TOP 12 best winter tires R18: rating in 2021-2022 and review of important tire characteristics

The size R18 is considered one of the most common. Tires of this diameter are suitable for any car, including premium vehicles.

In addition, this size is considered universal, as it is suitable for cars or family cars, and for large SUVs.

When choosing winter tires R18, it is worth paying attention to the characteristics that play an extremely important role in safe driving on icy or snowy roads.

Such characteristics include the quality and composition of the rubber compound, the number of tread blocks and its design.

To make the choice of winter tires R18 was easier, we have compiled a short list of criteria to pay attention to when buying, and rating the best winter tires according to 2021-2022 in the price/quality ratio.

Top 12 Best R18 Winter Tires 2021-2022 Rating

Place	Name	Price
Top 4 best winter tires R18
1	Continental IceContact 2 225/60 R18 104T RunFlat	Check price
2	MICHELIN X-Ice Snow 225/60 R18 100H	Ask the price
3	GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice 2 235/45 R18 98T	Ask a price
4	Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 255/45 R18 103V	Check out the price
Top 4 best winter studded R18 tires
1	Pirelli Ice Zero 215/55 R18 99T	Learn the price
2	MICHELIN X-Ice North 4 225/55 R18 102T	Check out the price
3	Yokohama Ice Guard IG65 265/60 R18 114T	Check out the price
4	Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 9 235/45 R18 98T	Learn the price
Top 4 best Velcro R18 winter tires
1	Continental ContiVikingContact 7 255/60 R18 112T	Learn the price
2	Pirelli Ice Zero FR 235/55 R18 104T	Check out the price of
3	MICHELIN Pilot Alpin 5 245/40 R18 97W	Learn the price
4	GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice 2 245/45 R18 100T	Learn the price

How to choose R18 winter tires?

When choosing R18 winter tires, pay attention to several important nuances:

The rubber mixture should have a special composition, thanks to which the tire will not harden at low temperatures.
The tread pattern is the main characteristic that ensures safe driving. The specific arrangement of blocks ensures good traction on ice, snow and slush.
The presence of spikes is also an important characteristic.. Tires with spikes have much better cross-country ability, so they are recommended for use in extreme winter conditions. Nevertheless, some studless tires of well-known brands also show excellent handling and maneuverability in difficult weather conditions.

When deciding on a model, you should pay attention to its load index and speed index. On these indicators depends on what model of the car it is possible to install a particular tire, and what speed you can reach without loss of performance properties.

Top 4 best winter tires R18

Among the huge range of winter tires of R18 size in 2021-2022, car owners especially appreciated the products of four brands.

Continental IceContact 2 225/60 R18 104T RunFlat

These heavy-duty winter tires from a well-known German brand are not afraid of punctures and even in the most difficult climatic conditions..

This model is an improved version of the previous version. Almost all technologies, which were used for tire production, were modernized.

In addition, the manufacturer has equipped the product with RunFlat technology, which allows you to drive a certain distance even if the tire is punctured.

There are around 200 pins in the tread. Their optimized arrangement in combination with a clever tread configuration ensures a reliable grip on icy surfaces.

To fix studs the manufacturer used a special adhesive mixture, which does not allow the metal elements to fall out.

Technical data:

Profile width/height 225/60 mm;
the maximum speed of 190 km/h;
tire load up to 900 kg.

Advantages of

Improved tread design guarantees an optimal level of acoustic comfort;
the tires have excellent steering response;
fast and confident braking;
the rubber compound is soft enough to overcome obstacles;
increased strength of the studs.

Disadvantages

slightly suffers steering on dry asphalt;
the price is slightly overpriced.

MICHELIN X-Ice Snow 225/60 R18 100H

The tire from the famous French brand is suitable for most modern cars.

In comparison with the previous version, this tire features completely renewed materials and redesigned construction.

Thanks to this tire performance is superior not only to the tires of this brand, but also to the competitors' products.

The key difference is the completely new design of the tread. The arrangement of the elements remained the same, but their number was increased and their size was decreased.

Due to this, the directional stability, traction, grip and braking properties on slush, ice and loose snow are significantly increased.

Technical data:

Profile width/height - 225/60 mm;
the maximum speed of 210 km/h;
tire load up to 800 kg.

Advantages of

Excellent handling, even in icy conditions;
low noise level increases driving comfort;
overcome obstacles well, e.g. curbs;
predictable and controllable drift at high speeds;
good handling in loose snow and slush.

Disadvantages

braking on wet asphalt does not always meet the requirements of the user;
It is not always possible to find on sale the right size.

GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice 2 235/45 R18 98T

The manufacturer has been working on this winter tire for a long time, but the result will pleasantly Even the most demanding car owners will be pleasantly surprised by the result..

One of the key innovations was the cryo-adaptive rubber compound. This means that the tread stays soft and elastic even at extremely low temperatures.

In addition to stable handling and directional stability this rubber compound increases the product's resistance to abrasion..

Like many other tires of the brand, this tire has a V-shaped tread pattern, although some changes are still provided by the manufacturer. In particular, the longitudinal ribs disappeared from the tread.

Instead, the manufacturer provided the tire with arrow-shaped blocks that extend from one shoulder area to the other..

This creates numerous traction edges for maximum driving comfort and safety.

Technical data:

tread width/height 235/45 mm;
the maximum speed of 190 km/h;
tire load up to 750 kg.

Advantages of

good cross-country ability on asphalt and light off-road;
The tire has excellent roadholding even on ice and loose snow;
the absence of spikes increases the level of acoustic comfort;
confident braking in all road conditions;
ruts are practically not felt.

Disadvantages

on clean ice definitely loses to the studded rubber;
At speeds the handling suffers slightly.

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 255/45 R18 103V

Winter passenger car tire with outstanding performance. Car owners praise the excellent braking performance on loose snow, ice and slush, although this characteristic is slightly reduced on dry asphalt.

In the creation of the tire used unique technology, which helped to achieve stable performance, regardless of weather conditions and road surface conditions.

Tread pattern seems familiar from the outside, but due to a successful and well-thought-out arrangement of blocks the tire boasts stable handling and directional stability even in rain or wet snow.

Technical specifications:

255/45 mm tyre section width/height;
maximum speed of 240 km/h;
Tire load up to 875 kg.

Advantages of

Excellent road holding on asphalt and ice;
low noise level, in comparison with other winter tires;
sufficient tread depth;
Soft rubber allows you to easily overcome small obstacles on the road;
High resistance to wear and abrasion.

Disadvantages

Reduced directional stability on a thick layer of snow;
Insufficiently dense sidewall.

Top 4 best winter studded tires R18

Many car owners give preference to studded rubber, considering it more stable, passable and wear-resistant. This is partly true, but applies only to products of proven brands with a reliable attachment of studs in the tread.

Pirelli Ice Zero 215/55 R18 99T

The production of this tire is engaged in the world famous Italian brand. According to Load index and technical characteristics of the tire is suitable not only for powerful cars and family cars, but also for SUVs and crossovers.

Since the model is designed for premium cars, its cost is quite high, and the most modern materials and technology were used in the production.

One of the main features is the innovative spike design. It is equipped with an elongated core, which increases the quality of attachment of the metal element in the tread.

As a result, neither ice nor loose snow can harm the tire: handling and directional stability will remain stably high.

Technical data:

Profile width/height 215/55 mm;
the maximum speed of 190 km/h;
tire load up to 775 kg.

Advantages of

Very high cross-country ability is retained on any road surface;
studs of reinforced design;
the rubber compound is resistant to extremely low temperatures;
the price is more affordable than analogues;
brakes well in all weather conditions.

Disadvantages

Very noisy on the highway;
On clean ice, it suffers a bit in terms of flotation.

MICHELIN X-Ice North 4 225/55 R18 102T

The well-known French brand has released a new model of tire, which has become updated version of the previous version.

Thanks to the use of modern technologies and improved materials, the tire surpasses the products of other brands in many respects.

First of all, the manufacturer has increased the number of studs so that traction properties are maintained not only on asphalt, but also in extreme weather conditions.

As in many other winter tires, the running part of the tread has a V-shaped pattern..

A reduced number of oversized blocks ensures a very high cross-country ability on winter road surfaces.

Technical data:

Profile width/height 205/55 mm;
The maximum speed of 190 km/h;
Tire load up to 850 kg.

Advantages of

The grippy and silent tire is ideal for winter;
Elasticity of the rubber compound is maintained even in very cold weather;
The tire impresses by its tenacity in packed snow;
Good cross-country ability in freshly fallen snow;
Gentle overcoming of obstacles on off-road trips.

Cons

There is some slight steering on dry asphalt;
Not always available in the right size.

Yokohama Ice Guard IG65 265/60 R18 114T

The previous version of this tire received high praise from car owners, and after the The previous version of this tire was highly appreciated by car owners and after the upgrade it became even more comfortable and safe..

Actually, engineers have developed this tire from scratch, realizing in it all the latest technologies and achievements. The central running part of the tread is a wide continuous rib, consisting of numerous blocks connected by rigid lintels.

Massive dimensions of blocks and their polygonal shape ensure excellent traction with the road and prevent sliding under hard acceleration and braking..

Another new feature is the stepped lamellae. When in contact with the road they form multiple facets. This significantly increases the grip properties of the tire.

Technical data:

profile width/height 265/60 mm;
Maximum speed 190 km/h;
Tire load up to 1180 kg.

Advantages

stability is maintained even in very difficult road conditions;
reinforced stud mounting;
predictable behavior on slush and ice;
Excellent braking, regardless of the weather;
excellent directional stability.

Disadvantages

on clean and dry asphalt tire starts to make a lot of noise;
on sharp turns in the snow is present skidding.

Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 9 235/45 R18 98T

The new winter tire features unprecedented stability and handling, even in very difficult weather conditions. handling even in very difficult weather conditions.

The main feature of this model is the use of two types of studs for the central and shoulder part of the tread. Due to this, the traction increases on ice and wet asphalt, when driving straight ahead and when entering corners.

The tires also boast stable and balanced handling over a wide temperature range.

This makes the tire suitable for harsh winters, and for regions with changeable climates.

Technical specifications:

Profile width/height 235/45 mm;
the maximum speed of 190 km/h;
Tire load up to 750 kg.

Advantages of

The tires perfectly hold the road and are not afraid of ruts;
allows you to perform a variety of maneuvers and confidently enter corners;
predictable behavior even in extreme temperature fluctuations;
two types of spikes for better traction;
confident handling in snowy slush conditions.

Disadvantages

the tire is very noisy on clean and dry asphalt;
when driving off-road begin to fly out studs.

Top 4 best winter tires, Velcro R18

Velcro tires are tires without studs. Despite the absence of these metal elements, such products demonstrate very decent performance characteristics due to the elaborate tread pattern.

Continental ContiVikingContact 7 255/60 R18 112T

This winter tire is called a universal tire, because it is suitable for almost any car model..

Also the tire is available in several dozens of sizes, so it will be easy to choose the right model. The running of the tread is made of a special rubber compound, which includes special silicones.

Due to this, the tire remains soft and elastic even at very low temperatures, and has a high resistance to tearing and stretching.

Tread design was completely renewed. It is symmetrical and consists of numerous diamond-shaped blocks in the central part. The steeply angled edges guarantee good longitudinal and lateral traction in all conditions and resistance to aquaplaning.

Technical parameters:

Tread width/height 255/60 mm;
the maximum speed of 190 km/h;
tire load up to 1120 kg.

Advantages of

Low noise level due to complete absence of spikes;
predictable handling on ice and loose snow;
Improved rubber compound increases the tire's resistance to abrasion;
optimum slush traction;
soft rubber compound remains elastic even in very cold weather.

Disadvantages

not designed for hard braking in icy conditions;
Does not allow you to enter corners sharply at high speeds.

Pirelli Ice Zero FR 235/55 R18 104T

Winter tire, created by the Italian brand, meets the requirements of even the most exacting car owners..

According to its technical characteristics it is designed for operation in severe climatic conditions, though it is completely free of spikes. Traction properties are provided by a specially designed tread pattern. It consists of numerous three-dimensional blades, which provide reliable traction of the tire on icy roads.

Another feature is the numerous individual blocks that combine to form a high-quality drainage system..

The result is that particles of ice, water and thawed snow are quickly drained from the contact patch, completely preventing aquaplaning.

Technical data:

Profile width/height 235/55 mm;
the maximum speed of 190 km/h;
tire load up to 900 kg.

Advantages of

Soft rubber compound with good driving characteristics;
The absence of spikes guarantees complete quietness;
retains its characteristics even in case of sudden temperature fluctuations;
confident traction, even with slippage;
excellent self-cleaning of the tread.

disadvantages

at higher speeds there is a strong rumble;
Not very good handling in ice.

MICHELIN Pilot Alpin 5 245/40 R18 97W

This model of winter velcro tire from the French manufacturer is designed for Owners of passenger cars who prefer to drive at high speeds.

Practical experience of use shows that the tire is unlikely to cope with the extreme road conditions of the northern winter, but for a mild European winter it will be quite sufficient.

The best speed characteristics of the tire appear when driving on wet and snowy asphalt.

Besides that, a special tread pattern allows obtaining excellent traction and agility during sharp cornering.

Technical data:

Width/height section 245/40 mm;
The maximum speed is 270 km/h;
Tire load up to 730 kg.

Advantages of

The absence of spikes provides a high level of acoustic comfort;
suitable for high speed travelling;
predictable handling on ice and snow;
soft rubber compound overcomes obstacles well;
shorter braking distance.

Disadvantages

Not suitable for harsh northern winters;
It's hard to find the right size on sale.

GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice 2 245/45 R18 100T

Winter Non-Blocking Rubber has all necessary characteristics for comfortable and safe journeys in the cold season..

Thanks to the application of modern technologies, the tire surpasses the products of other brands in many characteristics and properties.

The main novelty is the improved composition of rubber compound, which does not become rigid even at very low temperatures..

Tread pattern has also undergone certain changes. Its running part still has a V-shaped pattern, but the manufacturer has decided not to include longitudinal ribs.

Their function is performed by numerous arrow-shaped blocks, which provide an increased contact patch to increase the tire traction properties.

Technical characteristics:

the width/height of a profile of 245/45 mm;
the maximum speed of 190 km/h;
tire load up to 800 kg.

Pros of

moderate external noise level;
The tires behave perfectly on any road surface;
short braking distances;
good maneuverability even at high speeds;
absolutely expected and predictable rubber behavior.

Disadvantages

not the highest resistance to wear;
At very high speeds, handling suffers slightly.

What brand to choose?

Since winter tires should be as high quality and safe as possible, you should not buy tires of little-known brands. Only brands that have been on the market for a long time, produce truly high-quality rubber, adapted to difficult winter conditions.

Continental, MICHELIN, GOODYEAR, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Yokohama and Nokian were recognized as the best manufacturers of winter tires of universal size R18 in 2021-2022..

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