Best Tires for Driving in the Snow
If you live in a climate where temperatures regularly drop below 45 degrees in winter, like in Rhode Island, Massachusetts or Connecticut, you’ll want to consider investing in season-appropriate tires. Driving in snow can be challenging and treacherous. Having tires designed for better traction and stability in poor weather can help you maintain control of the vehicle to avoid car accidents and injuries.
When shopping for snow tires, research which ones best suit your vehicle, as well as performance reviews on brands and models. The right type of snow tires can transform your vehicle from a slippery nightmare to a snow-churning machine (well, almost). Always plan on purchasing four tires so that your vehicle is evenly equipped in wintry weather.
Top Picks for Snowy Driving
Gear Patrol reviewed and researched a variety of snow tires and offers a list of reliable buys for anyone interested in a set this winter.
- Bridgestone Blizzaks: Bridgestone built what many consider one of the best winter weather tires in the industry, the Blizzak. An additional layer of rubber is pocked with a system of microscopic cells and tubes to create a surface that wicks away wetness and grabs onto snow and ice. The effect is almost like driving on studded tires. The tire is available for cars, SUVs, pickups, CUVs and heavy-duty trucks.
- BF Goodrich Winter Slaloms: These tires are priced for those shopping on a budget. But don’t let the price tag fool you — the Slaloms are ready for snow and ice with a system of extra-long sipes to provide that extra bite to maintain traction and avoid slippage.
- Continental Extremewintercontacts: These tires are inspired by European winter tire design and offer excellent grip for snowy or icy roads, as well as drivability in all weather conditions.
- Dunlop Winter Maxx: The Winter Maxx uses new technology to craft a snow tire stylish enough for sports cars and effective enough for all weather conditions. Silica-enhanced rubber helps the tire maintain grip on roads in icy conditions, and wear bars indicate when traction is reduced.
- Goodyear Ultra Grip: The Ultra Grip is a great standard snow tire with sizes to fit nearly every vehicle. The Ultra Grip claims to provide stopping abilities of up to six feet sooner than the average tire.
- Cooper Discoverer M+S Sport: These tires, designed for SUVs and CUVs, offer a deep groove for snow performance as well as a rugged look. A special silica compound allows for excellent performance in winter conditions.
There are many other options for snow tires. Your vehicle’s needs and your budget will dictate the ones best suited for you. Snow tires are better for wintry travel than all-season tires. All-season tires are made to handle all types of road conditions, while snow tires are specifically designed to provide additional traction and safety in snowy or icy conditions. Certainly your geographical location will influence whether you need snow tires or not.
Snow tires may protect you in poor driving conditions, but winter accidents are still a reality. Icy conditions and other drivers can create situations beyond your control, and you may sustain serious injury and property damage in a wintry crash. If you find yourself in an auto accident in Rhode Island, Massachusetts or Connecticut, Rob Levine and Associates can help. Call 1-800-LAW-1222 for a free consultation.
