The winter months bring some of the most challenging driving conditions you may ever face. And when you’re driving a large vehicle, the stakes can get even higher. But you can make the trek easier on yourself (and less nerve wracking for your passengers) by equipping your pickup or SUV with winter truck tires.
It can be overwhelming to make such an important financial and safety decision, especially with so many options available. That’s why we’ve asked our experts here at Discount Tire to put together a list of the best winter/snow tires for trucks!
Already know what winter truck tires you’re looking for? Shop the whole catalog!
SHOP ALL WINTER TIRESTHE BEST WINTER TIRES FOR TRUCKS
Choosing a winter tire specifically designed for larger vehicles is key to enhancing both safety and vehicle performance. All our truck snow tire picks include the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMS) severe weather designation. Here’s our list of the best snow tires for pickup trucks and SUVs!
(A quick word before we begin: Discount Tire and tire manufacturers highly recommend installing a set of four winter tires to ensure the best handling and performance.)
Bridgestone Blizzak DMV2
Part of the eminent Bridgestone Blizzak family of winter tires, the DM-V2 is popular due to its high traction in slippery conditions such as slush, snow, and ice. Features include:
Confident traction on snow and ice via next gen Multicell compound
Excellent control over snowy surfaces and winter conditions
Improved braking power
Hydroplane resistance
Built-in tread depth indicator for easy maintenance
Sizes in crossover, SUV, and light truck available
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV
A notable contender in Nokian’s famous Hakkapeliitta family of snow tires, the Hakkapeliitta 10 SUV is suitable for both SUVs and trucks. We think it’s one of the best studded snow tires for trucks! Features include:
Eco-Stud 10 design for next-level grip on ice and snow (and “green” construction)
Muffled stud road noise via SilentDrive tech
Eco-friendly rubber compound stays flexible at low temps
Aramid reinforced sidewalls for puncture resistance
Run-flat available in some sizes
Great for hybrid and electric SUVs
SHOP NOKIAN HAKKAPELIITTA 10 SUV TIRESMichelin X-Ice Snow SUV
With its dependable winter grip and mileage warranty (a rarity for winter tires), the X-Ice Snow SUV is a favorite with our customers. All about safety, this winter tire from Michelin delivers a long, reliable service life. Features include:
40,000-mile warranty
The three-peak mountain snowflake rating and M+S designation
Excellent traction in a wide range of freezing temps
Excellent traction in ice, snow, and slush via v-shaped tread design
Wear-resistant tread design for long tire life
Boosted snow-to-snow traction for loose powder
Efficient control on packed or clear roads
Hydroplane resistance and slush performance
Yokohama Iceguard G075
One of the best snow tires for SUVs, it’s also one of the most affordable. A great option for high-level winter performance without high prices, it’s no surprise one of our customers reviews it as a “game changer!” Features include:
Confident winter traction in snow and ice
Wear-resistant tread and enhanced stability
Low rolling resistant construction and fuel-efficient tread compound
Better handling in all conditions via uni-directional tread design
30-day trial satisfaction guarantee
16–21’’ sizes available for crossovers and SUVs
Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw Studdable
Like its name suggests, this tire was designed to literally claw through snow. Rumored to be inspired by the snow leopard, this tire can successfully maneuver deep snow and harsh winter climates. It’s a great budget option for your truck or SUV. Features include:
Studdable for severe weather conditions
Snow-to-snow adhesion for increased traction
Impressive stability and reduced squirm in wet and winter conditions
Stays flexible under 45F
Greater stopping power, handling, and traction via Snow-Groove™
Rigorously tested in extreme conditions
Includes Cooper’s 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee and Standard Limited Warranty
16–22’’ sizes
Can I Use All Terrain Tires In Winter?
You can but you will not see the same degree of safety or performance, such as braking and traction, as a dedicated winter tire in true winter conditions.
Truck and SUV owners are usually shocked to hear that all-terrain and mud-terrain tires perform poorly compared to winter tires in winter conditions.
You can also run your all-terrain tires year-round if you live in a `region with mild winters with few dips in temps and minimal snow (a dusting or two at most). Drivers in these regions prefer to do this due to conveniences and consistent performance. If you opt for this set up, we recommend choosing all-terrain tires with as much foul weather capability as possible. Tires featuring the 3PMS symbol are your best bet.
Check out our blog on the best all-terrain tires for snow for suggestions.
DO I NEED SNOW TIRES FOR MY TRUCK?
Discount Tire highly recommends outfitting your truck (or SUV) with winter tires if you live in a region that experiences serious winter weather with temps that are consistently below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of the presence of snow, slush or ice.
Winter tires are about more than just snow. As temps dip below 45 degrees, the tire’s rubber compound seizes up and reduces the ability to grip on frigid roads. This applies to all non-winter tire types, like your typical all-season, mud-terrain or all-terrain tire.
This is why we encourage the term “winter tires” over the traditional “snow tires.”
We understand that many truck owners prefer to keep their all-terrain or mud-terrain tires year-round. Discount Tire holds safety above all else and so we will always recommend dedicated winter tires in the appropriate season.
Even if you drive your truck or SUV in a region without significant snow or ice but temps seasonally dip into Arctic cools, it’s a good (read: safe) idea to use winter tires.
Discount Tire is your source for winter tire information. Check us out, we explore tons of subjects including the old debate: snow tires vs tire chains!
If you want to save time (and cash), you can always build your own truck/SUV winter tire and wheel package! Check out our picks for the best winter and wheel combos for inspiration.
WINTER TIRE AND WHEEL PACKAGESReady to roll?
Ready to tackle some fresh snow? We can get you taken care of. Walk-ins are always welcome but we encourage you to buy your products and make an appointment online first. Save some time and buy and book online!
Already have a set of winter tires that you need installed? No problem. Our winter tire changeover services are as smooth as ice!
SCHEDULE YOUR WINTER TIRE CHANGEOVERFeel free to call or drop in if you have more questions or need help finding the best snow tires for your truck.