2010 Auto Bild Performance Winter Tyre Test

Winter tyres are a hot subject at the moment, with new tests being released weekly. Usually winter tyre tests focus on the smaller tyre sizes winter tyres are often used in, meaning if you drive a performance car and are interested in ultra high performance winter tyres you have to hope the tyres tested in the smaller sizes have the same attributes in the larger sizes.

Fortunately this year Auto Bild have released a secondary winter tyre test using 245/45 R 18 sized tyres. The tyres were tested on an Audi TT and had the usual mix of tests on dry, wet and snowy roads.

One result worth noting is the TyreReviews favourite Nokian WRG2 finishing last. Rest assured it's still a good tyre for the UK climate, the test scoring was bias towards snow performance, but Auto Bild commended the WRG2's sporty dry handing and good wet grip.

Here are the full results with breakdown

1st: Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D

Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D
  • 245/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 25
  2. Dry: 7
  3. Wet: 9
  4. Snow: 9
Excellent winter properties with excellent cornering on hard-packed snow, very good aquaplaning properties, dynamically balanced handling characteristics on wet and dry track
Slightly higher noise levels

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2nd: Continental WinterContact TS 830 P

Continental WinterContact TS 830 P
  • 245/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 24
  2. Dry: 6
  3. Wet: 8
  4. Snow: 10
Excellent winter properties with the best traction and shortest braking distances on snow, excelling aquaplaning properties, dynamic handling characteristics with short braking distances on wet roads
Slightly long dry braking distances

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3rd: Pirelli Sottozero Serie II

Pirelli Sottozero Serie II
  • 245/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 21
  2. Dry: 7
  3. Wet: 7
  4. Snow: 7
Good winter performance with safe cornering on snow and ice, balanced dynamic performance on wet and dry roads, low rolling resistance
Slightly longer stopping distances on wet and dry surfaces

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4th: Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 2

Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 2
  • 245/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 20
  2. Dry: 6
  3. Wet: 6
  4. Snow: 8
Convincing winter performance with short braking distances on snow, sufficient aquaplaning performance, safe driving on wet and dry surfaces
Slightly longer braking distances on dry roads, increased rolling resistance

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5th: Nokian WRG2

Nokian WRG2
  • 245/45 R18
  • 3PMSF: no
  1. Total: 17
  2. Dry: 7
  3. Wet: 5
  4. Snow: 5
Good safety margin in the wet, sporty handling with short braking distances on dry roads
Only satisfactory winter characteristics, slightly extended braking distances on a wet track

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