Summer tire test from Auto Zeitung — 2025

In a new test by the German magazine Auto Zeitung, testers compared 10 models of UHP class tires in the popular size 225/45 R18 on dry and wet surfaces, selecting tires of all levels from premium to budget. The list of participants included models from Bridgestone, Continental, Falken, Goodyear, Michelin, Pirelli, Toyo, and Vredestein, while the economy segment was represented by Mastersteel (a private brand of the Dutch Inter-Sprint) and Triangle.

The tests were conducted at the Bridgestone polygon near Rome, and the tires were evaluated for parameters such as braking efficiency, handling, resistance to aquaplaning, and more. In addition, laboratory tests were conducted to measure rolling resistance and wear resistance. The Skoda Octavia Combi served as the test vehicle.

According to the test results, the Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 tires were the best both on the track and in wear resistance tests, demonstrating very good results in all disciplines and scoring 279 points out of 300. Goodyear performed particularly well on wet surfaces, with a short braking distance and the best lap time, and the tires also received a high score for low rolling resistance.

The second place was taken by the Continental PremiumContact 7 tires, which also showed excellent results on wet surfaces and provided a high level of safety on dry surfaces, as well as a comfortable ride. The Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires closed the top three, impressing with their braking qualities and, like the other two leaders, being extremely effective on wet roads. Bridgestone was also recognized as the tire with the best price-quality ratio, although it had a slightly harsh ride and increased rolling resistance.

Next in line were the Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tires, which were noted for their high resource and good driving characteristics on dry surfaces, but lost points for braking efficiency on wet asphalt. The Pirelli P Zero PZ4 tires took fifth place, also losing points on the wet track, but overall still a worthy option, while the Vredestein Ultrac Pro tires, which came in sixth, combined excellent resistance to aquaplaning with long braking distances in rainy weather.

The Toyo Proxes Sport 2 tires, according to experts, provide sporty handling and quickly stop the car on dry asphalt, but have slightly reduced grip on wet surfaces, as well as a shorter service life. Slightly lower in the ranking were the Falken Azenis FK520 tires, which overall have good driving characteristics, but a too long braking distance on wet surfaces. At the same time, the Japanese brand tires are distinguished by low rolling resistance and a long service life, and both of these factors reduce the impact on the environment.

The Chinese Triangle EffeXSport TH202 tires are attractive due to their low price, but at the same time, they allowed themselves weaknesses in all important safety disciplines. In particular, Triangle has a significantly longer braking distance on wet surfaces compared to premium models, and they also have very low wear resistance. Finally, the Mastersteel Super Sport 2 tires took the last place - the cheapest tires in the test, which have very weak grip on wet surfaces and, in addition, extremely rapid wear, which means that buying them, like Triangle, is not recommended.

In conclusion, Auto Zeitung noted that Goodyear deservedly won due to its excellent qualities on dry and wet asphalt, as well as its high resource, while Continental and Bridgestone also showed good results, and Michelin and Pirelli demonstrated very balanced characteristics. At the same time, Triangle and Mastersteel once again reminded that saving on tires can significantly reduce the level of safety.

Source: Auto Zeitung