If you are among those waiting for this year's winter tyre tests, the German automobile club ADAC is one of the first to publish its findings. You can now take a look at them and see which models performed best.
The ADAC organisation decided to put tyre sizes - 185/65 R15 and 215/60 R16 - under the microscope in this year's winter tests. Almost a thousand tyres for each variant were successfully tested, representing three price ranges - from premium, to mid-range and budget. Only a selection of these met the most stringent requirements - thus receiving the best marks and ranking highly in the overall ranking. These models can be recommended for the 2022/2023 winter season.
Which winter tyres have proven to be the best?ADAC winter tyre tests - methodology
Reliably examining the important characteristics of winter tyres is the task set by the German automobile club. Experts meticulously analyse the key parameters of the tyres under controlled conditions in order to discover their greatest strengths and, in some cases, expose their weaknesses. The models are sourced from various points of distribution. They are selected on the basis of the current market situation and their manufacturers have no influence either on the actions taken by the ADAC specialists or on the results of the winter tyre tests carried out.
The organisation's proprietary rating system is very meticulous, and no detail has been overlooked. It includes the opportunity to test the models in a variety of conditions, corresponding to those faced by drivers during the winter season:
- performance on wet surfaces (30% of the final mark),
- performance on a snow-covered surface (20% of the final mark),
- performance on dry surfaces (15% of final mark),
- performance on icy surfaces (10% of final mark).
For testers, criteria such as service life (10% of the final mark), fuel consumption (10% of the final mark) or noise generation (5% of the final mark) also count. Nowadays, great importance is attributed to ensuring that tyres are not only safe, but also perform favourably in economic and environmental aspects.
The ADAC specialists rely on a system developed and used for years to award individual ratings for the categories mentioned above.
- marks 0,6 - 1,5 (very good)
- marks 1,6 - 2,5 (good))
- marks 2,6 - 3,5 (fair)
- marks 3,6 - 4,5 (satisfactory)
- marks 4,6 - 5,5 (insufficient)
There is a five-point grading scale, from which it is clear that the lower the grade, the more favourable the score. The best winter tyres are those which, when summed up, have the lowest average score for the above-mentioned parameters. They are recommended because they offer solid performance in all aspects that are important when travelling by car in winter.
ADAC winter tyre test 2022/2023 of size 185/65 R15
In compact cars with small dimensions, 185/65 R15 is often the right tyre size. And this is exactly what the ADAC specialists have focused their attention on. It fits the Audi A1, the Opel Corsa and the VW Polo, and winter tyres of this size were tested on the latter.
In total, the performance of 16 models was checked, and the results may come as a bit of a surprise. They present themselves as follows:
Model | Points | Final mark |
Continental WinterContact TS 870 | 2,2 | good (gut) |
Goodyear Ultra Grip 9+ | 2,2 | good (gut) |
Semperit Speed-Grip 5 | 2,2 | good (gut) |
Michelin Alpin 6 | 2,3 | good (gut) |
BF Goodrich G-Force Winter 2 | 2,7 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
Vredestein Wintrac | 2,7 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 | 3,0 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 | 3,0 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
Firestone Winterhawk 4 | 3,2 | zsatisfactory (befriedigend)) |
Nexen Winguard Snow G3 | 3,3 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
AVON WT 7 Snow | 3,5 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
Dunlop Winter Response 2 | 3,6 | fair (ausreichend) |
Fulda Kristall Montero 3 | 3,7 | fair (ausreichend) |
Barum Polaris 5 | 3,9 | fair (ausreichend) |
Imperial Snowdragon HP | 5,3 | inssuficient (mangelhaft) |
WANLI SW611 | 5,5 | inssuficient (mangelhaft) |
author: ADAC, Thomas Kroher, source: https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/tests/reifen/winterreifen/185-65-r15-t/
Trio, and overall a quartet with a good score
By the decision of the German organisation, as many as three tyre models received the same final score. A score of 2.2 was awarded to Continental WinterContact TS 870, Goodyear UltraGrip 9+ and Semperit Speed Grip 5, two from the premium and one from the economy segment. The Michelin Alpin 6 also scored well, coming in just behind the top three in the overall ranking with a score of 2.3. All four can be confidently recommended for the winter season.
Although the Continental WinterContact TS 870 tyre did not receive top marks in the individual categories, the balanced performance across the board contributed to its high ranking. The winter tyre performed very well in the test in many respects, which is why the ADAC experts praised its performance. Looking at the results of the test, it can be deduced that these are balanced, as whether driving on dry roads, wet roads, snowy roads or icy roads, the tyre performed well (the ratings closed between 1.6 and 2.5). This is due to the revised rubber compound and the modified tread pattern. The experts also noted that the tyre's strengths were its low fuel consumption and long service life. It is a recommendable model for the variable road conditions most commonly encountered in Central Europe from October to March.
Other winter tyres are also recommended. The ranking reveals yet another model that deserves to be at the top of the list. This is the Goodyear Ultra Grip 9+, which surprised the researchers with its performance on wet roads. It received the highest score in this category (1.7). Its performance is so good that it also handles well in difficult conditions on dry, icy and snowy roads. The Mileage+ optimised rubber compound and the tread pattern with a directional pattern also contribute to the satisfactory performance. Like the Continental Winter Contact TS 870, the Goodyear Ultra Grip 9+ boasts good scores in terms of low fuel consumption and long service life.
A positive surprise in the 2022 winter tyre test is the result of the Semperit Speed Grip 5. The score of 2.2, which is the same as for premium tyres, shows that a low price is not necessarily an indicator of inferior tyre performance. In terms of performance, this model performed best when tested on snow-covered surfaces. Performance on wet and icy roads was also good. The tyre performed slightly worse in "dry" conditions, but still on the scale for the "good" rating. The ADAC researchers awarded the best score for low fuel consumption with 1.7, and in terms of life offered, it was 2.0.
The German organisation's testers also praised the Michelin Alpin 6. It scored still good marks (and even one very good) in the main categories, but no better than the other three. The tyre was unrivalled in terms of slow wear of the rubber layer - a score of 1.5. Fuel efficiency was also appreciated. In driving performance aspects, the Michelin Alpin on wet and icy roads provided a high level of safety. A rating of 2.4 was given for driving on snow and a 2.5 for dry road performance.
Category results
he ADAC winter tyre test showed that some models deserved praise in other areas despite their weaker overall ratings.
| Performance on dry surfaces | Performance on wet surfaces | Performance on snow covered surfaces | Performance on ice covered surfaces | Generated noise | Fuel consumption | Service life |
|---|
Continental WinterContact TS 870 | 2,3 | 2,1 | 2,2 | 2,5 | 3,0 | 1,8 | 2,0 |
Goodyear Ultra Grip 9+ | 2,3 | 1,7 | 2,5 | 2,3 | 2,7 | 2,0 | 2,5 |
Semperit Speed-Grip 5 | 2,5 | 2,3 | 2,0 | 2,3 | 2,6 | 1,7 | 2,0 |
Michelin Alpin 6 | 2,5 | 2,3 | 2,4 | 2,3 | 2,5 | 2,1 | 1,5 |
BFGoodrich G-Force Winter 2 | 2,6 | 2,7 | 2,0 | 2,5 | 2,7 | 2,4 | 2,0 |
Vredestein Wintrac | 2,4 | 2,1 | 2,7 | 2,4 | 2,8 | 2,4 | 2,5 |
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 | 2,1 | 1,7 | 2,4 | 2,8 | 2,9 | 1,9 | 3,0 |
Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6 | 1,9 | 2,2 | 2,9 | 2,7 | 2,6 | 2,6 | 3,0 |
Firestone Winterhawk 4 | 3,2 | 2,0 | 2,2 | 2,1 | 2,8 | 1,7 | 2,5 |
Nexen Winguard Snow'G3 | 3,3 | 2,5 | 3,3 | 2,1 | 2,5 | 2,2 | 2,5 |
Avon WT7 Snow | 2,9 | 2,5 | 3,5 | 2,4 | 3,0 | 2,3 | 3,5 |
Dunlop Winter Response 2 | 3,6 | 1,8 | 1,8 | 2,5 | 2,7 | 1,9 | 2,5 |
Fulda Kristall Montero 3 | 3,6 | 3,7 | 1,9 | 2,3 | 2,9 | 2,0 | 1,5 |
Barum Polaris 5 | 3,9 | 3,2 | 2,4 | 2,8 | 3,0 | 2,0 | 2,0 |
Imperial Snowdragon HP | 2,1 | 5,3 | 4,0 | 2,3 | 2,9 | 2,3 | 1,5 |
Wanli SW611 | 2,7 | 5,5 | 2,7 | 1,9 | 2,9 | 1,8 | 2,5 |
author: ADAC, Thomas Kroher, source: https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/tests/reifen/winterreifen/185-65-r15-t/
ADAC winter tyre test 2022/2023 of size 215/60 R16
Which SUV tyres are recommended for winter driving? Researchers from the ADAC organisation tested 17 tyre models for this season, size 215/60 R16, which fit, for example, the Audi Q3, VW T-Roc or the vehicle taking part in the test, the Skoda Karoq. Interestingly, the Continental Winter Contact TS 870 also proved to be the unrivalled tyre, taking the top ranking (score of 2.1). The same score was given to the Dunlop Winter Sport 5. The pair Goodyear UltraGrip Performance + and Michelin Alpin 6 deserved a score of 2.3, according to the German test specialists. The other tyre models received lower scores and were thus ranked further down the list.
Model | Points | Final mark |
Continental WinterContact TS870 | 2,1 | good (gut) |
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 | 2,1 | good (gut) |
Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance + | 2,3 | good (gut) |
Michelin Alpin 6 | 2,3 | good (gut) |
Yokohama BlueEarth*Winter V906 | 2,6 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 | 2,7 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
Kleber Krisalp HP3 | 2,9 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
GT Radial Winterpro2 | 3,0 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
Sava Eskimo HP2 | 3,0 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
Vredestein Wintrac | 3,0 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
ESA+TECAR Supergrip Pro | 3,1 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
Toyo Tires Observe S944 | 3,1 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
Nokian Tyres WR Snowproof | 3,2 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
Uniroyal WinterExpert | 3,3 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
Matador MP93 Nordicca | 3,4 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
Falken Eurowinter HS01 | 3,5 | satisfactory (befriedigend) |
Cooper Tires WM SA2+ | 3,7 | fair (ausreichend) |
author: ADAC, Thomas Kroher, source: https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/tests/reifen/winterreifen/215-60-r16-h/
As mentioned, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 shared the top spot on the podium with the Continental Winter Contact TS 870. This was due to the good marks in the individual test areas, such as in particular the behaviour on a snowy road, for which 1.6 points were awarded. An unquestionable plus point of the tyre is the balanced performance on ice, as well as on a water-covered or completely dry road. This is due to the lightweight construction, the increased number of blocks, the deepening of the grooves or the multi-directional arrangement of the numerous cuts. The ADAC test showed that the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 also performs favourably in terms of fuel consumption. With this tyre on the wheels, drivers can enjoy a safe and long-lasting driving experience with consistent characteristics.
The Goodyear brand has yet another representative who, according to the ADAC researchers, deserves an award for good seasonal performance. This is the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance +, which, thanks to its winter tread pattern and Winter Grip compound and Traction Protection, scored excellent in terms of snow performance with a top rating of 1.4. This means that the car will stay on track in white powder snow. It will also not lose grip when driving on icy, wet or dry roads. Fuel efficiency, as well as the wear aspect of the tyres, was well rated.
Results of individual categories
Within the tyre models tested in the size 215/60 R16, there are some that deserve special attention in certain categories. More specifically, they stood out from the competition with their performance.
| Performance on dry surfaces | Performance on wet surfaces | Performance on snow covered surfaces | Performance on ice covered surfaces | Generated noise | Fuel consumption | Service life |
|---|
Continental WinterContact TS 870 | 2,4 | 2,1 | 1,6 | 1,9 | 2,8 | 2,1 | 2,5 |
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 | 2,4 | 2,2 | 1,6 | 2,0 | 3,1 | 1,7 | 2,0 |
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance + | 2,5 | 2,5 | 1,4 | 2,2 | 2,8 | 2,0 | 2,5 |
Michelin Alpin 6 | 2,0 | 2,4 | 2,4 | 1,9 | 2,8 | 2,3 | 2,0 |
Yokohama BluEarth* Winter V906 | 2,3 | 2,6 | 2,6 | 2,4 | 2,9 | 1,9 | 2,5 |
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 | 1,8 | 2,0 | 2,7 | 2,4 | 3,4 | 2,1 | 2,5 |
Kleber Krisalp HP3 | 2,9 | 2,8 | 1,8 | 2,2 | 2,8 | 1,8 | 2,5 |
GT Radial WinterPro2 | 2,7 | 3,0 | 2,8 | 2,1 | 2,8 | 2,4 | 2,5 |
Sava Eskimo HP2 | 2,5 | 3,0 | 2,3 | 2,0 | 3,5 | 1,7 | 1,5 |
Vredestein Wintrac | 2,9 | 2,3 | 2,5 | 1,8 | 2,7 | 1,6 | 3,0 |
ESA+TECAR Supergrip Pro | 3,1 | 3,0 | 1,9 | 2,0 | 3,0 | 1,5 | 2,0 |
Toyo Tires Observe S944 | 2,1 | 3,1 | 2,8 | 2,0 | 3,0 | 2,8 | 2,0 |
Nokian Tyres WR Snowproof | 2,7 | 3,2 | 2,4 | 2,3 | 2,7 | 2,0 | 2,0 |
Uniroyal WinterExpert | 3,3 | 2,8 | 1,7 | 1,8 | 2,9 | 1,5 | 2,5 |
Matador MP93 Nordicca | 3,4 | 3,1 | 2,3 | 2,0 | 2,9 | 2,3 | 2,0 |
Falken Eurowinter HS01 | 3,5 | 2,3 | 2,0 | 2,2 | 2,7 | 2,5 | 2,5 |
Cooper Tires WM SA2+ | 3,7 | 2,6 | 2,7 | 2,4 | 2,9 | 2,4 | 3,5 |
author: ADAC, Thomas Kroher, source: www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/tests/reifen/winterreifen/215-60-r16-h/
Why should you refer to the ADAC winter tyre test?
Winter tyre tests are a compendium of knowledge about tyre models suitable for the coldest time of the year. Conducted annually by the recognised automobile club ADAC, these tests are very popular with motorists. Many motorists wait for the results in order to find out the best winter tyres and only then go ahead with the purchase. This is not surprising: the German specialists examine the essential characteristics of tyres and their performance in typical winter conditions using a well-defined methodology. On this basis, an independent organisation can recommend worthy models as a guarantee of a safe choice.