TCS winter tire test 2025: One third of tires fail

This time, the TCS experts tested a typical dimension of winter tires for the compact class and lower middle class. With some shocking results: in the wet, the braking distances of the weakest tires are over 15 meters longer - a potentially fatal risk.

31 winter tires in the dimension 225/40 R18 92V were evaluated by the TCS Test & Technology department in the large winter tire test 2025. The products were assessed according to 19 test criteria, summarized in two main categories: Driving safety and environmental balance. The poor test result of more than a third shows that when buying winter tires, you should not just buy any rubber because the price is cheap, but rather rely on competent advice from garage owners or consult the TCS test results when choosing tires.

Tires for popular car models
Winter tires are specially designed for snow, black ice and low temperatures. They ensure good traction and shorter braking distances and therefore make a significant contribution to the safety of all road users on winter roads. The tested 225/40 R18 92V tires cover all price segments and are suitable for compact and lower mid-range vehicles. They are frequently fitted to models such as the Audi A3/S3, BMW 1, 2 and 3 Series, Fiat Tipo, Hyundai i30, Renault Mégane, Toyota Corolla and VW Golf, as well as the Skoda Octavia Combi, which is very popular in Germany.

Potentially fatal risks
It is striking that all of the worst-rated tire models come from the cheapest budget segment. Once again, quality and safety come at a price. The three weakest tires in the test are the Syron Everest 2, the CST Medallion Winter WCP1 and the Evergreen EW66; they show disastrous results in terms of driving safety. Four tires are "conditionally recommended", including the budget model Point S Hiver S. Just above this, ten tires receive the rating "recommended", including the inexpensive Momo W-20 Pôle Nord and Matador MP93 Nordicca. Finally, six tires are "highly recommended", all from the premium category. And the three best winter tires in this year's TCS test are the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 and the Bridgestone Blizzak 6.

Striking differences
The differences between the best and worst tires in the test are particularly clear - especially when braking on wet roads. During an emergency stop from 80 km/h on a wet road, the vehicle fitted with the best tire in the test, the Goodyear UltraGrip Performance 3, came to a standstill after 31.7 meters. The same vehicle with the weakest tire, the Syron Everest 2, needed a full 47.1 meters - a difference of 15.4 meters at the same initial speed. This means that the car with the Syron is still traveling at a whopping 45.7 km/h. An accident at this speed could have tragic consequences in the event of a collision with an adult.

To avoid taking any risks, it is best to study the results of the TCS winter tire test before you buy. Click here for the PDF with all the details.