The 185/60R14 T and 195/65R15 T versions of the Bridgestone Blizzak LM18 studless winter tire both shared the top "highly recommended" rating in comparative tests conducted by various German magazines, such as ADAC Motorwelt magazine, official journal of Germany’s national automobile club.
With a circulation of 13.3 million, ADAC Motorwelt is the most widely read of any German periodical, the company says.
The results of its independently conducted tests are reproduced in sister publications covering Europe’s German-speaking countries and quoted by numerous consumer magazines. The editorial in its October 2003 edition describes the two Bridgestone products as "well balanced," noting that the smaller size is especially good in the wet.
In another test carried out by Auto Motor und Sport, the Blizzak LM22 205/55R16 H emerged ahead of five other comparable brands. Nominating the Bridgestone tire as "best of test," the enthusiast magazine praised its snow traction, braking performance, comfort, steering precision and good all-round characteristics.
MOT also put the Blizzak LM22 205/55R16 H in first place. Its October 22 issue awarded the tire its highest scores for wet handling, and wet and dry braking.
Auto Bild classed the same tire as "highly recommendable," along with just two other brands from a test batch of 11. A report appearing on October 10 rated the Blizzak as "the best all-round tire." Special strengths were seen as its "convincing wet handling" and "best braking in dry and wet."
The Blizzak LM18 and LM22 series are designed specifically for the winter conditions generally encountered in western European countries such as Germany, France and the UK. They combine Bridgestone's snow tire technology package with a high-silica tread compound and advanced tread pattern that optimise grip and water displacement.
"More European motorists are now choosing to fit winter tires," said Des Collins, vice president sales and marketing, Bridgestone Europe. "Throughout the last couple of years the market for winter tires represents over 20% of the total demand in replacement tires. It is encouraging to note that the specialist press continues to put our Blizzak products at the top of its lists in terms of safety and comfort for this category."
