All tires are not created equal. This statement carries a lot of weight as it relates to the safety and performance of your vehicle. Tires are the crucial connectors between your car and the road, and their performance can wildly vary depending on the brand and type. In a comprehensive comparative study of all-weather performance tires, tire expert Jonathan Benson evaluated seven all-season tires on various terrains and conditions. The striking revelations point toward the significant role these components play in ensuring road safety and vehicle performance.
The Tire Brands Tested
The test comprised seven all-weather performance tires. These were the Michelin CrossClimate 2, Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3, Continental AllSeasonContact 2, Bridgestone Turanza All-Season 6, Yokohama BluEarth 4S AW21, the Dunlop Sport All Season – a tire featuring a unique asymmetrical tread, and the Fronway Fronwing AS, an off-brand budget tire.
Wet Conditions Performance
One of the surprising results in wet conditions was produced by the budget tire, Fronway Fronwing AS. Benson, who sees wet performance as the most critical category for an all-season tire, found that this cheaper brand was significantly slower than the other major brands. With exceptionally poor braking performance, the tire needed around 50 feet more to stop from 50 mph compared to the top-ranking tire, the Bridgestone Turanza All Season 6. The implications of such performance could have serious consequences in hazardous driving conditions.
Snow and Ice Performance
On snow and ice, the results painted a contrasting picture. Surprisingly, the cheap Fronway did exhibit commendable snow performance, likely due to its snow tire roots. The Pirelli Cinturato All Season SF3 was found to be enjoyable to drive in most conditions. However, the asymmetrical Dunlop struggled with grip and handling on these icy terrains.
Winners and Losers
In terms of overall performance, the honors went not to the Michelin CrossClimate 2, but to the Continental AllSeasonContact 2. This tire outperformed the Michelin in most wet and dry tests. Although the Michelin did have good snow handling, it had issues with straight traction. The CrossClimate 2 was even bested by the Pirelli and Bridgestone, relegating it to a fourth-place finish in this evaluation.
Conclusions and Future Developments
In conclusion, all major brands performed well, with some showing more superior performance than others. Factors such as wet braking performance, traction, tire wear, and overall handling were all critical in assessing the effectiveness of these all-season tires. Looking ahead, it’s worth noting that the development of the next-generation Michelin – the CrossClimate 3 – is reportedly underway. The tire industry will be watching keenly to see whether it can come out on top in future evaluations.