The Best Snow Tires for 2024

Winter is when the safety stakes are at their highest, so it’s best to use a set of winter (AKA snow) tires this cold season.

We regularly get questions about winter/snow tires. You can check out our winter tire FAQ for the most commonly asked questions, or head over to our winter tire info page to learn more about this impressive tire category.

(What are snow tires, anyway?)

Despite what many think, winter tires are not functionally designed just for snow and ice traction. Winter tires are constructed to function in temperatures at or consistently below 45F when all other tire types will stiffen up and become less effective. Tires need to remain flexible in order for their tread elements, like siping, to be effective.

So, even if your all-season or all-weather tire has the three-peak mountain snowflake rating for severe weather, that won’t mean much if it can’t handle the cold!

Winter tires, on the other hand, are designed to perform well in all winter weather conditions including freezing temps, ice, slush and snow. This is why we prefer the term “winter tires” over “snow tires” because the cold is the principal factor in their construction and use.

If you’re ready to shop for tires, check out our winter tire catalog. Or, keep reading for our recommendations!

WHAT ARE THE BEST SNOW TIRES?

So, you’ve opted to choose winter tires this cold season! But which snow tires are best for you?

If you’re wondering what the best snow tires for your rear wheel drive (RWD) or front wheel drive (FWD) vehicle are, here’s the answer: winter tires are not designed for specific drive trains! We go into more detail in our blog on what wheel drive is best in snow.

We will note here though that you should install winter tires on all four wheels, regardless of your vehicle’s drivetrain type (even 4x4s). Winter tires equipped on all four wheels allow for cohesive, predictable performance, handling and traction.

So, what are the best winter/snow tires? Check out our picks of the best performing winter tires to start your search. Note that all winter tires must include a severe weather rating, like the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) designation we mentioned earlier.

Our winter tire picks cover a large range of vehicle types, from coupes, sedans to SUVs and pickup trucks. So, whether you’ve got a Honda Accord, Nissan Rogue or Ford F-150, we’ve got you covered.

BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK WS90

No winter tire recommendation list could ignore the Bridgestone Blizzak family of winter tires. This is because they’re the gold standard for this category! In fact, our store manager at our 28th St Boulder, CO Discount Tire store, Ty, says they’re “the Kleenex of winter tires!”

The Blizzak WS90 is perhaps the most popular model, for good reason. Repeat customers love its predictable handling and grip in both wet and dry winter conditions. They don't sit down when it comes to snow and ice, either, thanks to its Multicell technology, updated winter tread compound, dense siping pattern and large contact area. Its dense siping pattern pairs with angled and horizontal siping to add thousands of extra biting edges for impressive winter grip and confidence.

Plus, it’s easily available in a huge range of sizes to fit your passenger coupe, sedan, hatchback, crossover or even minivan!

BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK DMV2

Got a crossover, SUV or light pickup truck? Then you’ll need the Blizzak DMV2.

The Blizzak DMV2 has the chutzpah to handle those tricky icy and snowy conditions that make you wince. Utilizing Bridgestone’s multi-cell rubber compound and hydrophilic coating, these tires shed excess water and snow from their tread, helping you keep confident control when things get frosty.

A 15% increase in this tire’s block edges gives you enhanced control when temperatures drop, too. So when winter is at its worst, you’re good to go.

You can handle inclement weather while braking on snow or slush thanks to its unique grooves and bite particles, allowing you to keep your grip. The DMV2 has a loyal customer following and some claim they like it better than a studded tire!

NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA 10 STUDDED

When it comes to winter tires, the Nokian Hakkapeliitta tire family of winter tires is world-renowned.

The Hakkapeliitta 10 Studded is a winter touring and performance tire that offers next-generation levels of winter safefey via innovative technology to make your next winter a breeze. This studded tire is also low rolling resistance, making it a fuel-efficient winter option that doesn’t sacrifice other necessary winter tire features.

In fact, this is a very “green” tire that is sustainably manufactured with Eco Stud 10 tech to improve ice grip while simultaneously reducing road wear, a common issue with studded tires. Its studded arrangement keeps it at the top of its game at lane changing, braking, cornering and other performance necessities.

Even better: some sizes come with run-flat technology, too!

Got an SUV or pickup? What about an electric vehicle? Don’t worry, there’s an EV compatible and SUV/truck version too!

MICHELIN X-ICE SNOW

The Michelin X-Ice Snow is one of our most frequently recommended winter tires. It’s a popular high-performing winter touring tire with the added bonus of a 40,000-mile warranty (very unusual for a winter tire)!

Engineered to deliver powerful traction in winter weather utilizing cutting edge technology, the X-Ice Snow is the leading preferred tire in many of our cold region stores–and for good reason. It boasts an impressive stopping distance in icy conditions thanks to its Evergrip tire compound. It does perfectly fine in snow, too with its V-shaped tread design that hosts a whole army fleet of two types of full-depth interlocking sipes, adding thousands of extra biting edges for a claw-like effect on wintry driving surfaces.

This winter tire is also long-lasting, with low rolling resistance for better efficiency and a wear-resistant tread so your winter set lasts longer than ever. The X-Ice Snow includes both the three-peak mountain snowflake and M+S (mud and snow) designation for a doubled up severe winter rating.

One of our highest customer rated tires, one customer even called it “unstoppable”! If you like Michelin tires, be sure to check out our Michelin snow tire buyer’s guide.

PIRELLI WINTER SOTTOZERO 3

Like with any Pirelli tire, you can expect exceptional performance out of the Winter Sottozero 3. “Sottozero” in Italian means “below freezing,” by the way (an apt name for this tire)!

Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy your zippy performance vehicle!

The tread features an appealing double arrow-shaped directional tread pattern that grabs onto snow and water for enhanced traction. The silica-enhanced winter tread compound keeps flexible in below freezing temps, so you won’t lose grip or capability when things go south (really south).

The sidewall sports the usual severe weather designation badging, and some sizes include run-flat tech for extra peace of mind. Melting snow and water are channeled away from the tire’s contact patch using wide circumferential grooves. An extra-wide shoulder and center tread blocks deliver precise dry steering and control.

This tire includes a severe weather designation and some sizes include run-flat tech. Melting snow and water are channeled away from the tire’s contact patch via wide circumferential grooves, while the extra wide shoulder and center tread blocks deliver precise dry steering and control.

If you normally equip your vehicle with Pirelli performance tires, you’ll be pleased to see its spirited and high-level handling continues on in their winter catalog.

READY TO ROLL?

Like these suggestions? If you want to explore more or have additional questions, feel free to drop by or give us a ring for more help.

Winter is no time to be caught with shoddy wiper blades. There’s nothing worse than losing visibility through your snowflake crusted windshield! Check out our blog on the best winter wiper blades for snow and ice to help!

Walk-ins are always welcome, but we encourage you to book an appointment so we can help you ASAP. Wait less time in store when you buy and book online!

For more information on this and other tire and wheel services, check out our YouTube Channel or reach out to us on X, Facebook and Instagram.