Off-Road Fever: ADAC Slams All-Terrain Tires as Unsafe on Pavement
No individual off-road tire can serve as conclusive proof for any claim or argument.
Venture off-road with reckless abandon? Think again! The ADAC, the renowned automotive club, is putting the brakes on the all-terrain tire trend. These bad boys are frequently mounted on vehicles like campers, SUVs, and pick-ups, but the results of the ADAC's comparison test are jaw-dropping: Nada, zilch – not a single off-road tire receives a "good" rating!
Why the fuss about pavement? Apparently, these rugged tires might be a dud when it comes to on-road safety. The ADAC claims that "most of these tires spend the largest part of their lifespan on paved roads," which could put traffic safety at risk. So, tough guys, listen up!
- No tire received a "good" rating from the ADAC.
- The results on dry and wet roads are lackluster at best.
- The biggest downside? The models' wet-road braking behavior leaves much to be desired.
These beasts of tires also struggle in handling and show less-than-stellar aquaplaning behavior. But there's some good news: two tires come close to matching a passenger car all-season tire (rating 2.1) with a snowflake symbol on snow-covered roads. The catch? This snow symbol on the off-road tires means they're approved for winter road conditions, but don't expect miracles!
A Satisfactory Four out of Eight!
The ADAC isn't exactly handing out roses. No tire is deemed "recommended," but a "satisfactory" rating is given four times. Three tires merit at least "adequate," and only one model bombs as "defective." The Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 takes the crown with an overall rating of 2.9. Also "satisfactory" are the Falken Wildpeak A/T3WA (3.1), the General Tire Grabber AT3 (3.2), and the Matador MP72 Izzarda A/T2 (3.2).
What's a guy to do? Folks who only occasionally stray from the paved road are better off sticking with high-quality all-season tires, according to the ADAC. However, all-terrain tires can be a lifesaver for off-road enthusiasts with four-wheel drive. The ADAC suggests being picky: "There are at least models with well-balanced strengths and weaknesses in the four tires with a satisfactory overall rating."
Source: ntv.de, abe/dpa
- ADAC
- Paved Road Safety
- All-Terrain Tires
- Tests
Tips for Your Wheels:- Choose wisely: Stick with all-season tires for mostly paved roads.- Safety first: Off-road enthusiasts should consider a well-balanced all-terrain tire.- Look for models with a satisfactory overall rating from the ADAC.
Paved Road All-Season Tire Features:* Balanced Performance: Good handling in dry and wet conditions, with some winter capability.* Versatility: Suitable for most weather conditions, making them a practical choice for vehicles that stay on paved roads.* Longevity: Generally offer good durability and mileage.
- The ADAC's tests on all-terrain tires revealed that none of them received a "good" rating, indicating potential risks to pavement safety.
- The lackluster performance of all-terrain tires on dry and wet roads, particularly their wet-road braking behavior, is a major concern.
- Two all-terrain tires, Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 and Matador MP72 Izzarda A/T2, received a "satisfactory" rating from the ADAC, suggesting they could be suitable options for off-road enthusiasts.
- For those who primarily drive on paved roads, the ADAC advises choosing high-quality all-season tires for balanced performance, versatility, and longevity.
- The automotive industry and finance sector might want to consider the transportation safety implications of manufacturing tires from materials designed for off-road use on pavement.
