Triangle WinterX TW401 Review

When it comes to choosing the right winter tyre, many drivers seek a balance between price and performance. Enter the Triangle WinterX TW401, a budget-friendly option that aims to provide adequate winter traction without breaking the bank. But how does it really stack up against more established brands? Let’s dive into the details to see if this tyre is worth your investment.

Key Highlights of the Triangle WinterX TW401

• Affordability: Priced at around £77, the Triangle WinterX TW401 is marketed as an economical alternative to premium winter tyres.
• Snow Performance: On snow-covered roads, this tyre demonstrates commendable performance, including a notable third place in snow braking tests and a solid sixth in snow handling.
• Dry Weather Handling: The TW401 performs adequately in dry conditions, ranking sixth in dry braking and third in handling.

Snow Performance: A Silver Lining

The Triangle WinterX TW401 certainly shines in snowy conditions, outperforming summer tyres by a significant margin. During our winter tyre tests, it achieved:

• Snow Braking: 97.8% score, ranked third overall
• Snow Traction: 91.0% score, ranked seventh
• Snow Handling: 92.3% score, ranked sixth

These figures reveal that the TW401 excels in snow braking scenarios, making it a reliable choice for winter environments. Despite being a budget option, it offers acceptable handling and traction, though it does show some quirks in high-throttle situations, such as unexpected oversteer.

The Wet Weather Struggle

While the Triangle WinterX TW401 proves itself in the snow, concerns arise when it encounters wet conditions.

Key Findings:

• Wet Braking Performance: Tragically, it ranked last in all five wet braking tests, taking nearly 5 meters longer to stop compared to the top performer. This could be critical when safety is on the line.
• Wet Handling: The tyre also faltered on the wet handling circuit, demonstrating insufficient grip and traction, making it feel unpredictable in quick turns.

Overall, its performance on wet roads is a cause for concern, significantly undermining the potential benefits of its snow performance. For drivers in regions with frequent rain or slushy conditions, other options may be worth exploring.

Performance in Dry Conditions

While the TW401 struggles in wet weather, it does show some competence in dry conditions:

• Dry Braking: 92.3% score, ranked sixth
• Dry Handling: 98.3% score, ranked third

The responsiveness in dry conditions indicates that while it may fall short under wet circumstances, it’s capable of delivering reasonable handling and stopping power when the roads are clear.

Comfort and Refinement

Aside from performance, driver comfort is also a crucial aspect. The Triangle WinterX TW401 offers decent cabin noise reduction, scoring a remarkable 99.6% overall, which ranks it third in our testing. However, rolling resistance leaves something to be desired at 81.4% and a ranking of seventh. This could impact fuel efficiency, particularly for those who drive extensively during winter months.

Conclusion: Is the Triangle WinterX TW401 Worth It?

The Triangle WinterX TW401 presents a mixed bag of benefits and drawbacks. Its affordability makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious drivers looking to navigate snowy roads effectively. However, the troubling performance in wet conditions raises questions about its overall safety and reliability for year-round usage.

For those whose driving primarily involves snowy environments, the TW401 may provide satisfactory performance. However, if your region experiences a lot of wet weather, you might want to consider a more capable winter tyre option.

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Final Thoughts

In summary, the Triangle WinterX TW401 can be a reasonable choice for occasional winter use, but it's essential to carefully weigh its snow performance against its weaknesses in wet conditions. Make your decision based on where and how you drive to ensure your safety and comfort on the road this winter.