Preparation of the car in winter operation occurs long before the onset of the first cold weather. At an air temperature of + 7 ° C, most drivers “change their shoes” on their “iron horse”. For a comfortable and safe ride on snowy roads, the tires of the Finnish manufacturer Nokian - Nordman RS are suitable. Reviews of this rubber model, its technical characteristics and advantages will be discussed in detail in the article.
Manufacturer Information
The Finnish company Nokian is considered one of the largest manufacturers of rubber for vehicles of various categories. The history of the plant dates back to 1898, when the first rubber company was founded. The first tires for cars under the brand name saw the world in 1932.
The concern's products are developed with the latest technology and is focused on operation in difficult climatic conditions. The principle of constant safety is laid in rubber, which remains at the same level throughout the entire life of the wheels. This allowed the company to become a leader in sales in Russia, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Norway, Austria, North America.
The lineup
Today, the Finnish concern offers a wide range of rubber for cars and trucks, sports cars, SUVs, crossovers, minivans, agricultural machinery. Each model is unique, despite being similar to others.
The company's assortment includes more than 100 rubber models for summer, winter and all-weather operation. Special technologies used to create this or that tire guarantee high quality and reliability.
Summer wheels from Nordman are characterized by wear resistance and durability. It was possible to achieve high performance thanks to the use of a special rubber mixture of natural rubber, silica, absorbent gels and other components. The most popular summer tires include models such as Nokian Hakka Blue, Nokian Hakka Blue, Nokian Hakka Green.
Winter tires are presented by friction and studded models. The first option became the most popular among drivers - the so-called Velcro. A striking representative of this category of rubber is the Nordman RS model. The manufacturer also offers and other winter tires: Nordman 5, Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV (for SUVs), Hakkapeliitta RSi, Hakkapeliitta R2.
The All-Season is represented by such models as the Nokian All Weather Plus, Weatherproof, Weatherproof SUV. They are ready to serve the driver at any time of the year and in any weather conditions. However, experts note that it is still better to operate them in warm winters and not too hot summers.
Nokian Nordman RS: description
Who, no matter how Finns know what tires are ideal for winter driving. A huge number of positive recommendations received tires "Nokian Nordman RS." The friction model has excellent grip properties both during braking and during acceleration. The model has received many innovations from the developers, allowing to improve operational characteristics. The presentation of rubber took place in 2009 and since then it has been in demand among domestic drivers.
The basis for the creation of a new model was the tire "Nokian Hakkapeliitta R". The tread pattern, rubber compound and individual structural elements received updates, which allowed the Nordman tires to surpass the Haccapelitte in many categories. So, the updated version of rubber will serve its owner 12% longer, braking distance will be less by 7%, and fuel economy will increase by 11%. Given these advantages, it is not surprising that the Nordman RS has gained trust among motorists.
Tire properties
Features Nordman RS say that rubber Designed for cars equipped with ABS. The anti-lock braking system is to prevent the wheels from locking for proper braking. This allows you to maintain control of the vehicle. Velcro slows down well on snow, and on ice, and on snow porridge.
The manufacturer claims that the model will perform best in air temperatures of -20 ° C and below. Tires allow you to maintain the vehicle’s maneuverability on any road surface and when cornering. A significant advantage of the Nokian Nordman RS is its softness and acoustic comfort. When accelerating to 170 km / h, they retain all their properties, as evidenced by the high-speed index R.
Compound
The manufacturer approached with all responsibility to the selection of components of the rubber mixture. Its composition is completely absent carcinogens and toxic substances. In the manufacture of the compound used technology consisting in the use of rapeseed oil.
In combination with silica and natural rubber, this made it possible to obtain a significant improvement in grip, reduce rolling resistance and take care of the environment.
Model Features
Nokian friction tires are not afraid of snow, slush and ice. In addition, they behave well on dry and wet pavement. Various innovative technologies, which were correctly implemented by the developers, helped to get high performance characteristics of rubber.
Tread
Tire tread Nordman RS retained some elements from the previous model "Nokian Hakkapelitta 7". The design features of this tire model include:
- the tread pattern is V-shaped, directionally symmetrical. This provides good dynamics of acceleration and braking, accurate entry into the turn;
- wear indicator - the main indicator of a safe ride. Allows you to control the condition of the rubber;
- wedge-shaped lamellas on the shoulder blocks and the central rib - serve to improve the traction and coupling properties of tires;
- grooves diluted to the outside - provide quick removal of moisture from the contact patch, preventing slipping and aquaplaning;
- one-piece central unit - helps to confidently brake on any type of road surface.
Benefits
Nordman RS tires, the review of which is presented above, showed their best side with numerous tests. Advantages include excellent traction on ice and snow-covered surfaces, lack of noise, maintaining softness of rubber even in severe frosts, and increased resource. Elements of the tread pattern are evenly distributed, which allows you to correctly distribute the pressure. This reduces the rolling factor and positively affects fuel economy.
Reviews on Nordman RS allow you to quickly gain speed and at the same time maintain confident control of the vehicle. Tires perfectly “row” snow and snow porridge, allowing the car to get out of the snowdrifts without any help.
Price
The cost of rubber is an important factor that car owners pay attention to when choosing the right “shoe” for the “iron horse”. It is worth noting that the price of Nordman tires belongs to the middle category and will not hit the driver’s pocket. The model is presented in four sizes (R13-R16). One tire "Nordman RS" in the amount of 155/70 R13 75R will cost 2100-2200 rubles.
For small and budget SUVs, for example, Renault Duster, a set of winter wheels "Nordman RS" in size R16 215/65 is ideal. The price of rubber in this case is 2300-24000 (per set).
Marking
When choosing tires, you should pay attention to the marking. In addition to the category, profile height, width and diameter, other symbols may be present on the tire. What does the marking XL mean? Nordman RS in sizes R14, R15, R16 can have a similar inscription, which indicates that the tire is reinforced. The load index of such a tire is 3 units higher than that of a similar rubber of the same size. Reinforced tires "Nordman RS" is suitable for small SUVs and minivans.
Nordman RS: test
Experts have repeatedly tested this model and were satisfied with the quality and performance properties of tires. Especially good tires showed themselves on a snowy road surface. Tires allowed to confidently take turns, avoiding drifts, sticking to the trajectory on rolled snow.
On ice, rubber is slightly worse than the manufacturer promised. Performing maneuvers, there is a big risk of skidding or demolition. You can carefully exit the latter with the help of “gas” (only for experienced drivers).
How does it behave on dry pavement Nordman RS? Winter tires respond slightly worse to steering commands when driving on a clean (dry) road surface.
The rubber model from the Finnish concern Nokian is ideally suited for urban use. The Velcro will not disappoint when leaving the track. According to expert reviews, rubber “swallows” small bumps on the road and behaves very quietly.
Drivers reviews
Most car owners who have chosen for winter driving Finnish tires Nordman RS, reviews and recommendations about this model leave positive. "Velcro" is perfectly balanced, well "rowing" on freshly fallen and already rolled snow. However, drivers should be more careful on ice - rubber often slips. Although the manufacturer promised excellent grip on any type of road surface, it is worth remembering that this is not studded rubber. The special composition of the rubber compound helps to maintain the softness of the tire at low air temperatures.
Negative reviews about Nordman RS are very rare. Most often, drivers complain about poor car handling on wet roads and ice. Therefore, it is recommended to put such rubber only on vehicles equipped with ABS.
The duration of the tire life of Nordman RS tires (XL and conventional) is directly dependent on driving style. Most car owners say that with proper use of rubber lasts at least 3 seasons. Affordable cost and the ability to purchase in almost every specialized store is another significant “plus” of this model.
When choosing between studded and friction rubber of a Finnish manufacturer, many opt for the latter. This is due to the lack of the need to "stud" the wheels before each season, the softness of the ride and the absence of excessive noise.