Barum Polaris 3

The Barum Polaris 3 is a Touring Winter tyre designed to be fitted to Passenger Cars.

This tyre replaced the Barum Polaris 2 and this tyre has been replaced by the Barum Polaris 5.

Dry Grip 82%
Wet Grip 88%
Road Feedback 83%
Handling 80%
Wear 87%
Comfort 86%
Buy again 88%
Snow Grip 90%
Ice Grip 80%

Tyre review data from 18 tyre reviews averaging 85% over 169,740 miles driven.

The Polaris 3 is ranked 9th of 96 Winter Touring tyres.

Latest Tyre Test Results

2018 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test - 16th of 22 tyres

  • Positive - Good snow performance, short wet braking distances, low price.
  • Negative - Understeer in the wet, long dry braking, poor wear.
View Full Test >>

2018 51 Winter Tyre Shootout - 12th of 52 tyres

View Full Test >>

2017 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test - 16th of 21 tyres

  • Positive - Low price, stable snow performance.
  • Negative - Poor wet braking and handling, average aquaplaning reserves.
  • Overall - Average.
View Full Test >>

2018 Tyre Tests

  • 12th: 2018 51 Winter Tyre Shootout (195/65 R15)
  • 16th: 2018 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test (195/65 R15)
  • 2017 Tyre Tests

  • 13th: 2017 50 Winter Tyre Shoot Out (225/50 R17)
  • 16th: 2017 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test (225/50 R17)
  • 2016 Tyre Tests

  • 8th: 2016 Winter Tyre Market Overview (205/55 R16)
  • 10th: 2016 AutoBild Winter Tyre Test (205/55 R16)
  • 12th: 2016 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 185/65 R15 (185/65 R15)
  • 2015 Tyre Tests

  • 3rd: 2015 Auto Bild Top 18 Winter Tyre Test (185/60 R15)
  • 9th: 2015 Winter Tyre Market Overview (185/60 R14)
  • 10th: 2015 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 205/55 R16 (205/55 R16)
  • 11th: 2015 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 165/70 R14 (165/70 R14)
  • 2014 Tyre Tests

  • 11th: 2014 Auto Bild Winter Tyre Test (225/50 R17)
  • 16th: 2014 50 Winter Tyre Braking Overview (225/50 R17)
  • 2013 Tyre Tests

  • 6th: 2013 Auto Bild Top 15 Winter Tyre Shootout (195/65 R15)
  • 7th: 2013 Winter Tyre Overview - Braking (195/65 R15)
  • 9th: 2013 ADAC Winter Tyre Test - 185/60 R15 (185/60 R15)
  • 2012 Tyre Tests

  • 4th: 2012 European Tyre Test - 165/70 R14 (165/70 R14)
  • 2011 Tyre Tests

  • 10th: 2011 European Winter Tyre Test - 195/65 R15 (195/65 R15)
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    Top 3 Barum Polaris 3 Reviews

    Given 91% while driving a Skoda Rapid TSI (185/60 R15 T) on a combination of roads for 7,500 easy going miles
    Review update.
    I've don't 7500 miles on these tyres now and have just rotated them. After 7500 miles the front tyres tread depth is 6.5mm and the rear tyres tread depth is 7mm. Original depth was 8mm. So they are wearing well and evenly. Better than other winter tyres I've used in the past.
    Wet traction over the last month has been very impressive both handling and braking are sharp and precise. The last few weeks has allowed me to test them on ice. Again very good, offering good steering feedback when accelerating and cornering. Ice braking is quite impressive for a non studded tyre (around 25mph). Not yet tried it on snow.
    Only down side would be fuel consumption. But it could be due to fitting heavier steel wheels. Fuel consumption has dropped 3.5mpg over summer tyres.
    Still joint top safest tyre for winter I've used. 9/10
    Helpful 112 - tyre reviewed on January 15, 2016
    Given 85% while driving a BMW 335i (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 8,000 spirited miles
    I use these tires on a tuned 400hp BMW 3-series with rear-wheel drive traction. Let me tell you, I am simply amazed by these tires for the price. Snow grip is incredible, effortless in any type of snow, but what's shocking is that the dry and wet grip are almost on the same level too ! The only real con for this tire is the braking distance on both dry and wet, it is below the stellar traction characteristics. Fuel consumption is also not stellar, but it's in line with other tires that I have used. Just make sure you inflate your tires as recommended in order to maintain optimum mileage.

    All in all, I would recommend this tire if you need a good winter tire that has great traction in any conditions.
    Helpful 50 - tyre reviewed on December 21, 2017
    Given 90% while driving a Skoda Rapid TSI (185/60 R15 T) on a combination of roads for 19,700 easy going miles
    An update on my previous review.
    I've done just under 20,000 miles on these Polaris 3 tyres now and they've been nothing short of incredible.
    Rear tyres are down to 4mm, the sipes in the tyre are just about visible.
    Front tyres are down to 3mm and there are no more sipes visible.
    The tyres are perfectly drive able, still perform well in the wet and dry. I have just ordered a replacement set because the sipes in the tread are pretty much worn and from previous experience this can severely impact the traction and braking on snow and ice. Although the tread depth and the tyres could safely go on for a few more thousand miles.
    To sum these tyres up there a perfect mix from the motorway to the snowy hills.
    Last winter I drove from the south of Devon through sheet rain for 7 hours then further on to Inverness through a pretty nasty snow storm. The last 50 minuites of the trip in particular were through 4" of fresh snow up and down hills. Did not at any point feel out of place in those conditions. Really designed well and when your commuting at 50mph+ there quiet and comfortable.
    Only bad points is the fuel consumption. It's not really bad, but going from Goodyear efficient grip performance tyres with a fuel B rating to these barum Polaris 3 tyres that are a fuel E rated tyre it's about 3-5 MPG less depending on speeds.
    But seriously for cold wet weather safety there great!
    Shibby
    Helpful 45 - tyre reviewed on November 18, 2017
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    Latest Barum Polaris 3 Reviews

    Given 91% while driving a SEAT Ibiza 1.4 Sportrider (195/55 R15 H) on mostly country roads for 10,000 miles
    I've bought them in january 2016 for my winter set on steel wheels. Seat Ibiza 1,4 86HP. First two seasons very good,after that they are a bit harder but quite ok. Driving on them here in Vojvodina(Serbia) and Hungary from oktober to march. During january 2019 tested in very hard snow and icy roads,job well done. Satisfied. They are cheaper brand of Continental-made in Slovakia,for my dimensions, but they are Czech brand. Wear is excellent. Not loud tyre. Good choice for normal drive. Recommendations. Closest relatives are Viking,Matador,Sportiva and Gislaved tyres...mid range,should buy it. Winter is not for sporty drive. I wish u all many happy kilometres and drive carefully.
    Helpful 31 - tyre reviewed on July 17, 2019
    Mazda (225/45 R17) on a combination of roads for 10,000 spirited miles
    The basic tyre for moderate driving. When I want to push it to the limit, it isn't perfect. But for 90% of journeys it is OK. When you want cheap and good tyre, Barum is the right choise.
    Helpful 25 - tyre reviewed on March 24, 2019
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    Given 56% while driving a Mercedes Benz CLK 320 CDI (225/45 R17 H) on a combination of roads for 6,000 spirited miles
    Bought winter 2017. Snow grip was ok and I was able to get up steep hills covered in snow.
    Dry and wet grip was adequate on the move, but the rear tyres would often struggle to grip from standstill in wet or dry.
    Tyre wear was poor with the rears only having 3mm tread after 6,000 miles. The fronts had 6mm remaining.
    I will use the fronts for another Winter, but the rears need replacing.
    Helpful 34 - tyre reviewed on November 18, 2018
    Given 80% while driving a Renault Megane II Break 1.5dCI 105Hp (205/60 R16 H) on mostly town for 0 average miles
    price is ok not bad at all
    Helpful 35 - tyre reviewed on August 4, 2017
    Given 83% while driving a Fiat Marea Weekend JTD 105 (175/70 R14 T) on a combination of roads for 5,000 easy going miles
    Got the tyres brand new and used for 1 winter. Quite good grip on wet, snow, and around curves. Excellent breaking qualities even on wet, so one could rely on that too. Safely took me home when the highway was closed and most cars could not or barely moved through the snow. I drove with 60km/h and felt the car rather stable through the blizzard. Definitely recommend!
    Helpful 34 - tyre reviewed on March 25, 2016
    Given 73% while driving a Mitsubishi lancer (205/60 R16 H) on a combination of roads for 30,000 average miles
    Quiet
    Very good value for money
    Helpful 37 - tyre reviewed on February 25, 2016
    Given 80% while driving a Kia Motors (195/65 R15 T) on mostly town for 1,500 average miles
    Haven't run them for a long time. The tires seem comfortable and stable on small patches of ice. A little bit noisy, but it doesn't bother me. For now , I would recommend .
    Bought them at a sale for 28 GBP each.
    Helpful 34 - tyre reviewed on February 24, 2016
    Given 91% while driving a Volkswagen 2014 1.8tsi (195/65 R15) on mostly motorways for 12,000 average miles
    I am on my second season in Ontario Canada and at about 20,000km driven on this tire. They have performed well and I feel comfortable driving in all conditions. Especially better in the dry cold than other winter tires I have used in the past.
    Helpful 56 - tyre reviewed on January 12, 2016
    Given 96% while driving a Skoda Rapid TSI (185/60 R15) on a combination of roads for 3,000 easy going miles
    Exceptional winter Tyre. Best Tyre I've used yet on wet roads and offers lots of traction and safety on snow and ice. Only covered 3000 miles, but Tyre looks like new. Easy and comfy to drive on, but also surprisingly agile and sure footed when pushed. Best winter Tyre I've used to date, ideal for cold wet British roads.
    Helpful 18 - tyre reviewed on October 30, 2015
    Given 86% while driving a Mazda 6 (205/60 R16 H) on a combination of roads for 4,000 spirited miles
    Fitted to our Mazda 6 from November 2013 to present, on 16 inch steels.

    Wouldn't hesitate to recommend these. We haven't had any snow this year but LOTS of rain. The car feels extremely sure footed and these tyre really inspire confidence in the wet and at low temps. They are excellent when you hit standing water; they just cut through with no fuss.
    Helpful 47 - tyre reviewed on April 7, 2014
    Given 93% while driving a Opel Astra F 1.6 101 hp (175/65 R14) on mostly country roads for 3,000 average miles
    Exelent grip on dry, wet and wet snow. Couldnt try them in deep snow but they say it is where they are best. Not very noisy. And for the price of 37 euros per tire fitted! Highly recomended!
    Helpful 28 - tyre reviewed on January 28, 2014
    Given 96% while driving a BMW 1 series 2.0l Diesel (195/65 R15 T) on a combination of roads for 40 average miles
    The best WINTER tire !The grip is so good.Excellent on snow and ice, moderate performance at temperature above 10 degree C.Highly reccomended!!
    Helpful 29 - tyre reviewed on November 13, 2013