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2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15

Overall test winnerContinental WinterContact TS 870

ADAC has tested 16 winter tires in 185/65 R15, a common size for small cars such as the Skoda Fabia, VW Polo and Renault Clio.

Data analyzed and reviewed byJonathan Benson
12 min read
Tire shortlist Read the test
Tires tested
16
Tested size
185/65 R15
Test vehicle
Skoda Fabia
Disciplines
13

At a glance

Tire shortlist

16 Tires tested

Published finishing positions, with the strengths and considerations from this test. Owner reviews cover other sizes and driving conditions.

1st

Continental WinterContact TS 870

+The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is good on every surface in this test. On dry roads it steers precisely, responds immediately and stays stable at the limit. In the wet it was among the shortest braking tires, held on well in both aquaplaning tests and earned the second-best wet grade. On snow it handled securely with good reserves. It is also one of the lightest tires, with low fuel consumption.

−The Continental WinterContact TS 870 has only a mid-table predicted tread life, and its abrasion is slightly above the best in the field. It measured among the lowest snow traction figures and was mid-field for ice braking, where it just missed a good rating.

26 owner reviews Test Results
2nd

Michelin Alpin 7

+The Michelin Alpin 7 is precise and secure on dry roads, with good steering feedback and a stable response in evasive maneuvers. It braked and handled well in the wet, had good snow traction and was one of the best tires for ice braking. It is light and has low abrasion.

−The Michelin Alpin 7 slips slightly behind the Continental on every surface. Its snow handling was only rated satisfactory, it was below average for straight-line aquaplaning and mid-field for snow braking, its predicted tread life is only average, and it is one of the louder tires in the test.

11 owner reviews Test Results
Joint3rd

Hankook Winter I cept RS3

+The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 is good in the wet, with secure, precise handling and among the strongest aquaplaning resistance, both straight and in curves. ADAC also rated it good on wintry roads overall, and it is light.

−The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 feels elastic on dry roads, needs steering corrections and tends to oversteer in quick lane changes. It was among the weaker tires for dry braking and ice braking, has a short predicted tread life, is one of the louder tires, and ADAC found production residue on new tires.

28 owner reviews Test Results
Joint3rd

Linglong Sport Master Winter

+The Linglong Sport Master Winter had the shortest dry braking in the test, and ADAC rated its dry and wet performance as satisfactory with no serious weakness on either surface.

−The Linglong Sport Master Winter is the weakest winter performer among the leading tires. It had the least snow traction in the test, was among the longest for snow and ice braking, and its snow handling was only adequate. It was also below average for aquaplaning and wet handling, is the heaviest tire and used the most fuel.

4 owner reviews Test Results
5th

Optimo Winter Touring

+The Optimo Winter Touring OW41 is good in the wet, largely thanks to above-average resistance to aquaplaning, both straight and in curves. It had good snow traction, and it is one of the cheapest tires in the test.

−The Optimo Winter Touring OW41 feels elastic on dry roads and tends to oversteer in lane changes. Its wet braking was below average, it was among the longest for snow braking, and its snow handling and ice braking were only average. It has a short predicted tread life, high abrasion and above-average rolling noise, and ADAC found production residue on new tires.

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6th

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

+The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 had the best straight-line aquaplaning resistance in the test and was among the best in curves. It braked well in the wet and on snow, handled securely on snow, and has low abrasion, low weight and low fuel consumption.

−The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 struggles on dry roads in this small size. The rear axle responds late and feels elastic, so the car needs constant steering corrections, and its behavior at the limit was rated only adequate. It had the longest ice braking in the test, and its predicted tread life is only average.

15 owner reviews Test Results
7th

GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo

+The GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo braked well on dry roads, and ADAC rated its snow traction and snow braking as good and its ice braking as just good.

−The GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo is imprecise on dry roads, needs steering corrections and oversteers in evasive maneuvers. In the wet it tends to understeer early and was only average for braking and below average for curved aquaplaning. Its snow handling was rated adequate, its tread life is short, its abrasion is high, and it is one of the heaviest tires.

1 owner review Test Results
Joint8th

Barum Polaris 6

+The Barum Polaris 6 is one of the best tires here on wintry roads. It had the shortest snow braking, the second-highest snow traction, good ice braking and precise snow handling. It was the quietest tire in the pass-by test and among the most fuel-efficient.

−The Barum Polaris 6 is weak on dry roads, with poor precision and a lot of oversteer when changing direction, and it had one of the longest dry braking distances. It was below average in the wet, and it has high abrasion and a short predicted tread life.

6 owner reviews Test Results
Joint8th

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

+The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is the best wet tire in the test by a clear margin. It had the shortest wet braking on both asphalt and concrete, the best curved aquaplaning and near-best straight-line aquaplaning, and very precise wet handling.

−The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 lacks precision on dry roads and oversteers in evasive maneuvers. Its snow handling was rated only adequate, and it was among the longest for ice braking. It has by far the shortest predicted tread life and the highest abrasion in the test, and it is one of the louder tires. It is also an older design that Bridgestone still sells in this size.

115 owner reviews Test Results
Joint8th

Nokian Snowproof 2

+The Nokian Snowproof 2 is rated good on wintry roads, with secure snow handling. It has strong aquaplaning resistance, braked well on dry roads, and is light with low fuel consumption.

−The Nokian Snowproof 2 is imprecise on dry roads, needs frequent steering corrections and slides too much in evasive maneuvers. Its wet braking and wet handling were only average, and its predicted tread life and abrasion are mid-table.

9 owner reviews Test Results
Joint8th

Vredestein Wintrac

+The Vredestein Wintrac is good in the wet, with good braking and precise handling, and good on wintry roads. It handled snow securely and braked well on ice. It also has low abrasion and is light.

−The Vredestein Wintrac is imprecise on dry roads, needs frequent steering corrections and oversteers in evasive maneuvers. Its curved aquaplaning resistance was below average, and it has one of the shorter predicted tread lives.

5 owner reviews Test Results
Joint12th

Kumho WinterCraft WP52+

+The Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ has the longest predicted tread life in the test. It was second-best for braking in the wet on both surfaces and on dry roads, and it was good on snow, with strong traction and precise handling.

−The Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ is imprecise on dry roads, needs frequent corrections and oversteers in evasive maneuvers. It was below average for curved aquaplaning, only average for ice braking, is the loudest tire in the test, and has above-average abrasion and weight.

6 owner reviews Test Results
Joint12th

Viking WinTech NewGen

+The Viking WinTech NewGen is good on wintry roads, with high snow traction, among the shortest ice braking and secure snow handling. It is one of the quieter tires and is light.

−The Viking WinTech NewGen had the longest dry braking in the test and imprecise dry handling that needs frequent corrections. It was only average in the wet, among the longer wet braking distances, and it has one of the highest abrasion rates.

2 owner reviews Test Results
14th

Sunny Wintermax NW611

+The Sunny Winter-max NW611 is good on wintry roads, with good snow traction and braking and good ice braking. It has one of the longer predicted tread lives and is the cheapest tire in the test.

−The Sunny Winter-max NW611 is poor in the wet. It needed much more distance to stop than the leading tires, floated early in both aquaplaning tests, and tended to understeer or oversteer early in wet handling. It is also imprecise on dry roads, is one of the heaviest tires, and ADAC found production residue on new tires.

3 owner reviews Test Results
Joint15th

Atlas Polarbear HP

+The Atlas Polarbear HP is reasonably stable on dry roads, with good behavior at the limit. It has the lowest abrasion in the test, one of the longer predicted tread lives and the lowest fuel consumption.

−The Atlas Polarbear HP is poor in the wet, with very low grip, early understeer and oversteer, and among the longest wet braking distances in the test. It had the longest snow braking and imprecise snow handling, and it was only average for ice braking.

Read owner reviews Test Results
Joint15th

Rockblade ROCK 868S

+The Rockblade ROCK 868S earned the best winter grade in the test. It had the highest snow traction, the shortest ice braking and the best snow handling, where it was very precise and secure. It also has low abrasion and low fuel consumption.

−The Rockblade ROCK 868S is the weakest tire in the wet: it had the longest braking distances on both surfaces, floated earliest in both aquaplaning tests and handled imprecisely with very little grip. On dry roads it is very imprecise, oversteers in lane changes and was among the longest for braking.

Read owner reviews Test Results

Tire shortlist

Compare selected tires

2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 · 185/65 R15

TireContinental WinterContact TS 870Michelin Alpin 7Hankook Winter I cept RS3Linglong Sport Master WinterOptimo Winter TouringGoodyear UltraGrip Performance 3GT Radial WinterPro2 EvoBarum Polaris 6Bridgestone Blizzak LM005Nokian Snowproof 2Vredestein WintracKumho WinterCraft WP52+Viking WinTech NewGenSunny Wintermax NW611Atlas Polarbear HPRockblade ROCK 868S
Position1st2ndJoint 3rdJoint 3rd5th6th7thJoint 8thJoint 8thJoint 8thJoint 8thJoint 12thJoint 12th14thJoint 15thJoint 15th
Category scores (% of best)
Dry97.3%97.3%95.8%100%97.1%98%97.7%91.4%96.2%97.7%96.4%98.9%89.5%93.7%93.9%93.3%
Wet93.5%88%91.6%84.4%87.9%94.2%84.1%83.1%99.8%88.6%87.2%90.1%83.7%72.1%70.5%59.7%
Snow94.8%95.8%94.3%89.1%94.8%96.6%95.5%99.4%94.6%95.9%94.9%97.4%98.1%96.8%92.4%99.1%
Ice90.2%96.5%88.2%86.6%90.2%85.8%92.4%96%88.2%91.5%92.4%90.2%99%92.8%88.6%100%
Comfort97%96.7%96.4%97.6%96.7%99.2%97.8%100%95.9%96.6%98.2%95.6%99.6%97.8%97.8%98%
Value79.6%78.9%71.7%77%74.2%78.9%71.4%74.5%63.1%78.2%77.4%91.4%73%88.7%90.7%80.4%
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Test Results

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The full test

The evidence behind the verdict

ADAC has tested 16 winter tires in 185/65 R15, a common size for small cars such as the Skoda Fabia, VW Polo and Renault Clio. Each tire was graded for safety on dry, wet and wintry roads and for its environmental record, which covers wear, abrasion, efficiency and noise. Only two tires earned an overall "good", five were "satisfactory", and ADAC does not recommend the remaining nine.

The Continental WinterContact TS 870 wins with good grades on all three surfaces, and the Michelin Alpin 7 is the only other tire rated "good". It trails the Continental slightly on each surface but has no real weak spot. The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 and Linglong Sport Master Winter share third, ahead of the Optimo Winter Touring OW41, Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 and GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo.

Test setup & methodology

The test setting, the conditions recorded and how the results contribute to the score.

Recorded test conditions

Recorded test conditions

Dry Braking
62.1 → 0.0 mph
Wet Braking
49.7 → 0.0 mph
Wet Braking - Concrete
49.7 → 0.0 mph
Snow Braking
18.6 → 0.0 mph
Ice Braking
12.4 → 0.0 mph

Dry handling is what separates this test from most others. ADAC's testers found that around a third of the field lacked precision and stability on dry roads in this small size. Its grading rules let a weak dry score cap the overall result, so the Nokian Snowproof 2, Vredestein Wintrac, Barum Polaris 6, Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ and Viking WinTech NewGen were all marked down to "adequate", even though all five were rated good on wintry roads and most were good in the wet. The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 finished level with them for a different reason. It was the best tire in the wet by a clear margin, but it has the shortest predicted mileage in the test and the highest abrasion, which pulled its environmental grade down to "adequate", and ADAC's rules carry that through to the overall grade. It was also imprecise on dry roads and weak in snow handling. ADAC also points out that Bridgestone still sells the older LM005 in this size rather than its current winter tire.

The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 is the biggest surprise. It is normally one of the strongest winter tires in the tests we hold for it, and in our own 2023 winter tire test its subjective dry handling was among the best in the field. In this much smaller size, ADAC's testers found the rear axle slow to respond, so the Skoda needed constant steering corrections. The Goodyear was still good in the wet and on snow, so this looks specific to the size rather than a verdict on the tire in general.

ADAC ran a second winter test at the same time in 225/50 R17 on an Audi A4, and four tires appear in both: the Continental, Michelin, Goodyear and Hankook. The Continental is the most consistent, finishing first here and second in the larger size with an overall "good" in both. The Goodyear shows the biggest swing. In 225/50 R17 its dry handling was rated good, and its long predicted tread life gave it one of the best environmental scores in that test on the way to third place. In 185/65 R15 it drops to sixth, with a much weaker dry grade and only an average tread life. The Hankook's dry handling was also rated good in the larger size but only satisfactory here, while the Michelin moves the other way: its dry grade is better in this smaller size, and it climbs from fourth to second. All four tires have a noticeably shorter predicted tread life in this test than in the 17-inch one, though the two tests used different cars, so these figures are best compared within each test rather than between them.

At the bottom, the Sunny Winter-max NW611, Atlas Polarbear HP and Rockblade ROCK 868S were rated "poor" for their wet grip. The Rockblade is the most extreme case: it earned the best winter-surface grade in the whole test yet had the longest wet braking distances and the weakest aquaplaning resistance.

Dry

The Linglong Sport Master Winter stopped shortest on dry asphalt from 100 km/h, followed by the Kumho and the Goodyear. The Viking and Barum needed the most road. The dry braking spread was modest, however, and ADAC's dry grades mainly reflect the separate handling assessments at and below the limit, where the Continental and Michelin earned the best grades.

Dry Braking

Dry braking in feet (62 - 0 mph)

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Linglong Sport Master Winter
 142 ft Best 0 mph
2Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
 144 ft +2 ft 9 mph
3Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 145 ft +3 ft 11 mph
4Nokian Snowproof 2
 145 ft +3 ft 12 mph
4GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo
 145 ft +3 ft 12 mph
6Continental WinterContact TS 870
 146 ft +4 ft 13 mph
6Michelin Alpin 7
 146 ft +4 ft 13 mph
8Optimo Winter Touring
 146 ft +4 ft 14 mph
9Vredestein Wintrac
 147 ft +5 ft 15 mph
10Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 148 ft +6 ft 16 mph
11Hankook Winter I cept RS3
 148 ft +6 ft 16 mph
12Atlas Polarbear HP
 151 ft +9 ft 20 mph
13Sunny Wintermax NW611
 152 ft +10 ft 20 mph
14Rockblade ROCK 868S
 152 ft +10 ft 21 mph
15Barum Polaris 6
 156 ft +14 ft 24 mph
16Viking WinTech NewGen
 159 ft +17 ft 26 mph

The difference between best and worst was 11.8% (17 ft ≈ 1.1 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Viking WinTech NewGen would still be travelling at 26 mph when the Linglong Sport Master Winter had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Wet

The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 was the best wet braker on both asphalt and concrete, with the Kumho second on both surfaces and the Continental third on asphalt. The three tires rated "poor" were far behind: the Sunny, Atlas and Rockblade needed much more distance than the rest of the field on both surfaces, and the Rockblade was the worst of all.

Wet Braking

Wet braking in feet (50 - 0 mph)

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 110 ft Best 0 mph
2Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
 116 ft +6 ft 18 mph
3Continental WinterContact TS 870
 118 ft +8 ft 21 mph
4Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 120 ft +10 ft 23 mph
5Vredestein Wintrac
 122 ft +12 ft 25 mph
5Hankook Winter I cept RS3
 122 ft +12 ft 25 mph
5Michelin Alpin 7
 122 ft +12 ft 25 mph
8Linglong Sport Master Winter
 124 ft +14 ft 27 mph
9Nokian Snowproof 2
 126 ft +16 ft 29 mph
10GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo
 128 ft +18 ft 30 mph
11Optimo Winter Touring
 128 ft +18 ft 30 mph
12Viking WinTech NewGen
 131 ft +21 ft 32 mph
12Barum Polaris 6
 131 ft +21 ft 32 mph
14Sunny Wintermax NW611
 143 ft +33 ft 38 mph
15Atlas Polarbear HP
 160 ft +50 ft 45 mph
16Rockblade ROCK 868S
 169 ft +59 ft 47 mph

The difference between best and worst was 53.4% (59 ft ≈ 4 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Rockblade ROCK 868S would still be travelling at 47 mph when the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Wet Braking - Concrete

Wet braking on Concrete in feet (50 - 0 mph)

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 121 ft Best 0 mph
2Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
 128 ft +7 ft 19 mph
3Continental WinterContact TS 870
 129 ft +8 ft 20 mph
3Michelin Alpin 7
 129 ft +8 ft 20 mph
5Vredestein Wintrac
 131 ft +10 ft 22 mph
6Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 132 ft +11 ft 23 mph
7Hankook Winter I cept RS3
 132 ft +11 ft 23 mph
7Linglong Sport Master Winter
 132 ft +11 ft 23 mph
9Nokian Snowproof 2
 137 ft +16 ft 27 mph
10Optimo Winter Touring
 138 ft +17 ft 28 mph
11GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo
 138 ft +17 ft 28 mph
12Viking WinTech NewGen
 145 ft +24 ft 32 mph
13Barum Polaris 6
 146 ft +25 ft 33 mph
14Sunny Wintermax NW611
 159 ft +38 ft 39 mph
15Atlas Polarbear HP
 175 ft +54 ft 44 mph
16Rockblade ROCK 868S
 184 ft +63 ft 47 mph

The difference between best and worst was 51.8% (63 ft ≈ 4.2 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Rockblade ROCK 868S would still be travelling at 47 mph when the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

The Goodyear resisted straight-line aquaplaning best, ahead of the Bridgestone and Hankook, while the Bridgestone, Goodyear and Continental held the most grip in the curved aquaplaning test. The Rockblade floated earliest in both tests, with the Sunny next.

Straight Aqua

Float Speed in mph

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 61.3 mph Best
2Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 60.4 mph -0.9 mph
3Hankook Winter I cept RS3
 59.7 mph -1.6 mph
4Continental WinterContact TS 870
 59.1 mph -2.2 mph
5Optimo Winter Touring
 58.7 mph -2.6 mph
6Nokian Snowproof 2
 58.1 mph -3.2 mph
7Vredestein Wintrac
 54.7 mph -6.6 mph
8Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
 54.2 mph -7.1 mph
9Viking WinTech NewGen
 53.9 mph -7.4 mph
10GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo
 53.5 mph -7.8 mph
11Barum Polaris 6
 53.4 mph -7.9 mph
11Michelin Alpin 7
 53.4 mph -7.9 mph
13Linglong Sport Master Winter
 52.0 mph -9.3 mph
14Atlas Polarbear HP
 48.6 mph -12.7 mph
15Sunny Wintermax NW611
 45.7 mph -15.6 mph
16Rockblade ROCK 868S
 41.9 mph -19.4 mph

The difference between best and worst was 31.6% (19.4 mph).

Curved Aquaplaning

Remaining lateral acceleration

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 14.4 ft/s² Best
2Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 14.1 ft/s² -0.3 ft/s²
3Continental WinterContact TS 870
 13.5 ft/s² -0.9 ft/s²
4Hankook Winter I cept RS3
 13.1 ft/s² -1.3 ft/s²
5Nokian Snowproof 2
 12.8 ft/s² -1.6 ft/s²
5Optimo Winter Touring
 12.8 ft/s² -1.6 ft/s²
7Michelin Alpin 7
 11.5 ft/s² -2.9 ft/s²
8Viking WinTech NewGen
 11.2 ft/s² -3.2 ft/s²
9Barum Polaris 6
 10.8 ft/s² -3.6 ft/s²
10Vredestein Wintrac
 10.5 ft/s² -3.9 ft/s²
10GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo
 10.5 ft/s² -3.9 ft/s²
10Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
 10.5 ft/s² -3.9 ft/s²
13Atlas Polarbear HP
 9.8 ft/s² -4.6 ft/s²
14Linglong Sport Master Winter
 9.5 ft/s² -4.9 ft/s²
15Sunny Wintermax NW611
 7.2 ft/s² -7.2 ft/s²
16Rockblade ROCK 868S
 4.3 ft/s² -10.1 ft/s²

The difference between best and worst was 70.5% (10.1 ft/s²).

Snow

Snow braking was very close across the field. The Barum Polaris 6 stopped shortest, just ahead of the Goodyear, while the Atlas and Linglong needed the most distance. The Rockblade generated the most traction on packed snow, followed by the Barum and Viking. The Linglong had the least traction, and the Continental was also near the bottom on this measure, despite ADAC rating its snow handling above average. The traction figures below are ADAC's measured tractive force, converted to newtons.

Snow Braking

Snow braking in feet (19 - 0 mph)

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Barum Polaris 6
 33 ft Best 0 mph
2Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 33 ft 0 ft 8 mph
3Sunny Wintermax NW611
 33 ft 0 ft 11 mph
3Viking WinTech NewGen
 33 ft 0 ft 11 mph
3Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
 33 ft 0 ft 11 mph
3Rockblade ROCK 868S
 33 ft 0 ft 11 mph
7Nokian Snowproof 2
 34 ft +1 ft 14 mph
8Continental WinterContact TS 870
 34 ft +1 ft 16 mph
8GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo
 34 ft +1 ft 16 mph
10Michelin Alpin 7
 34 ft +1 ft 17 mph
11Vredestein Wintrac
 35 ft +2 ft 19 mph
12Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 35 ft +2 ft 20 mph
12Hankook Winter I cept RS3
 35 ft +2 ft 20 mph
12Optimo Winter Touring
 35 ft +2 ft 20 mph
15Linglong Sport Master Winter
 36 ft +3 ft 23 mph
16Atlas Polarbear HP
 36 ft +3 ft 24 mph

The difference between best and worst was 10% (3 ft). From 80 mph, the Atlas Polarbear HP would still be travelling at 24 mph when the Barum Polaris 6 had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Snow Traction

Pulling Force in pounds-force

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Rockblade ROCK 868S
 666 lbf Best
2Barum Polaris 6
 658 lbf -8 lbf
3Viking WinTech NewGen
 653 lbf -13 lbf
4Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
 645 lbf -21 lbf
5Michelin Alpin 7
 641 lbf -25 lbf
6Optimo Winter Touring
 639 lbf -27 lbf
7Sunny Wintermax NW611
 638 lbf -28 lbf
8Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 636 lbf -30 lbf
9Vredestein Wintrac
 635 lbf -31 lbf
10Hankook Winter I cept RS3
 632 lbf -34 lbf
11Nokian Snowproof 2
 631 lbf -35 lbf
11GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo
 631 lbf -35 lbf
13Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 629 lbf -37 lbf
14Atlas Polarbear HP
 624 lbf -42 lbf
15Continental WinterContact TS 870
 623 lbf -43 lbf
16Linglong Sport Master Winter
 578 lbf -88 lbf

The difference between best and worst was 13.2% (88 lbf).

Ice

On polished ice the Rockblade stopped shortest, with the Viking and Michelin next. The Goodyear needed the most distance, followed by the Linglong.

Ice Braking

Ice braking in feet (12 - 0 mph)

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to bestResidual speed
1Rockblade ROCK 868S
 64 ft Best 0 mph
2Viking WinTech NewGen
 64 ft 0 ft 8 mph
3Michelin Alpin 7
 66 ft +2 ft 15 mph
4Barum Polaris 6
 66 ft +2 ft 16 mph
5Sunny Wintermax NW611
 69 ft +5 ft 21 mph
6Vredestein Wintrac
 69 ft +5 ft 22 mph
6GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo
 69 ft +5 ft 22 mph
8Nokian Snowproof 2
 70 ft +6 ft 23 mph
9Continental WinterContact TS 870
 71 ft +7 ft 25 mph
9Optimo Winter Touring
 71 ft +7 ft 25 mph
9Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
 71 ft +7 ft 25 mph
12Atlas Polarbear HP
 72 ft +8 ft 27 mph
13Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 72 ft +8 ft 28 mph
13Hankook Winter I cept RS3
 72 ft +8 ft 28 mph
15Linglong Sport Master Winter
 73 ft +9 ft 29 mph
16Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 74 ft +10 ft 30 mph

The difference between best and worst was 16.5% (10 ft ≈ 0.7 Car Lengths). From 80 mph, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 would still be travelling at 30 mph when the Rockblade ROCK 868S had stopped.

Residual speed is calculated from the measured braking distances, assuming constant deceleration; it is not a separate measurement.

Noise

The Barum was the quietest tire in ADAC's pass-by noise measurement, ahead of the Viking and Goodyear. The Kumho was the loudest, followed by the Bridgestone.

Noise

External noise in dB

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Barum Polaris 6
 69.9 dB Best
2Viking WinTech NewGen
 70.2 dB +0.30 dB
3Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 70.5 dB +0.60 dB
4Vredestein Wintrac
 71.2 dB +1.30 dB
5Rockblade ROCK 868S
 71.3 dB +1.40 dB
6Sunny Wintermax NW611
 71.5 dB +1.60 dB
6GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo
 71.5 dB +1.60 dB
6Atlas Polarbear HP
 71.5 dB +1.60 dB
9Linglong Sport Master Winter
 71.6 dB +1.70 dB
10Continental WinterContact TS 870
 72.1 dB +2.20 dB
11Michelin Alpin 7
 72.3 dB +2.40 dB
11Optimo Winter Touring
 72.3 dB +2.40 dB
13Nokian Snowproof 2
 72.4 dB +2.50 dB
14Hankook Winter I cept RS3
 72.5 dB +2.60 dB
15Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 72.9 dB +3.00 dB
16Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
 73.1 dB +3.20 dB

The difference between best and worst was 4.6% (3.2 dB).

Wear, economy and environment

ADAC notes that none of these tires is a high-mileage option. The Kumho has the longest predicted tread life, followed by the Atlas and Sunny, and the Bridgestone has by far the shortest. The Atlas and Rockblade shed the least rubber, while the Bridgestone, Viking and Optimo shed the most. The Barum and Atlas returned the lowest fuel consumption, and the Linglong the highest.

Wear

Predicted tread life in KM

Higher is better ↑
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
 24,855 miles Best
2Atlas Polarbear HP
 22,245 miles -2,610 miles
3Sunny Wintermax NW611
 21,934 miles -2,921 miles
4Continental WinterContact TS 870
 21,313 miles -3,542 miles
5Michelin Alpin 7
 20,567 miles -4,288 miles
6Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 19,884 miles -4,971 miles
7Nokian Snowproof 2
 19,076 miles -5,779 miles
8Rockblade ROCK 868S
 18,952 miles -5,903 miles
9GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo
 18,517 miles -6,338 miles
10Viking WinTech NewGen
 18,330 miles -6,525 miles
11Barum Polaris 6
 18,020 miles -6,835 miles
11Linglong Sport Master Winter
 18,020 miles -6,835 miles
13Vredestein Wintrac
 17,585 miles -7,270 miles
14Optimo Winter Touring
 17,523 miles -7,332 miles
15Hankook Winter I cept RS3
 16,963 miles -7,892 miles
16Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 13,919 miles -10,936 miles

The difference between best and worst was 44% (10,936 miles).

Combining ADAC's price per tire with the predicted tread life gives a cost per 1,000 km of tread. On that measure the Kumho is the best value by a clear margin, thanks to its long tread life and low price, followed by the Sunny and Atlas. The Bridgestone is by far the most expensive to run, and the premium Continental, Goodyear and Michelin sit in the lower half. ADAC marks the prices for the Viking, Sunny, Atlas and Rockblade as not representative, so treat their figures with some caution.

Value

Euros/1000km based on cost/wear

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
 1.18 Price/1000 Best
2Sunny Wintermax NW611
 1.3 Price/1000 +0.12 Price/1000
3Atlas Polarbear HP
 1.68 Price/1000 +0.50 Price/1000
4Optimo Winter Touring
 1.74 Price/1000 +0.56 Price/1000
5Linglong Sport Master Winter
 1.86 Price/1000 +0.68 Price/1000
6Nokian Snowproof 2
 2.02 Price/1000 +0.84 Price/1000
7Barum Polaris 6
 2.03 Price/1000 +0.85 Price/1000
8Viking WinTech NewGen
 2.07 Price/1000 +0.89 Price/1000
9Rockblade ROCK 868S
 2.16 Price/1000 +0.98 Price/1000
10Vredestein Wintrac
 2.19 Price/1000 +1.01 Price/1000
11Hankook Winter I cept RS3
 2.31 Price/1000 +1.13 Price/1000
12Continental WinterContact TS 870
 2.33 Price/1000 +1.15 Price/1000
13Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 2.34 Price/1000 +1.16 Price/1000
14Michelin Alpin 7
 2.42 Price/1000 +1.24 Price/1000
15GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo
 2.48 Price/1000 +1.30 Price/1000
16Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 3.26 Price/1000 +2.08 Price/1000

The difference between best and worst was 176.3% (2.08 Price/1000).

Abrasion

Weight of Tire Wear Particles Lost (mg/km/t)

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to best
1Atlas Polarbear HP
 63 mg/km/t Best
2Rockblade ROCK 868S
 72 mg/km/t +9.00 mg/km/t
3Vredestein Wintrac
 73 mg/km/t +10.00 mg/km/t
4Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 77 mg/km/t +14.00 mg/km/t
5Michelin Alpin 7
 79 mg/km/t +16.00 mg/km/t
6Sunny Wintermax NW611
 82 mg/km/t +19.00 mg/km/t
6Continental WinterContact TS 870
 82 mg/km/t +19.00 mg/km/t
6Linglong Sport Master Winter
 82 mg/km/t +19.00 mg/km/t
9Nokian Snowproof 2
 87 mg/km/t +24.00 mg/km/t
10Hankook Winter I cept RS3
 93 mg/km/t +30.00 mg/km/t
11Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
 95 mg/km/t +32.00 mg/km/t
12GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo
 107 mg/km/t +44.00 mg/km/t
13Barum Polaris 6
 108 mg/km/t +45.00 mg/km/t
14Optimo Winter Touring
 110 mg/km/t +47.00 mg/km/t
15Viking WinTech NewGen
 113 mg/km/t +50.00 mg/km/t
16Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 117 mg/km/t +54.00 mg/km/t

The difference between best and worst was 85.7% (54 mg/km/t).

Fuel Consumption

Fuel consumption in Liters per 100 km

Lower is better ↓
Position / TireResultGap to bestExtra fuel / year
1Barum Polaris 6
 5.3 l/100km Best $0
1Atlas Polarbear HP
 5.3 l/100km Best $0
3Nokian Snowproof 2
 5.4 l/100km +0.10 l/100km $18
3Rockblade ROCK 868S
 5.4 l/100km +0.10 l/100km $18
5Sunny Wintermax NW611
 5.5 l/100km +0.20 l/100km $37
5Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
 5.5 l/100km +0.20 l/100km $37
5Continental WinterContact TS 870
 5.5 l/100km +0.20 l/100km $37
5Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
 5.5 l/100km +0.20 l/100km $37
5Viking WinTech NewGen
 5.5 l/100km +0.20 l/100km $37
5Michelin Alpin 7
 5.5 l/100km +0.20 l/100km $37
11Vredestein Wintrac
 5.6 l/100km +0.30 l/100km $55
11GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo
 5.6 l/100km +0.30 l/100km $55
11Optimo Winter Touring
 5.6 l/100km +0.30 l/100km $55
11Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
 5.6 l/100km +0.30 l/100km $55
15Hankook Winter I cept RS3
 5.7 l/100km +0.40 l/100km $73
16Linglong Sport Master Winter
 5.8 l/100km +0.50 l/100km $92

The difference between best and worst was 9.4% (0.5 l/100km). Over 12,000 miles a year at $3.60/gal, the Linglong Sport Master Winter uses about 26 gal ($92) more fuel than the Barum Polaris 6.

Adjust the assumptions

Calculated estimates, not additional measurements. Use the controls to explore the assumptions.

12,000 mi
$3.60/gal
Estimates based on typical driving conditions. Rolling resistance accounts for approximately 20% of IC vehicle fuel consumption and 25% of EV energy consumption. Actual savings vary based on driving style, vehicle weight, road conditions, and tire age. For comparative purposes only. Lifetime savings based on a 40,000km / 25,000 mile tread life.

Results

For a small car on winter roads, the Continental WinterContact TS 870 is the tire to buy from this test, with the Michelin Alpin 7 a close alternative. Drivers who mostly face wet roads and can accept their dry-road handling could also consider the Hankook, Optimo or Goodyear. ADAC publishes the full sub-grades for every tire, along with its detailed methodology, at adac.de.

1st

Continental WinterContact TS 870

185/65 R15 88T
Continental WinterContact TS 870
ADAC Good gut
The Continental WinterContact TS 870 is the test winner and the most complete tire here, with no weak surface in dry, wet or winter conditions. Its only real compromise is average tread life, which is why it misses a good environmental grade.
Dry97.3%
Wet93.5%
Snow94.8%
Ice90.2%
Comfort97%
Value79.6%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better6th / 16146 ft+4 ft
Wet BrakingLower is better3rd / 16118 ft+8 ft
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better3rd / 16129 ft+8 ft
Straight AquaHigher is better4th / 1659.1 mph-2.2 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better3rd / 1613.5 ft/s²-0.9 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better8th / 1634 ft+1 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better15th / 16623 lbf-43 lbf
Ice BrakingLower is better9th / 1671 ft+7 ft
NoiseLower is better10th / 1672.1 dB+2.20 dB
WearHigher is better4th / 1621,313 miles-3,542 miles
ValueLower is better12th / 162.33 Price/1000+1.15 Price/1000
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better5th / 165.5 l/100km+0.20 l/100km
AbrasionLower is better6th / 1682 mg/km/t+19.00 mg/km/t
EU Label
C/B/70
Weight
7.0 kgs
Price
80.00
2nd

Michelin Alpin 7

185/65 R15 88T
Michelin Alpin 7
ADAC Good gut
The Michelin Alpin 7 finishes second and is the only other tire rated good overall. It is a balanced, safe choice for all conditions, just a step behind the winner in each area.
Dry97.3%
Wet88%
Snow95.8%
Ice96.5%
Comfort96.7%
Value78.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better6th / 16146 ft+4 ft
Wet BrakingLower is better5th / 16122 ft+12 ft
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better3rd / 16129 ft+8 ft
Straight AquaHigher is better11th / 1653.4 mph-7.9 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better7th / 1611.5 ft/s²-2.9 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better10th / 1634 ft+1 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better5th / 16641 lbf-25 lbf
Ice BrakingLower is better3rd / 1666 ft+2 ft
NoiseLower is better11th / 1672.3 dB+2.40 dB
WearHigher is better5th / 1620,567 miles-4,288 miles
ValueLower is better14th / 162.42 Price/1000+1.24 Price/1000
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better5th / 165.5 l/100km+0.20 l/100km
AbrasionLower is better5th / 1679 mg/km/t+16.00 mg/km/t
EU Label
C/B/69
Weight
7.1 kgs
Price
80.00
Joint 3rd

Hankook Winter I cept RS3

185/65 R15 88T
Hankook Winter I cept RS3
The Hankook Winter i*cept RS3 shares third place and is a sound choice for drivers who mostly face wet roads. Its dry handling and short tread life keep it out of the top two.
Dry95.8%
Wet91.6%
Snow94.3%
Ice88.2%
Comfort96.4%
Value71.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better11th / 16148 ft+6 ft
Wet BrakingLower is better5th / 16122 ft+12 ft
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better7th / 16132 ft+11 ft
Straight AquaHigher is better3rd / 1659.7 mph-1.6 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better4th / 1613.1 ft/s²-1.3 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better12th / 1635 ft+2 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better10th / 16632 lbf-34 lbf
Ice BrakingLower is better13th / 1672 ft+8 ft
NoiseLower is better14th / 1672.5 dB+2.60 dB
WearHigher is better15th / 1616,963 miles-7,892 miles
ValueLower is better11th / 162.31 Price/1000+1.13 Price/1000
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better15th / 165.7 l/100km+0.40 l/100km
AbrasionLower is better10th / 1693 mg/km/t+30.00 mg/km/t
EU Label
D/B/71
Weight
7.2 kgs
Price
63.00
Joint 3rd

Linglong Sport Master Winter

185/65 R15 88T
Linglong Sport Master Winter
The Linglong Sport Master Winter shares third place thanks to balanced dry and wet results. Its winter performance is its weak point, so it suits milder regions better than snowy ones.
Dry100%
Wet84.4%
Snow89.1%
Ice86.6%
Comfort97.6%
Value77%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better1st / 16142 ftBest in this discipline
Wet BrakingLower is better8th / 16124 ft+14 ft
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better7th / 16132 ft+11 ft
Straight AquaHigher is better13th / 1652.0 mph-9.3 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better14th / 169.5 ft/s²-4.9 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better15th / 1636 ft+3 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better16th / 16578 lbf-88 lbf
Ice BrakingLower is better15th / 1673 ft+9 ft
NoiseLower is better9th / 1671.6 dB+1.70 dB
WearHigher is better11th / 1618,020 miles-6,835 miles
ValueLower is better5th / 161.86 Price/1000+0.68 Price/1000
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better16th / 165.8 l/100km+0.50 l/100km
AbrasionLower is better6th / 1682 mg/km/t+19.00 mg/km/t
EU Label
D/B/71
Weight
8.3 kgs
Price
54.00
5th

Optimo Winter Touring

185/65 R15 88T
Optimo Winter Touring
The Optimo Winter Touring OW41 finishes fifth as a budget tire that is solid in the wet and on snow, held back by its dry handling and its environmental results.
Dry97.1%
Wet87.9%
Snow94.8%
Ice90.2%
Comfort96.7%
Value74.2%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better8th / 16146 ft+4 ft
Wet BrakingLower is better11th / 16128 ft+18 ft
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better10th / 16138 ft+17 ft
Straight AquaHigher is better5th / 1658.7 mph-2.6 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better5th / 1612.8 ft/s²-1.6 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better12th / 1635 ft+2 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better6th / 16639 lbf-27 lbf
Ice BrakingLower is better9th / 1671 ft+7 ft
NoiseLower is better11th / 1672.3 dB+2.40 dB
WearHigher is better14th / 1617,523 miles-7,332 miles
ValueLower is better4th / 161.74 Price/1000+0.56 Price/1000
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better11th / 165.6 l/100km+0.30 l/100km
AbrasionLower is better14th / 16110 mg/km/t+47.00 mg/km/t
EU Label
D/C/71
Weight
7.7 kgs
Price
49.00
6th

Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3

185/65 R15 88T
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 finishes sixth. It is strong in the wet and on snow, but its dry handling in this size keeps it well below its usual form.
Dry98%
Wet94.2%
Snow96.6%
Ice85.8%
Comfort99.2%
Value78.9%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better3rd / 16145 ft+3 ft
Wet BrakingLower is better4th / 16120 ft+10 ft
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better6th / 16132 ft+11 ft
Straight AquaHigher is better1st / 1661.3 mphBest in this discipline
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better2nd / 1614.1 ft/s²-0.3 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better2nd / 1633 ft0 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better13th / 16629 lbf-37 lbf
Ice BrakingLower is better16th / 1674 ft+10 ft
NoiseLower is better3rd / 1670.5 dB+0.60 dB
WearHigher is better6th / 1619,884 miles-4,971 miles
ValueLower is better13th / 162.34 Price/1000+1.16 Price/1000
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better5th / 165.5 l/100km+0.20 l/100km
AbrasionLower is better4th / 1677 mg/km/t+14.00 mg/km/t
EU Label
D/B/71
Weight
7.0 kgs
Price
75.00
7th

GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo

185/65 R15 88T
GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo
The GT Radial WinterPro2 Evo finishes seventh. It is satisfactory across the board without real strengths, missing a good grade on every surface.
Dry97.7%
Wet84.1%
Snow95.5%
Ice92.4%
Comfort97.8%
Value71.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better4th / 16145 ft+3 ft
Wet BrakingLower is better10th / 16128 ft+18 ft
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better11th / 16138 ft+17 ft
Straight AquaHigher is better10th / 1653.5 mph-7.8 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better10th / 1610.5 ft/s²-3.9 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better8th / 1634 ft+1 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better11th / 16631 lbf-35 lbf
Ice BrakingLower is better6th / 1669 ft+5 ft
NoiseLower is better6th / 1671.5 dB+1.60 dB
WearHigher is better9th / 1618,517 miles-6,338 miles
ValueLower is better15th / 162.48 Price/1000+1.30 Price/1000
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better11th / 165.6 l/100km+0.30 l/100km
AbrasionLower is better12th / 16107 mg/km/t+44.00 mg/km/t
EU Label
D/B/69
Weight
8.0 kgs
Price
74.00
Joint 8th

Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

185/65 R15 88T
Bridgestone Blizzak LM005
The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 shares eighth place. It is outstanding in the wet but poor for tread life and abrasion, and those environmental results drag its overall grade down.
Dry96.2%
Wet99.8%
Snow94.6%
Ice88.2%
Comfort95.9%
Value63.1%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better10th / 16148 ft+6 ft
Wet BrakingLower is better1st / 16110 ftBest in this discipline
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better1st / 16121 ftBest in this discipline
Straight AquaHigher is better2nd / 1660.4 mph-0.9 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better1st / 1614.4 ft/s²Best in this discipline
Snow BrakingLower is better12th / 1635 ft+2 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better8th / 16636 lbf-30 lbf
Ice BrakingLower is better13th / 1672 ft+8 ft
NoiseLower is better15th / 1672.9 dB+3.00 dB
WearHigher is better16th / 1613,919 miles-10,936 miles
ValueLower is better16th / 163.26 Price/1000+2.08 Price/1000
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better5th / 165.5 l/100km+0.20 l/100km
AbrasionLower is better16th / 16117 mg/km/t+54.00 mg/km/t
EU Label
C/A/71
Weight
7.5 kgs
Price
73.00
Joint 8th

Nokian Snowproof 2

185/65 R15 88T
Nokian Snowproof 2
The Nokian Snowproof 2 shares eighth place. It is capable in the wet and on snow, but ADAC marked it down to adequate overall because of its weak dry handling.
Dry97.7%
Wet88.6%
Snow95.9%
Ice91.5%
Comfort96.6%
Value78.2%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better4th / 16145 ft+3 ft
Wet BrakingLower is better9th / 16126 ft+16 ft
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better9th / 16137 ft+16 ft
Straight AquaHigher is better6th / 1658.1 mph-3.2 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better5th / 1612.8 ft/s²-1.6 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better7th / 1634 ft+1 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better11th / 16631 lbf-35 lbf
Ice BrakingLower is better8th / 1670 ft+6 ft
NoiseLower is better13th / 1672.4 dB+2.50 dB
WearHigher is better7th / 1619,076 miles-5,779 miles
ValueLower is better6th / 162.02 Price/1000+0.84 Price/1000
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better3rd / 165.4 l/100km+0.10 l/100km
AbrasionLower is better9th / 1687 mg/km/t+24.00 mg/km/t
EU Label
C/B/68
Weight
7.0 kgs
Price
62.00
Joint 8th

Vredestein Wintrac

185/65 R15 88H
Vredestein Wintrac
The Vredestein Wintrac shares eighth place. It is good in wet and winter conditions, but ADAC marked it down to adequate overall because of its dry handling.
Dry96.4%
Wet87.2%
Snow94.9%
Ice92.4%
Comfort98.2%
Value77.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better9th / 16147 ft+5 ft
Wet BrakingLower is better5th / 16122 ft+12 ft
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better5th / 16131 ft+10 ft
Straight AquaHigher is better7th / 1654.7 mph-6.6 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better10th / 1610.5 ft/s²-3.9 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better11th / 1635 ft+2 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better9th / 16635 lbf-31 lbf
Ice BrakingLower is better6th / 1669 ft+5 ft
NoiseLower is better4th / 1671.2 dB+1.30 dB
WearHigher is better13th / 1617,585 miles-7,270 miles
ValueLower is better10th / 162.19 Price/1000+1.01 Price/1000
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better11th / 165.6 l/100km+0.30 l/100km
AbrasionLower is better3rd / 1673 mg/km/t+10.00 mg/km/t
EU Label
C/B/69
Weight
7.2 kgs
Price
62.00
Joint 8th

Barum Polaris 6

185/65 R15 88T
Barum Polaris 6
The Barum Polaris 6 shares eighth place. It is very capable on snow and ice, but its dry-road behavior means ADAC does not recommend it.
Dry91.4%
Wet83.1%
Snow99.4%
Ice96%
Comfort100%
Value74.5%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better15th / 16156 ft+14 ft
Wet BrakingLower is better12th / 16131 ft+21 ft
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better13th / 16146 ft+25 ft
Straight AquaHigher is better11th / 1653.4 mph-7.9 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better9th / 1610.8 ft/s²-3.6 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better1st / 1633 ftBest in this discipline
Snow TractionHigher is better2nd / 16658 lbf-8 lbf
Ice BrakingLower is better4th / 1666 ft+2 ft
NoiseLower is better1st / 1669.9 dBBest in this discipline
WearHigher is better11th / 1618,020 miles-6,835 miles
ValueLower is better7th / 162.03 Price/1000+0.85 Price/1000
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better1st / 165.3 l/100kmBest in this discipline
AbrasionLower is better13th / 16108 mg/km/t+45.00 mg/km/t
EU Label
B/C/71
Weight
7.7 kgs
Price
59.00
Joint 12th

Kumho WinterCraft WP52+

185/65 R15 88T
Kumho WinterCraft WP52+
The Kumho WinterCraft WP52+ shares twelfth place. It combines good wet and winter performance with the best tread life, but ADAC marked it down to adequate for its dry handling.
Dry98.9%
Wet90.1%
Snow97.4%
Ice90.2%
Comfort95.6%
Value91.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better2nd / 16144 ft+2 ft
Wet BrakingLower is better2nd / 16116 ft+6 ft
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better2nd / 16128 ft+7 ft
Straight AquaHigher is better8th / 1654.2 mph-7.1 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better10th / 1610.5 ft/s²-3.9 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better3rd / 1633 ft0 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better4th / 16645 lbf-21 lbf
Ice BrakingLower is better9th / 1671 ft+7 ft
NoiseLower is better16th / 1673.1 dB+3.20 dB
WearHigher is better1st / 1624,855 milesBest in this discipline
ValueLower is better1st / 161.18 Price/1000Best in this discipline
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better11th / 165.6 l/100km+0.30 l/100km
AbrasionLower is better11th / 1695 mg/km/t+32.00 mg/km/t
EU Label
D/B/71
Weight
7.7 kgs
Price
47.00
Joint 12th

Viking WinTech NewGen

185/65 R15 88T
Viking WinTech NewGen
The Viking WinTech NewGen shares twelfth place. It is a capable snow and ice tire, let down by its dry-road performance and high abrasion.
Dry89.5%
Wet83.7%
Snow98.1%
Ice99%
Comfort99.6%
Value73%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better16th / 16159 ft+17 ft
Wet BrakingLower is better12th / 16131 ft+21 ft
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better12th / 16145 ft+24 ft
Straight AquaHigher is better9th / 1653.9 mph-7.4 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better8th / 1611.2 ft/s²-3.2 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better3rd / 1633 ft0 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better3rd / 16653 lbf-13 lbf
Ice BrakingLower is better2nd / 1664 ft0 ft
NoiseLower is better2nd / 1670.2 dB+0.30 dB
WearHigher is better10th / 1618,330 miles-6,525 miles
ValueLower is better8th / 162.07 Price/1000+0.89 Price/1000
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better5th / 165.5 l/100km+0.20 l/100km
AbrasionLower is better15th / 16113 mg/km/t+50.00 mg/km/t
EU Label
B/C/71
Weight
7.2 kgs
Price
61.00
14th

Sunny Wintermax NW611

185/65 R15 88T
Sunny Wintermax NW611
The Sunny Winter-max NW611 is rated poor overall. Its wet grip is too weak for a tire that will spend most of the winter on wet roads, whatever its snow ability.
Dry93.7%
Wet72.1%
Snow96.8%
Ice92.8%
Comfort97.8%
Value88.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better13th / 16152 ft+10 ft
Wet BrakingLower is better14th / 16143 ft+33 ft
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better14th / 16159 ft+38 ft
Straight AquaHigher is better15th / 1645.7 mph-15.6 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better15th / 167.2 ft/s²-7.2 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better3rd / 1633 ft0 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better7th / 16638 lbf-28 lbf
Ice BrakingLower is better5th / 1669 ft+5 ft
NoiseLower is better6th / 1671.5 dB+1.60 dB
WearHigher is better3rd / 1621,934 miles-2,921 miles
ValueLower is better2nd / 161.3 Price/1000+0.12 Price/1000
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better5th / 165.5 l/100km+0.20 l/100km
AbrasionLower is better6th / 1682 mg/km/t+19.00 mg/km/t
EU Label
C/C/71
Weight
8.0 kgs
Price
46.00
Joint 15th

Atlas Polarbear HP

185/65 R15 88T
Atlas Polarbear HP
The Atlas Polarbear HP shares last place with a poor rating. Its low abrasion and long tread life do not make up for its weak wet grip.
Dry93.9%
Wet70.5%
Snow92.4%
Ice88.6%
Comfort97.8%
Value90.7%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better12th / 16151 ft+9 ft
Wet BrakingLower is better15th / 16160 ft+50 ft
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better15th / 16175 ft+54 ft
Straight AquaHigher is better14th / 1648.6 mph-12.7 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better13th / 169.8 ft/s²-4.6 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better16th / 1636 ft+3 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better14th / 16624 lbf-42 lbf
Ice BrakingLower is better12th / 1672 ft+8 ft
NoiseLower is better6th / 1671.5 dB+1.60 dB
WearHigher is better2nd / 1622,245 miles-2,610 miles
ValueLower is better3rd / 161.68 Price/1000+0.50 Price/1000
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better1st / 165.3 l/100kmBest in this discipline
AbrasionLower is better1st / 1663 mg/km/tBest in this discipline
EU Label
C/C/68
Weight
7.3 kgs
Price
60.00
Joint 15th

Rockblade ROCK 868S

185/65 R15 88H
Rockblade ROCK 868S
The Rockblade ROCK 868S shares last place with a poor rating. It is excellent on snow and ice, but its dry and especially wet performance make it a poor choice for the wet roads that make up most winter driving in central Europe.
Dry93.3%
Wet59.7%
Snow99.1%
Ice100%
Comfort98%
Value80.4%

Category scores (% of best)

All discipline results (13)

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

TestPosition in disciplineResultGap to best
Dry BrakingLower is better14th / 16152 ft+10 ft
Wet BrakingLower is better16th / 16169 ft+59 ft
Wet Braking - ConcreteLower is better16th / 16184 ft+63 ft
Straight AquaHigher is better16th / 1641.9 mph-19.4 mph
Curved AquaplaningHigher is better16th / 164.3 ft/s²-10.1 ft/s²
Snow BrakingLower is better3rd / 1633 ft0 ft
Snow TractionHigher is better1st / 16666 lbfBest in this discipline
Ice BrakingLower is better1st / 1664 ftBest in this discipline
NoiseLower is better5th / 1671.3 dB+1.40 dB
WearHigher is better8th / 1618,952 miles-5,903 miles
ValueLower is better9th / 162.16 Price/1000+0.98 Price/1000
Fuel ConsumptionLower is better3rd / 165.4 l/100km+0.10 l/100km
AbrasionLower is better2nd / 1672 mg/km/t+9.00 mg/km/t
EU Label
D/C/69
Weight
7.2 kgs
Price
66.00

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