TCS 2024 summer tire test: No SUV tire gets top marks

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By the time the Easter Bunny moves into the front yard in about six weeks, it will be time to switch to summer tires. Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) has already announced the results of its annual summer tire test. 16 tires for compact SUVs and lower middle class vehicles (215/55 R17) were examined, suitable for the Audi Q2, Hyundai Kona, Ford C-Max, Renault Megane and Scenic or VW T-Roc models.

Basically, the result of the 2024 tire test is positive: although none of the 16 tire models receives a five-star rating, three are classified as “highly recommended” and 12 as “recommended”. One only needs to be satisfied with the final result of a tire “conditionally recommended”. Despite the positive overall picture, differences in some test criteria are large. This is clearly seen in the example of different braking distances and residual speeds of most tires.

These are the winners

The winners of the test come from the two tire giants Continental and Michelin, as well as the South Korean supplier Kumho, which is little known in this country. The Continental PremiumContact 7 sets the standard in driving safety and performance, stopping seven meters earlier than the last tire in the wet braking test, while the Michelin Primacy 4+ has been superior in the environmental balance evaluated since then. 2023 and also shines with its special low wear feature. Moreover, Michelin is the only tire in the field that scores well for both driving safety and environmental performance and is therefore rated as particularly balanced. Kumho HS52 is at the Michelin level in terms of driving safety and at the Continental level in terms of environmental performance. TCS concludes that all three tires deliver above-average estimated mileage in the wear test.

the light at the bottom

Vredestein Ultrac is the only tire that received only a “conditionally recommended” result in the test. However, the tire was downgraded not because of driving safety as it offers good and safe properties on both dry and wet roads according to TCS, but due to its low projected mileage. Since this figure is much lower compared to other tires, Vredestein has to take last place. However, TCS notes that the tire can still be a good alternative for infrequent drivers due to its good driving safety ratings.

The 16 tires tested had to stand out in the 15 evaluated categories. Since last year, the rating has been based on two foundations: 70 percent of the overall rating consists of “driving safety” and 30 percent of “environmental balance”. The summer tire test includes “driving safety” and “driving behavior on dry and wet roads” criteria. “Environmental balance” includes criteria such as predicted mileage, wear, fuel consumption, weight, noise and sustainability criteria.

Since spring 2023, TCS has been offering a portal at www.tcs.ch/reifensuche, where thousands of summer, winter or all-season tires from approximately 50 brand manufacturers are compared in terms of driving safety, fuel consumption / efficiency, comfort / noise. and sustainability/wear may be possible with the filter function.

Source: Blick