The best winter tires R18

In the cold season, when the roads are covered with snow and ice, it is possible to talk about safe and comfortable driving only when using the best winter tires R18 or another standard size, depending on the characteristics of the car. This TOP includes studded and non-studded tires, which received the largest number of positive reviews. These are hard-wearing, quiet, durable tires with a soft ride and excellent surface stability.

Winter tires R18 which company is better to choose

The list of the best companies includes Asian, European, American manufacturers, whose products are of high quality, comfort and safety of operation in various weather conditions.

• Nokian Tires - a Finnish tire manufacturer, among which models designed for operation in difficult climatic conditions are especially popular. They are designed for installation in trucks, commercial vehicles, and passenger cars. Their peculiarity lies in the elastic composition, which retains its softness even at low temperatures, as well as in good directional stability, low noise level and ease of control of the machine.
• Bridgestone Is a Japanese company producing car tires in the middle and premium price segment. The company began its activity in 1931 and today offers a wide range of products, which includes both studded rubber and Velcro. Their main advantages are abrasion resistance, low noise level, smooth running, strong sidewalls.
• Gislaved - this brand specializes in the development and production of car tires for northern countries, therefore they can withstand the effects of low temperatures without any problems and do not lose their elasticity. Its products are characterized by stability on the surface, reliable grip on ice and snow, calm behavior at high speeds and turns.
• Pirelli & C Is an Italian company that manufactures tires that are sold in the middle and premium price ranges. Its headquarters are located in Milan. The plant produces studded and non-studded tires for passenger cars, both small and SUVs, crossovers and mini-vans. She has summer, all-season, winter options in her catalog that perform well on both dry and wet surfaces.
• Goodyear Is an American company supplying rubber and polymer products for the industry and the automotive market. It began its work in 1898 thanks to Frank Seiberling, who is its founder. The headquarters of the firm is located in the USA, in Akron, Ohio. The manufacturer offers some of the world's best winter tires R18, R15, R16 and other standard sizes. It also has all-season and summer options for passenger cars. They are bought because of the simplicity of transport control, good directional stability on the road, excellent grip on ice and snow, and also because of the presence of strong sidewalls that increase the service life of the product.
• Michelin Is a French company for the production of premium tires, one of the leaders in this field in the European market. Its headquarters and factory are located in Clermont-Ferrand. Today in the assortment of the company there is rubber for both classic cars and sports cars. The brand's products are actively used in auto and motorcycle races, for example, they were seen in Formula 1.Such its popularity is due to its high resistance to friction and low temperatures, acceptable noise level, soft and smooth running.
• Toyo Tire & Rubber Co., Ltd. Is a Japanese firm headquartered in Osaka that sells mid-range and premium rubber. It has models for sports cars, minivans, vans and light vehicles. They are distinguished by an innovative tread design, the possibility of safe and comfortable use at high speeds, maneuverability, and tight contact with the road surface.

The best budget winter tires

Rating of the best winter tires R18

The main selection criteria for each rubber in this TOP were safety, comfort and efficiency of its operation. This combination avoids accidents and inconveniences, but sometimes leads to a high price for products. Therefore, when compiling the rating, we also paid attention to the ratio of price and quality of products.

Here's what else was taken into account during the tire selection:

• Rubber type - studded or velcro;
• Profile and dimensions;
• Tire weight;
• Maximum possible load on one wheel;
• Speed ​​index;
• Composition of the rubber compound;
• Duration of maintaining elasticity at low temperatures;
• The degree of wear resistance;
• Number of lamellas;
• The type of tread pattern is directional or non-directional, asymmetric or symmetrical.

Also, when preparing the review, we paid attention to the simplicity and comfort of driving, directional stability, noise level and responsiveness to steering turns.

The best winter studless tires

The best winter studded tires R18

Studded winter tires R18 are designed for use in severe weather conditions that are typical for certain regions of Russia. It is suitable for use in low temperatures and during rain, on icy and snow-covered roads. Spikes, in large numbers located on the surface of the tires, allow her to withstand all this. Check out the top three winners in this category.

Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV 265/60 R18 114T

Tires from the manufacturer Nokian are specially designed for SUVs and crossovers. They are made using a special studding technology that guarantees them flawless grip on snowy and ice-covered roads. In this regard, rubber behaves calmly and confidently in extreme conditions, including at very low temperatures.

The tread of this model is thought out to the smallest detail, in particular, the number of checkers has been increased to expand the stud area and reduce the noise level generated by the studs. They are also chosen for their durability and high-quality adhesion to any surface. The tires have one of the highest speed indexes - T, which allows you to accelerate the car to 190 km / h without discomfort and risk.

Advantages

• 12 months warranty from the date of purchase;
• Maximum possible load - up to 1180 kg per tire;
• Do not knock when driving fast;
• The car does not skid when cornering;
• Ease of driving.

disadvantages

• The price is slightly above average.

In the reviews they write that this rubber is not suitable for every driver; it makes sense to spend money on it only if you need to drive frequently on difficult, heavily snow-covered areas, for example, outside the city. In other operating conditions, any simpler option is quite suitable.

Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 255/55 R18 109T

The Bridgestone tire is a premium tire with high quality workmanship. This product is interesting primarily because of its versatility - it can be installed both on small cars and on SUVs or crossovers. Rubber is quite soft and practically does not harden at low temperatures, which is due to the addition of special components to its composition.

The Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 255/55 R18 109T has strong sidewalls for increased durability and good performance on snow. On ice, however, this tire behaves less confidently, especially at high speeds.But in general, it is characterized by the absence of slipping and good directional stability, even with an active driving style. It provides a smooth ride and allows you to drive through fields and country roads without discomfort.

Advantages

• Rides smoothly and confidently holds the road;
• Good "rakes" out of snow drifts;
• Predictable behavior;
• The thorns fit securely;
• Does not "prowl" and feels great at freezing temperatures.

disadvantages

• Considerable fuel consumption;
• It makes a little noise on the ice.

According to reviews, this R18 winter tire shows adequate wear in the stud area over time. It occurs evenly over the entire area, which allows the rubber to be used efficiently and safely.

Gislaved Nord Frost 200 SUV

It is a winter studded tire designed for passenger cars - crossovers and SUVs. The test results showed that the rubber guarantees good grip on the icy road due to the increased number of studs, but still it has a long stopping distance. It behaves calmly at medium speeds, but when accelerating, it does not react very quickly to steering turns, which causes certain difficulties during cornering.

The Gislaved Nord Frost 200 SUV is characterized by quiet driving and economical fuel consumption. It copes well with overcoming asphalt areas covered with rolled snow and a small layer of ice. The model is equipped with an asymmetric tread pattern, which significantly improves contact with the road surface and improves the quality of machine control on almost any type of surface.

Advantages

• Decently resists aquaplaning;
• Behaves confidently on the snow slush;
• Practically non-slip on wet asphalt;
• Retains its elasticity at low temperatures;
• Provides effective braking.

disadvantages

• Its stability on ice is worse than on snow.

The rubber has a large number of drainage grooves that connect to each other at various angles. This prevents water and melted snow from entering the tire tread, and also accelerates their removal to the outside.

The best winter studless tires R18

On tires that do not have studs, it is recommended to ride only in relatively warm, not very snowy winters, when too much ice does not form on the roads. We reviewed the most interesting offers from manufacturers in this area and added 4 best R18 winter tires to this category in terms of value for money, as well as in terms of safety and ease of use.

Pirelli Ice Zero FR 235/45 R18 98H

Tires manufactured by Pirelli are designed for use in less severe winters. They do not have spikes, but the stopping distance is quite short. One of their features is a large rectangular contact patch, which guarantees more reliable interaction with the roadway and excellent directional stability. It is made from a special rubber compound, so it does not lose its elasticity even in cold weather.

The R18 winter tire Pirelli Ice Zero FR 235/45 R18 98H has a unique symmetrical tread pattern and a shaped central rib to optimize the grip of the rubber on the road surface. It also speeds up the removal of dirt, water and snow from the grooves. The latter are quite deep here, transverse and longitudinal design, which allows the tires to successfully resist aquaplaning. Together with the sharp edges along the contour of the blocks, this provides a tighter grip on snow.

Advantages

• Good drainage system;
• Excellent handling on snow and ice;
• Soft start;
• Fast, but not harsh braking;
• The car does not throw to the sides.

disadvantages

• On ice you need to drive more carefully due to the lack of thorns.

Goodyear Ultra Grip 8 Performance 255/60 R18 108H

This is another mid-budget tire in our ranking that has the characteristics of a premium model.With a diameter of R18, it is compatible with passenger cars weighing up to 4000 kg, such a limited load index imposed 108. The manufacturer positions it as a rubber for a city whose roads are cleared of snow. The tire exhibits flawless grip on snow and shortens the braking distance despite the absence of studs.

The Goodyear Ultra Grip 8 Performance 255/60 R18 108H has a directional tread pattern formed by multiple hydrodynamic grooves. This ensures fast and complete removal of moisture from the contact area, which reduces the risks of aquaplaning on the road and thereby increases the comfort of driving in various weather conditions. This model is maneuverable, even at high speeds, and has optimal traction on snowy road surfaces. This balance can be explained by the combination of 3 types of lamellas in the design.

Advantages

• The braking distance is reduced by 6%;
• Directional stability on the road;
• Wide center rib for easy driving;
• A sufficient amount of silica in the rubber compound;
• Optimal tread block rigidity;
• Long-term preservation of elasticity.

disadvantages

• I would like less rolling resistance.

In the rating of winter tires R18 Goodyear Ultra Grip 8 Performance 255/60 R18 108H stand out, in particular, for the fact that they are designed for speeds up to 210 km per hour, but it is obvious that to accelerate the car to such indicators in the cold season, especially on ice, not very safe.

Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 245/45 R18 100V

We present radial type passenger tires without a tube, which are perfect for installation on high-speed cars due to the possibility of safe acceleration of the car up to 240 km per hour. But at the same time, the maximum load on one wheel should not exceed 900 kg, which allows it to be mounted on crossovers. This model has no thorns, so it is not recommended to use it in severe winters.

In general, Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 245/45 R18 100V withstands the effects of low temperatures with dignity, provides reliable contact with the road surface, including outside the city, provides a soft and smooth ride even at high speeds. The rubber calmly reacts to contact with an icy surface and has excellent directional stability, which makes it easier to control transport, guarantees ride comfort and safety.

Advantages

• Rides almost silently;
• Does not slip on the road surface;
• The car does not skid when cornering;
• The car does not throw from side to side;
• Fast braking.

disadvantages

• Weighs 13.7 kg.

In principle, despite the absence of studs, the car with such tires behaves confidently in various weather conditions, both on wet and dry roads, including those covered with packed snow.

Toyo Observe GSi-5 275/65 R18 114Q

Tires of this brand are included in the rating because of their versatility. Despite the absence of studs, they show good stability and maneuverability in both snowy and icy areas. However, certain skills are required for safe and effective management, so it is not recommended to buy them for beginners.

Toyo Observe GSi-5 275/65 R18 114Q can load up to 1180 kg per wheel. The maximum acceleration speed of a car on these tires is 160 km per hour. However, the reviews note that when driving very fast, small drifts occur and you need to drive a car even more carefully. This rubber has a V-shaped directional tread pattern and is effective in rains, in excess of melt water and on snow, as it wicks away well.

Advantages

• Excellent grip;
• Low likelihood of aquaplaning;
• Obedience in management;
• Not afraid of low temperatures;
• Excellent wear resistance.

disadvantages

• Noisy.

This tire is often purchased for installation on taxi service cars, as it wears out slowly under high loads.

Which winter tires R18 is better to buy

Studded tires are better suited for safe and comfortable riding in harsh winter conditions such as ice.They provide good traction and effective braking, make the car more stable and reduce the likelihood of skidding when cornering. But due to its specificity, such tires are quite noisy, and also wear out quickly when driving on a dry road. Therefore, for operation in a relatively warm period, the most optimal solution would be to buy tires without studs.

Here are the R18 winter or non-studded studded tires to buy, depending on the situation:

• For driving outside the city on snowy roads, Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 8 SUV 265/60 R18 114T is perfect.
• Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000 255/55 R18 109T is often chosen for installation on both light vehicles and large vehicles in order to overcome icy areas.
• A comfortable and safe ride in the city at very low temperatures is guaranteed by the Gislaved Nord Frost 200 SUV.
• For the operation of rubber in urban conditions, when the roads are regularly cleaned of snow and ice, the best solution would be to buy Pirelli Ice Zero FR 235/45 R18 98H.
• Goodyear Ultra Grip 8 Performance 255/60 R18 108H rubber feels great on rolled snow.
• For high-speed vehicles, drivers are advised to install the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 245/45 R18 100V model.
• In cities where winters are often rainy and humid, the Toyo Observe GSi-5 275/65 R18 114Q is ideal.

The R18 tires presented in our rating have shown themselves well in numerous tests. However, its behavior may differ in each case, depending on the operating conditions. Therefore, when choosing, buyers are advised to carefully study all the advantages and disadvantages of the model they like.