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Semperit Speed Life

Replaced by the Semperit SpeedLife 2

The Semperit Speed Life is a High Performance Summer tire designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

The quick answer

Owners say 61% from 10 owner reviews 40% would buy again Read the reviews
Tests say 12th average finish across 10 independent tests Latest: P9 of 19 · 2015 See every test

Built from every independent test result and vetted owner review we hold for this tire - the evidence is all further down the page. Data updated January 2025.

  • 10owner reviews
  • 58,011miles driven
  • 10professional tests
  • 14sizes available

Tire Reviews Score

Semperit Speed Life

6.7/10

From owner reviews only: no measured test results yet.

  • Limited Confidence
  • 10 owner reviews

How this score is built

Source Better than Weight
Independent testsNo measured test results yet – 0%
Owner reviews10 owner reviews · rated 61% 30% 40%
Typical tireWhere every score starts before its own data counts – 60%
Combined 38% 6.7

A fixed curve turns the combined figure into the 0 to 10 score, so roughly the top 10% of a group score 9 or more.

Confidence

  1. Limited
  2. Medium
  3. High

Owner reviews decide 40% of this score. The other 60% is the typical starting point, and it shrinks as more reviews arrive.

Scored on owner reviews alone, a tire is High once the reviews decide 90% or more, and Medium from 70%. Anything less is Limited: expect the number to move as reviews arrive.

The tests behind it

Only measured results count. A test that published its placings alone is listed, but not scored.

  1. 2015 2015 European Tire Test 205/55 R16 ADAC · 205/55 R16 P9 / 19 Placing only
  2. 2014 2014 ADAC 195/65 R15 Summer Tire Test ADAC · 195/65 R15 P8 / 17 Placing only
  3. 2014 2014 Auto Bild 50 Summer Tire Shootout Auto Bild · 225/50 R17 P29 / 50 Placing only
  4. 2013 2013 54 Tire Braking Test 195/65 R15 P17 / 54 Placing only
  5. 2013 2013 European Summer Sports Tire Test ADAC · 225/45 R17 P7 / 19 Placing only
  6. 2013 2013 ACE Summer Touring Tire Test ACE · 195/65 R15 P8 / 16 Placing only
Show all 10 tests
  1. 2012 2012 Autobild 50 Tire Braking Test Auto Bild · 225/45 R17 P22 / 50 Placing only
  2. 2012 2012 European Summer Tire Test - 205/55 R16 ADAC · 205/55 R16 P5 / 15 Placing only
  3. 2012 2012 ACE Touring Summer Tire Test ACE · 205/55 R16 P5 / 15 Placing only
  4. 2011 2011 European Summer Tire Test - 195/65 R15 ADAC · 195/65 r15 P7 / 14 Placing only

Tested 10 times by independent publications, the Semperit Speed Life averages a finish of 12th.

10 Tests
0 Test Wins
12th Average
5th Best
29th Worst
Finishing position in each test1stLast20112015

Finishing position in each test

Every independent test of the Semperit Speed Life, newest first
YearTestResultAward
20152015 European Tire Test 205/55 R16ADAC · 205/55 R16P9 / 19
20142014 ADAC 195/65 R15 Summer Tire TestADAC · 195/65 R15P8 / 17
20142014 Auto Bild 50 Summer Tire ShootoutAuto Bild · 225/50 R17P29 / 50
20132013 54 Tire Braking TestAutobild · 195/65 R15P17 / 54
20132013 European Summer Sports Tire TestADAC · 225/45 R17P7 / 19
20132013 ACE Summer Touring Tire TestACE · 195/65 R15P8 / 16
20122012 Autobild 50 Tire Braking TestAuto Bild · 225/45 R17P22 / 50
20122012 European Summer Tire Test - 205/55 R16ADAC · 205/55 R16P5 / 15
20122012 ACE Touring Summer Tire TestACE · 205/55 R16P5 / 15
20112011 European Summer Tire Test - 195/65 R15ADAC · 195/65 r15P7 / 14

On the full record: Record by disciplineHead-to-head recordEvery published verdict

Dimensions & Label Scores
View All

Size Range10 sizes available

195-235Width45-65Profile15-18Rim78-108 H-YLoad/Speed Index2008First On Market

EU LabelAcross 10 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.

Noise

71-72dB B

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Semperit Speed Life's EU tire label rating?
Across its range, the Semperit Speed Life most commonly carries EU label ratings of C for fuel efficiency, C for wet grip and 71 dB for noise.
How comfortable and quiet are the Semperit Speed Life?
Owners rate the Semperit Speed Life 6.6 out of 10 for comfort and noise across 6 reviews.
How well do the Semperit Speed Life wear, according to owners?
Owners rate the Semperit Speed Life 5.2 out of 10 for wear across 6 reviews. 2 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles, and the typical review covers 2,250 miles.
Would owners buy the Semperit Speed Life again?
40% of owners say they would buy the Semperit Speed Life again, based on the 10 owner reviews that answered the question. 20% of them gave it the highest possible answer.
Has the Semperit Speed Life been replaced?
The Semperit Speed Life has been replaced by the Semperit SpeedLife 2.
More questions about the Semperit Speed Life (1)
What sizes does the Semperit Speed Life come in?
The Semperit Speed Life is available in 14 sizes, ranging from 195-235/45-65 R15-18.
Owner Questions
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Questions and Answers for the Semperit Speed Life

Sorry, we don't currently have any questions and answers for the Semperit Speed Life. Why not submit a question to our tire experts using the form below!

Semperit Speed Life Owner Reviews

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What owners say

Across 10 owner ratings the Semperit Speed Life averages 61%. Owners rate Dry Grip highest at 6.9 out of 10 and Wear lowest at 5.2. 2 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles. 17% of owners score it 70% or better.

Owner ratings averaged from 10 ratings

  • Owner score 61%
  • Dry Grip 69%
  • Road Feedback 67%
  • Comfort 66%
  • Wet Grip 61%
  • Handling 59%
  • Wear 52%

Featured reviews

Most helpful 23%

“Had the tyers fitted at the local tyer supplier. Found travel on the car when breaking straight away, did not like the way the car responded. After a few miles noticed bad wear no the tyers, they lasted 11,000 miles...”

  • Volkswagen Passat 1.9Tdi
  • 11 miles
Read full review → 780 found this helpful
Most critical 40%

“Although I only had these tires on my Golf for a month, thought I'd give my view as no other reviews. I replaced a set of Continental Sport Contact1's with these as I wanted something from a reputable maker (Semperit is...”

  • Volkswagen Golf Mk5 GT TDi 170bhp
  • 1,000 miles
Read full review → 710 found this helpful
Longest term 77%

“I take it all back; my initial review of the Semperit Speed Life was a bit non-plus; I was concerned about front wear after very limited mileage and I was nervous that they (the tires) wouldn't last. I can now happily...”

  • Saab Automobile 9 3 Aero HOT
  • 17,000 miles
Read full review → 748 found this helpful

All 6 Semperit Speed Life reviews

Score spread across 6 written reviews
51%
Member
Its okay in dry weather, but terrible in the wet.
I'm going to replace them asap.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 6
  • Wet Grip 3
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 4
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 7
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 799
23%
Member
Had the tyers fitted at the local tyer supplier. Found travel on the car when breaking straight away, did not like the way the car responded. After a few miles noticed bad wear no the tyers, they lasted 11,000 miles. Complained to the supplier with evidence of milage still waiting on a responce. Over all would not put these tyers on a baby's pram and will not use this supplier again. Also had a problem with my abs and anti skid showing a fault, main dealer could not find a fault but when I took these tyers of the car the fault went away.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 3
  • Wet Grip 2
  • Road Feedback 4
  • Handling 4
  • Wear 1
  • Comfort 1
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 780
77%
Member
I take it all back; my initial review of the Semperit Speed Life was a bit non-plus; I was concerned about front wear after very limited mileage and I was nervous that they (the tires) wouldn't last. I can now happily confirm that I was wrong; with over 17,000 miles clocked, these tires last well, look good, and give plenty of grip in wet conditions. For a premium end, budget tire (I believe Semperit are part of Continental), I really can't fault them. I sourced them online; x4 for £300 delivered, had them fitted locally for £40 … So, for £85 per corner (fitted) I really can't complain. Recommended
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 10
Helpful 748

Which tires do you drive?

Researching the Semperit Speed Life? Rate the tires you actually drive - and help the next buyer choose.

Own the Semperit Speed Life?
50%
Member
Had these for 3,000 miles on front, then 9,000 miles on rear, and last a full year, which I thought was decent.

Next time I kept them on front, they lasted 5,000 miles, I think this is very poor?

Will have to try another to compare.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 6
  • Wet Grip 6
  • Road Feedback 5
  • Handling 5
  • Wear 3
  • Comfort 6
  • Buy again 4
Helpful 727
40%
Member
After my last experience (with Uniroyal Rainsport 2's (which I found a bit noisy)), I decided to go for a set of x4 Semperit Speed Life's. Why? Because like the other reviewer notes, they appeared to be a cost effective alternative to Continental (Continental own Semperit). Initially, I was pleased with my choice. The tires seemed well constructed, and the ??Alpine proven' slogan on the tire wall filled me with optimism. Firstly, from a ride perspective, I like them ?? They're much quieter than the Rainsport's, and unlike the other reviewer in this section mentions, I didn't notice any detrimental effect on economy (in fact to the contrary, I recently travelled 500 miles on a tank (that's 40+mpg, which for a Saab is practically unheard of!)). No, all of these things were fine ?? What's not fine is the wear. Just 3,500 miles in, and the fronts are wearing fast. I haven't measured the remaining depth of tread, but I reckon there must be only 50% of the tread remaining. This will give the tires a 7,500 mile life, which to me, and compared to other tire brands I've had, is low. I'm going to get the fronts and backs swapped around, in order to breathe some life into matters, and I'll update this post when I've got some more to say, but for the moment ?? NOT IMPRESSED.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 5
  • Wet Grip 5
  • Wear 2
  • Comfort 6
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 684
40%
Member
Although I only had these tires on my Golf for a month, thought I'd give my view as no other reviews. I replaced a set of Continental Sport Contact1's with these as I wanted something from a reputable maker (Semperit is owned by Continental) which was cheaper than the Contis with good fuel economy (they scored very well on this in an Auto Express test and seemed to be a good all rounder). Oh dear! If you want a decent budget tire they're OK, certainly not dangerous but they were a let down after a premium brand. Why? I found handling seemed to have developed another level of mushiness, steering feel dulled, it was harder to know what the front wheels were doing and I couldn't help feeling that the levels of grip and control were much inferior to the Contis. You felt - especially in wet conditions - that you could easily slide off the road although in fairness actual performance wasn't bad. What annoyed me most though was that fuel eceonmy dipped by about 4-5 mpg! Not what I was expecting. After a month of inferior economy and not enjoying the drive I'd had enough and bought a set of new Conti Sport 3's which were vastly better in every respect. In other words you get what you pay for. If you can get these tires at a good price and you're not expecting too much, you should be OK, but I wouldn't recommend if you are used to a premium brand.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 5
  • Wet Grip 4
  • Road Feedback 3
  • Handling 6
  • Comfort 4
  • Buy again 2
Helpful 710
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