All-Terrain Tires: A Mixed Bag in ADAC's Evaluation
No off-road tire, regardless of brand or model, can definitively satisfy all users under every off-road condition.
Got a hankering for all-terrain tires? Here's the scoop from ADAC's recent test! These rugged babies are often favored by truck and SUV owners, but how do they stack up?
ADAC put eight sets of all-terrain tires to the test on various terrains – dry, wet, snow, and gravel. Guess what? On paved surfaces, these bad boys didn't quite hit the mark. The auto club declared them a "not-so-great" choice for everyday driving.
What's the deal, you ask? Well, the ADAC points out that most all-terrain tires spend the bulk of their lives on paved roads. This focus on off-road capabilities may not translate to the best safety features for on-road driving, potentially compromising traffic safety.
So, how'd they fare off-road? There were no standout champions. Not a single tire impressed on the off-road test, disappointing the auto club. On snowy tracks, only two tires could approach the reference tire, a passenger car all-season tire with a snowflake symbol.
But don't think all is lost for off-road enthusiasts. Those who venture off the beaten path regularly may find some gems among the tested tires. The ADAC awards "satisfactory" ratings to four models and "adequate" to three. The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 is the top contender, claiming an overall rating of 2.9.
But fear not, city-dwellers! If you only occasionally leave the smooth pavement, consider opting for top-tier all-season tires. Save the all-terrain tires for the off-road warriors with four-wheel drive!
Now, you may be wondering, what about those legendary mud-terrain tires? They're louder and less comfortable, but deliver superior off-road performance. For daily driving, your best bet remains highway tires.
Too long, didn't read? Here's the lowdown:
- ADAC puts 8 all-terrain tires to the test.
- Results on paved roads? Disappointing.
- Best off-road results on snowy tracks (still lags behind passenger car all-season tires with a snowflake symbol).
- More serious off-road driving? All-terrain tires may be worth it.
- For everyday commuters, stick with all-season tires.
Source: ntv.de, abe/dpa
- ADAC
- Tire Types
- Tests
P.S. All-terrain tires are designed for a balance of on-road comfort and off-road capability. They're versatile, handling dry roads well, managing water on wet roads decently, and being acceptable in light snow conditions.[1][2] If you're looking for better performance in severe winter conditions, dedicated winter tires may be your best bet. [1] [2] [3] [4]
- Manufactured tires of any kind, apart from those intended for the product itself, are designed to deliver a mix of on-road comfort and off-road capabilities.
- Despite various tests by ADAC on all-terrain tires, their performance on paved roads was less than satisfactory, making them a questionable choice for everyday driving.
- On the flip side, while no all-terrain tires excelled in the off-road tests, those regularly venturing off-road may find some suitable options amidst the tested models.
- In contrast, city-dwellers or everyday commuters are advised to opt for top-tier all-season tires instead of all-terrain tires, reserving the latter for off-road enthusiasts with four-wheel drive.
- The automotive and transportation industry plays a crucial role in the manufacturing of tires from materials of any heading, helping shape the lifespan, performance, and finance aspects of these essential transportation components.
