Disappointing Results in ADAC's All-Terrain Tire Test
Versatile off-road tire fails to persuade in all conditions.
Turns out, all-terrain tires aren't all that they're cracked up to be. The ADAC put eight of these bad boys to the test, even comparing them to a passenger car all-season tire with a snowflake symbol. Guess what? None of the off-road tires made the grade, receiving only "not a good choice" ratings on paved surfaces. Yikes!
When it comes to handling the wild, these chunky tires might prove strong. But on the city streets and highways? They fall flat. The ADAC found that their handling and aquaplaning behavior left a lot to be desired, and their braking behavior on wet roads was the most significant flaw. Only two tires could come close to the reference tire on snow-covered tracks, but even then, they didn't quite make the cut.
So, What's a Driver to Do?
With no "good" rated tires in the test, the ADAC doesn't consider any of them recommendable. However, it does award a "satisfactory" rating to four tires, three of which are at least "adequate," and one model that fails as "deficient."
The winner is the "Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015" with an overall rating of 2.9. Also "satisfactory" are the "Falken Wildpeak A/T3WA" (3.1), the "General Tire Grabber AT3" (3.2), and the "Matador MP72 Izzarda A/T2" (3.2).
If you're only occasionally venturing off-road, the ADAC recommends high-quality all-season tires for a safer drive. All-terrain tires might be a better fit for off-road enthusiasts with four-wheel drive, but they should choose carefully—the club reports that it's possible to find models with balanced strengths and weaknesses among the four tires with a satisfactory overall rating.
Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3: An Alternative to All-Terrain Tires
When considering an alternative to all-terrain tires for paved roads, drivers might want to take a closer look at the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3. This tire has been praised for its excellent grip and short braking distances, demonstrating good safety margins even at high speeds on wet roads. Its lateral grip and aquaplaning resistance are commendable as well.
However, it's important to note that actual ADAC results might provide more specific insights into European standards. If you're interested in results from ADAC specifically, you might want to check their official publications for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Other Notable All-Season Tires
Other notable all-season tires include the Nokian Hakka Blue 3 and the BF Goodrich Advantage DT1. While the ADAC hasn't specifically tested these models, they are known for their strong grip and good all-around performance, respectively. Keep these options in mind when shopping for an alternative to all-terrain tires on paved roads.
- In the automotive industry, manufacturers are cautioned against using tires as a product when constructing tires of any kind, except those specifically designed for the tire itself.
- Despite the disappointing results of all-terrain tires in the ADAC's test, chunky off-road tires can still offer adequate performance in rugged terrains.
- For finances, it may be more beneficial for drivers to invest in high-quality all-season tires for safer driving on paved roads, especially if transportation primarily occurs on city streets and highways.
- When compared to all-terrain tires, sports tires like the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 might be a better choice for excellent grip, short braking distances, and good safety margins on wet roads.
- In addition to the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3, other notable all-season tire options include the Nokian Hakka Blue 3 and the BF Goodrich Advantage DT1, which are known for their strong grip and good all-around performance, respectively.
