When the temperatures stay below 46°F consistently, it’s time to put on your car’s winter tires. All-season tires are a misnomer. They’re just three-season tires unless you live someplace nearly snow-free. Otherwise, all-season tires won’t function at peak efficiency in the winter.
Going Without Winter Tires Is a Risky Proposition
Some drivers balk at the expense of buying a dedicated set of winter tires — arguing they’re not needed. But that would deny the facts. According to various sources, winter tires need 20% to 50% less stopping distance than their all-season counterparts on winter roads. So, getting winter tires could mean avoiding accidents that you might not be able to with all-season tires.
Some Insurance Companies Reward Drivers With Snow Tires
In addition to the safety factor winter tires offer, you might also get a break on insurance. Insurance companies understand the benefits of winter tires during the cold weather season. Ask yours if they extend discounts to policyholders who install winter tires during the winter.
Put Them on Before the Snow Starts to Fall!
If you wait until the first snowstorm of the season, you might have to take the day off work since the tire shops will be filled with other drivers who put things off to the last moment. Don’t do that to yourself. Get your winter tires installed during the long weekend of Thanksgiving. That’s a good rule of thumb if you want to be proactive rather than reactive.
Lots to Choose From This Year!
If you’re in the market for winter tires this year, you won’t lack for options. You’ll want to see what’s available, consider the various features, and consider the price points.
If you’re ready to see the top winter tires for this year, here are 12 options for your shortlist.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
Nokian has earned a strong reputation for manufacturing top-of-the-line winter tires. In fact, the company invented the first winter tire in the 1930s. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 winter tires offer a superior grip on snow and ice. If hunting for winter tires, you should have Nokians on your shortlist.
Michelin X-Ice Snow
The Michelin X-Ice Snow is another strong competitor in the winter tire space. It offers a strong braking bite on slippery roads and highways. In addition to facilitating shorter stopping distances on snow and ice, the winter tires have full-depth 3D sipes that offer an enhanced claw effect on wintery surfaces.
Continental VikingContact 7
Looking for a premium winter tire for your car, truck SUV, or minivan? Check out the Continental VikingContact 7 brand. According to Continental, the winter tires feature PolarPlus Technology, which affords flexible tread in cold temperatures, enhanced grip in winter conditions, and reduced stopping distances on ice- and snow-covered roads.
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
According to online consumer reviews, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR winter tires offer great snow and wet road traction. Some even comment on better-than-expected performance when driving at highway speed on dry roads. These winter tires were designed for extreme weather conditions.
Yokohama iceGUARD iG53
Yokohama iceGUARD iG53 winter tires offer great braking on snow, good traction on ice, good aquaplaning resistance, minimal rolling resistance, and low noise.
Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8
Extensive siping that minimizes the negative impact of snow, rain, ice, and slush is one of the qualities that define Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8 winter tires. They’re also reasonably quiet on the road, so you won’t have to deal with too much tire noise. They’re worth considering if you need winter tires for the upcoming winter season.
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 winter tires have an exclusive multicell compound that factors into their great ice and snow performance. They offer a comfortable and quiet ride in even the most extreme winter driving conditions.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
If you’re looking for winter tires with great ice performance, consider Bridgestone Blizzak WS90. You’ll feel more comfortable navigating the roads and highways this winter when you’ve got Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 installed.
Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2
What do Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2 winter tires bring to the table? They’re great on hard-packed snow and ice, and the wide tread contact patch amplifies the brake power. They also offer good handling and are quiet compared to other winter tire brands.
Cooper Evolution Winter
Winter tires from the Cooper Evolution Winter brand are another great choice if you need to swap your all-season tires for winter tires in a few months. Its silica tread compound and aggressive tread patterns afford optimal grip for the snow and black ice coming soon.
Toyo Open Country A/T III
Toyo Open Country A/T III winter tires offer a smooth ride, minimal noise, and good traction. These all-terrain tires are designed for pickup trucks and SUVs that ride on and off-road.
Firestone Winterforce 2 UV
Firestone Winterforce 2 UV winter tires allow for efficient slush and water evacuation and offer strong traction on snow. You’ll feel more comfortable navigating the roads in the winter when you know you have four top-quality winter tires installed.
Get Your Winter Tires Before the Snow Arrives!
If new winter tires are on your shopping list this year, the ones mentioned above are good options. Do your research and find the right set for your vehicle. When the snow starts to fall, the last thing you want is to be unprepared.
More From Driver’s Drift
15 Common Tire Brands That Don’t Deliver on Quality
16 Used SUVs to Avoid (Unless You’re After a Money Pit)
15 Compelling Reasons to Avoid Buying a Car With a Sunroof
15 Car Services You Don’t Really Need and Are Just Wasting Money On
