TOP 12 best winter tires R18: rating 2024-2025 and an overview of important rubber characteristics

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, you should pay attention to the characteristics that play an extremely important role in safe driving on icy or snowy roads.

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

To make it easier to choose R18 winter tires, we have compiled a short list of criteria that you should pay attention to when buying, and a rating of the best winter tires according to the 2024-2025 version in terms of price / quality.

Rating of the TOP 12 best winter tires R18 2024-2025

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

How to choose winter tires R18?

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

The rubber compound must have a special composition, due to which the tire will not harden at low temperatures..
The tread pattern is the main characteristic for safe driving. The special arrangement of the blocks provides good grip on ice, snow and slush.
The presence of spikes is also an important characteristic.. Studded tires have much better flotation, so they are recommended for use in extreme winter conditions. However, some well-known brands of non-studded tires also show excellent handling and maneuverability in difficult weather conditions.

Having decided on the model, you should pay attention to its load and speed index. These indicators determine which model of the machine a particular tire can be installed on, and what speed can be developed without loss of operational properties.

TOP 4 best winter tires R18

Among the huge range of R18 winter tires in 2024-2025, car owners especially appreciated the products of four brands.

Continental IceContact 2 225/60 R18 104T RunFlat

These high-performance winter tires from the renowned German brand are puncture-resistant and successfully cope even with the most difficult climatic conditions.

This model is an improved version of the tires of the previous version. Almost all technologies that were used for the production of tires were modernized.

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

There are about 200 spikes on the tire tread. Their optimized location in combination with a well-thought-out tread configuration guarantees reliable grip on icy surfaces.

To fix the spikes, the manufacturer used a special adhesive mixture that prevents the metal elements from falling out.

Specifications:

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

pros

Improved tread design ensures optimum acoustic comfort
tires perfectly obey the steering wheel;
fast and confident braking;
the rubber compound is soft enough to overcome obstacles;
increased strength of the fastening of the spikes.

Minuses

handling on dry pavement suffers a little;
the price is slightly overpriced.

MICHELIN X-Ice Snow 225/60 R18 100H

A tire from a famous French brand is suitable for most modern cars.

Compared to the previous version, this tire features completely redesigned materials and a redesigned construction.

Due to this, in terms of performance, the tire surpasses not only the tires of this brand, but also the products of competitors..

The key difference of the model is in a completely new tread design. The arrangement of the elements remained the same, but their number was increased, and the size, on the contrary, was reduced.

Due to this, directional stability, traction, coupling and braking properties on snow slush, ice and loose snow have significantly increased.

Specifications:

profile width/height 225/60 mm;
maximum speed 210 km / h;
tire load up to 800 kg.

pros

excellent handling is maintained even in ice;
low noise level increases ride comfort;
well overcome obstacles, for example, curbs;
predictable and controlled drift at high speeds;
good handling on loose snow and slush.

Minuses

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

GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice 2 235/45 R18 98T

The manufacturer has been working on the creation of this winter tire for a long time, but the result is pleasant. will surprise even the most demanding car owners.

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

In addition to stable handling and directional stability, this rubber compound increases the resistance of the product to abrasive wear..

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

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

This creates multiple gripping edges for maximum driving comfort and safety.

Specifications:

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

pros

good patency on asphalt and light off-road;
the tire holds the road perfectly even on ice and loose snow;
lack of spikes increases the level of acoustic comfort;
confident braking in any road conditions;
almost no rut is felt.

Minuses

on clean ice, it definitely loses to studded tires;
handling suffers a bit at speed.

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 255/45 R18 103V

Winter car tires with outstanding performance. Car owners appreciate the excellent braking performance on loose snow, ice and slush, although this characteristic is slightly reduced on dry pavement.

When creating the tire, unique technologies were used that made it possible to achieve stable handling performance, regardless of weather conditions and the condition of the road surface..

The tread pattern outwardly seems familiar, but due to the successful and thoughtful arrangement of the blocks, the tire boasts stable handling and directional stability even in rain or sleet.

Specifications:

profile width/height 255/45 mm;
maximum speed 240 km / h;
tire load up to 875 kg.

pros

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.

Minuses

reduced directional stability on a thick layer of snow;
insufficiently dense sidewall.

TOP 4 best winter studded tires R18

Many car owners prefer studded tires, considering it more stable, passable and wear-resistant.This is partly true, but it only applies to products of trusted brands with reliable fastening of studs in the tread.

Pirelli Ice Zero 215/55 R18 99T

The world famous Italian brand is engaged in the production of this tire.. By load index and technical characteristics, 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 technologies were used in the production.

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

Due to this, neither ice nor loose snow is terrible for the tire: handling and directional stability will remain consistently high.

Specifications:

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

pros

very high cross-country ability is maintained on any road surface;
reinforced spikes;
the rubber compound is resistant to extremely low temperatures;
the cost is more affordable than that of analogues;
brakes well in any weather.

Minuses

makes a lot of noise when driving on the highway;
on clean ice, patency suffers a little.

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

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

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

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

Like many other winter tires, the tread has a V-shaped tread pattern..

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

Specifications:

profile width/height 205/55 mm;
maximum speed 190 km/h;
tire load up to 850 kg.

pros

grippy and quiet tire ideal for winter;
the elasticity of the rubber compound is maintained even in very severe frost;
tires amaze with tenacity on packed snow;
good cross-country ability on freshly fallen snow;
gently overcomes obstacles when traveling off-road.

Minuses

there are minor taxiing on dry pavement;
not always available in the required size.

Yokohama Ice Guard IG65 265/60 R18 114T

The previous version of this tire was highly rated by car owners, and after updates, it has become even more comfortable and safe.

In fact, the engineers developed the tire from scratch, implementing all the latest technologies and achievements in it. The central running part of the tread is a wide solid rib, consisting of numerous blocks connected by rigid bridges.

The massive size of the blocks and their polygonal shape provide excellent grip and prevent slipping during sudden acceleration or braking..

Another novelty is stepped slats. When in contact with the road, they form numerous facets. Due to this, the grip properties of the tire are significantly increased.

Specifications:

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

pros

stability is maintained even in very difficult road conditions;
reinforced fastening of spikes;
predictable behavior on slush and ice;
excellent braking, regardless of the weather;
excellent course stability.

Minuses

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

Nokian Tires Hakkapeliitta 9 235/45 R18 98T

The new model of studded winter tire demonstrates unprecedented stability and handling even in very difficult weather conditions.

The main feature of the model is the use of two types of studs for the central and shoulder parts of the tread. This improves traction on ice and wet pavement, when driving in a straight line and when cornering.

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

Thanks to this, the tire is suitable for harsh winters and for regions with a changeable climate.

Specifications:

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

pros

tires hold the road well and are not afraid of ruts;
allows you to perform various maneuvers and confidently enter turns;
predictable behavior even with sudden temperature changes;
two types of studs for increased grip;
confident control over slush.

Minuses

the tire makes a lot of noise on clean and dry asphalt;
when driving off-road, spikes begin to fly out.

TOP 4 best winter Velcro tires R18

Velcro tires are tires without studs. Despite the absence of these metal elements, such products demonstrate very decent performance due to a well-thought-out tread pattern.

Continental ContiVikingContact 7 255/60 R18 112T

This winter tire is called universal, because it is suitable for almost any passenger car models.

Also, the tire is available in several dozen sizes, so choosing the right model will be easy. The running part of the tread is made of a special rubber compound, which includes special silicas.

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

The tread design has been completely redesigned. It is symmetrical and consists of numerous diamond-shaped blocks in the central part. The edges are set at a large angle, which guarantees high-quality longitudinal and lateral grip in all conditions, as well as resistance to aquaplaning.

Specifications:

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

pros

low noise level due to the complete absence of spikes;
predictable handling on ice and loose snow;
improved composition of the rubber compound increases the resistance of the tire to abrasion;
optimal cross-country ability on snow porridge;
The soft rubber compound remains flexible even in very cold weather.

Minuses

not designed for sudden braking in ice;
does not allow sharp cornering at high speeds.

Pirelli Ice Zero FR 235/55 R18 104T

The winter tire created by the Italian brand meets the requirements of even the most discerning car owners.

According to the technical characteristics, it is designed for operation in harsh climatic conditions, although it is completely devoid of spikes.Grip properties are provided by a specially designed tread pattern. It consists of numerous three-dimensional sipes that provide reliable grip of the tire on an icy road.

Another feature is in numerous separate blocks, which together form a high-quality drainage system..

As a result, ice particles, water and melted snow are quickly removed from the contact patch, completely preventing hydroplaning.

Specifications:

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

pros

soft rubber compound with good driving characteristics;
lack of spikes guarantees complete noiselessness;
maintain performance even with sudden temperature changes;
confident traction even when slipping;
excellent self-cleaning tread.

Minuses

at high speed there is a strong hum;
not very good handling in ice.

MICHELIN Pilot Alpin 5 245/40 R18 97W

This Velcro winter tire model from a French manufacturer is designed for car owners who prefer to travel 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 enough.

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

In addition, a special tread pattern allows you to achieve excellent traction and maneuverability during sharp cornering.

Specifications:

profile width/height 245/40 mm;
maximum speed 270 km / h;
tire load up to 730 kg.

pros

lack of spikes provides a high level of acoustic comfort;
Suitable for high speed travel
predictable handling on ice and snow;
soft rubber compound overcomes obstacles well;
reduced stopping distance.

Minuses

not suitable for harsh northern winters;
hard to find the right size for sale.

GOODYEAR Ultra Grip Ice 2 245/45 R18 100T

Winter studless tires have all the necessary characteristics for comfortable and safe trips in the cold season.

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

The main novelty is a rubber compound with an improved composition that does not become stiff even at very low temperatures..

The tread pattern has also undergone certain changes. Its running section still has a V-pattern, but the manufacturer decided not to include longitudinal ribs in it.

Their function is performed by numerous blocks in the form of arrows, which provide an increase in the contact patch to improve the grip properties of the tire.

Specifications:

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

pros

moderate level of external noise;
tires perform well on any road surface;
shortened braking distance;
good maneuverability even at high speed;
absolutely expected and predictable behavior of rubber.

Minuses

not the highest wear resistance;
At very high speeds, handling suffers a little.

Which firm to choose?

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

The brands Continental, MICHELIN, GOODYEAR, Bridgestone, Pirelli, Yokohama and Nokian were recognized as the best manufacturers of winter tires of the universal size R18 in 2024-2025.

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