The Continental tires continue a series of victories in the European tests, and the recently released Pirelli model unexpectedly demonstrated weaknesses on snow.
List of models tested:
- Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
- Continental WinterContact TS 870
- Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
- Michelin Alpin 6
- Nexen WinGuard Sport 2 WU7
- Nokian WR Snowproof
- Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
- Vredestein Wintrac Pro
The Slovakian magazine tested European-type winter tires in size 225/45 R17, evaluating their performance on snow, as well as on wet and dry pavement. The «winter» part of the test was conducted in Arvidsjaur, Sweden, and the tarmac performance — including noise and rolling resistance — were evaluated at a proving ground in Germany. The test cars were VW Golf VII and Skoda Octavia Combi.
The best of the tested tires was pronounced to be the Continental WinterContact TS 870, which came first in the braking and handling tests, and came second in the traction test. The Continental was followed by the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005, which also performed well in all of the disciplines, while the bronze was scored by the Michelin Alpin 6 that demonstrated excellent longitudinal traction. The last line was occupied by the Nexen model, and an unpleasant surprise was made by the recently released Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, which had the longest braking distance on test, and ultimately came last but one. In addition, the Nokian model unexpectedly demonstrated the worst snow traction on test.
Snow Braking
- Continental
- Bridgestone
- Nokian
- Michelin
- Maxxis
- Vredestein
- Nexen
- Pirelli
Info! Braking in the range of 50–0 km/h, m.
Snow Handling
- Continental
- Bridgestone
- Maxxis
- Nokian
- Pirelli
- Michelin
- Nexen
- Vredestein
Info! Lap time, sec.
On wet pavement, just as on snow, the highest scores were earned by the Continental and Bridgestone models. The tire of the German brand combated the hydroplaning effect better than all the rivals both on a straight course and in corners, and its braking distance was the second-best on test, while the Blizzak LM005 was the best in braking efficiency and handling performance (and the braking distance was as much as three meters shorter than that of the Continental).
In the dry braking test, four tire models — Pirelli, Vredestein, Nokian, and Continental — showed almost identical results when braking from 100 km/h, and the handling tests were won by Bridgestone and Continental. Ultimately, with consideration for the noise and ride comfort points, the first place in this part of the test was awarded to the Bridgestone tire, followed by the Nokian and Continental.
Wet Braking
- Bridgestone
- Continental
- Michelin
- Nexen
- Nokian
- Vredestein
- Pirelli
- Maxxis
Info! Braking in the range of 100–0 km/h, m.
Dry Braking
- Pirelli
- Vredestein
- Nokian
- Continental
- Nexen
- Michelin
- Bridgestone
- Maxxis
Info! Braking in the range of 100–0 km/h, m.
Verdict
The tensest struggle for the victory unfolded between the Bridgestone and Continental, which were among the leaders on all types of surfaces, and ultimately the WinterContact TS 870 surpassed the Japanese tire by mere 0.1 points (earlier, Continental also won in both ADAC winter tests of this year). Third-placed was Michelin, and the experts noted that all the three tires were equally good in any weather conditions, and will be a great option for a mild winter.
1st place: Continental / WinterContact TS 870
Quick Take
Continental WinterContact TS 870
- Short braking distance and good handling response on snow and dry pavement
- Excellent lateral stability and short stopping distance in the wet
- Good hydroplaning resistance
- Low noise emission
- Good riding comfort
- Very good
2nd place: Bridgestone / Blizzak LM005
Quick Take
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
- Rapid acceleration and good handling performance on snow
- High lateral stability, short braking distance and good handling response on wet pavement
- Good riding comfort
- Low rolling resistance
- Very good
3rd place: Michelin / Alpin 6
Quick Take
Michelin Alpin 6
- High traction on snow
- Short braking distance and good handling response on wet pavement
- Good riding comfort
- Insufficient handling response in the dry
- Very good
4th place: Vredestein / Wintrac Pro
Quick Take
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
- Short braking distance on dry pavement
- Insufficient handling response on snow
- Good
5th place: Nokian / WR Snowproof
Quick Take
Nokian WR Snowproof
- Short braking distance on dry pavement
- Good riding comfort
- Low rolling resistance
- Relatively weak snow traction
- Low hydroplaning resistance
- Good
6th place: Maxxis / Premitra Snow WP6
Quick Take
Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
- Good hydroplaning resistance
- Short braking distance on dry pavement
- Low noise emission
- Good riding comfort
- Poor lateral grip, long braking distance, and less-than-perfect handling performance on wet pavement
- High rolling resistance
- Good
7th place: Pirelli / Cinturato Winter 2
Quick Take
Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
- Short braking distance on dry pavement
- Long braking distance on snow
- Good
8th place: Nexen / WinGuard Sport 2
Quick Take
Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
- Good handling response in the wet
- Short braking distance on dry pavement
- Low noise emission
- Relatively low traction, long braking distance, and less-than-perfect handling performance on snow
- Low hydroplaning resistance
- High rolling resistance
- Satisfactory
