The big test: what are the best winter tires for 2026?

Driving safely and comfortably in sporty compact cars during the cold season – testing current winter tires in size 225/40 R 1 magazin de piese auto online.

The big test: what are the best winter tires for 2026?

Owners of powerful compact cars such as the Audi S3, VW Golf GTI or R, Mercedes-AMG A 35 or Hyundai i30 N may be asking themselves an important question today: which winter tires in size 225/40 R 18 keep everything under control on snow and ice – as well as performing well on dry and wet surfaces? To find out, he secretly bought 51 current tire models and conducted a major test.

The large number of participants reflects the spectrum of the market: among them are well-known manufacturers, their more affordable second brands, interesting newcomers and many products from the East, tempting with low prices. So all the participating tires passed through the rims of our test car - the 300 hp BMW M135i. But before we get to the final of the main test with all the disciplines on snow, wet and dry surfaces, our candidates first have to go through the qualifications. These include the decisive braking distance tests on wet and snow-covered surfaces. Anyone who made a negative impression here with an excessively long braking distance was immediately thrown out without any mercy.

Only the top 20 drivers continued on. But why spend money on changing tires? tests the same size (225/40 R 18) all-season tires. These products are becoming increasingly popular: the top products even reach the level of winter tires on snow. But in the warm season, sporty summer tires have better and more precise handling, as well as shorter braking distances. That's why many drivers of compact sports cars continue to change winter and summer tires every six months. For them, a good winter tire is the right choice for a safe trip until spring. Which tires are really good - you will learn in detail on the following pages.

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Car parts AutoPower
Car parts AutoPower

Owners of powerful compact cars such as the Audi S3, VW Golf GTI or R, Mercedes-AMG A 35 or Hyundai i30 N may be asking themselves an important question today: which winter tires in size 225/40 R 18 keep everything under control on snow and ice – as well as performing well on dry and wet surfaces? To find out, he secretly bought 51 current tire models and conducted a major test

The large number of participants reflects the spectrum of the market: among them are well-known manufacturers, their more affordable second brands, interesting newcomers and many products from the East, tempting with low prices