In this article we consider the results of the test of all-season tires season 2020 from the authoritative German edition Auto Bild. European experts have tested more than 30 sets of tires in the size 205/55 R16 on several parameters and gave their comments. Tests of tires were conducted on dry, wet, and snowy surfaces.
In the test of Auto Bild all-season tires size 205/55 R16 not all participants were able to demonstrate all-around safety performance in all weather conditions, even though each of them is the owner of the pictogram 3PMSF.
All Auto Bild tests consist of two stages. The first stage is the qualification, where the participants with the lowest braking efficiency are eliminated.
In the given test 18 models out of 32 were left out of the main, final part of competi-tions, the sum of braking distance of which on a dry and wet road surface exceeded 95 meters.
Specialized seasonal winter and summer tires took part in the test for visual com-parison (both sets – out of classification). After the qualifying round, 14 participants remained in the test.
Interestingly, this Auto Bild test of all-season 205/55 R16 tires did not include the 2019 Cooper Discoverer All-season and the 2020 Nokian Seasonproof novelty, but their testers promised a comprehensive examination at the earliest opportunity.
The snow tests were conducted at the test site in Ivalo, Finland, in fairly harsh weather conditions on properly prepared tracks.
Kleber Quadraxer 2, Continental AllSeason Contact and Firestone Multiseason Gen 02 all-season tires showed very high traction in the snow.
Kleber Quadraxer 2 model is not only ahead of its rivals, but also ahead of winter tires in the handling test, where BFGoodrich G-Grip All Season 2 tires finished with the minimal gap from it. We should note that both Kleber and BF Goodrich are daughter brands of French concern Michelin.
Braking on dry roads is always a problem for all-season models, as they do not have such a high safety margin during emergency braking when compared with the indicators of summer tires: the lag in the length of the braking distance between the summer tire and the worst all-season discipline, Kumho Solus 4S HA32, is more than five meters. However, Michelin CrossClimate+ and Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF tires did their best to come as close as possible to the summer tires’ indicators.
The Bridgestone Weather Control A005 Evo and Vredestein Quatrac tires showed the best stability in turns on a dry track.
In the case of heavy rain and melting snow, there is a danger of aquaplaning. The best tires in resistance to this phenomenon are Hankook Kinergy 4S2 H750 and Vredestein Quatrac.
They are also among the leaders in handling, lateral stability, and braking tests, where Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 and Continental AllSeason Contact tires tried to compete with them with varying success.
In addition to the above-mentioned advantages of tires for year-round operation, low fuel consumption can also be noted. Here Bridgestone Weather Control A005 Evo, Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF earned their points.
The second important saving factor is high wear resistance, which determines the tires’ durability. Michelin CrossClimate+, Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, and Vredestein Quatrac can boast impressive durability.
This 2020 novelty from Goodyear claims to be the most balanced tire in all weather conditions with dynamic handling on both snow and dry and wet asphalt. Character-ized by high resistance to wear and low rolling resistance, for which they received the title of “Eco-Master”. There are no pronounced disadvantages.
New all-season tires, which appeared only in 2020. They are characterized by an exemplary level of performance, stable running properties in snow, the best safety reserves in aquaplaning, as well as dynamic controllability, effective braking on dry and wet roads, and very long mileage.
Convincing in its capabilities with the best performance on snow and a very good performance-price ratio. It also features high resistance to autoclaving, precise steering, durability, and low rolling resistance.
A premium all-season tire with a good balance of properties in all weather condi-tions, dynamic handling and precise steering response, high mileage, and low roll-ing resistance.
Unlike the previous model, the Falken tires stand out simply for their exemplary balance, predictable and stable behavior in all weather conditions. They also stand out for their good aquaplaning resistance, long service life, and affordable price.
This all-season tire is characterized by good traction and short braking distance on snow, good handling on wet surfaces, short braking distance on dry asphalt, high mileage, and an excellent price/performance ratio. As a disadvantage, it is worth marking the average resistance to aquaplaning.
Convincing handling quality on wet surfaces and snow, effective braking properties on dry and wet asphalt, very good aquaplaning resistance. Weaknesses: average mileage, insufficiently high driving comfort.
All-season – “winter professional” with the best driving qualities on snow, fast brak-ing on a dry road, low noise level, good mileage, and fuel economy, low price. Its main disadvantage is poor resistance to transverse aquaplaning.
Another brand that excelled in the snow test, showing excellent lateral stability and high traction on snow and ice, short braking distance on dry roads, good ride com-fort, and low rolling resistance. The disadvantages are insufficiently high controlla-bility and driving behavior on wet asphalt.
Sports and dynamic handling on wet and dry asphalt, effective braking in the dry, precise steering, relatively low rolling resistance. Disadvantages: average traction and weak lateral traction on snow, average mileage.
The balanced all-season tire with quick braking on dry surfaces, good aquaplaning resistance, low noise level, high wear resistance. Cons: poor lateral stability on wet surfaces, high rolling resistance.
These all-season tires are characterized by good safety reserves in aquaplaning, short braking distance on dry roads, high mileage, and economical rolling re-sistance. As the disadvantages are increased stopping distance and understeer on snow and ice.
Good traction and effective braking in snow, dynamic handling on dry and wet sur-faces. The rating “Satisfactory” is caused by low exploitation life, high rolling re-sistance, and the overpriced for such characteristics.
Good resistance to aquaplaning, dynamic handling, and fast braking on dry asphalt in the tests faded on the background of the average mileage, understeer, and poor braking properties on wet roads.
All-season tires are becoming increasingly popular. Their advantages are obvious: no annoying need to change “car shoes” twice a year, the opportunity to save to some extent on the second set of wheels, and the associated fee for their storage.
Based on the results of their test of all-season 205/55 R16 tires, the Auto Bild ex-perts say that with some models for year-round use you may indeed be as safe as with seasonal summer or winter tires. However, this statement applies mainly to the products of premium brands.
We should also underline that it is beyond the scope of this Auto Bild test to cover the behavior of all-season tires on ice, mainly because these models live in tem-perate climates.
