ROME – From November 15, the obligation to equip oneself with winter tires starts, putting aside the summer train until April. But which one to choose? How to orient yourself on the offer? Here are all the latest tire news with prices and sizes. To arrive prepared in the workshop, and avoid last minute scams.
Compact car tires: a huge choice
Korean manufacturer Hankook puts the new RS2 on the market for your compact car: special signs? Transverse lamellae that preventaquaplaning and allow a high grip in case of snow: the “claw” shape traps the snowflakes, reducing stopping spaces on the snow-covered asphalt. Many sizes available from 13 “to 17”. Prices from 44 to 142 euros.
Bridgestone proposes its flagship product for the winter range, the Blizzak LM005: the directional arrow design with transverse grooves combines the 2D and 3D design improves its ability to evacuate water, maximizing its grip on snow and ice. The secret is also in the silica-based compound made with technology NanoPro-Tech which allows an “elastic” behavior (From 14 “to 21”. Prices from 60 to 357 euros). Also for high performance cars.
Very harsh winters? the Japanese recommend Blizzak Ice: bridgestone rubber capable of absorbing the water present on the surface of icy roads, increasing grip. The mix here is Multicell: reduces to the maximum braking and improve acoustic comfort inside the passenger compartment. (From 15 “to 21”. From 82 to 338 euros).
Michelin for this segment offers Alpin A4 specific for wet and snow: the Full Active Tread and Helio Compound compound allows optimal grip on the asphalt in any condition. The Contact Patch technology is also added, capable of distributing tire pressure evenly to improve responsiveness and control of the car (From 14 “to 17”. Prices from 74 to 318 euros).
…Target? Resistence!
At Michelin, the Alpin 6 is the latest in terms of winter tires. Studied with technology EverWinterGrip, boasts longitudinal channels on the tread that promise interesting braking and traction performance. Target? a more resistant structure and greater durability than the predecessor Alpin 5. (From 15 “to 20”. Prices from 70 to 277 euros).
Pirelli on the “resistance” front replies with the Cinturato Winter 2: the rubber exploits the particular adaptive technology of the 3d slat to make the tire effective even when the tread starts to wear out. How is it possible? Thanks to this technology, the sipes tend to take on a special shape over time, which keeps the grip high even in snowy conditions. Technology is added as appropriate for the home Seal Inside which – according to data in hand – makes the rubber intact in 85% of the possible accidental causes of punctures. (From 16 “to 20”. Prices from 92 to 290 euros).
The Germans propose the Continental WinterContact TS 870: the new composition “CoolChili” it allows for optimized performance in the wet, rolling resistance and high mileage: the reduced abrasion of the tire is due precisely to the flexible matrix of polymers inside the compound which increases the longevity of the rubber. (From 14 ” to 21 ”. Prices from 110 to 480 euros).
Specific tires for SUVs and 4x4s
Nokian propone il WR SUV 4: Specially developed for SUVs in Central Europe, ensuring the best performance in snow, mud and driving rain. The sturdy and durable construction, combined with the aramidic fiber sidewalls, ensures that the tire is stable and able to withstand the impacts that can occur while driving. Also suitable for electric and electrified cars. (From 16 ” to 21 ” – prices from 100 to 340 euros).
The Germans of Continental for cars and suvs of 2021 propose the new WinterContact ™ TS 860 S, successor to the TS 850 P. Compared to the past, the brand’s flagship winter rubber is provided by 4 blocks of longitudinal grooves on the structure, to improve braking (reduced by 4%) but also the risk of aquaplaning (decreased by 8%). Not only. The company talks about 5% improved braking on ice and tire life increasing by up to 16%. (From 16 to 21 ”. Prices from 100 to 345 euros).
Michelin for SUVs and 4×4 vehicles recommends the Latitude Alpin LA2 with Ridge N Flex structure and the Helio Compound 3G compound: the structure on the rubber has the aim of improving grip at low temperatures and making steering more precise in conditions of snow. (Measures from 16 ” to 20 ”. Prices from 128 to 396 euros).
Pirelli recommends the Scorpion Winter in this segment: designed for snow and ice conditions with excellent braking and traction capabilities. Also, with technologies Run Flat and Seal Inside can be continued even in the event of a puncture. Finally, the Pirelli Noise Canceling System allows, by means of a small sound-absorbing device, to reduce the noise perceived inside the passenger compartment by 50%. (From 16 “to 22”. Prices from 107 to 273 euros).
Bridgestone proposes the LM-25 4×4: robust tread design and technology Snow & Hydro Simulation which avoids the phenomena of aquaplaning with the longitudinal grooves that quickly eliminate the water from the rubber. In addition, the Rim-Guard technology able to “defend” the rim from collisions with sidewalks or protruding surfaces: the protective edge on the rim in fact absorbs involuntary touches avoiding possible scratches. (From 18 “to 19”. Prices from 156 to 197 euros).
For performance cars
Nokian WR A4 already starts with the 16 ” size and combines maneuverability and perfect grip on winter roads. It is recognizable because the central area of the tire is characterized by serrated sipes that resemble the footprint of a millipede (Centipede Siping). Prices from 80 to 180 euros. The latest innovation from the northern European manufacturer, however, is the Snowproof P for a modern and sporty combination of high-performance handling and grip even in sudden lane changes and on muddy back roads. The compound is Alpine Performance, able to prevent dangerous slushplaning. The new tread is equipped with lamella fitte (Dense siping) e scanalature longitudinali (Connected grooves), which effectively remove water and mud between tire and road. The Polished Grooves instead they also speed up the removal of water, allowing you to brake without delay. (From 17 to 21 ”. Prices from 120 euros)
Hankook for winter 2021 presented the Winter i * cept evo3, a Ultra High Performance developed for the sportier models, equipped with a Aqua Pine silica compound designed to improve performance in the wet. Particular signs? The design: it consists of two lateral grooves to facilitate the evacuation of snow and water, and of 3D sipes for a high grip even on ice. (From 17 “to 21”. Prices from 101 to 382 euros).
From Casa Pirelli it is the P Zero Winter that gives the best of itself for the cars SPORTS. The peculiarity is the asymmetrical tread, with three different sections: an internal shoulder with more sipes and grooves for high performance on snow; different central blocks, to improve dynamics in wet conditions; an even different exterior, with fewer sipes, for superior stiffness in dry conditions. (From 18 “to 22”. Prices from 137 to 439 euros).
Finally, Continental offers the WinterContact ™ TS 860 S: for performance on snow-covered surfaces combined with driving pleasure: thanks to the traction sipes and the dedicated longitudinal grooves. The Germans simultaneously promise dry steering precision and reduced rolling resistance for low fuel consumption. From 16 ” to 21 ”. Prices from 148 to 345 euros.
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