2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test

Driving safety is an extremely important issue, so take the time to choose the right tyres for your needs. The ADAC 2025 summer tyre test will certainly help drivers make an informed choice of the best option for the upcoming season. In this year’s test, the German organisation's specialists examined 18 models in the popular size 225/40 R18. 

The ADAC summer tyre test helps drivers to make informed and considered purchasing decisions.

What is the ADAC tyre ranking?

The ADAC German automobile association is recognised as one of the most important influential bodies in the automotive industry. ADAC tests are renowned for their impartiality and stringent assessment criteria. Summer, winter and all-season tyre tests published on a regular basis are among the most eagerly awaited by manufacturers and consumers alike. Specialists test the tyres under seasonal conditions, which allows to obtain measurable results and reveals all the advantages and disadvantages of the tested models. 

How did this year's ADAC summer tyre ranking come about?

This year's summer tyre tests were carried out in a similar way to the 2024 edition.  Models in size 225/40 R18, which is standard for cars such as the Škoda Octavia, Toyota Corolla, Audi Q3 and Vauxhall Astra, were tested. The test car this year was yet again a VW Golf. The tested tyres come from a range of premium, mid-range and budget manufacturers, so that every customer can find a variant to suit their needs. 

The selected models have been rigorously tested in both dry and wet conditions, giving drivers a comprehensive picture of the tyres’ capabilities. The results were carefully analysed and classified according to specific evaluation criteria.

It is worth emphasising that the tests carried out are completely independent, which means that the tyre manufacturers had no influence on the results.

2025 ADAC Summer Tyre Test

The automobile association used similar criteria to those used last year to evaluate the tyres. Once again, the greatest emphasis was placed on safety, which accounts for as much as 70% of the overall assessment. The remaining 30% are environmental issues, which have been taken into account during the tests for the third time. 

The main evaluation categories are: 

Driving safety (70% of the final score), comprising: 

• dry handling (40% of the category score), and
• wet handling (60% of the category score).

Environmental balance (30% of the final score), which includes: 

• mileage (40% of the category score),
• tyre wear (20% of the category score),
• performance (20% of the category score),
• noise generation (10% of the category score), and 
• sustainability (10% of the category score).

In order to best interpret the test results, it is worth looking at the factors that influenced the assessment. 

Dry handling – the dry road tests examined tyre behaviour in manoeuvres such as driving in a straight line, cornering and grip when changing lanes. Braking distance with ABS with a speed exceeding 100 km/h is also a major factor in the assessment. Driving comfort, steering response and overall vehicle stability were also tested. 

Wet handling – the rating in this criterion was influenced by resistance to aquaplaning, length of braking distance with ABS (with a speed exceeding 80 km/h), and overall behaviour when driving at high speed in the wet on a winding road. 

Mileage – the test was performed while driving in a convoy in identical vehicles over a distance of 15,000 kilometres. Every 2,500 kilometres, specialists took a laser measurement of the tread depth. The tests were carried out until the designated distance was travelled or until the profile reached the minimum allowable depth of 1.6 mm.

Tyre wear – the result of the criterion was influenced by the wear rate of the tyre’s rubber layer. 

Performance – in this criterion, the key factor was the weight of the tyre and its effect on acceleration, as well as the actual fuel burn rate when driving at a constant speed of 100 km/h. 

Noise generation – this aspect aimed to assess the noise generated by the tyres. The category score comprises two measurements. The first one is the audible sound inside the cabin at speeds between 130 and 30 km/h. The second one was measured outside, with a speed of ca. 80 km/h and while the vehicle was rolling with the engine off. 

Sustainability – this is the criterion influenced by the most components. Aspects taken into account include the country of production reflected in delivery times, compliance with ISO 14001 (environmental management), ISO 14025 and 14040/44 (life cycle) certification, the possibility of returning tested tyre models, and the presence of production residues on the tyre. The manufacturer's membership of the UN Global Compact, the possibility of contactless identification (e.g. RFID) and Ecovadis sustainability certification are also verified. 

ADAC classification table

2024 ADAC 215/55 R17 Summer Tyre Test

The results of this year's 2024 ADAC summer tyre ranking are very positive. Four of the tyres tested were rated as good, twelve were rated as satisfactory, and only one was rated as sufficient, which means it can be recommended for individuals who drive infrequently and calmly.

ADAC, by Jochen Wieler, source: https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/ausstattung-technik-zubehoer/reifen/reifentest/sommerreifen/225-40-r18/#auf-diese-autos-passt-225/40-r-18

2025 ADAC tyre test winner – Continental SportContact7 

ContinentalSportContact 7

Continental SportContact7 tyre took first place in this year's test, dethroning the competition. It scored 'very good' in the ‘driving safety’ category and also stood out from the competition in terms of environmental balance.

With its adaptive tread pattern and innovative BlackChili rubber compound, it sets the standard on dry road, providing excellent traction and precise handling, even when cornering. Significantly, the model achieved the best results in wet road tests, offering sensational grip and an extremely short braking distance. The SportContact 7 guarantees great handling balance on any surface in the summer. 

The Continental tyre is also a great choice in terms of sustainability.  In this category, it scored ‘good’ due to its low abrasion rate, high mileage and satisfactory performance. It is not only an excellent option in terms of driving performance, but also in terms of environmental criteria. A real premium product! 

Second place – Bridgestone Potenza Sport

BridgestonePotenza Sport

The Bridgestone Potenza Sport and Continental SportContact 7 are the only models to score 'very good' in this year's survey in the driving safety category. It is the perfect choice for drivers who value excellent driving performance and full control of their vehicle in any road conditions during summer. 

The carefully designed asymmetrical tread not only provides excellent traction on dry road, but also effectively disperses water from under the wheels. The resistance to aquaplaning during the tests was truly impressive. This makes the Potenza Sport perform sensationally on any surface. The sporty shape of the profile further enhances the driving experience, allowing the vehicle to reach its full potential. The tyre responds perfectly to steering movements and provides a short braking distance for maximum safety. 

Although the Bridgestone Potenza Sport scored 'satisfactory' in the environmental sustainability category, it fell just short of a 'good' rating. The slightly worse result was influenced by the high fuel consumption and the considerable weight of the tyre. The long expected mileage and good wear resistance are features that definitely speak in favour of this model.

Michelin Pilot Sport 5 completes the podium

MichelinPilot Sport 5

Michelin Pilot Sport 5 offers the best combination of driving safety and environmental balance. In tests, it achieved excellent results on dry road, providing stability, predictability and very good responsiveness to steering movements.  

Thanks to the use of innovative proprietary technologies and the advanced Dual Sport Thread Design, the Pilot Sport 5 fully demonstrated its potential during wet road testing. The tyre provided a short braking distance in simulated rainy conditions, very good grip and directional control – it was one of the best performing models on the water in the test. 

The Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyre also achieved fantastic results in terms of environmental balance. The long predicted mileage (second best score in the test), the low weight of the tyre and the good abrasion resistance earned it a 'very good' rating. Surprisingly for a sports tyre, this model stands out for its good energy efficiency. 

2025 ADAC summer tyre test results by category

It is important to remember that in order to get the full picture of a tyre's capabilities, it is advisable to analyse all its features and not to base a purchasing decision solely on one criterion. An example of this is the DoubleCoin DC-100, which achieved the highest rating in the sustainability category in the tests, but received the poorest overall score. This means that, although it has low fuel consumption and lower environmental impact, it shows significant shortcomings in key aspects such as safety and wet handling.

It is therefore advisable to read the ADAC test results carefully and compare them with your own expectations and operating conditions before making a purchasing decision. Only a comprehensive analysis will help you avoid disappointment and select the model best suited to individual needs.

Summer tyre test – table with individual criteria scores