A Winter Driving Companion That Delivers on Performance

Hello everyone!

I recently had the chance to put the Nitto winter tires to the test on my trusty Nissan X-trail T31, an all-wheel-drive crossover that's been with me through thick and thin. To be honest, I'd had my fair share of two-wheel-drive cars before this one, but they were all a bit too tame for my taste. So, when I got the X-trail, I was excited to try out the Nitto Winter SN2 tires, also known as the 'sticky' ones. After all, who doesn't love a good challenge?

I'll be the first to admit it - we were a bit skeptical at first, given all the negative reviews out there. But, as it often does, experience proved to be the best teacher. Let's get down to business and talk about the tires themselves.

One thing that caught my attention was the price. A single tire of this caliber can cost around 8,000 rubles, but we managed to snag all four for 22,000 rubles. It just so happens that a friend of mine is in the tire business and has a huge stockpile. He's also a fan of this brand, and he's been running their tires on his own ride.

Now, let's talk about size. When choosing tires, it's essential to consider the specifications that match your vehicle's needs. For example, our ex-trailer's former owner had the tire height set to 55 mm. She drove it for about a year before returning it to us. The result? The rims started to warp, and we tried to adjust them, but it was a losing battle. We had to take it to a trusted mechanic to figure out what was going on. Essentially, the vehicle's weight is too great for that height, and the tire just can't handle it. When it hits even small potholes, the rim gets damaged, and it starts to warp all over again.

As for the manufacturer, we read that these tires are produced in both Malaysia and Japan. I'm not sure which one is better or worse, as we only used the Japanese-made tires both times.

Now let's talk about the traction control and how the car handles on the road in winter conditions. I live in a private house outside the city, so I use the car both on the highway and in the city. Plus, I also drive on dirt roads. Sometimes in the winter, the approach to the house from the highway is so slippery that even 4-wheel drive can struggle. And in the spring, the tractor doesn't clean the roads properly, leaving a mess that not every car can handle. To cut a long story short, there are plenty of opportunities to test the car's capabilities. And I'll start with the highway, where I can confidently say that this tire performs well. I mean, even at speeds of up to 130 km/h, the car doesn't sway from side to side. Of course, in the winter, we don't usually drive that fast. Plus, the noise level from this tire is the same as from my summer tires. Sometimes it's even quieter, especially when there's a light dusting of snow. Now, the city is a different story. I could write a whole book about the various situations that can arise. The temperature can drop from -5 to -35 degrees Celsius in a matter of hours. Sometimes the road is slippery, and sometimes it's not. So, to drive on a slippery road with this tire, you need to anticipate and slow down in advance. It's not just about this tire, though - many people write reviews saying they can lose control and end up in a ditch. Of course, that's possible if you're not an experienced driver and you're driving too fast. We've never had any problems with our car, even on uphill climbs. The car has never lost traction, and I think that's due to a combination of the tire, the 4-wheel drive, and my experience. However, when approaching intersections or traffic lights, we have had a few instances where we've had to lock up the wheels. That's not uncommon, though - the road can be unpredictable, and you can't always react in time. Fortunately, the ABS system helps in such situations. And, ironically, even tires with studs don't always perform well in these situations.

Now, let's talk about the off-road performance. To be honest, I didn't encounter any major issues. The tire grips the snow-covered dirt road really well.

In my opinion, this tire would be a bit too aggressive for a front- or rear-wheel drive vehicle. But for a four-wheel drive, I see no problem. It really depends on where you live, what kind of vehicle you have, and how much time you spend driving. You also need to consider the road conditions in your area. For example, if you live in a flat region with occasional mountainous areas, you'll definitely need a studded tire. So, it's up to you, but for our region in Chelyabinsk, I think this is a great, affordable, and durable non-studded tire.

Hello everyone, it's January 2024. I decided to update my review. We've had a lot of snow this year, and the temperatures have been extremely cold. To be honest, I don't even remember the last time we had this much snow. Anyway, this new tire has already covered around 10,000 km in these conditions. Let me tell you, it's performed amazingly well. First, let's talk about the snowdrifts. With a four-wheel drive, it handles them like a pro. Now, let's talk about the cold temperatures. It recently dropped to minus 37 degrees Celsius, which is pretty extreme for our region. But even in these conditions, the tire provides excellent traction. Plus, it's worth noting that the tire hasn't become too stiff, and it still feels relatively soft. This makes for a very comfortable driving experience.

And then it's back to the cold and slippery roads. There's some sliding going on, but that's mostly our fault. We get so used to these tires sticking to the road that we forget about safety and floor it sometimes.

Next up is wear and tear. It's just not happening, even after 15,000 km. I'm really impressed with the tire's durability. Overall, I'd give it five stars – it's a great tire, but it's gotten a bit pricey for winter driving.

It's now 10.03.2024, and I'm still observing how the tire handles. The roads are mostly dry, but there's still some snow on the sides. The tire has clocked 15,000 km, and everything is still in great shape. We recently had the axle repaired, and we took off the front wheels. As you can see from the photo above, the tread is still in great condition. What's more, the tire's traction system is performing flawlessly.

I'm still driving my Nitto winter tires, and I have to say, they're still going strong. I've put them through some tough tests, but they've come out on top every time. The traction control is excellent, and the tire grips the road like a pro, even on slippery surfaces.

Of course, there are some downsides to consider. For one, the tire can be a bit too aggressive for front- or rear-wheel drive vehicles. But for a four-wheel drive, I think it's a great choice. Just remember to consider your vehicle's needs and the road conditions in your area.

Overall, I'd highly recommend the Nitto winter tires for anyone looking for a reliable and durable option. They may not be the cheapest, but they're definitely worth the investment.

Wishing you all the best and happy driving!

Our car is "gripping" the road like crazy, sliding through the snowdrifts.

I'd definitely recommend the Viatti Bosco AT V-237 215/60 R17 for the price. It's a solid choice for the money.