colintfcolintf
VIP Member
Translation copy & pasted to make it easier…
"Is disappointing"
ADAC test with a disturbing result: Which car tires are not safe on the road
So-called all-terrain tires are especially in trend among campers and pick-up drivers. According to the test, none of these are recommended, writes the ADAC.
Hamm - Many people are now going on vacation with their campers, they come in different sizes. In any case, the trend is towards larger cars, such as SUVs, writes the ADAC - attention should be paid to a lot with the right tires.
AT tires are popular - but they are not convincing in the ADAC test
The all-terrain tires are especially popular when driving in rough terrain, because they are touted as much more resistant than conventional tires. Campers, pick-ups or off-road vehicles carry a lot of weight, so the right tires are essential. The ADAC reports that the trendy tires within Europe are popular mainly for optical reasons - real off-road experiences are rarely made here.
The ADAC has scrutinised eight different AT tires. Not a single one was recommendable. (Symbolic image)
© Steve Bauerschmidt/Imago
In the ADAC test, the all-terrain tires were therefore tested for use on the road. The dimension 225/65 R17 was examined, which fits many different vehicles, including one of the most popular camping vehicles, the VW Bus. The reference was the Pirelli Cinturato SF3, an all-season tyre for passenger cars. The tested all-terrain tires all had the snowflake symbol, so they may also be driven in winter road conditions.
According to ADAC, a feature in modern cars can be extremely expensive.
"The result is clear and disappointing" - all-terrain tires fail ADAC
In the test on the road, the ADAC came to a "clear and disappointing" result: "The AT tires perform considerably worse compared to the reference all-season tires." Especially on dry and wet asphalt, the results are sobering. Only on snow-covered roads do two of the tires come close to the reference tires - none of the eight tested AT tires can therefore be recommended.
The different AT tires in the ADAC test:
Model Overall rating
Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 2,9
Falken Wildpeak A/T AT3WA 3,1
General Tire Grabber AT3 3,2
Matador MP72 Izzarda A/T2 3,2
Pirelli Scorpion A/T+ 3,8
Toyo Open Country A/T III 3,8
Bridgestone Dueller A/T002 4,2
BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A 5,4
However, the ADAC points out that significantly better tires crystalised in the test, but some should keep their hands off. The test winner was the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015, which received at least a score of 2.9. However, the all-season tire used in the test received a grade of 2.1 and was thus almost an overall grade better. The weakness in braking on wet asphalt was particularly striking with the AT tires, a model only came to a standstill at 80 km/h after almost 50 metres.
To recognise a good tire, motorists can orient themselves to an EU-wide label. According to TÜV Nord, the rolling noise emission, the adhesion to wet surfaces and the rolling resistance can be read. This allows buyers to compare different characteristics in terms of their criteria. There have been mandatory license plates for some vehicles since 2025 - there are fines. (rd)
"Is disappointing"
ADAC test with a disturbing result: Which car tires are not safe on the road
So-called all-terrain tires are especially in trend among campers and pick-up drivers. According to the test, none of these are recommended, writes the ADAC.
Hamm - Many people are now going on vacation with their campers, they come in different sizes. In any case, the trend is towards larger cars, such as SUVs, writes the ADAC - attention should be paid to a lot with the right tires.
AT tires are popular - but they are not convincing in the ADAC test
The all-terrain tires are especially popular when driving in rough terrain, because they are touted as much more resistant than conventional tires. Campers, pick-ups or off-road vehicles carry a lot of weight, so the right tires are essential. The ADAC reports that the trendy tires within Europe are popular mainly for optical reasons - real off-road experiences are rarely made here.
The ADAC has scrutinised eight different AT tires. Not a single one was recommendable. (Symbolic image)
© Steve Bauerschmidt/Imago
In the ADAC test, the all-terrain tires were therefore tested for use on the road. The dimension 225/65 R17 was examined, which fits many different vehicles, including one of the most popular camping vehicles, the VW Bus. The reference was the Pirelli Cinturato SF3, an all-season tyre for passenger cars. The tested all-terrain tires all had the snowflake symbol, so they may also be driven in winter road conditions.
According to ADAC, a feature in modern cars can be extremely expensive.
"The result is clear and disappointing" - all-terrain tires fail ADAC
In the test on the road, the ADAC came to a "clear and disappointing" result: "The AT tires perform considerably worse compared to the reference all-season tires." Especially on dry and wet asphalt, the results are sobering. Only on snow-covered roads do two of the tires come close to the reference tires - none of the eight tested AT tires can therefore be recommended.
The different AT tires in the ADAC test:
Model Overall rating
Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 2,9
Falken Wildpeak A/T AT3WA 3,1
General Tire Grabber AT3 3,2
Matador MP72 Izzarda A/T2 3,2
Pirelli Scorpion A/T+ 3,8
Toyo Open Country A/T III 3,8
Bridgestone Dueller A/T002 4,2
BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A 5,4
However, the ADAC points out that significantly better tires crystalised in the test, but some should keep their hands off. The test winner was the Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015, which received at least a score of 2.9. However, the all-season tire used in the test received a grade of 2.1 and was thus almost an overall grade better. The weakness in braking on wet asphalt was particularly striking with the AT tires, a model only came to a standstill at 80 km/h after almost 50 metres.
To recognise a good tire, motorists can orient themselves to an EU-wide label. According to TÜV Nord, the rolling noise emission, the adhesion to wet surfaces and the rolling resistance can be read. This allows buyers to compare different characteristics in terms of their criteria. There have been mandatory license plates for some vehicles since 2025 - there are fines. (rd)
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Corradobrit
The Falken Wildpeak AT3 performance is a bit of a shocker. I would have said based on the tread and profile they would perform better than they test, on the road.
Shame the Michelin Agilis 3 or Crossclimate weren't tested.
I may have to rethink my Falken choice and go for the Michelin's.
Shame the Michelin Agilis 3 or Crossclimate weren't tested.
I may have to rethink my Falken choice and go for the Michelin's.
Kayleigh
In the Beach
Top Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
YouTube video on the test:
www.adac.de
All-Terrain-Reifen für Camper und Pick-ups im ADAC Test: Blender oder Alleskönner?
All-Terrain-Reifen sollen mit ihrem groben Profil für alle Lebenslagen passen. Sind sie wirklich für Camper, Pick-ups und SUVs zu empfehlen?
www.adac.de
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Kayleigh
In the Beach
Top Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
I have the Grabber AT3s. Comparing with the Crossclimates, in my experience the Michelins have noticeably better dry and wet grip. In the video I posted they look at some alternatives at the end, if you are interested. The Agilis may be a good compromise.
Californication69
Bill
Super Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
They look great but are shockingly awful on 99% tarmac use.
I had BFG’s and ran them to Paris and Belgium, the noise was terrible.
Had some comforsers on the 4Motion and they slid on the tarmac, still don’t understand why they slid.
I got Kwik fit to check they didn’t slip on the rim, but were stuck fast.
Abs didn’t stop them sliding on tarmac.
Coming down a long fast hill in wales and at the bottom at 40mph they just locked and skidded.
Terrifying.
Also gave me a headache.
The Michelins are truly a great tyre.
Cross climate and Agilis.
AT are great if your swamping and off road 85% of the time.
Corradobrit
Are you referring to the Falkens?
Californication69
Bill
Super Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
Not had the falkens myself,
Webbah says they are very good
Pays your money and takes your chances.
F
FivetonesCali
VIP Member
The BFG seem to be at the very worst end of this, hence the choice of Falken.
F
FivetonesCali
VIP Member
I’ve always known the AT tyres (I was going to go with the 235/65 17 Falken) were a big conmpromise but my days of running stupid low on stretch tyres to get the perfect fit/look are gone. This reminds me of those kinds of compromises.
I’m coming round to using some Cross Climate 2 SUV in the above size instead. They don’t look as rugged but I’m not 4MO anyway and my time in the highlands and lakes this year have shown me I’m unlikely to go serious off roading in the camper anyway.
For some context here I’m around 110mm lower on Solow LOW on 255/40 20 (Goodyear Eagle tyres, not ditch finders, et45, 15mm spacers at rear), H&R ARBs, adjustable Powerflex bushes. This setup is still surprisingly practical however, I want to raise to 20-30mm lower. For that to work and look good/work well needs some finesse
I’m coming round to using some Cross Climate 2 SUV in the above size instead. They don’t look as rugged but I’m not 4MO anyway and my time in the highlands and lakes this year have shown me I’m unlikely to go serious off roading in the camper anyway.
For some context here I’m around 110mm lower on Solow LOW on 255/40 20 (Goodyear Eagle tyres, not ditch finders, et45, 15mm spacers at rear), H&R ARBs, adjustable Powerflex bushes. This setup is still surprisingly practical however, I want to raise to 20-30mm lower. For that to work and look good/work well needs some finesse
Christine Kirk
Lifetime VIP Member
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- 182
Michelin Cross Climate on our T6 4 motion, had them on since the original Bridgestone set wore out; great in both wet and dry plus occasionally driving off wet grass in a campsite; decent ride and importantly run quieter on the motorway. Done 75k now and always changed in pairs.
T4 caravelle is run on either Continental or Goodyears but they are van tires which have a seven ply construction and last for over sixty thousand miles( they often go out of shape when some of the steel bracing rusts away) There’s no way we would put low profile tires on any of our vehicles as they inherently have less wall flex to take up the bumps on our local roads. Looks over better ride!
T4 caravelle is run on either Continental or Goodyears but they are van tires which have a seven ply construction and last for over sixty thousand miles( they often go out of shape when some of the steel bracing rusts away) There’s no way we would put low profile tires on any of our vehicles as they inherently have less wall flex to take up the bumps on our local roads. Looks over better ride!
Mattsv
VIP Member
I have Falken Wildpeaks on mine - very happy with them, not noticed any "performance" issues at all...
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