Tested 46 times by independent publications, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 has taken 19 test wins with an average finish of 4th. Its strongest discipline is Wet Braking, beating 94% of the field across 36 tests; its weakest is Wear, at 26% across 9 tests.
2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 P8 of 16
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.
Where the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 finished in each measured discipline, across every test that measured it against at least two other tires. Field beaten is the share of the other tires it outranked in that measurement.
| Discipline | Tests | Avg finish | Field beaten | Firsts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | ||||
| Dry Braking | 31 | P6.8 of 12.5 | 46% | 1 |
| Dry Handling | 27 | P4.4 of 12.1 | 65% | 3 |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 7 | P2.7 of 10 | 80% | - |
| Wet | ||||
| Wet Braking Strong | 36 | P1.6 of 17.8 | 94% | 21 |
| Wet Braking - Cool | 1 | P1 of 6 | 100% | 1 |
| Wet Braking - Worn | 1 | P1 of 6 | 100% | 1 |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | 2 | P1 of 16 | 100% | 2 |
| Wet Handling | 27 | P2.3 of 12.1 | 87% | 10 |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 7 | P2.6 of 10 | 79% | 3 |
| Wet Circle | 14 | P2.1 of 12.4 | 89% | 7 |
| Straight Aqua | 31 | P4.9 of 12.5 | 67% | 4 |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 23 | P3.5 of 12 | 75% | 5 |
| Snow | ||||
| Snow Braking | 36 | P5.1 of 15.1 | 70% | 4 |
| Snow Traction | 28 | P5.4 of 12.4 | 57% | 1 |
| Snow Handling | 27 | P6.6 of 11.7 | 49% | 2 |
| Subj. Snow Handling | 7 | P3.6 of 10 | 68% | 1 |
| Snow Circle | 5 | P5.6 of 9.2 | 42% | - |
| Snow Slalom | 11 | P7.3 of 12.5 | 51% | 1 |
| Ice | ||||
| Ice Braking | 3 | P13 of 15.7 | 18% | - |
| Comfort | ||||
| Subj. Comfort | 8 | P2.8 of 10 | 80% | 2 |
| Subj. Noise | 1 | P4 of 9 | 63% | - |
| Noise | 29 | P6.7 of 12.4 | 53% | 1 |
| Value | ||||
| Wear Weak | 9 | P12.4 of 17 | 26% | - |
| Value | 8 | P15.8 of 17.1 | 7% | - |
| Rolling Resistance | 28 | P3.4 of 12.1 | 78% | 3 |
| Fuel Consumption | 3 | P5.3 of 15.7 | 70% | - |
| Abrasion | 3 | P15 of 15.7 | 4% | - |
Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.
| Rival | Shared tests | Ahead | Behind | Level | Finished ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Vredestein Wintrac Pro
31 shared: 22 ahead, 8 behind
Compare with Wintrac Pro |
31 | 22 | 8 | 1 | 73% |
 Michelin Alpin 6
24 shared: 15 ahead, 9 behind
Compare with Alpin 6 |
24 | 15 | 9 | - | 63% |
 Dunlop Winter Sport 5
23 shared: 16 ahead, 7 behind
Compare with Winter Sport 5 |
23 | 16 | 7 | - | 70% |
 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+
18 shared: 10 ahead, 8 behind
|
18 | 10 | 8 | - | 56% |
 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
18 shared: 8 ahead, 10 behind
Compare with WinterContact TS 870 P |
18 | 8 | 10 | - | 44% |
 Falken Eurowinter HS01
17 shared: 16 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with Eurowinter HS01 |
17 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 100% |
 BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
17 shared: 14 ahead, 3 behind
Compare with gForce Winter 2 |
17 | 14 | 3 | - | 82% |
 Kleber Krisalp HP3
16 shared: 14 ahead, 2 behind
Compare with Krisalp HP3 |
16 | 14 | 2 | - | 88% |
 Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
16 shared: 5 ahead, 10 behind
Compare with Pilot Alpin 5 |
16 | 5 | 10 | 1 | 33% |
 Fulda Kristall Control HP2
14 shared: 14 ahead, 0 behind
|
14 | 14 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Hankook Winter i cept evo3
14 shared: 8 ahead, 5 behind
Compare with Winter i cept evo3 |
14 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 62% |
 Firestone Winterhawk 4
13 shared: 13 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with Winterhawk 4 |
13 | 13 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
12 shared: 10 ahead, 0 behind
|
12 | 10 | 0 | 2 | 100% |
 Barum Polaris 5
11 shared: 10 ahead, 1 behind
|
11 | 10 | 1 | - | 91% |
 Nokian WR Snowproof
11 shared: 9 ahead, 2 behind
|
11 | 9 | 2 | - | 82% |
 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
11 shared: 8 ahead, 3 behind
Compare with Cinturato Winter 2 |
11 | 8 | 3 | - | 73% |
 Continental WinterContact TS 870
11 shared: 4 ahead, 6 behind
Compare with WinterContact TS 870 |
11 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 40% |
 Toyo Observe S 944
10 shared: 10 ahead, 0 behind
|
10 | 10 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Sava Eskimo HP2
10 shared: 9 ahead, 1 behind
|
10 | 9 | 1 | - | 90% |
 Hankook Winter i cept RS2
9 shared: 9 ahead, 0 behind
|
9 | 9 | 0 | - | 100% |
The same record for the tire it replaced and the tire that replaced it.
| Tire | Tests | Wins | Avg finish | Field beaten |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgestone Blizzak LM001 EVO Predecessor | 7 | 0 | 9th | 52% |
| Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 This tire | 46 | 19 | 4th | 74% |
| Bridgestone Blizzak 6 Successor | 25 | 2 | 4th | 68% |
Drawn from 46 tests. Updated September 29, 2026.
Across 46 independent tests, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 repeatedly shows itself as a wet-weather benchmark for a Central European winter tire, often converting that into top overall results (average overall position 3.5, with 2 test wins and a further Recommended award). Testers frequently single out its stopping power and control in the wet: for example it was 1st of 16 for wet braking in the 2026 ADAC 185/65 R15 test, 1st for wet braking and wet handling in the 2024 Auto Bild Sportscars test, and it dominated Auto Bild's large-field braking shootouts (e.g. 1st of 54 in wet braking in 2023). Write-ups consistently reinforce this pattern with phrases like “best wet tire in the test by a clear margin”, “shortest wet braking”, and “very precise wet handling”. It also tends to pair that wet performance with respectable efficiency, regularly being near the top for rolling resistance (e.g. 1st of 7 in rolling resistance in the 2023 AMS SUV test; 1st of 10 in the 2021 Tire Reviews winter test).
shortest wet braking- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
excels in wet conditions with the shortest braking distance- 2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test (2024)
The best in wet handling and wet braking- 2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test (2024)
Best in wet handling and wet braking, good in the snow, high levels of comfort, very low rolling resistance- 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2023)
best in the wet- 2023/24 Tire Reviews UHP Winter Tire Test (2023)
very precise wet handling- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
The best in wet handling and wet braking- 2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test (2024)
Best in wet handling and wet braking, good in the snow, high levels of comfort, very low rolling resistance- 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2023)
best result on wet roads in the test- 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2023)
and handling- 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test (2023)
best curved aquaplaning- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
excellent aquaplaning resistance- 2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test (2023)
outstanding grip and the best aquaplaning protection- 2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test (2023)
best result on wet roads in the test- 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2023)
excelling in aquaplaning- 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test (2023)
very low rolling resistance- 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2023)
very low rolling resistance- 2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test (2023)
Best rolling resistance- 2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test (2023)
scores well in fuel efficiency- 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test (2023)
low rolling resistance- 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test (2023)
best wet tire in the test by a clear margin- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
excels in wet conditions with the shortest braking distance- 2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test (2024)
outstanding on wet and dry roads- 2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test (2023)
Very good grip on wet surfaces- 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test (2023)
Very good in the wet- 2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test (2023)
best cornering stability- 2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test (2023)
Safe properties on dry roads- 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2023)
dynamic dry handling- 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2023)
sporty dynamic handling on wet and dry courses- 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire Test (2023)
Stable wet/dry handling- 2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test (2023)
On snow, it provides good traction- 2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test (2024)
very good in the snow- 2023 Tire Reviews SUV Winter Tire Test (2023)
good in snow- 2023/24 Tire Reviews UHP Winter Tire Test (2023)
Reference winter tires with better grip- 2022 Sport Auto All Season Tire Test (2022)
Very balanced, reliable and easy to control on snow- 2022 AMS Winter Tire Test (2022)
responsive handling- 2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test (2024)
precise steering response- 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire Test (2023)
direct, precise, and neutral handling- 2023 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test (2023)
precise steering behavior- 2022 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test (2022)
precise steering- 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2022)
shortest predicted tread life- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
High wear leading to expensive cost per 1000km driven- 2023/24 Tire Reviews UHP Winter Tire Test (2023)
falls short of a good rating due to its below-average projected lifespan- 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test (2023)
low mileage- 2023 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2023)
High wear (devaluation.)- 2022 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2022)
Loses the "Exemplary" seal due to poor dry braking performance- 2024 Auto Bild Sportscars Winter Tire Test (2024)
However, it does have a slightly longer braking distance- 2024 All Season and Winter Tire Test (2024)
Extended braking distances on dry track- 2023 Sports Cars Winter Tire Test (2023)
Extended dry braking and dry handling, average aquaplaning resistance- 2023 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test (2023)
Longer dry braking distances- 2022 AMS Winter Tire Test (2022)
Weak on wintry roads- 2023 ADAC 17 inch Winter Tire Test (2023)
Only satisfactory winter qualities, moderate traction- 2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test (2023)
Small weaknesses in the snow performance- 2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test (2023)
Weaknesses on Snow (devaluation.)- 2022 ADAC SUV Winter Tire Test - 215/60 R16 (2022)
could benefit from a little more grip in the snow- 2022 Auto Zeitung Winter Tire Test (2022)
oversteers in evasive maneuvers- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
understeer tendency with strong reserves- 2023 AMS SUV Winter Tire Test (2023)
understeering behavior on snow- 2023 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test (2023)
strong understeer- 2022 Sport Auto All Season Tire Test (2022)
oversteer balance when driving fast in the dry- 2022 AMS Winter Tire Test (2022)
one of the louder tires- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
loud tire noise- 2022 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2022)
Very weakly perceptible rolling noise inside the vehicle- 2022 Sport Auto All Season Tire Test (2022)
among the longest for ice braking- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 185/65 R15 (2026)
although its ice braking performance is below average- 2023 ADAC 16 Inch Tire Test (2023)
Every tester write-up on the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 (40 tests) and 103 owner reviews were tagged for the aspects they judge. Where both have spoken, this is how they line up.
Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.
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.
The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 excels in wet conditions with the shortest braking distance and responsive handling, while maintaining stability. It's easy to control even when pushed to its limits. On snow, it provides good traction and a balanced performance, although the steering feedback could be clearer. In dry conditions, it prioritizes comfort, providing the smoothest ride among the winter tires tested. However, it does have a slightly longer braking distance. It handles corners effectively but is not the most eager to turn. Overall, the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 emerges as the top performer among winter tires, thanks to its exceptional wet grip. However, it delivers an average performance on dry surfaces.
King in wet conditions with talent on snow and low rolling resistance.
The BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK LM 005 has minor issues with steering precision and feedback on dry roads but maintains a good overall rating due to its safety reserves during sudden evasive maneuvers and average braking distances. On wet roads, it sets the standard, achieving the shortest braking distances in the test and excelling in aquaplaning and handling. On winter roads, it earns a good rating for its decent braking distances, good handling, and safety reserves, although its ice braking performance is below average. Environmentally, the tire falls short of a good rating due to its below-average projected lifespan and satisfactory wear rating. While it scores well in fuel efficiency, its weight is rated as satisfactory.
The Bridgestone matched the Hankooks overall result, but was slightly better in the wet, and slightly worse in the dry and snow, but it was more comfortable and had an even lower rolling resistance. The LM005 once again proves it's one of the best winter tires on the market
The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is an awesome tire, it was the only tire that could get close to the Continentals rolling resistance levels and was the best tire in the wet and one of the best in the snow, with excellent noise and comfort levels. It wasn't the best in the dry, but as it finished so well in almost every other category, the LM005 is proving to still be one of the best winter tires on the market.
Okay on snow, outstanding on wet and dry roads – the test winner!"Outstanding"
Exemplary / Test Winner.
The performance of the BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK LM005 on snow-covered roads is not sufficient to achieve a good overall result. Compared to the test field, its performance in the snow was only rated as satisfactory - which also led to the downgrading of the overall rating. The recommendation for the tire is therefore: "recommended".
The performance of the BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK LM005, both on ice and in wear, is not sufficient to achieve a good overall result. Its performance is rated as satisfactory in both disciplines compared to the test field - which also leads to the devaluation of the overall rating. So the statement for the tire is: "recommended".
As in previous tests the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 wasn't the best in dry braking, and wasn't quite as balanced as some of the other tires in snow handling, but they were the only weaknesses of the LM005. The LM005 excelled in the wet grip tests with the best grip in wet handling and the shortest wet braking distances, it also won the snow braking and performed well in snow traction, had some of the lowest noise on test and the lowest rolling resistance of the top tires. A thoroughly deserved test win for the Japanese giant, congratulations to Bridgestone
The LM005 grips extremely well in the dry and wet, but could benefit from a little more grip in the snow.
Very Good.
Another test victory for the Bridgestone LM005. The wet qualities are currently unbeatable, it's has very good dry performance and is good on snow.
The Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 is again the wet specialist, dominating the wet testing. This performance comes at the expense of dry and snow performance, making this an unbalanced tire more suited to a winter climate that sees a lot of rain.
An excellent tire for English winters where you're likely to see more wet weather than snow.
Highly Recommended.
Excellent.
Exemplary
Excellent
Owner reviews, sizes and EU label data, comparisons and the Tire Reviews score. All Bridgestone tires