Most drivers are used to trusting well-known tire brands. However, sometimes quite strong players appear on the market, who come from the most unexpected places. These include the tires manufactured by Minerva. Not everyone could hear its name, but the products of this company are of high quality. The country of origin is also surprising - the Philippines. Especially in the context of what the subject of today's review was a winter rubber model called Minerva Eco Stud. Reviews about it are very positive, so it’s worth considering in detail what this rubber is capable of and whether it is worth buying for your car.
Briefly about the model
The rubber in question refers to universal options that everyone can modify to their taste. It's about the manufacturer's approach to studding. In order to give customers the opportunity to choose, the spikes are not installed from the factory, only seats are prepared for them. It is worth noting that this is a fairly reasonable move, because rubber is able to perfectly cope with the tasks assigned to it without these metal elements.
One of the additional advantages is the acceptable cost of the Minerva tire, which will allow you to purchase this model even for installation on inexpensive cars. The number of sizes is relatively small, but this list includes all the popular options used both on old cars of imported and domestic production, and on new models, with rare exceptions.
Reliability and directional stability
The first task set for the designers was the ability of the Minerva tire to maintain a confident direction of movement even under high-speed driving and adverse weather conditions. In order to achieve such a result, the manufacturer used a symmetrical tread structure, dividing it in the center by a longitudinal rib stretching continuously across the entire working surface of the tire.
Due to the presence of this rib, deformation that can occur under high loads during heavy traffic is minimized and the dynamic performance of the Minerva Eco Stud is reduced, especially during acceleration or emergency braking. Keeping its original shape, rubber does not lose dynamic characteristics in motion and can maintain directional stability. Along the edges of the ribs are triangular protruding ribs that form additional cutting edges that increase the overall grip of the tire with the road surface.
Passability on loose and rolled snow
If you look at the pictures of the tread, then large tread blocks located in a strict order and almost without straight edges immediately catch your eye. The manufacturer Minerva Eco Stud took care of creating omnidirectional edges that provide traction when driving on loose snow or snow porridge. The deep lamellas between these blocks can act as a temporary storage of snow, and also effectively drain water if you have to ride during a strong thaw.
The presence of such grooves and edges increases the rowing characteristics and helps the tire to perform well not only on loose, but also on rolled snow. However, in deep snow drifts they are still not enough. In order to cope with such situations, even larger blocks are located in the shoulder zones. They are separated by cruciform grooves, which can effectively cling to the snow, regardless of whether you are driving forward or reversing.
Their task is to collect and ram the snow. After it becomes dense, it can be transferred from the partition of enemies to helpers. After all, such snow, in fact, forms a large number of points for which you can confidently cling to. That is why it is not difficult to start off in the snowy parking lot. Often this can be done even without minimal slippage.
Stud Features
As mentioned above, the model is often supplied to stores without spikes. This is due to the fact that on the working surface there are a large number of lamellas that form the edges and already make the Minerva tire quite effective. However, if you often have to ride on ice, you have the opportunity to install the spikes yourself at the nearest service station.
If you decide to take this step, you can get a number of pluses, however, and a small minus - the rubber will become noticeably louder on clean asphalt. Landing nests for thorns are made of special rubber, which holds them securely and allows you not to worry about expensive maintenance every season.
Recently, options with spikes installed from the factory began to appear in stores. If you still plan to ride using these metal elements, then it is better to immediately take just such a version, as it will come out both cheaper and more reliable.
Wear resistance
Another nice feature is good abrasion resistance. Minerva is able to go through several seasons with a fairly intense operation associated with constant loads. Some users note that the model has a weak sidewall, and it can get damaged with a very strong blow. Therefore, in order for the rubber to live long, this fact should be taken into account and it should be treated with care.
Positive feedback about the model
It is worth noting that, despite its exotic origin, rubber received very high ratings. Reviews of the Minerva Eco Stud show that it appealed to many drivers. Among the main positive features, they are most often called the following:
- Good traction regardless of conditions. Rubber manifests itself on the positive side both on ice and on all types of snow, as well as on clean asphalt.
- Nice factory studding. Those who take the option with spikes note the high-quality fixation of the metal "teeth" and their high strength.
- Sufficient softness. The tire has the ability to maintain its properties even at very low temperatures overboard, which undoubtedly will appeal to residents of the northern regions.
- Low noise. According to reviews of Minerva Eco Stud, even the version with spikes practically does not hum on the road, which increases driving comfort and allows the driver not to be distracted by unnecessary noise.
- Reasonable cost. The opportunity to buy good tires at a reasonable price definitely pleases drivers who want to save on car maintenance as much as possible, but at the same time strive to achieve safety.
As you can see, the model turned out to be very successful. However, it is worth paying attention to its shortcomings.
Cons of the model, according to driver reviews
The most important negative feature is the excessive softness of the rubber during the thaw. As many drivers note in reviews of Minerva Eco Stud, at temperatures above +2, the rubber becomes too soft and begins to “float”, which reduces handling. At temperatures above +10, you need to move with extreme caution.
Also, some reviewers are faced with the need for quite serious balancing when installing rubber on wheels. Although this problem is quite rare, it indicates a percentage of the marriage that manages to leak into stores bypassing recycling systems.
Output
The model under consideration has all the necessary qualities so that it can be safely called one of the best in its price segment. A small list of the shortcomings mentioned in this Minerva Eco Stud review may seem far from critical for many drivers. If you value your own safety and the lives of your passengers, then equipping the car with these tires will be one of the best options to increase the feeling of confidence in the car on the road.