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German tire regulations and evolving safety test results

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2026-10-14 10:36 UTC → 2026-10-28 06:22 UTC · added removed

Germany has implemented updated regulations regarding winter tire usage. As of October 2024, tires must feature the Alpine symbol (Three Peak Mountain Snowflake or 3PMSF) to be legally recognized as winter tires during snowy or icy conditions, as M+S markings are no longer sufficient for compliance. All-season tires have reached a sales peak in Germany, surpassing both summer and winter tires for the first time, according to data from the Federal Association of Tire Trade and Vulcanizing Crafts. To address the perception that all-season tires are a compromise for performance-oriented vehicles, compromise, manufacturers like Pirelli, Continental, and Michelin are now offering sporty models with high speed indices. Notably, the Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3 secured first place in the 225/40 R18 category in recent testing. Safety concerns have intensified following 2026 testing by major European automotive clubs. clubs, including ADAC, ÖAMTC, AvD, and TCS. In a study of 16 winter tires for small and compact cars (185/65 R15), the ADAC reported that nine models failed to receive a recommendation, a result experts described as ‘shocking.’ Only two models achieved a ‘good’ overall rating: the Continental WinterContact TS 870 and the Michelin Alpin 7. 7 achieved a ‘good’ rating. Further large-scale testing by AUTO BILD on 50 models in the 245/45 R19 dimension (245/45 R19) highlighted significant performance gaps, with a 17.6-meter difference in braking distance on wet asphalt between the best and worst performers. In the initial qualification phase, the The Pirelli P Zero Winter 2 achieved the best overall combined stopping distance, followed by the Continental WinterContact TS 870 P and the Michelin Pilot Alpin 5. Notably, while the Vredestein Wintrac Pro+ recorded the shortest specific braking distance on snow at 28.9 meters. snow. Additional research by ADAC emphasizes that while German law permits tread down to 1.6 mm, performance degrades sharply between 4 mm and 2 mm, with aquaplaning resistance potentially dropping by 25 percent. In all-season testing (185/65 R15), only the Continental AllSeasonContact 2 received a separate ADAC test of 32 winter tire models, fifteen ‘good’ rating, while eight other models were deemed not recommended, with nine receiving failed to receive a ‘deficient’ rating. The study noted issues with durability and safety, particularly in small car tires that may perform well on snow but pose risks on dry roads. recommendation.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-28 06:22 UTC German tire regulations and evolving safety test results
  2. 2026-10-14 10:36 UTC German tire regulations and evolving safety test results
  3. 2026-10-05 07:50 UTC German tire regulations and evolving safety test results
  4. 2026-09-29 16:31 UTC German tire regulations and evolving safety test results
  5. 2026-09-23 08:13 UTC German tire regulations and evolving safety test results
  6. 2026-09-22 11:59 UTC German tire regulations and market trends
  7. 2026-09-20 19:06 UTC German tire regulations and market trends

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