Rating of the best silent winter tires for 2021

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If you live in an area that experiences significant amounts of ice, snow, and slush during the winter, we recommend purchasing a set of winter tires (studded or velcro). Good winter tires use special rubber compounds and tread patterns that are designed for maximum traction in cold temperatures and on icy surfaces.

Cold weather and snowy conditions affect your vehicle's handling on the road. Even with all-wheel drive, winter studded tires will improve the car's performance and confidence on the road. Each tire from the rating has unique features that distinguish it from its competitors. Some perform better in deep snow, others on ice.

At low temperatures, summer tires become hard and stiff, which affects their ability to maintain traction. They are less grippy, which is a big problem if you want to maintain control over your vehicle. When choosing a new set of tires, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the variety. The cost of tires depends on the size and the dealer's online store. The TOP-20 rating includes only the best winter tires for foreign and domestic cars.

Key characteristics of good winter tires

So, what does the characteristic “best winter studded tires ” mean? Good wheels for the cold season should combine the following parameters:

• softness - summer models begin to “tann” when the temperature drops, while winter lines will remain soft in any frost;
• deep tread – a well-thought-out and high-quality pattern ensures rapid self-cleaning even when driving on a snowy road;
• a large number of studs - the best (read: high-quality) studded tires have several rows of metal inserts, which improves traction on the road surface;
• reliable fastening of hooks.

Mistakes when buying winter tires (video)

The last point is very important, since most car owners are mistakenly afraid of purchasing tires with studs because of their short service life. Their doubts are related to the fact that for inexpensive models, after 1-2 seasons, the number of inserts is reduced by 2-3 times and the wheels have to be changed. But the options included in the rating do not have this drawback and have been in use for at least 5 seasons.

How to choose the right tires for your car (open)

Winter tires with metal studs should only be purchased after a thorough analysis of the offers available on the market. You can immediately exclude used models from the list. Even after careful use, such wheels do not guarantee safety on icy sections of the route. Therefore, good studded tires are, first of all, new ones.

Experts also advise paying attention to the shape of the inserts. They are mainly 2 types:

round;

diamond-shaped

The latter are considered the most convenient to use:

guarantee better traction;

provide noise comfort.

The technique of attaching the hooks and their number are also important. Tires with deeply recessed inserts have proven their reliability. Their advantages are obvious even at first glance:

deep soldering prevents the spikes from falling out;

The protruding tip performs its functions 100%.

The placement of the studs is up to the design engineers. The best options stand out:

a large number of rows;

ornate pattern.

This type of stud application is the most:

reliable;

effective.

The brand is also important for car owners. Scandinavian companies traditionally produce lines for harsh weather conditions:

• tread depth of at least 8 mm ;
• discharged effect;
• applying inserts 3 ways - rhombus, rectangle, checkerboard pattern.

These wheels push through snow well and feel confident when driving out onto ice.

The best budget velcro winter tires

Studless rubber is called “Velcro” because, due to its soft compound, it is pressed tightly against the road surface, hugging bumps and protrusions. This increases traction and reduces noise when driving onto bare asphalt. Here are a number of budget models, selected by experts, with these characteristics.

GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice+

Rating: 4.9

Budget tires from the North American brand are manufactured for small and medium-class cars with rim diameters of 13-17. There are 45 standard sizes in total. The model is distinguished by a solid rib with a directional pattern, which is good for starting and maintaining directional stability. This structure of the budget tire also contributed to an increased load index of 530 kg, which is rare in this category of products. The tire design is based on the patented V-TRED technology, which features an increased number of edges. Judging by the reviews of drivers, it is impossible to skid using budget Velcro.

Our experts noted the rubber as the best in performance in severe frosts. The American company developed these tires specifically for harsh winter operating conditions in northern Europe, Canada and, of course, Russia. For this purpose, DualCapCompound technology was used. The outer layer of the compound is soft and provides comfortable overcoming of obstacles, and also does not “wooden” in cold weather of -30 degrees. The inner layer of a budget tire remains constantly rigid, helping to maintain the correct shape of the wheel.

Advantages

• load index up to 530 kg;
• good handling on any surface;
• excellent braking;
• It's nice to drive on a bad road.

Flaws

• quickly becomes clogged with loose snow;
• soft side.

Yokohama Ice Guard IG60

Rating: 4.8

Budget tires are produced by the Japanese brand in 96 sizes for wheels with a diameter of 13-19 inches. In these Velcro, the manufacturer used Quattro Pyramid Dimple technology. This means that the walls of the lamella cuts inside have a pyramidal structure. This structure provides an increased number of edges in contact with the surface. Also, the lamellas here are not straight, but zigzag, which only expands the contact area. But the blocks in which they are cut are limited in movement, and this allows budget Velcro to maintain the correct shape.

We singled out the budget model as the best Velcro for effective control on icy surfaces. Note the non-standard tire pattern. It has an asymmetrical design with straight internal blocks and slanting external ones. This ensures stable traction when driving straight and when cornering. Traction edges provide high traction - budget tires will help you feel confident on ice and even save a little fuel.

Advantages

• zigzag lamellas increase the number of coupling elements;
• tires drain melt water well;
• increased tensile and tear strength of tires;
• Quiet ride on asphalt.

Flaws

• it is difficult to find tires for R13 wheels;
• low speed index - 160 km/h.

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

Rating: 4.7

Studless winter tires from Pirelli are available in 90 sizes and are designed for rim diameters from R14 to R21. Looking at the tread pattern, the expanded drainage system is immediately noticeable. The manufacturer has provided an inclined surface of the grooves, which significantly speeds up the drainage of water and snow. The tires perform well on dry asphalt, loose snow, wet surfaces and croup. Buyers in reviews note a long service life - over 4 winter seasons with a total mileage of 125,000 km, the tread depth from 8.3 mm becomes 5.8 mm, which allows you to use it for another 5 years.

Experts drew attention to the budget product due to the numerous square blocks in the tread pattern. Their small size, but with a large number allows you to evenly distribute the load when moving in any direction. The manufacturer allows each wheel to be loaded up to 775 kg, despite the fact that this is a tire for passenger cars, not SUVs. We recommend that owners of pickup trucks or minivans take a closer look at this budget product.

Advantages

• speed index 210 km/h;
• smooth handling when cornering;
• load index 775 kg;
• long service life.

Flaws

• there are no options for “classics”;
• carries his butt on the ice.

Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ

Rating: 4.7

Another budget model on the list, which stands out with its asymmetrical pattern. Japanese tires are available in 227 standard sizes, but you can actually find about 15 options on sale. The most popular ones are R13, 14 and 16 inches. The unique tread design promotes precise wheel steering response. To create the compound, the revolutionary Multicell Compd GZ technology was used, which makes the rubber microporous. This increases its grip on varied winter road surfaces. Judging by customer reviews, tire wear over four winters is no more than 20%. Owners also like the self-cleaning properties of the budget tire, which work already at a speed of 40 km/h.

According to the magazine's editors, the tires are the best for maneuvering on winter country roads. If there is a track from a truck or tractor there, but it’s not on your way, then you can easily get out of it thanks to the high lugs in the shoulder area. The budget Velcro is also notable for the presence of rare standard sizes R12, which is suitable for a scooter. You can make short trips around the city safely on a moped in winter.

Advantages

• tires do not make noise;
• slight wear;
• fuel consumption is reduced;
• Excellent removal of snow porridge.

Flaws

• it is difficult to find many standard sizes on sale;
• speed index is limited to 180 km/h.

Toyo Observe Gsi-5

Rating: 4.6

Winter budget Velcro from a Japanese manufacturer are created with a high content of silica in the composition, which ensures the softness of the compound. The tires perfectly compensate for road unevenness and rough operation of frozen shock absorbers. Rubber is notable for the presence of innovative components, one of which is bamboo powder. It is a natural absorbent that helps break down the water film on the tire surface. Due to this, wheel traction on wet surfaces increased. The tread design is distinguished by a solid central rib, hexagonal checkers in the running area and rectangles on the “shoulders”. This configuration ensured that the load could withstand up to 670 kg.

Experts liked the tires' anti-slip properties on bare ice. Although it is Velcro, Microbit technology was used in its creation. It is based on the addition of a fine fraction of walnut shells, which is the hardest organic material in nature, to the compound. The crumb forms thousands of microscopic “spikes” that hold the rubber tightly bound to the road.

Advantages

• soft composition with silica;
• effective braking on wet and dry asphalt;
• load index 670 kg;
• confident acceleration.

Flaws

• You cannot speed up over 160 km/h;
• wear out faster than other tires.

Kumho I'Zen KW31

Rating: 4.5

These are tires from a Korean manufacturer, produced at production facilities in China, which explains the budget cost. The model is presented for 13-19-inch wheels and has a profile height from 35 to 70 mm. The tread pattern is distinguished by a solid central rib and additional elongated longitudinal blocks. The shoulder area consists of rectangles of larger and smaller length. All this contributes to directional stability and helps maintain the shape of the wheel during sudden changes in direction. In 2021, the Tut.by publishing house tested tires and found that the budget model provides excellent braking on dry asphalt, but easily clogs from loose snow. In the reviews, buyers are satisfied with the quiet operation of the tires.

Experts classified these tires as the best in terms of availability for purchase in any region of Russia. Budget products are available in many online and offline stores. Moreover, out of a possible 72 standard sizes, more than 50 are on sale. You don’t have to wait for months for such tires or order them in advance in the summer, but “change your shoes” immediately when cold weather sets in.

Advantages

• good braking on dry roads;
• excellent longitudinal traction on packed snow;
• do not lose control on ice;
• quiet work.

Flaws

• speed should not exceed 170 km/h;
• load index is small - 365 kg;
• long braking distance on wet asphalt;
• easily clogged with wet snow.

Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02

Rating: 4.5

This model, despite its budget, was developed with the assistance of the Japanese company Sumitomo. Manufacturers used 4D Nano Design technology. This means a super-soft compound that hugs bumps on all sides. Driving on such tires is very comfortable even over bumps and potholes. Compared to previous series of tires from this brand, the number of lamellas has been increased by 17%, so the Velcro provides excellent grip properties. In reviews, drivers report that the tires remain soft, despite the frost of -35 degrees.

Experts included the tires in the list of the best budget tires for their excellent wear resistance. The compound contains substances that slow down the aging of rubber. Polymers tolerate contact well with rough asphalt, concrete roads and stones, protecting the outer layers of tires at the molecular level. With careful use of budget Velcro, they can last up to 10 years.

Advantages

• do not “tan” in the cold of -35 degrees;
• behave well in snow porridge;
• high wear resistance;
• suitable for any type of drive, even all-wheel drive.

Flaws

• begin to heat up after 145 km/h;
• the car “floats” during maneuvers (overtaking on the highway) after 150 km/h;
• strong buzz.

Triangle Group TR777

Rating: 4.1

The category of budget tires for winter driving is completed by a product from the Chinese manufacturer Triangle. Even without any promotions, the cost of these tires is the cheapest compared to Korean or Japanese ones. Winter tires are available in 160 sizes and are suitable for passenger cars from the smallest class with R13 wheels to large sedans with R19 wheels. They have a high load index of 530 kg. The maximum permitted speed varies from 190 to 240 km/h. The budget model has an optimized lamella system, which contributes to good handling.

According to experts, budget tires are the best because they do not make noise when driving on the highway. For this purpose, they have a wide central rib, which has no analogues in competing models. Due to the continuous layer of rubber, less air enters the running area, so there is no noise in the cabin when accelerating. But this design did not affect the traction properties, since the rib is equipped with many wavy lamellas that create additional edges for engagement.

Advantages

• load index 530 kg;
• effectively remove trapped snow;
• excellent directional stability;
• no hum after 120 km/h.

Flaws

• weak sidewall;
• long braking distance;
• rapid wear - three active seasons.

Reviews

It’s difficult to choose a brand and line of tires without studying the reviews of other car owners. Here are just a few of them.

Evgeniy, 45 years old

“I live in Siberia and every 2 years I am faced with the choice of winter wheels. And given that I have an SUV, the purchase turns into a quest. I tried a lot of tires and last year I came across an article about the Nokian HAKKAPELIITTA 9 SUV. Reviews were overwhelmingly positive. The only thing that bothered me was the price. But I didn’t find any alternatives and made a purchase. After a season, I can say that this is my best purchase. In winter I often drove outside the city, and the car behaved excellently. I went out on the ice with friends while fishing and the controllability was 100%.”

Mark, 30 years old

“I drive every day and get terribly tense from the noise of the spikes. But driving without them is not an option. I tried different options and I feel confident only with spikes. I drove Michelin X-Ice North 4 for two seasons. I didn’t have better tires! In order, it has a lot of advantages: cross-country ability, equally good behavior on ice and in a mess of snow, pleasant confidence in the ruts and stability when temperature changes. Moreover, it does not react with reagents. Previously, this was a serious problem, and the rubber quickly failed. The hooks fell out slightly, so I will ride it for the third season.”

Elena, 33 years old

“Women are the last people to listen to when choosing tires. But I am a driver with ten years of experience and I have experience. So what can I say? For three years I drove a Continental ContiWinterViking 2. I drive the car every day and drive carefully. Therefore, the hooks were in place even for the third season. And in terms of quality it is top class! Withstands temperature changes, water and dry asphalt in the spring. It takes turns well, skidding is minimal. I wanted to buy the same tires this year, but I couldn’t find them. I think I'll stick with Hankook."

Quietest SUV tires

The cross-country ability of crossovers and SUVs in winter largely depends on tires. However, I also want to enjoy driving on asphalt. Therefore, many owners prefer friction rubber. Experts recommend the following quiet winter tire models.

Continental ContiVikingContact 6 SUV

Rating: 5.0

Continental ContiVikingContact 6 SUV friction winter tires are very popular among crossover owners. The German manufacturer took into account the climatic features of Russia when developing this model. What the experts liked most were the grip capabilities, which were the result of preparing a special Nordic Soft rubber compound. The tires remain soft even in severe frost. The editors of expertology magazine gave Velcro first place in the review for noiselessness and high quality.

Users appreciated the elasticity of the rubber; it balances well and demonstrates good cross-country ability in the snow. Tires ensure driving safety and vehicle stability on any surface. The only downside is the high price.

Advantages

• new rubber compound;
• excellent road grip;
• noiselessness;
• high cross-country ability.

Flaws

• high price.

Pirelli Scorpion Winter

Rating: 4.9

The famous Italian manufacturer of car tires presented a model for crossovers called Pirelli Scorpion Winter. The range of standard sizes is quite wide; tires can be selected for 16-22 inch wheels. Experts praised the rubber's elasticity, which remains stable at low temperatures. Thanks to the V-shaped tread, the Velcro provides reliable grip on any road surface. The advantages of friction rubber include directional stability and precise handling of crossovers. The model is somewhat inferior to the winner of the review in cross-country ability.

Domestic motorists confirm the low cross-country ability in snow and ice. The disadvantages include the high price. Users consider noiselessness and stability to be its strengths.

Advantages

• elasticity and softness;
• directional stability;
• noiselessness;
• excellent grip.

Flaws

• high price;
• low traffic.

Yokohama iceGUARD SUV G075

Rating: 4.8

The glorious traditions of Geolandar I/TS winter tires are continued by the Yokohama iceGUARD SUV G075. Japanese engineers worked on the shortcomings of its predecessor, which led to improved road grip and increased resistance to aquaplaning. The tires feel good in deep snow, the tread has a self-cleaning property. The tread grooves do not close under the weight of the car, which is achieved by increasing the density of the sipes. An attractive factor of the model is its affordable price, but in terms of noise it is inferior to the leaders in the rating.

Russian car enthusiasts are satisfied with the adequate price, good cross-country ability and handling. In this case, there is a soft sidewall and poor balancing.

Advantages

• reasonable price;
• good maneuverability;
• efficient water drainage;
• controllability.

Flaws

• there is a hum;
• soft side.

Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV

Rating: 4.7

When developing the Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV friction winter tires, Finnish engineers implemented the new Nokian Cryo Crystal technology. Thanks to the introduction of multifaceted particles into the rubber mixture, the tires began to feel more confident on icy surfaces. And the presence of natural rubber and silica in the composition had a positive effect on the tires’ grip on the road. The aggressive tread pattern and wide sipes help to effectively clear snow. The model did not reach the top three for reasons such as increased fuel consumption and unstable position on packed snow.

Users speak flatteringly about the high wear resistance of the tires, low noise levels, and comfort. Rubber easily swallows small holes and joints.

Advantages

• noiselessness;
• wear resistance;
• smoothes out road unevenness;
• good cross-country ability.

Flaws

• fuel consumption increases;
• does not like compacted snow.

GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1

Rating: 4.6

The American manufacturer of automobile rubber GOODYEAR decided to make universal Velcro for cars and crossovers. The company's engineers took this step because of the high efficiency of the V-shaped pattern with 3D-BIS lamellas. By increasing the number of edges, the adhesive qualities of Velcro have increased. With the same tread pattern, the Ultra Grip Performance SUV Gen-1 tires are distinguished by reinforced sidewalls and an increased contact patch size. Experts paid attention to the reduction in the size of the tread blocks, so the rubber clings well to compacted snow.

Domestic motorists did not like the excessive softness; the weak point is the cord. There are no complaints about directional stability or noise level.

Advantages

• noiselessness;
• excellent road holding;
• good maneuverability;
• elasticity.

Flaws

• weak cord;
• excessive softness.

Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2

Rating: 4.5

Japanese engineers focused on cross-country ability when developing the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 winter tires. Unlike previous generations, Velcro effectively removes water from the contact patch, and the tread is well cleared of snow. Therefore, the rubber confidently copes with both wet and snowy roads. The manufacturer has also strengthened the sidewalls of the tires, so SUV owners can now overcome difficult areas without fear. The model closes the TOP 6 of our review due to rutting and a long braking distance in slushy snow.

Russian users praise Japanese Velcro for directional stability on any road, high cross-country ability, and smoothing out road irregularities.

Advantages

• resistance to aquaplaning;
• permeability;
• noiselessness;
• smoothing out road irregularities.

Flaws

• difficult to get out of a rut;
• long braking distance on ice and slush.

Which winter studded tires should you choose in 2021?

Choosing wheels is a responsible matter that requires a lot of time and energy. Everyone sees their own option as the best, but it is important to consider a number of factors before purchasing:

• release date – tires can be safely stored for 24 months;
• level of wear resistance - it is measured in units, with the standard indicator starting from 100;
• speed index - optimal indicator of S and T ;
• load – it is better to focus on increased parameters;
• sidewall reinforcement.

The last factor is very important in the conditions of Russian realities. The strong sidewall increases resistance to damage.

2 types of patterns provide the greatest traction

• non-directional symmetrical;
• non-directional asymmetrical.

Rating of the quietest studded tires

Now let’s move on to the main question: which studded tires are the quietest. To test tires, experts drive on slush, ice, dry and wet asphalt at different speeds. Also during the inspection, the noise level outside the car and in the cabin is taken into account. Based on the latest indicators, the TOP4 was compiled:

1. Michelin X-Ice North 3.
2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8.
3. Continental ContiIceContact.
4. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice Arctic.

Now you know which winter tires are the quietest. Let's look at the features of the leader of this list.