Off-Road Tires under the Spotlight: ADAC Test Results Disappoint
A tire, no matter the off-road brand, won't convince users it's superior across all terrains.
Ever wondered about the performance of off-road tires? As per ADAC's latest comparison test, these so-called off-road tires, commonly fitted to vehicles like campers, SUVs, and pick-ups, fall short, especially on paved roads.
Here's the lowdown: ADAC tested eight all-terrain tires (AT) in size 225/65 R17 on various surfaces - dry, wet, snow, and gravel. Sadly, the outcome isn't promising - not one AT tire gets a "good" rating from ADAC when it comes to driving safety on paved surfaces.
Wet roads seem to be a Achilles heel for these AT tires. Their braking behavior on these surfaces is disappointing, and they also show deficiencies in handling and aquaplaning behavior.
On snow, however, two tires come close to the performance of a car all-season tire with a snowflake symbol. Since the off-road tires in the test also bear this symbol, they can be driven on winter roads, but they don't quite match the car tire on gravel.
Out of all the tested AT tires, the "Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015" stands out with an overall rating of 2.9, earning a "satisfactory" rating. Four other tires also receive a "satisfactory" rating, while three are considered at least "adequate", and one model fails as "deficient".
But what if you occasionally stick to paved roads? According to ADAC, high-quality all-season tires are a safer bet. All-terrain tires may be useful for off-road enthusiasts with four-wheel drive, but they should be chosen carefully, advises ADAC. The four tires with a "satisfactory" overall rating offer a balance between strengths and weaknesses for the discerning off-road enthusiast.
[1] A recent test revealed mixed results for all-terrain tires, showcasing their prowess off-road but exposing concerns with handling on wet roads. Visit ADAC's official publications or their website for exhaustive test results. They focus mainly on summer tires, but do evaluate all-season and other types of tires, including all-terrain tires.
Sources: ntv.de, abe/dpa
[1] Despite their robust performance off-road, all-terrain tires may require careful selection for those primarily using paved roads, as their handling on wet surfaces has been found less satisfying.[2] As the manufacture from materials of any heading, except that of the product, continues to evolve, the industry's focus on improving all-terrain tire performance for an array of vehicles, such as SUVs, pick-ups, and campers, persists.[3] In the realm of finance, it's worth considering the financial implications of purchasing high-quality all-season tires versus all-terrain tires, with the former offering a more balanced performance on both paved and off-road surfaces.[4] The automotive industry's ongoing innovation in transportation solutions extends to tire development, with the continuous efforts to enhance car-maintenance options and improve the overall lifestyle of drivers driving this progress. For instance, the recent evaluation of off-road tires by ADAC demonstrates the industry's commitment to ensuring vehicle safety and convenience for various road conditions.
