Winter tyres are a hot subject at the moment, with new tests being released weekly. Usually winter tyre tests focus on the smaller tyre sizes winter tyres are often used in, meaning if you drive a performance car and are interested in ultra high performance winter tyres you have to hope the tyres tested in the smaller sizes have the same attributes in the larger sizes.
Fortunately this year Auto Bild have released a secondary winter tyre test using 245/45 R 18 sized tyres. The tyres were tested on an Audi TT and had the usual mix of tests on dry, wet and snowy roads.
One result worth noting is the TyreReviews favourite Nokian WRG2 finishing last. Rest assured it's still a good tyre for the UK climate, the test scoring was bias towards snow performance, but Auto Bild commended the WRG2's sporty dry handing and good wet grip.
Excellent winter properties with excellent cornering on hard-packed snow, very good aquaplaning properties, dynamically balanced handling characteristics on wet and dry track
Excellent winter properties with the best traction and shortest braking distances on snow, excelling aquaplaning properties, dynamic handling characteristics with short braking distances on wet roads
If we were looking for a year round tyre we would consider the WRG2, Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons or Hankook Optimo 4S... and now the Bridgestone A001 too.
So which would you use as an all year tire in the UK? I'm leaning towards the Noakian WRG2 - any thoughts are appreciated!
Thanks!
If we were looking for a year round tyre we would consider the WRG2, Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons or Hankook Optimo 4S... and now the Bridgestone A001 too.