Guide to Winter Snow Tires

Do you need to put snow tires on your car in winter? Are they really necessary? Or are all-season tires good enough? What makes snow tires for cars different from regular tires? And, Cheap Charlie wants to know: Can you go with just 2 snow tires or should you get all 4? 

Read on as we explain what each tire type is designed for, so you make the best decision for your vehicle and safety.

Best Tires for Snow

Is there a difference between winter and snow tires?

This chart below is a side-by-side comparison of five types of tires. You can see that all-season tires versus snow tires make sense if you live in areas that get heavy snowfall. You can also compare all terrain vs. all-season tires in snow and see that all seasons are OK in light snow at slower speeds, while all-terrain tires tend to perform better because their deep treads push snow and slush away from the vehicle.

This is a great place to begin: Understanding which tires are safest for driving on ice, sleet, slush and snow. That’s where winter and snow tires come into the picture. But what’s the difference?

Honestly, they are very similar. In fact, most tire manufacturers don’t distinguish between winter tires vs. snow tires. It all comes down to the materials used to make them and how they handle cold weather and snowy, icy conditions.

Have you ever seen the snowflake symbol on the sidewall of a tire? That symbol means the tire is built to handle better in snowy conditions. You’ll see this symbol on what are considered snow tires and winter tires.

Winter tires are built to handle more harsh weather conditions than just snow. They are made with materials that perform in temperatures below 44 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s 7 degrees Celsius for those using the metric system. Learn more about how snow tires work.

How do snow tires work?

What makes snow tires different is they typically have deep, wide, jagged grooves that provide better traction and grip. They have the best tread design for snow and winter driving. Their flexible compound stays soft in extreme cold and is ideal for heavy rain, ice and snow. These are the tires for you if you live in an area with long cold winters and see reasonable amounts of snow.

You could be wondering why all-season tires aren’t good enough for snow conditions since, you know, they’re all-season and all. All-season tires offer some traction in light snow but are not built for deep snow, ice and frigid temperatures. We’ll get more into all-season tires a little later.

Ready for studded tires?

If your winters are harsher, or you plan to drive in a snowy mountain area, you might want to consider studded snow tires. These tires are fitted with cleat-like protrusions to provide even more grip. Some models come with fixed studs, while others have divots where you can install studs when conditions call for them.

Important: Studded tires are not legal everywhere in the U.S. Some states allow them only during certain times of the year, and others never permit them. Check out our guide to studded snow tires for more info.

Can you use winter tires in the summer or warmer months?

It is not advised to use snow tires all year long. Long-term costs of leaving winter tires on year-round outweigh the costs of changing them seasonally. Your car’s performance on the road may suffer if you don’t.

The ideal decision for you will depend on several criteria, such as your environment, driving habits and performance requirements. This is why tire manufacturers offer different types of tires for different seasons. For more details, check out our article on when to change winter tires.

OK, now you know a little about winter, snow and studded tires, but what are the other options? Let’s look at one of the most common selections first: all-season tires.

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What about all-season and all-weather tires in winter?

All-season and all-weather tires have similar traits, including shallow grooves for a comfortable ride, lower road noise and better handling.

Here’s where the differences begin. All-season tires are designed for longer tread life, hardening in colder temperatures, and for dry, mildly rainy, moderate weather year-round and very mild winters. These are OK in light snow, and they are the best tires for winter driving if you don’t live in deep snow and severe winter climates.

On the other hand, all-weather tires are made with a flexible compound that stays softer in extreme cold. They are perfect for driving in heavier rain, mild to moderate winters, snow and slush. These models are good in light snow.

What about all-season tires with snow rating?

The name “all-season” should imply that they should work well in snow, right? The answer is a bit more complicated than that. As outlined above, the ideal snow tire has a rubber composition and tread pattern specifically designed for cold temperatures and uneven terrain. The more a tire leans toward these snow-optimal traits, the more it will sacrifice in other areas. Soft rubber works well with improving traction in snow, for example, but is uncomfortable to drive on during the summer.

All-season tires balance their design and are comfortable to drive in all less extreme conditions. For this reason, all-season tires work in light winter conditions but will struggle in deep snow or ice. The winter capability of a tire will generally be rated with a three peak mountain snowflake symbol. This symbol means that the tire has been tested in extreme winter conditions and meets the capability requirements of the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA). All winter tires will have this rating.

What are mud and snow tires?

Mud and snow tires are all-season tires that the Rubber Manufacturers Association has approved for usage in muddy and snowy conditions. The M+S marking is typically found somewhere on the tire. You may hear them referred to as all-terrain tires.

These tires are designed with deeper treads, producing slightly higher road noise and rougher handling, but offering a good grip. They have an aggressive rubber compound to prevent cuts and tears and are good for driving off-road, on loose gravel, snow and slush.

For more information, get our all-terrain tire guide.

How many snow tires do I need? Can I put only 2 snow tires on my car?

It’s a common question, customers wondering if they can get 2 instead of 4 snow tires. If you’re planning on driving in the snow, you need four snow tires to get the most protection.

Relatedly, people ask whether they should put 2 winter tires on the front or back. Even if your vehicle is front- or rear-wheel drive, it can be potentially dangerous to have only two snow tires on your car during the winter. This is because the traction of your vehicle differs on the front versus the rear of your vehicle. While making a turn or driving at high speeds in winter conditions, your non-winter tires could easily lose grip on the road, leading to one side of your vehicle sliding or “fishtailing.”

This will happen regardless of whether those wheels have power applied to them. Your rear- or -front-wheel drive car still uses the non-powered tires to steer and break while driving. AWD vehicles use all four tires, so it’s doubly essential to use four winter-capable tires. It’s generally not worth the risk to only drive on two winter tires.

Shop Online Now: Winter Snow Tires 2024

Best for safety on ice and packed snow

Bridgestone Blizzak WS80, Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

These two winter tires from Bridgestone are ideal for winter conditions, but have slight variations in their tread pattern that make the newer WS90 slightly improved over the older WS80 model. They are both are still great choices with a tread compound and material that’s designed for great performance in dry conditions and icy/snowy conditions. The main difference is the WS90’s inclusion of 15% more sipes and notches to help stop shorter on the ice. 

Both of these tires are still an excellent choice for a winter driver that’s expecting to go up against the harshest winter conditions. 

• Available diameters:
  • WS80: 17” 18” 19”
  • WS90: 14” 15” 16” 17” 18” 19” 
• Price starting at:
  • WS80: $220.77 per tire*
  • WS90: $178.25 per tire
• Noteworthy: Large, flat contact area for better handling on ice and biting edges for snow and ice traction. 

Best budget tires for snow

Dunlop Winter Maxx 2

You don’t want to risk driving on cheap tires, especially in winter, but you’ll feel safer while driving the Winter Maxx 2. These tires feature Maxx Shape Edge sipes that bite into the ice and snow for better traction and handling in tough winter conditions. You’ll also appreciate the wide tread for better tread-to-ice contact, which comes equipped with wide grooves and lugs for even more traction.

Dunlop’s Winter Maxx 2 is a great budget option for staying safe and in control even in snow and ice. 

• Available diameters: 13” 14” 15” 16” 17” 18” 19”
• Price starting at: $109 per tire*
• Noteworthy: Great price, good winter performance, and improved ice handling

Best snow tires for durability and handling

Michelin X-Ice Xi3, Michelin X-Ice Snow

Michelin’s two winter tires, the X-ICE Xi3 and the X-Ice Snow, are two similar models with a few key differences. The X-Ice Xi3 is the older model and comes with a FleX-Ice Compound to keep the rubber soft in freezing temperatures. It also features Micro Pumps that improve tread contact with the road for better handling on ice, slush, and snow. 

The X-Ice Snow is the newer model that also has these qualities but with a changed design: a center V-shaped tread pattern for better traction in snow and ejection of slush and debris. The X-Ice Snow also comes with 3-D sipes that give the tire a gripping, claw-like effect in snow and ice so that it can dig and grip tough terrain. 

• Available diameters:
  • X-Ice Xi3: 16” 17” 18”
  • X-Ice Snow: 15” 16” 17” 18” 19” 20” 21” 22”
• Price starting at:
  • X-Ice Xi3: $222 per tire*
  • X-Ice Snow: $141.95 per tire
• Noteworthy: Flexible tread compound that performs well in freezing temperatures, and a fuel efficient design that can save up to 65 gallons of fuel over the lifetime of the tire. 

Best option for non-studded eco-friendly snow tire

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 SUV, Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 EV

The Hakkapeliitta R5, also available for SUVs and EVs, is a non-studded winter tire that features a unique double-block grip for better handling in tough, snowy, and icy conditions. Certified with a 3-Peak mountain snowflake, this tire’s innovative design is quieter while on-road and has an eco-friendly design that will have noticeable fuel savings over the lifetime of the tire. 

Take note of the SUV and EV versions of this tire, which are recommended for larger vehicles and electric/hybrid vehicles, respectively. 

• Available diameters:14” 15” 16” 17” 18” 19” 20”
• Price starting at: Shop Nokian Tyres at Tire Agent for latest pricing.**
• Noteworthy: Versatility in model design (passenger, SUV, and EV options), official approval for winter use, and fuel savings technology

Best option for superb handling and traction in snow

Continental VikingContact 7

The VikingContact 7 is an impressive winter tire that’s meant for everything from passenger vehicles to SUVs and light trucks. With a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake, this tire meets the requirements needed to be certified to perform well in severe snow conditions. The tire also comes with PolarPlus technology that allows the tread to stay flexible in cold temperatures, so your vehicle doesn’t lose grip on ice and snow. 

• Available sizes: 15” 16” 17” 18” 19” 20” 21” 22”
• Price starting at: Shop Continental winter tires at Tire Agent for latest pricing.**
• Noteworthy: 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake and a durable, flexible tread compound that improves handling and traction in wintry conditions. 

Best high performance snow tire

Pirelli P Zero Winter

With a unique, dense, asymmetrical tread design, the P Zero Winter is positioned as a unique ultra-high-performance tire that offers excellent wet and icy performance. Designed to fit a variety of vehicles — mid-size cars, luxury sedans, and SUVs — this tire features additional with stiff edges for grip in snow and ice that are stable even at high speeds. 

This tire is a great choice for vehicles that need high-speed performance in wintry areas.  

• Available diameters: 18” 19” 20” 21” 22” 23”
• Price starting at: $128.05 per tire*
• Noteworthy: Great grip in ice and snow, while also performing very well while driving on-road. 

Best snow tire with reduced hydroplaning

Yokohama iceGUARD iG53

Yokohama’s iceGUARD series includes the iG53 model. These tires feature 3D sipes for better traction in wet and icy road conditions and a cold temperature-resistant tread compound to maintain stability on winter roads. You’ll also appreciate the biting edges on the tread blocks that grip the snow to prevent slippage. 

The main difference between the series’ predecessor iG52c and the new iG53 is the iG53’s new, zigzag grooves that create more biting edges around the tire for better grip. This is a noticeable design difference over the if52c’s directional tread design. 

• Available diameters: 14” 15” 16” 17” 18”
• Price starting at: $196.58 per tire*
• Noteworthy: Optimized for better grip and handling on ice and snow, these tires will eliminate your chances of hydroplaning in the winter. 

Best premium studdable snow tire

Goodyear WinterCommand

The WinterCommand is a high-quality tire that has the option for studding in the toughest winter conditions. Even without studs, this tire gets excellent traction with its flexible sipes that help bite into the ice and show. For even more traction, this tire can be equipped with studs (sold separately) to reach its full potential. 

You’ll also appreciate the 3-peak mountain snowflake rating that this tire has, which means it’s certified for difficult winter conditions. 

• Available diameters: 16” 17” 18” 19”
• Price starting at: $153.46 per tire*
• Noteworthy: Studdable treads for grip and corrugated, angled sipes for greater stability

Nokian Nordman 7 

Considered to be a reliable winter tire, the Nordman 7s feature a durable compound that maintains performance even in winter weather conditions. This studdable tire is designed for the toughest winter conditions. With lateral grooves that flush water away from the middle of the tire and multi-sipes that improve braking, this tire is one of the best options on the market. 

• Available diameters: 13” 14” 15” 16” 17” 
• Price starting at: $148.07 per tire*
• Noteworthy: Eco-friendly design for low rolling resistance and a studdable tread for better winter performance. 

Best overall studded (studdable) snow tire

Cooper Evolution Winter

The Cooper Evolution Winter is a tire with a studdable design but with all-weather capabilities. For winter conditions, you’ll find that this tire’s staggered snow groove technology improves your traction, control, and stopping power. It also has multi-angled corrugated siping with extra biting edges to grip the snow as you drive. This is a solid, stable, and studdable tire that doesn’t break the bank. 

• Available diameters: 15” 16” 17” 18” 19” 20”
• Price starting at: $130.99 per tire*
• Noteworthy: Excellent value price, 3-peak mountain snowflake certification, and an option for studded pins. 

Best truck tire for snow overall

Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac

The only all-terrain tire to make our list, the rugged Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac offers exceptional on- and off-road performance for trucks. This studdable (some sizes) all-season, all-terrain tire is a legend among work trucks and off-roaders. This tire’s tread blocks are tighter in the center, which helps them evacuate snow, slush and rocky terrain from your vehicle. 

• Available diameters: 15″ 16″ 17″ 18″ 19″ 20″
• Price starts at: $246.60*
• Noteworthy: Exceptional performance in snow and huge selection of sizes to accommodate a variety of trucks.   

And Now, Answers to a Few Random FAQs About Winter Tires

How do I know if my tires are snow tires?

The 3-peak mountain symbol marks a tire as a winter, or snow, tire. This symbol is located on the sidewall of your tire. Besides this, if your tire has studs or particularly deep, blocky treads, it’s likely a snow tire.

Are winter tires worth it? Do I need winter tires?

Whether winter tires are worth it for you will depend on where you live and how serious the snowfall is during the winter. Even if you live in a snowy area, if your streets are regularly plowed and salted, it may be unnecessary to purchase winter tires. However, if you plan on driving in heavy snow, you’ll be glad to have a set of good winter tires.

What are the best tires for icy roads?

We’ve talked a lot about snow tires, but what makes a tire good to drive on ice? Ice may be harder to notice on the road than snow, which is why it is dangerous. Fortunately, many of the same principles that apply to improving traction on snow apply to ice. To prevent slipping or losing control while driving on ice, the soft rubber of winter tires can grip even slippery surfaces in low temperatures. Additionally, the increased number of narrow, jagged sipes in a winter tire will cut and dig into the ice to stay firmly gripped to the road. You should still be careful, though, as winter tires will not grant you immunity to losing control on the ice.

In a nutshell, what’s the difference between snow tires and regular tires?

Regular tires are optimized for driving comfort while on the pavement, whereas winter tires are meant for driving on snow and ice in low-temperature conditions.

Do all terrain tires count as snow tires? And, do all terrain tires work in snow?

No. All-terrain tires won’t be made of the same soft rubber meant for low temperatures that winter tires used. The tread pattern of all-terrain tires is meant for rocks, uneven surfaces, and the mud that you’ll encounter off the road. Snow tires, on the other hand, are designed to dig and grip snow and ice.

Bottom line: Should I buy snow tires or all-season tires?

Evaluate the winter conditions that you expect to encounter every year to understand whether snow tires are necessary. If you’re in an area that doesn’t have the roads plowed or expect to have to drive through snow regularly, snow tires are essential. But, even if you live in an urban or suburban area that experienced heavy winters, snow tires can be a safe investment to ensure you don’t lose control of your vehicle when encountering snow or ice.

If you don’t expect to encounter heavy winter conditions very often, you’re probably safe with all-season tires.

_{*Prices per tire are estimates and subject to change. Tire prices fluctuate daily. For the most accurate price, click the product link, and select your tire size. Prices also do not reflect current offers, rebates, and deals.}

_{**Current pricing may not have been available on publication date. Check product availability for current pricing.}

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