Comparison: Bridgestone Blizzak LM-005 vs. Vredestein Wintrac Pro (2026)

This is where the comparison becomes emphatic. The Blizzak LM-005 is one of the strongest wet-weather winter tyres tested in recent years, and the braking data makes the case clearly: across four measured wet braking tests run against the Wintrac Pro, the Bridgestone averages 30.9 metres compared to 34.3 metres for the Vredestein — a gap of 3.4 metres that translates directly into real-world stopping distances. The LM-005 earned top position in the 225/45 R18 Autobild 225-tyre braking shootout with 31.4m against the Wintrac Pro's 36.4m in the same test. Its aquaplaning resistance is similarly strong, and wet handling scores in objective measurements are among the highest of any tyre in its class. The Wintrac Pro is not unsafe in the wet — ADAC describes it as still competitive in this area — but it cannot match the Bridgestone's margin, and more recent tests have flagged marginally extended wet braking and limited aquaplaning reserves as growing concerns.

On dry roads, neither tyre is a standout, but for different reasons. The Blizzak LM-005 carries a well-documented weakness in dry braking — testers have consistently flagged extended stopping distances on dry asphalt as its principal shortcoming, and this remains the one area where its otherwise impressive engineering falls short. Dry handling is fluid and precise enough for confident everyday driving, but the braking deficit is a genuine limitation for anyone who pushes hard. The Wintrac Pro fares similarly in peak braking but brings its own issue: dry handling lacks the precision and composure of the best in class, with testers noting a slightly unharmonious character at the limit. Both tyres are acceptable on dry roads, but neither should be chosen by anyone who prioritises sunny-day dynamics in their winter tyre.

Snow performance is the most level ground between these two. Across four measured snow braking tests run head-to-head, the Blizzak LM-005 averages 26.6 metres against the Wintrac Pro's 26.8 metres — a difference so small it is effectively irrelevant in real-world use. Where they diverge is in snow handling: the Blizzak has a known tendency to understeer on packed snow and its lateral traction on slippery surfaces has been flagged as average at best, which is surprising given its wet dominance. The Wintrac Pro, conversely, earns genuine praise for snow traction and cornering stability from several testers, with one recent assessment highlighting its stable lateral guidance and high traction on snow and ice. For drivers who regularly face heavy snowfall and prioritise composed handling on packed surfaces, the Wintrac Pro's snow character is arguably the more rounded of the two.

Comfort and running costs reveal another meaningful difference in character. The Blizzak LM-005 is notably heavy, and rolling resistance — while competitive rather than exceptional — contributes to a tyre that costs more to run over its lifetime than many rivals. Projected mileage scores are among its weakest attributes, and several testers have noted above-average wear rates. On the positive side, it rides well and cabin refinement is respectable. The Wintrac Pro presents a different trade-off: it is lighter, posts lower rolling resistance scores in some assessments, and ADAC's 2023 data credited it with low fuel consumption and minimal wear — better projected mileage than the Bridgestone. However, its ride quality on dry roads has been criticised as lacking in composure, and interior noise is not a particular strength. Owner reviews on Tyre Reviews, averaging 88 out of 100 across 30 ratings, reflect broadly positive real-world impressions — drivers on cars including an Audi S5 and Jaguar XE highlight strong grip in Scottish winter conditions and good feedback at the limit, though the sample size remains modest.