Are you thinking of buying summer tyres? Maybe you don’t know which model to choose? Take a look at which models have passed the rigorous testing conducted by the ADAC organization and see which one deserves your attention.
The right selection of summer tyres ensures a ride that is not only safe, but also comfortable. Good tyres are a compromise of performance which, in the case of tyres occupying the pole position in the tests, means that every parameter is at least at a satisfactory level. In this article we present size 195/65 R15 H models verified by the ADAC organization. This will allow you to compare them with each other and choose tyres matched to your car and driving style.
Go directly to the test results or read on.
If the tested tyre size is yours, so much the better. However, it is worth mentioning that the tested tyres can be fitted on more than one model of car, and the test results can also "drag" on similar tyre sizes. Therefore, we generalized the characteristics of vehicles using such tyres. The tested summer tyres in size 195/65 R15 can be fitted on, for example, a Volkswagen Passat, Opel Astra, Renault Megane, Ford Focus, Skoda Octavia and the Kia Cee'd (depending on the version, body type, engine size etc.)
In the case of these cars, the tyres that work best are those that provide good handling during everyday driving around town as well as out on the road. They should, therefore, be characterized by good grip, provide decent comfort and allow fuel savings.
WARNING! If you are not sure what tyres you can fit on your car, please use our guide: How to select the right tyres for the right vehicle.
Tyres tested by ADAC are checked according to various specifications.
16 tyre models were tested (listed according to the ranking achieved in the test).
The best models in particular categories
| Dry surface | Dunlop Sport BluResponse |
| Wet surface | Continental PremiumContact 5 |
| Noise | GT Radial Champiro FE1 |
| Fuel efficiency | GT Radial Champiro FE1 |
| Resistance to wear | Michelin Energy Saver+ |
The best models in this test
In the ADAC summer tyre test 2017, five models of tyres received a good rating; ten rated as "satisfactory" and one evaluation was “ok”.
The Pirelli Cinturato P1 Verde came first, a tyre which is characterized by a very balanced performance. Its major advantages include excellent wet surface performance, high wear resistance and low noise while driving. The Bridgestone Turanza T001 was a close second. Experts appreciated the model for its good performance on dry and wet surfaces and low fuel consumption. The third place went to the Continental PremiumContact 5 model, which delivers a good level of safety in diverse conditions. The fourth place was taken by the Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance (good grip, low fuel consumption), and in fifth place came the Esa-Tecar Spirit HP (good on a wet surface, satisfactory fuel consumption).
It is worth pointing out that tyres further down the list also have their own merits. For example, the model in 6th position (Dunlop Sports BluResponse) has the same fuel consumption as the Bridgestone which came second as well as the best grip on dry roads. In turn, the Michelin Energy Saver + in eleventh position featured the best wear resistance of all the tyres tested. The tyre rated sixteenth (GT Radial Champiro FE1) has the lowest rolling resistance, which translates into fuel savings as well as being the most comfortable. More such examples could be listed. Before buying, it is worth analyzing the results table thoroughly and choosing tyres according to your own particular criteria.
The rating obtained in the ADAC is an average obtained from all categories. Each category is weighted - the most important is wet surface grip (40%), performance on a dry road (20%) and wear resistance (20%). The noise emitted has a 10% impact on the final assessment, as well as fuel consumption.
The winner of the test - Pirelli Cinturato P1 Verde.
Buy the test winner ADAC - Pirelli Cinturato P1 Verde tyres
What to look for before buying tyres?
To round off, it is worth running through some principles regarding the proper selection of tyres. The basic element is, of course, knowing your tyre size. Maybe you’re not sure what tyres your car runs on? You can get the relevant information from the sticker on the fuel cap or on the driver's door pillar, the vehicle owner's manual or simply on the tyres currently fitted (although here it is sometimes possible to install a different size than recommended or factory size).
Are you thinking of buying just two new tyres? This approach is not recommended by the experts. Driving on two different types of tyres is allowed by law, but the car may then perform unpredictably (two pairs of tyres have two different grips).
We also receive a lot of questions about the tread. It's hard to say whether asymmetrical is better than directional. Everything depends on the intended use of the tyres and the driver's own preference. A directional tread pattern is characterized by V-shaped grooves, which discharge water efficiently and ensure safety on wet surfaces. An asymmetrical tread is divided into two zones that are responsible for different areas of performance. In the case of summer tyres both asymmetric and directional are recommendable. Directional tyres are better when it comes to water, while asymmetric are more balanced.
Before buying you should also check the specifications of the tyre on the label and compare the test results with user opinions.