Is the Nexen WinGuard WinSpike 3 a good tire?
The Nexen WinGuard WinSpike 3 appears in 1 independent comparative tire test in our database. Across those results it earns a Tire Lab Score of 90/100 — rated "Excellent" among Winter tires. The score is a weighted average of its per-category performance relative to the winner of each test it entered, so a tire only scores highly by beating strong competition rather than by appearing in easy tests.
Where it shines. Across published test rankings the Nexen WinGuard WinSpike 3 is consistently competitive in wet braking, dry braking and cabin noise. In wet braking specifically it averages a #2.0 finish across 1 ranked result, including 0 outright wins. Wet braking is the single most safety-relevant number in any tire test, so it carries the heaviest weight in the score above.
Where it gives ground. Testers place the Nexen WinGuard WinSpike 3 mid-pack for snow traction. That is not a fault so much as a design trade-off: compound and tread patterns that chase one discipline almost always concede something in another, and the tables below show exactly which tests drove that result.
Who should buy it. The Nexen WinGuard WinSpike 3 suits drivers who prioritise wet braking and do not face severe winter conditions. Before buying, check the size you need is actually offered — performance varies between sizes, and test results are published for one specific size at a time. The full test-by-test breakdown and price comparison below let you confirm both.
Tire Lab Score
Weighted average of this tire's per-category performance scores (100 = matched the test winner). Higher is better.
⚠️ Mileage data unavailable – scored at segment median (76/100)
Score Weighting
Performance Achievements
Evidence · 1 test▾
- Independent test programmes#2 of 8
Wet Braking placings from independent published tire tests.
Evidence · 1 test▾
- Independent test programmes#3 of 8
Dry Braking placings from independent published tire tests.
Evidence · 1 test▾
- Independent test programmes#8 of 8
Snow Braking placings from independent published tire tests.
Evidence · 1 test▾
- Independent test programmes#5 of 8
Ice Braking placings from independent published tire tests.
Evidence · 1 test▾
- Independent test programmes#1 of 8
Noise & Comfort placings from independent published tire tests.
Evidence · 1 test▾
- Independent test programmes#5 of 8
Efficiency placings from independent published tire tests.
Tire Lab analysis reviewed by Dr Edwin Pang — PhD in mechanical engineering, close to 10 years in the tire industry, including 5 years at a leading tire R&D headquarters in Hannover.
1 v 1 Comparisons
Compare Nexen WinGuard WinSpike 3 against the top tires in its category:
Complete Test Breakdown
Price Comparison
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Nexen WinGuard WinSpike 3 alternatives →Leaderboards this tire competes in
Every ranking below is built from one measured performance area across multiple independent tire tests.