2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test

The 2022 Auto Zeitung performance winter tire test has tested eight popular winter tires in 225/45 R17.

Continental, Bridgestone and Michelin all perform well, with the Continental WinterContact TS870 taking another win in 2022 winter tire tests thanks to a well balanced performance in all conditions, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 performing extremely well in the dry and wet, and the Michelin Alpin 6 offering good grip in all conditions.

Dry BrakingNokian Snowproof P: 45 MGiti GitiWinterW2: 49 M
Dry HandlingBridgestone Blizzak LM005: 63.1 sFulda Kristall Control HP2: 64.5 s
Subj. Dry HandlingContinental WinterContact TS 870: 30 PointsFulda Kristall Control HP2: 22 Points
Wet BrakingBridgestone Blizzak LM005: 50.3 MGiti GitiWinterW2: 61.4 M
Wet HandlingContinental WinterContact TS 870: 89.7 sGiti GitiWinterW2: 96.3 s
Subj. Wet HandlingContinental WinterContact TS 870: 45 PointsGiti GitiWinterW2: 17 Points
Straight AquaContinental WinterContact TS 870: 75.2 Km/HNokian Snowproof P: 64.8 Km/H
Curved AquaplaningContinental WinterContact TS 870: 2.96 m/sec2Nokian Snowproof P: 1.61 m/sec2
Snow BrakingContinental WinterContact TS 870: 26 MPirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 28.1 M
Snow TractionMichelin Alpin 6: 2782 NPirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 2661 N
Snow HandlingContinental WinterContact TS 870: 81.8 sPirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 85.2 s
Subj. Snow HandlingContinental WinterContact TS 870: 30 PointsPirelli Cinturato Winter 2: 14 Points
Subj. ComfortNokian Snowproof P: 8 PointsFulda Kristall Control HP2: 6 Points
NoiseNokian Snowproof P: 70 dBFulda Kristall Control HP2: 73 dB
PriceGiti GitiWinterW2: 375 Michelin Alpin 6: 660
Rolling ResistanceNokian Snowproof P: 7.3 kg / tGiti GitiWinterW2: 9.3 kg / t

Dry

The Nokian SnowProof P was the best in dry braking, stopping the Audi A3 four meters shorter than the worst of the group.

The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was the best tire during dry handling, narrowly beating the Continental WinterContact TS870.

The Continental and Bridgestone were also the best subjectively in the dry.

Wet

Wet braking was again led by the impressive Bridgestone and Continental pair.

As was wet handling, but this time with Continental in front of Bridgestone. Michelin again placed a respectable third.

Conti, Bridgestone and Michelin were the testers favorites subjectively too.

Continental and Bridgestone also had the best straight aquaplaning resistance.

Snow

Continental was again the best in snow braking, but this time Giti took second place with the GitiWinterW2!

Michelin led in snow traction, with the Fulda close behind.

Continental and Michelin were back at the front during snow handling.

Environment

The Nokian was the quietest tire on test externally.

And offered the best subjective comfort levels.

The Nokian also had the lowest fuel use on test, followed by Bridgestone and Continental.

The Giti was the cheapest tire in the test, and the Michelin the most expensive.

Results

1st: Continental WinterContact TS 870

Continental WinterContact TS 870
  • 225/45 R17 94V
  • EU Label: C/B/70
  • Weight: 9.3kgs
  • Tread: 8.7mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking4th46.1 M45 M+1.1 M97.61%
Dry Handling2nd63.3 s63.1 s+0.2 s99.68%
Subj. Dry Handling1st30 Points100%
Wet Braking2nd51.9 M50.3 M+1.6 M96.92%
Wet Handling1st89.7 s100%
Subj. Wet Handling1st45 Points100%
Straight Aqua1st75.2 Km/H100%
Curved Aquaplaning1st2.96 m/sec2100%
Snow Braking1st26 M100%
Snow Traction4th2712 N2782 N-70 N97.48%
Snow Handling1st81.8 s100%
Subj. Snow Handling1st30 Points100%
Subj. Comfort2nd7 Points8 Points-1 Points87.5%
Noise2nd71 dB70 dB+1 dB98.59%
Price7th640 375 +265 58.59%
Rolling Resistance3rd8.1 kg / t7.3 kg / t+0.8 kg / t90.12%
The Continental WinterContact TS870 is extremely strong on any surface, very safe and therefor the clear winner of this test.

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2nd: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
  • 225/45 R17 94V
  • EU Label: C/A/71
  • Weight: 9.5kgs
  • Tread: 8.3mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd45.5 M45 M+0.5 M98.9%
Dry Handling1st63.1 s100%
Subj. Dry Handling2nd29 Points30 Points-1 Points96.67%
Wet Braking1st50.3 M100%
Wet Handling2nd90.2 s89.7 s+0.5 s99.45%
Subj. Wet Handling2nd42 Points45 Points-3 Points93.33%
Straight Aqua2nd74.4 Km/H75.2 Km/H-0.8 Km/H98.94%
Curved Aquaplaning5th2.8 m/sec22.96 m/sec2-0.16 m/sec294.59%
Snow Braking4th27 M26 M+1 M96.3%
Snow Traction7th2683 N2782 N-99 N96.44%
Snow Handling6th84.4 s81.8 s+2.6 s96.92%
Subj. Snow Handling6th20 Points30 Points-10 Points66.67%
Subj. Comfort2nd7 Points8 Points-1 Points87.5%
Noise4th72 dB70 dB+2 dB97.22%
Price4th535 375 +160 70.09%
Rolling Resistance2nd8 kg / t7.3 kg / t+0.7 kg / t91.25%
The LM005 grips extremely well in the dry and wet, but could benefit from a little more grip in the snow.

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3rd: Michelin Alpin 6

Michelin Alpin 6
  • 225/45 R17 94V
  • EU Label: C/B/69
  • Weight: 9.1kgs
  • Tread: 8mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking6th46.4 M45 M+1.4 M96.98%
Dry Handling7th64.5 s63.1 s+1.4 s97.83%
Subj. Dry Handling6th24 Points30 Points-6 Points80%
Wet Braking3rd53.3 M50.3 M+3 M94.37%
Wet Handling3rd91.2 s89.7 s+1.5 s98.36%
Subj. Wet Handling3rd37 Points45 Points-8 Points82.22%
Straight Aqua4th73.4 Km/H75.2 Km/H-1.8 Km/H97.61%
Curved Aquaplaning4th2.85 m/sec22.96 m/sec2-0.11 m/sec296.28%
Snow Braking7th27.3 M26 M+1.3 M95.24%
Snow Traction1st2782 N100%
Snow Handling2nd82.9 s81.8 s+1.1 s98.67%
Subj. Snow Handling4th22 Points30 Points-8 Points73.33%
Subj. Comfort2nd7 Points8 Points-1 Points87.5%
Noise4th72 dB70 dB+2 dB97.22%
Price8th660 375 +285 56.82%
Rolling Resistance6th8.8 kg / t7.3 kg / t+1.5 kg / t82.95%
Good grip on all surfaces. The Michelin Alpin 6 offers very good driving safety and is therefore highly recommended.

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4th: Nokian Snowproof P

Nokian Snowproof P
  • 225/45 R17 94V
  • EU Label: B/B/70
  • Weight: 9.6kgs
  • Tread: 8.5mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking1st45 M100%
Dry Handling3rd63.9 s63.1 s+0.8 s98.75%
Subj. Dry Handling3rd27 Points30 Points-3 Points90%
Wet Braking5th55.5 M50.3 M+5.2 M90.63%
Wet Handling7th95.5 s89.7 s+5.8 s93.93%
Subj. Wet Handling7th19 Points45 Points-26 Points42.22%
Straight Aqua8th64.8 Km/H75.2 Km/H-10.4 Km/H86.17%
Curved Aquaplaning8th1.61 m/sec22.96 m/sec2-1.35 m/sec254.39%
Snow Braking4th27 M26 M+1 M96.3%
Snow Traction5th2705 N2782 N-77 N97.23%
Snow Handling4th83.2 s81.8 s+1.4 s98.32%
Subj. Snow Handling3rd23 Points30 Points-7 Points76.67%
Subj. Comfort1st8 Points100%
Noise1st70 dB100%
Price5th575 375 +200 65.22%
Rolling Resistance1st7.3 kg / t100%
Good on snow and dry roads, but when it's wet the WR SnowProof P is weaker.

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5th: Vredestein Wintrac Pro

Vredestein Wintrac Pro
  • 225/45 R17 94V
  • EU Label: D/B/72
  • Weight: 9.7kgs
  • Tread: 8.2mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking5th46.3 M45 M+1.3 M97.19%
Dry Handling3rd63.9 s63.1 s+0.8 s98.75%
Subj. Dry Handling3rd27 Points30 Points-3 Points90%
Wet Braking4th53.6 M50.3 M+3.3 M93.84%
Wet Handling4th92.2 s89.7 s+2.5 s97.29%
Subj. Wet Handling5th26 Points45 Points-19 Points57.78%
Straight Aqua7th71.4 Km/H75.2 Km/H-3.8 Km/H94.95%
Curved Aquaplaning6th2.67 m/sec22.96 m/sec2-0.29 m/sec290.2%
Snow Braking4th27 M26 M+1 M96.3%
Snow Traction5th2705 N2782 N-77 N97.23%
Snow Handling7th84.7 s81.8 s+2.9 s96.58%
Subj. Snow Handling7th17 Points30 Points-13 Points56.67%
Subj. Comfort2nd7 Points8 Points-1 Points87.5%
Noise7th73 dB70 dB+3 dB95.89%
Price3rd515 375 +140 72.82%
Rolling Resistance7th9.1 kg / t7.3 kg / t+1.8 kg / t80.22%
Overall, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro offers decent reserves. Snow grip and efficiency could be better - but still recommendable

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6th: Fulda Kristall Control HP2

Fulda Kristall Control HP2
  • 225/45 R17 94V
  • EU Label: C/C/72
  • Weight: 9.1kgs
  • Tread: 9mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking7th48.1 M45 M+3.1 M93.56%
Dry Handling7th64.5 s63.1 s+1.4 s97.83%
Subj. Dry Handling8th22 Points30 Points-8 Points73.33%
Wet Braking7th59.2 M50.3 M+8.9 M84.97%
Wet Handling6th95 s89.7 s+5.3 s94.42%
Subj. Wet Handling6th21 Points45 Points-24 Points46.67%
Straight Aqua5th72.7 Km/H75.2 Km/H-2.5 Km/H96.68%
Curved Aquaplaning2nd2.92 m/sec22.96 m/sec2-0.04 m/sec298.65%
Snow Braking2nd26.7 M26 M+0.7 M97.38%
Snow Traction2nd2750 N2782 N-32 N98.85%
Snow Handling2nd82.9 s81.8 s+1.1 s98.67%
Subj. Snow Handling2nd27 Points30 Points-3 Points90%
Subj. Comfort8th6 Points8 Points-2 Points75%
Noise7th73 dB70 dB+3 dB95.89%
Price2nd475 375 +100 78.95%
Rolling Resistance4th8.5 kg / t7.3 kg / t+1.2 kg / t85.88%
The Fulda Kristall Control HP2 is very strong on snow, but in the wet the tire struggles and it has long dry braking distances.

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7th: Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
  • 225/45 R17 94V
  • EU Label: C/B/72
  • Weight: 9.3kgs
  • Tread: 8.9mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking3rd45.8 M45 M+0.8 M98.25%
Dry Handling6th64.3 s63.1 s+1.2 s98.13%
Subj. Dry Handling7th23 Points30 Points-7 Points76.67%
Wet Braking6th55.8 M50.3 M+5.5 M90.14%
Wet Handling5th92.5 s89.7 s+2.8 s96.97%
Subj. Wet Handling4th29 Points45 Points-16 Points64.44%
Straight Aqua6th72.6 Km/H75.2 Km/H-2.6 Km/H96.54%
Curved Aquaplaning7th2.64 m/sec22.96 m/sec2-0.32 m/sec289.19%
Snow Braking8th28.1 M26 M+2.1 M92.53%
Snow Traction8th2661 N2782 N-121 N95.65%
Snow Handling8th85.2 s81.8 s+3.4 s96.01%
Subj. Snow Handling8th14 Points30 Points-16 Points46.67%
Subj. Comfort2nd7 Points8 Points-1 Points87.5%
Noise4th72 dB70 dB+2 dB97.22%
Price6th600 375 +225 62.5%
Rolling Resistance5th8.6 kg / t7.3 kg / t+1.3 kg / t84.88%
The compound has had an update since DOT 2622 which vastly improves the performance of the Cinturato Winter 2, see other tests.

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8th: Giti GitiWinterW2

Giti GitiWinterW2
  • 225/45 R17 94V
  • EU Label: D/B/71
  • Weight: 9.8kgs
  • Tread: 8.9mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking8th49 M45 M+4 M91.84%
Dry Handling5th64.1 s63.1 s+1 s98.44%
Subj. Dry Handling5th26 Points30 Points-4 Points86.67%
Wet Braking8th61.4 M50.3 M+11.1 M81.92%
Wet Handling8th96.3 s89.7 s+6.6 s93.15%
Subj. Wet Handling8th17 Points45 Points-28 Points37.78%
Straight Aqua3rd73.9 Km/H75.2 Km/H-1.3 Km/H98.27%
Curved Aquaplaning2nd2.92 m/sec22.96 m/sec2-0.04 m/sec298.65%
Snow Braking2nd26.7 M26 M+0.7 M97.38%
Snow Traction3rd2735 N2782 N-47 N98.31%
Snow Handling5th83.9 s81.8 s+2.1 s97.5%
Subj. Snow Handling5th21 Points30 Points-9 Points70%
Subj. Comfort2nd7 Points8 Points-1 Points87.5%
Noise2nd71 dB70 dB+1 dB98.59%
Price1st375 100%
Rolling Resistance8th9.3 kg / t7.3 kg / t+2 kg / t78.49%
The inexpensive Giti Winter W2 dominates snow, but lacks grip in the wet. The braking performance is weak on dry roads.

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