Rain tyres are sought after by drivers who prioritise safety when driving in wet road conditions. Such models are mostly associated with the summer season, when rainfall is relatively most prevalent in the year. Tyre manufacturers are making sure that this name can also be used for winter and all-season versions. How do you select the best rain tyres from such a huge range? Oponeo’s ranking based on customer feedback will dispel any doubts.
Which rain tyre is worth choosing? During rainfall, especially a heavy downpour, it is more difficult for drivers to maintain control over their cars. Water standing on the road causes the car to lose contact with the road surface and traction decreases. To improve safety, you can look for so-called rain tyres, i.e. those with a predisposition to deal with such conditions.
The best rain tyres – how to read the ranking
The ranking is based on the reviews given to the individual products between 01.08.2023 and 01.08.2024 by drivers who use them. It includes the highest-scoring winter, summer and all-season tyres in the 'wet weather' category, all of which received a minimum number of ratings. In the case of an identical score, the model with the higher number of reviews over the period in question had the higher ranking.
In a survey of the products purchased, customers rate various parameters, including the tyre's performance on wet roads. Reviews are often supplemented with information on braking distance, general user impression and grip in such conditions, which provides a handful of useful tips. The latter aspect can be compared with what appears on the model's label, in particular the wet grip class section.
Summer rain tyres – top 5 models
The good handling of summer tyres on wet surfaces is often due to the use of a soft compound. It adapts better to the unevenness of the road, thus significantly increasing the contact area between the tyre and the road. The wider surface area improves the car's grip and, as a result, contributes to safer driving.
Directional tread patterns or asymmetrical tread patterns with directional elements are most commonly used in rain tyres. Wide grooves, that are used even in F1 tyres, effectively remove water from under the wheels so that the car does not lose contact with the road. Compared to standard summer models, good rain tyres have a deeper and more densely-patterned tread, which translates into increased thread performance and allows large volumes of water to be dispersed more quickly.
1st place: Nokian Tyres Wetproof 1
According to Oponeo customers, the summer model that deserves to appear at the very top of the ranking is the Wetproof 1 tyre, which has dethroned the previous leader Uniroyal RainSport 5.
As the name suggests, it is a typical rain tyre and performs well in wet conditions. The many improvements made to this model, such as one of the two tread zones that ensures wet grip and reduces aquaplaning, are responsible for its properties. In addition, Coanda technology prevents moisture buildup under the tyre and allows it to escape freely to the sides for stable driving. The Aqua Sense rubber compound also focuses on increasing grip on wet roads. Thanks to all these features, the Wetproof 1 tyre allows you to travel safely even in the most demanding conditions you may encounter in summer.
All-season rain tyres – top 5 models
Increasingly popular tyre models designed for driving all year round need to cope with changing weather conditions, including rain. Indeed, precipitation can accompany drivers at any time of the year, hence the focus of manufacturers of such models on versatility and good performance on most days.
All-season rain tyres are suitable for driving in wet conditions. Their tread and rubber compound have been optimised to effectively channel water away from under the tyres, thus reducing the risk of aquaplaning.
1st place: Continental AllSeasonContact 2
The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 all-season model was the most frequently and best rated in terms of wet road driving. Oponeo customers repeatedly emphasised how well these tyres cope with the layer of water on the roads at different times of the year.
According to Continental, the tyres are designed to provide safe driving in all weather conditions, including rainfall. In such circumstances, the AllSeasonContact 2 shows remarkably good performance, particularly in terms of handling and braking ease. Regardless of the outdoor temperature, it allows the vehicle to stop reliably and stay on track without the risk of skidding. The excellent wet traction is due in part to the open shoulders and rigid tread. Excess water immediately escapes to the outside, so it does not collect in nooks and crannies and does not compromise safety.
According to customers, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 are considered to be great, trustworthy all-season rain tyres. They allow you to travel safely all year round, regardless of the outdoor temperature and conditions.
Winter rain tyres – top 5 models
Until recently, winter-ready tyres were designed to perform best on roads covered with snow and ice. Good performance in rainy weather was only an added benefit, which the manufacturers did not prioritise. Due to the changing climate and increasingly milder winters, this determinant has begun to grow in importance and has thus become imperative when developing new winter tyres.
Compared to summer and all-season versions, winter tyres can also provide grip and safe driving in the rain. They will show their full potential especially during autumnal rains and while driving on slush.
1st place: Continental WinterContact TS 870
The number of positive reviews from Oponeo customers on the wet weather performance of the Continental WinterContact TS 870 was decisive in placing it at the top of the ranking. Users repeatedly emphasised its grip and excellent handling throughout the operating period.
Although not a typical rain tyre, it maintains a precise trajectory on wet roads and prevents skidding. The German manufacturer has ensured increased resistance to aquaplaning, which translates into driving confidence, regardless of the layer of water on the road. Safety, as well as wet grip, is due to the specially developed tread design with a large number of notches. This allows for better water evacuation from under the wheels and ensures that the tyres maintain good contact with the road.
This winter tyre is second to none in the rain, as confirmed by Oponeo customers. They often emphasised that its properties, such as better wet grip, translate into safer driving.
What should I consider when buying rain tyres?
When choosing summer, winter or all-season rain tyres, it is worth verifying one of the parameters on the EU label, namely the braking distance on a wet road. Models with ‘A’ rating in this category need the shortest distance to stop, while models with ‘E’ rating require the longest distance. However, the rating alone does not tell you everything about the product.
Information on the wet weather performance of tyres (predominantly summer versions) is also provided by the ADAC tests. One of the assessment criteria is the handling on water-covered roads, which is thoroughly tested by the German specialists.