Pirelli Formula Ice tires: reviews of car owners

The Italian company Pirelli was founded in 1872. The organization's activities consisted in the manufacture and sale of elastic rubber for various needs. Around 1894, the production of tires for bicycles was established, and already in 1901 - for cars. Currently, the company ranks fifth in the world in revenue. Let's take a closer look at the Pirelli Formula Ice tires. Owner feedback , performance and key features of this model - all this will help to learn more about the quality of Italian tires.

Construction of the plant in Russia

In 2008, an agreement was signed to build a tire manufacturing plant in Togliatti. It was planned to produce about 3.5 million tires for passenger cars and about 700,000 for trucks. But at the end of 2010 the construction did not begin. In 2011, it became known that the agreement would be implemented only after the Italians bought two domestic Sibur factories, located in Kirov and Voronezh. The plants were purchased in 2012.

It should be noted that at present Pirelli tires occupy the third place in sales among 16 world producers. These are very good results, which speak of the great popularity of this brand. In general, the quality of complaints from the Russians do not arise. Well sold winter tires Pirelli Formula Ice. Feedback from owners and experts about them is positive, but we will talk about this later.

Tires for Northern Europe

For the first time, the Italian company presented the data to the public in 2013. For this time among motorists there was a certain opinion concerning operational characteristics of rubber. Since these tires were designed specifically for use in the Northern part of Europe, then there are certain features. A more severe climate requires high performance characteristics of the tire and, most importantly, its resistance to low temperatures. But after several years of sales it became clear that the tires Pirelli Formula Ice, reviews about which in 90% of cases are positive, popular everywhere, where you have to ride on snow and ice.

The developers tried to make a budget rubber, which would retain its properties throughout the life of the machine. At the same time, the assortment of standard sizes was widened as much as possible. So you can pick up tires on a car or an SUV.

Aluminum instead of steel

Despite the fact that many manufacturers of automobile tires in their development use steel spikes, the Italians decided to go the other way. According to the engineers, the use of aluminum spikes in the construction has made it possible to achieve a number of positive moments. First, the weight of rubber has decreased. Let's talk about grams, but still it's important. Secondly, aluminum does not undergo corrosion. Precisely because the steel begins to rust, the spikes in use and fall out. Also their characteristics are reduced, which is simply unacceptable in the winter.

"Pirelli" were not the first to use such technologies, so they can be called proven. Aluminum is firmly held at the base of the tread and almost does not fall out during sharp starts and braking. The weight of one spike is 50% less than that of a similar steel.

Features of the form of thorns and tread

As already noted above, the spikes in this model are made of aluminum. They have a hexagonal shape with sharp edges, which ensures maximum adhesion to the icy surface. A lot of attention was paid to the seat. Due to the special shape of the stud and the reinforced base, it is firmly held in the tread. Braking by "yuzom" does not lead to mass loss, which is often found in tires from other manufacturers.

The protector also has its own characteristics. In particular, a wide central edge. It performs the function of the stabilizer while driving. The indicators of exchange rate stability were significantly improved. This solution is extremely important for those who travel in winter at high speed. The central part of the tread contributes to a more smooth entry into the turns.

Behavior on a snow-covered road

The conducted test of tires Pirelli Formula Ice has shown, that the given rubber is effective not only at driving on ice. This is partly due to the design of the slats. They allow you to quickly and efficiently remove snow and water from the working area of the tire. The number of lamellas in this model has been slightly increased. They converge into deeper and wider drainage grooves, which makes it possible to effectively remove snow porridge and water from the contact spot. It is for this reason that the behavior of Pirelli tires on the snow is quite predictable.

Each lamella has end faces with grooves. The greatest peak of loads on them is during braking or starting. This design of the tread allows you to get out of a complex skid by increasing the speed. But you need to understand that it's so easy to dig deep into the snow. In general, the stress test of tires Pirelli Formula Ice shows very good characteristics of rubber.

Balanced rubber composition

During production, additives that increase the performance of the mixture are added to the rubber. These are orange oil, silicium, silicon, and also RC polymers. The Italians managed to achieve a balance in this regard. That is why the tire is 13% less susceptible to wear than its predecessor. It serves somewhat longer, usually 4 seasons of active exploitation.

The blocks of the tread are rather rigid, but at the same time they are elastic. With the drop in temperature and wear, they do not lose their characteristics, which is extremely important. Very often you have to ride on winter tires on dry asphalt. In this case, the spikes work against the driver, worsening the acoustic comfort and grip on the roadway. But here we are pleased with the winter tires Pirelli Formula Ice (spike.). Experts say that the special seat of the studs is made in such a way that when moving on wet or dry asphalt, they deepen into the protector. This ensures more comfortable driving.

Pirelli Formula Ice tires: owner reviews

As for consumers, they always remain satisfied with the Italian quality. In addition, a high demand for these tires was formed because of the small price. In this case, there is nothing wrong to say about quality. It should be noted the following positive aspects of this model, according to the opinion of motorists:

• Low noise level. This was achieved due to the fact that on dry asphalt spikes are embedded in the protector.
• High adhesion to the road surface regardless of weather conditions.
• Wear resistance. According to the manufacturer, tires wear 13% less due to the balanced composition of the rubber compound.

These are the advantages that motorists who are not the first season using Pirelli Formula Ice (spike) stand out. Reviews in some cases are also negative, but they are extremely rare. We will also consider them.

Pirelli Formula Ice: price

As for the cost, then, as already noted above, these are very budgetary tires. For example, rubber R14 will cost only 2,300 rubles. Price list for 15-inch starts from 2 600 rubles. Since this option is suitable for almost all cars of budget class, the costs do not exceed 10 000 with the work of tire changers. If you want something more, then there is the possibility of buying R16 for 3 600 rubles apiece.

Despite the fact that the rubber is not so expensive, it is very high quality and allows you to drive with confidence along the winter road. If you think your money, then the excellent choice will be the tires Pirelli Formula Ice. The manufacturer perfectly holds the brand, the testimonials confirm this.

"Pirelli" and the stated advantages

Each modern rubber manufacturer highlights the key advantages of its products. The Italian company is no exception. Developers focus attention of potential buyers on the following strengths of rubber:

• Reduction of the stopping distance by about 7%;
• Wear resistance of the tread is increased by 13%;
• A high level of controllability on a wet and slippery surface;
• Maintenance of operational properties throughout the life of the service;
• Predictable behavior on a snow-covered road and dry asphalt.

Of course, winter tires Pirelli Formula Ice, a photo of which you can see in this article, has other key features. For example, aluminum spikes and their special way of fixing. For many motorists, this is extremely important. Since in this price range there is nothing equal in quality and characteristics.

Briefly about the shortcomings

Of course, there are also small disadvantages, which should also be noted. The most critical drawback is that there is no normal balancing of the rubber. Many motorists met with this. Apparently, the quality control of the products is still not perfect. If after installation of tires on disks vibrations and impacts have been noticed, it is necessary to visit tire service. In some cases, large enough weights will be needed for balancing. Nevertheless, this problem is solved quite quickly and simply, but the unpleasant residue remains. In addition, it is recommended to do the balancing, even if you change the rubber that was stored with the disks. Although it is possible, this is another PR move in order to obtain additional profit from motorists.

A serious approach

It is due to the fact that the developers took a responsible attitude to the production of even budget rubber, it has become so widespread. A huge choice among the standard sizes makes "Pirelli" popular for drivers of both domestic classics and large SUVs. Of course, the maximum size of R21 will be very expensive, but it's worth it.

Special attention should be paid to the tire cord Pirelli Formula Ice. The photo clearly shows that it is reinforced. Along with the high rigidity of the tread, this ensures the reliability of the tire even under critical conditions. When you hit a deep hole or hit a sharp object, the tire often remains intact, which can not be said about wheel disks. But it is this rubber that is most suitable for operation in Russia, since not always the quality of the road surface corresponds to the money spent by the government for repairs.

Quality at an Affordable Price

You can safely say that the Italians got very good tires Pirelli Formula Ice (spike.). The responses of drivers, considered in this article, confirm the high quality of the product. It is not always possible to achieve such a price / quality ratio. Usually rubber is either expensive and good, or cheap, but not the best. Undoubtedly, this model can not be called outstanding, but it fully justifies the money spent.

A long service life with the preservation of the initial characteristics allows even on the third season of use, also feel confident on the road, as if for the first time. This is worth a lot, because often budget tires are lost after most of the winter most of the thorns, dyke and crack. You can continue to use them, but this is already becoming a dangerous activity. With "Pirelli Formula Ice" there are no such surprises. That is why winter tires of Italian production are so popular in Russia, and especially in its northern regions, where a lot depends on the quality of the tires.