Writing about the
Vredestein Snowtrac 3 given
89% (225-45-17-)
Driving on
a combination of roads for 25000
spirited miles
Have had these tires fitted year-round for 4 or 5 years now (I can't remember, and I don't know their mileage -- but they are older than any sane person would have). I don't travel enough to warrant changing between summer and winter tires, but there is enough snow and ice in the winter that all-season rubber is out of the question. Don't remember how much I paid for. The wear has gotten to them in the past year, and it is evident I am going to have to replace them. I had skinnier tires on than the manufacturer recommends -- 185/60 R15.
Dry grip was good throughout its lifetime, through twisty B roads, downhill, on the motorway. Wet grip wasn't phenomenal, but they always brought me home safely. Never had problems with aquaplaning, be it on the motorway or the twisties. Snow was a different story -- City slush was no problem, but when it came to actual snow, I had to take it slow, as with any other tire. I've driven a Mercedes C class (2010) with much more expensive tires and it slid around just as much as my little Note on the same snowy road. So +1 there, I suppose, but I still would not feel safe driving over two inch thick snow and ice.
The response to the steering wheel is phenomenal even after all these years, but they also don't absorb many bumps in the road. You feel everything, in the hands (good) as well as in your bottom and back (not good). Noise could be lower, but with a car this light (1160 kg -- nearly no sound dampening) no tire is going to help really.
In the past year, dry grip was still good, despite having very little tread left. Wet grip was abhorrent, and I'm lucky I know how to drive or else I wouldn't be writing this review today. But again, this is after 4 or 5 years of continuous torture (easily 30.000 km), over ice and snow in the Alps and through the hot weather of the Adriatic.
According to the sticker, their fuel consumption is supposed to be very high (E class), but honestly I couldn't tell you if that's true as these are the first tires I ever drove with. For what it's worth, I can get an average of ~5.7L/100km if I drive patiently (official combined spec says 5.5L/100km).
I would definitely buy these again, but they are not being produced any longer. I am currently eyeing up their newer brother, the Snowtrac 5, but this time with the correct 185/65 dimensions (40€ apiece). Hopefully they will be a worthy replacement.