ADAC Winter Tire Test 185/65 R15: Only Continental and Michelin Convince

TVS News AI, editorially supervised, presents ADAC Winter Tire Test 185/65 R15: Only Continental and Michelin Convince.

Strong stuff to kick off the season: ADAC has tested 16 winter tires for compact cars – and the result is sobering. Only Continental and Michelin truly convince the testers. The auto club rates nine of 16 models as not recommended, and three models fail outright.

That's more than half of the test field, and it concerns a tire size fitted on many compact cars on German roads. Anyone facing a tire change right now shouldn't just look at the price – because winter tires determine braking distance and driving stability in wet, snowy, and icy conditions.

What exactly did ADAC test?

In its latest winter tire test, ADAC put 16 models in size 185/65 R15 for compact cars under the microscope. With this, the auto club has picked one of the most common tire sizes for compact cars – and is giving consumers guidance on tire buying right before the winter season.

Alongside premium brands, the test field also included numerous cheaper options. It's precisely this price range that comes into focus because of the result: At the bottom of the ratings, three models fail outright.

The Result: Only Two Brands Convince

The test's conclusion is unequivocal. Of the 16 tires tested, only Continental and Michelin meet ADAC's assessment as convincing. All other models have discernible weaknesses in at least one safety-relevant area.

At the bottom of the test field, three tires fail outright – they do not meet ADAC's requirements. Overall, the auto club rates nine of 16 tires as not recommended. That puts a clear majority of the test field on the negative list.

What does this mean for buyers?

Anyone looking to get new winter tires now should use the current test as a shopping guide. The results show that reaching for a cheap tire can quickly backfire – especially when it's about meters of braking distance on wet or snow-covered roads.

Those who go for Continental or Michelin are safe on the road: both brands impressed in the current test. Anyone considering a different model should check before buying whether it is recommended in the ADAC test – or at least has not failed.