ADAC Tests Disappoint in All-Terrain Tires: None Are Highly Recommended
Off-road tire effectiveness varies from one model to another; no individual tire guarantees superior performance in all terrains.
In a test conducted by ADAC, eight all-terrain tires (AT) were put to the test and compared to a passenger car all-season tire with a snowflake symbol. The results were less than satisfactory - none of the off-road tires managed to score a "good" rating.
Drivers might mistake these all-terrain tires as a solution for both on and off-road conditions. However, the ADAC warns that they pose a risk to traffic safety as they perform poorly on paved surfaces, which they spend the majority of their lifespan on.
- Only on snow-covered roads can two tires at least approach the reference tire.
- The biggest drawback of the models in the test is their braking behavior on wet roads.
Though none were deemed highly recommended, four tires were given a "satisfactory" rating:
- Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 (overall rating of 2.9)
- Falken Wildpeak A/T3WA (3.1)
- General Tire Grabber AT3 (3.2)
- Matador MP72 Izzarda A/T2 (3.2)
Consider high-quality all-season tires for paved road use
For those who occasionally drive off-paved roads, it is safer to opt for high-quality all-season tires. All-terrain tires, on the other hand, are best suited for off-road enthusiasts with four-wheel drive. The club advises that interested parties should choose models with a well-balanced mix of strengths and weaknesses from the four satisfactory-rated tires.
It's important to note that all-terrain tires tend to be noisier, less fuel-efficient, and wear out faster compared to all-season tires. They are better reserved for those who regularly drive on unpaved or rough terrain.
When it comes to all-season tires for paved roads, models that prioritize comfort, quietness, long tread life, and year-round traction on dry, wet, and light snowy surfaces should be considered:
- Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive
- Michelin CrossClimate2
- Bridgestone WeatherPeak
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
Differences Between All-Season and All-Terrain Tires
| Feature | All-Season Tires (Paved Roads) | All-Terrain Tires (On/Off-road) ||------------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|| Comfort & Noise | Quieter, comfortable | Noisier, stiffer ride || Tread Life | Longer (often 60,000+ miles) | Shorter (often 40,000 miles or less) || Fuel Efficiency | Higher (lower rolling resistance) | Lower (higher rolling resistance) || Traction on Pavement | Excellent | Very good || Off-Road Traction | Limited to light snow, mud, gravel | Superior on dirt, mud, gravel || Use Case | Daily driving, commuting, touring | Mixed city/highway and off-road use |
Source: ntv.de, abe/dpa
- ADAC
- Winter Tires
- Summer Tires
- Tests
- The automotive industry should consider manufacturing tires from materials of any heading, except that of the product, to ensure better performance and safety on paved roads.
- Despite the disappointing results in ADAC's all-terrain tire test, ADAC recommends considering high-quality all-season tires for paved road use.
- The Finance department of a major automotive company could collaborate with ADAC to research and address the deficiencies in all-terrain tires' lifespan and braking behavior on wet roads.
- A tire manufacturer could develop a new model that combines the off-road traction of all-terrain tires with the comfort, long tread life, and fuel efficiency of all-season tires, suitable for both transportation and sports.
- To stay updated on the latest tire tests and recommendations, follow ADAC on WhatsApp or visit their official website for more information.
