ADAC All-Season Tyre Test: One Model Rated “Good,” Five Present Safety Risks
The ADAC’s recent test of 16 all-season tyres in the small car dimension 185/65 R15 reveals a concerning trend. Only one model excelled with a rating of “good,” while a staggering eight models failed to receive a purchase recommendation. This information is critical, especially since all-season tyres have taken the lead in sales within the German tyre market, capturing approximately 36% of the passenger car segment in 2024.
Clear Winner: The Continental AllSeasonContact 2
The tyres were evaluated under diverse conditions, including dry, wet, and snowy roads. Performance metrics like grip, braking, and steering response were assessed alongside environmental factors such as mileage, tyre noise, and fuel consumption. The standout performer, the Continental AllSeasonContact 2, achieved an impressive overall score of 2.3. The ADAC praised it for delivering consistently solid handling and braking performance across all surfaces with a satisfactory environmental profile.
Following closely behind were the Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF 3 and Michelin CrossClimate 2, both earning a rating of 2.6, which translates to a “satisfactory” evaluation. Despite not excelling on every surface, both models provide an acceptable level of overall performance that merits consideration.
The Dunlop Dilemma
Interestingly, the Dunlop All Season 2 scored the highest on wintery surfaces but lagged significantly on dry roads. This instance encapsulates the broader dilemma of all-season tyres: their rubber compounds must cater to a wide temperature range, resulting in compromises between summer and winter capabilities.
Five Models Considered Safety Risks
In a worrying assessment, five tyres received a “poor” rating, categorizing them as safety risks:
- Norauto 4 Seasons 2 (Rating: 4.9)
- Bridgestone Weather Control A005 Evo (Rating: 5.3)
- Mastersteel All Weather 2 (Rating: 5.3)
- Roadhog RGAS02 (Rating: 5.4)
- Tomason Allseason (Rating: 5.5)
These tyres demonstrated clear inadequacies on wintery roads and exhibited considerable weaknesses in at least one other aspect, such as wet or dry braking. Notably, the Roadhog RGAS02 and Mastersteel All Weather 2 are nearly identical in design, being manufactured in the same facility. The subtle differences in their ratings are attributed to variations in supply sources.
Neglected Small Car Dimensions
The ADAC noted a troubling trend that disadvantages consumers: some manufacturers of all-season tyres appear to regard the small car market as less significant. While brands like Bridgestone and Michelin have advanced generations of all-season tyres, they do not offer these in the tested small car dimension. This lack of modern tyre technology in the 185/65 R15 segment is concerning, given that all-season tyres possess a substantial market share.
Who Should Consider All-Season Tyres?
The ADAC recommends all-season tyres primarily for occasional or low-mileage drivers. Those frequently facing extreme conditions—either high summer temperatures or heavy winter snowfall—are better served by dedicated summer and winter tyres. In Germany, the situational winter tyre obligation demands that all-season tyres bear the “3PMSF” symbol (a snowflake symbol) to be classified as winter-ready. Many tested models meet this requirement on paper but vary widely in actual safety performance.
Conclusion
The latest ADAC tyre test underscores the necessity of careful tyre selection—especially for all-season models. With only one model rated as “good” and five deemed safety risks, consumers must be cautious and informed. As all-season tyres gain popularity, understanding their capabilities and limitations remains crucial for ensuring road safety.
