ADAC winter tyre test 2026: 9 of 32 models rated deficient
On 22 September 2026 ADAC published the results of its test of 32 winter tyres in sizes 185/65 R15 and 225/50 R17, run together with partner clubs. 6 tyres were rated good and 9 deficient because of dangerously weak results in at least one driving category.
- Each tyre went through driving and braking tests on dry, wet, snow-covered and icy surfaces; environmental factors — predicted mileage, tyre abrasion and efficiency — were also included in the rating.
- In size 185/65 R15, typical for small cars, only 2 of 16 tyres were rated good, 9 cannot be recommended and 3 were so weak in driving safety that they did not get beyond deficient; in size 225/50 R17, 6 of 16 tyres were rated deficient.
- The predicted mileage of the small-car tyres averaged about 31,000 km, the lowest being 22,000 km; the mid-size tyres averaged more than 45,000 km.
- ADAC recommends replacing winter tyres with less than 4 mm of tread or older than eight years; the Austrian club ÖAMTC, which published the results on 16 September, summarises them as 6 good, 11 satisfactory, 6 adequate and 9 deficient ratings.