Wit warm weather conditions recently prevailing in Europe, many drivers are using summer tyres for the vast majority of the year. This happens because we change them to winter ones later every year and return to them earlier in the spring. Therefore, as you generate most of your annual mileage on them, you should make sure that they are safe when you buy them. Tyre tests carried out by ADAC are a great guide to reliable models.
One of the most important projects of the German automobile club is to conduct periodic testing of tyres. Tests carried out without the participation of producers fit perfectly into the activities of the organisation whose statute provides for acting according to road safety. Opinions of ADAC experts are most valued by drivers who are eager to use the models distinguished in the tests.
225/40R18 tyres are most commonly used in so-called medium-sized cars:
- Audi A3
- Ford Focus, C-Max
- Hyundai i30
- Kia Ceed
- BMW series 1, 2 and 3
- Opel Astram, Zafira
- Skoda Octavia, Superb
- Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, Touran
- Toyota Corolla
This year, models marked by manufacturers as Ultra High Performance were selected for testing. They are characterised by a high speed index Y (300 km/h) and a low profile. They can be described as racing tyres that will work best in cars with powerful engines.
For information on the tyre sizes that match your car, see your vehicle's manual. Another place where you can find them is the size database that helps you choose tyres for your vehicle.
The original size can also be replaced with a matching replacement. A special tyre size calculator can help you here.
ADAC 2020 summer tyre test – 225/40 R18
The ADAC test covers several very important parameters for tyres:
- performance on dry roads (20% of the total rating)
- performance on wet roads (40% of the total rating) – braking efficiency, anti-aquaplaning system, steering response;
- generated tyre noise (10% of the total rating) – noise both inside and outside the car is assessed;
- fuel consumption (10% of the total rating);
- tyre life (20% of the total rating).
In each category, the tested tyres receive a score on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is the highest and 5 the lowest. The final score on the basis of which the ADAC recommendation is granted is calculated on the basis of a weighted average. To obtain a positive rating in the test, the tyre must have good results in each of these categories. This is due to the fact that only good and balanced tyre parameters can ensure maximum road safety.
The best summer tyres in size 225/40 R18 according to ADAC
In 2020, ADAC also tested summer tyres in size 235/55 R17 – check the results.
Continental PremiumContact 6 (overall score – 2.1)
Continental PremiumContact 6 is a premium category tyre designed for the summer season, developed by one of the most renowned manufacturers in the world. In the case of this model, years of experience in tyre production have resulted in outstanding performance in all aspects relevant to the Ultra High Performance segment.
The tyre stands out from the competition in terms of safety and durability, while maintaining a clearly sporting character. A special rubber compound and innovative tread pattern make PremiumContact 6 provide an extremely short braking distance on wet roads. This is confirmed by, inter alia, this year's tests, in which Continental received the highest score in this category out of all tested models.
A true premium category representative should also offer long mileage and low tyre rolling resistance so that travelling by car would be as environmentally friendly as possible. This is the case with Continental PremiumContact 6, which rubs off slowly and reduces fuel consumption.
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (overall score – 2.1)
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is an Ultra High Performance summer tyre that not only received good test results, but also enjoys great trust among drivers. Especially those who care about perfect balance between wet grip and performance on dry roads are eager to choose them. In both these categories, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 was at the forefront of the ADAC test.
Precise manoeuvring in all conditions has been achieved using a special aramid/nylon webbing known as Dynamic Response technology, whereas the asymmetrical tread used in this model is designed for quick adaptation to roads, which makes it “respond” to road situations.
Pilot Sport 4 is a tyre from the French group Michelin, made for the most demanding drivers.
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric 5 (overall score – 2.2)
Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric 5 is a tyre designed for sports cars, which only gave way by 0.1 point in the ADAC test to this year's winners. This summer model is distinguished by safe driving and effective braking on wet roads. It also works well on dry roads, which is confirmed not only by good performance, but also by the sporting experience that many drivers mention.
Full steering precision was achieved in this model by optimisation of lateral forces transmission while driving. The energy generated during a journey is evenly distributed over the entire tread roads, thus making the car “hold to the road” and respond immediately to the driver's manoeuvres.
What is new in the case of Eagle F1 Asymetric 5 is a special rubber compound that provides great braking performance in wet conditions, while maintaining high strength and rigidity of the tyre structure. Multi-functional tyres from the UHP segment will be perfect for drivers who expect the maximum sporting driving experience.
Different points of view
The annual ADAC tests are a great source of information about tyres, however it does not mean that they are the only source of reliable knowledge. Before buying a new set of tyres, it is worth taking a look in different places:
- Previous ADAC test editions – results of previous years’ tests provide good reference to this year's lists.
- Other tests – this is not the only organisation that tests tyre performance. Every year there are several noteworthy tests organised by independent magazines and associations. Autobild, AutoZeitung, ACE and AMS are just some of them.
- Drivers' opinions – Oponeo is also a platform where users can rate the tyres they have purchased. Check what people who have driven thousands of kilometres think about a given model.