Best winter tyres 255/50 R18

Use all-season tyres during winter may be fine if you live in regions that don’t get a true winter and where snow is rare. For those who see snow falling several times a year and reach cold weather, having a set of winter tyres is almost an obligation.

The winter weather brings with its roads covered in snow and mud, which easily cause you to lose control. The 255/50 R18 winter tyres have special features and designs that allow exceptional performance even on snow.

So, what are the best 255/50 R18 winter tyres for your vehicle?

This list is not based on our experience, but on authoritative reviews, opinions and tests conducted by those who have already bought and tried these tyres. All suggested models are valid choices.

Here you find our choice of the best 5 winter tyres in size 255/50 R18:

# Brand Model Score Number of reviews Price
1 Continental Continental WinterContact TS 850PWinterContact TS 850P 8,1 771 (30 test) From 287,18£
2 Goodyear Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ SUVUltraGrip Performance+ SUV 7,8 225 (3 test) From 193,39£
3 Bridgestone Bridgestone Blizzak LM-001Blizzak LM-001 7,7 628 (31 test) From 118,81£
4 Hankook Hankook I*Cept Evo2 (W320)I*Cept Evo2 (W320) 7,4 1.120 (13 test) From 149,68£
5 Pirelli Pirelli Winter SottoZero 3Winter SottoZero 3 7,3 500 (41 test) From 177,95£
  1. Continental WinterContact TS 850P

    Continental WinterContact TS 850P

    We have not yet expressed our opinion about this tyre.

    Certifications:

    • Auto Zeitung2021
      3° Place
      Highly recommended
    • AutoBild2021
      7° Place
      Good
    • OAMTC2020
      12° Place
    • AutoBild2020
      7° Place
      Good
    • TCS2020
      11° Place
      Recommended
    • ADAC2020
      12° Place
      Satisfactory
    • AutoBild2019
      2° Place
      Good
    • Auto Motor Sport2019
      4° Place
      Very good
    • AutoBild2018
      3° Place
      Good
    • Sportscars2018
      2° Place
      Very good
    • AUTO ZEITUNG2018
      2° Place
      Very recommended
    • OAMTC2017
      7° Place
    Info & Prices
  2. Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ SUV

    Goodyear UltraGrip Performance+ SUV

    We have not yet expressed our opinion about this tyre.

    Certifications:

    • Tyre Reviews2023
      7° Place
    • AutoBild2023
      3° Place
      Very good
    • ARBO2023
      6° Place
      Recommended
    Info & Prices
  3. Bridgestone Blizzak LM-001

    Bridgestone Blizzak LM-001

    We have not yet expressed our opinion about this tyre.

    Certifications:

    • Sportscars2018
      6° Place
      Good
    • GTU2018
      8° Place
      Recommended
    • ACE2018
      6° Place
      Recommended
    • AUTO EXPRESS2017
      8° Place
    • AutoBild2017
      5° Place
      Good
    • OAMTC2016
      7° Place
    • AUTO EXPRESS2016
      6° Place
    • Autoklub CR2016
      6° Place
      Good
    • GTU2016
      8° Place
      Recommended
    • TCS2016
      7° Place
      Recommended
    • ANWB2016
      8° Place
      Recommended
    • ADAC2016
      7° Place
      Satisfactory
    Info & Prices
  4. Hankook I*Cept Evo2 (W320)

    Hankook I*Cept Evo2 (W320)

    We have not yet expressed our opinion about this tyre.

    Certifications:

    • Auto Motor Sport2019
      6° Place
      Good
    • Auto Motor Sport2017
      8° Place
      Comunque raccomandato
    • GTU2017
      7° Place
      Recommended
    • ACE2017
      7° Place
      Recommended
    • Sportscars2017
      6° Place
      Satisfactory
    • AutoBild2017
      20° Place
      Satisfactory
    • OAMTC2016
      3° Place
    • ANWB2016
      6° Place
      Recommended
    • TCS2016
      3° Place
      Recommended
    • Sportscars2016
      6° Place
      Satisfactory
    • ADAC2016
      5° Place
      Satisfactory
    • Sportscars2015
      5° Place
    Info & Prices
  5. Pirelli Winter SottoZero 3

    Pirelli Winter SottoZero 3

    We have not yet expressed our opinion about this tyre.

    Certifications:

    • OAMTC2021
      12° Place
    • TUV2021
      6° Place
    • TCS2021
      12° Place
      Recommended
    • ANWB2021
      12° Place
      Recommended
    • ADAC2021
      12° Place
      Satisfactory
    • OAMTC2020
      7° Place
    • ANWB2020
      9° Place
      Recommended
    • TCS2020
      7° Place
      Recommended
    • ADAC2020
      7° Place
      Satisfactory
    • AutoBild2020
      19° Place
      Satisfactory
    • Auto Motor Sport2019
      9° Place
      Good
    • AutoBild2019
      18° Place
      Satisfactory
    Info & Prices

Why buy winter tyres?

Winter weather causes roads full of snow or mud. The road can become dangerous for travel and traditional tyres are unable to maintain grip and traction in the snow. This causes drivers to lose steering control.

The best winter tyres available this year are specially engineered with the latest technologies and designs, such as edges and grooves that increase traction on snowy surfaces. These features allow vehicles equipped with snow tyres to travel safely on snow-hit roads, making them ideal for the driver who often travels in a harsh climate.

Warning: when you decide to replace your summer or all-season tyres with winter tyres in size 255/50 R18, it is better to replace all four tyres at the same time. Changing only the front or rear pair often leads to uneven wear.

Get these tyres for temperatures below 7 ° C!

The issue of safety and minimization of risks for oneself and for other motorists must never be underestimated. Winter tyres are essentially designed to work in very low temperatures, even in the presence of ice and snow.

FAQs about winter tyres

Do SUVs Need Winter Tyres?

Many SUV owners believe they don't need winter tyres, because they think their vehicles are immune to skidding and sliding on snow, but that's not true.

Winter tyres are equally important to them because, in difficult winter conditions, summer tyres are unable to adhere to snow-covered surfaces, resulting in poor traction and handling. This means also an increase in braking distances and poor control of the vehicle.

When should I fit winter tyres?

You should consider fitting winter tyres when the average temperature in your area drops below 7 degrees Celsius, regardless of the month, season, or traffic law. When the temperature drops, traditional tyres begin to harden, becoming less effective in traction, and this is exactly where winter tyres give their best.

How many years do snow tyres last?

Many manufacturers claim that their tyres can last up to 6 seasons, but of course it all depends on the mileage and the road we drive. For example, if you often drive on icy roads, your tyres will wear out faster than driving on snow. Likewise, if you cover a lot of distance, regardless of ice or snow, you will cause more tread wear.

Can I drive with winter tyres all year round?

As the 255/50 R18 winter tyres are specially designed for driving in snow, ice or mud, they are not suitable for driving in the warmer months. The compound of winter tyres is more subject to wear in summer, leading to abnormal tread wear. In addition, the grip and handling of the car are limited in warmer conditions, due to their softer compound.

Which speed can I reach with 255/50 R18 winter tyres?

Your winter tyres are designed to provide optimal performance up to the speed limit indicated by the manufacturer: this information is printed on the side of each tyre. Exceeding this limit makes your vehicle prone to sliding on snow or other winter surfaces.

Are winter tyres noisier?

Winter tyres are generally noisier than summer tyres due to their composition. For example, they have wider spaces between the knobs for greater grip on snow, a softer compound composition to maintain the gripping tyre during cold temperatures, etc. combined, these features provide excellent winter traction, but also make the tyre a little louder.