Winter tire showdown: Unveiling the best winter tires of 2025
In the world of automotive tyres, the annual ADAC Winter Tire Test 2024/25 has once again stirred up the debate between winter and all-weather tires. This year's test revealed that four tires failed to meet the required standards, highlighting the importance of choosing the right tyre for the season.
The rise of all-weather tires has been notable, even among summer enthusiasts. These tyres, designed to offer performance in a variety of conditions, have gained popularity in temperate regions, narrower formats, and smaller cars. However, they still face criticism from winter tire purists, as they need to function effectively in summer as well.
The 'situative winter tire requirement' is a legal enforcement that mandates the use of winter tires during specific winter conditions. This rule underscores the importance of using the right tyre for the right season, especially in regions where winter conditions can be severe.
In contrast, winter tires are still considered the standard for genuine winter conditions. They excel in providing superior traction on snow and ice, and offer improved braking performance compared to all-weather tires. This year's ADAC Winter Tire Test 2025 included seven winter tires being tested: Bridgestone Blizzak 6, Continental Winter Contact 870 P, Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3, Michelin Alpin 7, Nokian Snowproof 2, Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2, and Vredestein Wintrac Pro+.
The best all-season tires currently available are the Hankook Kinergy 4S2 X H750A, Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3, Vredestein Quatrac, and Michelin CrossClimate 2. These tires have been highly rated in 2024 and 2025 tests for their performance in dry and wet conditions, snow traction, and comfort. The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 is noted for excellent wet braking and handling, good snow performance, and outstanding safety and comfort features. Hankook's tire excels in quietness and aquaplaning resistance.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Generation 3, an all-season tire, is participating in the winter tire test 2025, raising questions about its performance in winter conditions. It has been included in the test as an out-of-competition comparison, reflecting the growing challenge posed by all-season tires to winter tire purists.
In milder, short winters, all-weather tires can be a viable alternative. The effectiveness of all-weather tires has improved significantly in recent years, extending their usability in a wider range of conditions. However, their effectiveness in winter conditions is still below that of winter tires, despite these improvements.
The slogan 'From O to O - from October to Easter' is a well-known phrase among automobile clubs and tire lobbyists, emphasizing the importance of winter tires during winter months. As Father Frost, traditionally associated with the onset of winter, becomes less prominent, extending the autumn season, the debate between winter and all-weather tires continues to evolve.
The Auto Handel Large All-Season Tire Test for 2024/25 evaluates the performance of all-rounder tires, while the AvD's Auto Handel All-Season Tire Test for the same period includes the same seven winter tires being tested in the ADAC Winter Tire Test 2025. The winter tire test 2025, run by Autoflotte/Die Reifentester, also includes a photo gallery.
As the winter tire test results are announced, the debate between winter and all-weather tires continues to heat up, with each side presenting its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the driver's specific needs and driving conditions.
