Auto Zeitung: Winter Tire Test R17 2019

When tire makers want to present the characteristics of their product, they do so by placing icons and codes on the labels. However, the experts of the German publication Auto Zeitung are not used to relying on such information, conducting independent tests of the tires that they buy anonymously in retail stores.

Such tests are conducted in full accordance with the rigorous standards of industrial tests that stretch far beyond the performance data stated on the Euro label: independently of the manufacturers, and with the use of the most advanced measuring technologies and testing tracks that were engineered specifically for tire tests.

While the labels only provide information on fuel efficiency, wet traction, and rolling noise (indicated in barely comprehensible German acronyms), the German experts thoroughly study the tires’ behavior on different surfaces and in the same conditions. They also test them for acoustic comfort and hydroplaning resistance.

In 2019, their test of European tires was conducted in size 225/55 R17, which fits Audi A4, A6, BMW 5, or Opel Insignia. It involved 13 models of priced from 210 to 600 Euro per set.

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen-1 - Winner Recommended

83 45

· Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen-1 scored an excellent first place thanks to its safety performance in the winter weather conditions. Thoroughly recommended.
Snow Traction Wet Handling Snow Braking Wet Braking Straight Aquaplanning Lateral Stability (Wet) Lateral Aquaplanning

Europe · Russia+ · China

Test Score:

382
Michelin Alpin 5 Recommended

82 38

· Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The outstanding grip on wet pavement, absence of any problems in the dry, and the highest snow traction on test scored Michelin Alpin 5 the second line in the final standings. Thoroughly recommended.
Snow Traction Wet Handling Dry Braking Wet Braking Straight Aquaplanning Lateral Stability (Wet) Dry Handling

Europe · Russia+ · Japan

Test Score:

380
Vredestein Wintrac Pro Recommended

82 46

· Winter · 2018 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The bronze medal of this winter tire test went to Vredestein Wintrac Pro, which, thanks to its well-balanced performance, the experts are thoroughly recommending to motorists with different driving experience.
Wet Handling Lateral Stability (Wet) Wet Braking Snow Handling Dry Handling Lateral Stability (Snow)

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

376
Dunlop Winter Sport 5 Recommended

82 57

· Winter · 2015 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The fourth line in the final standings was occupied by Dunlop Winter Sport 5. These tires were praised for great performance on all types of surfaces and high level of safety even in the most unfavorable conditions. Thoroughly recommended.
Wet Handling Snow Handling Snow Braking Lateral Stability (Snow) Straight Aquaplanning Rolling Resistance Lateral Aquaplanning Noise

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

373
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 Recommended

81 59

· Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The fifth place was scored by Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3, which the test experts pronounced to be excellent both in the wet and in the dry. At the same time, its behavior on snow was described as «slightly disconcerting». Nonetheless — thoroughly recommended.
Wet Handling Dry Braking Wet Braking Dry Handling Snow Braking Snow Traction

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia

Test Score:

360
Nokian WR A4

70 20

· Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The sixth line of the ranking was occupied by Nokian WR A4 that came out the winner in the dry disciplines. Its «bite» on snow also turned out to be quite dependable, but the braking performance on wet pavement became a big disappointment for the test experts.
Dry Braking Rolling Resistance Snow Handling Lateral Aquaplanning Straight Aquaplanning

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

351
Continental WinterContact TS 850 P

78 41

· Winter · 2014 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The seventh place was all that Continental WinterContact TS 850 P could score in this test. It demonstrated unsteady behavior on wet pavement but became the best in terms of rolling resistance. The grip on snow is also up to the notch.
Rolling Resistance Snow Braking Snow Traction Lateral Stability (Snow)

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · South Korea

Test Score:

346
Nexen WinGuard Sport 2

72 38

· Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Nexen Winguard Sport 2 occupied the eighth line. The test experts liked its price/quality ratio, all the more so because the tire showed a well-balanced performance in all kinds of conditions.
Lateral Stability (Snow) Wet Braking Noise Lateral Aquaplanning

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+ · East Asia

Test Score:

344
Falken Eurowinter HS01

73 41

· Winter · 2016 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The ninth place got scored by Falken Eurowinter HS01. While only average in terms of wet braking, it showed the highest hydroplaning resistance. What spoiled the overall impression, however, was the highest rolling resistance on test.
Lateral Aquaplanning Snow Braking Straight Aquaplanning Rolling Resistance Lateral Stability (Snow)

USA+ · Canada · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

336
Maxxis Arctic Trekker WP-05

N/A 17

· Winter · 2012 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Maxxis Arctictrekker WP05 was the tenth to cross the finish line. Its poor performance on wet pavement did cost it a lot of points. Hopefully, the successor model (WP06) will address this issue, say the German test experts.
Snow Handling Dry Handling Wet Handling Rolling Resistance Snow Traction Wet Braking

Canada · Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

318
Fortuna Winter UHP

N/A 8

· Winter · Passenger - Studless Ice & Snow

Verdict:
The eleventh place got scored by Fortuna Winter UHP. It demonstrated quite a decent performance on snow, yet its weak sides showed through in the wet and dry braking tests.
Snow Braking Snow Traction Lateral Stability (Snow) Lateral Aquaplanning Wet Handling Wet Braking Straight Aquaplanning Dry Braking

Europe

Test Score:

267
Austone SP-901

N/A 8

· Winter · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
Austone SP 901 scored not only the twelfth place but also the verdict «Not recommended». In spite of its great grip on snow, its wet performance was a true fiasco.
Snow Braking Snow Traction Lateral Stability (Snow) Lateral Aquaplanning Wet Handling Lateral Stability (Wet) Wet Braking Straight Aquaplanning

USA+ · Canada · Europe

Test Score:

260
Goodride SW608

63 19

· Winter · 2005 · Passenger - Performance Winter / Snow

Verdict:
The main outsider of the Auto Zeitung winter tire test 2019 is the model Goodride SW608. This tire has issues on snowy roads, and because of that the test experts ask the drivers to refrain from using this Chinese tire brand altogether.
Noise Lateral Aquaplanning Snow Braking Snow Traction Lateral Stability (Snow) Snow Handling

Europe · Russia+

Test Score:

259