Auto Express Winter Tyre Test 2022 with Blackcircles.com

In September, Auto Express published the results to their annual winter tyres test.

Despite the rise in popularity of all-season tyres, the winter tyre segment is still a large market – with a wide range of models.

The testing took place in part at Goodyear’s Arctic Center in Saariselka near Ivalo and also Continental’s Contidrom near Hanover, Germany.

To help motorists make an informed choice on their car tyres, Auto Express has taken 6 popular winter tyres and put them through a number of tests – highlighting their strengths and weaknesses in winter conditions.

Winter Tyres Test: Size & Models

Each tyre tested came in size 205/55 R16, and below is the full list of models:

• Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 – with the following tyre labelling scores - rolling resistance: C, wet grip: A, noise: 71dB
• Continental WinterContact TS 87 – with the following tyre labelling scores - rolling resistance: C, wet grip: B, noise: 70dB
• Hankook i*cept RS3 - with the following tyre labelling scores - rolling resistance: C, wet grip: B, noise: 72dB
• Michelin Alpin 6 - with the following tyre labelling scores - rolling resistance: C, wet grip: B, noise: 69dB
• Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2 - with the following tyre labelling scores - rolling resistance: C, wet grip: B, noise: 67dB
• Vredestein Wintrac - with the following tyre labelling scores - rolling resistance: C, wet grip: B, noise: 70dB

Winter Tyres Test: Criteria

As part of this test, Auto Express thoroughly put each tyre through it’s paces. Focusing on the following key performance areas:

• Snow braking
• Snow traction
• Snow circle
• Snow handling
• Straight aquaplaning
• Curved aquaplaning
• Wet braking
• Wet handling
• Wet circle
• Dry braking
• Dry handling
• Rolling resistance
• Cabin noise
• Price

Winter Tyres Test: Results

1st, Continental WinterContact TS 870

We say: Launched in late 2021 – we do not have a large enough bank of reviews yet to provide insight into its popularity. Although its predecessor has scored well amongst our customers – with 4.6/5.

Auto Express says: A strong showing on snow put the Continental into a lead over arch rival Bridgestone that it never lost.

2nd, Bridgestone Blizzak LM005

We say: Customers have rated the tyre well – giving it an overall score of 4.5/5. Feedback often focusing on the impressive grip in cold weather and reliable stopping distances.

Auto Express says: The Blizzak won our wet handling and wet braking tests, and was close to taking top spot overall

3rd, Hankook i*cept RS3

We say: Newly launched this year, Blackcircles.com are unable to provide any insight into the tyre’s popularity or performance with our customers at present. Its predecessor has been popular with a score of 4.7/5

Auto Express says: The Hankook was fourth in both aquaplaning tests, but closer to the best in a straight line

4th (equal), Pirelli Cinturato Winter 2

We say: Newly launched this year, we cannot currently provide insight into the popularity of this tyre with our customers. Although its predecessor was well received – with a score of 4.9/5.

Auto Express says: Winter 2 was good in snow, taking two second places here, and top for cabin noise

4th (equal), Vredestein Wintrac

We say: A slightly lesser-known model, but for those who do purchase this tyre, the reviews are favourable. With particular focus on the tyre’s good wet weather grip and a score of 4.4/5

Auto Express says: Wintrac was half a second off the best around the handling track in dry, but slowest in the wet

6th, Michelin Alpin 6

We say: Launched in 2018, motorists are still impressed with the tyre’s grip and complete performance. When reviewing this tyre, customers have left an overall score of 4.4/5.

Auto Express says: Dry conditions reveal where Michelin’s tyre pays the price for its strong snow showing

You can visit the Auto Express website to read an in depth breakdown of the full test.