2026 Auto Zeitung 18 Inch Summer Tire Test

Every year Auto Zeitung perform a summer tire test, and it's always an interesting read as they are one of the few publications that purchase all of their own tires blindly from the market instead of manufacturer submissions, and they now include a wear test!

This year they have tested 10 tires in 235/45 R18 using an Audi A5 TS-FI front wheel drive vehicle and the amount of data they provide is fantastic.

The Continental Premium Contact 7 took a clear overall victory, driven primarily by a dominant wet performance. It posted the shortest wet braking distance, the fastest wet handling time, and the highest subjective wet safety score. On dry roads it was strong but not the outright leader - that distinction went to the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6, which topped the dry section with the fastest lap time, best dry safety rating, and a notably sporting, precise character. The gap between the two in the final standings came down to wet grip, where the Continental's advantage was decisive.

The Pirelli Cinturato C3 was one of the more interesting results, finishing just a single point behind the Goodyear in second place. It delivered a very consistent performance with no significant weak areas across wet and dry tests. Notably, it also returned good predicted tread life and low abrasion figures - an area where Pirelli products have historically been less competitive. The combination of strong wet safety, solid dry handling, and improved durability marks a genuine step forward for the brand's touring-oriented range.

Michelin VS BFGoodrich

Perhaps the most surprising result in the test is that BF Goodrich, a sub-brand of Michelin, finished ahead of its parent company. The Advantage 2 placed fifth overall while the Michelin Primacy 5 came in sixth. The two tires share technical DNA, which is most visible in their similarly low rolling resistance figures, but they diverge significantly in wet grip. The Primacy 5 appears to be a tire that has been optimized very heavily toward efficiency and longevity - it recorded the lowest rolling resistance, the least abrasion, the longest predicted tread life, and the best comfort score in the entire test. However, this focus has come at the expense of wet performance, where it had longer braking distances, larger steering angles, and a less precise feel than the better tires. It is an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize fuel economy and tire life above all else, but in a test format that weights wet safety heavily, those efficiency gains are not enough to offset the grip deficit. The BF Goodrich, while not as refined in terms of ride quality, struck a slightly better balance between low rolling resistance and usable wet grip.

Dry

On dry roads the field was tightly grouped, with less than three meters separating the best and worst braking distances from 62 mph. The Continental and Pirelli stopped shortest, while the West Lake needed the most room. Even the weakest result here is not dangerous, but the margins add up in real-world emergency situations.

Dry handling times were even closer than braking, with barely 1.3 seconds covering all ten tires over a 2 miles circuit. The Goodyear was the fastest and felt the most precise and dynamic according to the test drivers. The budget tires were not significantly slower on the clock, but subjective assessments noted less confidence and lower safety margins at the limit, particularly from the Tercelo and West Lake.

Wet

Wet braking is where the biggest and most safety-relevant differences in this test appeared. The Continental stopped in 175 feet from 62 mph, while the Laufenn needed 214 feet - a gap of over 39 feet. The three budget tires all recorded significantly longer stopping distances, and the testers noted that where the Continental-equipped car had already stopped, the Laufenn, Tercelo and West Lake were still travelling at over 19 mph.

The wet handling results closely mirror the braking test, with the Continental again on top and the budget tires trailing badly. The Pirelli was second fastest and earned high marks for its precise feedback and neutral balance. The Tercelo was the slowest, with the test drivers reporting early breakaway, sharp reactions to lift-off, and the need for very large steering corrections to keep the car on line.

The wet circle test isolates lateral grip on a soaked surface. The Continental recorded the quickest time, followed by the Pirelli and Firestone. The Tercelo and West Lake were the weakest, both struggling to generate the same level of side force. The ranking here broadly follows the wet handling results, confirming that the grip differences are consistent rather than circuit-specific.

Straight-line aquaplaning resistance tells a slightly different story to the grip tests. The Firestone posted the highest speed before losing contact with the road, closely followed by the Continental and Michelin. The Tercelo had the lowest threshold. Interestingly, some of the tires that scored well for wet grip - like the Pirelli - were less competitive here, suggesting different tread pattern priorities between drainage and contact patch optimisation.

Comfort

The Michelin was rated the most comfortable tire in the test by a clear margin, followed by the Pirelli. Both absorbed road imperfections well and delivered a settled, quiet ride. At the other end, the Tercelo scored lowest for comfort, transmitting more harshness into the cabin. The Laufenn had a soft basic character but was marked down for a slightly uneven rolling quality that undermined the overall impression.

The Goodyear and Laufenn tied for the lowest pass-by noise at 68 dB(A), while the Pirelli was the loudest at 72 dB(A). The spread of just 4 dB(A) across the field is relatively small in absolute terms, though it is perceptible. The Pirelli's higher noise level is its most notable weakness in an otherwise very strong overall result.

Value

Lab-measured tread life showed large differences across the field. The Michelin led with a predicted 31,069 miles, closely followed by the Goodyear at 30,758 miles. At the other end, the Tercelo managed just 15,690 miles - roughly half the Michelin's figure. The Pirelli posted a strong 27,806 miles, which is worth noting as Pirelli products have not traditionally been known for high mileage.

When purchase price is divided by predicted tread life, the value picture shifts significantly from the headline prices. The Firestone and Goodyear offer the best cost per kilometer among the recommended tires, both around €14 per 1000 km. The Tercelo, despite being the cheapest to buy, is not the cheapest to run - its short tread life pushes its per-kilometer cost above the Firestone. The Maxxis is the most expensive on this metric due to its combination of mid-range pricing and below-average longevity. Please note, I have calculated this metric. It wasn't included in the original article, but I do think it is an incredibly important metric. 

Rolling resistance ranged from 6.8 kg/t for the Michelin to 8.2 kg/t for the Tercelo. The testers calculated that the difference between best and worst translates to roughly 0.1 to 0.2 liters per 100 km in additional fuel consumption, or about 0.3 kW at 62 mph. The BF Goodrich, which shares technology with the Michelin, also scored well here at 7.0 kg/t. The four most efficient tires on this measure were all from the Michelin family or the mid-range brands.

Abrasion rates, measured as millimeters of tread lost per 1000 km, closely track the tread life predictions. The Michelin and Goodyear wore the least, while the Tercelo and West Lake wore the most - roughly double the rate of the best performers. High abrasion is not just a cost issue; it also means more microplastic and particulate matter released into the environment over the tire's life.

Results

1^st

Continental PremiumContact 7

235/45 R18 98Y XL

Auto Zeitung Test Winner / Highly Recommended Testsieger / Sehr empfehlenswert

The Continental Premium Contact 7 is the clear winner of this test, and its advantage comes mainly from wet performance. It collects the highest scores in almost every wet test, including the shortest wet braking distance, the fastest wet handling lap, and the best subjective safety rating. At the grip limit on wet roads it remains predictable and balanced, with a neutral steering character that doesn't demand much from the driver to keep the car on line. If the rear does start to slide, the tire has a natural tendency to stabilise itself rather than requiring quick corrections. On dry roads the Continental isn't the most sporty-feeling tire in the group - it doesn't turn in with the same sharpness as the Goodyear - but it still delivers short braking distances and high safety margins through corners. Comfort is good, with decent noise levels and an ability to absorb road surface imperfections without transmitting harsh impacts through the steering. Predicted tread life and abrasion are both solid, sitting in the upper half of the field. There are no significant weak points anywhere in the test programme.

Dry99.2%

Wet100%

Comfort88.6%

Value84.3%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	1st / 10	108 ft	Best in this discipline
Dry HandlingLower is better	2nd / 10	61.7 s	+0.30 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	2nd / 10	28 Points	-2.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	1st / 10	175 ft	Best in this discipline
Wet HandlingLower is better	1st / 10	69.8 s	Best in this discipline
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	1st / 10	44 Points	Best in this discipline
Wet CircleLower is better	1st / 10	13.7 s	Best in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better	1st / 10	51.4 mph	Best in this discipline
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	3rd / 10	8 Points	-2.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	7th / 10	70 dB	+2.00 dB
WearHigher is better	4th / 10	27,496 miles	-3,573 miles
ValueLower is better	9th / 10	16.84 Price/1000	+5.16 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	8th / 10	8 kg/t	+1.20 kg/t
AbrasionLower is better	3rd / 10	0.082 mm/1000km	+0.01 mm/1000km

EU Label

C/A/72

Weight

10.5 kgs

Tread

7.2 mm

Price

745.00

2^nd

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

235/45 R18 98Y XL

Auto Zeitung Highly Recommended Sehr empfehlenswert

The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 is the strongest performer on dry roads, taking the top score in that section of the test. It posts the fastest dry handling lap time and the best dry subjective safety score, and it feels the most precise and responsive of all ten tires when changing direction. Braking distances on dry tarmac are short, and the tire is also quiet, with the equal-lowest pass-by noise reading. On wet roads the Goodyear puts in good results across the board, though at the grip limit it can switch into a slide somewhat abruptly. The important thing is that once it does break away, it recovers and stabilises in a predictable manner, so the initial sharpness of the transition is manageable. The tire also scores well on longevity, with the second-highest predicted tread life in the group and the lowest abrasion rate after the Michelin. Rolling resistance is on the higher side, but overall this is a tire that combines sporting character with genuine long-term durability.

Dry99.4%

Wet95%

Comfort80%

Value90.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	3rd / 10	109 ft	+1 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	1st / 10	61.4 s	Best in this discipline
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	1st / 10	30 Points	Best in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better	2nd / 10	184 ft	+9 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	4th / 10	72.2 s	+2.40 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	4th / 10	35 Points	-9.00 Points
Wet CircleLower is better	3rd / 10	14.1 s	+0.40 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	5th / 10	50.2 mph	-1.2 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	5th / 10	6 Points	-4.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	1st / 10	68 dB	Best in this discipline
WearHigher is better	2nd / 10	30,758 miles	-311 miles
ValueLower is better	4th / 10	14.14 Price/1000	+2.46 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	9th / 10	8.1 kg/t	+1.30 kg/t
AbrasionLower is better	2nd / 10	0.078 mm/1000km	0.00 mm/1000km

EU Label

C/A/70

Weight

10.5 kgs

Tread

6.9 mm

Price

700.00

3^rd

Pirelli Cinturato C3

235/45 R18 98Y XL

Auto Zeitung Highly Recommended Sehr empfehlenswert

The Pirelli Cinturato C3 finishes just one point behind the Goodyear in the overall ranking, and its strength is a very even spread of results with no real weak areas. On wet roads it is the second-best tire, posting short braking distances and earning a high subjective safety score thanks to precise feedback through the steering and a neutral, progressive balance at the limit. Dry handling is similarly safe and controlled, finishing level with the Continental on lap time, though the character is more about security than outright sportiness. The main drawback is noise - the Pirelli records the highest pass-by noise figure in the test at 72 dB(A). On the positive side, predicted tread life is good and abrasion is low, which helps justify the fairly high purchase price. The tire also returns a reasonable rolling resistance figure. It does lose some ground in the lateral aquaplaning test, but this is a minor point in an otherwise well-rounded performance.

Dry98.6%

Wet96.9%

Comfort92.2%

Value86.3%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	2nd / 10	108 ft	0 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	2nd / 10	61.7 s	+0.30 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	3rd / 10	27 Points	-3.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	3rd / 10	185 ft	+10 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	2nd / 10	70.8 s	+1.00 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	2nd / 10	41 Points	-3.00 Points
Wet CircleLower is better	2nd / 10	13.9 s	+0.20 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	6th / 10	50.1 mph	-1.3 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	2nd / 10	9 Points	-1.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	10th / 10	72 dB	+4.00 dB
WearHigher is better	3rd / 10	27,806 miles	-3,263 miles
ValueLower is better	7th / 10	16.09 Price/1000	+4.41 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	5th / 10	7.7 kg/t	+0.90 kg/t
AbrasionLower is better	3rd / 10	0.082 mm/1000km	+0.01 mm/1000km

EU Label

C/A/71

Weight

10.1 kgs

Tread

7.1 mm

Price

720.00

4^th

Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN

235/45 R18 98Y XL

Auto Zeitung Highly Recommended / Best Value Sehr empfehlenswert / Preis-Leistungs-Empfehlung

The Firestone Roadhawk 2 performs at a level that puts it in direct competition with the more expensive premium tires, making it the clear price-performance pick. Its standout result is aquaplaning resistance, where it records the best score in both longitudinal and lateral tests. On the wet handling circuit it combines solid grip with a neutral balance, translating into quick lap times. However, wet braking is a weaker point - the stopping distance is noticeably longer than the best in the group, which is worth bearing in mind. On dry roads the Firestone returns a good rolling resistance value and posts competitive lap times. The lab abrasion figure looks relatively high, but the testers note that the wear is concentrated on the inner tread blocks, meaning the legal minimum tread depth across the full width is less affected than the raw number suggests, and the overall tread life prediction remains good. Comfort is rated below average, suggesting the tire transmits more road noise and surface irregularities than the softer-riding options.

Dry96.1%

Wet94.5%

Comfort72.9%

Value81.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	5th / 10	113 ft	+5 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	4th / 10	61.8 s	+0.40 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	4th / 10	25 Points	-5.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	6th / 10	200 ft	+25 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	3rd / 10	70.9 s	+1.10 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	3rd / 10	39 Points	-5.00 Points
Wet CircleLower is better	3rd / 10	14.1 s	+0.40 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	2nd / 10	51.3 mph	-0.1 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	7th / 10	5 Points	-5.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	9th / 10	71 dB	+3.00 dB
WearHigher is better	5th / 10	24,855 miles	-6,214 miles
ValueLower is better	3rd / 10	14.13 Price/1000	+2.45 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	3rd / 10	7.2 kg/t	+0.40 kg/t
AbrasionLower is better	8th / 10	0.114 mm/1000km	+0.04 mm/1000km

EU Label

B/A/71

Weight

10.1 kgs

Tread

7.1 mm

Price

565.00

5^th

BFGoodrich Advantage 2

235/45 R18 98Y XL

Auto Zeitung Highly Recommended Sehr empfehlenswert

The BF Goodrich Advantage 2 is technically related to the Michelin, and this shows up most clearly in its very low rolling resistance - the second-best figure in the test. On wet roads it puts in a decent performance and is only fractionally slower than the Goodyear around the handling circuit, but the subjective feel is quite different. It doesn't respond as quickly to steering inputs, doesn't change direction as sharply, and needs the driver to apply more lock to get the same result. This makes it feel less agile and less precise in quick direction changes. On dry roads the character is similar - the tire works safely but feels somewhat sluggish and doesn't engage the driver. The ride quality is also a step behind the best, as the tire's damping characteristics don't work as well with the Audi A5's suspension setup, leading to a less settled feel over bumps and surface changes. Predicted tread life is mid-pack and abrasion is reasonable. It is a competent all-rounder that saves fuel, but it lacks the sharpness and refinement of the top-ranked tires.

Dry95.5%

Wet92.6%

Comfort79.3%

Value83.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	4th / 10	112 ft	+4 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	9th / 10	62.7 s	+1.30 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	5th / 10	24 Points	-6.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	3rd / 10	185 ft	+10 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	5th / 10	72.3 s	+2.50 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	5th / 10	31 Points	-13.00 Points
Wet CircleLower is better	7th / 10	14.9 s	+1.20 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	8th / 10	49.5 mph	-1.9 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	5th / 10	6 Points	-4.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	3rd / 10	69 dB	+1.00 dB
WearHigher is better	6th / 10	24,389 miles	-6,680 miles
ValueLower is better	8th / 10	16.31 Price/1000	+4.63 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	2nd / 10	7 kg/t	+0.20 kg/t
AbrasionLower is better	5th / 10	0.089 mm/1000km	+0.01 mm/1000km

EU Label

B/A/70

Weight

9.8 kgs

Tread

6.2 mm

Price

640.00

6^th

Michelin Primacy 5

235/45 R18 98Y XL

Auto Zeitung Highly Recommended / Eco Recommendation Sehr empfehlenswert / Umwelt-Empfehlung

The Michelin Primacy 5 is clearly designed with efficiency and longevity as its top priorities, and the test data confirms this. It records the lowest rolling resistance, the highest predicted tread life, the lowest abrasion, and the best comfort score in the group. It is also one of the quieter tires. However, this focus on durability and low energy loss comes at the expense of wet grip. On wet roads the Michelin needs larger steering angles than the best tires and lacks precision in its responses. Wet braking distances are extended compared to the leaders, which is a meaningful safety concern. On dry roads a strong understeer tendency limits the tire's ability to change direction quickly, holding back its dynamic performance even though outright lap times are reasonable. The high purchase price is the highest in the test, but the long expected life goes some way to offsetting that on a cost-per-kilometer basis. This is a tire for drivers who prioritize fuel economy, low wear, and a quiet, comfortable ride over outright wet grip and sporty handling.

Dry94.2%

Wet91%

Comfort99.3%

Value95%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	6th / 10	114 ft	+6 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	7th / 10	62.5 s	+1.10 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	6th / 10	22 Points	-8.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	5th / 10	196 ft	+21 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	6th / 10	72.4 s	+2.60 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	6th / 10	27 Points	-17.00 Points
Wet CircleLower is better	6th / 10	14.8 s	+1.10 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	3rd / 10	51.1 mph	-0.3 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	1st / 10	10 Points	Best in this discipline
NoiseLower is better	3rd / 10	69 dB	+1.00 dB
WearHigher is better	1st / 10	31,069 miles	Best in this discipline
ValueLower is better	5th / 10	15.3 Price/1000	+3.62 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	1st / 10	6.8 kg/t	Best in this discipline
AbrasionLower is better	1st / 10	0.076 mm/1000km	Best in this discipline

EU Label

B/A/70

Weight

10.0 kgs

Tread

7.0 mm

Price

765.00

7^th

Maxxis Premitra HP6

235/45 R18 98Y XL

The Maxxis HP6 Premitra 6 is a new product that arrives at a competitive mid-range price, but the test results are mixed. Rolling resistance is good, sitting in the better half of the field, but this is offset by a poor predicted tread life - the second-lowest in the group - and relatively high abrasion. On wet roads the tire struggles. It initially pushes wide with understeer, and then when the front does eventually grip, the rear can lose traction quite suddenly, creating an unpredictable two-stage breakaway character that demands quick reactions from the driver. Wet braking distances are also long. On dry roads the picture is better - the Maxxis posts a quick handling lap time and changes direction well in the slalom - but test drivers noted a slight nervousness through fast corners, a background instability that doesn't inspire full confidence even though the tire remains controllable. The combination of weak wet performance and below-average durability means the tire doesn't offer enough to earn a recommendation despite its reasonable price.

Dry94.2%

Wet88.3%

Comfort73.6%

Value71.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	7th / 10	115 ft	+7 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	4th / 10	61.8 s	+0.40 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	7th / 10	21 Points	-9.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	7th / 10	203 ft	+28 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	7th / 10	74 s	+4.20 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	8th / 10	20 Points	-24.00 Points
Wet CircleLower is better	5th / 10	14.6 s	+0.90 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	7th / 10	50.0 mph	-1.4 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	7th / 10	5 Points	-5.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	7th / 10	70 dB	+2.00 dB
WearHigher is better	8th / 10	18,020 miles	-13,049 miles
ValueLower is better	10th / 10	17.76 Price/1000	+6.08 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	4th / 10	7.4 kg/t	+0.60 kg/t
AbrasionLower is better	6th / 10	0.111 mm/1000km	+0.04 mm/1000km

EU Label

B/A/72

Weight

10.3 kgs

Tread

6.4 mm

Price

515.00

8^th

Westlake ZuperAce Z 007

235/45 R18 98Y XL

The West Lake Z-007 Zuper Ace doesn't feel sporty on dry roads but manages to avoid any serious problems, keeping the car stable and controllable through the handling tests. The dry braking distance is the longest in the group but still within an acceptable range. On wet roads the tire shows reasonable stability during the handling laps but simply doesn't generate enough grip, particularly under braking, where the stopping distance falls too far behind the leading tires. On the positive side, the drainage performance is good, meaning the tire resists aquaplaning relatively well. The bigger concern is durability - abrasion is very high and the predicted tread life is the third-lowest in the test, which significantly weakens the value case for what is otherwise a budget-priced product. Pass-by noise is low, matching several of the premium tires. Overall the West Lake is let down by a combination of weak wet braking and poor longevity.

Dry91.3%

Wet87.1%

Comfort84.3%

Value67.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	10th / 10	117 ft	+9 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	7th / 10	62.5 s	+1.10 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	9th / 10	16 Points	-14.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	9th / 10	211 ft	+36 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	8th / 10	74.2 s	+4.40 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	7th / 10	23 Points	-21.00 Points
Wet CircleLower is better	9th / 10	15.2 s	+1.50 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	4th / 10	50.7 mph	-0.7 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	4th / 10	7 Points	-3.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	3rd / 10	69 dB	+1.00 dB
WearHigher is better	9th / 10	17,864 miles	-13,205 miles
ValueLower is better	6th / 10	15.65 Price/1000	+3.97 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	7th / 10	7.9 kg/t	+1.10 kg/t
AbrasionLower is better	9th / 10	0.151 mm/1000km	+0.08 mm/1000km

EU Label

C/A/72

Weight

10.5 kgs

Tread

7.0 mm

Price

450.00

9^th

Laufenn S Fit EQ+

235/45 R18 98Y XL

The Laufenn S Fit EQ+ LK01 is the budget offering from Hankook's sub-brand, and the results suggest it doesn't benefit enough from that connection. Its worst result is wet braking, where it records the longest stopping distance of all ten tires - a significant safety concern. On the wet handling circuit it can't hold the intended line through faster corners, running wide and requiring the driver to back off. On the positive side, it does signal its grip limits progressively rather than breaking away without warning, so there is at least some predictability. On dry roads the tire manages passable results, though braking distances are again on the long side and steering precision is mediocre. It ties for the lowest pass-by noise in the test, which is a genuine strength, but the ride is spoiled by a slightly uneven rolling quality that undermines what is otherwise a soft and comfortable basic character. Tread life prediction is below average and abrasion is high. The low purchase price is attractive, but the wet braking deficit is too large to overlook.

Dry92.4%

Wet85.3%

Comfort75%

Value80.1%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	8th / 10	116 ft	+8 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	6th / 10	62.4 s	+1.00 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	8th / 10	18 Points	-12.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	10th / 10	214 ft	+39 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	9th / 10	74.5 s	+4.70 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	9th / 10	16 Points	-28.00 Points
Wet CircleLower is better	8th / 10	15.1 s	+1.40 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	9th / 10	49.4 mph	-2.0 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	7th / 10	5 Points	-5.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	1st / 10	68 dB	Best in this discipline
WearHigher is better	7th / 10	22,525 miles	-8,544 miles
ValueLower is better	2nd / 10	12.69 Price/1000	+1.01 Price/1000
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	5th / 10	7.7 kg/t	+0.90 kg/t
AbrasionLower is better	7th / 10	0.113 mm/1000km	+0.04 mm/1000km

EU Label

C/B/72

Weight

10.8 kgs

Tread

6.9 mm

Price

460.00

10^th

Tercelo Sport D1

235/45 R18 98Y XL

The Tercelo Sport D1 is the cheapest tire in the test by a wide margin, but the results show why. It finishes last overall, scoring poorly in almost every area. On wet roads it has the least grip reserve in corners of any tire tested, breaking away from the intended line early and reacting sharply to any lift-off or braking input mid-corner, with the rear stepping out aggressively and requiring large, fast steering corrections to catch. This kind of behavior is demanding even for experienced drivers and could easily lead to a loss of control in an emergency situation. Wet braking distances are also long. On dry roads the tire manages a passable handling lap time and the braking distances, while extended, are not dangerous. However, it also records the worst rolling resistance, the highest abrasion rate, and the lowest predicted tread life of all ten tires. That last point is particularly damaging to its value proposition - the short life expectancy means the low purchase price doesn't translate into low running costs. The testers concluded that buying this tire does not represent good value despite the initial saving.

Dry91.6%

Wet84.4%

Comfort69.3%

Value69.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (14)

Discipline positions compare the ranked tires in this test, not the whole market. These are individual measurements, not weighted overall scores.

Test	Position in discipline	Result	Gap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better	8th / 10	116 ft	+8 ft
Dry HandlingLower is better	9th / 10	62.7 s	+1.30 s
Subj. Dry HandlingHigher is better	9th / 10	16 Points	-14.00 Points
Wet BrakingLower is better	8th / 10	207 ft	+32 ft
Wet HandlingLower is better	10th / 10	76.1 s	+6.30 s
Subj. Wet HandlingHigher is better	10th / 10	12 Points	-32.00 Points
Wet CircleLower is better	10th / 10	15.3 s	+1.60 s
Straight AquaHigher is better	10th / 10	48.8 mph	-2.6 mph
Subj. ComfortHigher is better	10th / 10	4 Points	-6.00 Points
NoiseLower is better	3rd / 10	69 dB	+1.00 dB
WearHigher is better	10th / 10	15,690 miles	-15,379 miles
ValueLower is better	1st / 10	11.68 Price/1000	Best in this discipline
Rolling ResistanceLower is better	10th / 10	8.2 kg/t	+1.40 kg/t
AbrasionLower is better	10th / 10	0.157 mm/1000km	+0.08 mm/1000km

EU Label

C/B/70

Weight

11.0 kgs

Tread

7.1 mm

Price

295.00