What are the best tires for Michigan?

Locations in Michigan: 55
First Michigan location opening date: MIA01 | March 1, 1960
Common vehicles: Varied mixture of pickup trucks, SUVs and sedans
Major regions/cities: Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Dearborn, Clinton, Canton, Livonia
Road conditions: Highly sporadic and severe weather conditions, pothole marked and poor quality streets, traffic in city centers

Michigan is a breathtakingly beautiful and energetic state. With ample outdoor recreation, industrious cities and perhaps the longest-held sporting rivalry in the nation, there's no question that Michigan has a lot going on.

(Fun fact: Discount Tire was founded in Ann Arbor, Michigan!)

The Great Lakes state boasts the 10th largest population in the country, and this is obvious from its cluttered, pothole-riddled roadways. Plus, with its absolute barrage of temperamental weather challenges, it can be difficult to decide how to navigate the roads, and what tires will help do that. What tires are best for you and your vehicle's needs?

But we at Discount Tire have done all the running around for you and consulted our tire experts on the best tires for Michigan for you. Whether you have a sedan, lifted truck or are in need of snow tires, we've got you covered. Check out our recommendations below!

Would you rather just start shopping for yourself?

BEST CAR TIRES FOR MICHIGAN

Michigan offers beautiful highs and challenging lows when it comes to driving conditions, whether you're talking about the weather, other drivers or the roads themselves.

As it is a proper four season state with sharply defined seasonal weather, it's no surprise that one of the most common tire types is the all-season tire.

Jeff Selman's top selling tire in his Fort Gratiot, MI Discount Tire location is the Michelin Defender 2. It's easy to see why with its hugely generous 80k mile warranty and attractive touring, performance and all-season-based tread design. Michelin really went all out with outfitting the Defender 2 with the best of its tire technology, including SipeLock™ tech for surefooted grip in light winter conditions, MaxTouch 2.0 for optimized performance for each tire size, Piano™ Acoustic Tuning Tech for a quiet, smooth ride and EverTread 2.0 for extended tread life.

Andrew Ketchan, senior assistant manager of the Howell, MI Discount Tire store heartily agrees with this choice. His customers love its long-lasting durability. However, he recommends his customers consider a newer emerging tire category: all-weather tires.

All-weather tires are ramped up all-seasons with extended utility for longer in the year. They feature treads that can accommodate lower temperatures and tackle more difficult weather conditions like light snow. They perform at a higher degree compared to all-seasons and feature the three-peak mountain snowflake severe weather badging.

(Go ahead and check out our blog on the best all-weather tires!)

With that in mind, Andrew's customers naturally flock to the Nokian Encompass AW01 and the Michelin CrossClimate2.

The Encompass AW01 is the perfect example of Nokian's excellence regarding difficult weather. Highly capable, it utilizes a Dual Zone asymmetrical tread design with a snow-focused interior to help you stay in control on powder dusted roads. For wet traction, zigzag circumferential grooves have a polished surface to accelerate water flow and keep hydroplaning at bay. It's also strong with Aramid Strong Sidewall technology that you typically find on SUV and LT type tires so you can expect good cut and puncture resistance. It is rounded off with a healthy 60,000-mile warranty.

Andrew's customers also gravitate toward a tried-and-true brand like Michelin and the CrossClimate2 is the perfect example. This all-weather tire also has a 60k mile warranty but utilizes a V-formation tread design for both wet and dry grip. This sporty tread design allows for constant road contact for a premium ride with the added luxury of a PIANO noise reduction tuning system for reduced road noise (even as the tire ages). Customers are consistently impressed with the traction and handling.

Khiry Davis, senior assistant manager at the Holland, MI Discount Tire store finds the CrossClimate2 to be an excellent option for Michigan residents as it handles the road well, offers best in class ratings for snow traction and is tested in Michigan-like conditions.

He also highly recommends Michigan car drivers seriously consider the super popular Yokohama YK-GTX. "It's a wonderful product and helps you feel super safe," he says. This all-season option offers a reliable, sporty driving experience with an advanced high resin-based oil compound for boosted tread life. It includes beefed up hydroplane resistance and both wet and dry condition capability via wide spaced grooves, a high silica compound and closed outside shoulder ribs. It is topped with a generous 70,000-mile warranty.

Looking for an option that maxes out your budget for its performance? Khiry points to the Cooper Discoverer HTP II, an all-season tire with a 55-66k mile warranty, an enthusiastic customer following and a special focus on wet grip. It delivers outstanding traction on wet and light snowy surfaces while delivering a smooth ride (despite harsh and uneven surfaces) via its Enduraguard design, making it perfect for roads in the Great Lakes state. Khiry points out the Wear Square® which allows drivers to easily check remaining tread on their tires so they can stay ahead on maintenance. Snow claw tread elements and a fuel-efficient tread compound formula only add to this tire's attraction.

BEST TRUCK TIRES FOR MICHIGAN

Jeff's Fort Gratiot, MI store sees plenty of trucks, and they usually prefer an all-terrain tire to handle his area's rural roads and weather challenges. "We have lots of dirt roads and when they freeze up it's like driving on ice, even worse than a paved road."

His customer's go-to all-terrain truck tire for Michigan? The amazing BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2. Very popular not only in the Great Lakes state, but across the nation, the KO2 offers premium levels of off-road chops and weather-related goodies. Also, it includes a rare 50,000-mile warranty (for an all-terrain tire). It is severe weather rated and features a stabilized center tread for everyday traction while Serrated Shoulder Design maxes out grip in snow, mud and over rocks (especially when aired down). Khiry's Holland, MI truck customers love them too and customers choose to only outfit their trucks with these tires. Andrew's Howell, MI customers find it to be by far some of the best winter rated truck tires with excellent traction.

Good news: the KO3 was recently released and fans of the KO2 are ready to give it a whirl.

Khiry over in Holland, MI finds that his truck and SUV customers want the all-terrain tread mainly for its aggressive look and build quality. "If you have a Jeep Wrangler, for example, you want to dress it up!" Many of his customers also make their living in snow plow services, so they need traction for the snow which the KO2 (and KO3) can deliver.

Another option? The Cooper Discoverer ATP II. It's designed to handle wet and winter weather on both pavement and unpaved surfaces. Soft, harsh terrain like mud and sand are its specialty but are perfectly capable of bumping over rocky terrain too. Stone ejector ledges reduce stone retention and boost durability. But, it also boasts a quiet tread pattern to give you a smoother, more comfortable ride. It also comes with a handy 60k mile warranty and spiffy raised white lettering. Customers point to their reliable stopping, ease of towing and increased confidence in safety.

If you like the Goodyear brand of tires, check out the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT. Also rated for severe weather, the UltraTerrain has a handy optimized void ratio in its tread to reduce on-road noise while self-cleaning for better traction in unstable surfaces, such as mud or sand. Its durable tread compound resists chunking and weak points so the tire's carcass maintains its integrity for longer. Aggressive shoulder elements further resist punctures and damage from harsh off-road conditions but an advanced computer modeling technology means your on-road ride is comfy.

Are you looking for a good deal on all-terrain truck tires?

Khiry's suggestion for best-bang-for-your-buck truck tires is the Pathfinder AT, a Discount Tire exclusive option. Andrew agrees, stating that its cost effectiveness and good ratings make this a deserving option. The Pathfinder AT also includes a warranty (50-55k) and utilizes zig-zag circumferential grooves to boost all-season traction in addition to demonstrating impressive off-road grip. Responsive handling, precise steering control and a pitch-optimized treadblock arrangement gives you a comfy, reliable ride on both the pavement and on your nearest gravel road. And all for a very comfortable price point!

If you need a highway-terrain tire (meaning, your truck or SUV isn't leaving the pavement anytime soon), then you have some great options for Michigan. Jeff's Fort Gratiot SUV customers (and he has a lot of them) really like the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2. It scores high in tread life, control, weather traction, and comfort. Jeff says it's his top recommended and top rated highway-terrain tire for SUVs in Michigan. It also comes in a huge range of sizes, so chances are your ride can enjoy its perks. That 50-70,000-mile warranty doesn't hurt either. Plus, it's rated for electric vehicles and is a great fit for your Ford Lightning, Rivian R1T or R1S, Toyota Tacoma or 4Runner and more.

Andrew's customers have really embraced the Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 for its long-lasting tread and biting edges for winter traction and dirt roads.

Khiry also points to the Michelin CrossClimate2 for your truck or SUV. We mentioned it above for your car tire but it also comes in a huge range of sizes to fit your pickup truck. "It's an awesome product and makes people feel safe," Khiry says.

If you want another highway-terrain option that's from a different brand, the Bridgestone Dueler LX is a good one, according to Jeff. Its performance and all-season-oriented tread is protected by a 50-70k mile warranty and has a robust customer following. This tire is all about reliability, confident grip and controlled handling. You'll like its silica-enhanced tread compound that resists uneven treadwear while full-depth 3D interlocking sipes provide extra bite in rain and light winter conditions.

DO I NEED SNOW TIRES IN MICHIGAN?

Michigan is a northern Midwestern state that experiences a true winter season with average daily highs just below freezing. Also, large swaths of its area are exposed to severe lake effect winter patterns like snow and ice.

Snow tires are more appropriately called "winter" tires because their true defining feature is their ability to function in temperatures below 45F. Other tires cannot function as well at such low temperatures, even if they offer snow-related tread elements.

Many Michigan residents opt out of winter tires by leaning on their all-season or all-weather tires. However, all-season tires do not perform as well as winter tires in such low temps. All-season tires cannot brake as well as winter tires in winter conditions, either.

Even all-weather tires have their limits and are meant to be used further into a cooler season than your typical all-season. They are not meant to replace a dedicated winter set (unless you live in a milder region without such low temperatures).

Unfortunately, the same goes for mud terrain and all-terrain tires. Although many AT type tires offer extended weather protection, all-terrain and mud terrain tires aren't as good as winter tires.

(We explain which drivetrain is best in snow here, but spoiler alert: 4WD doesn't mean four wheels will stop!)

Jeff at the Fort Gratiot, MI Discount Tire store has this to say:

"I recommend that customers who have not experienced driving on a winter tire give it a chance. I guarantee you'll never want to go back; it's such a difference. It's not the same at all as driving on an all-season tire."

Khiry heartily agrees: "Best thing that ever happened to me is when I started using them (winter tires). It's a day and night experience."

Discount Tire holds safety above all else, and you are safest driving in winter conditions using dedicated winter tires. Something else to consider: using a dedicated winter set will help your warmer weather tires last longer since they're not wearing out tread for part of the year.

"Taking good care and maintenance of your tires will help both sets last longer," Khiry advises. Proper tire storage is key, as well as staying on top of your tire maintenance. Khiry has gotten seven or eight winter seasons out of a good set of winter tires that were properly maintained and stored, making that initial investment in safety well worth it.

And we make switching between your winter and regular tire set easy with our winter/snow tire changeover service!

THE BEST WINTER TIRES FOR MICHIGAN

Jeff, manager of our Fort Gratiot, MI store notes: "Every member of my family has winter tires. And I think we need to put our customers in winter tires. You only need to convince them once (because they'll realize what they're missing)."

By far, the most popular winter tires in Michigan (for good reason) are Bridgestone Blizzaks. Khiry finds them to be the best winter tire, hands down, due to their wide range of available sizes and capabilities, from your Honda Civic to your Chevy Silverado. They are also easily available.

The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is an excellent tire with superb snow and ice traction. You'll be impressed with its winter grip via its large contact area and performance-based tread features. It helps you confidently stop while resisting treadwear for long-lasting seasonal coverage. For your SUV or pickup truck, look to the Bridgestone Blizzak DMV2. It delivers advanced braking (a key safety factor) in snow, slush, ice or wet conditions. Bite particles in the tread help grab onto slippery surfaces, even sheer ice. The multi-cell rubber compounds are hydrophilic coated so water and snow can shed from the tire's surface, helping to keep your footing.

In Khiry's area, local law enforcement like the sheriff's department utilize Nokian Hakkapeliitta winter tires because they're made for super tough winter conditions, especially for larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks. Nokian is well known for their winter tire expertise as they are tested in the harshest winter environments on the planet. They do not have quite as many sizes available for smaller cars, but if your vehicle has availability for a Hakkapeliitta, you can't go wrong. Do note that many Hakkapeliitta tires are studded, and therefore some are not an option for Michigan drivers as they are not legal in this state.

Andrew also says some of his Howell customers like the Michelin X-Ice Snow, a winter tire with a rare mileage warranty (40,000-miles). This premium tire includes phenomenal handling and high degrees of wintertime traction via its V-shaped tread design for more biting edges that connect with the road. It's also M+S rated so slush and mud are taken care of.

Last year, Andrew's customers all flocked to the Cooper Evolution Winter, a tire engineered to stay planted on winter roads. This tire comes in a studdable or studded version (studs are not legal in Michigan, so opt for studdable) but does not require the studs to deliver reliable and confident seasonal traction. It does this with a dense multi-angle sipe pattern for lateral and longitudinal grip that stabilizes your tread blocks for confident dry steering, too.

ARE STUDDED TIRES AND TIRE CHAINS LEGAL IN MICHIGAN?

Tire chains are legal in Michigan during hazardous weather or other related incidents only and may not damage highway surfaces.

Other Michigan Wheel & Tire Services

Andrew at our Howell, MI store highly suggests choosing our Certificates when you make your tire purchase. They are our protection plan for your tires and include repair, refund or replacement for all manner of bad day scenarios.

"Certificates are a lifetime of savings! Anything happens to your tires, and it's covered in over 1100 stores across the nation. Don't forget to add your Certificates!"

And if your wheels need repair, many of our Discount Tire stores offer wheel repair services! Plus, we have the largest aftermarket wheel inventory at the lowest prices. If your ride is ready for a style upgrade, we can help you out with new rims!

And here's another reminder: check your windshield wiper blades before you hit the road. We recommend changing wiper blades every 12 months. Need new wiper blades? You're in luck. We stock a full supply of high-quality, low-priced windshield wipers, and we'll install your new wiper blades for free during your wheel or tire service!

Check out our pick of the best winter wiper blades, too!

Ready to roll?

If you're ever unsure what tire works best for you, check out Treadwell. It's our smart tire buying guide that matches you with the best tires for what, where and how you drive. Get personalized tire recommendations in a minute or less!

We're happy to answer any questions you have! Just give us a ring, drop by or make an appointment online. Customers who buy their products online and book an appointment ahead of time wait less time in-store!

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