The Importance of Winter Tyres in New Zealand
Understanding the Hazards of Winter Driving
Winter driving in New Zealand can be a challenging experience due to the country’s diverse weather conditions. The South Island, in particular, experiences heavy snowfall, making roads slippery and hazardous. Even in the North Island, where snow is less common, the roads can become treacherous due to frost and ice.
The Role of Winter Tyres in Enhancing Safety
Winter tyres play a crucial role in enhancing safety during the colder months. They are designed with a special rubber compound that remains flexible in low temperatures, providing better grip and handling. The tread patterns are also designed to channel away slush and reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
Evaluating the Best Winter Tyres for 2023
Criteria for Selection
The selection of the best winter tyres is based on several criteria, including performance in snow and ice, wet and dry road grip, noise and comfort, and user reviews and ratings.
Unveiling the Top Winter Tyres: Performance and Features
Based on the 2022 Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test, the top winter tyres for New Zealand in 2023 are the Continental WinterContact TS 870, the Michelin Alpin 6, and the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+.
- Also be sure to check out our review of the top performance tyres for 2023 NZ
- check out our review of the Best Summer Tyres for NZ 2023
Top 3 Ranked Winter Tyres in New Zealand
Continental WinterContact TS 870
1. Overview and Key Features
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is a premium winter tyre designed for compact and mid-sized cars. It features an innovative tread design and a new silica compound for improved snow performance.
2. Performance in Snow and Ice
In the Tyre Reviews Winter Tyre Test, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 performed exceptionally well in snow and ice, offering excellent traction and braking capabilities.
3. Wet and Dry Road Grip
The tyre also demonstrated superior wet and dry road grip, ensuring safety in all winter conditions.
4. Noise and Comfort
Despite its robust performance, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is known for its low noise levels and high comfort, making it a preferred choice for long drives.
5. User Reviews and Ratings
Users have rated the Continental WinterContact TS 870 highly for its overall performance and durability. The tyre has a dry grip score of 89%, wet grip score of 93%, snow grip score of 92%, and ice grip score of 80%. It also scores high in wear (88%), comfort (91%), and buy again (94%) categories.
Read our full Continental Wintercontact Ts 870 Review here
Michelin Alpin 6
1. Overview and Key Features
The Michelin Alpin 6 is a winter tyre designed for a wide range of vehicles. It features a unique tread pattern that evolves as it wears, ensuring optimal performance throughout its lifespan.
2. Performance in Snow and Ice
The Michelin Alpin 6 offers excellent snow and ice performance, with strong traction and short braking distances.
3. Wet and Dry Road Grip
In terms of wet and dry road grip, the Michelin Alpin 6 performs well, providing reliable handling in various winter conditions.
4. Noise and Comfort
The tyre is also praised for its low noise levels and comfortable ride.
5. User Reviews and Ratings
Users have given positive reviews to the Michelin Alpin 6, particularly appreciating its long-lasting performance and safety features. The tyre has a dry grip score of 88%, wet grip score of 92%, snow grip score of 88%, and ice grip score of 79%. It also scores well in wear (86%), comfort (90%), and buy again (92%) categories.
Read our full Michelin Alpin 6 Review here
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
1. Overview and Key Features
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ is a high-performance winter tyre. It features a unique tread design and a special compound for enhanced grip on snowy and icy roads.
2. Performance in Snow and Ice
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ excels in snow and ice performance, offering impressive traction and control.
3. Wet and Dry Road Grip
The tyre also provides excellent wet and dry road grip, ensuring safety in diverse winter conditions.
4. Noise and Comfort
Despite its high performance, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ is known for its quiet and comfortable ride.
5. User Reviews and Ratings
Users have highly rated the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ for its superior winter performance and durability. The tyre has a dry grip score of 82%, wet grip score of 87%, snow grip score of 92%, and ice grip score of 80%. It also scores high in wear (91%), comfort (88%), and buy again (93%) categories.
Read our full Goodyear Ultragrip Performance+ Review here
Expert Recommendations and Tips for Winter Tyre Selection
A. Matching Tyre Performance to Your Vehicle
When selecting winter tyres, it’s important to match the tyre’s performance to your vehicle. For instance, high-performance cars may require tyres with better grip and handling, while SUVs may benefit from tyres with better snow and ice performance.
B. Selecting the Appropriate Tyre Size
It’s also crucial to select the appropriate tyre size for your vehicle. Incorrect tyre size can affect your vehicle’s handling and safety.
C. Additional Considerations: Tread Depth, Load Index, and Speed Rating
Other factors to consider when selecting winter tyres include checking tread depth, load index, and speed rating. A deeper tread depth is beneficial for snow performance, while the load index and speed rating should match your vehicle’s specifications.
Final Thoughts and Conclusion
Winter tyres are a crucial investment for safe and comfortable winter driving in New Zealand. The Continental WinterContact TS 870, Michelin Alpin 6, and Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ are among the top choices for 2023, offering excellent performance in various winter conditions. However, it’s important to consider your specific vehicle and driving needs when selecting winter tyres. Stay safe on the roads this winter with the right set of tyres.