2020 Best winter tyres: 9 tyres tested by ACE Lenkrad
The German magazine ACE Lenkrad has compared 9 winter tyres in the size 225/50 R17 for a BMW 3-Series and other passenger cars.
© ACE Lenkrad
9 winter tyres tested
ACE Lenkrad, the magazine of Germany’s Auto Club Europa, has once again tested 9 tyres. This time, they have tested winter tyres for passenger cars in the size 225/50 R17. The test was conducted on a BMW 3-Series but the tyres are also suitable for other models such as the Audi A4, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Ford S-Max, Mercedes C-Class or E-Class, Jaguar XE and many more. Here are the 9 tyres tested in winter conditions:
- BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2
- Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
- Continental WinterContact TS 860
- Falken Eurowinter HS01
- Fulda Kristall Control HP2
- Goodyear UltraGrip Performance +
- Michelin Alpin 6
- Nokian WR Snowproof
- Vredestein Wintrac Pro
One tyre falls short on snow
Of the 9 tyres tested, only the Falken Eurowinter HS01 failed to satisfy on snow. If all the other tyres are relatively safe, the Falken tyre’s braking distances are too long on this surface and threaten to lose grip each time you accelerate. Although more reassuring in other driving conditions, ACE Lenkrad suggests you buy all season tyres if you are rarely confronted with snow in winter.
© ACE Lenkrad
Slightly more balanced, the Fulda, Nokian and Vredestein tyres cannot keep pace with the best tyres. For these 3 tyres, the real problem lies with their wet braking performance despite a few flourishes here and there.
Increasingly specialised tyres
ACE Lenkrad notes a degree of specialisation of certain tyres. The Michelin Alpin 6 is the best in wet conditions but has more difficulty on snow. The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance + is almost as good on wet surfaces and is better balanced.
The Continental WinterContact TS 860 is the leader in dry conditions and has a good performance balance, even if it slightly behind the best on snow.
© ACE Lenkrad
The BF Goodrich g-Force Winter 2 is the snow specialist where it is co-leader but suffers a little on dry surfaces, without being dangerous. It is also very good in the wet, particularly with its high resistance to aquaplaning. This comes at the expense of fuel consumption which is on the high side.
According to ACE Lenkrad, the best winter tyre in the size 225/50 R17 is the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005. It is not the first time it wins tests this winter and this is easy to understand. With a very good performance balance, it obtains the best scores for braking on all surfaces. The same is true for handling tests where it dominates the other tyres, apart from in dry conditions where it finishes second. It is only in aquaplaning tests that it is not among the best, without being disappointing.
Top 5 winter tyres for cars |
+ |
- |
1 - Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 |
The best in all conditions |
Aquaplaning |
2 - BFGoodrich g-Force Winter 2 |
Aquaplaning, snow |
Dry conditions, fuel consumption |
3 - Goodyear UltraGrip Performance + |
Wet conditions, aquaplaning |
Snow |
7 - Continental WinterContact TS 860 |
Dry handling |
Snow |
5 - Michelin Alpin 6 |
Good wet handling |
Snow, price |
The test and detailed results can be found on the ACE Lenkrad website.
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