Vredestein Wintrac review
The Wintrac's performance has improved since our last test
Launched in 2020 and fourth in our test two years ago, the Vredestein finishes a place lower this time out, but has evolved to be stronger in the snow.
It propped up the table in snow braking and traction last time, but here it’s much closer to the best, posting fourth in both disciplines. It was fifth on the handling circuit but was less than a second slower than the fastest, being usefully responsive and held back only by weak turn-in at low speed.
These gains in the snow are offset by lesser performance in the wet and dry, though. Last time out the Vredestein set the standard in dry braking and was second stopping in the wet. This time it was equal fourth and fifth respectively, although the top six were quite close in both tests. It was fifth in both aquaplaning tests and also on the wet handling circuit, a result that didn’t reflect how good it felt; it had positive steering, decent cornering grip and a safe, adjustable balance. It was similar in the dry, just lacking outright grip , which meant it ended up sixth. Noisiest according to the meter, but not unrefined, it was also reasonably economical.
Overall, the Wintrac is a good tyre but one that still falls short of the balanced abilities of the best.
We say…
“Improved performance in the snow since last time, at the expense of some ability in the wet and dry.”
Blackcircles.com says…
“These tyres received positive feedback, with drivers noting the performance in snow and wet conditions.”
Vredestein Wintrac | ||
Overall | 97.8% | |
Price | £123 | |
Snow braking | 96.3% | 4th |
Snow traction | 97.4% | 4th |
Snow handling | 99.2% | 5th |
Straight aquaplaning | 87.0% | 5th |
Curved aquaplaning | 99.2% | 5th |
Wet braking | 96.3% | =5th |
Wet handling | 98.2% | =5th |
Wet circle | 97.3% | =5th |
Dry braking | 96.8% | =4th |
Dry handling | 95.2% | =6th |
Cabin noise | 98.5% | 7th |
Rolling resistance | 97.9% | 3rd |