The purchase of tires for a car is already becoming a kind of ritual for drivers. And this has its own explanations, since traffic safety depends on this element. This is especially true for the winter period with adverse weather conditions, in which you need to approach the issue especially carefully.
The hero of today's review is just winter tires, regarding which both the manufacturer’s statements and reviews will be analyzed. Tigar Winter 1 is positioned as a reliable, stable and wear-resistant rubber. Is it really that? Let's first look at what the developers themselves say about it.
Manufacturer Information
Tigar is located in Serbia and was founded in 1935. The main specialization is the production of automotive rubber for all operating conditions. Extensive experience allows us to constantly improve our products, achieving high results.
At the moment, the company operates under the guidance of the more famous manufacturer Michelin and uses in its projects the developments that are inherent in the premium segment. Products are positioned as budget, but with a request for high quality. Its list also includes Tigar Winter 1 tires , reviews of which we will analyze at the end of the article.
Brief information about the model under consideration
The analyzed rubber is a winter solution for cars. It should be noted in advance that the manufacturer is more focused on the weather conditions inherent in Serbia, so you should not rely on high rates in severe winters. This rubber is intended for regions with mild winters and relatively high temperatures, otherwise the constituent mixture may harden, as a result of which the characteristics are greatly reduced.
The main features, according to the manufacturer, is the ability to maintain stability on any type of road in the winter. Equally important is a reliable coupling coupled with maneuverability, which are useful when driving fast. Is this true, we can find out by reading about the winter tires Tigar Winter 1 reviews and comparing them with the characteristics of the manufacturer.
No spikes
The manufacturer decided to avoid studding rubber. This gives its advantages, which we will talk about a little later, for example, noise reduction. However, such a strategy makes it possible to think through the composition of the rubber compound as qualitatively as possible, because providing grip with the road surface under any conditions is entirely and completely attributed to the Tigar Winter 1 TG rubber itself. Reviews show that this decision caused a mixed reaction from users.
It is also important what the tread pattern will be. It contributes to the competent distribution of loads and increase the area of contact with the track. If the tread in this model is chosen incorrectly, this can lead to the risk of side drifts even when driving in a straight line.
The special composition of the rubber compound
It was on the composition that the developers focused, creating this lineup. It was necessary to achieve maximum softness, while not losing strength and maintaining durability. Silicic acid, which binds the components together and helped them to be tough, helped in this , even when outwardly the rubber seems soft. It allows you to maintain traction characteristics even at low temperatures and provides confident driving on icy tracks. As they say about the Tigar Winter 1 reviews of the owners, the softness was even higher than you could imagine.
Tread pattern and comfort
In the issue of drawing a tread pattern, the manufacturer did not abandon the traditional solutions used in winter studless tires. As a result, she got a typical V-shaped pattern, pursuing several tasks simultaneously. First of all, such a wedge-shaped structure of the location of the tread blocks contributes to exchange rate stability, easily coping with loose or freshly fallen snow. As a result, the problem of drifts disappears when abruptly entering the snow porridge after driving on cleaned asphalt or ice. As the reviews show regarding Tigar Winter 1,225 * 55 K17, rubber really behaves well when driving in the snow and avoids aquaplaning on the water.
According to the manufacturer, this type of pattern allowed to reduce rolling resistance, which positively affected the dynamic characteristics, as well as the overall fuel consumption. As testing showed, as a result of applying this technology, 5% less fuel is consumed when driving than with tires from another manufacturer.
We did not forget about the safety of high-speed maneuvering. On the lateral parts of the Tigar Winter 1 tire (reviews indicate the positive side of this solution), large individual tread blocks are located that can cope with the stresses that arise when cornering and provide excellent adhesion to the road surface at that moment.
Strength and durability
As mentioned earlier, the use of silicic acid allowed to reduce tire wear when driving on an aggressive surface, for example, cleaned dry asphalt. However, this would not be enough to protect the rubber from all dangerous external factors.
For the protection of tires from damage as a result of impacts, for example, on a curb or rails at level crossings, a powerful double cord is responsible. According to reviews, Tigar Winter 1 thanks to it receive less deformation upon impact or hitting a sharp object, which creates an additional protective effect. As a result, the likelihood of a puncture or cut is reduced. This is true even if you drive with extreme care. Indeed, on a winter track, danger can even carry a piece of frozen sharp ice.
Aquaplanning Protection
It is worth noting that in regions with a mild winter climate, thaws are a fairly common occurrence. As a result, good rubber designed for movement at such a time should be protected from aquaplaning both in water and in liquid snow porridge.
Two deep longitudinal channels located along the entire tire are responsible for the efficient removal of fluid from the contact patch with the road, ensuring safe movement even in deep puddles. However, with poor road surface, you should still not forget about safety measures. It is advisable to adhere to a reasonable speed limit corresponding to the situation on the road.
Lamella system and its role
It is difficult to even evaluate what plays a large role in rubber - tread blocks or lamellas, because they are combined as a result into one kind of “organism”. In this model, the lamellas are designed in such a way as to get rid of the snow sticking in them as quickly as possible. This is especially true due to the absence of spikes that could provide a hitch with a completely clogged wheel.
Here, the main role in maintaining stability is played by the edges, the effectiveness of which decreases when the lamellas are clogged. Their construction allows you to make good use of the time and slight deformation that occur during wheel rotation in order to push out snow and increase traction characteristics. According to reviews, Tigar Winter 1 feels good in the snow, but it has problems with ice, even despite the large number of individual blocks.
The main features of the model according to the manufacturer
First of all, the developer of this rubber is positioned as a budget option, which, however, is not much inferior to the elite branded segment. Among the main advantages listed as a result of testing, we can distinguish the following:
- Noise reduction due to the rejection of the use of spikes.
- Reduced rolling resistance and, as a result, reduced fuel consumption.
- A well-designed lamella system allows the tire to be cleaned quickly and forms a large number of edges that directly affect the dynamic and course characteristics of the tire.
- The moisture removal system in the form of two main channels copes with its task and prevents aquaplaning in any situation.
- The central tread rib is designed not only to provide directional stability, but also to help maintain traction when maneuvering. Works in tandem with side blocks for maneuvers.
- Silicic acid increases the service life, reduces wear and increases the softness of the rubber compound.
- The metal double cord provides shock resistance and helps to avoid punctures.
These points were noticed during professional testing and are offered by the manufacturer as the main strengths of the tire range. Is this really so, you can figure it out by reading about the Tigar Winter 1 XL tires reviews of drivers who have been using this rubber for some time.
Positive tire reviews
As practice shows, some aspects by different drivers can be perceived from a completely different angle. So in this case - one of the characteristics of the Tigar Winter 1 235 * 55R17 103V came under attack, reviews of softness were very mixed. We will first consider positive opinions, and then we will understand why some users spoke about it in a bad light.
- Softness. Rubber really turned out to be very soft and does not tan even at low temperatures. Some users say that it really justifies the name “Velcro,” since the tread blocks are so soft that they stick to your hands.
- Resists aquaplaning. Here, all drivers note good results, since the tires allow you to quickly pass areas completely flooded with water, without any problems.
- Low noise even with the larger Tigar Winter 1 XL. Reviews show that tire noise is even lower than summer options. This speaks in favor of this model, especially if the car does not have very good sound insulation.
- Excellent cross-country ability on snow and snow porridge. Here, too, the manufacturer managed to subdue its customers. Rubber copes with any amount of snow and rowing well, retaining traction and avoiding drifts.
- Strength and wear resistance. Despite the high softness, rubber survives blows well, avoids cuts and stuffing debris into the tread pattern and does not wear off in the first season, thereby saving on the purchase of a new kit.
These are the main points that were noted by users who skated one or more seasons in different conditions. Let's now analyze the negative aspects from the same reviews, and then compare this information with the characteristics provided by the manufacturer.
Negative points based on user reviews
As mentioned above, some drivers may consider some characteristics as positive, while others, on the contrary, will criticize tires for them. Not without such a divergence of views in this case.
The softness of the rubber, which causes rave reviews by some drivers, is very harshly criticized by others. This is often caused by the driving style. With a quiet movement within the permissible speed limits, inconvenience should not arise. But if you are a fan of aggressive driving, then it is worth considering that soft rubber, especially with a high profile, when cornering fast, can behave unpredictably and even fly off the disk. Those drivers who, as a result of careless handling, encountered a similar problem when they write reviews about Tigar Winter 1 215 * 55 R17, pay attention to this. But they do not hide the fact that partly this problem arose through their fault.
The second negative point is the behavior of tires on ice and when icy. Many drivers were dissatisfied with him, but this result is characteristic of almost all models on which there is no studding. Therefore, when driving on ice, it is better to reduce speed so as not to be in an unpleasant situation.
Comparison of information from the manufacturer with reviews and conclusion
As you can see, for the most part, the manufacturer provided relevant information on rubber. It copes well with snow and water and is really suitable for a temperate climate. The only significant problem that can not be avoided by changing the driving style is a very poor coupling with clean ice, as the reviews say. Tigar Winter 1 otherwise - tires that turned out to be quite successful and can be recommended for purchase.
This rubber model can be bought if you are an experienced driver who can correctly assess the situation on the road. It will serve you for a long time due to its durability and give you comfortable driving without acoustic noise effect.