2024 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test: Welcome everyone to the second big summer tire test of 2024! We continue where the 2024 ADAC summer tire test left us with the new 2024 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test ! This year Auto Bild examined over 50 tires of size 205/55 R16 — a common size for compact cars. This size has a large variety of options, which can be confusing. The test narrowed down to a detailed examination of 20 tires. The findings revealed that while three tires were rated “exemplary,” twelve were rated “good,” and four were “satisfactory.” However, one tire was only “conditionally recommended” due to its cost efficiency despite good performance in wet and dry conditions.
The test winner was Michelin Primacy 4+ , praised for its balanced high performance and handling qualities. Notably, the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 stood out for its mileage, offering over 45,000 kilometers, which paired with its price and low rolling resistance, won it the title of “AUTO BILD Eco-Master 2024.”
Table of Contents
In depth Tire Engineer analysis
Wet Braking vs Wear
When it comes to tire performance, there’s a delicate balance between providing good grip on wet roads and making sure the tire lasts a long time. Tires that stop quickly on wet roads are usually softer, which means they might wear out faster. On the other hand, tires that last longer are usually harder, which can mean they don’t grip as well in wet conditions. Tire companies try to make tires that offer both good wet braking and good mileage, but it’s tough to excel at both.
From the latest data, it’s clear that some tires are doing a great job at this balancing act. The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 leads the way with the best overall score when combining wet braking performance and mileage. It’s followed closely by the Michelin Primacy 4+, Fulda EcoControl HP2, and Bridgestone Turanza 6. These tires stand out because they manage to provide both safety on wet roads and durability for a longer road life.
| Wet Braking | Mileage | Combine | |
| Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 | 88% | 147% | 236% |
| Michelin Primacy 4+ | 93% | 127% | 220% |
| Fulda EcoControl HP2 | 87% | 131% | 218% |
| Bridgestone Turanza 6 | 92% | 112% | 204% |
| Continental PremiumContact 7 | 100% | 100% | 200% |
| Kumho Ecsta HS52 | 99% | 88% | 187% |
| Firestone Roadhawk | 90% | 97% | 187% |
| Maxxis Premitra 5 HP5 | 91% | 96% | 187% |
| GT Radial FE 2 | 88% | 96% | 184% |
| Uniroyal RainSport 5 | 93% | 90% | 183% |
| Giti Git Synergy H2 | 87% | 96% | 182% |
| Hankook Ventus Prime 4 | 93% | 85% | 178% |
| Falken Ziex ZE310 Ecorun | 92% | 84% | 176% |
| Dunlop Sport BluResponse | 86% | 90% | 176% |
| Toyo Proxes Comfort | 94% | 80% | 173% |
| BF Goodrich Advantage | 89% | 84% | 173% |
| Kleber Dynaxer HP4 | 90% | 82% | 172% |
| Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2) | 91% | 81% | 172% |
| Nexen N’Fera Primus | 93% | 63% | 156% |
| Vredestein Ultrac | 97% | 50% | 147% |
Here’s a simplified look at how they stack up:
- Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2: Strong in wet conditions and best for long-term use with a combined score of 236%.
- Michelin Primacy 4+: Excellent at stopping quickly in the wet and lasts quite a while, scoring 220% combined.
- Fulda EcoControl HP2: Good for wet braking with decent longevity, coming in at 218% combined.
- Bridgestone Turanza 6: Solid performance in wet braking and fair mileage, with a combined score of 204%.
Meanwhile, the Continental PremiumContact 7 is the top performer in wet conditions but sits right at the average for wear, bringing its combined score to 200%.
These numbers show that while it’s challenging to make a tire that’s top-notch in both areas, some brands are getting pretty close. These top-performing tires reflect the manufacturers’ commitment to creating products that don’t make you choose between safety in the rain and getting the most out of your tire purchase.
Wet Braking vs Rolling Resistance
In tire design, one of the most significant challenges is to balance the ability to stop quickly in wet conditions with the need to minimize rolling resistance. Wet braking is a key safety feature as it defines how quickly a car can come to a stop on wet roads. Lower rolling resistance, on the other hand, improves fuel efficiency and reduces carbon emissions by making it easier for a car to roll forward.
Generally, tires designed for excellent wet braking have a softer rubber compound and more aggressive tread patterns to grip the road better. However, these features can increase rolling resistance because more energy is needed to keep the tire rolling. Conversely, low rolling resistance tires are usually harder and have less tread to grip the road, which can compromise wet braking performance.
| Wet Braking | Rolling Resistance | Combine | |
| Continental PremiumContact 7 | 100% | 100% | 200% |
| Hankook Ventus Prime 4 | 93% | 106% | 199% |
| Firestone Roadhawk | 90% | 105% | 195% |
| Uniroyal RainSport 5 | 93% | 102% | 195% |
| Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 | 88% | 106% | 194% |
| Toyo Proxes Comfort | 94% | 100% | 194% |
| Kumho Ecsta HS52 | 99% | 96% | 194% |
| Dunlop Sport BluResponse | 86% | 108% | 194% |
| Bridgestone Turanza 6 | 92% | 101% | 194% |
| BF Goodrich Advantage | 89% | 105% | 193% |
| Kleber Dynaxer HP4 | 90% | 104% | 193% |
| Michelin Primacy 4+ | 93% | 99% | 192% |
| Falken Ziex ZE310 Ecorun | 92% | 98% | 191% |
| Vredestein Ultrac | 97% | 92% | 189% |
| Fulda EcoControl HP2 | 87% | 101% | 188% |
| Pirelli Cinturato P7 (P7C2) | 91% | 97% | 187% |
| Nexen N’Fera Primus | 93% | 94% | 187% |
| GT Radial FE 2 | 88% | 96% | 184% |
| Maxxis Premitra 5 HP5 | 91% | 92% | 182% |
| Giti Git Synergy H2 | 87% | 88% | 175% |
Despite this inherent conflict, tire manufacturers strive to develop tires that excel in both areas through advanced engineering and material technologies. Here’s how some of the latest tires measure up:
- Continental PremiumContact 7 stands at the top, achieving perfect balance with 100% in both wet braking and rolling resistance, for a combined score of 200%.
- Hankook Ventus Prime 4 and Firestone Roadhawk show impressive results as well, nearly matching the leader with combined scores of 199% and 195%, respectively, showing that they can stop quickly in the rain without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
- Uniroyal RainSport 5, with a score of 195%, and Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2, at 194%, also demonstrate that high wet braking performance can go hand-in-hand with low rolling resistance.
These tires represent the success of the industry in tackling the trade-off between wet braking and rolling resistance. The top-scoring tires showcase the potential of achieving excellent safety features while also contributing to a vehicle’s efficiency and environmental friendliness.
ADAC vs Auto Bild
Comparing the test results from ADAC 2024 and Auto Bild 2024 reveals some anomalies that might leave us scratching our heads, especially when it comes to declaring a clear winner among the tire models tested.
In the ADAC test with the size 215/55R17,the Michelin Primacy 4+ lagged notably in wet braking on both asphalt and concrete, with differences of -8.4% and -13.7% respectively. Interestingly, the Michelin performed better in aquaplaning and had slightly higher scores in exterior noise and fuel consumption than the Continental. The most significant difference was in the abrasion category, where Michelin had a substantially higher score, indicating better abrasion rate at 125% compared to Continental’s 100%.
Comparative Analysis Table: Continental PremiumContact 7 (ref) vs Michelin Primacy 4+
| Test | ADAC 2024-215/55R17 | Auto Bild 2024 -205/55R16 |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Braking | -5% | -2% |
| Wet Braking | -8% | -7% |
| Aquaplaning | +2% | +3% |
| Exterior Noise | +1% | +2% |
| Fuel consumption | +2% | -1% |
| Mileage | 0% | +27% |
In contrast, the Auto Bild test with the size 205/55R16 shows the Michelin Primacy 4+ is much closer in performance in this test, with smaller differences, especially in dry braking (-2%) and wet handling (-1%). The Michelin shows an advantage in straight aquaplaning (3%) and noise (2%), similar to the ADAC test. Notably, in the Auto Bild test, the Michelin Primacy 4+ demonstrates much better mileage at 127%, which differs with ADAC with no mileage differences.
The difference in the size of the tires tested (215/55R17 for ADAC and 205/55R16 for Auto Bild) could be a contributing factor to these anomalies. Tire size can affect various performance characteristics, such as grip, noise, and wear. The vehicle used for the test can also influence the outcome. The ADAC might have used a heavier vehicle like the VW T-Roc in the wear test, which could account for the noticeable difference in the abrasion score. A heavier vehicle would typically cause more wear on a tire than a lighter one, like a Golf, which might have been used in the Auto Bild test.
These results highlight the complexity of tire performance testing and the importance of considering all variables, including tire size and the test vehicle’s characteristics. It also underscores why consumers may find it challenging to choose the best tire, as different tests can yield different winners.
Summary
The 2024 Auto Bild Summer Tire Test evaluated over 50 tires of size 205/55 R16 and narrowed down to 20 for detailed analysis. The top performers included the Michelin Primacy 4+ for its balanced performance and the Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2, which boasted impressive mileage and was named the “AUTO BILD Eco-Master 2024.”
The test highlighted the industry’s efforts to balance wet braking with tire wear and rolling resistance. The Goodyear EfficientGrip Performance 2 led with a combined score of 236% for wet braking and mileage, while the Continental PremiumContact 7 excelled with a perfect score in both wet braking and rolling resistance.
However, comparing these results with the ADAC’s tests, which used a different tire size and potentially a heavier test vehicle, revealed discrepancies. Notably, the Michelin Primacy 4+ showed significantly better wear in the Auto Bild test than in the ADAC’s results, suggesting that tire size and vehicle weight could influence outcomes.
These variances underscore the complexity of tire performance characteristics and the importance of context in test results, making the choice for consumers all the more challenging.