ADAC Winter Tire Test 2024: Four Models Fail, 28 Tires Evaluated

The German automobile club ADAC has published its 2024 winter tire test, assessing 28 different tire models across two popular sizes: 205/55 R16 H for compact cars and 215/55 R17 V for smaller SUVs. The results indicate that while many tires offer adequate grip in cold conditions, four models were found to be unsuitable for winter driving.

The test underscores the critical role of winter tires for safety between October and Easter. Starting October 1, 2024, only tires marked with the "Alpine" symbol (snowflake in a mountain) will be legally recognized as winter tires in Germany; M+S marking alone is insufficient for winter conditions. ADAC also notes that winter performance significantly degrades after six years, recommending replacement no later than eight years.

In the 215/55 R17 V category for compact SUVs, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 and Dunlop Winter Sport 5 emerged as top performers, demonstrating balanced capabilities on dry, wet, and winter surfaces. Goodyear also received top marks for its environmental impact.

The 205/55 R16 H category for compact cars saw Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and Michelin Alpin 6 achieve the best overall scores, showing strong performance across various conditions. However, the test identified several tires with significantly weaker or even unsafe results on snow and ice.

ADAC advises consumers to carefully consider tire performance based on test results to ensure safe winter driving. The complete failure of four tire models highlights the importance of rigorous testing for consumer safety.