10 Best R15 Winter Tires

Brina Nordico winter tires performed well both in deep snow and in rolling conditions with patches of ice. The studded tires take off confidently, and thanks to the powerful reinforcement of the sidewall, they maintain confidence in high-speed corners. The VSS compound adapts well to both changing winter conditions and different driving styles. This feature increased the uniformity of load distribution, but tire wear leaves much to be desired. Independent tests of the Viatti Brina showed excellent grip and acceptable acoustic comfort. Rubber noise attracts attention only at speeds above 100 km / h.

Despite the release of newer generations of Nordman, the five remain on the list of preferences of many car owners who have tested it in action. A short braking distance on a winter road, obedience and predictability in driving are its undoubted advantages. In addition, the price, which many consider more than fair, seriously adds to the popularity. Tests have shown that the compound is extremely resistant to damage, and the well-thought-out arrangement of the studs allows you to pass ice hummocks on the track without slowing down. Wide water channels between the tread blocks increase hydroplaning resistance and snow flotation. The disadvantages of this tire for winter are that it is quickly dismantled in size R15, and if you drive carelessly, you can quickly lose up to a third of the studs in the first season.

The rubber compound contains inclusions of orange oil, due to which a high level of tread elasticity is achieved.Despite the spikes, it behaves no worse than Velcro tires, literally pulling the car to the road. Snow-ice porridge, water are effectively removed from the contact patch, and a high self-cleaning ability prevents the loss of traction in the most adverse conditions. Studded tires in size R15 are distinguished by obedience in handling. A car on these tires is very predictable on a winter road. A disadvantage can be considered a weak representation in retail - tires are quickly dismantled.

The Japanese "Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000" have a special cleat fit design. It prevents it from falling out under load, which, coupled with a rigid shoulder girdle and a large number of sipes, gives excellent handling on winter roads. The high resistance of the compound to wear and damage, good grip on wet roads (the contact patch is instantly dried with the help of wide drainage systems) makes rubber the best solution for different conditions. A studded tire is optimal for both harsh winters and wet roads with icy porridge. The only thing the owners would like is a slightly more affordable price tag.

The Eskimo STUD's directional tread pattern has high traction, making the tires predictable on snow and ice. The spikes are tightly planted: to lose them, you still have to try. At the same time, the tire is characterized by high noise during operation - even at low speed a steady hum is generated. However, this does not affect the coupling characteristics, and the favorable price tag in many ways has a positive effect on the choice of the owner. Only weak braking on bare pavement is considered an objective disadvantage. The studded rubber skids easily and glides on steel tips much better than on icy surfaces.

Non-studded tires have passed a lot of tests and tests, proving their high efficiency. Despite the emergence of new series in the Michelin line, the fourth Alpin is still popular with car owners. Popularity is determined by high precision in control, short braking distance and not the fastest wear. It goes well on rolled snow, confidently overcomes ice porridge and water obstacles. In terms of comfort, the MICHELIN Alpin 4 is one of the best tires in the ranking. At the same time, there are also weaknesses in the form of a soft sidewall. It does not roll, but shock loads at speed can easily damage Velcro.

The price tag of this rubber for winter in size R15 makes it one of the most popular on the market. Add to the low price the excellent running characteristics of the tire, and you understand the buyer. Velcro behaves well in snow porridge and when passing through deep puddles. Wide drainage systems quickly evacuate large volumes of moving mass from the point of contact, tenaciously “grabbing” the asphalt with multidirectional lamellae. In addition, they row well in the snow and do not cause acoustic discomfort at all.But there is also a downside - tests showed the rollability of non-studded rubber in corners and at straight speeds due to the high softness of the tread and sidewall, and tread delamination also occurs.

The latest generation of winter Velcro from Continental features a confident shoulder area. It does not deform in high-speed corners and when changing lanes, excellent “rowing” in the snow and guarantees high grip on any surface. The central part of a non-studded tire does an excellent job of drying the contact patch and is responsible for the high rubber handling. At the same time, in the snow porridge it may not be able to cope and “float”. The degree of siping and the high-tech compound of the rubber mixture provide "tenacity" on ice no worse than that of studded tires. At the same time, the protector is excellent self-cleaning and resistant to impact damage. Also, the disadvantages of rubber include high cost.

A very grippy tread block arrangement and a directional Velcro pattern make the GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice+ excellent handling in winter conditions. The rubber compound is immune to severe frosts, thanks to which the sipes and drainage lines work perfectly in the most severe conditions. The central rib in the form of herringbone teeth, with all the softness of the rubber, retains an enviable rigidity. This noticeably improves handling and does not affect the acoustic performance of a non-studded wheel in size R15 at all. A disadvantage for many owners is the deterioration in performance as they wear out. After erasing 50% of the tread thickness, you should not expect the former tenacity from the tires.

Velcro has been developed for the harsh conditions of Scandinavian winters and has three support ribs on the tread. This solution provides non-studded tires with decent stability during high-speed rebuilding on rolled snow and ice. Dry and wet asphalt is not a problem for her either.Management and dynamics of acceleration / deceleration - at altitude. Despite the absence of spikes, multidirectional sipes and a special composition of the rubber mixture give good tenacity to the tire. The tire is perfectly balanced and has low noise in operation. Among the shortcomings, a number of users point to a weak cord - strong blows easily provoke the appearance of a hernia and cuts.