Following on from the 195/65 R15 winter tire test, the excellent German publication Auto Bild have tested ten UHP winter tires in 245/45 R18.
The biggest shock in the test is the winner - it's the brand new Vredestein WinTrac Pro. This new tire from Vredestein proved to have Continental like qualities, displacing the Continental WinterContact TS850 P from it's usual top spot and performing well in the dry, wet and snow tests. The Continental WinterContact TS850 Pl, which has now been replaced by the Continental WinterContact TS860 S, proved that it's still a quality option and finished a very close second place.
The best of the rest was the Kleber Krisalp HP3. This Michelin owned brand have a good winter tire reputation, and might explain why Michelin themselves weren't included in this test.
As always, details below, and be sure to check out the excellent Auto Bild website.
Dry
In the dry, all the winter tires lagged behind the reference summer tire. The Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 proved it was best of the test and won dry braking, with the new Vredestein Wintrac Pro a close second.
Dry Braking
Dry braking in feet
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
RefReference Summer |
123 ft | -13 ft |
| 136 ft | Best | |
| 137 ft | +1 ft | |
| 137 ft | +1 ft | |
| 137 ft | +1 ft | |
| 138 ft | +2 ft | |
| 138 ft | +2 ft | |
| 138 ft | +2 ft | |
| 139 ft | +3 ft | |
| 140 ft | +4 ft | |
| 141 ft | +5 ft |
The difference between best and worst was 15% (18 ft ≈ 1.2 Car Lengths).
The Pirelli and Vredestein once again performed well during the dry handling tests, but this time the Nexen WinGuard Sport just beat them to the top spot.
Dry Handling
Dry Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
RefReference Summer |
55.2 mph | +2.4 mph |
| 52.8 mph | Best | |
| 52.5 mph | -0.3 mph | |
| 52.5 mph | -0.3 mph | |
| 52.4 mph | -0.4 mph | |
| 52.4 mph | -0.4 mph | |
| 52.3 mph | -0.5 mph | |
| 52.1 mph | -0.7 mph | |
| 52.0 mph | -0.8 mph | |
| 51.9 mph | -0.9 mph | |
| 51.8 mph | -1.0 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 6.3% (3.4 mph).
Wet
The key wet braking test had a new winner, with the Continental WinterContact TS850 S the only tire to get close to the summer tire. Vredestein again proved to be strong, taking second place, and Goodyear placed third with the UltraGrip Performance Gen-1. The Pirelli which proved to be so strong in the dry could only manage eighth place overall. The budget Sunny Snowmaster SN3830 had dangerously long wet braking.
Wet Braking
Wet braking in feet
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
RefReference Summer |
162 ft | 0 ft |
| 162 ft | Best | |
| 170 ft | +8 ft | |
| 171 ft | +9 ft | |
| 174 ft | +12 ft | |
| 176 ft | +14 ft | |
| 176 ft | +14 ft | |
| 178 ft | +16 ft | |
| 182 ft | +20 ft | |
| 182 ft | +20 ft | |
| 218 ft | +56 ft |
The difference between best and worst was 34.2% (56 ft ≈ 3.8 Car Lengths).
Wet handling was the first test the summer tire did not win, with the Vredestein, Continental, and Goodyear proving once again they have excellent wet performance.
Wet Handling
Wet Handling Average Speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 45.5 mph | Best | |
| 44.6 mph | -0.9 mph | |
| 44.5 mph | -1.0 mph | |
| 44.4 mph | -1.1 mph | |
| 44.3 mph | -1.2 mph | |
| 44.3 mph | -1.2 mph | |
RefReference Summer |
43.9 mph | -1.6 mph |
| 43.9 mph | -1.6 mph | |
| 43.8 mph | -1.7 mph | |
| 43.1 mph | -2.4 mph | |
| 37.9 mph | -7.6 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 16.7% (7.6 mph).
Straight Aqua
Float Speed in mph
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
RefReference Summer |
56.5 mph | +2.1 mph |
| 54.4 mph | Best | |
| 54.3 mph | -0.1 mph | |
| 53.6 mph | -0.8 mph | |
| 52.9 mph | -1.5 mph | |
| 52.9 mph | -1.5 mph | |
| 52.0 mph | -2.4 mph | |
| 51.8 mph | -2.6 mph | |
| 51.5 mph | -2.9 mph | |
| 50.8 mph | -3.6 mph | |
| 48.5 mph | -5.9 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 14.2% (8 mph).
Snow
The Dunlop Winter Sport 5 proved to be the best tire overall in the snow testing, winning the snow braking and placing third in snow handling. The Vredestein and Continental again displayed their excellent all-round qualities by continuing their run of excellent results.
Snow Braking
Snow braking in feet
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 82 ft | Best | |
| 84 ft | +2 ft | |
| 86 ft | +4 ft | |
| 86 ft | +4 ft | |
| 87 ft | +5 ft | |
| 87 ft | +5 ft | |
| 87 ft | +5 ft | |
| 90 ft | +8 ft | |
| 90 ft | +8 ft | |
| 94 ft | +12 ft | |
RefReference Summer |
256 ft | +174 ft |
The difference between best and worst was 210.4% (174 ft ≈ 11.7 Car Lengths).
Snow Handling
Snow handling average speed
Higher is better ↑| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 43.1 mph | Best | |
| 42.9 mph | -0.2 mph | |
| 42.9 mph | -0.2 mph | |
| 42.6 mph | -0.5 mph | |
| 42.4 mph | -0.7 mph | |
| 42.3 mph | -0.8 mph | |
| 42.3 mph | -0.8 mph | |
| 41.1 mph | -2.0 mph | |
| 40.8 mph | -2.3 mph | |
| 40.6 mph | -2.5 mph | |
RefReference Summer |
22.9 mph | -20.2 mph |
The difference between best and worst was 46.8% (20.2 mph).
Environment
While the Pirelli struggled in the wet, it aced the rolling resistance test, using the least fuel of the group.
Rolling Resistance
Rolling resistance in kg t
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best | Extra fuel / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.05 kg/t | Best | $0 | |
| 8.17 kg/t | +0.12 kg/t | $4 | |
| 8.19 kg/t | +0.14 kg/t | $5 | |
| 8.35 kg/t | +0.30 kg/t | $11 | |
| 8.87 kg/t | +0.82 kg/t | $30 | |
| 9 kg/t | +0.95 kg/t | $35 | |
| 9.1 kg/t | +1.05 kg/t | $38 | |
RefReference Summer |
9.33 kg/t | +1.28 kg/t | $47 |
| 9.45 kg/t | +1.40 kg/t | $51 | |
| 10.05 kg/t | +2.00 kg/t | $73 | |
| 10.07 kg/t | +2.02 kg/t | $74 |
The difference between best and worst was 25.1% (2.02 kg / t). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Nexen WinGuard Sport 2 uses about 20 gal ($74) more fuel than the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3.
Adjust the assumptions
Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.
The Nexen proved to be the quietest tire on test.
Noise
External noise in dB
Lower is better ↓| Position / Tire | Result | Gap to best |
|---|---|---|
| 70.8 dB | Best | |
| 71.3 dB | +0.50 dB | |
| 71.5 dB | +0.70 dB | |
| 71.8 dB | +1.00 dB | |
| 71.9 dB | +1.10 dB | |
| 72 dB | +1.20 dB | |
RefReference Summer |
72.3 dB | +1.50 dB |
| 72.7 dB | +1.90 dB | |
| 73.8 dB | +3.00 dB | |
| 74.3 dB | +3.50 dB | |
| 75.6 dB | +4.80 dB |
The difference between best and worst was 6.8% (4.8 dB).
And the budget Sunny was significantly cheaper than the other tires, but still not recommended overall due to dangerous wet braking results.
Results
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
245/45 R18
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 11 |
| Wet | 12 |
| Snow | 13 |
| Comfort | 12 |
| Rolling Resistance | 11 |
| Noise | 13 |
Total: 72
- Price
- 670.00
Continental WinterContact TS 850 P
245/45 R18
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 11 |
| Wet | 12 |
| Snow | 12 |
| Comfort | 12 |
| Rolling Resistance | 11 |
| Noise | 13 |
Total: 71
- Price
- 710.00
Kleber Krisalp HP3
245/45 R18
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 10 |
| Wet | 11 |
| Snow | 14 |
| Comfort | 10 |
| Rolling Resistance | 10 |
| Noise | 13 |
Total: 68
- Price
- 550.00
Dunlop Winter Sport 5
245/45 R18
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 10 |
| Wet | 11 |
| Snow | 13 |
| Comfort | 10 |
| Rolling Resistance | 13 |
| Noise | 11 |
Total: 68
- Price
- 685.00
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1
245/45 R18
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 10 |
| Wet | 12 |
| Snow | 12 |
| Comfort | 11 |
| Rolling Resistance | 12 |
| Noise | 12 |
Total: 69
- Price
- 670.00
Bridgestone Blizzak LM001
245/45 R18
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 10 |
| Wet | 11 |
| Snow | 12 |
| Comfort | 10 |
| Rolling Resistance | 9 |
| Noise | 13 |
Total: 65
- Price
- 595.00
Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
245/45 R18
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 11 |
| Wet | 10 |
| Snow | 11 |
| Comfort | 12 |
| Rolling Resistance | 13 |
| Noise | 13 |
Total: 70
- Price
- 710.00
Falken Eurowinter HS01
245/45 R18
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 11 |
| Wet | 11 |
| Snow | 11 |
| Comfort | 12 |
| Rolling Resistance | 8 |
| Noise | 9 |
Total: 62
- Price
- 495.00
Nexen WinGuard Sport 2
245/45 R18
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 11 |
| Wet | 9 |
| Snow | 11 |
| Comfort | 11 |
| Rolling Resistance | 8 |
| Noise | 14 |
Total: 64
- Price
- 445.00
Sunny SN3830
245/45 R18
All discipline results (6)
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| Dry | 10 |
| Wet | 3 |
| Snow | 8 |
| Comfort | 12 |
| Rolling Resistance | 13 |
| Noise | 10 |
Total: 56
- Price
- 360.00
Hi,
I’ve a Land Rover discovery 4 and I’m not sure I understand well which is the best tire.
Watching your video it seems that the best choice (after vredestein) should be continental ContiWinter 860S but reading the continental brochure and this article the 850p seems better.
Please advise, thanks you
The 860S replaced the 850P so in theory is the better tire. It wasn't in this test as the 860 S isn't made in this size.
I've been doing a lot of reading on Winter and All Season tires...and one thing is still worrying / puzzling me.
The manufacturers and various safety groups all say that Winter tires are better in cold conditions than Summer tires, in all disciplines - including dry and wet braking.
I can see that Winter and All Season rubber seem to do well in aquaplaning tests, but are almost always beaten by reference summer tires in wet and dry braking.
Do the major tests (such as Autobild) carry out the wet and dry tests in cold weather, or just the snow and ice disciplines?
The recent Auto Express Winter tire test admits that they wanted to do their dry and wet tests under 7 degrees C, which I understand is the industry accepted cutoff point for Summer / Winter rubber. Unfortunately they weren't able to do this, as it was too warm at the test track. For me, this completely invalidates the test results as the tires were not tested and compared in the correct operating environment.
So - are Winter tires tested against Summer tires in all disciplines in winter conditions (ie: below 7 degrees C)? If not, it seems we have a ton of data but aren't comparing apples to apples.
FYI I am planning a road trip to Eastern Europe in December, crossing Germany and on through Poland. I'll legally need Winter tires for the German leg, and the weather in Poland and further East will be on average 0-3 degrees and possibly minus in the daytime and coder at night. However, the first few legs (ie: UK, France, Belgium, etc) will probably be around 5-10 degrees, so I am worried about bad wet weather performance from a Winter tire in those conditions.
Because of this I am considering the Michelin CrossClimate Plus for my wheel size (245/45/17). Or, if a "full" Winter tire would be better, the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, as the Vredestein and Conti aren't available in my size and the Kleber need to be imported.
I can't seem to find out the climate at which Autobild do their wet and dry testing, but I suspect it isn't in a controlled temperature environment, given the location of the test track.
Can you help?
Thanks!
P.S Absolutely LOVE the site, please keep up the great work!!!
The issue with trying to plan tests in colder conditions is as it gets colder, you have more chance of rain, so your tests get rained off (you can't have it raining for wet testing as the water levels are inconsistent)
That said, I've seen plenty of tests where winter / all season tires are close enough / in the mix with the summer tires during wet braking, and it doesn't matter what the temperature is in the dry, a summer will always outperform a siped tire, so I wouldn't worry too much about crossing Germany, most people will be on similar winter tires anyway.
Ahh that makes sense regarding the cold weather wet/dry braking testing and sipes - thanks for the info and the speedy response!
After some research it looks like you can in fact get the Kleber Krisalp HP3 in the UK at very keen prices, but I'm still on the fence between that and the Dunlop Winter Sport 5 (just because it is a more well-known brand to me).
I'm also seriously considering the Michelin CrossClimate Plus (all-season), depending on how horrific the conditions are East of Germany. I would rather have a "proper" Winter tire if temps are going to be consistently around 0 and under, as I think they will perform better than an all-season.
The weather in the South of England looks like continuing to be a mixed bag of cold and mild temps (ie: 0 to 15 degrees) right up to the end of December, so I think I will keep an eye on the long range forecast for Europe and make a decision just before we set out.
Although we'll be sticking to major roads which should be fully gritted, etc, safety is my #1 priority.
Do you think this is a reasonable approach?
Fully reasonable. If you're staying in the UK, the CrossClimate is an excellent choice, so the decision comes down to the German climate which I'm not familiar with :)
I'm on the market for a set of 4 new winter tires for my dad's Mazda 6 (225/45 R19).
As it's a very expesive size, price and wear are important.
The best deals I could find:
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen-1: € 189
Vredestein Wintrac Pro: € 184
The Vredestein won this Auto Bild test, but the Goodyear has been getting consistently good reviews for the last 4 years.
Which one would you recommend? Should I go for the better known Goodyear or bet on the new Vredestein?
Do you expect more Vredestein reviews beign published soon?
VERY good question! I've just shot the winter tire recommendation videos and I recommend both of those tires. Which would I pick? Personally I'd probably try the Vredestein but that's just because it's new to me and the newer tire. The Goodyear is incredible and proven time and time again, so in short you'll be happy with either.
I feel like the Vred will be more sporty where as the Goodyear will have better NVH, if that helps your choice.
Thanks a lot for your fast answer.
I don't think he is looking for the sporty feel. He would appreciate more a relaxed and confortable ride, so maybe Goodyear is the best choice.
Now that you mention noise, it's funny how Autobild measurement differs from the EU label:
245/45/18:
Vredestein: 71,5 dB (Autobild) / 72 dB (EU label)
Goodyear: 72,7 dB (Autobild) / 71 dB (EU label)
In the size I'm looking at, Goodyear EU label shows 70 dB, while Vredestein still 72 dB, so I expect Goodyear to be quieter in that size.
PS: I'm looking forward to see that new winter tire recommendation video. Keep up with the good work you are doing!
The other option is of course the Continental WinterContact TS850 P. You can't really go wrong with any of them!
And how choose between the 850P and the Wintrac Pro? Is there any difference coming from the different patterns (asymmetrical for the Conti and directional for the Vredestein)?
The test seem to show that their performances are quite similar otherwise.
Exactly, they seem very similar. The Conti is proven time and time again, I'd like to see the Vred in a few more tests to confirm it's brilliance.
In your experience, is there any difference between the asymmetrical and directional patterns?
Generally the asymmetric winter tires are worse in snow, but can be better in the dry. There is more variation brand to brand though.