AUTONEWS

Buying winter tires? These performed the best, while 15 models failed the test

So, you're ready to buy some winter tires for your car. Congratulations! Winter tires have unique attributes which mitigate the risks of snow, ice, and falling temperatures on the road, providing motorists with greater control behind the wheel.  In contrast to all-weather tires, winter tires are specially made for winter conditions.

Now that you've decided to move forward, let's conduct a bit of research. When investing in a set of winter tires, for example, you must put them on all four-wheel positions of your car. It will maximize the handling of the vehicle and mitigate the risk of losing traction on either the rear or front axle when driving on slippery roads. Do not mix summer tires and winter tires on passenger cars.

Here are some more useful things to consider before you choose a new set of winter tires.

1. Tread pattern...Winter tires have a dedicated tread pattern to provide superior traction and safety on snowy, wet, and icy roads. The rotation of the wheel will push the snow into the broader grooves and generate additional traction. The tread also features sipes – tiny little slots – that provide additional traction by enabling the tread blocks to flex and add additional grip edges for improved snow, ice, or wet performance.

There are legal requirements for minimum tread depth that vary by region, particularly during winter conditions. Drivers should always verify the specific regulations that apply in their area. Maintaining sufficient tread depth is essential for ensuring traction, handling, and overall safety on winter roads.

2. Tire compound...Finally, the tire compound is tailored for winter performance and has a higher percentage of natural rubber, so it remains soft and flexible in cold temperatures. If the tire compound isn't designed to perform in winter conditions – as is the case in a summer tire – it will go hard and brittle. That, in turn, leads to a substantial decline in traction, grip and safety.

3. Winter tire size and pressure...When buying a new set of winter tires for your vehicle, be sure to check the size specifications as provided by the vehicle manufacturer. These details can be found in the owner's handbook, the door frame on the driver's side, or under the fuel cap. You can also find the correct tire sizes in the CoC document (Certificate of Conformity).

To keep things simpler, using the same tire size as the original equipment (OE) tires is the best course of action.

For winter tires, the recommended tire pressure in PSI or bar is the same as for summer tires. Again, you can consult the owner's handbook, the driver's side door frame, or under the fuel cap for this information. It’s impossible to avoid fluctuations in tire pressure; for every drop in 10 degrees in air temperature, the tires will drop one PSI (0,1 Bar).

While you can’t avoid fluctuations, it is recommended to compensate for the temperature drop with +0.2 bar for winter tires in the winter period to prevent the air pressure getting too low in cold temperatures. 

The important thing is to monitor your tire pressure every two to four weeks and top it up as necessary. Driving with under-inflated tires impacts fuel economy and tread wear, compromises safety, and could even lead to a puncture.

The German automobile club ADAC tested 32 winter tire models for the 2026/2027 season, and the results reveal significant differences in quality and safety. Only six models received a "good" rating, while experts advise against 15 of the tested tires. The results for tires designed for smaller cars are particularly concerning, as a large number of these models showed serious flaws.

The best results were achieved by the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 tires, both receiving a score of 2.2. As reported by N1 BiH, the testing showed that these models can bring a car traveling at 80 kilometers per hour to a stop in approximately 35 meters on wet road surfaces.

How were the winter tires tested? ADAC published the results on September 22, 2026, with the testing covering two tire sizes.

For small cars, models with the dimensions 185/65 R15 were tested, while tires with the dimensions 225/50 R17 were evaluated for mid-range vehicles. 16 models were tested in each category.

The tires were evaluated under various driving conditions—on dry and wet asphalt, as well as on snow and ice. Part of the snow testing was conducted in the Finnish town of Ivalo. In addition to safety, the final rating also takes into account projected mileage, tire wear, and efficiency.

It is important to note that with ADAC, a lower score is better. Scores ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 indicate a good result, while scores from 4.6 to 5.5 are considered unsatisfactory.

Which winter tires are best for small cars? In the category of tires with the dimensions 185/65 R15, only two out of the 16 models tested received a "good" rating.

The best result was achieved by the Continental WinterContact TS 870, with a score of 2.2. Experts particularly praised the tire's performance on wet roads, its braking characteristics, and its resistance to aquaplaning—the loss of contact with the road surface due to a layer of water.

In second place was the Michelin Alpin 7, with a score of 2.5. This model demonstrated good safety characteristics on various surfaces, though it showed minor shortcomings in handling on snow.

Five models received a "satisfactory" rating.

Among them are:

-Optimo Winter Touring OW41 – score 3.2

-Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 – score 3.3

-GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo – score 3.5

Interestingly, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 achieved a significantly better result in a larger size.

These winter tires are not recommended by experts...In the category of tires for small cars, ADAC does not recommend nine out of the 16 models tested. Six models received a rating of "sufficient," while three were rated as "insufficient" due to serious shortcomings in driving safety.

Among the lowest-rated tires were:

-Sunny Winter-max NW611

-Atlas Polarbear HP

-Rockblade Rock 868S

Testing also revealed significant differences in durability....The estimated average mileage for tires designed for small cars is around 31,000 kilometers, whereas the least durable models are expected to last only about 22,000 kilometers. According to ADAC, these results suggest that manufacturers do not devote equal attention to all sizes of winter tires.

Which tires are best for mid-range cars? In the 225/50 R17 size category, the results were somewhat better. Four models received a rating of "good," while six were rated as "insufficient."

The best results were achieved by the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3, which performed exceptionally well on wet roads. This model offered the shortest braking distance, excellent resistance to aquaplaning, and precise handling.

Both the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 and the Continental WinterContact TS 870 can bring a car to a stop from a speed of 80 kilometers per hour in approximately 35 meters.

Goodyear stood out for its high projected mileage, while Michelin demonstrated the best performance on snow and ice.

The average projected mileage for tires of this size exceeds 45,000 kilometers.

What did other tests reveal? The results from ADAC largely align with other European winter tire tests.

The British magazine *Auto Express* tested 11 models in the 205/55 R16 size.

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 achieved the best result, scoring 100 percent according to the test's methodology. It was followed by the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 with 99.8 percent and the Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 with 99.4 percent.

The German automobile club AvD tested tires in the 225/45 R17 size. In this test, the Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3 performed slightly better than the Michelin Alpin 7, with Goodyear, Continental, and Bridgestone following behind.

When should winter tires be replaced? ADAC recommends replacing winter tires when the tread depth falls below four millimeters or when the tires reach eight years of age. Below the recommended tread depth, a tire’s grip on snow and wet road surfaces is significantly reduced, which can increase stopping distances and the risk of a traffic accident.

For drivers who cover high mileage, experts advise paying attention to the expected durability of the tires, in addition to their safety characteristics.

Test results show that when buying winter tires, one should not look solely at the price or a well-known brand name, but rather at the performance of the specific model in the appropriate size.

To choose the right winter tires, look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol on the sidewall, verify the correct tire size from your vehicle manual, and match the tire type to your local winter climate.

1. Check for the 3PMSF Symbol:

• 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake): Always look for this mountain and snowflake icon stamped on the tire sidewall. It proves the tire meets official industry standards for severe snow traction.

• Avoid M+S Alone: The "M+S" (Mud and Snow) rating is common on standard all-season tires, but it does not mean the tire is tested or certified for true winter or ice performance.

2. Match the tire type to your climate:

• Dedicated Winter Tires: Made with a specialized soft rubber compound that stays flexible in temperatures below 7°C (40°F) and features deep sipes (tiny zig-zag cuts) for biting into ice and snow. Best for regions with heavy snow, slush, and freezing roads.

• All-Weather Tires: A hybrid option featuring the 3PMSF symbol that can stay on your vehicle year-round. Good for moderate winter climates where you want better grip than standard all-seasons without seasonal swaps.

• All-Season Tires: Designed for warmer weather and temperatures above 4°C (40°F); they harden in the cold and lose critical traction on ice and snow.

3. find your exact size:

• Check your current tire sidewall, your vehicle's door placard, or your owner's manual to find the exact dimensions (for example: 225/45R17).

• Size components: This code tells you the tire's width, aspect ratio (sidewall height), construction type, and wheel diameter.

• Minus-sizing option: Some drivers buy slightly narrower winter tires or drop down a wheel size (e.g., from 19" to 17") with taller sidewalls to cut through deep snow better and save money on rims.

4. Install a full set of four:

• Always install winter tires on all four wheels—never just two (whether front, rear, or all-wheel drive).

• Mixing tire types or using only two winter tires creates dangerous handling imbalances, leading to loss of control, spinning out, or severe understeering.

Popular & trusted brands:

• Premium Picks: Michelin (such as the X-Ice SNOW+), Bridgestone (Blizzak), and Pirelli (P Zero Winter 2).

• Value / Budget Picks: General (AltiMAX Arctic 12) and Vredestein (Wintrac Pro+).

• You can read detailed reviews and check options via Tire Rack or explore product advice from Michelin and Continental Tires

 

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