ADAC Winter Tire Tests Reveal Safety Gap Between Budget and Premium Brands
ADAC's recent winter tire tests have revealed significant differences in performance and safety between budget and premium brands. While manufacturers like Continental, Michelin, and Bridgestone focus on balanced performance, budget-oriented brands prioritize low production costs, leading to poor results in winter conditions.
The ADAC test highlighted that budget tires often come from unknown, no-name brands produced in East Asia. Out of fourteen budget tires tested, eleven scored the lowest grades, with only two achieving a 'satisfactory' safety rating. In contrast, premium brands offered consistent performance across all test disciplines.
On snow-covered roads, the best and worst tires tested had braking distance differences of up to 9 meters at 50 km/h. This difference corresponds to a deceleration difference of over 2 m/s², demonstrating the critical impact of tire choice on safety. The tested tire dimension, 225/45 R17, is commonly used for mid-size vehicles and is particularly sensitive in winter driving conditions.
Failed products in the test, though EU-compliant, revealed weaknesses under practical conditions. Outdated carcass constructions, imprecise tread blocks, and insufficient silica content in the tread compound were observed in these tires. These factors contributed to reduced performance and safety, particularly on wet roads where braking effect deviations were noted.
The ADAC winter tire test underscores the importance of considering more than just price when choosing tires. Budget tires may seem appealing, but they can compromise safety, especially in winter driving conditions. Consumers are advised to prioritize performance and safety ratings over initial cost.
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