Just published is the 2011 Norwegian NAF (Norwegian Automobile Association) winter tyre test (in Norwegian). This is of course for tyre types sold here which are suitable for Scandinavian winter conditions. However it may contain useful information for anybody contemplating investing in winter boots.
http://naf.no/no/Forbrukertester/Dekk/Dekk...test-2011/

The results below are listed under a point system for easy reference but individual information for each tyre type is to be found in the article which Mr. Google may help with - otherwise I can translate any info you may need further details with.

NON-STUDDED WINTER TYRES:
1. Michelin X-Ice XI2- 7,6 poeng
2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R - 7,5 poeng
3. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice+ - 7,3 poeng
4. Continental Viking Contact 5 - 7,1 poeng
5. Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 - 6,9 poeng
6. Kumho I´Zen kW 31 - 6,8 poeng
7. Pirelli Icecontrol - 6,8 poeng
8. Dunlop SP Ice Sport - 6,7 poeng
9. Yokohama Ice Guard ig30 - 5,9 poeng

STUDDED WINTER TYRES:
1. Continental Conti Ice Contact - 8,7 poeng
2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta 7 - 8,4 poeng
3. Bridgestone Noranza 2 Evo - 8,3 poeng
4. Pirelli Winter Carving Edge - 8,3 poeng
5. Michelin X-Ice North - 8,1
6. Goodyear Ultra Grip Extreme - 7,8 poeng
7. Vredestein Arctrac - 7,7 poeng
8. Hankook Winter I*Pike - 7,3 poeng
9. Agi Sarek 2 - 7,0 poeng
10. Yokohama Ice Guard Stud ig35 - 7,0 poeng 2007 Freelander 2 HSE TD4 Manual with Premium Pack & Moonroof.
Stornoway Grey with Ebony Black Pleather, Clear Indicators, Body Side Mouldings etc.

Excellent Andy - much appreciated.

Not only is what tyres are listed, but also interesting what's not.

This Swiss Coop have started selling "Winter Tyres" for believe it - CHF47 each, largest size 16". I'll give you one guess where they are made, one one guess as to how safe and effective they are in winter conditions. In the interest of safety for all road users the EU should ban these dangerous goods and organisations like the Coop should be ashamed of themselves by putting profit before safety.

Thanks Andy, interesting stuff.

Are Scandinavian tyres more frozen surface tyres (a lot of the names suggest they are)? For example, we get a Goodyear Ultra Grip 7+ and Dunlop SP Winter Sport instead of Ice+ and Ice Sport.

athelstan wrote:

Excellent Andy - much appreciated.

Not only is what tyres are listed, but also interesting what's not.

This Swiss Coop have started selling "Winter Tyres" for believe it - CHF47 each, largest size 16". I'll give you one guess where they are made, one one guess as to how safe and effective they are in winter conditions. In the interest of safety for all road users the EU should ban these dangerous goods and organisations like the Coop should be ashamed of themselves by putting profit before safety.

http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=a...mp;act=url At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Martin wrote:

Are Scandinavian tyres more frozen surface tyres (a lot of the names suggest they are)? For example, we get a Goodyear Ultra Grip 7+ and Dunlop SP Winter Sport instead of Ice+ and Ice Sport.

OK, but that doesn't answer the question - are they different or is it just branding?

Goodyears are subtely different

Click image to enlarge

Martin wrote:

OK, but that doesn't answer the question - are they different or is it just branding?

I fully understand the general concept of different branding of products for different markets, however I'm asking about these tyres

Right here goes....takes deep breath...

In between training dentists on the use and application of 3 dimensional x-rays, I did a little digging, takes the mind off medical speak and helps me relax.

Goodyear are two different tyres, there is a subtle difference in tread pattern but with differing technology in the make up of the tyre itslf.

Dunlop, again are different tyres, similar tread pattern but different technology within the sipes in the tyre.

They both appear to offer improved ICE performance in the versions bearing that name, and more general winter performance with the versions that dont have the ICE branding. The ICE tyres seem to have clever sipe technology providing a better grip on ice, this in normal winter conditions in the UK would lead to the tyre generating more heat and subsequently wearing more quickly from what I can determine.

Therefore, the test for the Norwegians may not give the best solution for tyres needed in the UK, where we generally have wet slushy roads one minute and heavily salted dry road the next.

Martin, I hope that helps as my brain now hurts,

Martin wrote:

I fully understand the general concept of different branding of products for different markets, however I'm asking about these tyres

athelstan wrote:

something you could have easily done yourself

I think this is a bit rude, it certainly comes across like that.

If you re-read my question I was actually asking AndyC for some local knowledge about what the Scandinavian tyres are for - i.e. to try and increase my understanding of the different markets.

How come I get the feeling that you don't think I should be asking?

I'm not out to start a row, but I feel I'm being told off for asking a question.

Thanks AndyC - good thread for this time of year
Having just taken an interest in Vredenstein Wintrac 4 Extreme (MVS 'Mike' top man ) I was wondering when do you fit winter tyres here in the UK and can they be used all year round (I won't). Dropped a line to Mr Vredenstein UK with that simple question and within minutes got the following response - very impressed with the customer service....copy and paste to follow:

Dear Andy

Thank you very much for your Email as we appreciate all feedback from our customers.

Drivers have become much more aware of the need for winter tyres in recent years. They appreciate the enhanced grip and improved safety and performance. Gone are the days when winter tyres were only fitted in regions with major snow falls such as Scandinavia and the Alps. Now drivers are embracing the benefits of winter tyres when driving in temperatures below 7º C (45º F).

In deciding when to fit winter tyres, it is important not only to consider the chances of bad weather conditions, but also to observe when the average temperature falls below 7°C (45° F). In north-western Europe, this means that the right time to fit winter tyres is at the end of September, and it’s best to keep them until April. An easy rule to remember is that you should be using winter tyres when there is an ‘r’ in the name of the month.

If a customer would like to run Cold weather tyres(winter) all year round, there are no dangers in doing so. In fact we prefer customers driving with Cold weather tyres throughout the whole year instead of driving with Summer tyres the whole year.

Cold weather tyres in the colder months of the year will have much better traction and their braking distance can be significantly shorter compared to a summer tyre.

Summer tyres in the summer perform slightly better than Cold weather tyres in the summer but the difference in winter will be much bigger in favour of the Cold weather tyres.

If you do change your tyres to something more high performance or Cold Weather tyres, you may need to inform your insurance company as it can sometimes affect the price of your premium, though whether this is the case should be outlined by your insurance provider in your policy documents.

I hope this has answered your question.

Kind regards
Mark Kearns
Technical coordinator

End

Oh and fyi - 'More Than' insurance said as long as the size is to the manufacturers spec'n range and the rating is equal or higher, then yep no problems get on with it (But was said with an Indian accent )