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.

Test Publication:

235/45 R18 10 tires 4 categories

Similar Tests

Images courtesy of Auto Zeitung

Test Publication:

https://www.autozeitung.de/reifen-test

Images courtesy of Auto Zeitung

Test Size: 235/45 R18

Tires Tested: 10 tires

Test Categories:
4 categories (14 tests)

Similar Tests

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 optimised 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 prioritise 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 metres separating the best and worst braking distances from 100 km/h. 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 3.3 km 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 53.2 metres from 100 km/h, while the Laufenn needed 65.3 metres - a gap of over 12 metres. 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 30 km/h.

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 50,000 km, closely followed by the Goodyear at 49,500 km. At the other end, the Tercelo managed just 25,250 km - roughly half the Michelin's figure. The Pirelli posted a strong 44,750 km, 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 kilometre 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-kilometre 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 litres per 100 km in additional fuel consumption, or about 0.3 kW at 100 km/h. 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 millimetres 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

• EU Label: C/A/72
• 3PMSF: no
• Weight: 10.5 kgs
• Tread: 7.2 mm
• Price: 745.00

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.

Dry

97.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	1st	32.8 M			100%
Dry Handling	2nd	61.7 s	61.4 s	+0.3 s	99.51%
Subj. Dry Handling	2nd	28 Points	30 Points	-2 Points	93.33%

Wet

100%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	1st	53.2 M			100%
Wet Handling	1st	69.8 s			100%
Subj. Wet Handling	1st	44 Points			100%
Wet Circle	1st	13.7 s			100%
Straight Aqua	1st	82.8 Km/H			100%

Comfort

88.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	3rd	8 Points	10 Points	-2 Points	80%
Noise	7th	70 dB	68 dB	+2 dB	97.14%

Value

83.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wear	4th	44250 KM	50000 KM	-5750 KM	88.5%
Value	9th	16.84 Price/1000	11.68 Price/1000	+5.16 Price/1000	69.36%
Rolling Resistance	8th	8 kg / t	6.8 kg / t	+1.2 kg / t	85%
Abrasion	3rd	0.082 mm/1000km	0.076 mm/1000km	+0.01 mm/1000km	92.68%

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2^nd

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6

235/45 R18 98Y

• EU Label: C/A/70
• 3PMSF: no
• Weight: 10.5 kgs
• Tread: 6.9 mm
• Price: 700.00

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.

Dry

99.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	3rd	33.2 M	32.8 M	+0.4 M	98.8%
Dry Handling	1st	61.4 s			100%
Subj. Dry Handling	1st	30 Points			100%

Wet

93.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	2nd	56.2 M	53.2 M	+3 M	94.66%
Wet Handling	4th	72.2 s	69.8 s	+2.4 s	96.68%
Subj. Wet Handling	4th	35 Points	44 Points	-9 Points	79.55%
Wet Circle	3rd	14.1 s	13.7 s	+0.4 s	97.16%
Straight Aqua	5th	80.8 Km/H	82.8 Km/H	-2 Km/H	97.58%

Comfort

80%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	5th	6 Points	10 Points	-4 Points	60%
Noise	1st	68 dB			100%

Value

90.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wear	2nd	49500 KM	50000 KM	-500 KM	99%
Value	4th	14.14 Price/1000	11.68 Price/1000	+2.46 Price/1000	82.6%
Rolling Resistance	9th	8.1 kg / t	6.8 kg / t	+1.3 kg / t	83.95%
Abrasion	2nd	0.078 mm/1000km	0.076 mm/1000km	0 mm/1000km	97.44%

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3^rd

Pirelli Cinturato C3

235/45 R18 98Y

• EU Label: C/A/71
• 3PMSF: no
• Weight: 10.1 kgs
• Tread: 7.1 mm
• Price: 720.00

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.

Dry

96.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	2nd	33 M	32.8 M	+0.2 M	99.39%
Dry Handling	2nd	61.7 s	61.4 s	+0.3 s	99.51%
Subj. Dry Handling	3rd	27 Points	30 Points	-3 Points	90%

Wet

96.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	3rd	56.4 M	53.2 M	+3.2 M	94.33%
Wet Handling	2nd	70.8 s	69.8 s	+1 s	98.59%
Subj. Wet Handling	2nd	41 Points	44 Points	-3 Points	93.18%
Wet Circle	2nd	13.9 s	13.7 s	+0.2 s	98.56%
Straight Aqua	6th	80.7 Km/H	82.8 Km/H	-2.1 Km/H	97.46%

Comfort

92.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	2nd	9 Points	10 Points	-1 Points	90%
Noise	10th	72 dB	68 dB	+4 dB	94.44%

Value

85.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wear	3rd	44750 KM	50000 KM	-5250 KM	89.5%
Value	7th	16.09 Price/1000	11.68 Price/1000	+4.41 Price/1000	72.59%
Rolling Resistance	5th	7.7 kg / t	6.8 kg / t	+0.9 kg / t	88.31%
Abrasion	3rd	0.082 mm/1000km	0.076 mm/1000km	+0.01 mm/1000km	92.68%

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4^th

Firestone Roadhawk 2 ENLITEN

235/45 R18 98Y

• EU Label: B/A/71
• 3PMSF: no
• Weight: 10.1 kgs
• Tread: 7.1 mm
• Price: 565.00

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.

Dry

92.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	5th	34.4 M	32.8 M	+1.6 M	95.35%
Dry Handling	4th	61.8 s	61.4 s	+0.4 s	99.35%
Subj. Dry Handling	4th	25 Points	30 Points	-5 Points	83.33%

Wet

94.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	6th	60.9 M	53.2 M	+7.7 M	87.36%
Wet Handling	3rd	70.9 s	69.8 s	+1.1 s	98.45%
Subj. Wet Handling	3rd	39 Points	44 Points	-5 Points	88.64%
Wet Circle	3rd	14.1 s	13.7 s	+0.4 s	97.16%
Straight Aqua	2nd	82.6 Km/H	82.8 Km/H	-0.2 Km/H	99.76%

Comfort

72.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	7th	5 Points	10 Points	-5 Points	50%
Noise	9th	71 dB	68 dB	+3 dB	95.77%

Value

80.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wear	5th	40000 KM	50000 KM	-10000 KM	80%
Value	3rd	14.13 Price/1000	11.68 Price/1000	+2.45 Price/1000	82.66%
Rolling Resistance	3rd	7.2 kg / t	6.8 kg / t	+0.4 kg / t	94.44%
Abrasion	8th	0.114 mm/1000km	0.076 mm/1000km	+0.04 mm/1000km	66.67%

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5^th

BFGoodrich Advantage 2

235/45 R18 98Y

• EU Label: B/A/70
• 3PMSF: no
• Weight: 9.8 kgs
• Tread: 6.2 mm
• Price: 640.00

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.

Dry

91.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	4th	34.1 M	32.8 M	+1.3 M	96.19%
Dry Handling	9th	62.7 s	61.4 s	+1.3 s	97.93%
Subj. Dry Handling	5th	24 Points	30 Points	-6 Points	80%

Wet

89.9%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	3rd	56.4 M	53.2 M	+3.2 M	94.33%
Wet Handling	5th	72.3 s	69.8 s	+2.5 s	96.54%
Subj. Wet Handling	5th	31 Points	44 Points	-13 Points	70.45%
Wet Circle	7th	14.9 s	13.7 s	+1.2 s	91.95%
Straight Aqua	8th	79.7 Km/H	82.8 Km/H	-3.1 Km/H	96.26%

Comfort

79.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	5th	6 Points	10 Points	-4 Points	60%
Noise	3rd	69 dB	68 dB	+1 dB	98.55%

Value

83.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wear	6th	39250 KM	50000 KM	-10750 KM	78.5%
Value	8th	16.31 Price/1000	11.68 Price/1000	+4.63 Price/1000	71.61%
Rolling Resistance	2nd	7 kg / t	6.8 kg / t	+0.2 kg / t	97.14%
Abrasion	5th	0.089 mm/1000km	0.076 mm/1000km	+0.01 mm/1000km	85.39%

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6^th

Michelin Primacy 5

235/45 R18 98Y

• EU Label: B/A/70
• 3PMSF: no
• Weight: 10.0 kgs
• Tread: 7.0 mm
• Price: 765.00

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-kilometre basis. This is a tire for drivers who prioritise fuel economy, low wear, and a quiet, comfortable ride over outright wet grip and sporty handling.

Dry

88.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	6th	34.8 M	32.8 M	+2 M	94.25%
Dry Handling	7th	62.5 s	61.4 s	+1.1 s	98.24%
Subj. Dry Handling	6th	22 Points	30 Points	-8 Points	73.33%

Wet

87.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	5th	59.6 M	53.2 M	+6.4 M	89.26%
Wet Handling	6th	72.4 s	69.8 s	+2.6 s	96.41%
Subj. Wet Handling	6th	27 Points	44 Points	-17 Points	61.36%
Wet Circle	6th	14.8 s	13.7 s	+1.1 s	92.57%
Straight Aqua	3rd	82.2 Km/H	82.8 Km/H	-0.6 Km/H	99.28%

Comfort

99.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	1st	10 Points			100%
Noise	3rd	69 dB	68 dB	+1 dB	98.55%

Value

94.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wear	1st	50000 KM			100%
Value	5th	15.3 Price/1000	11.68 Price/1000	+3.62 Price/1000	76.34%
Rolling Resistance	1st	6.8 kg / t			100%
Abrasion	1st	0.076 mm/1000km			100%

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7^th

Maxxis Premitra HP6

235/45 R18 98Y

• EU Label: B/A/72
• 3PMSF: no
• Weight: 10.3 kgs
• Tread: 6.4 mm
• Price: 515.00

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.

Dry

87.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	7th	34.9 M	32.8 M	+2.1 M	93.98%
Dry Handling	4th	61.8 s	61.4 s	+0.4 s	99.35%
Subj. Dry Handling	7th	21 Points	30 Points	-9 Points	70%

Wet

83.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	7th	61.9 M	53.2 M	+8.7 M	85.95%
Wet Handling	7th	74 s	69.8 s	+4.2 s	94.32%
Subj. Wet Handling	8th	20 Points	44 Points	-24 Points	45.45%
Wet Circle	5th	14.6 s	13.7 s	+0.9 s	93.84%
Straight Aqua	7th	80.5 Km/H	82.8 Km/H	-2.3 Km/H	97.22%

Comfort

73.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	7th	5 Points	10 Points	-5 Points	50%
Noise	7th	70 dB	68 dB	+2 dB	97.14%

Value

71%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wear	8th	29000 KM	50000 KM	-21000 KM	58%
Value	10th	17.76 Price/1000	11.68 Price/1000	+6.08 Price/1000	65.77%
Rolling Resistance	4th	7.4 kg / t	6.8 kg / t	+0.6 kg / t	91.89%
Abrasion	6th	0.111 mm/1000km	0.076 mm/1000km	+0.04 mm/1000km	68.47%

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8^th

Westlake ZuperAce Z 007

235/45 R18 98Y

• EU Label: C/A/72
• 3PMSF: no
• Weight: 10.5 kgs
• Tread: 7.0 mm
• Price: 450.00

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.

Dry

81.2%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	10th	35.7 M	32.8 M	+2.9 M	91.88%
Dry Handling	7th	62.5 s	61.4 s	+1.1 s	98.24%
Subj. Dry Handling	9th	16 Points	30 Points	-14 Points	53.33%

Wet

83.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	9th	64.2 M	53.2 M	+11 M	82.87%
Wet Handling	8th	74.2 s	69.8 s	+4.4 s	94.07%
Subj. Wet Handling	7th	23 Points	44 Points	-21 Points	52.27%
Wet Circle	9th	15.2 s	13.7 s	+1.5 s	90.13%
Straight Aqua	4th	81.6 Km/H	82.8 Km/H	-1.2 Km/H	98.55%

Comfort

84.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	4th	7 Points	10 Points	-3 Points	70%
Noise	3rd	69 dB	68 dB	+1 dB	98.55%

Value

67.1%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wear	9th	28750 KM	50000 KM	-21250 KM	57.5%
Value	6th	15.65 Price/1000	11.68 Price/1000	+3.97 Price/1000	74.63%
Rolling Resistance	7th	7.9 kg / t	6.8 kg / t	+1.1 kg / t	86.08%
Abrasion	9th	0.151 mm/1000km	0.076 mm/1000km	+0.08 mm/1000km	50.33%

Read Reviews Test Results Results Table Test Charts

9^th

Laufenn S Fit EQ+

235/45 R18 98Y

• EU Label: C/B/72
• 3PMSF: no
• Weight: 10.8 kgs
• Tread: 6.9 mm
• Price: 460.00

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.

Dry

83.8%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	8th	35.3 M	32.8 M	+2.5 M	92.92%
Dry Handling	6th	62.4 s	61.4 s	+1 s	98.4%
Subj. Dry Handling	8th	18 Points	30 Points	-12 Points	60%

Wet

79.7%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	10th	65.3 M	53.2 M	+12.1 M	81.47%
Wet Handling	9th	74.5 s	69.8 s	+4.7 s	93.69%
Subj. Wet Handling	9th	16 Points	44 Points	-28 Points	36.36%
Wet Circle	8th	15.1 s	13.7 s	+1.4 s	90.73%
Straight Aqua	9th	79.5 Km/H	82.8 Km/H	-3.3 Km/H	96.01%

Comfort

75%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	7th	5 Points	10 Points	-5 Points	50%
Noise	1st	68 dB			100%

Value

80%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wear	7th	36250 KM	50000 KM	-13750 KM	72.5%
Value	2nd	12.69 Price/1000	11.68 Price/1000	+1.01 Price/1000	92.04%
Rolling Resistance	5th	7.7 kg / t	6.8 kg / t	+0.9 kg / t	88.31%
Abrasion	7th	0.113 mm/1000km	0.076 mm/1000km	+0.04 mm/1000km	67.26%

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10^th

Tercelo Sport D1

235/45 R18 98Y

• EU Label: C/B/70
• 3PMSF: no
• Weight: 11.0 kgs
• Tread: 7.1 mm
• Price: 295.00

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 behaviour 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.

Dry

81.4%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Dry Braking	8th	35.3 M	32.8 M	+2.5 M	92.92%
Dry Handling	9th	62.7 s	61.4 s	+1.3 s	97.93%
Subj. Dry Handling	9th	16 Points	30 Points	-14 Points	53.33%

Wet

77.6%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wet Braking	8th	63 M	53.2 M	+9.8 M	84.44%
Wet Handling	10th	76.1 s	69.8 s	+6.3 s	91.72%
Subj. Wet Handling	10th	12 Points	44 Points	-32 Points	27.27%
Wet Circle	10th	15.3 s	13.7 s	+1.6 s	89.54%
Straight Aqua	10th	78.6 Km/H	82.8 Km/H	-4.2 Km/H	94.93%

Comfort

69.3%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Subj. Comfort	10th	4 Points	10 Points	-6 Points	40%
Noise	3rd	69 dB	68 dB	+1 dB	98.55%

Value

70.5%

Test	#	Result	Best	Diff	%
Wear	10th	25250 KM	50000 KM	-24750 KM	50.5%
Value	1st	11.68 Price/1000			100%
Rolling Resistance	10th	8.2 kg / t	6.8 kg / t	+1.4 kg / t	82.93%
Abrasion	10th	0.157 mm/1000km	0.076 mm/1000km	+0.08 mm/1000km	48.41%

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