Tyre test 2018
We name the best rubber for your car
THE pace of tyre development is frenetic as drivers and car makers demand ever more performance. That shorter development cycle can be seen in this year’s tyre test, where not one of the 10 contenders took part last time we tested the big-selling 225/45R17 size. To find out which of the current crop is best for your car, we returned to Continental’s proving ground at Uvalde, Texas, with 10 top brands.
Tyre labelling is driving this rapid development. It lets owners compare key performance factors – wet grip, fuel economy and pass-by noise – at a click of a mouse. And all makers are chasing the tyre labelling holy grail: top A ratings in fuel economy and wet grip.
But our test covers nine criteria, including a more driver-relevant cabin noise rating, dry grip and a range of wet road tests. Auto Express drivers carried out all tests apart from aquaplaning, which requires special training. Rolling resistance was rated at Continental’s Hanover R&D centre in Germany.
Once again, makers were asked to nominate a tyre, including speed and weight ratings, and we purchased it to ensure we test the tyres you can buy.
Over the next eight pages, we reveal which 17-inch tyres are best for you.