The ANWB tests summer and winter tires every year. A car tire is the only contact between the car and the road surface. In order to contribute to road safety, the ANWB tests the quality of car tires. The vast majority of summer tires passed the test with results ranging from 'satisfactory' to 'good'.
The ANWB took a closer look at the tire sizes 185/65 R15H and 215/60 R16V. The smallest size for the small middle class cars, such as the Audi A1, the Citroën C3, Kia Rio, Opel Corsa, Nissan Micra and the VW Polo. The other size, 215/60 R16V, is among smaller and mid-range SUVs, such as the Fiat 500X, Honda HR-V, Subaru Forester, Skoda Karoq or VW T-Roc.
The tire size 185/65 R15H shows a good result. Of the sixteen tires tested, six score well and thus achieve four out of five stars. These tires showed good performance in all important test areas – dry road surface, wet road surface, consumption and wear resistance. This is followed by ten tires that have shortcomings on one or sometimes a few test items. They score with this a sufficient and therefore receive three stars.
The larger size 215/60 R16V gives the same picture. Of the eighteen tires tested in this size, five ultimately have no deficiencies in any part and score four stars. Behind it follows a large group of twelve bands with three stars. Only one tire does not get more than two stars and is not recommended.
Since this year, the ANWB also reports the tread depth of a new tyre. In the past, tires were delivered with a profile of about eight mm. Due to new developments, tires are now also supplied with less tread depth. This raises questions among members, but in the test we see that tires can last just as long as before. That is why, in addition to profile depth, the expected service life is also included in the test.
ANWB recommends - for optimal road contact - to drive with summer tires in the summer months and when the mercury drops and to use winter tires in winter conditions. Always fit four tires of the same brand and type and check the tire pressure every month.
The ANWB has been testing the entire range of tire performance for 49 years, under all possible conditions that road users may encounter. For summer tires this concerns driving characteristics (behaviour in everyday traffic), safe handling (behaviour in emergency situations) and braking on a dry road surface. On wet roads, the ANWB tests brakes, aquaplaning and road holding and lateral grip both during normal driving and in emergency situations. ANWB.
