Best winter tyres you can buy – updated for 2024

As every year, the time for a switch to winter tyre is coming. And as always, we are monitoring all the new winter tyre tests to give you advice what tyres you should buy this season.

First, we will briefly summarize the tyres from last year’s tests, which will give us an idea of what to expect this year. After that, we will have a look at what changed and also check some new tyres on the market.

Michelin still on top

Our first recommendation last year was Michelin and nothing really changed on that. The Pilot Alpin 5 still remains on top of our winter tyre ranking chart, accompanied with the SUV variant as close second. It’s pretty much the most expensive winter tyre, but also the best one. It’s the number one choice for sporty winter driving, but it’s also really safe in all conditions. There is a lot of tests of the tyre, so feel free to check it out on it’s model page.

The Pilot Alpin is the performance model in the line-up, but Michelin also has a brand new touring model on the market, which seems really promising. The Alpin 6 has been on the market since 2018, so new model was already due. So this year, we are getting the Alpin 7, which Michelin claims have improved snow braking by 6%, snow acceleration by 1.5% and rolling resistance by 9%. While snow performance improvements are certainly welcome and will help the tyre in the tests significantly, we would also like to see some improvements in the wet, as that was quite often cited as a weakness.

Goodyear’s tyre introduced last year has seen more success

We also recommended Goodyear Ultra grip Performance 3, which was a new model for 2023. Our recommendation still stands and we have some more tests that prove it’s a great tyre. This year, it has won one of the Adac’s thorough tests and came second in the other one. The success is based on mileage and efficiency, which ADAC tests put a big emphasis on. And frankly, on those smaller tyre sizes, it’s really important. Great tyre that is made in pretty much all sizes, ranging from R14 to R22.

Continental is still the most balanced tyre on the market

Next we checked the Continental tyres, namely WinterContact TS870 P, which we have also some more tests this year to prove it’s worthiness. It got second in the STRAßENVERKEHR test and 6th in the ADAC test, mainly because while the tire is very well balanced, it lacks a bit in the dry performance and also mileage and rolling resistance when compared to the previously mentioned Goodyear.

But then there is the non-performance regular TS870 tyre, which won the other ADAC test this year in 205/55 R16 size and has great track record of winning almost every test it was featured in. I might be repeating myself but as a Continental tyre, it’s very well balanced and has a very good mileage too.

Continental has also a brand new tyre on the market. It’s called WinterContact 8 S and shows the change in naming Continental is doing on it’s new models, which is what also Michelin and Bridgestone is doing. It’s aimed at high performance vehicles and for now, it’s only available in R19 up to R22. Unfortunately it seems like we won’t be getting any tests of this new tyre this year, which is a pitty as it supposed to be really good and we would love to see it compared Michelin Pilot Alpin 5.

The mystery of a decade-old tyre

Additionally, we discussed the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, a model that is nearly a decade old. Throughout its lifecycle, the tyre has undergone updates, allowing it to reclaim top positions in recent tests. According to 45 different evaluations, the tyre performed exceptionally well upon its initial release. Although its performance declined over time, recent assessments indicate that it has surged back to the top of the test rankings. With its reasonable price and excellent mileage, there is no reason not to recommend the Dunlop Winter Sport 5, even after all these years.

It’s difficult not to like Hankook …

Next up is Hankook with it’s Winter Icept models, which are still a great choice as they are more affordable than european premium tyres, but comparable in quality, which is very unique. Last year, we talked about the performance variant, the Evo3, but this year we got some tests of the touring variant, the RS3. From R14 to R18 sizes, it is very balanced and offers precise handling and traction on both wet and winter roads, along with good projected mileage and low wear. It was fourth in the ADAC R16 and Autozeitung R17 test and fifth in the R17 ADAC test and we can definitely recommend it.

Bridgestone’s new model

Last year, we also talked about the Brigestone LM-005 tyres and how it got mixed results from the tests because of different methodology. Well, this year we got a new tyre from Bridgestone called simply just Blizzak 6 and so far it seems ithe test results are quite consistent now. The Bridgestone winter and allseason tyres established themselves as wet experts in the last year’s the new Blizzak is no different. For climates with more rain than snow it’s an ideal tyre.

New good budget tyres available

Kleber Krisalp HP3 still stands as our tip for a cheaper tyre, but this year we got a new suggestion in the form of a tyre from Austrian manufacturer Semperit, which is a part of the Continental group. It’s name is Semperit Speed-Grip 5 and when you look at the tread design, you can definitely see some Continental’s influence on there. It finished third in the big Autobild’s test with very balanced performance and even pretty good mileage, which is rare for a low-cost tyre.

And lastly, let’s talk about some more news – there is the Barum Polaris 6, which is another Continental subbrand from the Czech Republic. The sixth model is completely redesigned and the tread also looks like a Continental tyre and there are a lot of improvements in terms of the qualities of the tyre.

Conclusion

While we have provided some general tips for interesting tyre models, it’s important to notice that always, it depends on what is currently available on the market and of course the current price. For that, you can input your tyre dimension and see the current deals available just for you.