ÖAMTC summer tire test: completely satisfied

ÖAMTC summer tire test: completely satisfied

All makes were tested with regard to their driving and safety properties, comfort and cost-effectiveness aspects as well as from the perspective of sustainability. "In over 50 years of tire testing, we have never had a test with such good results: three 'Good', 12 'Satisfactory' and one 'Sufficient'. But even the model at the end of the test table is not a bad tire at all, depending on the requirements profile," says ÖAMTC tire expert Steffan Kerbl happily.

The fact that there is no 'very good' despite the good results is due to the methodology. “For a tire to receive an overall grade of ‘Very Good’, it would also have to perform ‘Very Good’ in all individual categories – that is not realistically to be expected,” explains Kerbl. There is a constant conflict of objectives, especially when testing tires: good driving characteristics are usually accompanied by softer rubber compounds and, in turn, this has a negative impact on mileage and tire wear. The Continental Premium Contact 7 performed even more respectably, achieving the best rating in the test with an overall grade of 2.0. The Michelin Primacy 4+ and the Kumho Ecsta HS52 are also close behind with 'Good'. One of the test models inevitably has to be at the bottom of the test table: the Vredestein Ultrac. "Due to the predicted mileage of just under 30,000 km, this tire only receives a rating of 'Satisfactory'. That is around 40,000 km less mileage than the 'Kumho Ecsta HS52' or the 'Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance 2', the best in this criterion," says Kerbl. Nevertheless, the Vredestein could e.g. B. be an option for infrequent drivers. This tire performs quite well in the driving safety category. Conversely, for frequent drivers, in addition to the Kumho and the Goodyear, the Michelin and the Continental, each with a predicted mileage of 60,000 km, are also interesting. The Semperit Speed-Life 3 also offers very good mileage.

The broad midfield in the test consists of 12 summer tires that scored 'satisfactory'. "Depending on your personal requirements, you can get inexpensive tires that offer good performance in certain categories. If, on the other hand, a tire has to do everything as well as possible, you should go for a more expensive premium manufacturer," advises Kerbl. The ÖAMTC test table helps with the selection: broken down according to driving safety and environmental impact, everyone will find what they are looking for according to their needs. The decisive factor is your personal driving profile. “In terms of safety, the price should be of secondary importance - a significantly shorter braking distance can be crucial for safety in an emergency and the price difference is usually not huge when calculated over the period of use,” concludes Kerbl. Further details below www.oeamtc.at/tests