TCS: Beware of cheap tires from China
IMPORTANT INFORMATION As part of the winter tire test, the TCS tested 16 195/65 R 15 and 18 225/50 R 17 tires. 31 products proved to be good, two failed completely as a safety risk. In driving tests on various test sites and different road surfaces, the TCS determined the driving behavior of 34 new winter tires. In addition, [...]
In driving tests on various test sites and different road surfaces, the TCS determined the driving performance of 34 new winter tires. The tires also had to prove themselves in terms of noise development, fuel consumption and wear.
The vast majority of 31 of the tires tested were convincing and were rated recommendable or highly recommendable.
Classic dimension of the compact class
The 195/65 R 15 size is the best-selling dimension for lower mid-range vehicles. Four of the 16 tires tested are "highly recommended", eleven are "recommended" and one is "conditionally recommended". One of the main reasons for deducting points for this tire dimension is weaknesses on wet roads and unsatisfactory wear resistance.
Serious weaknesses in two products
The 225/50 R 17 tires are suitable for mid-range cars. Three products are "highly recommended", 13 are "recommended" and two tires are "not recommended". The two that failed are cheap Chinese products: the Goodride Z-507 Zuper Snow and the Linglong Green-Max Winter UHP.
The purchase of these two tire models is not recommended due to serious weaknesses, in particular due to poor wet-weather properties and insufficient wear resistance.
All results in the current winter tire guide
The results in detail and the detailed ratings of the tested tire models can be found on the TCS test page at www.reifen.tcs.ch. The latest tire tests and background information will also be published in the new "Winter Tires 2021" guide, which will be available in printed form at the end of September.
