Goodyear top in winter, Conti best overall: Gute Fahrt all-season tyre test

Last month, Gute Fahrt published the first half of its latest all-season tyre test, remarking that the seven candidates didn’t handle wet and dry summery conditions as ably as the best summer tyres. As for how they fared in the snow, the motoring publication decided to test our patience and made us wait another four weeks before telling us. The time has come, and the news is both good and not great.

Starting with the not great – just as none of the all-season tyres could match the performance of a premium summer tyre in wet and dry conditions, not one of the seven proved a true match for the best winter tyres on snow or ice either. But the good news is that some came close, and Gute Fahrt reassures its readers that all-season tyres aren’t in any way unsuitable for use in winter. Rather, it considers modern all-season tyres to be at the level of “good winter tyres from ten to 15 years ago.”

Rugged up against Lapland’s December daytime temperatures of -5ºC, Gute Fahrt tester Dirk Vincken evaluated the braking, handling and traction performance of the seven 235/55 R18 all-season tyres on snow. As these are conditions rarely experienced by most motorists, the braking test contributed to just ten per cent of the total test score and the handling and tractions tests just five per cent each. Wet and dry testing contributed 65 per cent, while the remaining 15 per cent reflects performance in rolling resistance, noise and comfort-related testing.

Whereas the Continental AllSeasonContact was the deserving winner of part one, the addition of snow brought another brand to the fore. Goodyear’s Vector 4Seasons SUV was in its element in these conditions and Gute Fahrt awarded this tyre its top ‘Very Good+’ result in the winter portion of the test. Although only contributing 20 per cent to the end result, the Goodyear tyre’s performance sufficed to bring it into second place overall behind its rival from Continental.

Rated Very Good+

Gute Fahrt considers the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons SUV a “balanced” tyre on snow and gave it top marks for the braking, traction and handling disciplines. It particularly recommends this tyre to anyone driving in regions where wintry conditions are the rule rather than the exception.

Rated Good

Although the Continental AllSeasonContact remained a good all-rounder, on snow its performance wasn’t exceptional. It nonetheless remains a Gute Fahrt all-season favourite and receives a “clear Gute Fahrt recommendation”.

The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF2 was second only to the Goodyear tyre in snow traction and slalom testing and delivered good handling performance. But Gute Fahrt saw room for improvement in the snow braking discipline. It nevertheless considers the Pirelli tyre a “good choice” overall.

Rated Good-

Following a strong result in the wet and dry testing, the Weather Control A005 evo drummed up less enthusiasm on snow. Gute Fahrt reports that the Bridgestone tyre could “not quite reach the best” in the snow handling, braking and traction disciplines. That says, the publication considers these to be just minor drawbacks for an otherwise recommendable tyre.

High hopes for the snow performance of Finnish brand Nokian didn’t translate into test results. Despite commendable performance in the snow braking test, the Nokian Seasonproof SUV delivered just average results in the handling and traction disciplines.

Rated Satisfactory+

Evaluating the Vredestein Quatrac Pro, tester Dirk Vincken comments that snow performance doesn’t appear to have been the top development goal. Lateral control was less than optimal during the snow handling test.

Gute Fahrt comments that such a thing as three-season tyres existed, the Falken EuroAllSeason AS210 would have earned a better overall rating. Vincken says that the Falken team “clearly” pushed the tyre’s development towards abilities in summer conditions. It is thus “more a good choice for residents in mild weather zones.”