10 Best R17 Winter Tires

An all-round tire with an aggressive directional tread pattern designed for difficult operating conditions. The model performs especially well when driving on ice, which is not at all surprising, given the manufacturer's serious approach to the choice of studs. The studs are supplied by a company that is part of Continental AG. The barbs themselves have a strong figured body with a transversely oriented dumbbell-shaped insert that enhances the edge effect in all directions.The rubber compound with an increased proportion of microsilica reliably holds the studs in the tread, which is confirmed by numerous tests. The disadvantages include perhaps a fairly high noise level - a common problem for almost all studded models.

Universal Korean rubber, which embodied an interesting technical solution. We are talking about an unusual arrangement of spikes. Here, the developers went against traditional practice and evenly distributed the spikes over the tread surface, focusing on the central part. This layout allows you to increase the controllability of the car on slippery surfaces. The rest of the model is an ordinary winter tire with a directional pattern without pretensions to originality. Although it is rather difficult to expect revolutionary technologies from rubber in this price segment.

When developing the model, special attention was paid to the tread pattern, designed to cope with difficult winter obstacles. Widened edges of the V-grooves accelerate the removal of melted snow and water from the contact zone, which ensures stable control on wet surfaces. Transverse grooves are responsible for increasing traction and braking efficiency. The shape of the spike body was considered successful, and therefore remained the same. But the tungsten carbide carbide insert has received a new design. The advantages of the model include RUN FLAT ™ technology, which allows you to maintain control over the car during a tire puncture. Despite the excellent off-road performance, when driving on slush or wet asphalt, the performance is not impressive - for urban use, you can choose more interesting options.

The ninth generation of winter tires of the famous Hakkapeliitta series did not disappoint fans and received high marks in independent tests. When designing the model, the developers tried to take into account all the negative factors that the car faces in winter. Snow Grip Booster technology is responsible for confident movement on packed snow. Specially shaped slats increase vehicle stability when maneuvering. Brass-coated twisted steel wire cord is characterized by increased adhesion to the rubber part, which has a positive effect on control. Despite the efforts of the developers, the only weak point of the model is the high noise level, especially during the break-in.

The Michelin Group introduced this model back in 2018, setting a record number of studs made of a special iron-based alloy that is resistant to external aggressive influences. This decision made it possible to even out the degree of wear of the tread and studs.Thanks to a special placement algorithm, a large number of studs significantly improve braking performance with a minimum level of noise exposure. It is also worth noting the competent approach of the manufacturer to the choice of rubber compound. The outer layer of the tread in contact with the road surface is made of new generation elastomers, which are characterized by a low glass transition temperature. This feature allows the rubber to remain elastic even in the most severe winters, however, at positive temperatures, the tires become too soft - in the spring it is better not to tighten with changing shoes.

Universal Korean tire, which is distinguished by a well-thought-out symmetrical tread pattern adapted to difficult operating conditions. Three-dimensional sipes increase the stability of the rubber on snow and provide rigidity on dry surfaces. Double curved grooves improve traction on slippery surfaces. For effective water drainage, there are grooves made in the form of a zigzag.Judging by the reviews, the rubber has no obvious flaws. Some owners experienced balancing difficulties before the second season, but this can be attributed to storage violations.

Winter friction tires of the European type, designed for high-speed passenger cars. The model received a tread pattern from its predecessor, but the manufacturers worked on the composition of the rubber compound, which made it possible to improve the behavior of the tire on winter roads. In the production of a new rubber compound, Traction Protect technology was used - a special resin was added to the base composition, which helps to quickly restore shape after deformation, converting braking force into grip on the surface. But the Winter Grip technology allows the rubber to maintain elasticity at low temperatures. However, some drivers complain about the excessive elasticity of the rubber, which has a bad effect on the car's handling, especially at high speeds.

The tread of the model is made in accordance with the Arctic Sense Grip concept - sipes and grooves are combined into a single network with a special structure that provides reliable grip on any surface. The raw material used for the exterior is Nokian's own developed Cryo Crystal 3 heat-resistant compound, which contains fine particles with sharp edges. They begin to show positive qualities as the tread wears, increasing stability on slippery surfaces. The weak point of the model can be considered a low speed index: traditionally, higher performance is expected from friction tires.

Testing of this Velcro was carried out in difficult climatic conditions of Northern Europe.This circumstance allows us to hope that the developers carefully prepared for any tests. Compared to the previous generation, manufacturers have increased the width of the drainage channels, and also used several types of sipes that increase traction on snow and maintain rigidity when maneuvering. It is also worth noting that, unlike most analogues, the model is practically not subject to a decrease in performance as the tread wears out. Motorists find it difficult to find flaws in this model. Some drivers note difficulties with driving on ice. On the other hand, stability on slippery surfaces has never been a strong suit of friction tires.

The flagship model from a well-known Japanese manufacturer, designed for crossovers and SUVs. Thanks to the use of the latest technical developments, the model is ideal for operation in the harshest conditions. For the manufacture of the rubber compound, Active Multicell Compound technology is used, which guarantees the elasticity of the tire in the most severe frosts.The new tread design has improved directional stability on wet surfaces and slush. The double frame of the side part provides resistance to the high loads that occur when driving off-road. The only thing you want to demand from the model is an affordable price: the price of the novelty is quite high.