Chinese Tire Disrupts All-Season Market as Testing reveals Wide Performance Gaps
A new comparative test of 27 all-season tires reveals a surprising upset: the budget-kind Linglong Grip Master 4S has emerged as a top performer in the 205/45 R17 size, challenging established brands and signaling a quality shift among Chinese manufacturers. The results, released by the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club (ADAC), highlight meaningful disparities in performance-and safety-across price points, with some low-cost options exhibiting critical weaknesses.
As drivers increasingly seek year-round tire solutions, the ADAC’s findings are crucial for informed purchasing decisions. The test underscores that advancements in tire technology have made all-season tires a viable option to dedicated summer and winter sets, but emphasizes that prioritizing safety features like braking distance and handling is paramount over comfort. This comes as the all-season tire market expands, offering consumers a wider range of choices-and risks.
The ADAC testing, conducted across dimensions 205/55 R16 and 205/45 R17, saw Continental‘s AllSeasonContact 2 lead in wet and dry conditions within the 205/55 R16 size. Pirelli secured the top spot in the smaller 205/45 R17 category with its Cinturato All Season SF 3, and also won with the Scorpion All Season SF 3.
however, the test also flagged concerning results from budget brands. The Tomket Allyear 3 demonstrated “serious weaknesses in security disciplines,” according to the ADAC, serving as a cautionary tale for consumers prioritizing price over proven performance. The Linglong grip Master 4S’s strong showing, despite its lower cost, demonstrates the growing competitiveness of Chinese tire manufacturers and a potential reshaping of the market.
