The European winter tyre test is the largest of the year, covering 28 tyres in 2 different sizes, 225/45 r17 discussed in this part of the article, and 185/65 r15 here.
This year the tests were more stringent than ever. Not only did the 28 tyres have their dry, wet, snow and ice grip tested but they were also scored on their wear, fuel consumption and comfort properties.
Following the trend from the European summer test, the big brands once again dominated with Michelin, Continental and Dunlop taking the top 3 spots.
The new Michelin Aplin A4 placed first thanks to it's consistent scoring, topping both the wear test and the wet segment of the handling tests. The Continental ContiWinterContact TS830P continued it's strong results in 2010 placing second by winning the snow section overall, and the Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D placed 3rd overall thanks again to consistent excellent results.
Here are the full results. The scores were weighted in favour of wet weather and snow performance, with the final results being 15% Dry, 30% wet, 20% snow, 10% ice, 10% fuel, 5% comfort and 10% wear.
There were three other tyres tested that TyreReviews doesn't cover. The "Ceat Winter Formula" placed just behind the Goodyear with a slight weakness in the wet, and "Interstate Winter IWT-2" and
"Westlake SW601 Snow Master" rounded out the table, both given the ??not recommended?? label as a consequence of terrible wet weather performance.