The Vredestein Wintrac (91 H) earned a "good" rating and placed 11th in the test. It comes with an EU label of C/B/B and a noise level of 70 dB, priced around €380 per set. This tire delivers a well-balanced driving experience across various weather conditions, providing solid performance in traction, braking, and handling. Its hydroplaning resistance is commendable, making it a reliable choice in wet conditions, though the braking distances on wet surfaces were slightly longer than expected. On snow and dry roads, the Vredestein Wintrac maintained good control and comfort, with a low rolling resistance adding to its efficiency. While its wet braking could be sharper, this tire offers dependable all-around performance for a variety of winter driving conditions.

Safety Verdict: The Vredestein Wintrac falls short on dry roads, showing limited steering feedback and precision. It struggles to maintain a consistent line, requiring frequent corrections, and tends to oversteer during sudden maneuvers, which results in only a satisfactory performance in this area. Despite its good braking performance on dry roads, it doesn’t excel overall. On wet surfaces, the tire performs slightly better, delivering decent results in braking and aquaplaning resistance, but its handling lacks the necessary precision, preventing it from securing a good rating. It manages to provide sufficient safety margins, but for improved performance, it needs to connect longitudinal and lateral forces more effectively. In winter conditions, the Wintrac fares well, demonstrating good braking, traction, and handling, with ample reserves in critical situations. It also handles icy conditions adequately, earning it a good rating in this category.

Environmental Verdict: The Vredestein Wintrac’s environmental rating is only satisfactory. While its tread wear is reasonable, its projected lifespan doesn’t impress. It compensates somewhat with low fuel consumption and light weight, contributing positively to efficiency. However, these factors are not enough to elevate its overall environmental score beyond average, reflecting a need for improvement in sustainable performance.

The Vredestein Wintrac, launched in 2020, has improved its snow performance since the last test, moving up in snow braking and traction to secure 4 place in both categories. Its handling on snow also saw improvement, finishing fifth and staying within a second of the fastest tire, though it struggled with turn-in at lower speeds.

However, these gains in snow were offset by a slight decline in wet and dry conditions compared to its previous results. It ranked fourth and fifth in dry and wet braking, with the top six tires closely matched in these tests. It also placed fifth in both hydroplaning tests and on the wet handling circuit, delivering solid feel and steering despite the results not fully reflecting its performance. On dry roads, it lacked the necessary grip to stay competitive, finishing sixth.

The Wintrac was also the noisiest tire tested, though it wasn’t unrefined, and remained reasonably economical. Overall, while it’s a solid winter tire, it still falls short of the more well-rounded competitors.

The Vredestein Wintrac tires excel in winter conditions, providing excellent performance on snow and ice with good handling and short braking distances, although traction on snow is slightly reduced. On wet pavement, they demonstrate strong braking capabilities but have shortcomings in handling. In dry conditions, their grip is less effective, impacting overall tire behavior. These tires also stand out for their resistance to straight aquaplaning, long life, low particulate emissions, lightweight design, and economical value. However, they struggle with lateral aquaplaning resistance.

This tire is suitable for drivers who rarely drive on snow-covered roads in winter, but more versatile options can be found on the market.

Good on dry and wet roads. Good on ice. Weaknesses on Snow.

Very good ice performance. Low fuel consumption. Increased wear. Poor results on dry pavement. Satisfactory.

The Michelin tires shared the third stair of the winners’ pedestal with the Vredestein Wintrac model, produced by the Indian Apollo Tyres.
Pros: a convincing versatile «talent» with dynamic wet and dry performance, precise steering response, low rolling resistance.
Cons: average mileage.

Good balance of performance. Good on all surfaces. Excellent ice performance. Top marks for wear and fuel consumption.

Positive: Good lateral stability on wet surfaces. Short braking distances on dry surfaces. Good value for money. High traction and short braking distances on wet roads.
Negative: Low resistance to aquaplaning. Reduced comfort level.
Verdict: Very good.