the roads in cold weather.
Benefits:
- Adaptation to European winters: The tyre is designed to meet the specific winter conditions in Europe.
- V-shaped tread: Provides exceptional traction on snowy and icy roads and efficient water drainage.
- Durable sidewall: Protects the tyre from damage, reducing the risk of punctures and cuts.
- Efficient groove system: Improves traction on wet and snow-covered roads and facilitates rapid drainage of water, snow, and mud.
- Centre blocks with high wear resistance: Guarantees long service life and stable road handling.
Disadvantages:
Price: Like many premium tyres, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is more expensive than some other winter tyres.
5. Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2
Key features:
- Flexible rubber compound: This tyre uses a special compound that retains its softness even at extremely low temperatures, providing excellent grip on ice and snow.
- Optimised tread pattern: Ultra-wide grooves and multiple micro-slats increase the tyre’s contact area with the road and improve grip on slippery surfaces.
- IceGrip Technology: Developed specifically for icy roads, this technology improves braking performance and handling on ice.
- Protective tread layer: Helps reduce the risk of punctures and damage from splinters and sharp objects on the road.
Benefits:
- Outstanding traction on ice and snow: Thanks to the flexible rubber compound and optimised tread pattern.
- Excellent handling in difficult conditions: IceGrip technology improves vehicle handling on icy roads.
- Durability: The protective tread layer increases the tyre’s service life.
Disadvantages:
- On tarmac roads in the absence of snow or ice, grip may not be as outstanding as on winter surfaces. This is typical of many specialised winter tyres.
The Goodyear UltraGrip Ice 2 is a powerful solution for those looking for a reliable and high-performance winter tyre, especially for extreme ice and snow conditions.
Conclusion
When choosing R15 winter tyres, it is important to consider the operating conditions, budget and safety requirements. All the tyres in the rating have proven themselves on the market and provide a high degree of protection on winter roads. Regardless of your choice, always keep an eye on the condition of your tyres and change them at the first sign of wear.
