As winter comes knocking, most drivers feel less confident and safe on those iced and snow packed roads because they fear slipping and sliding or getting stuck in snow. Just like you change your footwear when the seasons change, your car should also be equipped with the right “shoes” for the winter season to ensure optimal traction for a safe ride. After all, you don’t wear your summer flip flops on snow and ice either, do you?
Whether you face occasional ice and snow, regularly have to drive in harsh winter conditions or go on a skiing holiday trip, investing in quality winter tires is essential for your safety and peace of mind.
Winter tires, also known as snow tires, are specially designed to provide better traction and handling in cold weather conditions. They are recommended when temperatures consistently dip below 45°F (7°C) or when you encounter snow, ice or slush on the roads. Winter tires are made with a softer rubber compound that remains flexible even in freezing temperatures. Other tires stiffen in colder temperatures which will make them lose the optimal traction you need to accelerate and stop safely. Additionally, winter tires have unique deeper tread patterns with more sipes (small slits). The unique tread elements of a winter tire allow the tire to dig deep into snow and grip harder on ice which provides more control.
For this review, we’ve only selected studless winter tires. Studded winter tires are not a good option for most drivers. Tires with studs are not allowed in all states or on all roads because they damage the road surface in dry road conditions and are less comfortable and noisier to drive. Todays’ generation of studless winter tires provide nearly the same level of traction in adverse winter weather as the old school studded tires.
For this article, we’ve selected the best studless winter tires, depending on what type of vehicle you drive and which weather conditions you encounter, to make it easy for you to choose the right tire for your specific needs.
Check out our selection of Best Winter Tires:
Things to consider when buying winter tires
While all-season tires are meant for driving throughout the entire year, they might not cut it if you face harsh winters with lots of snow or ice. They’re good for many conditions but not for extreme weather; the same goes for all-terrain tires. Winter tires on the other hand, are specifically designed to perform better in a wide range of wintry conditions such as cold wet roads, snow and ice, no matter how low the temperature drops.
Even if you have 4-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, winter tires do make a difference. Electronic driver aids such as ABS or Traction Control might help prevent drivers from overbraking or oversteering, but they don’t add traction to the tires. Only winter tires can improve your vehicle’s traction and performance in snow and ice. As a result, they also shorten braking distances for better safety. Research revealed that braking distances in extreme winter conditions can shorten up to 30% for vehicles with winter tires compared to those with all-season tires.
A winter tire always has the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake logo (3PMSF) on its sidewall. It indicates that it is a true winter tire, meaning that independent testing has verified that these tires can perform in severe snow conditions. This logo guarantees that this tire meets or exceeds industry-established severe snow traction performance requirements.
However, even though some all-season and all-terrain tires can also be labeled with the 3PMSF symbol, they might not provide the same level of traction as specialized winter tires in the most extreme winter conditions. The difference lies in the thread pattern and depth, and the pattern of the sipes (shallow grooves).
Tire manufacturers recommend fitting winter tires on all four wheels for maximum safety and control over your vehicle. If you only fit them on the 2 front wheels you risk spinning when accelerating (rear wheel drive cars) or when turning (front or rear wheel drive). If you fit two winter tires on the rear wheels only, you increase the risk of driving straight on when you try to take a turn.
It’s essential to choose tires that are compatible with your vehicle’s specifications, including the correct size, load index, and speed rating. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the appropriate tire size for optimal performance and safety. If you want to know what all those numbers on your tires mean, check out “What Do The Numbers On Tires Mean?”.
When you invest in new tires, you want them to last as long as possible. Much depends of course on your driving style (sporty or relaxed) and the terrain the tires are used on (highways or backroads). Good alignment and balancing are crucial too, to prolong the tires’ lifespan and to make them wear more evenly. Regularly check tire pressure because over or under-inflation leads to uneven tire wear.
You might also consider rotating your tires every 5.000 or 10.000 miles or as recommended by the manufacturer, to prevent uneven treadwear.
As spring arrives and temperatures regularly hit 45ºF, it’s time to switch back to your all-season or summer tires, because winter tires wear out faster on warmer dry roads due to their softer compound and special tread pattern. This switch will help prolong the lifespan of your winter tires.
If you’re a home mechanic, why not consider getting a second set of wheels with winter tires already mounted on them, instead of needing to have your tires swapped by a tire shop twice a year? With one set of wheels with winter tires and another set of wheels with summer tires, you can simply swap the wheels yourself when the seasons change.
While purchasing an extra set of wheels may seem like an investment initially, it might save time and money in the long run by avoiding the need to have your tires fitted and removed from your wheels twice a year. Swapping wheels can easily be done at home, but for changing tires on a single set of wheels, professional equipment and expertise is needed.
How we did our review
We first started switching from all-season tires to winter tires back in the nineties. We got fed up with our rear-wheeled car losing grip when accelerating on ice- or snow-covered roads in winter. The difference was night and day and we never looked back! Over the years we’ve tried and tested many different tires for our cars (4×4’s, daily drivers, sporty SUV, new high-performance sports car, classic cars…)
For this review we dove deep in the manufacturer specifications and researched numerous customer reviews to see what their experience was. Furthermore, we listened to what tire experts and tire centers had to say and what their opinion was. We only recommend tires from reliable, reputed tire manufacturers. All the tires in our selection do a great job at maintaining traction in different winter circumstances. We’ve selected tires for different vehicle types and different situations, to make it easy for you to choose the right winter tires for your car.
Check out our selection of Best Winter Tires:
Best Performance Winter Tire
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Best Performance Winter Tire
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- Type: Winter Tire, Studless
- Made for: Performance Sports Cars, Sedans and Coupes
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake: Yes
To upgrade your winter driving experience during wintertime, you might consider MICHELIN® Pilot® Alpin® PA4™ tires. These tires offer a unique blend of high-performance handling on clear roads and traction in snow, slush and ice. This makes them perfect for sports cars like the Corvette and other prestigious vehicles of premium car manufacturers.
The Michelin Pilot Alpin PA4 is designed using Michelin’s expertise in both performance and winter safety, enabling you to enjoy speed with confidence on winter roads. The use of Helio Compound™, a special silica-based rubber compound enriched with sunflower oil, keeps the tires flexible in freezing temperatures. This ensures better winter performance, with stopping distance over 5% shorter on snow, ice and wet roads.
This tire has a sporty tread design with a wide center rib, large shoulder blocks and Michelin’s Stabiligrip 3D sipes. This guarantees responsive steering and cornering control on dry, cold roads. The Pilot Alpin PA4 is Three Peak Mountain Snowflake Rating (3PMSF) certified, for use in winter weather. It’s also M+S (Mud+Snow) rated for driving in slush and slippery mud.
Thanks to its sturdy construction and 3D interlocking sipes, the MICHELIN® Pilot® Alpin® PA4™ offers stability at high speeds and long-lasting tread wear. As a result of Michelin’s confidence in their product, most PA4 fitments come with a 30,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty.
An incredible 97% of the customers would recommend these tires to others. They state that they are arguably the best winter tires for performance cars.
No matter if you’re facing snow, ice, or wet roads, the MICHELIN® Pilot® Alpin® PA4™ tire ensures exceptional control and improved braking distance. It is engineered to meet the demands of premium car manufacturers. This guarantees top-notch performance for your performance vehicle in winter conditions. A great choice for drivers who want to balance handling and winter season traction!
PROS:
- Great traction and braking performance on snow
- Precise road handling and great traction in wet, snow and icy conditions
- Comfortable & Quiet
- 30,000 Miles Manufacturer’s Treadwear Limited Warranty
CONS:
- Not the cheapest rubber in town
Best High Performance Winter Tire for Sports Cars
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Best High Performance Winter Tire for Sports Cars
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- Type: Winter Tire, Studless
- Made for: Premium Sports Cars, Coupes, Sedans, High-Performance Crossovers and SUVs
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake: Yes
The Pirelli P ZERO™ tire series has always been synonymous with the ultimate blend of high performance, a perfect fit and awesome looks. The P Zero tire was developed and tested in cooperation with leading high-end sports car manufacturers like Ferrari, Porsche, Maserati and BMW. The winter version of this exceptional tire enables spirited drivers to enjoy exhilarating performance in the winter season too, with the P ZERO™ WINTER tires. They provide a high-level driving experience in snow, slush and wet conditions, as well as on cold, clear pavement.
These tires are specifically designed to control the high power output of premium and prestige vehicles in winter environments. P Zero Winter tires have a performance-tuned winter tread compound molded into an asymmetric tread pattern design. It is engineered to stay flexible and maintain traction in cold temperatures. These tires offer excellent controllability and maneuvering.
Let’s take a look at what makes the P ZERO™ WINTER stand out:
Optimized Stiffness: The high stiffness of this tire and its tread stability ensure a balanced and confident drive, especially on dry roads.
Longitudinal Grooves: These grooves not only facilitate snow handling and efficient drainage but also provide additional edges for lateral stability. This enhances performance in rainy conditions and minimizes the risk of aquaplaning.
Transversal Grooves: These grooves are designed to maximize snow traction and braking performance. They provide extra edges and working surfaces while maintaining excellent balance in wet conditions.
Crossed Grooves and Zig-Zag Elements: These features render exceptional mobility because they enable the tire to efficiently catch and grip onto snow. They provide superior traction and braking performance even in the most challenging winter conditions.
Pirelli Noise Canceling System™ (PNCS) : This cutting-edge technology is designed to significantly reduce interior vehicle noise. It is achieved by integration of a sound-absorbing material applied to the inside circumferential wall of the tire. This innovation effectively cuts noise levels by half and will make your drive much more enjoyable.
These tires meet the industry’s severe snow service requirements and are branded with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.
Customers confirm that these tires perform outstandingly well regardless of the cold temperatures or snow on the roads, and that they provide adequate grip for stopping, accelerating and cornering. People are also amazed about how quiet these tires are compared to other winter tires for High Performance cars. They state that these tires are more than worth their money. High Performance EV Customers also highly recommend these tires.
With P ZERO™ WINTER, spirited drivers can confidently tackle winter roads without compromising on exhilarating performance. It’s a tire that offers the perfect harmony of performance and safety.
PROS:
- Superior traction and braking performance in challenging winter conditions
- Excellent controllability and maneuvering
- Enables a balanced and confident drive
- Optimized grooves for effectively eliminating water and slush from the footprint, avoiding hydroplaning
- Low cabin noise
CONS:
- No tread warranty
- More expensive than standard winter tires
Best Winter Tire for Passenger Car
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Best Winter Tire for Passenger Car
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- Type: Winter Tire, Studless
- Made for: Sedans, Coupes, Minivans and Crossovers
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake: Yes
The Michelin X-ICE SNOW is a winter tire developed for sedans, coupes, minivans and crossovers. This tire allows you to drive confidently and safely on snowy and icy roads all winter long. No matter what winter throws your way – whether it’s icy roads, heavy snow, or just plain cold conditions – this tire gives you reliable traction and stability.
The MICHELIN® X-Ice® SNOW tire helps you stop faster on ice and snow with its amazing grip thanks to two types of special full-depth 3D sipes that grip like claws onto snow and ice.
These tires also provide more snow traction performance than their competitors. The innovative Evergrip Technology and the multiple biting edges of the 3D interlocking sipes provide superior traction on snowy surfaces. This technology is the result of years of research and incorporates a unique FleX-Ice™ 2.0 compound. This special compound, which also contains a high silica content, ensures the tire maintains its flexibility and grip, even in severe climates. The innovative material offers improved grip on ice and snow throughout the entire lifespan of the tire.
By using full-depth sipes and a durable tread design, this tire ensures reliable traction, even in harsh winter conditions. The MICHELIN® X-Ice® SNOW tire has been tested to meet the highest standards for winter tires. Therefore, this tire proudly wears the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol (3PMSF), showing it’s ready to handle the toughest winter conditions.
When it comes to avoiding hydroplaning, the MICHELIN® X-Ice® SNOW tire outperforms its older versions. Its aggressive winter tread design with increased groove widths and V-shaped pattern helps push away water, slush and snow.
This tire doesn’t just excel in traction – it also improves fuel efficiency, with a nearly 10% decrease in rolling resistance compared to other winter tires.
To ensure you can enjoy a quiet and comfortable ride, Michelin designed these tires with Piano Acoustic Tuning to minimize tread pattern noise.
With its wear-resistant tread compound and optimized design, the MICHELIN® X-ICE® SNOW delivers impressive winter traction without sacrificing durability. Backed by a 40,000-mile limited warranty, you can trust it to last through several winters.
The excellent tire rating charts and numerous positive reviews of satisfied customers confirm this is an excellent, highly recommended winter tire.
In summary, the MICHELIN® X-Ice® SNOW is not an ordinary winter tire – it’s a tire designed for long-term safety, mobility, and confidence in all winter conditions.
PROS:
- For Ultimate Confidence on Snow & Ice
- Shorter Stopping Distances on Ice and Snow
- Excellent Winter Traction
- Long Lasting Winter Tread
- Quiet & Comfortable
- Improves Fuel Efficiency
- 40,000 Miles Limited Treadwear Warranty
CONS:
- Might not be the best choice if you drive an EV
Best Winter Tire for SUV
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Best Winter Tire for SUV
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- Type: Winter Tire, Studless
- Made for: SUVs, Crossovers and Light-Duty Pickups
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake: Yes
The Michelin X-ICE SNOW SUV is a winter tire developed for SUVs, vans and light-duty pickups. With this tire you can drive confidently and safely on snow and ice all winter long. No matter how harsh winter gets – whether it’s icy roads, heavy snow, or just plain cold conditions – this tire will get you home safely.
Michelin’s X-Ice® SNOW SUV tire shortens the braking distance on ice and snow with its amazing grip thanks to two types of special full-depth 3D sipes.
Its innovative Evergrip Technology and multiple biting edges of the 3D interlocking sipes enable superior traction on snowy surfaces, providing better snow traction performance than its competitors. Years of research lead to the development of Michelin’s FleX-Ice™ 2.0 compound, the technology that is also incorporated in this tire. This special compound contains a high silica content, ensuring that the tire maintains its flexibility and grip, even in the coldest climates. This innovative material offers improved grip on ice and snow throughout the entire lifespan of the tire.
By using full-depth sipes and a durable tread design, the MICHELIN® X-Ice® SNOW SUV tire ensures reliable traction that lasts, even in harsh winter conditions. The tire has been tested to meet the highest standards for winter tires. Therefore, it has the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol (3PMSF), showing it’s ready to perform in the most demanding winter conditions.
In avoiding hydroplaning, the MICHELIN® X-Ice® SNOW SUV tire even outperforms its predecessors. The aggressive winter tread design with increased groove widths and V-shaped pattern helps push away water, slush and snow.
Don’t think that because this tire has so much grip, it must be a gas guzzler – it even improves fuel efficiency, with a nearly 10% decrease in rolling resistance compared to other tires.
To ensure you can enjoy a quiet and comfortable ride, tread pattern noise is minimized by Michelin’s Piano Acoustic Tuning.
With its wear-resistant tread compound and optimized design, the MICHELIN® X-Ice® SNOW delivers impressive winter traction without sacrificing durability. Backed by a 40,000-mile limited warranty, you can trust it to last through multiple severe winters.
This tire scores high on the rating charts and gets numerous positive reviews. Satisfied customers comment that this is an excellent winter tire for SUVs.
In summary, the MICHELIN® X-Ice® SNOW SUV is a great tire that is designed for long-term safety, inspiring confidence in all winter conditions.
PROS:
- Ultimate Snow & Ice Confidence
- Shorter stopping distances on ice and snow
- Excellent Winter Traction
- Long Lasting Winter Tread
- Quiet & Comfortable
- Great Fuel Efficiency
- 40,000 Miles Limited Treadwear Warranty
CONS:
- Might not be your best choice if you drive an Electrical SUV or High Performance SUV, you might want to consider our Best High Performance Winter Tire for Sports Cars
Best Winter Tire for Pickups and Light Trucks
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Best Winter Tire for Pickups and Light Trucks
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- Type: Winter Tire, Studless
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake: Yes
- Made for: Pickups, Light Trucks, SUVs, Light Commercial Vans
The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 winter tire is the go-to choice for people who drive a pickup truck or a light truck and are looking for superior grip on slush, snow, and ice-covered surfaces.
This tire is designed with the focus on snow and ice traction, braking efficiency and also wet road handling and to minimize hydroplaning. Its advanced design keeps you firmly in control, no matter the harsh winter conditions.
Bridgstone uses its innovative NanoPro Tech Multicell compound with a Hydrophilic Coating and microscopic bite particles to remove water from the surface of the tire. This provides better traction on snow and ice. The compound stays flexible even in the coldest weather and its hydrophilic nature helps to whisk away water from packed snow and ice. Meanwhile, the bite particles enhance traction and optimize braking, even on slippery black ice.
The tire’s directional tread design has 15% more aggressive block edges compared to its predecessor, the Blizzak DM-V1. This gives even more control on snowy surfaces. This design, coupled with wide lateral and circumferential grooves, effectively channels water, slush, and snow away from the tire’s contact area. It delivers traction when you need it most. Additionally, the 3D zigzag sipes increase the number of biting edges on snow which enhances grip and stability.
The Blizzak DM-V2 has earned the industry’s Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, indicating its compliance with severe snow service requirements. This guarantees that you can trust this tire to perform exemplary in all winter conditions.
Customer rating charts give this tire a near-perfect score and 98% of the buyers would recommend these tires.
So, if you’re gearing up for the winter driving season and want to stay safe driving confidently, you should consider equipping your vehicle with Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 tires. With their unmatched grip, responsive handling, and proven performance, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever winter throws your way.
PROS:
- Superior grip on slush, snow, and ice-covered surfaces
- Enhanced ice traction and braking efficiency
- Innovative NanoPro Tech Multicell compound with Hydrophilic Coating for excellent wet road handling and resistance to hydroplaning
- Directional tread design with aggressive block edges for improved traction
- Optimized road contact to give more control in winter conditions
CONS:
- No Treadwear Warranty
Best Winter Tire for EV
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Best Winter Tire for EV
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- Type: Winter Tire, Studless
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake: Yes
- Made for: Electric Vehicles and Hybrids
For electric vehicle (EV) owners who prioritize safety and efficiency also during the winter months, there’s a new game-changer on the market: the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 EV. These tires are designed with the unique needs of EVs in mind and offer a blend of performance, durability and eco-friendliness that’s hard to beat.
What sets the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 EV apart is its ability to deliver reliable performance for EVs across a range of winter road conditions. Thanks to its innovative Double Block Grip tread design, you can expect superior grip and handling. Whether you’re navigating dry pavement, wet roads, icy patches or deep snow, this tire has you covered.
But it’s not just about traction — the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 EV takes ice performance to the next level. Thanks to Arctic Grip Crystals you’ll experience impeccable grip on icy surfaces. These microscopic crystals act like built-in studs, providing enhanced traction as you drive. As the tire wears down, the crystals emerge to maintain grip throughout its lifespan, ensuring you stay safe on the road.
Also very impressive is the tire’s commitment to sustainability. Although It is designed to leave a smaller carbon footprint, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 EV doesn’t compromise on performance. The specially for EVs engineered green tire compound, which has a large amount of natural rubber, remains flexible in all conditions. The low rolling resistance provides an increased range for electric vehicles and hybrids.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 EV is designated for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake severe weather rating, meaning it’s ready to tackle even the harshest winter conditions.
What’s more, driving on Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 EV tires is a quiet and comfortable experience, thanks to SilentDrive Technology™. By incorporating acoustic foam into the tire’s interior liner and pairing it with a Silent Touch tread design, Nokian has created a tire that minimizes noise and vibration. This gives you a smoother, more enjoyable ride just as you expect from your EV!
Its sturdy construction can handle the additional weight and torque of electric vehicles and means that this tire is built to last for many miles. However, like many winter tires, the R5 EV does not include a mileage warranty of its own.
Customers agree these are the best winter tires for EVs. They confirm their excellent performance on snow and ice, perfect traction, complete control of the car on snowy days and absolutely noiseless. As one customer calls it: Hakkapelawesome!
So, if you’re an EV owner looking to maximize safety, efficiency, and eco-friendliness in winter, you should consider the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 EV. With its cutting-edge technology and unbeatable performance, it’s the ultimate winter tire for the modern electric vehicle.
PROS:
- Superior grip and handling in various winter conditions
- Impeccable ice performance with built-in Arctic Grip Crystals
- SilentDrive Technology™ for a quiet and comfortable driving experience
- Eco-friendly design with a smaller carbon footprint and sustainable tire compound
- Sturdy construction to handle the additional weight and torque of EVs
- Increased range for electric vehicles and hybrids
CONS:
- Higher initial cost compared to traditional winter tires
- No Treadwear Warranty
Best Winter Tire for Extreme Snow and Ice
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Best Winter Tire for Extreme Snow and Ice
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- Type: Winter Tire, Studless
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake: Yes
- Made for: Car, Crossover, Minivan
With the highest score on the winter tire rating charts when it comes to extreme snow and ice, and countless positive customer reviews, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 dedicated snow and winter tires are a very popular choice among many drivers who want to feel confident on the road in challenging winter road conditions. Whether you have to tackle a steep icy driveway, snow covered rural roads or a mountain pass, these tires will perform. They will make your car feel like a tank going up- and downhill in fresh snow or slush. This tire securely performs in the harshest winter conditions without the use of studs. Bridgestone’s Blizzak WS90 winter tires are designed to be at their best when winter driving conditions are at their worst and all of this at an affordable price!
One of the standout features of the Blizzak WS90 is its directional pattern which is engineered to provide increased block stiffness. What does this mean for you? Well, it translates to more responsive steering, giving you better control over your vehicle even in challenging conditions. Plus, with improved wear life, you can trust that your tires will last longer without compromising performance.
Bridgestone’s EdgePerformance Technology Package takes things a step further by incorporating full-depth features and interlocking sipes. These elements work together to maintain impressive performance throughout the tire’s lifespan. Whether you’re tackling fresh powder or encountering icy patches, you can count on the Blizzak WS90 to deliver reliable traction and grip.
The tire’s tread pattern features a greater contact area and 15% more block edges compared to its predecessor. This provides increased ice traction and shorter braking distances in slippery conditions. You can drive with confidence knowing that your tires are equipped to handle whatever winter has in store.
The tread pattern is molded from Bridgestone’s next-generation Multi-Cell compound with bite particles. This effectively removes the thin layer of water that develops between the tread rubber and icy roads and ensures superior grip and stability even in the most treacherous conditions. Furthermore, the silica enhancements in the compound also improve grip in snow and ice.
Moreover, the Blizzak WS90 has earned the industry’s Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, indicating its compliance with severe snow service requirements. This means you can trust this tire to perform in the harshest winter conditions. You can be sure however, that this purpose-built tire will outperform the 3PMSF test criteria with ease in deep snow and on ice-covered roads, during its entire lifespan.
Many consumers confirm these tires are the best winter tires they ever had to tackle extreme winter conditions. They state they don’t slip or slide with these tires. They do recommend changing them as soon as warmer temperatures set in to prevent these tires from wearing too fast . This is also recommended by the manufacturer and by doing this, you could add an extra winter driving season.
If you’re looking for a tire that excels in extreme winter driving conditions and keeps you safe and secure on the road all winter season long, the Blizzak WS90 might be your best choice. With its advanced features and cutting-edge technology, this tire is ready to take on whatever Mother Nature throws your way in winter.
PROS:
- Confident control on snow and ice
- Superior grip on slush, snow, and ice-covered surfaces
- Enhanced ice traction and shorter braking distances on slippery surfaces
- Optimized road contact to give more control in winter conditions
- Patented Multicell™ Technology enhances road grip to help combat slippage on ice
- Extended wear life for an extra winter season for the average driver
- Impressive performance throughout the tire’s lifespan
CONS:
- No Treadwear Warranty
Comparison Table of the Best Winter Tires
| Brand | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Performance Winter Tire | MICHELIN | PILOT ALPIN PA4 |
| Best High Performance Winter Tire for Sports Cars | PIRELLI | P ZERO WINTER |
| Best Winter Tire for Passenger Car | MICHELIN | X-ICE SNOW |
| Best Winter Tire for SUV | MICHELIN | X-ICE SNOW SUV |
| Best Winter Tire for Pickups and Light Trucks | BRIDGESTONE | BLIZZAK DM-V2 |
| Best Winter Tire for EV | NOKIAN | HAKKAPELIITTA R5 EV |
| Best Winter Tire for Extreme Snow and Ice | BRIDGESTONE | BLIZZAK WS90 |
Final Thoughts
Investing in a set of winter tires is crucial to be able to drive safely during the coldest months. They are recommended when temperatures consistently dip below 45°F (7°C) or when you encounter snow, ice or slush on the roads. Remember to install them before the winter weather hits and to switch back to your all-season or summer tires once the temperatures rise again. By choosing the right winter tires for your vehicle, you can navigate winter roads with confidence and peace of mind.
If our recommended winter tires don’t match your vehicle or driving habits, why not use a tire selection tool to find the perfect tire for your specific needs?
Be safe!
Happy cruisin’!
FAQ’s
How do I know what size tires to purchase?
The correct tire size for your vehicle can typically be found on a sticker located inside the driver’s side door or in your vehicle owners manual.
If you want to know what all those numbers on your tires mean, you might want to read “What Do The Numbers On Tires Mean? Tire Size Explained”.
Do you need all four tires to be winter tires?
Yes, you need to fit winter tires on all four wheels. Tire manufacturers recommend fitting winter tires on all four wheels for maximum safety and control over your vehicle. If you only fit them on the 2 front wheels you risk spinning when accelerating (rear wheel drive cars) or when turning (front or rear wheel drive). If you fit two winter tires only on the rear wheels, you increase the risk of driving straight on when you try to take a turn.
Can winter tires be used year-round?
It’s not a good idea to use winter tires year-round, because they are specially designed to provide better traction and handling in cold weather conditions. They are recommended when temperatures consistently dip below 45°F (7°C) or when you encounter snow, ice or slush on the roads.
Winter tires are made with a softer rubber compound that remains flexible even in freezing temperatures. As a result, winter tires tend to wear out faster on warmer dry roads because of this softer compound and their special tread pattern. As spring arrives, you want to switch your winter tires for your all-season or summer tires once temperatures regularly hit 45ºF. This switch will help prolong the lifespan of your winter tires.
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