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2018 AMS All Season Tyre Test

Jonathan Benson
Data analyzed and reviewed by Jonathan Benson
6 min read Updated

Adjust Result Weighting

The overall scores below are calculated using our weighting system. Since the original publication may use a different scoring methodology that wasn't shared, these results may differ from their published rankings. You can adjust the weightings below to explore how different priorities affect the results.
Dry 26%
Wet 37%
Snow 21%
Comfort 5%
Value 11%
Dry 26% · Wet 37% · Snow 21% · Comfort 5% · Value 11%
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Dry
Wet
Snow
Comfort
Value

Test Results Data

BEST Good Average Below Average
# Tyre Total Score Dry Wet Snow Comfort Value
Braking M Handling Km/H % Braking M Handling Km/H Straight Aqua Km/H % Braking M Handling Km/H % Noise dB % Price Rolling Resistance kg / t %
1 Continental WinterContact TS 860 95.9% 42.6 118 90.4% 31.8 72.8 79.3 99% 28.4 55.9 100% 71.9 100% 110 8.2 92.1%
2 ▼1 Continental AllSeasonContact 91.5% 41.9 3 119.8 91.9% 36.8 73 67.8 91.5% 29.3 2 48.2 2 91.6% 73.8 97.4% 126 7.9 91.1%
3 ▲1 Nexen N Blue 4 Season 91.1% 42.2 118 90.8% 36.1 3 73.1 3 66.2 92.1% 29.8 48.1 3 90.7% 72 2 99.9% 92 9.6 88.1%
4 ▼1 Michelin CrossClimate Plus 90.6% 39.4 2 120.1 3 94.7% 36.1 3 74.4 66.3 92.9% 32.9 47 85.2% 75.5 95.2% 131 8.6 84.7%
5 ▼3 Goodyear Vector 4 Seasons Gen 2 90.5% 44.3 118.1 88.9% 35.7 2 73.6 2 68.2 3 93.1% 30 47.1 89.5% 73.1 3 98.4% 127 8.4 86.9%
6 Nokian WeatherProof 89.6% 43.6 117.3 89.2% 37.5 72.1 67.5 90.2% 29.6 3 44.8 88% 74.3 96.8% 117 8.1 3 91.3%
7 ▼2 Vredestein Quatrac 5 88.5% 43.4 121.6 91.1% 37.1 71 64.7 89.6% 32.1 46.5 85.8% 73.9 97.3% 123 9.1 82.8%
8 ▼1 Toyo Celsius 87.7% 45.1 119.1 88.6% 39 69.9 65.6 87.2% 31.1 46.8 87.5% 74.1 97% 106 3 9.1 86.8%
9 ▼3 Continental Premium Contact 5 82.8% 35.7 120.7 2 99.6% 36.6 72.9 74.6 2 92.6% 52.7 8 34.1% 74.5 96.5% 93 2 7.9 99.6%
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Dry 90% Wet 99% Snow 100% Comfort 100% Value 92%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 42.6 M
Dry Handling 118 Km/H
Wet
Wet Braking 31.8 M
Wet Handling 72.8 Km/H
Straight Aqua 79.3 Km/H
Snow
Snow Braking 28.4 M
Snow Handling 55.9 Km/H
Comfort
Noise 71.9 dB
Value
Price 110
Rolling Resistance 8.2 kg / t
Dry 92% Wet 92% Snow 92% Comfort 97% Value 91%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 41.9 M 3
Dry Handling 119.8 Km/H
Wet
Wet Braking 36.8 M
Wet Handling 73 Km/H
Straight Aqua 67.8 Km/H
Snow
Snow Braking 29.3 M 2
Snow Handling 48.2 Km/H 2
Comfort
Noise 73.8 dB
Value
Price 126
Rolling Resistance 7.9 kg / t
3
91.1%
Dry 91% Wet 92% Snow 91% Comfort 100% Value 88%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 42.2 M
Dry Handling 118 Km/H
Wet
Wet Braking 36.1 M 3
Wet Handling 73.1 Km/H 3
Straight Aqua 66.2 Km/H
Snow
Snow Braking 29.8 M
Snow Handling 48.1 Km/H 3
Comfort
Noise 72 dB 2
Value
Price 92
Rolling Resistance 9.6 kg / t
Dry 95% Wet 93% Snow 85% Comfort 95% Value 85%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 39.4 M 2
Dry Handling 120.1 Km/H 3
Wet
Wet Braking 36.1 M 3
Wet Handling 74.4 Km/H
Straight Aqua 66.3 Km/H
Snow
Snow Braking 32.9 M
Snow Handling 47 Km/H
Comfort
Noise 75.5 dB
Value
Price 131
Rolling Resistance 8.6 kg / t
Dry 89% Wet 93% Snow 90% Comfort 98% Value 87%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 44.3 M
Dry Handling 118.1 Km/H
Wet
Wet Braking 35.7 M 2
Wet Handling 73.6 Km/H 2
Straight Aqua 68.2 Km/H 3
Snow
Snow Braking 30 M
Snow Handling 47.1 Km/H
Comfort
Noise 73.1 dB 3
Value
Price 127
Rolling Resistance 8.4 kg / t
Dry 89% Wet 90% Snow 88% Comfort 97% Value 91%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 43.6 M
Dry Handling 117.3 Km/H
Wet
Wet Braking 37.5 M
Wet Handling 72.1 Km/H
Straight Aqua 67.5 Km/H
Snow
Snow Braking 29.6 M 3
Snow Handling 44.8 Km/H
Comfort
Noise 74.3 dB
Value
Price 117
Rolling Resistance 8.1 kg / t 3
7
88.5%
Dry 91% Wet 90% Snow 86% Comfort 97% Value 83%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 43.4 M
Dry Handling 121.6 Km/H
Wet
Wet Braking 37.1 M
Wet Handling 71 Km/H
Straight Aqua 64.7 Km/H
Snow
Snow Braking 32.1 M
Snow Handling 46.5 Km/H
Comfort
Noise 73.9 dB
Value
Price 123
Rolling Resistance 9.1 kg / t
8
87.7%
Dry 89% Wet 87% Snow 88% Comfort 97% Value 87%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 45.1 M
Dry Handling 119.1 Km/H
Wet
Wet Braking 39 M
Wet Handling 69.9 Km/H
Straight Aqua 65.6 Km/H
Snow
Snow Braking 31.1 M
Snow Handling 46.8 Km/H
Comfort
Noise 74.1 dB
Value
Price 106 3
Rolling Resistance 9.1 kg / t
Dry 100% Wet 93% Snow 34% Comfort 97% Value 100%
View detailed scores
Dry
Dry Braking 35.7 M
Dry Handling 120.7 Km/H 2
Wet
Wet Braking 36.6 M
Wet Handling 72.9 Km/H
Straight Aqua 74.6 Km/H 2
Snow
Snow Braking 52.7 M
Snow Handling 8 Km/H
Comfort
Noise 74.5 dB
Value
Price 93 2
Rolling Resistance 7.9 kg / t
Not every driver has the same priorities. Adjust the category weightings above to re-rank the tyres based on what matters most to your driving style.
Scores are colour-coded from red (weakest) through yellow to green (strongest) to help you quickly spot each tyre's strengths and weaknesses.
The original test ranking is shown in the # column. Arrows indicate how each tyre moves when your custom weighting is applied.

Discussion

19 comments
  1. grapevine archived

    According to BMW "Star" marked tyres are essential on the All4 Mini as ordinary tyres can cause the electronicaly controlled 4 wheel drive gear train to tie itself in knots, but local BMW dealers did not know of any Star marked all seasons tyres.

    Still looking for tips on best Tyres 235X40X18 for Audi S4V8 Quatro living near Inverness; less concerned about mpg or noise most concerned about handling / steering sensitivity and wet / icy conditions.

    #4961
    1. TyreReviews grapevine archived

      Manufacturers love that line, but I'm sure you'll be able to find a lot of people running non * marked tyres with no issue.

      #4963
      1. grapevine TyreReviews archived

        Can you please direct me to some All4 Mini owners who have had "No Issues" with non Star marked tyres ?

        A tyre dealer assured me that they had had "No trouble" with ordinary tyres on a Mini, but when pressed conceded that it was not a 4 wheel drive Mini.

        Why would a BMW dealer not expecting me to buy tires from them be so adamant that non Star marked tires could accelerate wear on my All4 Mini transmission ?

        #4965
        1. TyreReviews grapevine archived

          I have no such sources, I don't own a BMW mini. I'd suggest getting over to an owners forum and seeing what people are doing in the real world. Dealers advice is often as cautious and on brand message as possible.

          #4966
  2. grapevine archived

    Need all season tyres for two very different cars, Inverness weather. All 4 Mini and Audi S4 ( Quatro 350 BHP V8). Very brassed of with Michelin, tyres perishing after 7 years, Michelin said get stuffed, over 6 years old.

    So need a BMW Allwheel drive star marked tyre for the Mini All4 (MUST be star marked )

    and very positive handling all season for the S4 Vredesteiin or Continental ?

    Any suggestions gratefully recd

    #4957
    1. TyreReviews grapevine archived

      Sadly I'm not in a position to know what's * marked and what isn't in your various sizes. The 7 year rule is fair though, no one recommends using tyres after 5 years of use.

      #4958
  3. Paul archived

    It is mentioned in the results summary that the Michelin CrossClimates got a "poor curved aquaplaning result" but there is no curved aquaplaning graph?

    #4238
    1. TyreReviews Paul archived

      We don't cover every element tested, you can check out the Auto Motor Und Sport website for the curved aqua testing :)

      #4239
  4. John Rayner archived

    Hi Tyre Reviews, I've just bought a mid engined 2006 MR2 Roadster, and I want to get some all season tyres to use over the winter months to avoid any hairy moments if it gets frosty. I was all set to get Continental All Season Contact (theoretically the best available in my staggered sizes - 215/45 16 and 185/55 15). Then I saw the above test, and saw that the Vredestein Quatrac 5 gets a score of 9 for subjective (the same as the reference summer tyre), and is said to have the best steering response. As I am keen to retain as sporty a feel as possible in normal conditons, I'm now leaning towards the Vred instead. Is my logic sound, or am I being overly led by the results of a single test? Thanks

    #4005
    1. TyreReviews John Rayner archived

      Your logic is both good in both directions. The Conti is a great tyre, but the Vred is very good for the size and the Vred has been noted to have great steering in a number of tests now. The other option is CrossClimate but i presume not available in your awkward sizes?

      #4006
      1. John Rayner TyreReviews archived

        Thanks. Yeah, Crossclimate unavailable. I've emailed Michelin and they've no intention at present of making them in my rear size. Think I'll try the Vred

        #4007
        1. TyreReviews John Rayner archived

          Whatever you go for, let me know how you find them :)

          #4008
          1. John Rayner TyreReviews archived

            Hello Again, got my Vredestein Quatrac 5 fitted today, and took car out on some choice roads. Really, really pleased. Instantly make the car really secure, even in this unseasonably mild weather we're having here in the south at the mo. Roads just starting to get the first fall of leaves which, mixed with rain, create that greasy road feeling and the car just felt planted, even over bumpy, twisty negative camber back lanes. My first ever tyre with snowflake mountain symbol, so I've got nothing to compare them to. But the tyres I bought the car with, three weeks ago, were Tigar Prima front - drastically lacking feel, and Bridgestone Potenza RE040 rear - apparently good in it's day, but honestly a bit skittish. Compared to those, my new Vreds have more feel at the front, about the same feel at the back, and more grip across the board. So, it looks like I've got what I wanted. Difficult for me to imagine a siped tyre feeling more sporty. Can't wait to try them in cold weather ...

            #4065
    2. BahnStormer John Rayner archived

      John - I've got the same car and I've gone for the TS860's, so we can compare notes on MR2ROC in March ;)
      Thanks for the reviews (to the other John!)...

      #4053
      1. John Rayner BahnStormer archived

        Nice one. Just got my Vred Quatracs fitted today and lovin em! Feel really secure

        #4064
  5. kelper archived

    There's no graph for the snow performance?

    #3962
    1. TyreReviews kelper archived

      VERY good point! I've updated the article to include the graphs!

      #3967