ADAC Test of All-Season Tyres Size 205/55 R16 V

All-season tyres are a good choice for drivers who drive on short distances and do not want to worry about seasonal tyre replacement. Do you know which all-season models are best to enjoy a safe and comfortable drive throughout the year? Take at a look the results of a test conducted by the ADAC and you certainly will be able to choose the right tyres for yourself.

All-season tyres are a kind of compromise in terms of performance under winter and summer conditions. We must remember that even the best all-season tyres will not be better than seasonal tyres during specific seasons. However, this is a suitable solution for drivers who drive mostly in a city or commute a short route and prefer a gentle driving style.

Ford Mondeo is one of the cars with the tyres in size 205/55 R16 (Pic. Ford).

The German automobile club ADAC has tested all-season tyres in the popular 205/55 R16 V size. Seven models were checked and took part in a number of challenges to show their performance in different weather conditions.
Go straight to the test results

Which cars fit tyres 205/55 R16 V?

Tyres in this size are fitted on cars such as the Audi A3, A4, A6, VW Golf, Passat, BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class, Renault Laguna, Megane, Seat Leon, Skoda Octavia, Superb, Toyota Avensis, Ford Focus and Mondeo.

 Do you know whether 205/55 R16 V tyres can be fitted to your car? Use our configurator: Find tyres by vehicle.
 
ADAC tested seven tyre models (the order in the table according to the place achieved in the test)
 

The best models of tyres in the particular tests
 

Source: ADAC

The Best Models According to ADAC

It is surprising that none of the tested tyres received the "very good" or "good" rating. The highest score of the challenge was to "satisfactory", which two tyres received. Three models were rated "sufficient" and two tyres placed at the bottom of the table received the note "poor".
The first place was awarded to Michelin CrossClimate. It is the world's first summer tyre approved for winter, which due to its properties is often included in the trials of all-season tyres. The model received the highest scores from the specialist area of fuel consumption; it coped well on dry and wet surfaces as well on snowy roads. And how is this tyre ranked by our customers? Very well, the model received an average score of 5.3 (out of 6) and has been recognized as an "astonishing tyre". The top parameter of this tyre rated by drivers is driving on a dry road.

Michelin CrossClimate is the first on the market summer tyre with approval for winter (Pic. Michelin).

 

Second place went to the Vredestein Quatrac 5, which similarly to Michelin’s CrossClimate received a "satisfactory" rating. This model is designed for everyday driving - offers balanced performance and an asymmetric tread ensures confidence on a wet road. The ADAC test showed that the tyre coped the best with driving on ice, fuel efficiency and wear resistance.
 
Last place on the podium was given to Nokian Weatherproof. The model received a rating of "sufficient" and definitely stood out in terms of driving on snow – it gained better marks in this competition from tyres which were ranked higher in the table. Drivers evaluating this model on our website particularly appreciate the safety which they give when driven, as well as a very good performance regardless the time of year.
 
Buy the ADAC test winner - Michelin CrossClimate

Goodyear Vector 4Seasons G2 and Pirelli Cinturato All Season tyres are another statement of the mark 'sufficient'. Our customers who have purchased these models give them a much higher evaluation than the ADAC. Vector 4Seasons G2 on Oponeo received a score of 5.5, and Cinturato All Season, a score of 5.1. In the test conducted by specialists, tyres achieved worse results in all key disciplines - on wet and dry roads and snow.

Before choosing the tyres it’s best to compare the assessment of specialists with the opinions of the drivers (Pic. ADAC).

The models that ranked the lowest and received a score of "poor" are Bridgestone Weather Control A001 and Hankook Kinergy 4S H740. Both types of tyres did not perform well in the test and fared the worst in terms of driving on snow and ice. Also, in dry conditions their performance did not prove to be satisfactory.
 
How does the ADAC test tyres? The final evaluation depends on the components taken into account during the individual test challenges. To each challenge a certain weight is assigned. The most important parameters to be considered are wet surface (30%), performance on snow (20%) and dry road (15%). Less important in the opinion of ADAC is wear resistance, impact on fuel consumption and driving on icy roads (10%), as well as noise emitted by the tyre (5%).

Before You Buy Tyres

To find a suitable tyre, it is best to start by determining the size. If you are not sure which size is suitable for your car, you can refer to the instruction manual of the car; check on the fuel filler flap or on a sticker on the driver's door pillar.
What is also important is the number new tyres you are going to fit. The best solution is to replace the whole set – it provides the best performance and safety. According to the law, driving a car with two different types of tyres is permitted; however please remember that new tyres should always be fitted on the rear axle. By doing so, we provide an optimum driving comfort and balanced performance.

Before choosing the tyres it’s best to compare the assessment of specialists with the opinions of the drivers (Pic. ADAC).

You should also consider the tread pattern. Which to choose? There is no one good answer to this question. The choice of the tread should mainly depend on the driver's preferences and driving style. Each pattern performs well in different conditions and behaves differently depending on surfaces.
 
Before making a final decision, you should also check the opinions of other drivers as well as the results of tests carried out by various organisations and car magazines. This information will help you make the best decision and select the tyres fitted to the requirements and the driver's needs.