Car winter tires Barum Polaris 3: reviews. Barum Polaris 3: tests, manufacturer

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

In 1992, the German brand Continental acquired Barum. Such a merger opened up huge prospects for the Czech tire manufacturer. The company upgraded equipment and expanded its sales markets. The quality of the manufactured tires has also improved. One of the flagships of the enterprise was the Barum Polaris 3 model. Reviews about the presented type of tires are the most flattering. Tires went on sale in 2011, but are still relevant.

For which cars

Tires Barum Polaris 3 - the flagship of the company. This is clearly hinted at by the size range of rubber. The model is available in 80 different sizes. At the same time, landing diameters vary in the range from 13 to 19 inches. There is a version for cars with all-wheel drive. It differs from analogues in reinforced sidewalls. You can visually distinguish this model from a fully passenger car by the abbreviation SUV applied to the outer side of the tire.

Season

These tires are winter. Moreover, the chemists of the concern managed to create the most soft compound. Rubber notafraid of even extreme frosts. The elasticity of the tire is maintained even at -40 degrees Celsius. These tires survive the thaw much worse. The fact is that at elevated temperatures, the rubber roll increases. Wear and tear increases exponentially.

A few words about development

When designing tires, the Czech brand used the most modern technological solutions. First, the engineers created a three-dimensional model, after which they released a prototype on it and tested it on a special stand. Then came the turn of tests in real conditions at the Continental test site. Only after all this, the model entered mass production.

Design

These Barum tires feature a directional symmetrical tread pattern. This technique is considered classic for winter tires.

The central part is represented by two stiffening ribs, consisting of small blocks of complex geometric shape. The main load on these elements occurs during rectilinear movement. The increased rigidity of the ribs reduces deformation, resulting in better road holding. Demolitions are excluded. Naturally, this is done only if a number of important conditions are met. Firstly, after mounting the tires, it is necessary to carry out high-quality balancing of the wheels. Secondly, the driver must not exceed the speed limit declared by the manufacturer. Barum tires of this type in some cases allow speeds up to 240 km/h. The final speed index depends on the tire size.

The shoulder blocks have an open design. The main load on these tread elements occurs during braking and cornering. The presence of additional rigid jumpers reduces the risk of deformation of the presented tire elements. This minimizes the chance of an uncontrolled skid.

Directional pattern improves tire performance. Tests have confirmed that the car picks up speed more easily and holds the road better when accelerating.

Caring for your wallet

Czech engineers proposed several non-standard solutions that led to a reduction in fuel consumption. In reviews of the Barum Polaris 3, drivers claim that, on average, the amount of fuel consumed is reduced by 5%. The figure does not seem significant, but given the constant rise in prices for gasoline and diesel fuel, it cannot be ignored either.

The design of the shoulder areas includes special circumferential grooves. They reduce the stress inside the tread. Rolling resistance drops.

The manufacturer Barum Polaris 3 endowed the model with a lightweight frame. This reduced the energy needed to turn the wheel around its axis. As a result, fuel consumption also decreased.

Movement in the snow

In reviews of the Barum Polaris 3, drivers talk about the almost perfect behavior of tires on a snowy surface. Tires confidently hold the road. Slippage is excluded. Along the edges of the tread blocks are special side protrusions. They reduce the sliding of snow along the circumferential grooves. The presented technology providesperfect acceleration on this type of surface. It also improves braking performance.

Directional tread pattern increases the speed of removal of snow masses from the contact patch. This also had a positive effect on the final quality of movement.

Riding on wet pavement

Moving on wet roads comes with a number of challenges. The fact is that a layer of water forms between the asph alt and the tire. It reduces the contact area, which negatively affects handling. The car begins to skid, the risk of uncontrolled drifts increases. To combat hydroplaning, Barum engineers applied a number of specific measures. Their effectiveness has been confirmed by tire tests at the Continental test site.

Firstly, each tread block received small zigzag grooves. They are designed to remove a small amount of water from the contact patch. That is, such elements improve the grip of each specific block.

Secondly, the drainage system of the tires is "responsible" for the removal of the bulk of the water. It consists of four deep longitudinal tubules, united into one network by longitudinal grooves.

Thirdly, the company's chemists increased the proportion of silicon compounds in the rubber compound. This had a positive effect on the quality of grip. In reviews of the Barum Polaris 3, drivers note that the tires keep the trajectory perfectly even while overcoming deep puddles at high speed.

Behavior on Ice

With moving on the ice, there aresome difficulties. This model is distinguished by an increased number of cutting edges in the contact patch, but they cannot increase the stability of the tire on this type of winter surface. The car starts to slide. These tires are best purchased in regions with a mild climate, where the risk of road icing in winter is minimal. In all other cases, it is worth buying tires with spikes.

Comfort Issues

In reviews of the Barum Polaris 3, motorists also note high ride comfort. The rubber is soft. A special elastic compound and a polymer cord help to reduce shaking in the cabin. As a result, the impact on the car's suspension is also minimized.

At the same time, the presented model is also distinguished by low noise. Tires resonate the sound wave generated by the friction of the wheels on the asph alt. The rumble in the cabin is excluded.

Expert opinions

The Barum Polaris 3 test by the German research bureau ADAC confirmed the reliability of this rubber on asph alt and snow. According to this parameter, the presented friction model was even able to get ahead of analogues from Michelin and Continental. But it was not possible to impose competition on friction tires from the Scandinavian Nokian Czech model.

To be continued

These tires have become a hit for the Czech manufacturer. However, in 2018 it was replaced by another model - Barum Polaris 5. The company changed the tread pattern and improved the rubber compound formula. Despite this, the Barum Polaris 3 tires have not yet been discontinued.