The best tires of 2023 according to the OCU: up to 40,000 kilometers of difference!

The Consumer Organization and Users has made a mega comparison of tires of size 205/55 R16V. In this comparison they have taken into account the price, duration and safety of the same.

Choosing one tire or another may seem trivial, but there really is a lot of difference between models, even at a similar price.

Each tire has its characteristics and composition and this means that even driving safety is affected by both comfort (rolling noise and consumption) and safety (braking distance and grip).

In this comparative / analysis of the OCU have been taken into account 49 different models the most common size of compact cars and sedans.

And yes, we already told you that the differences are much bigger than you might expect.

Tests performed and points to consider

inside the tests has been had into account the braking distance both dry and wet, at different speeds. and also resistance to aquaplaning and cornering grip.

The best tire in this section needs 36 meters to braker from a speed of 100 km/h and the worst has needed 5 more meters. That length is the full body of a car, to get used to the idea.

when the pavement is wet that difference braking, now from 80 km/h, between the best and the worst it grows to no less than 12 meters.

Duration, differences up to 42,700 km

Something that at first may seem trivial, how many kilometers can you travel with one or another model. However, we see how there are models that almost triple the number of kilometers to travel.

The tires with the least duration of those tested are 24,000 km and those with the most 65,700 km. It is a difference of more than 40,000 km.

If we take into account the cost of each tire, let’s say 100 euros, if you buy a cheap one with less duration, you will have to change it three times to change another one that has a longer duration, up to 800 euros savings in 50,000 km.

rolling efficiency

This point is differential and affects both the duration and the fuel consumption and duration of the tire.

The OCU has calculated the price of the wheels, fuel consumption and duration to calculate the difference in cost between some tires and the figure of savings could reach 500 euros every 50,000 km.

The best 205/55 R16V tires are…

And the time came to see the results of the tests. We have two models chosen by the OCU and our colleagues from Autobild they have a similar opinion although they differentiate more between winter / summer models.

The winners are the Continental Premium Contact 6approximate price 92 euros unit, for its manageability and stability in the wet.

While the Goodyear Efficient Grip Performance 2 (from 81 euros / unit), for the duration of 65,700 km, its price.