All-Season Tires Tested

The massive Firestone tire recall made it clear how vitally important tires are for your safety. A good tire makes you more secure by braking and cornering well and by gripping the road.

Testers at Consumer Reports just put all-season tires for sedans through their paces.

In one of 14 tire tests, Consumer Reports is checking resistance to hydroplaning. Tires that do the best grip the pavement and don't slide on the surface of the water.

Consumer Reports tested 11 all-season car tires from Goodyear, Michelin, Firestone and others. All-season tires are the kind most people use. They offer a quiet, comfortable ride, good handling and long wear. And they work well in most weather conditions.

They were tested in a variety of conditions: in snow to judge their traction, on ice and at a hockey rink, where engineers measured how long it took to come to a complete stop.

Tires are also tested on wet and dry pavement to see how well they stop. Engineers also tested how well the tires respond in emergency handling.

In the end, top ratings went to the Pirelli p400 touring tires for $49 each. They are excellent in emergency handling, as well as in wet and dry braking. They also do a very good job at resisting hydroplaning.

Testers also recommend the Yokohama Aegis.