ADAC 2019 185/65 R15 summer tyres test

The summer season is often no less demanding than the winter one. Therefore, it should not be underestimated and it is better to purchase a set of good tyres in advance, which will allow you to use the full potential of your car and ensure an appropriate level of road safety. This year's ADAC tests provide a lot of useful information about popular models available on the market. This time the size 185/65 R15 came under the scrutiny of the German organisation.

The summer season poses different challenges to the driver than the winter one.

Go directly to ADAC 185/65 R15 test results

Why the ADAC?

The German automobile club is one of the largest and most respected organisations in the automotive world. It already has nearly 20 million official members from all over the world. Its main objectives are to monitor and promote road transport. It owes its greatest popularity to periodical tests of car models and their equipment, including child seats.

When preparing summer tyre tests, the ADAC analyses all elements of key importance for the safety and comfort of road users:

• wet grip

• dry-weather performance

• lifespan

• noise generation / driving comfort

• impact on fuel consumption.

185/65 R15 summer tyres – in which cars will they work?

In 2019, summer tyres in size 185/65 R15 were tested with smaller cars, mainly driving in urban and motorway traffic in mind. The tested models will be used in such cars as: Volkswagen Golf, KIA Rio, Mazda 2, Citroen C3, Toyota Verso, Fiat Panda, Fiat Multipla, Seat Ibiza, Mercedes class A, Hyundai i30, or Dacia Logan.

How do I check if the size fits my car? This information is usually found in the vehicle manual, on the fuel filler flap or on the driver's side door pillar.

Summer is not only associated with high temperatures.

ADAC summer tyres test in size 185/65 R15

*Five grades (1-5) of the ADAC, where "1" (very good) is the highest grade.

No surprises – winner of the ADAC 185/65 R15 summer test

Over the last few seasons, the test results of the German organisation have been surprising at times. Tyres in the lower classes sometimes occupied high places on the podium, gaining better grades than the more established competitors. This time, however, there were no major surprises in the list for size 185/65 R15. All leading positions have been taken by manufacturers from the premium class.

Bridgestone Turanza T005 (grade 2.0) – best travel companion

Bridgestone Turanza T005

Touring tyres are very popular among drivers who often cover long distances (not always on perfectly level surfaces). They provide the necessary comfort, reliability and at the same time they are economical in use.

Bridgestone Turanza T005 found favour in the eyes of ADAC’s experts, winning in 2 out of 5 categories. However, it was primarily the balanced parameters in each of the tested sectors that determined its final triumph in the ranking.

The Bridgestone Turanza T005 model won in two categories:

• Driving on a dry surface (grade 1.5) – the secret to exceptional performance in typically summer conditions lies in the innovative carcass construction. It is based on reinforced steel and rigid polyester belts, which increases driving stability. Manoeuvring is precise, accelerating smoothly and driving is safe.

• Wet grip (grade 1.9) – the innovative tread pattern is designed to combat aquaplaning. On its surface there are special ridges, which control the flow of water. It is discharged into the central zone, which then transports all fluids outside the tyre.

Interesting fact about the manufacturer: The brand name is the effect of a kind of play on words. The name of its creator Shojiro Ishibashi in free translation means “stone bridge”.

Bridgestone Turanza T005

Vredestein Sportrac 5 – economy premium class tyre

Vredestein Sportrac 5

Dutch manufacturer Vredestein is considered by many drivers to be one of the most outstanding winter tyre specialists. However, the brand in its catalogue also has high quality summer variants and this year's test is the best proof of this.

ADAC’s experts placed Vredestein Snowtrac 5 on the podium in the following categories:

• Wet grip (grade 2,2) – the tread of the model features special “Z”- shaped grooves to help distribute fluids evenly between individual channels. In addition, they optimise the stiffness of the central zone, thus shortening the braking distance and minimising the risk of skidding.

• Wear resistance/durability (grade 1.5) – long mileage and even tread performance are due to the increased rigidity of the radial construction. It helps to reduce the negative impact of the pavement, absorb bumps efficiently, prevent deformation and protect against accidental damage. An additional advantage of this solution is the lower noise generated by the tyres.

Interesting fact about the producer: The impulse to change the company's profile to a tyre manufacturer was a great factory fire in 1934. Before the event, the brand was mainly engaged in the manufacture of rubber floors, shoes and tennis balls.

Vredestein Sportrac 5

Tyre for all Weather conditions - Michelin CrossClimate+

Michelin CrossClimate+

Michelin CrossClimate+ is a continuation of the popular series, this time extended by new technological solutions that increase the mobility of the car during the most demanding weather conditions.

In order to achieve the best possible product, the testers travelled more than 5 million kilometres on this tyre at temperatures ranging from -30°C to +40°C. As a result of many months of work, the all-season model has been awarded the best summer tyres.

The ADAC experts in their ranking distinguished Michelin CrossClimate+ in two categories, naming it the winner in one of them:

• Resistance to wear (grade 0.5) - the French company is a real specialist in terms of tyre life cycle. The CrossClimate+ model received one of the best grades in this category in the history of ADAC’s tests. All thanks to the innovative multigrade compound with active molecules that adapts to the ambient temperature.

• Wet grip (grade 2,4) - specially designed chamfered tread edges optimise the tyre's stiffness during driving. This significantly shortens the braking distance and keeps the track stable.

Interesting fact about the producer: The symbol of the brand is "Bibendum", designed by Marius Rossillon, more widely known as the "Michelin man". In 2000, it was recognised by an international jury as the best logo of the 20th century.

Michelin CrossClimate+

In summer, more difficult routes are often travelled.

Distinctions not only for the leaders - the best tyres in each category:

Not only the ADAC

The ADAC tests provide a wealth of useful information to help you learn about the strengths of each model. However, this is not the only available source of information. When choosing your tyres, it's worth using several platforms to gain a broader perspective:

• Opinions on the Oponeo.co.uk portal will let you know the opinion of drivers who use the selected model on a daily basis. You can find them on the product page or in our article: The best size 185/65 R15 tyres according to driver.

• The results of this year's tests should be compared with the previous ADAC test for size 185/65 R15, to see which models are consistently at the forefront.

• The ADAC tests are not the only tests available. Each season many organisations and magazines (e.g. Autobild, AutoZeitung, ACE, AMS) publish independent rankings. You can find an alternative opinion for a particular tyre, or browse through more models available.