In the tire industry, the winter season brings with it the anticipation of rigorous testing. Auto Bild’s qualification round for the grand winter tire test of 2023 was no exception. This year, the spotlight was on the 225/45 R18 size, with 54 contenders vying for the top spot, each aiming to demonstrate superior braking performance on both wet asphalt and snow.

Wet Pavement Evaluation

The initial phase of the qualification focused on the braking capabilities of the tires on wet pavement. It was a challenging round, and by its conclusion, 23 tires were unable to make the cut for the subsequent stage. Notably, while tires like the Kormoran Snow and Petlas Snowmaster W651 narrowly missed advancing, the Tracmax S-210 Ice-Plus exhibited alarmingly extended braking distances on wet terrains.

Snow Braking Assessment

The subsequent stage shifted the terrain to snow. Out of the 31 tires that progressed from the wet pavement round, only 20 managed to showcase satisfactory braking distances on snowy surfaces.

Among the standout performers, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 distinguished itself with an exceptional grip on wet terrains. Meanwhile, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 emerged as the top performer on snow.

The Finalists

For those eager to know which tires excelled in the qualification, a detailed table will provide the measured braking distances from the 2023 all-season tire test. The top 16 performers, have earned their place in the test’s finale. However, a word of caution for potential buyers: the six tires listed at the bottom of the table, recorded braking distances exceeding 100 meters, significantly lagging behind the top-tier tires. We strongly recommend exercising discretion when considering these options.