15 best budget winter tires

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

In winter, because of a slippery surface or snow porridge, there is a greater likelihood than in summer that a car will slip into a skid even at a speed of 60-80 km / h. But if the average daily temperature is already close to +5 … + 7 degrees, and there is not enough money to “change shoes” a car, then it remains only to consider buying budget winter tires. We have conducted research and prepared a list of the best options from the low-cost segment of goods that have good characteristics and have positive reviews.

Recommendations for choosing winter tires

To make the right choice of inexpensive winter tires, remember the following key parameters:

1. The softness of the composition. The more elastic the winter tires are, the better they will cling to the frozen asphalt. It will also affect the softness of the passage of irregularities, since the fluid in the shock absorbers in winter is denser and they work harder. To increase the elasticity of the compound, manufacturers add an increased content of silica to it. Since there is nowhere to read the percentage composition, buyers can only try to feel the tires with their fingers. Tires should flex, not appear 'plastic'.
2. Number of lamellas. These are additional slots on the checkers, which open when in contact with the road and create numerous edges for engagement. The more there are, the more stable the car's behavior on the winter road will be. Even in budget tires, there can be from 3 to 10 such slots on each block.
3. The width of the grooves. Water can be efficiently drained through narrow grooves, but slush is coarser and needs wide grooves from 3 to 10 mm. The more such elements in the tread pattern, the faster the wheel will clear snow and the denser the contact patch will be.
4. Grousers. If you look closely at the shoulder of the tire, you can see the ridges at the corners of the transition from the running zone to the sidewall. The depth of the grooves between the protrusions varies from 10 to 20 mm. The larger it is, the easier it will be in winter to get out of the rut by car.
5. Profile height. Although the car looks more sporty on low-profile tires of 35-55 mm, for winter it is worth choosing tires with a maximum allowable profile height of 65-75 mm. The higher it is, the less problems with the suspension will be, since the sidewall of the tire is the first to take the blows from the frozen ice. With a small sidewall area, these effects are transferred to shock absorbers, silent blocks and the chassis.
6. The remaining selection criteria are the diameter of the discs and the type of rubber (studded or non-studded). For city driving, it is better to use smaller tires, as this will provide a more comfortable ride in winter conditions. But if the car is planned to move off the highway, then the larger diameter of the discs will help to increase the clearance. Now let's look at the pros and cons of budget studded tires.

Rating of the best budget winter tires

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Budget Studded Winter Tires	1	Pirelli ice zero	RUB 2,749
	2	Nokian Tires Nordman 7	RUB 2,470
	3	Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03	RUB 2,447
	4	Sava Eskimo STUD	2 300 rub.
	5	Hankook Tire Winter iPike RS2	2 320 RUB
	6	Toyo Observe Ice-Freezer	2 340 rub.
	7	Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000S	RUB 2,489
Best Budget Winter Velcro Tires	1	GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice +	RUB 2,400
	2	Yokohama Ice Guard IG60	RUB 2,780
	3	Pirelli ice zero FR	RUB 2,749
	4	Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ	2 387 rub.
	5	Toyo Observe Gsi-5	RUB 2 200
	6	Kumho I'Zen KW31	RUB 2 250
	7	Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02	RUB 2 450
	8	Triangle Group TR777	RUB 1,739

Best Budget Studded Winter Tires

The presence of studs on winter tires makes the car more stable when driving on frozen asphalt or ice. But these tires are noisier. Here are the best budget models selected by experts for winter use.

Pirelli ice zero

Rating: 4.9

In the first place in the category of budget-class studded winter tires, the experts put goods from an Italian manufacturer. The rubber is available in 100 sizes for rims ranging from 14 to 21 inches. The tread pattern is distinguished by blocks of complex shape with 5 corners and an abundance of sipes, which increases grip on the track. The rejection of the classic longitudinal ribs and 'herringbone' endowed the treadmill with greater functionality for removing the snow slurry and increased the contact patch area.

The experts singled out this budget model as the best in braking. This is ensured by the special shape of the studs created using the Dual Stud technology. The front side has a wide rim that slows down rotation more effectively. The back side is diamond-shaped, so it pierces the ice better – starting in a car will turn out more confidently and without slipping. According to reviews, metal inserts wear off or fall off rather slowly compared to other winter tires. This is due to the presence of tungsten carbide in the composition, which also brings products to the top section.

Advantages

• available in 100 standard sizes;
• manufactured in Italy;
• good 'keep' the winter dry road;
• high wear resistance.

disadvantages

• spikes are mounted only in the shoulder area;
• no options for R13 wheels;
• overheats if you drive over 140 km / h.

Nokian Tires Nordman 7

Rating: 4.8

Second place for a budget product from the manufacturer Nokian. The Nordman 7 winter tire series stands out for its classic one-piece rib with a V-split. By the diameter of the disc, it can be purchased for R13-17. There are 62 standard sizes in total, but not all are available from sellers. The feature of the development is the use of several types of sipes on one tread at once. Some slots are self-locking due to a three-dimensional design, which improves the stability of the winter tires on ice. The owners of such winter tires are pleased with the reviews of the good cross-country ability on the snow porridge and say that the digging blades are now rusting in the trunk.

Winter tires are notable for the presence of 3 sipes on each block working in the shoulder area. This adds traction when the vehicle is turning. Maneuvering on such tires on winter roads will be much more accurate and confident.

Advantages

• serve 50-60 thousand km of winter run;
• good lateral stability when maneuvering;
• there are several types of sipes in the tread;
• polygonal thorn shape.

disadvantages

• do not exceed the speed over 190 km / h;
• thorns only at the edges;
• metal inserts promote the formation of microcracks around their seats.

Dunlop SP Winter Ice 03

Rating: 4.7

Further, budget winter tires from the Dunlop brand. This particular Ice 03 series is manufactured at the company's plant in Turkey. The model has V-shaped grooves with an exit width of 10 mm. This contributes to the accelerated removal of loose snow. The metal hooks are distributed not only along the edges of the running area, but also in the center. The tire is produced in 30 standard sizes, starting from the rim diameter R14. The maximum figure is 20 inches. The tire was developed by tire makers specifically for use in northern European countries. The tread pattern guarantees directional stability. Due to the elongated blocks, the contact patch has good grip, which contributes to intensive deceleration on winter roads.

Experts considered the budget class winter tire to be the best in sidewall strength, which is confirmed by buyers in the reviews. The compound in this part has a seal that protects the tire from cuts when parking near a curb. Even if you drive onto the stones, you can not be afraid of wheel damage.

Advantages

• soft compound – comfortable to drive through irregularities;
• good value for money;
• effective braking;
• high tractive effort.

disadvantages

• the maximum speed is limited to 190 km / h;
• no size for 13th discs;
• a little noisy – there is a low-frequency hum;
• doesn't 'like' the rut.

Sava Eskimo STUD

Rating: 4.6

These are budget tires for winter use from the Slovenian brand Sava Eskimo. The tread design was made according to a patented design from Goodyear, so on these wheels the car obediently keeps the set course. To protect the compound from rapid wear, the manufacturer added polymers containing silicon to the composition. This not only increased the strength of the rubber, but also promoted optimal elasticity. A feature of the tread is a solid central rib, from which branches off in the form of a herringbone. This helps to maintain a smooth ride at speeds over 100 km / h.

The feature of budget class winter tires is 3D-BIS technology. The three-dimensional system of tread blocks is distinguished by the increased number of sipes, which does not affect the strength of the blocks. This became possible due to the presence of convex hemispheres on the inner walls of the lamellas. On contact with the road, they open and form additional elements for grip. Such bumps easily cut through the water film and break the snow.

Advantages

• steel rods are firmly embedded in the rubber;
• good handling;
• clearly keep a given course on ice;
• special shape of hexagon spikes.

disadvantages

• only 20 standard sizes;
• no tires for 13 discs;
• heat up after 140 km / h;
• hum when cornering and maneuvering.

Hankook Tire Winter iPike RS2

Rating: 4.5

Korean manufacturer Hankook offers the Winter iPike RS2 budget winter tires, which are available in 66 sizes for R13-19 wheels. The tread pattern is notable for the hexagonal blocks located in the center. They increase the traction of the wheels with the surface in any direction of travel. Side bumps in the shoulder area have the ability to accumulate and tamp snow, which helps a little when driving on an unclean track. In the reviews, owners like the improved drain groove performance. If the machine gets into a deep puddle, then the water is quickly pumped out of the contact patch and removed to the outside.

We have highlighted the tires as the best as they have a new spike pattern. Metal pins are placed not only at the edges, but also in the central part, and the longitudinal rows turned out not to be 10 (like most winter models), but 12. Therefore, in the category of budget goods, this is the best option for keeping the car on bare ice.

Advantages

• easily walks on packed snow;
• 'bites' into ice;
• smooth running due to the soft compound;
• if you drive quietly, the studs remain in place after winter.

disadvantages

• poorly “keep” the road in a loose porridge – wagging the backside;
• noisy tires on bare asphalt;
• worse cleaned of snow.

Toyo Observe Ice-Freezer

Rating: 4.4

Winter passenger budget tires from the Japanese brand Toyo have a V-shaped pattern of symmetrical structure and directional action. The model is available for rims from 14 to 19 inches. A total of 29 standard sizes are available. The tire is intended for small and medium-sized passenger cars. The arrow-shaped blocks of the central part have a rigid connection to each other, so the wheels do not 'walk' at speeds over 100 km / h. The owners in the reviews note good grip, both longitudinal and transverse, as well as soft overcoming of bridge joints. The lamellas are placed on only in the running zone, but even go to the sidewalls, so cornering on such winter tires is especially accurate.

Experts considered the budget product to be the best, as it has spikes that last longer than other winter models. This is achieved due to the increased size of the flange, which acts as a base, sealed in the rubber. On the contrary, the pin housing is reduced, so the protruding structure experiences less stress when it comes into contact with clean asphalt.

Advantages

• large load index – 615 kg;
• even distribution of thorns;
• good grip when accelerating;
• confident braking.

disadvantages

• you have to wait for the delivery of goods for several months;
• make a lot of noise.

Bridgestone Ice Cruiser 7000S

Rating: 4.4

Budget winter tires from the Japanese manufacturer are available in 28 standard sizes for R13-17 rim diameters. The load index allows it to be used on vehicles with axle weights up to 475 kg. The maximum permitted speed is 190 km / h. The manufacturer took an interesting step by equipping winter tires with two longitudinal grooves. This affected the reduction of aquaplaning – if they get into a deep puddle in a cool spring, then the water is drained out much faster than on the classic 'herringbone'. All sipes on the tire are laterally positioned and work to increase traction when driving straight ahead and back. The grooves actively narrow and widen, so the wheel maintains its shape stability under varying loads. This design feature actively helps to keep the course on bad roads.

This is another winter budget model with a reinforced sidewall, for which the product made it to the list of the best. Pay attention to the side protrusions of the tire. They rise above the total surface by 2 mm. This provides additional protection when coming into contact with protruding roots, reinforcement or sharp curb edges.

Advantages

• do not dub in the cold;
• paddle well on freshly fallen snow;
• guaranteed to last 5 winter seasons;
• the spikes are firmly attached to the seats.

disadvantages

• when driving, the bumps are a little hard;
• actively burrow when slipping.

Best Budget Winter Velcro Tires

Non-studded rubber is called 'Velcro', because due to the soft compound it is firmly pressed to the road surface, hugging bumps and protrusions. This improves traction and reduces noise when driving onto bare asphalt. Here are a selection of expertly handpicked budget models with these characteristics.

GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice +

Rating: 4.9

Budget tires from the North American brand are made for small and medium-sized cars under 13-17 wheel diameters. There are 45 standard sizes in total. The model features a solid rib with a directional pattern, which is good for starting and maintaining directional stability. Even such a structure of the budget tire contributed to an increased load index of 530 kg, which is a rarity in this category of goods. The design of the tire refers to the patented V-TRED theology, which provides for an increased number of edges. Judging by the reviews of the drivers, it is impossible to slip into a skid on budget Velcro.

Our experts noted the rubber as the best in behavior in severe frosts. These tires were developed by an American company specifically for the harsh winter conditions of operation in northern Europe, Canada and, of course, Russia. For this, the DualCapCompound technology was applied. The outer layer of the compound is soft and provides a comfortable overcoming of obstacles, and also does not “stiffen” at -30 degrees. The inner layer of the budget tire remains permanently tough, helping to maintain the correct wheel shape.

Advantages

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

disadvantages

• quickly clogged with loose snow;
• soft sidewall.

Yokohama Ice Guard IG60

Rating: 4.8

The budget rubber is produced by the Japanese brand in 96 standard sizes for 13-19-inch disks. In these Velcro, the manufacturer has applied Quattro Pyramid Dimple technology. This means that the walls of the cuts of the lamellas have a pyramidal structure inside. This arrangement 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 the budget Velcro to keep the correct shape.

We have singled out the budget model as the best 'Velcro' for efficient handling on icy surfaces. Note the non-standard tire pattern. It has an asymmetrical design with straight inner blocks and oblique outer blocks. This provides stable grip when driving straight and cornering. Traction edges provide high traction – budget tires will help you feel confident on the ice and even save some fuel.

Advantages

• zigzag sipes increase the number of coupling elements;
• tires drain melt water well;
• increased tire tensile and tear strength;
• quiet driving on asphalt.

disadvantages

• hard to find tires for R13 wheels;
• low speed index – 160 km / h.

Pirelli Ice Zero FR

Rating: 4.7

The non-studded winter tire from Pirelli is available in 90 sizes and is designed for rim diameters from R14 to R21. Looking at the tread pattern, the extended 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 'rump'. Buyers in the reviews note a long service life – for 4 winter seasons with a total mileage of 125,000 km, the tread depth from 8.3 mm becomes 5.8 mm, which allows it to be used 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 permits each wheel to be loaded up to 775 kg, despite the fact that this is a tire for passenger cars, not SUVs. We recommend taking a closer look at the budget product for owners of pickups or minivans.

Advantages

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

disadvantages

• no options for 'classic';
• on the ice carries the tail.

Bridgestone Blizzak Revo GZ

Rating: 4.7

Another budget model on the list with an asymmetrical pattern. Japanese tires are available in 227 standard sizes, but it is possible to find about 15 options on sale. The most 'running' ones are R13, 14 and 16 inches. Unique tread design contributes to precise steering response. To create a compound, the revolutionary Multicell Compd GZ technology was applied, which makes the rubber microporous. This increases its grip on uneven winter road surfaces. According to customer reviews, tire wear over four winters is no more than 20%. Owners also like the self-cleaning properties of a budget tire, which work even at a speed of 40 km / h.

According to the editors of the magazine, tires are the best in terms of maneuvering on winter country roads. If there is a track from a truck or a tractor, and you are not on the way, then it will be easy to get out of it thanks to the high lugs in the shoulder area. Another budget Velcro is notable for the presence of rare standard sizes R12, which is suitable for a scooter. It is safe to take short trips around the city in winter on a moped.

Advantages

• tires do not make noise;
• slight wear;
• reduced fuel consumption;
• perfectly remove the snow porridge.

disadvantages

• 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

Budget winter velcro from a Japanese manufacturer are created with a high content of silica in the composition, which ensures the softness of the compound. Tires perfectly compensate for uneven road surfaces and rough work 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, the grip of the wheels on a wet surface is increased. The tread design features a solid center rib, hexagonal blocks in the running area and rectangles on the 'shoulders'. This configuration was able to withstand loads of up to 670 kg.

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

Advantages

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

disadvantages

• you can not pick up speed over 160 km / h;
• wear faster than other tires.

Kumho I'Zen KW31

Rating: 4.5

These are tires from a Korean manufacturer, produced at manufacturing facilities in China, which explains the budget cost. The model is presented for disks 13-19 inches and has a profile height of 35 to 70 mm. The tread pattern is distinguished by a solid center rib and additional elongated longitudinal blocks. The shoulder area consists of rectangles of greater and lesser length. All this contributes to directional stability and helps to maintain the shape of the wheel with a sharp change in direction. In 2017, the publishing house Tut.by conducted tire tests and found that the budget model dismantles excellent braking on dry asphalt, but easily clogs up from loose snow. In the reviews, buyers are satisfied with the quiet operation of the tires.

Experts rated these tires as the best in terms of affordability for purchase in any region of Russia. The budget product is available in many online and offline stores. Moreover, out of the possible 72 standard sizes, more than 50 are on sale. Such tires will not have to wait for months or order in advance in the summer, but “change shoes” immediately when the cold weather sets in.

Advantages

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

disadvantages

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

Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02

Rating: 4.5

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

Experts have put tires in the list of the best budget tires for their excellent durability. The compound contains substances that slow down the aging of rubber. Polymers tolerate contact 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 'dubin' at -35 degrees;
• behave well in a snow porridge;
• high wear resistance;
• suitable for any type of drive, even full.

disadvantages

• start 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

Completing the category of budget winter tires is a product from the Chinese manufacturer Triangle. Even without any stocks, the cost of these tires is the cheapest compared to Korean or Japanese. Winter tires are produced in 160 standard sizes and are suitable for passenger cars from the smallest class with R13 discs to large sedans with R19 disc diameter. 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 siping system that 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, they have a wide central rib, which has no analogues in competitors' models. Due to the continuous layer of rubber, less air enters the running area, so there is no rumble in the cabin when accelerating. But this design did not affect the traction properties, since the rib is endowed with many undulating sipes, which create additional edges for engagement.

Advantages

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

disadvantages

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

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.