Test Publication:
Auto Bild
245/45 R18
20 tyres
4 categories
Test Size:
245/45 R18
Tyres Tested:
20 tyres
Test Categories:
4 categories (10 tests)
Similar Tests
4 categories (10 tests)
Auto Bild is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, Tyre Reviews. This is independent editorial coverage of their published test.
The top three tyres should come as no surprise, with Continental, Goodyear and Michelin proving to be the most rounded tyres across all the testing.
The Continental Premium Contact 6 and Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 tied for first place. As we found with our video comparison, both the Continental and Goodyear tyres offer sporty handling, good levels of grip in the dry and wet, and good comfort levels. Both tyres also topped the wear test, and when combined with their reasonable purchase price, offered some of the best value on test.
The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 was a close third, and like the Continental and Goodyear provided to have an excellent rounded performance in all conditions. One thing worth noting, he Michelin had significantly worse wear than the Contiental and Goodyear, which when combined with the most expensive purchase price on test, meant the French tyre offered the worst value. An unusual situation for a Michelin tyre.
Other notable performances again come from Vredestein and its parent company Apollo in fourth and fifth place, while Nexen and Falken round out the list of "highly recommended" tyres in sixth and seventh.
Dry
Michelin had its usual dry braking advantage, stopping nearly a meter shorter than any other tyre.
Michelin's dry braking advantage could not be carried over to dry handling, with the Vredestien Ultrac Vorti proving to be best on test.
Wet
Bridgestone highlight their wet grip improvements to the S001, winning the wet braking testing.
Bridgestone continued the wet advantage through to the wet handling test.
Michelin took a second test win, proving best during the straight aquaplaning testing.
Wear
Continental has again shown to have the lowest wear on test, with Goodyear and Falken extremely close behind.
Thanks to the excellent wear and reasonable purchase prices, the Falken, Goodyear and Continental prove to be the value of all twenty tyres.
Environment
The Fulda SportControl 2 had the lowest rolling resistance on test, with the Bridgestone having the highest by a margin.
The noise testing was relatively close, with the Nexen having the quietest pass-by noise levels.
The budget Zeetex tyre was the cheapest on test, but also the worst overall.
Results
Sporty handling tyres in the wet and dry, precise steering, short braking distances, very good mileage, affordable price.
None mentioned.
Exemplary.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 3rd | 33.2 M | 96.69% |
| Dry Handling | 5th | 116.2 Km/H | 99.32% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 9th | 48.1 M | 93.35% |
| Wet Handling | 2nd | 74.3 Km/H | 99.6% |
| Straight Aqua | 14th | 93.9 Km/H | 94.75% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 15th | 72.8 dB | 97.53% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 2nd | 39063 KM | 87% |
| Value | 2nd | 12.29 Price/1000 | 96.83% |
| Price | 12th | 480 | 62.5% |
| Rolling Resistance | 5th | 7.55 kg / t | 94.44% |
Balanced driving behavior at a high level. Dynamic handling with precise steering, short braking distances, best wear on test, low fuel use.
None mentioned.
Exemplary.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 3rd | 33.2 M | 96.69% |
| Dry Handling | 2nd | 116.8 Km/H | 99.83% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 5th | 47.2 M | 95.13% |
| Wet Handling | 6th | 73 Km/H | 97.86% |
| Straight Aqua | 15th | 93.6 Km/H | 94.45% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 19th | 73.5 dB | 96.6% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 1st | 44900 KM | 100% |
| Value | 3rd | 12.81 Price/1000 | 92.9% |
| Price | 19th | 575 | 52.17% |
| Rolling Resistance | 7th | 7.63 kg / t | 93.45% |
Sporty steering behaviour, excellent driving dynamics, good aquaplaning resistance, short braking distances.
Expensive.
Exemplary.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 1st | 32.1 M | 100% |
| Dry Handling | 3rd | 116.4 Km/H | 99.49% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 4th | 46.5 M | 96.56% |
| Wet Handling | 9th | 71.9 Km/H | 96.38% |
| Straight Aqua | 1st | 99.1 Km/H | 100% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 14th | 72.5 dB | 97.93% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 5th | 33226 KM | 74% |
| Value | 20th | 20.01 Price/1000 | 59.47% |
| Price | 20th | 665 | 45.11% |
| Rolling Resistance | 12th | 8.09 kg / t | 88.13% |
Good grip and excellent handling in the dry and wet, precise steering, good aquaplaning resistance, well priced.
High rolling resistance.
Exemplary.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 6th | 33.4 M | 96.11% |
| Dry Handling | 1st | 117 Km/H | 100% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 12th | 48.9 M | 91.82% |
| Wet Handling | 10th | 71.5 Km/H | 95.84% |
| Straight Aqua | 8th | 95.5 Km/H | 96.37% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 15th | 72.8 dB | 97.53% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 7th | 32328 KM | 72% |
| Value | 7th | 14.07 Price/1000 | 84.58% |
| Price | 7th | 455 | 65.93% |
| Rolling Resistance | 19th | 9.16 kg / t | 77.84% |
Good handling, short braking distances, low wear, good price / wear ratio.
None mentioned.
Exemplary.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 13th | 34.7 M | 92.51% |
| Dry Handling | 9th | 115.4 Km/H | 98.63% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 6th | 47.3 M | 94.93% |
| Wet Handling | 11th | 70.6 Km/H | 94.64% |
| Straight Aqua | 5th | 96.6 Km/H | 97.48% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 2nd | 71.2 dB | 99.72% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 5th | 33226 KM | 74% |
| Value | 5th | 13.09 Price/1000 | 90.91% |
| Price | 3rd | 435 | 68.97% |
| Rolling Resistance | 4th | 7.43 kg / t | 95.96% |
Safe driving behavior in the dry and wet,short braking distances, low noise, good comfort.
High rolling resistance.
Exemplary.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 3rd | 33.2 M | 96.69% |
| Dry Handling | 9th | 115.4 Km/H | 98.63% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 11th | 48.3 M | 92.96% |
| Wet Handling | 13th | 70 Km/H | 93.83% |
| Straight Aqua | 13th | 95 Km/H | 95.86% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 1st | 71 dB | 100% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 9th | 30083 KM | 67% |
| Value | 8th | 15.12 Price/1000 | 78.7% |
| Price | 7th | 455 | 65.93% |
| Rolling Resistance | 17th | 8.98 kg / t | 79.4% |
Safe handling, short wet braking distances, low noise, low wear, very good price / performance ratio.
None mentioned.
Exemplary.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 19th | 36 M | 89.17% |
| Dry Handling | 15th | 114.8 Km/H | 98.12% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 8th | 48 M | 93.54% |
| Wet Handling | 16th | 69.2 Km/H | 92.76% |
| Straight Aqua | 8th | 95.5 Km/H | 96.37% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 8th | 72.1 dB | 98.47% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 2nd | 39063 KM | 87% |
| Value | 1st | 11.9 Price/1000 | 100% |
| Price | 10th | 465 | 64.52% |
| Rolling Resistance | 15th | 8.45 kg / t | 84.38% |
Good handling and short braking in the wet and dry, precise steering.
Average wear.
Good.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 2nd | 32.9 M | 97.57% |
| Dry Handling | 8th | 115.9 Km/H | 99.06% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 3rd | 45.4 M | 98.9% |
| Wet Handling | 3rd | 73.9 Km/H | 99.06% |
| Straight Aqua | 17th | 92.7 Km/H | 93.54% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 17th | 73.2 dB | 96.99% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 13th | 27389 KM | 61% |
| Value | 14th | 17.53 Price/1000 | 67.88% |
| Price | 12th | 480 | 62.5% |
| Rolling Resistance | 9th | 7.77 kg / t | 91.76% |
Well priced tyres with balanced behavior in the wet and dry. good aquaplaning resistance.
Average wear.
Good.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 11th | 34.3 M | 93.59% |
| Dry Handling | 9th | 115.4 Km/H | 98.63% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 9th | 48.1 M | 93.35% |
| Wet Handling | 7th | 72.3 Km/H | 96.92% |
| Straight Aqua | 5th | 96.6 Km/H | 97.48% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 17th | 73.2 dB | 96.99% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 13th | 27389 KM | 61% |
| Value | 11th | 16.61 Price/1000 | 71.64% |
| Price | 7th | 455 | 65.93% |
| Rolling Resistance | 10th | 7.83 kg / t | 91.06% |
Stable driving in the wet, short dry braking distances, good comfort, low rolling resistance.
Average wear, high price.
Good.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 10th | 34.2 M | 93.86% |
| Dry Handling | 13th | 115 Km/H | 98.29% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 14th | 49.5 M | 90.71% |
| Wet Handling | 12th | 70.5 Km/H | 94.5% |
| Straight Aqua | 19th | 91.7 Km/H | 92.53% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 5th | 71.5 dB | 99.3% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 13th | 27389 KM | 61% |
| Value | 18th | 19.9 Price/1000 | 59.8% |
| Price | 17th | 545 | 55.05% |
| Rolling Resistance | 1st | 7.13 kg / t | 100% |
A wet specialist with a good balance and safe handling properties, good aquaplaning reserves, short braking distances.
Average wear, high rolling resistance.
Satisfactory.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 7th | 33.5 M | 95.82% |
| Dry Handling | 12th | 115.3 Km/H | 98.55% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 1st | 44.9 M | 100% |
| Wet Handling | 1st | 74.6 Km/H | 100% |
| Straight Aqua | 7th | 95.8 Km/H | 96.67% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 20th | 73.6 dB | 96.47% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 11th | 27838 KM | 62% |
| Value | 19th | 19.94 Price/1000 | 59.68% |
| Price | 18th | 555 | 54.05% |
| Rolling Resistance | 20th | 9.82 kg / t | 72.61% |
Convincing performance on wet and dry roads, short braking distances, good aquaplaning resistance, good price.
Average wear.
Satisfactory.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 13th | 34.7 M | 92.51% |
| Dry Handling | 5th | 116.2 Km/H | 99.32% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 6th | 47.3 M | 94.93% |
| Wet Handling | 8th | 72.1 Km/H | 96.65% |
| Straight Aqua | 10th | 95.4 Km/H | 96.27% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 11th | 72.2 dB | 98.34% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 16th | 26042 KM | 58% |
| Value | 13th | 16.9 Price/1000 | 70.41% |
| Price | 4th | 440 | 68.18% |
| Rolling Resistance | 13th | 8.15 kg / t | 87.48% |
Sporty handling qualities, good dry grip, low rolling resistance.
Understeer in the wet, average wear.
Satisfactory.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 8th | 34 M | 94.41% |
| Dry Handling | 7th | 116.1 Km/H | 99.23% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 18th | 51 M | 88.04% |
| Wet Handling | 17th | 68.9 Km/H | 92.36% |
| Straight Aqua | 12th | 95.2 Km/H | 96.06% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 3rd | 71.3 dB | 99.58% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 11th | 27838 KM | 62% |
| Value | 10th | 15.99 Price/1000 | 74.42% |
| Price | 6th | 445 | 67.42% |
| Rolling Resistance | 8th | 7.65 kg / t | 93.2% |
Good lateral grip, short dry braking, low rolling resistance.
Understeer handling and long wet braking.
Satisfactory.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 11th | 34.3 M | 93.59% |
| Dry Handling | 16th | 114.6 Km/H | 97.95% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 19th | 51.6 M | 87.02% |
| Wet Handling | 18th | 68.8 Km/H | 92.23% |
| Straight Aqua | 16th | 93.2 Km/H | 94.05% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 8th | 72.1 dB | 98.47% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 10th | 29634 KM | 66% |
| Value | 12th | 16.87 Price/1000 | 70.54% |
| Price | 16th | 500 | 60% |
| Rolling Resistance | 3rd | 7.4 kg / t | 96.35% |
Short dry braking, low wear, low rolling resistance, low price.
Average wet performance.
Satisfactory.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 9th | 34.1 M | 94.13% |
| Dry Handling | 18th | 114.2 Km/H | 97.61% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 16th | 50.5 M | 88.91% |
| Wet Handling | 19th | 68.7 Km/H | 92.09% |
| Straight Aqua | 18th | 92.5 Km/H | 93.34% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 11th | 72.2 dB | 98.34% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 8th | 31879 KM | 71% |
| Value | 9th | 15.21 Price/1000 | 78.24% |
| Price | 14th | 484 | 61.98% |
| Rolling Resistance | 11th | 7.94 kg / t | 89.8% |
Low wear, low rolling resistance.
Understeer handling, slow steering in the wet.
Satisfactory.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 18th | 35.7 M | 89.92% |
| Dry Handling | 19th | 113.7 Km/H | 97.18% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 17th | 50.6 M | 88.74% |
| Wet Handling | 20th | 67.7 Km/H | 90.75% |
| Straight Aqua | 11th | 95.3 Km/H | 96.17% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 7th | 71.8 dB | 98.89% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 4th | 35920 KM | 80% |
| Value | 6th | 13.78 Price/1000 | 86.36% |
| Price | 15th | 495 | 60.61% |
| Rolling Resistance | 6th | 7.56 kg / t | 94.31% |
Good aquaplaning resistance, short wet braking.
Understeer in the dry, average wear, high fuel use.
Conditionally Recommended.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 16th | 34.9 M | 91.98% |
| Dry Handling | 17th | 114.3 Km/H | 97.69% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 2nd | 45.3 M | 99.12% |
| Wet Handling | 5th | 73.2 Km/H | 98.12% |
| Straight Aqua | 2nd | 98.5 Km/H | 99.39% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 13th | 72.4 dB | 98.07% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 20th | 22450 KM | 50% |
| Value | 16th | 19.15 Price/1000 | 62.14% |
| Price | 2nd | 430 | 69.77% |
| Rolling Resistance | 18th | 9.05 kg / t | 78.78% |
Sport handling, good aquaplaning safety, short braking distances.
Long wet braking, high wear.
Conditionally Recommended.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 15th | 34.8 M | 92.24% |
| Dry Handling | 4th | 116.3 Km/H | 99.4% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 20th | 52.2 M | 86.02% |
| Wet Handling | 4th | 73.3 Km/H | 98.26% |
| Straight Aqua | 3rd | 97.2 Km/H | 98.08% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 8th | 72.1 dB | 98.47% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 18th | 23348 KM | 52% |
| Value | 15th | 18.85 Price/1000 | 63.13% |
| Price | 4th | 440 | 68.18% |
| Rolling Resistance | 16th | 8.86 kg / t | 80.47% |
High aquaplaning resistance, short wet and dry braking distances.
Understeer in the wet, poor wear.
Conditionally Recommended.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 17th | 35.4 M | 90.68% |
| Dry Handling | 14th | 114.9 Km/H | 98.21% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 13th | 49.2 M | 91.26% |
| Wet Handling | 14th | 69.6 Km/H | 93.3% |
| Straight Aqua | 4th | 96.7 Km/H | 97.58% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 3rd | 71.3 dB | 99.58% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 17th | 23797 KM | 53% |
| Value | 17th | 19.75 Price/1000 | 60.25% |
| Price | 11th | 470 | 63.83% |
| Rolling Resistance | 14th | 8.3 kg / t | 85.9% |
Short wet and dry braking distances, low price, low rolling resistance.
Understeer in the dry and wet, low aquaplaning resistance, high wear.
Conditionally Recommended.
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | 19th | 36 M | 89.17% |
| Dry Handling | 20th | 112.5 Km/H | 96.15% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Braking | 15th | 49.7 M | 90.34% |
| Wet Handling | 15th | 69.5 Km/H | 93.16% |
| Straight Aqua | 20th | 90.7 Km/H | 91.52% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | 6th | 71.7 dB | 99.02% |
| Test | # | Result | % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wear | 18th | 23348 KM | 52% |
| Value | 4th | 12.85 Price/1000 | 92.61% |
| Price | 1st | 300 | 100% |
| Rolling Resistance | 2nd | 7.34 kg / t | 97.14% |
Something interesting caught my eye here. Maxxis VS5 did well in 2020 AMS and ADAC wet tests (and overall), same time it totally tanked in this one, especially wet braking. Is there something I'm missing here?
Perhaps different versions of the tyres due to size differences. 245/45 R18 is quite an odd size so might be a generation behind
Why in the heck they tested old Uniroyal Rainsport 3 and not the new Rainsport 5?
It will be because the 5 wouldn't have been available in the size required at the time of test.
Where can we find Nexen Nfera SU2? I can see the SU4, is that a successor of SU2 already?
Thanks in advance
I don't actually know, it doesn't seem to be available in many sizes yet, if it's in the market place at all
Does anyone have an idea which of these top 10 tires is the most comfortable? The softest to hit.
My educated guess would be the Goodyear or Falken
New tyre-tests of AB Sportcars
https://reifenpresse.de/202...
Thanks :) It's due on the site on monday!
Also on the posted page is the test from auto motor sport, here are more details from this test (in german)
https://www.auto-motor-und-...
Hope the test from sport auto will come soon, it´s the test I´m mostly agreed in the past
Thanks for this awesome site! As the new owner of a 2008 Lexus IS250, I am a bit overwhelmed with all the tyre info available here. I need some help.
I am looking to pick up a staggered 18" OEM set-up of 225/40R18 front and 255/40R18 rear. Here are my options:
- Nexen N'Fera SU1 353 EUR/set
- Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 435 EUR
- Michelin Pilot Sport 3 482 EUR
(The Hankooks and Michelins have 1-year extra pothole warranty included.)
Further info:
- For dynamic driving style, but no racing.
- 70/20/10 split city/country roads/motorway.
- Domestic road quality is less than desirable.
- For summer tyre only (April-October), but occasional rainy weather should also be considered for safety.
Thanks in advance!
D.
https://www.tyrereviews.co....
You have the F1 SuperSport in your sizes?
Yup, for 580 EUR! :o
Worth it over the Hankooks (or the Nexens)?
If you want the best of the best, yes, but at those prices the Hankook would probably take my money of those you've listed
I agree with the finding that the Michelin PS4 did not have good wear compared to the Conti/Goodyear. Having ran all three on the back of my C250 the results match my own experiences. The only praise for the Michelin above the Goodyear (although in comparison to an Asym 3) was that it offered much better wet traction off the line. Shame they couldn't have tested the new Rainsport 5 also. Also interesting to see the differences between the findings in this and the 2020 ADAC test, especially with regards to the Maxxis, which ive just bought... Otherwise great work!
Do you know what speed the wet braking was done at?
Very surprised by these results, only 7m separating best/worst in wet either the braking tests were done at a low speed or -all- of these tyres are good with no ditchfinders! ?
100kph, the distances are longer than the braking test which I believe was 80kph.
Don't forget the worst braking tyres were weeded out with the pre-test
True, still a surprise with some in there though and 7m is still quite a small gap for the 20!
Surprised to see Uniroyal struggle so much in the wet too...
Michelin, most of the time, gives very good discounts, here in Greece at least. I bought them cheaper than both Continental and Goodyear. But you really can't go wrong with any of the three.
Agreed, all three manufacturers are making excellent tyres now