Petlas Snow Master W651 - Test Results

Test Statistics

6

Tests Completed

38^th

Average Position

9^th

Best Result

51^st

Worst Result

Performance Analysis

Petlas Snow Master W651 - Official Image

The Petlas Snow Master W651 shows a starkly polarized profile: outstanding snow capability and efficiency contrasted by chronically weak wet performance and below-average dry dynamics. Across six winter-focused tests, it repeatedly finished near the back overall, driven primarily by very poor wet braking and handling, while excelling in snow traction/handling and rolling resistance/value in the Tire Reviews 2022/23 test. This specialization suggests suitability for regions with frequent snow where wet-road safety demands are lower.
However, consistent bottom-tier wet results across multiple large Auto Bild screenings (and last place across most wet metrics in the Tire Reviews test) severely limit its all-round winter safety. Dry performance is also weak to middling. The tire earns credit for being the best or among the best in snow disciplines and efficiency, but its persistent wet shortcomings dominate its overall score.

Performance Strengths

Snow Performance Strong Details
• 1st place Snow Traction in 2022/23 test (4.7 s)
• 1st place Snow Handling in 2022/23 test (112.2 s)
• 3rd place Snow Braking in 2022/23 test (27.8 m, +2.2% from best)
Efficiency and Value Moderate Details
• 1st place Rolling Resistance in 2022/23 test (6.7 kg/t)
• 1st place Price/value in 2022/23 test

Performance Weaknesses

Wet Weather Performance Strong Details
• 48/57 wet braking in 2022 (+28.9% from best)
• 32/54 wet braking in 2023 (+21% from best)
• 49/49 wet braking in 2021 (+41.4% from best)
• 49/49 wet braking in 2020 (+42.2% from best)
• Last place across wet metrics in 2022/23 test: Wet Braking 9/9 (+44.7%), Wet Handling 9/9 (+15.3%), Straight Aqua 9/9 (+14.7%), Curved Aqua 9/9 (+40.7%), Subj. Wet Handling 9/9 (+90%)
Dry Performance and Comfort Moderate Details
• Dry Braking 8/9 (+7.7%) in 2022/23 test
• Dry Handling 9/9 (+2.6%) and Subj. Dry Handling 9/9 (+30%) in 2022/23 test
• Noise 8/9 (+1.9%) and Subj. Comfort 9/9 (+15%) in 2022/23 test
Overall Competitiveness Strong Details
• Average overall position 38.2 across 6 tests
• Overall 9/9 in 2022/23 test despite snow strengths
• Auto Bild screenings: 33/54 (2023), 47/57 (2022), 39/43 (2016)

Performance Over Time

Test History

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2023 Winter Tire Test 54 Set Braking Test

2023
Winner: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

View Test

of 57

2022 Winter Tire Market Overview

2022
Winner: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

View Test

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2022/23 Tire Reviews Winter Tire Test

2022
Winner: Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

The Petlas Snowmaster W651 really is the snow master of this group, finishing as one of best in the three snow tests. However like other budget tires it can't continue that performance onto other s...

Strong:
Snow Handling, Snow Traction, Subj. Snow Handling, Price, Rolling Resistance

Weak:
Noise, Subj. Comfort, Dry Braking, Dry Handling, Subj. Dry Handling, Curved Aquaplaning, Straight Aqua, Subj. Wet Handling, Wet Braking, Wet Handling

View Test

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