All-season tyres are becoming more and more popular with drivers who, as a result, do not have to worry about replacing them with every new season. In theory, this type of tyre – as the name suggests – is supposed to provide good performance at all seasons. We learn how it looks in practice from tests indicating which models perform best under varying conditions. Check which all-season tyres in size 235/55 R 17 were examined by the German automobile club ADAC.
All-season tyres will be perfect for people travelling mainly in the city.
What are the characteristics of all-season tyres?
The conditions on the road in summer and winter are completely different. All-season tyre manufacturers are therefore faced with the challenge of combining completely different driving characteristics so that they can travel safely on snow-covered, slippery, wet or sun-heated surfaces.
This type of tyres has been designed in such a way that their sides are sufficiently stiff (which is useful in summer), and the compounds used guarantee flexibility (which works well in winter). Great importance is also attached to the tread pattern so that it can be characterised by numerous lamellas and grooves, which improves the grip in demanding conditions.
All-season tyres are designed mainly based on winter models because this season is quite difficult in terms of road conditions. Icy and snow-covered roads are a big test for multi-season tyres. Nevertheless, when designing them, the manufacturers also use solutions known from summer tyres, which allows for some compromise. The reality, however, can be harsh and quickly shows the true performance of all-season tyres. That is why they are recommended for drivers who prefer a calm/moderate driving style, moving mainly around the city. Multi-season tyres are quite popular, which shows that the range of their capabilities does not deter potential users from buying them.
Details of the ADAC test
This year, the attention of the German automobile club was drawn to multi-season tyres in size 235/55 R17, suitable for larger cars – mainly SUVs – VW Tiguan, Ford Kuga or BMW X3. Seven models from various manufacturers were examined:
The German specialists analysed them in terms of selected parameters, giving them appropriate scores, which translated into overall marks:
- (0.6-1.5) very good (sehr gut),
- (1.6-2.5) good (gut),
- (2.6-3.5) satisfactory (befriedigend),
- (3.6-4.5) sufficient (ausreichend),
- (more than 4.6) insufficient (mangelhaft).
Categories taken into account:
The ADAC 2020 all-season tyre ranking for size 235/55 R17
The German automobile club was quite strict in this year’s test, which translated into ratings in the general classification.
| Place | Tyre model | Note |
| 1 | Continental AllSeasonContact | 3.6 (sufficient) |
| 2 | Goodyear Vector 4Season Gen-2 | 3.8 (sufficient) |
| 3 | Michelin CrossClimate + | 3.9 (sufficient) |
| 4 | Nokian Weatherproof | 3.9 (sufficient) |
| 5 | Uniroyal AllSeasonExpert 2 | 4.3 (sufficient) |
| 6 | Vredestein Quatrac pro | 5.2 (insufficient) |
| 7 | Bridgestone Weather Control A005 | 5.4 (insufficient) |
After counting the points awarded by ADAC, four out of seven models received the same mark, and two of them, unfortunately, the lowest. Let’s take a detailed look at individual results to find out what factors affected the ranking.
Continental AllSeasonContact
This year’s winner has appeared more than once in the ADAC tests, and drivers know this model very well. Manufacturers used their own proprietary technologies to ensure that the performance offered will be optimal for each season. The mixture based on resin and silica was used intentionally – it is to provide grip in winter conditions. AllSeasonContact has a special tread pattern in which the combination of open shoulders prevents the occurrence of aquaplaning. In addition, this model contributes to a lower fuel consumption and a long service life. The ADAC specialists noticed and positively assessed the last two features, which is confirmed by the “very good” marks.
In individual categories the AllSeasonContact model received the following marks:
- driving in dry conditions (3,6),
- driving in wet conditions (2,6),
- driving in snowy conditions (3,0),
- driving in icy conditions (2,4),
- generated noise level (3,0),
- fuel consumption (1,5),
- wear resistance (1,5).
Goodyear Vector 4Season Gen-2
The second place was taken by a tyre from the American Goodyear. Densely placed lamellas, made with the use of 3D technology, and a modern rubber compound allow to enjoy safe driving all year round. Goodyear Vector 4Season Gen-2 is also environmentally friendly because it generates less rolling resistance, thus ensuring lower fuel consumption.
Like Continental AllSeasonContact, Goodyear was highly rated in the “wear resistance” category. The specialists from ADAC stated that it deserved a very good mark, so its future users do not have to worry about fast wear and tear and the need to buy a new set.
In individual categories the Goodyear Vector 4Season Gen-2 model received the following marks:
- driving in dry conditions (3,8),
- driving in wet conditions (2,6),
- driving in snowy conditions (3,6),
- driving in icy conditions (2,4),
- generated noise level (2,8),
- fuel consumption (1,9),
- wear resistance (1,0).
Michelin CrossClimate +
The last place on the podium is taken by CrossClimate + from Michelin. The French manufacturer is famous for supplying the market with tyres with unique solutions and very good feedback from drivers. Its models have also often appeared in the tests of automotive organisations, gaining high scores. In this year’s ADAC tests for size 235/55 R17, experts from the German automobile club rated Michelin CrossClimate + as the tyre that handles its “wear” best among other tested tyres.
The manufacturer did not hesitate to use cutting-edge technologies, thus equipping the tyres with many desirable features. The directional tread with self-locking 3D lamellas ensures that drivers do not have to worry about slipping on wet roads or lack of traction when driving. The blocks, on the other hand, have their edges purposefully cut, allowing a short braking distance.
In individual categories the Michelin CrossClimate + model received the following marks:
- driving in dry conditions (2,6),
- driving in wet conditions (2,7),
- driving in snowy conditions (3,9),
- driving in icy conditions (2,4),
- generated noise level (3,0),
- fuel consumption (2,0),
- wear resistance (0,6).
Nokian Weatherproof
This “weather-resistant” tyre is equipped with a number of specialized solutions. All this to ensure safe driving all year round in various conditions. The responsibility for this rests, among other things, with: the directional tread pattern – effective on wet roads, irregular lamellas – improving traction on snow, and a rubber compound with properties that guarantee better grip and less wear.
The marks obtained in the all-season tyre test by ADAC for size 235/55 R17 and for the season 2020 show that the Finnish manufacturer’s tyres can cope with a wide range of conditions. However, the most satisfied drivers will be those who pay attention to durability and long service life.
In individual categories the Nokian Weatherproof model received the following marks:
- driving in dry conditions (3,9),
- driving in wet conditions (2,9),
- driving in snowy conditions (3,0),
- driving in icy conditions (2,7),
- generated noise level (3,4),
- fuel consumption (2,4),
- wear resistance (2,0).
Uniroyal AllSeasonExpert 2
Uniroyal AllSeasonExpert 2 is the last all-season tyre in the ranking to receive the “sufficient” note. For a decent price, drivers get good driving performance at any time of the year, regardless of the weather conditions.
It is not without reason that the tyre features a specially designed tread to avoid aquaplaning. The manufacturer is considered to be a specialist in the field of tyres suitable for rainy conditions, therefore rainfall and winter melting will not become an insurmountable obstacle. In addition, AllSeasonExpert 2 has been robustly crafted, which is proven by its wear resistance and long service life.
In individual categories the Uniroyal AllSeasonExpert 2 model received the following marks:
- driving in dry conditions (4,3),
- driving in wet conditions (2,7),
- driving in snowy conditions (3,0),
- driving in icy conditions (2,4),
- generated noise level (2,7),
- fuel consumption (2,2),
- wear resistance (1,0).
All-season tyres – is the perfect compromise worth it?
Year by year, multi-season tyres are becoming increasingly popular among drivers. The low marks received in the tests do not – and should not – discourage buyers. All-season tyres are now available in most of the leading manufacturers’ offers, and their extensive scientific and research facilities are proof of their expert approach to this matter. It is therefore worth trusting the experience that translates into every new model.
However, before purchasing, the all-season tyre marking must be carefully examined, paying particular attention to the symbol 3PMSF. This abbreviation denotes a three-peak mountain snowflake pictogram, which is crucial for the driver to know that such a tyre will guarantee a safe journey in the event of a sudden blast of winter.