Menu

Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S

Ultra High Performance Winter Winter rated

Replaced by the Vredestein Wintrac Pro Replaces the Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme

The Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S is a performance winter tire with generally good snow braking, quiet running and capable dry handling. Wet braking and aquaplaning resistance are recurring weaknesses, although results vary substantially by test.

The quick answer

Owners say 80% from 10 owner reviews 67% would buy again Read the reviews
Tests say 9th average finish across 12 independent tests Latest: P7 of 10 · 2017 See every test
Strengths & weaknesses Wet, Comfort Snow, Value Relative to its rivals across every test we hold

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 September 2026.

  • 10owner reviews
  • 68,000miles driven
  • 12professional tests
  • 30sizes available
Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S 1 photos

Tire Reviews Score

Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S

7.6/10

Better than 57% of winter tires

  • Limited Confidence
  • 1 test
  • 10 owner reviews
Scores of the 278 winter tires we have tested

How this score is built

Better than Weight
Independent tests1 test · 1 publication · 2017 61% 89%
Owner reviews10 owner reviews · rated 80% 28% 11%
Combined 57% 7.6

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.

Category by category

How it compares with other winter tires in each area, and how much each area counts. 50 is the middle of the group.

Category Better than Weight Tests
WetBraking, handling and aquaplaning in the wet 92% 30% 1
SnowBraking, traction and handling on snow 22% 23% 1
IceBraking, traction and handling on ice Not tested, counted as average 18% –
DryBraking and handling on dry roads 32% 17% 1
ValueWear, efficiency and cost 10% 6% 1
ComfortNoise and ride comfort 49% 5% 1

Weights are shares of the test result. Owner reviews are blended in afterwards. Faded bars rest on one or two tests.

By discipline

The same results grouped by what the tire was doing. They are not counted a second time.

BrakingEvery braking test, on any surface 78% 1
HandlingEvery handling test, on any surface 62% 1

Confidence

  1. Limited
  2. Medium
  3. High

Its own test results decide 82% of the test figure. The other 18% is the average for its group, and it shrinks as more tests arrive.

High needs at least 3 tests, with its own results deciding 90% or more. Medium needs 2 tests and 70%. Anything less is Limited: expect the number to move as tests arrive.

The tests behind it

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

  1. 2017 2017 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test Auto Bild Allrad · 225/55 R17 P7 / 10
  2. 2017 2017 50 Winter Tire Shoot Out Auto Bild · 225/50 R17 P27 / 50 Placing only
  3. 2016 2016 AMS Winter SUV Tire Test Auto Motor Und Sport · 215/60 R17 P6 / 10 Placing only
  4. 2016 2016 Sport Auto Winter Tire Test Sport Auto · 235/40 R18 P6 / 6 Placing only
  5. 2016 2016 AutoBild Winter UHP Tire Test Auto Bild Sportscars · 245/40 R18 P7 / 8 Placing only
  6. 2016 2016 AZ Winter Tire Test - 205/55 R16 Auto Zeitung · 205/55 R16 P12 / 14 Placing only
Show all 12 tests
  1. 2016 2016 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/45 R17 ADAC · 225/45 R17 P10 / 13 Placing only
  2. 2015 2015 ACE 17 Inch Winter Tire Test ACE · 225/50 R17 P8 / 8 Placing only
  3. 2015 2015 Sport Auto 19 Inch Winter Tire Test Sport Auto · 235/35 R19 P4 / 7 Placing only
  4. 2015 2015 Auto Express Winter Tire Test Auto Express · 225/45 R17 P7 / 8 Placing only
  5. 2015 2015 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 225/40 R18 P7 / 8 Placing only
  6. 2014 2014 AutoBild 235/35 R19 Winter Tire Test Auto Bild · 235/35 R19 P4 / 6 Placing only
All Tests
View Test Results

Tested 12 times by independent publications, the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S averages a finish of 9th.

12 Tests
0 Test Wins
9th Average
4th Best
27th Worst
Finishing position in each test1stLast20142017

Finishing position in each test

The latest test

2017 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire Test P7 of 10

Satisfactory

Strong: Wet Braking Weak: Snow Handling Winner: Goodyear UltraGrip Performance Gen 1

YearTestResultAward
20172017 Auto Bild SUV Winter Tire TestAuto Bild Allrad · 225/55 R17P7 / 10
20172017 50 Winter Tire Shoot OutAuto Bild · 225/50 R17P27 / 50
20162016 AMS Winter SUV Tire TestAuto Motor Und Sport · 215/60 R17P6 / 10
20162016 Sport Auto Winter Tire TestSport Auto · 235/40 R18P6 / 6
20162016 AutoBild Winter UHP Tire TestAuto Bild Sportscars · 245/40 R18P7 / 8
20162016 AZ Winter Tire Test - 205/55 R16Auto Zeitung · 205/55 R16P12 / 14
20162016 ADAC Winter Tire Test - 225/45 R17ADAC · 225/45 R17P10 / 13
20152015 ACE 17 Inch Winter Tire TestACE · 225/50 R17P8 / 8
20152015 Sport Auto 19 Inch Winter Tire TestSport Auto · 235/35 R19P4 / 7
20152015 Auto Express Winter Tire TestAuto Express · 225/45 R17P7 / 8
20152015 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 225/40 R18P7 / 8
20142014 AutoBild 235/35 R19 Winter Tire TestAuto Bild · 235/35 R19P4 / 6

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

Alternative Tires
View All
HankookHankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
Hankook Winter I*cept Evo 4
9.6/1096% 2 reviews
Dry100Wet96Comfort87Snow68Test scores
MichelinMichelin Pilot Alpin 5
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
9.5/1087% 33 reviews
Dry99Wet90Comfort89Snow92Test scores
NokianNokian Snowproof P
Nokian Snowproof P
9.2/1087% 10 reviews
Dry89Wet45Comfort96Snow47Test scores
VredesteinVredestein Wintrac Pro
Vredestein Wintrac Pro
9.0/1087% 30 reviews
Dry67Wet86Comfort33Snow58Test scores
DunlopDunlop SP WinterSport 4D
Dunlop SP WinterSport 4D
8.6/1086% 38 reviews
Dry9.0Wet9.3Comfort9.3Wear8.8Owner ratings
VredesteinVredestein Wintrac Pro+
Vredestein Wintrac Pro+
8.4/1089% 3 reviews
Dry52Wet87Comfort45Snow56Test scores
MichelinMichelin Pilot Alpin 4
Michelin Pilot Alpin 4
8.3/1093% 28 reviews
Dry51Wet82Comfort16Snow41Test scores
 Compare 6 shared tests
AvonAvon WV7
Avon WV7
7.7/1082% 14 reviews
Wet83Snow14Test scores
 Compare 1 shared test
GoodyearGoodyear UltraGrip Performance
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance
7.6/1086% 9 reviews
Dry8.9Wet8.9Comfort8.3Wear8.1Owner ratings
Dimensions & Label Scores
View All

Size Range13 sizes available

215-295Width30-70Profile16-22Rim93-112 H-YLoad/Speed Index2015First On Market

EU LabelAcross 13 sizes - the grade depends on the size you buy.

Noise

71-73dB

3PMSF on every size

Popular sizes225/45 R17275/40 R20215/60 R16215/70 R16295/35 R21255/45 R20
Frequently Asked Questions
How good is the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S in the wet?
Across the 1 wet-braking test it has featured in, the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S stops 3.2% shorter than premium rivals, 10.8% shorter than mid-range rivals and 9.6% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews wet score of 92/100, and owners rate it 8.1/10 in the wet from 10 reviews.
How good is the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S in the dry?
Across the 1 dry-braking test it has featured in, the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S stops 0.7% longer than premium rivals, level with mid-range rivals and 8.3% longer than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews dry score of 32/100, and owners rate it 8.2/10 in the dry from 10 reviews.
How good is the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S in the snow?
Across the 1 snow-braking test it has featured in, the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S stops 2.1% longer than premium rivals, 2.1% shorter than mid-range rivals and 42.4% shorter than budget rivals. It has a Tire Reviews snow score of 22/100, and owners rate it 8.3/10 in the snow from 10 reviews.
How fuel efficient is the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S?
Across the 1 test measuring rolling resistance, the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S's rolling resistance is 8.8% higher than premium rivals, 0.8% higher than mid-range rivals and 4.1% higher than budget rivals.
What do owners say about the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S?
Across 10 owner ratings the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S averages 80%. Owners rate Ice Grip highest at 8.7 out of 10 and Wear lowest at 7. 3 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles. 83% of owners score it 70% or better.
More questions about the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S (7)
What is the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S's EU tire label rating?
Across its range, the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S most commonly carries EU label ratings of C for fuel efficiency, C for wet grip and 72 dB for noise.
How comfortable and quiet are the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S?
Owners rate the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S 8.4 out of 10 for comfort and noise across 7 reviews.
How well do the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S wear, according to owners?
Owners rate the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S 7 out of 10 for wear across 7 reviews. 3 of those reviews come from owners past 10,000 miles, and the typical review covers 6,000 miles.
Would owners buy the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S again?
67% of owners say they would buy the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S again, based on the 9 owner reviews that answered the question. 33% of them gave it the highest possible answer.
What does the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S replace?
The Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S is the successor to the Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme in Vredestein's range.
Has the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S been replaced?
The Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S has been replaced by the Vredestein Wintrac Pro.
What sizes does the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S come in?
The Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S is available in 30 sizes, ranging from 215-295/30-70 R16-22.
Owner Questions (1)
Ask a question
Can Vredestein Wintrac Extreme S tires be used in Summer. I drive to Portugal every Summer, the distance from home is approximately 1000 miles one way with… Show more Can Vredestein Wintrac Extreme S tires be used in Summer. I drive to Portugal every Summer, the distance from home is approximately 1000 miles one way with suitcases etc.
Thanks for your advice. Show less
October 30, 2016
All winter tires can be used in summer, however you may notice increased wear, and you will have a dry braking penalty of around 20% when compared to a summer tire. We always recommend summer tires for the summer months.

Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S Owner Reviews

Review this tire

What owners say summarised from 7 reviews

The Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S receives its most consistent praise for snow and ice grip, with three owners commending snow traction and two its behavior on ice. Five of seven written reviews are positive, although the average score is 66.1%. Quiet running and high-speed stability each draw two favorable comments, while wet and dry grip receive two positive comments and one criticism apiece. Complaints about dry cornering and warmer-weather behavior are isolated rather than recurring themes. With three initial and three mid-life reviews but none at the end of its life, long-term wear remains uncertain.

What owners mention most counted across 7 reviews

Tap one to read only the reviews that mention it.

Owner ratings averaged from 10 ratings

  • Owner score 80%
  • Ice Grip 87%
  • Comfort 84%
  • Snow Grip 83%
  • Dry Grip 82%
  • Handling 82%
  • Wet Grip 81%
  • Road Feedback 74%
  • Wear 70%

Featured reviews

Most helpful 74%

“While cornering on dry roads the car would be sleighting of hand, should perhaps be, from my point of view (xc60 for a year) would be only negative review. Higjway driving at 150kmh in winter has been a fairytale for...”

  • Volvo XC60
Read full review → 1,105 found this helpful
Most critical 50%

“Initial impressions were good, unfortunately one of the tires was defective, and made the car unsafe to use. A big chunk or rubber came off it. I have sent it back to the company I bought them from, and now waiting for...”

  • Mitsubishi Outlander
  • 300 miles
Read full review → 710 found this helpful
Longest term 92%

“Reference car: Audi SQ5 2014 I bought our SQ5 second hand and these tires came with it; I see positive and negative reviews but people need to realise that this tire is released in 2014 And at the time these tires were...”

  • Audi SQ5
  • 15,000 miles
Read full review → 850 found this helpful

All 7 Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S reviews

Score spread across 6 written reviews
74%
Member
While cornering on dry roads the car would be sleighting of hand, should perhaps be, from my point of view (xc60 for a year) would be only negative review. Higjway driving at 150kmh in winter has been a fairytale for now. I probably wouldn't buy it again because I will be buying the best rated winter tire next time because of a newborn sitting behind; otherwise, it would have been a choice, why not
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 7
  • Wet Grip 7
  • Road Feedback 5
  • Handling 9
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 5
  • Snow Grip 8
  • Ice Grip 8
Helpful 1,105
93%
Member
Astonishing snow and ice grip in a 4x4 Evoque. Up Honister Pass with side to side sheet ice without a slip or a skid. Hardly anything for the snow and ice programme to do.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 10
  • Wet Grip 10
  • Road Feedback 9
  • Handling 10
  • Wear 8
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 9
  • Snow Grip 10
  • Ice Grip 10
Helpful 929
92%
Member
  • Audi SQ5
  • 255/45 R20 V
  • 15,000 miles
  • Mostly Country Roads
  • Average
Reference car: Audi SQ5 2014

I bought our SQ5 second hand and these tires came with it;

I see positive and negative reviews but people need to realise that this tire is released in 2014
And at the time these tires were extremely recommended for Hig Performance Cars such as Porsche 911 , Aston Martin etc.

Of my personal experience with these tires (living in Switzerland in the Ski area) these handle our SQ5 extremely good. Never slippery or whobby. In the wet they stay safe, dry also. On my size: 255/45/20 they do good.

They are very quite and also comfort is not to bad.
I would only buy these if you are driving an HP car.

Next winter (2019) when these are done i try the new versions of the Extreme S the Wintrac Pro. :)
They are absolutely the go for high performance cars.

Just like i said these tires are from 2014... and only if you can buy these cheap i would buy them otherwise go dor the Vredestein Wintrac Pro :))

This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 10
  • Wet Grip 9
  • Road Feedback 10
  • Handling 10
  • Wear 9
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 10
  • Snow Grip 8
  • Ice Grip 8
Helpful 850

Which tires do you drive?

Researching the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S? Rate the tires you actually drive - and help the next buyer choose.

Own the Vredestein Wintrac xtreme S?
I drive something else - review any tire →
696 reviews submitted this month Earn your Contributor badge No account needed
78%
Member
  • Audi Q7
  • 295/35 R21 W
  • 200 miles
  • A Combination of Roads
  • Average
Reference Audi Q7.
Early days as yet. Just fitted within last two months, as older one of Michelins developed a bulge on sidewall. I don't drive sedately or too fast, but like to push when needed. Initial impressions are good overall. Compared to the summer Michelins they feel similar in the dry being driven normally. Time will tell when pushed. The Michelins let me down in the wet on a field, as not suited to off road even on very soft and wet grass. Wheels were sinking in to around 5/6 inches trying to pull a 2 tonne caravan! So I expect more grip under those conditions with the Vredsteins. So far in torential rain at speed the Vredsteins gave a confident feel. They seem quiet on the road so far but the Michelins were the same until the treads were worn down by half, then became very noisy.
I took a chance with the Vredsteins as they are really winter tires, but I don't cover a high mileage in this car, so wear should not be the limiting factor. They will possibly be due replacement due to age before the treads are worn too much (hopefully).
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 7
  • Handling 8
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 8
Helpful 952
50%
Member
Initial impressions were good, unfortunately one of the tires was defective, and made the car unsafe to use. A big chunk or rubber came off it. I have sent it back to the company I bought them from, and now waiting for decision. Unacceptable for this to happen on a brand new tire, from a reputable company. That is why I didn't buy Chinese tires..but maybe that was a mistake.
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 6
  • Wet Grip 6
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 1
  • Comfort 8
  • Buy again 1
Helpful 710
Member
I drive my car in 30cm snow and icy/wet conditions. All what I can say it is a perfect tire. My car is a 400HP RWD but still it drives like in summer.
76%
Member
A good all round winter tire. Not as good as my Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta in the dry or wet when it's warmer, but the Wintrac extreme S comes into its own when it get near freezing!!
This owner's scores
  • Dry Grip 8
  • Wet Grip 8
  • Road Feedback 6
  • Handling 7
  • Wear 6
  • Comfort 9
  • Buy again 9
Helpful 758
Find your next tire
All tire tests

The latest Tire Reviews tests

Summer Tires

All Season Tires

Winter Tires

SUV and All Terrain Tires

Track Tires

Rate your tires

My tires

Saved in this browser on this site. No account needed. Clearing browser data removes your choices.

Vehicle and size

Check the size, load and speed ratings on your vehicle. Saving a size does not confirm fitment.

Saved tires

Save tires from a tire page, test or comparison to keep them here.

Select 2–8 saved tires. Ranked comparisons require at least two shared tests.