...❄️ What's important in winter tires

Winter tires aren't just soft rubber. They're specially designed tires that should:

Perform well on snow and ice

Effectively evacuate water and slush

Ensure short braking distances

Maintain flexibility in low temperatures

If a winter tire doesn't do these things, it's not "better"; marketing has simply convinced you otherwise.

🧊 Ice and Snow: Key Differences

It's important to understand the difference:

🔹 Studded Tires
Excellent on ice, especially when there's a lot of ice. Studs literally "bite" into the ice. But on dry pavement, they produce more noise and wear faster.

🔹 Studless (non-studded) tires
These are quieter, smoother, and perform better on wet snow and pavement. Modern technology makes them very effective even on ice.

🔹 Hybrid/Studless
These non-studded tires have a special tread pattern and rubber compound that balance grip on all types of winter roads.

🏆 Which brands and models are most often considered the best?

The best tires are those that have been tested in real-world conditions, have proven their safety, are resistant to wear, and have excellent reviews from drivers. Here are the tire groups you can trust:

Premium

Michelin X-Ice

Bridgestone Blizzak

Nokian Hakkapeliitta

Continental WinterContact

Premium tires typically:
✔️ Better handling
✔️ Short braking distances
✔️ Excellent stability on ice and snow

Mid-Range

Goodyear UltraGrip

Pirelli Winter Sottozero

Dunlop Winter Sport

Price-quality balance: often ideal for daily driving and mild winters.

Budget Options

Hankook Winter i*cept

Toyo Observe

General Altimax

A good choice if you're not a racer and the roads in your area are often cleared.

🧰 What to look for when choosing

✔️ Markings
Be sure to look for the "snowflake on the mountain" (3PMSF) symbol—this indicates that the tire is truly a winter tire.
Studded tires are marked "M+S" and have stud holes.

✔️ Size and speed/load index
Choose according to your vehicle's manual.

✔️ Tests and reviews
Independent tests by ADAC, ÖAMTC, Auto Bild, and others help you choose the best.

🧠 What else to consider

If winter conditions are icy, studded tires can be an advantage.

If roads are cleared more often, non-studded tires will be quieter and more comfortable.

For cars with ESP and ABS, modern non-studded tires are sometimes safer in wet snow.