European automotive clubs reveal major safety gaps in 2026 winter tire tests

Major European automotive clubs, including the ADAC, ÖAMTC, AvD, and TCS, have released comprehensive 2026 winter and all-season tire test results, revealing significant safety disparities between models.

In tests covering dimensions 185/65 R15 (small cars) and 225/50 R17 (mid-size cars), a high percentage of tires failed to meet safety standards. For small cars, results were particularly poor, with many models receiving failing grades due to dangerous braking distances on wet surfaces. In some cases, the difference in braking distance between top-performing and failing tires reached nearly 18 meters.

Top performers across various tests included the Continental WinterContact TS 870, Michelin Alpin 7, and Pirelli Cinturato Winter 3. While premium brands dominated the top rankings, budget manufacturers like Linglong and Optimo showed improved performance in the mid-range. Experts warn that brand reputation does not guarantee safety, as several well-known models failed to provide balanced performance across snow, ice, and wet conditions.