Tested 13 times by independent publications, the Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ averages a finish of 7th. Its strongest discipline is Subj. Comfort, beating 75% of the field across 7 tests; its weakest is Rolling Resistance, at 18% across 9 tests.
2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test P8 of 20
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ shares eighth place with a 'good' verdict. It is one of the best tires for snow braking and handling, with competitive wet results, but its running costs let it down.
Where the Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ 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 | 11 | P9.2 of 11.8 | 23% | - |
| Dry Handling | 7 | P9.3 of 13.1 | 24% | - |
| Dry Circle | 1 | P1 of 5 | 100% | 1 |
| Subj. Dry Handling | 4 | P4 of 9.3 | 65% | 2 |
| Subj. Road Score | 1 | P3 of 5 | 50% | - |
| Wet | ||||
| Wet Braking | 13 | P7.4 of 17.8 | 53% | 1 |
| Wet Braking - Concrete | 1 | P11 of 16 | 33% | - |
| Wet Handling | 8 | P4.9 of 12.6 | 62% | - |
| Subj. Wet Handling | 3 | P2.3 of 9.3 | 84% | 1 |
| Wet Circle | 7 | P4.6 of 12.7 | 70% | 1 |
| Straight Aqua | 10 | P5.6 of 12.5 | 64% | 1 |
| Curved Aquaplaning | 8 | P6.6 of 13.3 | 66% | 1 |
| Snow | ||||
| Snow Braking | 13 | P6.5 of 14.8 | 51% | 2 |
| Snow Traction | 9 | P6.6 of 12.8 | 49% | - |
| Snow Handling | 9 | P7.1 of 11.7 | 32% | 1 |
| Subj. Snow Handling | 5 | P4.8 of 8.4 | 44% | - |
| Snow Circle | 2 | P7.5 of 10 | 28% | - |
| Snow Slalom | 3 | P12.3 of 17 | 26% | - |
| Ice | ||||
| Ice Braking | 2 | P9 of 10.5 | 10% | - |
| Ice Traction | 1 | P5 of 5 | 0% | - |
| Comfort | ||||
| Subj. Comfort Strong | 7 | P4.1 of 11.7 | 75% | 2 |
| Subj. Noise | 3 | P4 of 7.3 | 46% | 1 |
| Noise | 9 | P9.3 of 13 | 32% | - |
| Value | ||||
| Wear | 4 | P14.5 of 16.5 | 17% | - |
| Value | 4 | P13.8 of 16.3 | 15% | - |
| Rolling Resistance Weak | 9 | P10.3 of 11.9 | 18% | - |
| Fuel Consumption | 1 | P8 of 16 | 53% | - |
| Abrasion | 2 | P11 of 13 | 20% | - |
Overall finishing position against the tires that have most often shared a test with the Vredestein Wintrac Pro+. Only tires tested alongside it at least three times are listed.
| Rival | Shared tests | Ahead | Behind | Level | Finished ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Bridgestone Blizzak 6
12 shared: 1 ahead, 11 behind
Compare with Blizzak 6 |
12 | 1 | 11 | - | 8% |
 Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
12 shared: 1 ahead, 10 behind
Compare with UltraGrip Performance 3 |
12 | 1 | 10 | 1 | 9% |
 Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
9 shared: 0 ahead, 9 behind
Compare with WinterContact TS 870 P |
9 | 0 | 9 | - | 0% |
 Falken EUROWINTER HS02 Pro
6 shared: 6 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with EUROWINTER HS02 Pro |
6 | 6 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Linglong Sport Master Winter
6 shared: 4 ahead, 2 behind
Compare with Sport Master Winter |
6 | 4 | 2 | - | 67% |
 Michelin Alpin 7
6 shared: 1 ahead, 5 behind
Compare with Alpin 7 |
6 | 1 | 5 | - | 17% |
 Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
6 shared: 0 ahead, 6 behind
Compare with Pilot Alpin 5 |
6 | 0 | 6 | - | 0% |
 Giti GitiWinterW2
4 shared: 4 ahead, 0 behind
|
4 | 4 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Maxxis Premitra Snow WP6
4 shared: 4 ahead, 0 behind
|
4 | 4 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Firestone Winterhawk 4
4 shared: 3 ahead, 1 behind
|
4 | 3 | 1 | - | 75% |
 Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2
4 shared: 2 ahead, 2 behind
Compare with Cinturato Winter 2 |
4 | 2 | 2 | - | 50% |
 BFGoodrich gForce Winter 2
4 shared: 2 ahead, 2 behind
|
4 | 2 | 2 | - | 50% |
 Kleber Krisalp HP3
4 shared: 2 ahead, 2 behind
|
4 | 2 | 2 | - | 50% |
 Barum Polaris 6
4 shared: 2 ahead, 2 behind
|
4 | 2 | 2 | - | 50% |
 Semperit Speed Grip 5
4 shared: 2 ahead, 2 behind
|
4 | 2 | 2 | - | 50% |
 Fulda Kristall Control HP2
3 shared: 3 ahead, 0 behind
|
3 | 3 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Royal Black Royal Winter UHP
3 shared: 3 ahead, 0 behind
|
3 | 3 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Tracmax S210 Ice+
3 shared: 3 ahead, 0 behind
|
3 | 3 | 0 | - | 100% |
 GT Radial WinterPro2 Sport
3 shared: 3 ahead, 0 behind
|
3 | 3 | 0 | - | 100% |
 Yokohama BluEarth Winter V906
3 shared: 2 ahead, 0 behind
Compare with BluEarth Winter V906 |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 100% |
Drawn from 12 tests. Updated October 28, 2026.
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro plus is generally more convincing in wet handling and ride comfort than in dry braking or running costs. In the 2025 AMS Winter Tire Test it was second of ten for wet handling and third for wet braking, while Die Reifentester's 2025 test also placed it second for wet handling and rated it good overall. Tire Reviews found the best ride comfort in its 2026/27 comparison, although it finished eighth of nine in that strong field. Snow braking varies markedly: first of 30 in Auto Bild's 2026 braking qualifier contrasts with ninth of ten in the 2025 AMS test, an unusually strong result against the mixed wider record.
Dry braking is a recurring weakness, last of eight with Auto Express in 2025 and last of nine with Tire Reviews in 2026. Efficiency and durability also count against it: Sport Auto found the highest rolling resistance in 2025, and ADAC projected the second-shortest life in 2026. Aquaplaning ranged from best in both Sport Auto tests of standing water to low placings in Auto Bild's 2025 full test, an unusually weak showing. Snow cornering often trails braking ability. Noise evidence is contradictory in the 2026 Tire Reviews comparison, so its clear comfort praise should not be turned into a general claim of quiet running.
leading its winter rivals for both wet braking and wet cornering- 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tire Test (2026)
its handling remains stable and controllable- 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
balanced, neutral-to-understeering wet handling- 2025 High Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
it was also among the fastest on the wet handling circuit- 2025 Autobild SUV Winter Tire Test (2025)
stands out particularly for its dynamic and reliable wet handling (ranked second-best on wet surfaces overall)- 2025 AMS Winter Tire Test (2025)
was among the most comfortable- 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2026)
always safely controllable in dry conditions and offers good comfort- 2025 AMS Winter Tire Test (2025)
reasonable comfort and grip- 2025 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2025)
had the shortest snow braking in the test- 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2026)
fourth-highest snow traction and fifth-shortest snow braking- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/50 R17 (2026)
respectable braking performance- 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
delivered good traction and decent braking on snow- 2025 High Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
had the best wet performance of any winter tire in the test- 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tire Test (2026)
performance during the wet braking test was described as "besonders sicher" (particularly safe)- 2025 Autobild SUV Winter Tire Test (2025)
performed well on snow- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/50 R17 (2026)
delivered good traction and decent braking on snow- 2025 High Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
respectable performance on snow with reliable traction- 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test (2025)
a good feel in the wet- 2025 Auto Express Winter Tire Test (2025)
stands out particularly for its dynamic and reliable wet handling (ranked second-best on wet surfaces overall)- 2025 AMS Winter Tire Test (2025)
strong lateral grip and handling precision on wet roads- 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test (2025)
one of the longest dry braking distances in the test- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/50 R17 (2026)
significant weakness with extended braking distances in dry conditions- 2025 Autobild Winter Tire Test (2025)
had the highest rolling resistance in the test- 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2026)
It also recorded the highest rolling resistance in the test- 2025 High Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
produced the highest rolling resistance of all tires tested- 2025 Autobild SUV Winter Tire Test (2025)
one of the shorter tread lives- 2026 Auto Bild Winter Tire Test (2026)
projected tread life was the second-shortest in the test and abrasion was among the highest- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/50 R17 (2026)
high wear rate of 0.201 mm per 1000 km and modest projected mileage of just 19,418 miles- 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
weak cornering grip on snow despite good longitudinal dynamics- 2025 High Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
understeer-biased setup scoring 19/30 for driving safety- 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
long wet braking distances- 2025 High Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
unbalanced and not very stable wet handling, combined with somewhat longer wet braking distances- 2025 AMS Winter Tire Test (2025)
extended braking distances- 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
on ice, where both braking and traction fell in with the all-weather tires rather than its winter peers- 2026 Tire Rack All-Weather vs Winter Tire Test (2026)
Ice braking was among the longest- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/50 R17 (2026)
imprecise dry steering that needed occasional corrections- 2026 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/50 R17 (2026)
mediocre steering precision- 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
a handling characteristic that tends toward oversteer at the limit- 2025 AZ Performance Winter Tire Test (2025)
Strong = top two of the field in that measurement. Weak = bottom two.
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ shares eighth place with a 'good' verdict. It is one of the best tires for snow braking and handling, with competitive wet results, but its running costs let it down.
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro plus finishes eighth. If you want a plush, impact-absorbing tire it is the one to pick, as it was the best riding tire in the test and predictable to drive, but it could not match the top group in the dry and the wet. This is a group of giants, which makes it a tough field to be in, but I would like some more dry and wet grip from this tire. Choose it if ride comfort matters more to you than ultimate grip.
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ finished joint ninth overall. It is good on snow but average on dry and wet roads, and a short tread life projection weighed on its environmental score.
The Wintrac Pro+ is the compromise in the middle of this field. Its road behavior and wet grip are closer to a good all-weather tire than to a winter specialist, and its snow ability is clearly stronger than any all-season tire here, but it does not reach the winter traction of the studless tires. A sensible fit for milder winters and faster roads.
The recently revised Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ represents a significant performance improvement, offering good capability at a fair price point. Testers found it delivered good traction and decent braking on snow, along with balanced, neutral-to-understeering wet handling and very good aquaplaning prevention. The downsides include weak cornering grip on snow despite good longitudinal dynamics, long wet braking distances, and typical winter-tire limitations in driving stability at high cornering speeds and during evasive maneuvers. It also recorded the highest rolling resistance in the test. For budget-conscious buyers who don't frequently encounter heavy snow, it offers reasonable value despite its limitations.
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ finishes in sixth place, showing solid competence across conditions but lacking the standout qualities of the premium leaders. On snow, it achieves respectable braking performance and handles predictably with an understeer-biased setup scoring 19/30 for driving safety, though it can't match the grip levels of the top performers. In wet conditions, the tire's main weakness emerges with extended braking distances and only moderate grip levels scoring 35/45 for safety, though its handling remains stable and controllable. The dry performance continues this theme of adequacy rather than excellence - mediocre steering precision and a handling characteristic that tends toward oversteer at the limit earn just 15/30 for safety, though comfort is rated at a respectable 8/10. The tire's high wear rate of 0.201 mm per 1000 km and modest projected mileage of just 19,418 miles hurt its value proposition. For drivers who can accept compromises in wet braking performance and somewhat vague steering response in exchange for a lower price point than the premium options, the Vredestein remains a viable choice, though it requires driver adaptation to its characteristics.
The VREDESTEIN Wintrac Pro is highlighted as a wet-weather specialist, offered at an attractive price point. Its performance during the wet braking test was described as "besonders sicher" (particularly safe), and it was also among the fastest on the wet handling circuit. This focus on wet-road safety and performance comes with a significant drawback: it produced the highest rolling resistance of all tires tested, which would translate to increased fuel or energy consumption over its lifetime.
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ demonstrates strong lateral grip and handling precision on wet roads, making it a confident performer when rain falls during the winter months. It also shows respectable performance on snow with reliable traction. However, the tire reveals a significant weakness with extended braking distances in dry conditions, which is concerning for a tire from a brand positioning itself in the premium segment. The handling on dry roads also feels less precise and communicative than competitors. This combination of compromised dry performance and premium pricing around €500 per set makes the value proposition questionable. The tire might appeal to drivers in regions with very wet but mild winters who rarely encounter dry cold conditions, but for most drivers seeking balanced winter performance, there are better options that don't sacrifice dry safety for wet grip.
The Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ offers very decent winter performance with the exception of somewhat weaker braking on snow. It stands out particularly for its dynamic and reliable wet handling (ranked second-best on wet surfaces overall) and provides steering-responsive, dynamic performance in dry corners. The tire is always safely controllable in dry conditions and offers good comfort. However, the unbalanced and not very stable wet handling, combined with somewhat longer wet braking distances, are notable weaknesses that emerged in the main test but showed significant improvement in follow-up testing. On snow, while generally competent, the braking performance falls slightly behind. Overall, it represents a good value option with strong wet and dry traction capabilities for those in less snow-heavy regions.
Vredestein is steadily improving and the Wintrac Pro+ is a good example. It matches Bridgestone and Continental in the demanding dry‑handling test and delivers convincing performances across all criteria. While it doesn’t dominate any individual discipline, its consistently good results secured fourth place and a very solid “good” overall.
The magazine notes that there is “a good feel in the wet,” but a mixed set of results leaves the Vredestein in the mid‑field. It offers reasonable comfort and grip without standing out in any one area.
Owner reviews, sizes and EU label data, comparisons and the Tire Reviews score. All Vredestein tires