Tires are wheel elements in the form of special rubber products that are installed on the rim of the disc. These important components of the safe operation of the vehicle consist of several parts: frame, tread, etc. They ensure contact of the car with the road surface, absorb vibrations and vibrations when driving over pits, potholes and other defects.

The tires are winter and summer. The former are made of softer rubber compounds compared to the latter, have a different tread pattern, behave differently on dry and wet roads in warm weather and severe frost. There is also a special class of tires - all-season, designed for year-round use in the southern regions of the Russian Federation with a mild climate.

When snow melts and stable positive temperatures occur, it is necessary to replace winter tires with summer ones. Not all tire models provide reliable grip and good ride smoothness, contribute to effective braking and reduce fuel consumption.

Video: TOP 10 Best Summer Passenger Car Tires 2016

To feel confident and comfortable behind the wheel, you need to choose and buy quality tires for the summer.

Our today's rating is dedicated to the best examples of the tire market in 2016, suitable for passenger cars. But first, let's talk about the general points that you should pay attention to when choosing a new "car shoes" for the summer season.

Learn to read and decipher the markings (at least European). This is a useful skill that will allow you to quickly navigate the variety of tire models, independently (without additional questions to sales consultants) learn about the standard size, load capacity, speed potential and other characteristics of rubber from domestic and foreign manufacturers.

Standard size

Tire markings - basic designations

It is selected for each car individually. Available standard sizes of tires can be found in the vehicle operating instructions, on the official website of the automaker. One or more options are indicated.

1. The appearance of errors on the speedometer.
2. Friction of the front wheels on the arches when turning the steering wheel.
3. Accelerated.

Tread pattern

It can be symmetrical and asymmetrical, directional and non-directional. The most common is symmetrical non-directional. Differs in good characteristics of acoustic comfort, stability and reliability in control. Often included in OE tires for vehicles (ex factory).

Asymmetrical and symmetrical directional patterns are highly resistant to aquaplaning. The tread of these tires quickly and efficiently removes water from the contact patch.

Asymmetrical non-directional is the most sporty pattern. The tread is resistant to heavy loads. Provides a short braking distance. Allows the car to sharply enter corners, actively rebuild. Suitable for sporty-aggressive driving style.

Low Profile or High Profile Tires?

Low profile tires look more presentable. They are installed normally on sports cars and are used for tuning along with cast or forged wheels. They are characterized by increased rigidity. Better suited for active and high-speed driving on flat asphalt roads. They have high braking performance and improved traction.

Full profile tires are highly durable and durable. Better adapted to uneven road surfaces (holes, bumps). More practical and inexpensive. ... Contribute to a smoother vehicle ride, savings on suspension repairs.

Less precise in control. It is especially evident at high speed. They do not have high adhesion characteristics in comparison with low-profile ones. Tire with a standard (full) profile does not look so stylish.

Maximum lifting capacity and speed

Two indices. Indicated by digital (101, 103, 106, etc.) and letter designation (H, V, etc.). Each number and letter corresponds to an indicator in kilograms and km / h. High-speed sports summer tires are marked with indexes V (up to 240 km / h), W (no more than 270 km / h).

Model rating of the best summer tires of 2017

6th place. Cordiant Sport 3

In our rating, it is the only representative of domestic tire products. Produced by the Russian holding "Kordiant". In 2016, the range of sizes for the Sport 3 model was significantly expanded with 12 new variants. This gave new impetus to sales of the flagship summer tire from Cordiant.

It has an asymmetric tread pattern developed on the basis of a three-dimensional modeling method. The tire is based on the SPORT-MIX rubber compound with 2 types of rubber.

In the production of tires, two proprietary technologies are used - WET-COR and DRY-COR. Improves resistance to aquaplaning, increases the stability of the contact patch when entering corners.

Benefits

1. Affordable price compared to competitors.
2. Good stability of the machine on high-speed straight sections.

disadvantages

• insufficient acoustic comfort;
• questions arise during active taxiing at high speeds. They do not have high adhesion properties.

5th place. Dunlop SP Sport FM800

Made from modified rubber compound. The addition of new components, including a special highly dispersed Celica, has improved wet grip performance. There are 4 large longitudinal grooves in the tread pattern. They also work to improve handling on a wet track, reducing the risk of aquaplaning.

Compared to its predecessor model, the new member of the SP Sport family has increased the stiffness of the shoulder areas. This is reflected in stability and overall handling on dry asphalt surfaces.

Advantages and disadvantages

1. According to the European tire label, it has the highest rating ("A") for wet grip.
2. Large selection of available standard sizes (over 40).
3. High resistance to aquaplaning.
4. Brakes well on wet roads.

There are also disadvantages:

• slightly noisy;
• low grip characteristics on dry asphalt with more or less fast driving.

4th place. Yokohama ADVAN Fleva V701

Eco-friendly sports-grade tires. A unique component is added to the rubber compound (nanoBlend) - orange oil. Another special ingredient is polymer. It helps to reduce rolling resistance, that is, improves fuel efficiency.

Yokohama tires have a directional tread pattern with grooves of various shapes (lightning, claw-like, etc.). The unique tread design contributes to balanced performance on both dry and wet roads.

Benefits

1. Comfortable and smooth ride.
2. Allows you to feel confident on the wet road due to the high resistance to aquaplaning.
3. Good braking performance in rainy weather.

disadvantages

• "Blurry" handling at high speeds;
• not impressive in the characteristics of acceleration and braking on dry pavement.

3rd place. Michelin CrossClimate

Tires of a unique class "Summer +". Now 17 different sizes are available from R14 to R17. Suitable for operation in the summer, but show good performance in light frost, with sudden snow. They have a directional tread V-shaped pattern, the central place in which is assigned to deep channels for drainage. It also has special self-locking sipes.

Michelin tires are manufactured using an innovative rubber compound. Maintains optimal elasticity over a wide temperature range.

Video: How to choose summer tires? Which is better to buy?

The rubber of the German manufacturer uses EverGrip technology. It allows you to safely operate tires even with heavy tread wear.

Benefits

1. Good traction in lateral and longitudinal directions on wet roads.
2. Possibility of year-round operation in the cities of the southern regions of the Russian Federation.
3. High precision steering response.

disadvantages

• high cost;
• quite noisy.

2nd place. Nokian Hakka Green 2

The new member of the Hakka family with an asymmetric tread pattern. Replaced the first-generation Green model in 2016. The main differences are an improved hybrid rubber compound, an optimized tread pattern design, and increased fuel efficiency.

The tire also features long mileage and a large number of wear indicators (a droplet in the center rib, a digital line and crosses in the side blocks), signaling a deterioration in performance and the need for replacement.

In wet tests, the Nokian novelty received the highest "A" rating according to the tire labeling in Europe. This result was achieved due to 4 main grooves and additional groove-blades in the tread blocks. The tires also use Tires Coanda technology for more efficient wet grip.

Despite the light weight of the tires, Nokian engineers managed to make the sidewalls more durable with reinforced fiber. The breaker was also reinforced with a steel wire protected by a brass coating.

Video: Nokian Hakka Green 2 - reviews after 10,000 km. Wear test.

Benefits

1. High road safety in rainy weather.
2. Soft and comfortable.
3. Resistant to aquaplaning.
4. Good grip on dry asphalt.

disadvantages

• increased wear.

1st place. Bridgestone Potenza Adrenalin RE003

High-speed summer tires with gambling handling. Designed for middle class cars with a sporty character (for example, Golf GTI, Subaru BRZ, Toyota GT86, etc.). The main competitor is the ContiSportContact 6 from Continental. They replaced the RE002 model. Compared to its predecessor, there were 3 main changes:

1. The tread design has been improved.

The pattern is asymmetrical, with an unusual structure. The changes affected the location of the 3 main grooves, the structure of the blocks. As a result, the shape of the contact spot has been optimized.

2. The content of silica in the rubber compound has increased.

The manufacturer has increased the silica-based inner layer. Distributed silicon more evenly in the bus structure. This has resulted in improved performance.

3. The tire structure has been improved.

A new zigzag half-groove has been added to the 3 grooves. Together, they are responsible for increased tread stiffness and increased vehicle stability on the road. The center track is wider for more precise handling on dry roads.

Benefits

1. Excellent grip on dry and wet roads.
2. Precise and gambling control.
3. High directional stability.
4. Sidewall strength.
5. Actively resist aquaplaning.
6. Increased durability.

disadvantages

• hard on medium to poor roads;
• high price.

On the difficulties of choosing tires

When choosing a new set of tires for the summer season, you need to focus on the features of their operation (city or countryside, climatic conditions, etc.) and your personal preferences. Some tires are more comfortable and softer, the second - with perfected handling and sporty character, the third - completely specialized in safe driving in wet weather.

It is impossible to find rubber with perfectly balanced performance characteristics. That is why you have to look for and choose the most suitable model from several options, coming to a compromise solution.

Today the global tire market is under the control of a dozen global companies, whose names are known to any motorist. At the same time, products of a huge number of brands that actually belong to leading manufacturers and act as their "daughters" are presented on sale. They will be discussed below.

The largest activity of the largest tire brands in acquiring smaller and more successful manufacturers fell on the 90s of the XX century. For the acquired companies, this development of the situation was only beneficial. They were not only able to upgrade production equipment through financial injections, but also got access to advanced research and development developments carried out by market leaders. At the same time, if necessary, the companies in the head office could be helped by experienced specialists in case of such a need.

It should be noted that in terms of their characteristics, the products of sub-brands have minimal differences from the basic models, but differ in significantly more democratic prices. Often they are even made on the same conveyor, and the difference in price is the result of purely marketing policy and the need for the buyer to overpay for the promoted brand.

Below is a list of the main sub-brands, and for ease of information perception, they are divided by home regions of the parent companies.

European tire brands

Continental

The German concern Continental AG owns a dozen brands that supply a wide range of tires to the market, from motorcycles to special agricultural equipment. Continental products are characterized by predictability while driving and a high degree of durability. Today, the company's factories are located in most regions of the world, even in Australia, far from Europe.

Among the subsidiaries producing tires for vehicles:

• Barum (Czech Republic). The company's plant is located in Zlin and has been owned by the concern since 1995. The very same Barum company has existed since 1924.
• Matador (Slovakia). Slovak brand that has existed since the distant 1905. The rights to it have been owned by Continental for a little more than 10 years (since 2007).
• Gislaved (Sweden). A very old Swedish company dating back to 1883. It has been owned by the German concern since 1992.
• Uniroyal (United States). One of the first "daughters" of the company, which appeared back in 1979. The company dates back to 1892, and is located in Texas.

It is curious that in fact the Uniroyal belongs to Michelin, but in the European market it is Continental that acts as the copyright holder. This is due to the fact that the acquisition of the European division of the American company took place back in 1979, and the main brand was acquired by the French concern only in 1990.

Michelin

Initially, Michelin was engaged in the manufacture of bicycle tires, and today it has not only a dozen factories around the world, but also its own research and laboratory facilities. At the same time, the engineering staff of the company conducts advanced development in the field of tires, both in the interests of Michelin itself and its brands.

• BF Goodrich (United States). The company dates back to 1870. Its office is located in Ohio, and Michelin acquired it in 1988.
• Kleber (France). This asset has been owned by the concern since 1988. The company itself has been present on the tire market since 1945.
• Tigar (Serbia). The company's plant is located in the Serbian town of Pirot. It was acquired by Michelin in 2007.
• Kormoran from Poland

In addition, the French concern has several more "daughters": Pneu Laurent, Wolber, Tyremaster. These manufacturers are practically not represented on the Russian tire market, therefore it makes no sense to dwell on them.

Pirelli

The history of Pirelli began in the 19th century with the manufacture of bicycle tires. Until today, it has significantly expanded its capabilities, with 13 factories in various regions of the world. Almost all of them produce Pirelli tires, but there are two additional sub-brands in the manufacturer's structure.

• Formula (Italy). A young budget brand that appeared on the market only in 2012, and was originally created by Pirelli for its own money for the Eastern European market.
• Ceat (India). This brand is focused primarily on sales in Turkey and India.

Nokian

The concern was formed only in 1988, which makes it one of the youngest on the market. Nevertheless, the company has already managed to earn credibility and popularity. The company got its name from the name of the Finnish town of the same name.

A significant part of Nokian's products are originally intended for the Russian market. Its sub-brand is:

• Nordman. A budget brand under which outdated Nokian tires are often produced, which at one time enjoyed success in the market.

Japanese tire brands

Bridgestone

• Dunlop (UK). With more than a century of history, the brand is owned by two giants of the tire market Bridgestone and Goodyear. The purchase of the company by Japanese tire manufacturers took place in 1985, and after another 14 years, it sold part of its rights to Americans from Goodyear.

• Firestone (United States). American company that has existed since 1900 and acquired in 1988.

Toyo

Toyo was founded in the first half of the 40s of the XX century as a result of the merger of two companies engaged in the manufacture of a variety of rubber products. Today the Toyo brand is recognized all over the world, and its tires are sold in hundreds of countries around the world, representing all continents without exception. Today the manufacturer has two additional sub-brands.

Yokohama

The well-known Japanese manufacturer appeared in 1930 as one of the divisions of a company that produces cables together with representatives of BF Goodrich. The head office of the manufacturer is located in the Japanese capital Tokyo.

Tire brands from USA

Goodyear

Today, Goodyear tire brand products are widely distributed throughout the world. Tires with a corresponding inscription are installed not only on motorcycle and automobile equipment, but also on airplanes. They are characterized by high mechanical strength and operational reliability. This is fully typical for the tires of several sub-brands owned by the company. In terms of the ratio between cost and quality characteristics, they are among the best on the market.

• Dunlop (UK). The company owns a stake in the British company, having acquired it in 1999 from the Japanese Bridgestone, which previously fully owned the manufacturer.

• Sava (Slovenia). The company was founded in the town of Kranj back in 1931. Goodyear has been in ownership since the end of the 20th century (1998).

• Fulda (Germany). The company was founded at the very beginning of the 20th century, becoming the first European asset of the company. The purchase was made in 1969.

Today, not only the products of the parent company, but also all the subsidiaries of the American concern, without exception, enjoy fame and a positive reputation in the market.

Cooper

This American manufacturer produces a wide range of tires for passenger cars and trucks. Distinctive features of Cooper products are high reliability, decent performance and affordability for the consumer.

• Mickey Thompson (United States). The company bears the name of the famous racer who became its creator in 1963, and since 2003 it has been owned by Cooper.

The products of the sub-brand are not inferior in their parameters to the tires sold under the name of the parent company, but at the same time they are distinguished by even more favorable prices for the buyer for rubber of any size.

Tires from South Korea

Hankook

The South Korean manufacturer produces tires in a wide range of sizes and in a large number of modifications, allowing you to choose the right model for any situation. The concern has several subsidiaries, due to which the model range of tires belonging to Hankook becomes even more impressive and diverse.

Kumho

The rapid development of the Korean brand is associated with the period of cooperation with the American Uniroyal. Having received modern technologies in the 60s of the XX century, the company managed to bring the quality of its own tires to a different level, gaining serious competitive advantages over other regional tire suppliers.

Currently, Kumho is already positioning itself as one of the world's leaders in the tire industry. It owns the Marshal brand, which is less popular, but in terms of product quality, it practically does not differ from South Korean tires.

Today Marshal is represented primarily in European countries, and offers a combination of durability and safety on the road in various driving modes.

Chinese tires

Triangle

The company has been around since 1976, actively using acquired Goodyear technology and similar manufacturing equipment. At the same time, close cooperation has been established between the companies, and some of the Goodyear tires intended for sale in the European market are produced at Triangle enterprises.

Goodride

Today it is one of the largest tire companies in the Middle Kingdom, providing a significant part of the total volume of automobile tires produced in the country. The brand belongs to Hangzhou Zhongce Rubber Corporation.

Linglong

The company has existed since 1975 and is owned by private capital. Today the tire manufacturer is one of the leading companies in the industry. Linglong products are engaged in the production of tires designed to equip various types of transport (passenger, commercial, cargo).

Sunny

A relatively young manufacturer that appeared in 1988, and has a state ownership. The company is distinguished by large production volumes and specializes mainly in the budget segment of the market.

Firenza

The brand is owned by Sumo. She is also the owner of the SumoTire tire company. The brand has existed since 2007 and is rated as one of the most potentially attractive manufacturers. Firenza focuses on the combination of high technology and affordable cost.

Russian tires

Kama

The production facilities of the company are located in Nizhnekamsk in Tatarstan. The Nizhnekamskshina plant has existed since 1973, and occupies a leading position in the country in terms of the production of car tires.

Viatti

Another brand owned by the Nizhnekamskshina company located in the Republic of Tatarstan.

Cordiat

The owner of this brand is SIBUR - Russian Tires. The company was founded in 2002. Today SIBUR additionally owns the Tyrex brand. At the same time, the Russian company for the last eight years (since 2011) has been a member of the alliance with the tire manufacturer Matador (Slovakia), owned by Continental.

Amtel

A relatively small domestic manufacturer. The company was organized with funds from Indian capital back in 1987, but began producing tires only in 1999. Today the company is forming an international alliance with Vredestein (Netherlands).

Tire brands from the CIS

Belshina

The plant located in the Belarusian city of Bobruisk has been successfully operating since 1963 and is one of the largest tire manufacturers in the entire post-Soviet space. The company manufactures tires not only for cars, but also for trucks, selling them in various regions of the world. For example, Caterpillar mining dump trucks from the factory are equipped with tires from a Belarusian manufacturer.

Rosava

The largest tire manufacturer in Ukraine. The enterprise has existed since 1998, and is located on the territory of Bila Tserkva. The company offers products for various purposes, including for special equipment. Tires are sold not only in Ukraine, but also in other countries.

Tire production in other countries

It is necessary to understand that in the context of modern globalization of the economy, the region of origin of the brand and the location of production sites (factories) may not coincide. At the same time, situations are common when one plant simultaneously produces several tire models belonging to different brands.

Who owns the tire factories

If you can still figure out the organization of production, then the intricacies of company ownership are much more complex. Mutual purchase of shares is a common practice. For example, Bridgestone owns an 18.9% stake in the European manufacturer Nokian Tires, and the purchase was made by the European division of the Japanese manufacturer. The deal was worth $ 78.3 million (in 2003 prices).

At the same time, Bridgestone said that Nokian would remain an independent company and the new owners would not interfere with the work of the company. In turn, after two years, the production of Nokian truck tires was transferred to the Bridgestone plant located in Spain.

Subsequently, all securities were transferred to Bridgestone Corporation.

The correct guideline when choosing a new kit is reviews, and of a comparative nature. The appraisal of the product ratings of the 14 most popular brands is shocking. You can pay about 20,000 rubles for 4 new wheels and enjoy their quality only until the first pit. Sensible rubber is not a shortage. What are these models? What do they sacrifice in order to be worthy on Russian roads? Which one can be labeled as great value for money? Drivers from different regions of Russia give answers to these questions.

What does a good tire mean?

The concept of "cool" is different for everyone. We mainly focus on which tires are best to buy for the summer for normal civil use. This means that, first of all, the following are important:

• Strong sidewall: The tighter the side cord, the better the cut and bump resistance.
• Durability: a solid tire runs from 40,000-50,000 km or more.
• Resistance to aquaplaning - the product must successfully “cut” puddles at 110 km / h or more.
• Comfort - the softer and quieter the wheel rolls, the more enjoyable the ride.

Don't expect a tire to be decent at the same time. Any product of the tire industry is a balance between one group of qualities and another. For example, a product with a thick side cord has a worse ride smoothness, and a soft sole holds better, but wears out faster.

According to drivers and considering , criterion number 1 is the strength of the side part, and we will build on this. We will divide the review into two conditional blocks - premium and budget. The price limit between the classes is 3,000 rubles. This is for the most demanded sizes on the market - R14, R15. Despite the cost, the model rating is also relevant for larger classes of cars, for example, crossovers.

Which rubber from the premium group is best suited for the summer: assessment of durability and comfort

Only Japanese brands have a classic approach to tire production. European companies have moved away from such qualities as wear resistance and breakdown strength, which is unacceptable in our realities. However, both of those and other manufacturers have a lot of alternative pros and cons.

Optimum on the road: strength and durability

Look again at which rubber is best for you in the summer. So, chasing a strong sidewall and mileage, be prepared for the fact that such a tire will not be quiet and soft. This balance is typical of the products of the Japanese giants - Toyo, Bridgestone, Yokohama.

Toyo Proxes CF2 (3 200 rubles)

This is the best option among the "Japanese". The CF-2 has a good combination of comfort, durability and sidewall strength. According to reviews, the kit walks over 50,000 km. Driving in the rain is as safe as possible, but on the asphalt it keeps you on a solid "4".

In comparison with the leader in softness Continental PremiumContact 6, the micro-profile is processed much worse, and in the turn they begin to squeak much earlier. Shinniks love these tires because they balance perfectly.

+ Durable.
+ Wear-resistant.
+ Resistant to aquaplaning.
+ Relatively quiet.
+ Excellent value for money.

- Tough.
- Weak "hold" on dry.

Yokohama A.Drive AA01 (3 200 rubles)

A classic sturdy tire with excellent wear resistance. Serves 50,000-60,000 km. Drivers like rain behavior. On dry concrete, the set of qualities is modest. In general, it is similar to the opponent from the Toyo line, but not in everything. A.Drive AA01 is noisier than CF-2, especially at low speeds.

+ Durable.
+ Strong side cord
+ Resistant to wear and tear.
+ Braking in the rain.
+ Resistant to aquaplaning.

- Tough.
- Noisy
- Mediocre performance on dry asphalt.

Bridgestone Turanza T001 (3,700 rubles)

This tire is the toughest and most durable of the Japanese trio. It walks about 60,000-70,000 km, but transfers to the body all the asphalt joints, thickening of road markings, manhole covers. The sharp edges of the pits, running in a deflated state, these tires do not care.

Among car owners, the model is considered to be the strongest: "The very thing for Russian roads." Overall, the product is quite robust, while the noise level and adequate handling are acceptable. A kind of Japanese version of Kama, which rolls well on a dry road. This rubber should be taken for the summer if the seasonal mileage is about 15,000 km or more.

+ Strong sidewall.
+ Abrasion resistance.
+ Grip on dry asphalt.

- Too tough.
- Makes a lot of noise when driving.

Comfortable options: silence and softness

This category is characterized by reviews of such a plan: "the kit is cool, but already 3 patches on the sidewall", or "a month later I went for a new tire", or "all good, but skated only two seasons - it was erased." At the expense of strength, softness, tenacity, and comfort are put here. With this emphasis, Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and Nokian produce products.

Continental PremiumContact 6 (5 200 rubles)

The most comfortable tire with a sporty claim. Arctic flagship has already claimed first place in for mid-range crossovers.

The passage of joints and cracks is not accompanied by any vibrations, and on smooth asphalt the work is absolutely quiet. We also have excellent steering feedback and excellent cornering grip on both dry and wet asphalt. On dry tires, it is difficult to slip into a slip.

The model is significantly quieter than the Toyo Proxes CF-2, saves fuel, but be prepared for the fact that the sidewall is disastrously soft. It can be torn even by rubbing against the curb. Service life - no more than 30,000 km.

+ Firm adhesion to any type of asphalt.
+ Excellent handling.
+ Smooth running.
+ Quiet.

- Fragile sidewall.
- Wears out quickly.
- High price.

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance (3 600 rubles)

The character of the tire is similar to the Continental PremiumContact 6. The product is soft, adheres well to wet and dry asphalt both when braking and in bends. The kit does not last long - about 30,000 km. "Shoulders" are soft, tear easily.

If comfort is at the fore, and the wallet is not thick enough, then it is better to put off the most comfortable tires for the summer and take Goodyear. An excellent combination of price and comfort is what people love them for.

+ Grip on wet and dry roads.
+ Coherent feedback.
+ Soft move.
+ Silent operation.
+ Price.

- Soft side cord.
- Mediocre wear resistance.

Michelin Primacy 4 (4 800 rubles)

In tests it is the main competitor of Continental PremiumContact 6. The novelty of 2018 is distinguished by the same qualities as the sixth Kontik:

• Excellent balance between dry and wet grip.
• Gentle handling of irregularities.
• High acoustic comfort.
• Ability to "cut" water at speeds of about 120 km / h.

Shoeing a car in Primacy 4 after Toyo Proxes CF2 or Yokohama A.Drive AA01, you can cross out your plans for noise and vibration isolation of the body. But do not forget what you sacrifice for the sake of comfort - the sidewall here is frankly flimsy. There are no statistics on durability yet - the model is still fresh. The previous flagship, the XM2, covered about 40,000 km.

- Low breakdown strength.
- Price.

Nokian Hakka Green 2 (3,500 rubles)

The tire is recommended exclusively for good roads. It has good grip on wet asphalt and rolls quietly on smooth roads. "Derzhak" is worse dry than that of Continental. It works louder on a coarse profile than PremiumContact 6.

The tread wears out in 30,000 km. The sidewall is very sensitive to curbs and sharp edges of holes - it breaks without looking back. The product, as they say, is not the best summer wheels for a car of any class.

+ Tenacity when wet.
+ Silent.

- Fragile.
- Low wear resistance.
- Mediocre dry grip.

What budget tires are better to buy for the summer in terms of comfort and mileage?

Be that as it may, a cheap tire is always inferior in quality to premium representatives. It rides noticeably louder, resists aquaplaning worse, and is less tenacious. If you respect the rules of the road and move mainly within the city, then there is no point in overpaying. A durable product can be found in this segment as well.

For bad roads: rating of sturdy car tires

The Russian Kama, the Japanese Toyo sub-brand Nitto and the Korean Nexen staked on a strong lateral cord. Despite the common goal, we have a serious start in consumer qualities.

Nitto NT860 (2 900 rubles)

Without exaggeration, the best budget option. The Toyo Proxes CF2 replica is a little softer, but not as good as Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance. Loses to the original in sharp maneuvering on wet roads. With solid strength, the NT860 can be called a relatively quiet tire. There are no hints of roll at high speeds.

The softer outsole did not allow copying the second main property of the donor - durability. The kit requires replacement after 30,000 km.

Nexen N'Blue HD Plus (2 800 rubles)

This is the main competitor to Nitto NT860. On HD Plus, it is comfortable to pass the joints of the roadway, drive on the dirt road. "Shoulders" are tough and resist cuts well. Dry hook acceptable. Low wear resistance - about 30,000 km. The product is much quieter, softer and stronger than Nokian.

Based on the comparison with the Hakka Green 2, one can comment on the question of which tires are better to choose: cheap or expensive - a good "budget" is preferable, rather than a "so-so" premium.

+ Strong side cord.
+ Soft move.
+ Very quiet.

- Unable to resist aquaplaning at high speeds.
- Low wear resistance.

Kama Euro 129 (2,700 rubles)

This is the most durable tire. Not a single comment that she was torn in a hole! The maximum that happens is that the sidewall is overgrown with hernias. This is where the benefits of the product end. What about the shortcomings - bend our fingers:

1. Nobody makes more noisy rubber.
2. It is dangerous to move at high speed in the rain - cases of demolition of the car on this set are not isolated.
3. For the second season, it dubs decently and can crack.
4. Large scrap percentage: uneven abrasion leads to vibrations on the steering wheel.
5. Wears out to zero after 30,000 km.

Suitable only for a leisurely civilian ride somewhere in the outback, where the roads do not differ in monolithic profile.

+ Strong.
+ Price.

- Rapid aging.
- Poor wear resistance.
- Poor adhesion to any type of asphalt.
- Noisy.

For good asphalt: comfortable wheels

Matador, the budget department of Pirelli, Hankook, Kumho play in favor of softness, tenacity and silence. If you strive to improve the comfort of a long trip with minimal means, then you are in the right direction. The owners of the class are ahead of the sturdy premium representatives in terms of smoothness. Ask which gas station is best to refuel in your area, and go ahead for comfortable tires.

Pirelli Formula Energy (3,000 rubles)

Quiet and soft budget summer tire. Changing shoes with the Nokian Hakka Green 2 immediately feels improved ride comfort, quiet operation and better grip on dry concrete.

The sidewall is weak, it is better not to drive in the rain. The tread does not drain water well - the Yokohama A.Drive AA01 rolls through puddles much better, but it is noisier than Formula Energy. Riding a Pirelli kit, drivers often draw parallels with the Michelin XM2. 30,000-40,000 km drives off without problems.

The label of exemplary value for money and comfort would be fair to give to the Matador, but it has a disastrously soft side. Therefore, Pirelli Formula Energy tires are the best for the summer among a comfortable budget.

+ Acoustic comfort.
+ Tenacity to dry.
+ Acceptable wear resistance.
+ Good price / comfort ratio.
+ No vibrations when driving through road joints.

- Poor behavior in rainy weather.
- Flimsy sidewall.

Matador MP47 Hectorra 3 (2 900 rubles)

The softest tire in the budget. The Slovak brand is subordinate to Continental, so exemplary grip in the low-cost segment is not surprising. The sidewall is already very soft and breaks where the opponents in the class still retain their integrity. Compared to Toyo Proxes CF2 is noticeably quieter. There is no roll, it does not float at speed.

+ Silence of movement.
+ Smooth running.
+ Stable grip on dry and wet.
+ Price tag.

- Poor impact resistance.
- Wears out quickly.

Hankook Kinergy Eco K425 (3 300 rubles)

The most expensive rubber in the segment. It does not differ in outstanding qualities. Slightly quieter than Yokohama A.Drive AA01, it also bites into puddles well. Riding on these wheels is comfortable, but the pits are stressful for them. As a result of a sharp raid on potholes, many hernias pop out. It walks from 40 to 50 thousand km.

+ Lack of vibrations.
+ Well resists aquaplaning.
+ Silent.
+ Wear-resistant.

- Fragile.
- Cost.

Kumho Ecsta HS 51 (3,000 rubles)

Rebranding of the popular Solus series. Whoever rides Korean cars knows what kind of hum is in the cabin. A distant Korean version of Kama, but only in terms of noise. The strength here, alas, is not in the best condition. Holds well in corners, but only dry.

Compared to the Nokian Hakka Green 2, everyone notes a decrease in acoustic comfort when riding the Kumho. At the same time, the Nitto NT860 was noticed to be softer and quieter.

+ Firm grip on dry asphalt.

- Weak sidewall.
- Noisy.
- Hard.

Summing up

First, choose which of the two qualities is more important to you: strength or smoothness. Select the amount that will determine which class the kit will belong to: budget or premium. In the segments, start from the models that are the best in terms of quality and price, or cost and comfort. As a rule, these summer tires are the most popular in their group.

When trying to move towards higher shock resistance and wear resistance or noiselessness and softness, use the recommendations:

• Most comfortable tires: Continental PremiumContact 6 and Matador MP47 Hectorra 3.
• "Indestructible" tires: Bridgestone Turanza T001 and Kama Euro 129.

If you want to save money in the premium segment, but not lose in comfort or durability, look towards the main competitors. Continental has Michelin Primacy 4, Bridgestone Turanza T001 has Yokohama A. Drive AA01. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before giving money for.

Although most of the top 20 companies have maintained their positions this year, this does not mean that nothing is happening in the global tire industry. Pirelli, for example, still ranks fifth (based on the results of 2016), but it should be borne in mind that Pirelli Industrial (which produces tires for trucks and special equipment) was not taken into account. In addition, the merger of ChemChina and Pirelli assets into the new Prometeon structure will certainly have an impact. Sumitomo also overtook Hankook this year to finish sixth, meaning that since Pirelli is currently only focusing on passenger cars and motorcycles, it will be difficult for Italians to hold on to fifth place next year (turnover is expected to drop by about € 1 billion).

One of the significant changes was that Cooper overtook Giti to take 10th place. Now these companies are already divided by about 200 million euros, so it will not be easy for Giti to return to the top 10 next year.

Two Indian companies, MRF and Apollo, are growing rapidly. The first managed to move up from 16th to 15th place, while the second managed to rise from 18th to 16th place. With less than € 90 million separating them now, and Apollo growing sales at a faster pace, it will likely overtake MRF to become India's largest tire manufacturer next year.

The ranking shows that the tire world will have to get used to the fact that Chinese manufacturers are increasingly conquering the international market. While China's largest tire manufacturer, ZC Rubber, has long and firmly established its position as one of the global market leaders, Huayi (formerly Double Coin) and Linglong are steadily improving their positions. This trend continues, and this year Sailun also entered the top twenty.

Another newcomer to the ranking is Nexen, which now includes all three of South Korea's top tire companies - Hankook, Kumho and Nexen. The situation around Kumho is of particular interest. It is ranked 14th this year, but if Doublestar does close the deal to buy the Korean manufacturer, the new combined company could move up to 13th in the future.

In general, over the past ten years, all the leading tire manufacturers have significantly increased their sales volumes. For example, Continental, Sumitomo and Hankook increased turnover by 62%, 72% and 95%, respectively, and even two industry leaders - Bridgestone and Michelin - who seem to find it harder to open up new markets - were able to increase sales by 28% and 40%. respectively. At the same time, Goodyear has reduced its turnover by 3.7%, albeit slightly, in 10 years.

It remains to add that this time already 24 tire companies were able to pass the mark of 1 billion euros, while ten years ago there were half of them.

2 3

Tires are one of the most important factors in the comfort and safety of any vehicle. Neither a powerful engine nor a high-speed gearbox will help a car to drive quickly and confidently if it has bad tires. Unfortunately, if the need to use high-quality winter tires is understood by almost all motorists, then the situation with summer tires is much worse. Many people choose the cheapest summer tires, not particularly interested in their performance beyond the price. And someone drives winter tires all year round. However, there are good reasons why tire seasonality should not be neglected.

Firstly, summer tires are stiffer, which allows them not only to better hold the road, but also wear less. Winter tires at positive temperatures heats up too much, which leads to the rapid "eating" of the tread.

Secondly, the tread pattern is different. If in winter it is necessary to have a large number of lamellas in order to confidently cling to a slippery surface, then in summer it is more important to maintain stability during aquaplaning, and even better to prevent it. In addition, the summer rubber tread is shallower, which increases the stability of the car when cornering. Finally, summer tires are much more economical and quieter.

If we are talking about cost, then the larger the car, the more aggressive the driving style, the more difficult the operating conditions, the more expensive a set of tires will cost. Given the fierce competition among manufacturers, even companies that produce premium products are trying to have several budget options in their lineup. In any case, no matter what price segment the rubber is in, you can list the main selection criteria in descending order of importance:

1. Stability on the road.
2. Resistance to aquaplaning.
3. Ride comfort.
4. Strength.
5. Wear resistance.
6. Profitability.
7. Noisiness.

It should be understood that there is no absolutely universal rubber. One will cope better with dry asphalt, the other with wet asphalt, the third will be quiet but not too stable.

• popularity with car owners;
• the number of positive reviews from real buyers;
• tire test results in independent laboratories;
• price-quality ratio.

Best inexpensive summer tires

This category includes tires with a maximum rim diameter of 17 inches or less. This is quite natural, since budget rubber options are usually bought for inexpensive cars, which, in turn, are rarely equipped with large-diameter discs.

In addition, it should be borne in mind that the best budget tires can have good basic characteristics - handling, wet grip, softness, but are designed almost exclusively for driving on good asphalt and drivers with a restrained driving style. Do not expect high wear resistance or extremely low noise levels from them.

3 Triangle Group TR928

The most budgetary
Country: China
Average price: 2 700 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

A tire from a purely Chinese company has already managed to surprise many car owners. Due to the alternation of the size and pitch of the checkers, the tire adheres well to the road. The excellent directional stability provided by the central longitudinal rib also pleases.

Triangle Group TR928 is a vivid confirmation of the fact that everything cannot be at once. Due to its high rigidity, the rubber confidently holds grip on the road surface and has good reliability, perfectly resists hernias. But on the other hand - most minor irregularities are felt.

2 Yokohama Blu Earth AE01

Sustainable and economical
A country:
Average price: 3,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The development of the famous Japanese brand Yokohama is considered among experienced drivers as one of the most durable and durable tires in its price segment. Many people report a reduction in fuel consumption when using this rubber. Holds confidently on dry and wet roads at reasonable speeds.

Some owners complain about the lack of stability on the wet road - they have to significantly reduce the speed. It is better not to use these tires on dirt and grass, their purpose is asphalt.

What type of tread to choose? Comparison table of three types of tread patterns: symmetrical, asymmetrical and directional (V-shaped):

Tread type	pros	Minuses
Symmetric	Stable at high speed Durability (up to 4-6 seasons) Low noise level The direction and side of the installation does not matter	Low stability on wet surfaces at high speeds (aquaplaning)
Asymmetric	Excellent directional stability when cornering Maneuverability	In case of improper installation, controllability deteriorates significantly Rapid wear
Directional (V-shaped)	Better road holding on wet roads Good "rowing" off-road	Difficulties may arise during installation or when replacing a punctured wheel with a spare tire (due to the fact that the wheel is designed for a specific side) Louder than other types

1 Nokian Nordman SX2

Best comfort among inexpensive tires
A country: Finland (produced in Russia)
Average price: 3 190 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The main advantage of this rubber, which is noted by almost all buyers, is its comfort. The tires are soft and have good stability even at high speeds. The flip side of the coin is fast, even wear, including on excellent roads and a calm driving style.

The owners note low noise and good tread pattern, which allows them to feel confident on the track even in heavy rain, and believe that the tires have an excellent price-quality ratio.

The best mid-range summer tires

The overwhelming majority of products from the middle price segment are the ideal combination of price and quality. Tires were no exception. By choosing budget options, you are deliberately agreeing to a mediocre option. Premium tires have excellent parameters, but the overpayment is often too high. Figuratively speaking, to get an advantage of 5-10%, you will pay 30-40% more.

Rubber of the middle class has a fairly good set of characteristics and at the same time does not frighten with its price. In addition, unlike the products of the budget segment, tires in this category do not stand out in any one parameter, but have rather balanced characteristics.

4 Toyo Proxes CF2

Better handling
A country: Country of origin: Japan (produced in Malaysia)
Average price: 4,850 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Thanks to a specially developed tread pattern and a well-chosen material composition, the tires of this model are stable and quiet. At the same time, most buyers who have already tried it for several seasons are definitely going to buy the next set of the same brand.

It should be noted that these tires are best suited for driving on good asphalt. In these conditions, they behave well on both dry and wet roads - excellent grip and no aquaplaning. If there are holes or other obstacles on the way, you should be careful - the tire bead is soft enough, which has a positive effect on comfort, but reduces strength.

3 Michelin Energy XM2

High sidewall strength
Country: France
Average price: 3 862 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Michelin Energy XM2 is one of the quietest mid-range summer tires. Almost every car owner, listing the advantages of the Michelin Energy XM2, indicates their low noise level. This model is distinguished by the increased strength of the sidewall, which is very important when driving on Russian roads. The carcass threads are made of materials of increased strength and flexibility, and the unique design of the sidewall evenly dissipates the load at the moment of impact throughout the entire structure of the sidewall. This can significantly reduce the risk of hernias (for example, when driving into a deep hole).

The Energy XM2 is also praised for its good grip performance. Quick drainage of water from the contact patch is achieved by a system of wide drainage channels. Disadvantage - tires are only available in 13, 14, 15 and 16 inch sizes.

2 Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31

The optimum ratio of price and quality
Country: South Korea
Average price: 8,700 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Kumho is one of the most popular South Korean brands, whose car tires have won the trust of car owners due to qualities such as durability and low noise. A feature of the Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31 tires (as well as other products of the brand) is the unique ESCOT technology, which allows you to make the sidewall seamless. This eliminates vibration from contact with the road surface at high speeds, improves handling, reduces braking distances and reduces noise.

Technological rubber composition and tread pattern provide excellent grip on wet roads. According to some reports, the longitudinal annular channels and the V-shaped pattern when creating tires were borrowed from cars participating in Formula 1. Kumho Ecsta SPT KU31 is recommended for active driving on good trails in any weather.

1 Yokohama Geolandar SUV G055

Excellent wear resistance
A country: Japan (produced in Russia and the Philippines)
Average price: 7 868 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

When creating the Yokohama Geolandar SUV tires, Japanese engineers used a unique technology for producing a rubber compound using orange oil. Oddly enough, they managed to solve the main task that they set for themselves: to create environmentally friendly tires with increased mileage and good grip characteristics.

With Yokohama tires, the driver can not only enjoy driving, but also have as little impact on the environment as possible. Numerous European tests have shown that Yokohama Geolandar SUV tires have excellent wear resistance. So, in the authoritative German edition "Auto Bild" Yokohama took the honorable third place in this indicator and first place in handling on a dry surface.

The best summer tires for the wet

Perhaps most car enthusiasts are familiar with the aquaplaning effect. This is a situation where a thin layer of water forms between the tire and the asphalt, which makes the car completely unmanageable. An important part of the problem is that drivers often simply do not attach importance to a seemingly innocent puddle. That is why it is necessary to choose a rubber that, among other things, copes well with wet surfaces.

But how can you tell a good rain tire from a bad one? Of course, the most reliable option is independent professional tests and comparisons. But you can do it with your own eyes, because these tires have a specific look. First, they must have at least one continuous longitudinal groove into which water will be diverted. Secondly, a herringbone pattern is preferred, due to which water will be more efficiently removed from the contact with the road. Finally, we must not forget that insufficient tread depth has an extremely negative effect on traction.

3 Dunlop SP Sport Maxx

Excellent grip on wet surfaces at maximum speed
Country: UK
Average price: 10,311 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

This model is the flagship model in the company's tire line. Thanks to the joint work of Japanese and German tire workers, SP Sport Maxx turned out to be extremely successful. It combines excellent handling on a wet surface and a fairly high speed index - Y (up to 300 km / h).

Stability during aquaplaning is provided by four longitudinal grooves. Also worth noting is the central part, which drains water well and allows you to maintain control. Disadvantages - rigidity and high price.

2 Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 K120

Optimum grip, softness and wear resistance
Country: South Korea
Average price: 9 250 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Summer tires Hankook Ventus V12 - one of the best in terms of wet grip, handling and durability. Water drainage from the tread occurs instantly due to the improved drainage system. It consists of four large drainage channels and a large number of small incisions and cuts. The directional tread pattern allows you to drive confidently at high speeds.

The Hankook Ventus V12 has a continuous center rib, which shortens the feedback time. The increased tire durability is attributed to the use of a new rubber compound containing unique components. The Hankook Ventus V12 evo2 K120 is available in diameters from 15 to 21 inches.

1 Uniroyal RainExpert

The best indicator of longitudinal and transverse aquaplaning
Country: Germany
Average price: 6 650 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

According to the test results of the authoritative German publication "Auto Bild", the summer tires Uniroyal RainExpert were recognized as the best in longitudinal and lateral aquaplaning. In terms of confidence in the passage of the wet road, they are confidently ahead of all competitors, including tires of the Hankook and Viking brands.

Uniroyal RainExpert performs best in the rain, showing excellent grip on wet roads. This is achieved thanks to the directional V-shaped tread pattern - grooves that serve to drain water from the contact patch. Special narrow sipes in the tread help to significantly reduce the braking distance of the vehicle. Water is the element of Uniroyal RainExpert summer rubber. Among the disadvantages, the owners mention the fact that small stones can be hammered into the tread, as well as minor problems with balancing.

Best Quiet Summer Tires

There are completely different people among motorists. Some people like complete silence, comfort and measured driving, others - the roar of the engine and squeal of tires, but certainly no one will like the monotonous hum from rubber. Therefore, manufacturers from all over the world, in addition to providing better grip, are increasingly focusing on noise reduction. For this, softer types of rubber are used, as well as tread blocks of various shapes and sizes, which reduces hum.

But do not forget that the noise level depends not only on rubber. This is also influenced by the quality of the road surface, its properties, the level of tire pressure and many other parameters.

2 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2

Minimum braking distance
Country: USA
Average price: 14 730 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Of course, this tire belongs to the premium segment, which is confirmed not only by the huge price tag, but also by excellent performance and innovative technologies. Take, for example, RunFlat, which allows you to travel up to 160 kilometers even with a punctured cylinder. Also worth noting is the Active Braking technology, which provides the expansion of the tread blocks during braking, which increases the contact patch and, accordingly, reduces the braking distance.

The owners find this rubber quiet, very "tenacious". Its softness and solid sidewall are also praised. Of course, the price is too high.

1 Bridgestone MY-02 Sporty Style

The quietest sports tire
Country: Japan
Average price: 5 530 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Bridgestone MY-02 Sporty Style tires can be recommended for those who love a sporty driving style and for whom such characteristics as sound insulation are important. The manufacturer did a nice job and released designer tires with an aggressive look. At the same time, in terms of noise level, it is one of the quietest among competitors.

Low noise levels are achieved thanks to five randomly arranged shoulder tread blocks. Bridgestone MY-02 Sporty Style is a very popular summer tire trusted by millions of car owners around the world. The disadvantage of this rubber, according to buyers, is insufficient resistance to aquaplaning.

Best summer tires for fuel economy

A very rare car enthusiast would not want to save on fuel. Still, the prices for "fuel" are growing regularly, and because of this, few want to part with their iron horse. A little help in the pursuit of economy can be special tires marked "E" - "Economy". In such models, manufacturers are trying to lower rolling resistance, because it is because of it that the notorious 1-2% of fuel is lost, which ultimately result in large amounts.

2 Continental ContiEcoContact 5

Safe and economical driving
Country: Germany
Average price: 6 407 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The Continental ContiEcoContact 5 is a perfectly balanced energy efficient tire. The introduction of new technologies in the creation of the frame allowed to optimize rolling resistance for greater fuel economy. The ContiEcoContact 5 has reported an overall fuel economy of 3% compared to conventional tires.

However, fuel economy is not the last high indicator of this rubber. The durability and safety of the ContiEcoContact 5 are also at a high level. The new rubber compound and improved tire profile have resulted in increased flotation and improved wet handling.

1 Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance

Best for economy
Country: USA
Average price: 6 460 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance is one of the most fuel efficient car tires. The new base component, created using FuelSaving technology, reduces rolling resistance by 18% and reduces fuel consumption. Compared to competitors, the difference can be up to 0.3 liters per 100 km. This has also been confirmed by multiple tests. The manufacturer claims that when creating the product, special materials (rubber compound) are used to lighten the weight of the tire.

Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance tires, according to the manufacturer, save fuel by an average of 5%. Also, the owners find them very comfortable and quiet, albeit at a slightly overpriced.

The best wear-resistant summer tires

In the previous section, we managed to save a little on fuel by choosing the right tires. In addition, the choice of wear-resistant tires, which will have to be changed much less often than usual competitors, will help save money. But here it should be borne in mind that you will have to endure minor inconveniences, such as high rigidity and not very good grip.

1 Michelin Latitude Tour HP

The best solution for urban crossover
Country: France
Average price: 12 537 rub.
Rating (2019): 4.9

No less popular model of car tires, which is in special demand among owners of urban crossovers. The Michelin Latitude Tour HP developers used a special rubber compound based on a polymer used to make truck tires. As a result, they managed to obtain tires with an increased service life. Michelin Latitude Tour HP can last 30-50% longer than most competitors' tires.

The model features improved resistance to punctures, cuts, abrasion and abrasion. These are some of the most reliable and durable car tires available on the market. Buyers note that the tires are quiet, pass bumps and holes gently, and save fuel. The owners are confused by the high price and the fact that the minimum landing size of the model is 15 inches