For car enthusiasts seeking the perfect all season tire, Tire Reviews has conducted a comprehensive test of ten top-tier options. Unlike last year’s test, which focused on 17″ tires, this year’s examination centers on the smaller 15″ wheel size. The study also includes reference tires for both summer and winter driving conditions, providing valuable insights into the overall performance of all season tires in different weather conditions.
Dry Performance
In the dry conditions, it’s no surprise that summer tires outperformed winter tires, given their different designs. Among the all season tires, Michelin took the lead in dry braking, closely followed by Kleber and Hankook. During dry handling, Hankook and Goodyear emerged as the top performers, even surpassing the summer tire in terms of predictability and drivability. Michelin and Vredestein secured the third and fourth positions, respectively, with consistent performances. Notably, the Uniroyal tire, resembling a winter tire, demonstrated performance comparable to one in dry conditions.
Wet Performance
In terms of wet performance, Hankook excelled in wet braking but struggled in the aquaplaning tests. Goodyear, on the other hand, showcased impressive wet braking and handling capabilities, making it the standout performer in wet conditions. Kleber and Michelin displayed similar performances in both wet braking and handling, with good aquaplaning resistance. The Firestone tire demonstrated a reverse trend, performing better in wet handling than in wet braking, and delivering a balanced and enjoyable driving experience. Falken’s grip remained consistent across the two tests but struggled more in deeper water, while Uniroyal and Vredestein showcased contrasting strengths and weaknesses. The Toyo tire struggled in wet conditions, while the Laeo tire lacked grip in both braking and handling.
Snow Performance
Different preferences exist when it comes to all season tire performance in snow. While some prefer tires that excel in winter-like conditions, others favor a more balanced performance to cater to dry and wet climates. In this test, even the cheapest budget tire delivered satisfactory performance. The Toyo, Hankook, and Uniroyal tires showcased similar lap times, offering predictable and consistent performances. Falken ranked sixth, while Vredestein secured the fifth position with a good balance and grip. The top four tires, Goodyear and Firestone tied in third place, while Michelin and Kleber shared first place, with both delivering exceptional performance in terms of speed, cornering, and resistance to icy parts of the circuit.
Comfort and Value
Subjective noise and comfort evaluations were conducted, with the Goodyear tire proving to be the most compatible with the Golf vehicle. Hankook, Michelin, and Kleber also fared well in terms of noise and comfort. Toyo offered a firmer ride, while the summer tire and winter tire were similar to the best all season options but with slight differences in noise levels. In terms of value, the Leao tire was the most affordable, while Michelin stood as the priciest option.
Rolling Resistance
The rolling resistance of tires plays an increasingly important role as energy prices rise. The Leao tire exhibited the lowest rolling resistance, even surpassing the summer tire in this aspect. Michelin, Goodyear, and Firestone also showcased low rolling resistance. On the other hand, Falken had the highest rolling resistance, resulting in approximately 2.5% more fuel consumption compared to Michelin.
Conclusion
Based on the extensive tire test, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 claimed first place, while the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 secured second place. Hankook Kinergy 4S2 and Kleber Quadraxer 3 took the third and fourth positions, respectively. Vredestein Quatrac, Firestone MultiSeason Gen 02, Falken EUROALL SEASON AS210, Uniroyal AllSeasonExpert 2, Toyo Celsius AS2, and Leao iGreen AllSeason completed the top ten in that order. The Hankook Winter I cept RS3 and Hankook Kinergy Eco 2 served as reference tires for winter and summer conditions, respectively.
For car enthusiasts seeking the perfect all season tire, these results provide invaluable insights into performance, comfort, value, and rolling resistance. Remember, finding the right tire is crucial for safe and enjoyable driving experiences.
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Are all season tires suitable for all weather conditions?
All season tires are designed to offer a balanced performance in various weather conditions, including dry, wet, and light snow. However, for severe winter conditions, dedicated winter tires are recommended. -
How important is rolling resistance in all season tires?
Rolling resistance affects fuel consumption, so it is essential to consider tires with low rolling resistance to save on fuel costs. -
Can all season tires replace winter tires?
While all season tires can handle light snow and cold weather, they are not a complete substitute for dedicated winter tires in severe winter conditions. Winter tires are designed with specialized compounds and tread patterns to enhance traction and handling on icy and snowy surfaces.
After an exhaustive test of all season tires, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 emerged as the top performer, offering exceptional performance in various weather conditions. The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen 3 secured second place, followed by Hankook Kinergy 4S2 and Kleber Quadraxer 3. These results will guide car enthusiasts in selecting the perfect all season tire for their driving needs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
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