On-Road Results for Off-Road Tires: A Disappointing Test by ADAC
Off-road tires: Not a standalone persuasive force to opt for.
Taking a closer look at eight all-terrain (AT) tires, the ADAC discovered the hard truth - these chunky tires aren't a safe bet for on-paved roads. Most of these tires will likely spend a majority of their lifespan cruising the concrete jungle, but their lackluster performance on paved surfaces compromises traffic safety.
Soaking Wet or Shining Sunlight? Off-road tires are gaining popularity for vehicles like campers, SUVs, and pick-ups, but how do they perform in various road conditions? To find the answers, the ADAC conducted a comprehensive test, assessing the eight AT tires in size 225/65 R17 on dry, wet, snow, and gravel terrains.
The Verdict: On paved surfaces, the ADAC concludes that these tires aren't a good choice. The primary concern lies in their braking behavior on wet roads. The testing results show deficiencies in handling and aquaplaning behavior, too.
Only on snow-covered tracks can two tires somewhat match the performance of a passenger car all-season tire, which is rated 2.1 with a snowflake symbol. Since the off-road tires in the test also bear this symbol, they are driveable in winter conditions. On gravel, some models can overtake or match the performance of the passenger car tire.
The Big Winners
Although none of the tested tires receive a "good" rating from the ADAC, four tires receive a "satisfactory" rating:
- Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 - Overall Rating: 2.9
- Falken Wildpeak A/T3WA - Overall Rating: 3.1
- General Tire Grabber AT3 - Overall Rating: 3.2
- Matador MP72 Izzarda A/T2 - Overall Rating: 3.2
The ADAC does not consider any of the test tires "recommended," but if you're still keen on all-terrain tires, the club suggests that interested buyers can find models with well-balanced strengths and weaknesses in the four tires with a "satisfactory" overall rating.
All-Terrain or All-Pavement? If you only occasionally venture off-road and prioritize safety on paved roads, high-quality all-season tires may be your better option. All-terrain tires can be beneficial for off-road enthusiasts with four-wheel drive, but they should be selected cautiously. Consult the ADAC or other reputable sources for detailed reviews and comparisons to make an informed decision.
- Despite their poor performance on paved roads, the manufacturing of all-terrain tires from materials suitable for various industries, like transportation, is ongoing, as they are frequently used in vehicles such as SUVs and pick-ups.
- The testing revealed that the finances of drivers may be influenced by the less-than-stellar braking behavior and handling of all-terrain tires on wet roads, as their performance shortcomings could lead to accidents.
- In the sports of off-road racing and adventure, all-terrain tires, despite their struggle on paved surfaces, still play a significant role due to their effectiveness in off-road conditions, such as snow and gravel.
