Below is all the glorious data from the Auto Bild full winter test, in 205/55 R16. These are the top 20 tires that made it through the 53 tire shootout, so they're all essentially good tires, they're just different shades of good.
In a welcome change, Auto Bild actually published what the reference summer and all season tires were. They were the Continental PremiumContact 7 summer tire, and the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 all season tire. Naturally the summer tire aced dry and wet, and was useless in snow, however the performance of the Goodyear all season tire really further throws into question the line between European winter tires and a well rounded all season tire.
5 categories (15 tests)
| Test Category | Best Performer | Worst Performer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry (2 tests) | |||
| Dry Braking | ▲ Kumho Winter Craft WP52: 43 M | ▼ Fulda Kristall Control HP2: 46.4 M | 3.4 M (7.3%) |
| Dry Handling | ▲ Continental WinterContact TS 870: 110.6 Km/H | ▼ Firestone Winterhawk 4: 108.2 Km/H | 2.4 Km/H (2.2%) |
| Wet (5 tests) | |||
| Wet Braking | ▲ Bridgestone Blizzak 6: 54 M | ▼ Fulda Kristall Control HP2: 60.3 M | 6.3 M (10.4%) |
| Wet Handling | ▲ Bridgestone Blizzak 6: 76.01 Km/H | ▼ Fulda Kristall Control HP2: 71.49 Km/H | 4.5 Km/H (6.3%) |
| Wet Circle | ▲ Bridgestone Blizzak 6: 12.26 s | ▼ Fulda Kristall Control HP2: 12.84 s | 0.6 s (4.5%) |
| Straight Aqua | ▲ Hankook Winter I cept RS3: 84.5 Km/H | ▼ Kumho Winter Craft WP52: 73 Km/H | 11.5 Km/H (15.8%) |
| Curved Aquaplaning | ▲ Hankook Winter I cept RS3: 3.93 m/sec2 | ▼ Kumho Winter Craft WP52: 1.98 m/sec2 | 2.0 m/sec2 (98.5%) |
| Snow (4 tests) | |||
| Snow Braking | ▲ Semperit Speed Grip 5: 29.1 M | ▼ Firestone Winterhawk 4: 30.9 M | 1.8 M (5.8%) |
| Snow Traction | ▲ Dunlop Winter Sport 5: 2570 N | ▼ Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906 plus: 2271 N | 299.0 N (13.2%) |
| Snow Handling | ▲ Giti GitiWinterW2: 60.9 Km/H | ▼ Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906 plus: 57.5 Km/H | 3.4 Km/H (5.9%) |
| Snow Slalom | ▲ Giti GitiWinterW2: 3.31 m/sec2 | ▼ Firestone Winterhawk 4: 3.12 m/sec2 | 0.2 m/sec2 (6.1%) |
| Comfort (1 tests) | |||
| Noise | ▲ Giti GitiWinterW2: 70.3 dB | ▼ Fulda Kristall Control HP2: 72.9 dB | 2.6 dB (3.6%) |
| Value (3 tests) | |||
| Wear | ▲ Michelin Alpin 6: 50500 KM | ▼ Kumho Winter Craft WP52: 37350 KM | 13,150.0 KM (35.2%) |
| Value | ▲ Semperit Speed Grip 5: 6.64 Price/1000 | ▼ Bridgestone Blizzak 6: 11.29 Price/1000 | 4.7 Price/1000 (41.2%) |
| Rolling Resistance | ▲ Barum Polaris 5: 7.28 kg / t | ▼ Giti GitiWinterW2: 10.15 kg / t | 2.9 kg / t (28.3%) |
Dry
In the dry braking test, the Kumho Winter Craft WP52 performed best among winter tires, stopping in 43.0 meters. The worst-performing winter tire was the Fulda Kristall Control HP2, which took 46.4 meters to stop - a difference of 3.4 meters. Interestingly, the reference summer tire outperformed all winter tires with a stopping distance of 38.6 meters, while the reference all-season tire was comparable to the best winter tires at 43.1 meters. The reference budget winter tire performed significantly worse, needing 47.9 meters to stop.
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 achieved the highest average speed of 110.6 km/h in the dry handling test, while the Firestone Winterhawk 4 was the slowest at 108.2 km/h - a difference of 2.4 km/h. The reference summer tire again outperformed all winter tires with an average speed of 115.0 km/h. The reference all-season tire performed well, matching some of the better winter tires at 112.6 km/h. The reference budget winter tire was significantly slower at 106.3 km/h, showing the performance gap in dry conditions.
These results demonstrate that while winter tires have improved in dry performance, they still lag behind summer tires in these conditions. The Kumho Winter Craft WP52 and Continental WinterContact TS 870 showed consistent performance across both dry tests, while the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 and Firestone Winterhawk 4 struggled in dry conditions.
Wet
The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 and Kumho Winter Craft WP52 tied for the best wet braking performance among winter tires, both stopping in 54.0 meters. The worst performer was the Fulda Kristall Control HP2, needing 60.3 meters - a significant difference of 6.3 meters. The reference summer tire outperformed all tires with a stopping distance of 52.9 meters, while the reference all-season tire was close to the best winter tires at 54.7 meters. The reference budget winter tire performed extremely poorly, requiring 79.1 meters to stop - highlighting the importance of quality in wet conditions.
The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 achieved the highest average speed of 76.01 km/h in wet handling, while the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 was again the slowest at 71.49 km/h - a difference of 4.52 km/h. The reference summer tire once more outperformed all others with a speed of 77.36 km/h. The reference all-season tire performed well at 74.52 km/h, while the reference budget winter tire was significantly slower at 62.36 km/h.
The Hankook Winter I cept RS3 performed best in straight aquaplaning resistance, maintaining control up to 84.5 km/h. The Kumho Winter Craft WP52 performed worst, losing control at 73.0 km/h - a substantial difference of 11.5 km/h. Interestingly, the reference summer tire (80.4 km/h) and all-season tire (79.8 km/h) were outperformed by many winter tires in this test. The reference budget winter tire performed poorly, losing control at just 66.1 km/h.
The Hankook Winter I cept RS3 also excelled in curved aquaplaning, maintaining 3.93 m/s² of lateral acceleration. The Kumho Winter Craft WP52 struggled most, managing only 1.98 m/s² - a significant difference of 1.95 m/s². The reference summer tire (3.19 m/s²) and all-season tire (2.95 m/s²) were outperformed by many winter tires. The reference budget winter tire performed very poorly at 1.23 m/s².
These wet tests highlight the superior performance of quality winter tires in challenging conditions. The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 showed consistent excellence across wet tests, while the Fulda Kristall Control HP2 and Kumho Winter Craft WP52 struggled in multiple wet scenarios. The results also demonstrate that while summer tires excel in some wet conditions, winter tires can outperform them in specific scenarios like aquaplaning resistance.
Snow
In snow braking, the Hankook Winter I cept RS3, Semperit Speed Grip 5, and Continental WinterContact TS 870 tied for best performance, stopping in 29.1 meters. The worst performer was the Firestone Winterhawk 4, needing 30.9 meters - a difference of 1.8 meters. As expected, the reference summer tire performed extremely poorly, requiring 46.1 meters to stop. The reference all-season tire performed well at 29.7 meters, while the reference budget winter tire needed 35.8 meters, showing the importance of quality in winter tires.
The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 provided the best snow traction with 2570 N of pulling force. The Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906+ performed worst with 2271 N - a significant difference of 299 N. The reference summer tire struggled immensely with only 849 N of pulling force. The reference all-season tire performed surprisingly well with 2516 N, while the reference budget winter tire managed 1790 N.
The Giti GitiWinterW2 achieved the highest average speed of 60.9 km/h in snow handling. The Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906+ performed worst at 57.5 km/h - a difference of 3.4 km/h. The reference summer tire's performance was not recorded for this test. The reference all-season tire performed well at 59.6 km/h, while the reference budget winter tire achieved 55.9 km/h.
These snow tests clearly demonstrate the superior performance of winter tires in snowy conditions compared to summer tires. The Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and Continental WinterContact TS 870 showed consistent excellence across multiple snow tests. The Firestone Winterhawk 4 and Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906+struggled in various snow scenarios. The all-season tire performed surprisingly well in snow, often matching or exceeding some winter tires, while the budget winter tire consistently underperformed compared to premium options.
Comfort
The Giti GitiWinterW2 was the quietest tire, producing 70.3 dB of external noise. The Fulda Kristall Control HP2 was the loudest at 72.9 dB - a difference of 2.6 dB. Interestingly, both the reference summer tire (73.4 dB) and the reference budget winter tire (74.2 dB) were noisier than all the tested winter tires. The reference all-season tire performed well at 71.0 dB, matching some of the quieter winter tires.
Value
The Michelin Alpin 6 showed the best predicted tread life at 50,500 km. The Kumho Winter Craft WP52 had the worst wear performance at just 37,350 km - an difference of 13,150 km.
The Semperit Speed Grip 5 offered the best value at €6.64 per 1000 km. The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 was the most expensive at €11.29 per 1000 km - a difference of €4.65 per 1000 km.
The Barum Polaris 5 had the lowest rolling resistance at 7.28 kg/t. The Giti GitiWinterW2 had the highest at 10.15 kg/t - a difference of 2.87 kg/t.
These results show that there can be significant differences in comfort, longevity, and efficiency among winter tires. The Giti GitiWinterW2 excelled in noise reduction but struggled with rolling resistance. The Firestone Winterhawk 4 showed excellent wear characteristics but performed poorly in several performance tests. The Semperit Speed Grip 5 offered the best value, balancing cost and performance effectively.
Results
1st: Continental WinterContact TS 870 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Test winner with balanced strong performance in all weather conditions, short braking distances, very high mileage. Higher price level. The Continental WinterContact TS 870 emerges as the test winner, showcasing exceptional performance across all weather conditions. It excels in both snowy and wet conditions, offering short braking distances and very high mileage. While it comes with a higher price tag, its balanced performance and safety features make it a top choice for drivers seeking premium winter tires. Read Reviews Buy from £124.49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2nd: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Winter talent without fault, offers safe driving behavior in any weather, convincingly good mileage. Higher price level. The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 proves to be a well-rounded winter tire, delivering excellent performance in all weather conditions. It offers safe driving characteristics and impressive mileage. Despite its higher price, it stands out as a reliable choice for those prioritizing safety and performance in winter conditions. Read Reviews Buy from £109.99 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3rd: Semperit Speed Grip 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Affordable second-tier brand that shows good performance in all weather, very high mileage, low rolling resistance. Slightly limited grip in wet conditions. The Semperit Speed-Grip 5 offers an impressive balance of performance and value. As Continental's second-tier brand, it provides good performance across all weather conditions, especially excelling in snowy conditions. With very high mileage and low rolling resistance, it's an economical choice that doesn't compromise much on safety, despite slightly reduced wet grip. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4th: Bridgestone Blizzak 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sporty winter talent with strong performance on every surface, short braking distances, convincing mileage. High price level. The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 "Enliten" demonstrates strong performance across all conditions, particularly excelling in its sporty handling. It offers short braking distances and convincing mileage, making it a reliable choice for winter driving. While it comes with a higher price, its all-round performance justifies the investment for those seeking a premium winter tire. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5th: Michelin Alpin 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Premium tire with balanced good performance in all weather, very high mileage, low rolling resistance, good comfort. High price level. The Michelin Alpin 6 showcases why it's a premium tire with its balanced performance across all weather conditions. It stands out with very high mileage, low rolling resistance, and good comfort, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize long-term value and driving comfort. Despite its high price, it offers strong performance in key areas, including receiving the "Green Tire 2024/25" award for its environmental credentials. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
6th: Hankook Winter I cept RS3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sporty direct performance in any weather, good reserves in aquaplaning, outstanding mileage, fair price. Extended wet braking distance. The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 offers a compelling mix of performance and value. It provides sporty, direct handling in all weather conditions and particularly excels in aquaplaning resistance. With outstanding mileage and a fair price, it's an attractive option for budget-conscious drivers. However, its slightly extended wet braking distance is a point to consider. Notably, it won the "Eco-Master" award, indicating excellent environmental and economic performance. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
7th: Dunlop Winter Sport 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Convincingly strong performance on snow, outstanding mileage, low rolling resistance. Slightly limited grip on wet roads. The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 shines in winter conditions, offering excellent performance on snow. It boasts outstanding mileage and low rolling resistance, making it an economical choice for winter driving. While it performs well overall, its slightly limited grip on wet roads is a minor drawback to consider. Read Reviews Buy from £89.40 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8th: Kleber Krisalp HP3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Convincingly good performance on snowy roads, very good reserves in aquaplaning, low rolling resistance. Slightly extended wet braking distance. The Kleber Krisalp HP3 proves to be a solid winter tire, particularly excelling on snowy roads. It offers very good protection against aquaplaning and has low rolling resistance, contributing to fuel efficiency. However, its slightly longer braking distance on wet roads is a point of concern. Overall, it provides good value for its performance. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9th: Uniroyal WinterExpert | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Balanced safe driving behavior in wet conditions, good mileage, low rolling resistance. Moderate lateral guidance on snow. The Uniroyal WinterExpert offers a balanced performance, with particular strength in wet conditions. It provides good mileage and low rolling resistance, making it an economical choice. However, its moderate lateral guidance on snow suggests that while it's competent in winter conditions, it may not be the top performer in severe winter weather. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9th: BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Top performance on snow and, good safety reserves in aquaplaning, quiet rolling noise. Slightly extended wet braking distance. The BF Goodrich g-Force Winter 2 excels in winter conditions, offering top performance on snow. It also provides good protection against aquaplaning and offers a quiet ride. Its main drawback is a slightly longer braking distance in wet conditions. This tire seems well-suited for areas with harsh winters but may be less ideal for regions with frequent wet conditions. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11th: Vredestein Wintrac | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Balanced good dynamics in all weather conditions, good reserves in aquaplaning, low rolling resistance. Slightly extended wet braking distance. The Vredestein Wintrac offers a well-rounded performance across all weather conditions. It provides good protection against aquaplaning and has low rolling resistance, contributing to fuel efficiency. While it performs well in most areas, its slightly longer braking distance on wet roads is a point to consider. Overall, it's a solid all-rounder for winter conditions. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12th: Apollo Alnac 4G Winter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Balanced safe driving behavior in all weather, short braking distances, low noise level. Moderate lateral guidance on snow. The Apollo Alnac 4G Winter provides balanced performance across various weather conditions. It offers short braking distances and operates quietly, enhancing driving comfort. However, its moderate lateral guidance on snow suggests that while it's competent in winter conditions, it may not be the top performer in severe winter weather. It represents a good value option for those in areas with milder winters. Read Reviews Buy from £69.99 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
13th: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Convincing good driving characteristics with short braking distances on snow and wet roads, quiet passing noise. Moderate mileage. The Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 demonstrates good performance in winter conditions, particularly excelling in braking on snow and wet roads. It also offers a quiet ride, enhancing driving comfort. However, its moderate mileage might be a concern for those looking for long-term value. This tire seems well-suited for drivers who prioritize performance and comfort in winter conditions but may not be the best choice for high-mileage drivers. Read Reviews Buy from £105.99 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
14th: Giti GitiWinterW2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Convincing qualities on snowy roads, good reserves in aquaplaning, good mileage. Extended wet braking distance, delayed steering response. The Giti GitiWinter W2 performs well on snowy roads and offers good protection against aquaplaning. It also provides good mileage, offering decent value. However, its extended braking distance on wet roads and delayed steering response are significant drawbacks to consider. This tire might be a good choice for areas with predominantly snowy winters but less ideal for regions with frequent wet conditions. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
15th: Kumho Winter Craft WP52 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Balanced sporty driving dynamics and short braking distances in all weather conditions. Low reserves in aquaplaning, low mileage. The Kumho Wintercraft WP52 offers a balanced performance with sporty handling and short braking distances across various weather conditions. However, its low resistance to aquaplaning and low mileage are significant drawbacks. This tire might appeal to drivers who enjoy responsive handling in winter conditions but may not be the best choice for those prioritizing longevity or frequently driving in heavy rain. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
16th: Barum Polaris 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Convincing winter suitability, safe driving behavior on dry roads, low rolling resistance. Little grip in wet conditions, low reserves in danger of aquaplaning. The Barum Polaris 5 performs well in winter conditions and on dry roads, offering safe driving behavior. Its low rolling resistance is a plus for fuel efficiency. However, its poor performance in wet conditions and low resistance to aquaplaning are significant concerns. This tire might be suitable for areas with predominantly dry, cold winters but is less ideal for regions with wet winter conditions. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
16th: GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Good winter suitability and safe driving characteristics on wet roads. Delayed steering response, limited mileage. The GT Radial Winterpro 2 evo demonstrates good performance in winter conditions and offers safe handling on wet roads. However, its delayed steering response might affect the overall driving experience, and its limited mileage could be a concern for value-conscious buyers. This tire could be a decent budget option for those in areas with moderate winters but may not be ideal for drivers seeking responsive handling or long-term value. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
18th: Fulda Kristall Control HP2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Good and safe driving characteristics on wet and dry roads. Limited winter suitability, low mileage, high rolling resistance. The Fulda Kristall Control HP 2 offers good performance on both wet and dry roads, providing safe driving characteristics. However, its limited suitability for winter conditions is a significant drawback for a winter tire. Combined with low mileage and high rolling resistance, this tire may not offer the best value or performance for true winter conditions. It might be more suitable for areas with mild winters where severe snow and ice are rare. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
18th: Firestone Winterhawk 4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Good winter suitability and safe driving characteristics on dry roads. Limited grip and extended braking distances on wet roads. The Firestone Winterhawk 4 performs well in winter conditions and offers safe handling on dry roads. However, its poor performance on wet roads, including limited grip and extended braking distances, is a significant drawback. This tire might be suitable for areas with predominantly dry, cold winters but could be problematic in regions with frequent wet conditions during winter. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
20th: Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906 plus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Good and safe driving characteristics on wet and dry roads. Limited winter suitability, low mileage, high rolling resistance. The Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906+ demonstrates good performance on both wet and dry roads, offering safe driving characteristics in these conditions. However, its limited suitability for winter conditions is a significant drawback for a tire marketed as a winter product. The low mileage suggests it may wear out faster than competitors, potentially increasing long-term costs. Additionally, the high rolling resistance could negatively impact fuel efficiency. While this tire might perform adequately in milder climates with infrequent snow, it may not be the best choice for areas with harsh winters or for drivers seeking long-term value and fuel efficiency. Read Reviews | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best UUHP Tires
Best All Season Tires
Best Winter Tires
