An in-depth analysis of 31 winter tyres, examined according to safety, performance and durability criteria.
In our latest tyre test, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of 31 winter tyres in size 225/40 R18, a size increasingly popular on compact cars and sporty sedans. This is the largest number of models ever tested, with a balanced distribution of 6 premium tyres, 11 “quality” brand tyres, and 14 “economy” tyres.
The goal: provide clear, evidence-based purchase recommendations by evaluating road safety, environmental performance, tyre lifespan, and braking distances on dry, wet, snowy, and icy roads.
While the common belief is that “all tyres are now good,” results reveal a more nuanced – and sometimes concerning – reality. Eleven out of fourteen economy tyres were rated “insufficient” in terms of road safety, representing a real risk for drivers. Even among the “quality” segment, three out of eleven are not recommended, while only four out of six premium tyres received a “good” safety rating.
Environmental assessment (wear, rolling efficiency, fuel consumption) slightly tempers this observation: the six premium tyres tested, including Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 and Michelin Pilot Alpin 5, lead the overall ranking. Some economy models, such as Momo W-20 North Pole and Matador MP93 Nordicca, performed reasonably well but should still be considered cautiously. The takeaway: price should never outweigh safety, especially in winter.
Wet Braking: Up to 15 Metres Difference
Our tests reveal alarming disparities in wet-road braking among 225/40 R18 winter tyres. At 80 km/h, braking performance varies significantly: the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stops in 31.7 metres, while the Syron Everest 2 requires 15 metres more to stop. This underscores the critical importance of choosing quality tyres—a few metres can make all the difference in winter conditions.
Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 – The perfect balance between safety and durability
Overall rating: 2 – « Good »
The Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3 stands out as one of the best winter tyres in our test, thanks to its excellent driving safety and remarkable environmental performance.
On dry roads, it offers precise and reassuring handling, even during evasive manoeuvres. Although slight oversteer was observed in extreme situations, its braking distance remains above average (42.3 m from 100 to 0 km/h), earning it a very good rating. On wet roads, the Goodyear achieved the best performance in the test: ultra-short braking distance (31.7 m from 80 to 0 km/h), excellent resistance to aquaplaning and impeccable road holding. The vehicle remains perfectly controllable, even in tight corners. The tyre also excels in winter conditions: good traction on snow, effective braking on ice (16.7 m from 20 to 0 km/h) and precise handling on snow-covered tracks. The driver remains in control, even in tricky situations. However, there are slight weaknesses in terms of handling on dry roads.
Michelin Pilot Alpin 5: precision for safety
Overall rating: 2,1 – « Good »
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 stood out in this test thanks to its excellent driving safety performance and balanced environmental profile, earning it an overall rating of ‘good’. On dry roads, the tyre offers precise and responsive steering, with excellent road feel. Even during evasive manoeuvres, the vehicle remains stable and easy to control. It also achieved the best braking distance in the test at 100 km/h. In the rain, the Pilot Alpin 5 confirmed its qualities with very effective braking and good road holding. It showed some limitations in transverse aquaplaning, but remained safe and manoeuvrable overall.
In winter conditions, the Michelin shines with its traction on snow, braking on ice and precise handling. It effectively combines longitudinal and lateral forces, ensuring stable and controlled driving.
On the environmental side, the tyre, which is manufactured in Spain, has a long service life, low abrasion and reduced fuel consumption. The only downside is the presence of production residues on new tyres, which can be dispersed into the environment during the first few kilometres. It is also slightly heavier than average. A balanced, high-performance and durable tyre, ideal for demanding drivers seeking safety and reliability.
Bridgestone Blizzak 6: a reliable and economical winter tyre
Overall rating: 2.2 – ‘Good’/
The Bridgestone Blizzak 6 stood out in this test thanks to its good overall performance, both in terms of driving safety and environmental friendliness.
On dry roads, it offers precise and responsive steering, with good road feel. The vehicle remains stable and easy to control, even during evasive manoeuvres. Its braking distance at 100 km/h is considered very satisfactory.
In the rain, the Blizzak 6 confirms its qualities with effective braking and good road holding. It performs well in longitudinal aquaplaning, but has some limitations in transverse aquaplaning, without compromising safety.
In winter conditions, the tyre performs well in terms of braking on snow and ice, as well as traction. However, it lacks a little precision when cornering on snow, which prevents it from achieving the highest score in this category. Despite this, driving remains safe and controlled.
In terms of the environment, the Polish-made model stands out for its long life, low abrasion, reduced weight and moderate fuel consumption. A balanced, reliable tyre that is well suited to harsh winters.
Six models stand out clearly and are rated ‘good’ in all categories:
- Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3
- Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
- Bridgestone Blizzak 6
- Dunlop Winter Sport 5
- Hankook Winter i*cept evo3 W330
- Continental WinterContact TS 870 P
These tyres offer excellent grip, short braking distances (up to 31.7 metres on wet roads at 80 km/h), precise handling and a long service life. Their low abrasion and reduced fuel consumption also make them an environmentally friendly choice.
Recommendations based on your usage
- Urban and suburban use: choose tyres that are satisfactory to good with good longevity and low noise (e.g. Michelin, Hankook).
- Mountainous or snowy use: opt for models that are excellent on snow, such as the Syron Everest 2, despite its weaknesses on wet roads.
- Motorway use: go for balanced, quiet tyres such as the Bridgestone Blizzak 6 or the Continental TS 870 P.
Our advice for choosing and maintaining your winter tyres
Before buying your tyres, clearly identify your driving profile: urban journeys, long journeys, sporty driving or mountain driving. Always choose four identical tyres, of the same model and type, to ensure consistent road handling.
Tyre pressure should be checked regularly. In the case of heavy loads, adjust it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, as indicated in the vehicle manual. If the tread depth varies, fit the best-performing tyres at the rear: they ensure stability, especially when cornering.
We recommend replacing winter tyres as soon as the tread depth falls below 4 mm, in order to maintain a safety margin, especially in the event of aquaplaning. Choose recent models, which benefit from the latest technical advances from manufacturers.
Be careful with the European label: it does not always reflect actual performance, especially on wet roads. When purchasing, check that all four tyres have the same date of manufacture (DOT code) and avoid new tyres that are more than three years old.
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