Some purchases should not be made hastily, and this is especially true of winter tyres. Getting them right for your car is crucial to driving safety during this demanding season. The opinions of other drivers, who use specific sets of tyres every day, can help you choose a new set. This is why we have created our ranking of winter tyres, size 205/55 R16, in which we highlight the models best rated by Oponeo customers.
Winter conditions aren't terrible if you drive fitted with the right tyres.
Winter tyres 205/55 R16 - ranking of the best models according to drivers 2022
* The ranking of 205/55 R16 winter tyres was created on the basis of ratings awarded by Oponeo customers between January 2021 and September 2022. A scale of 1 to 6 was used, and the ranking includes those models that have received the minimum number of opinions required. The results shown on our shop's website may differ from those included in the list, the ratings shown are for tyre size 205/55 R16 only. In the case of equal average scores, the ranking is determined by the number of reviews in the respective size.
1st place – Michelin Alpin 6
The best-rated winter model, this size turned out to be the representative of the premium segment, the Michelin Alpin 6. The tyre receives positive feedback not only from the drivers who use it, but also from automotive experts. This year's ranking only confirms the results of the 205/55 R16 2021 winter tyre ranking, where the model is also on the top step of the podium.
The Alpin 6 owes its excellent winter performance to a well thought-out design and carefully selected features, not least its state-of-the-art tread pattern and multi-layer EverGrip compound - the perfect duo for excellent winter grip. The tyre copes very well with snow and freezing rain, ensuring the highest standard of safety even over long distances.
What do our customers say about Michelin Alpin 6 premium French tyres?
I believe that you can't save money on tyres, because they are like shoes: even if you dress well and your shoes are mediocre, you will still get cold. Michelin tyres stand out among the rest. The special rubber compound does its job: the handling characteristics are exceptional. In my opinion, these are some of the best tyres. The 5-year warranty backs this up. I had previously alternated between the Alpin 3 and another brand of tyre, and after switching I always had the sensation of putting on comfortable and soft slippers after wearing stiff shoes. After 10 years of usage, the tyres showed no obvious signs of significant wear or rubber shoeing. (Sagittarius)
Very good tyres for snow, slush and rain. Regardless of the temperature from -20 to +10 they guarantee safe and secure driving. The tyres were fitted on a Golf 8 1.6D, which is already pre-chipped. It is driven by a novice driver who is not quite up to the task of avoiding potholes and kerbs. The tyre has been subjected to "extreme pothole and kerb trials" for several months and is fine. My daughter, who has just passed her driving test and is learning to drive properly, assessed the tyres as follows: "Dad, I haven't slipped on them once" - that's the best review. I recommend. (Ziggy)
2nd place – Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
Second place was awarded to the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 winter tyre. The Japanese company's flagship model deserves praise for good reason. The developers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the tyre delivers first-class performance. Look no further than the well thought-out tread pattern, which features dense grids of grooves both in the centre and on the sides. The former are designed to "bite into" the snow and evacuate water from under the tyre front. The latter improves traction on icy and wet roads and assists with safe braking.
In the design of the model, one can see the 2D and 3D sipe layout, as well as the zigzag-like grooves. All these elements have a significant impact on the vehicle's grip and stability in winter. The tyre's adaptation to the harshest conditions is also due to the Nano Pro-tech rubber compound, characterised by a high silica content. It retains its flexibility over a wide amplitude of temperatures, ensuring balanced performance throughout any journey.
What kind of feedback has the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 tyre received from drivers 5?
t was going to be a cold, long and harsh winter, so I decided to get some decent winter tyres. A promotion on Oponeo encouraged me to try the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005. Although snow is scarce in my area, the tyres grip really fantastically on wet or frozen mud. I feel in control at all times. When merging into traffic, braking and, most importantly, when cornering, the car responds to my gestures and does exactly what I expect it to do. At the same time, for winter tyres, they are surprisingly quiet. If it weren't for the fact that the rubber seems to be soft, I would definitely leave them on for longer, even until late spring. However, it would be a bit of a shame if they wore out prematurely. I'm hoping they'll be given a go on real snow next winter! (Andrew)
Winter has arrived and with it snowy streets. I bought these tyres with the intention that they would brake safely in the wet during temperatures of 0-6 degrees and that they would travel efficiently on non-snow roads. The reality has exceeded expectations. The ride is superb, the tyres dig into the snow and allow you to pull out of a parking space, start uphill and stay on track. Braking on wet pavement resembles summer braking, with virtually no traction. It is only since the snow has fallen that the vehicle slips, but again only when I press down harder on the accelerator. There's no denying, however, that if it weren't for the flashing indicator light, I wouldn't feel the slip at all. Great tyres. (Al-ki)
3rd place – Nokian Tyres WR Snowproof
The WR Snowproof rounds off the podium of this year's ranking of the best 205/55 R16 winter tyres. Nokian Tyres is a premium tyre from the Finnish company Nokian Tyres. The selection of this tyre is almost a guarantee of safety during the most difficult time of the year for drivers, thanks to its sophisticated construction and modern solutions.
The impressive performance of the model is due to the use of proprietary technologies. "The Alpine Grip rubber compound is made from a combination of silica, rubber and polymers. It makes the car drive more stable, safer and more predictable, which is expected of tyres in winter. The tread is directional, with grooves and blocks arranged in the shape of an arrowhead, so that the tyre maintains its grip on the snow and the risk of skidding is minimised. This is particularly important during sudden manoeuvres such as acceleration or abrupt braking.
What do users think of the WR Snowproof from Nokian Tyres?
Very good value for money . Driving on dry pavement flawless, they are quiet and grip well, both in town and on the road. The tyres were put to the test in January and February 2021 in very difficult conditions: snowy, icy and slushy roads and forest roads (where the snowploughs do not pass). The tyres performed very well, held up extremely smoothly, braking was flawless, no slipping. I was able to tackle steep uphill sections and bends without any problems. The tyres are quiet, as far as fuel consumption is concerned, it did not increase dramatically even in winter conditions. I hope the tyres will perform in the same way during the next years. I would definitely recommend. (Agatha)
The tyre performs superbly in winter conditions, including heavy rain and slush (mainly driving in the Dolomites in Italy) it performs well. Nowhere on the route did I stop or the wheels did not buckle. I think for this price the tyre is good. On the Brenner Pass in wet winter conditions (rainfall) it also handles bends well, even with a fair amount of wind. It drains water well and gives you full control of the car, no unexpected e.g. skidding or "skidding" of the front of the car. I have already driven some 4,500 km in one and a half months on the winter tyres and they are performing superbly. It is perhaps worth noting that the tyre is very quiet, which, for example on a 1,300 - 1,500 km route helps a lot. (Walter)
4th place Nokian Tyres WR D4
The Finnish company Nokian Tyres is regularly recognised by our customers using 205/55 R16 winter tyres. The ranking for 2022 only confirms drivers' confidence in the brand.
The WR D4 is already the second offering from the manufacturer among the top-rated tyres. It stands out above all for its high safety standard in typical winter conditions. This is due to the directional tread with its wide central rib, which aids steering precision and maintains stability on snowy or icy surfaces.
Also of note is the Twin Trac Silica rubber compound, which contains natural rubber, silica and rapeseed oil. It does not stiffen in the cold, which reduces the risk of uncontrolled sliding. The Nokian Tyres WR D4 is also quiet for a typical winter tyre, thanks to the Silent Sidewall technology, which helps muffle noise and vibration.
What opinions do drivers have about Nokian Tyres WR D4 winter tyres?
Very nice tyres. I have used them throughout the winter season. As I drive a lot off the main roads, I was also able to test them in more off-road conditions and not once did I have a problem driving through deeper snow. The tyres perform well on slippery surfaces. Starting from a standstill, even after heavier snowfall, was not a problem. When it came to braking, I never once caught a skid (except when there was ice on the road, but I don't think the best tyres will help in such conditions). I also had the opportunity to test them during emergency braking on the motorway and they also performed faultlessly. The summer season is ahead and I will definitely buy the Nokians as well. (A-net)
When I bought these tyres I believed the reviews and after this harsh winter I am even more in favour, the tyres perform superbly, sensational in the snow, exiting the garage hall I have a steep uphill, leaving for work before 5am I would hardly ever be cleared of snow and I would leave without too much trouble, and let me remind you that I have a rear drive car. On to the gist of it, the tyres perform superbly in the wet, on snow and post-snow slush, on ice as it is on ice it is slippery but here only studs would help. Tyres worth the attention and the price, I highly recommend them. (Tragi)
5th place Goodyear Ultra Grip 9+
The ranking is rounded off by a model from a manufacturer without which the 205/55 R16 tyre classification could not be complete. Winter proposals from the American brand Goodyear have repeatedly set trends for the entire automotive market, which is reflected in the high ratings from drivers.
The Ultra Grip 9+ tyre is a development of a model that has already been on the market for several seasons. The positive aspect of the product name indicates even more innovative solutions and an optimised rubber compound that offers improved performance. A directional tread is responsible for the tyre's performance on winter surfaces, using numerous sipes and blocks with profiled edges that grip the snow. These have a positive effect on the car's grip and track stability.
The new Winter Grip compound provides a larger tyre contact area and, thanks to Mileage+ technology, does not stiffen at low temperatures. This translates into greater safety when travelling, as well as slower tread wear.
What do customers think of the Goodyear Ultra Grip 9+?
I would definitely recommend the tyres. Well worth the money. This season has been quite dry, so I have had the opportunity to drive mainly on good pavement. I drive a lot on the highway, but also in Warsaw. The tyres are very quiet and ride better in the dry than many summer tyres from other, cheaper brands. There was an imperceptible increase in fuel consumption (up to 1/2 litre per 100km.) I didn't drive much in the snow, but the car had no problem " ascending " a snowy hill. I found driving in the rain very positive. The car holds the road like glued, the braking distance also pleasantly surprising. It was very short, despite the hostile conditions. I can definitely recommend the tyres - quiet, safe and at a decent price for their class. (John)
The tyres perform very well in a variety of conditions and, most importantly, you can easily notice the very high level of grip, they literally stick to the road. Another advantage is that they are very quiet, you cannot hear at all that they are winter tyres. Some friends were surprised to hear that they were winter tyres. In short, I recommend them. (Simon)
If you are still wondering which 205/55 R16 tyres to choose, the winter rankings based on drivers' opinions can give you a lot of valuable advice. This year's ranking clearly shows the dominance of premium brands, whose products offer the highest standard of safety on snowy or icy surfaces.
However, if you are also interested in other products than those highlighted by drivers, check out the other 16" winter tyres in our range.