ÖAMTC Winter Tire Test: Notable Performance Differences Found in Popular Size 225/40 R18
Teh ÖAMTC, along with its partner organizations, recently completed a extensive winter tire test evaluating 31 models in the increasingly popular size 225/40 R18, commonly used on lower-middle class vehicles.The tires were categorized into six premium, eleven quality, and fourteen budget options.
overall results showed a wide range of performance.All six premium tires achieved a “good” overall rating, while ten tires received a “satisfactory” rating, four were deemed “sufficient,” and eleven were rated “not enough.”
While not flawless across all categories,premium tires excelled in the “Environmental Balance” category,which heavily considers mileage,abrasion,and efficiency. This strong performance in environmental factors helped secure a “good” overall result for all six premium models.The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 emerged as the top all-rounder, followed closely by the Michelin Pilot alpin 5 and the Bridgestone blizzak 6. The Nokian Tyres WR Snowproof P and the Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 showed slight weaknesses on wintry roads.
The “Quality tire” segment faced more challenges. Three of the eleven models received only a “sufficient” rating, disqualifying them from a purchase proposal. However, the remaining eight quality tires achieved a “satisfactory” rating, earning them a limited purchase recommendation.
A significant concern was the performance of budget tires. All eleven models receiving a “not enough” rating exhibited major deficiencies in “Driving Safety” – the most heavily weighted category in the test – and are therefore not recommended due to posing a security risk. Two budget tires did achieve a “satisfactory” rating, indicating acceptable, though not ideal, performance.
The Syron Everest 2 was singled out as the lowest-performing tire overall. According to ÖAMTC expert Steffan Kerbl, it exemplifies the classic trade-off in winter tire design: excelling in winter conditions but performing poorly – and dangerously – on dry and wet roads.
The test revealed substantial differences in braking performance on wet roads. the Goodyear UltraGrip performance 3 stopped after 31.7 meters, while the Syron Everest 2 required 47.1 meters - a difference of nearly 16 meters. At the point where the Goodyear had come to a complete stop,the Syron was still traveling at approximately 40-46 km/h,highlighting the potential for severe consequences in a collision.
Despite these results, the ÖAMTC emphasizes that tire quality shouldn’t be solely determined by price.”Even supposedly cheaper models can always come up with satisfactory services and thus secure a place among the recommended tires,” Kerbl stated.
Further details, including images, press materials, and detailed test results, can be found at:
* www.oeamtc.at/tests
