Best Tires for Washington State

What are the best tires for Washington state?

The best tires for Washington depend on where and how you drive. Western Washington drivers should prioritize wet traction, while drivers in eastern Washington and frequent mountain travelers may need greater winter capability. All-season, winter, and all-terrain tires are excellent choices depending on your vehicle, location, and driving habits.

QUICK TIRE PICKS FOR WASHINGTON STATE

Best Overall Tire: Michelin CrossClimate2 (all-weather)
Best Tire for Rain: Yokohama YK-GTX
Best Budget Tire: Arizonian Silver Edition All Season
Best Winter Tire: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5
Best Truck/SUV Tire: Falken Wildpeak A/T4W
Best EV Tire: Continental Cross Contact RX

WASHINGTON DRIVING DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU LIVE

There isn’t one best tire for Washington state. This is because the state experiences widely varying weather and road conditions depending on the region. Although the majority of the state experiences cool, cloudy, and wet weather, the degree of harshness differs greatly. Heavy snowfall in eastern and mountainous areas compete with constant construction and wet, congested roadways in metro areas.

For the best performance and safety, choosing the right tires for your driving area is key.

Western Washington

Includes: Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Everett, Bremerton, Olympia, Vancouver

Western Washington drivers should choose tires that focus on:

• Wet traction and braking

• Steering response

• Winter handling

• Efficiency

• Commuting

• Ride comfort

• Occasional mountain driving

Many Washington drivers are drawn to medium to large all-wheel drive vehicles like crossovers, SUVs, and pickups due to frequent wet, rainy, and winter conditions. However, drivers should not depend on their drivetrain for traction, as that is your tire’s job.

Learn about drivetrains, snow, and traction here.

Matthew Troupe, manager of the Bremerton Discount Tire store, says:

“We are close to the Olympic and Cascade mountains so camping and hiking in summer are both very big activities so being able to drive on service and back roads are important when shopping for tires. During winter, many of those places become skiing and snowboarding spots so a great snow traction tire is an important consideration when shopping in winter.”

Eastern Washington

Includes: Spokane, Spokane Valley, Tri-Cities, Yakima, Wenatchee

Eastern Washington drivers should choose tires that focus on:

• Big temperature swings

• Winter conditions like snow and ice

• Long highway drives (some areas)

• Consider all-weather tires vs all-season

Corey Nelson, manager of the Wenatchee Discount Tire store, says: “Being nestled in the Cascade mountains, the snow accumulation during winter months can be unpredictable and can create harsh driving conditions.”

The Cascades & Mountain Passes

Includes: Snoqualmie Pass, Stevens Pass, White Pass, other mountain routes

Mountain drivers should choose tires that focus on:

• Rapidly changing winter conditions

• Traction requirements

• Severe weather rated tires

BEST TIRES FOR WASHINGTON STATE

Best Overall Tire for Washington

Michelin CrossClimate2

Best for: most vehicles, including EVs

Why it works for Washington:

• All-weather confidence

• Long lived commuting

• EV compatible

• Touring comfort

• 60k mile warranty

• DOT snow rated for mountain passes

Check out the best all-weather tires.

Austin Pittman, store manager of the Yakima Discount Tire store, says: “The CrossClimate2 is popular with many of our customers and is a tire I personally trust on my own family’s vehicles. It provides strong performance in dry, wet, and winter conditions and carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for severe snow service. For drivers who want year-round confidence without changing tires seasonally, it’s an excellent option.”

Best Budget Tire for Washington

Arizonian Silver Edition All Season

Best for: sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and passenger vehicles in metro or suburban areas

Why it works for Washington:

• Silica-enhanced tread for wet and light winter grip

• Affordable commuting capability

• Comfortable steering and ride

• Quiet, long-lasting performance

• All-season value

• 60,000-mile warranty

Alternative value option: Falken Pro G5 A/S

Best for: commuting or sporty coupe, compact, sedan, or crossover vehicles

Why it works for Washington:

• Responsive steering

• Forceful all-season traction and handling

• Flexibility in lower temps

• Dry weather strength

• Discount Tire exclusive option

• Budget friendly pricing

• 60,000-mile warranty

Best Tire for Western Washington & Rain

Yokohama YK-GTX

Best for: Passenger cars, crossovers/SUVs, minivans

Why it works for Washington:

• Confident all-season performance

• Excellent wet traction

• Sporty yet refined handling

• Quiet touring comfort

• Long wearing tread design

• Wide range of sizes

• 70k warranty

Matthew Troupe at the Bremerton store says: “This tire has great rain traction with a long-expected tread life. And it’s rated for a 70,000 mile warranty.”

Best Tire for Eastern Washington

Nokian Encompass AW02

Best for: Sedans, crossovers, SUVs, and EVs

Why it works for Washington:

• Increased strength and resilience to harsh weather

• Minimized noise

• Enhanced wet and snow traction

• Reduced braking distances

• Confident wet and snowy handling

• Impact and cut resistance

• Uniform wear

• Severe weather rated

• 65,000-mile warranty

The Nokian Encompass AW02 is an all-weather tire that’s ideal to use longer into the fall season. You should switch to dedicated winter tires for the safest degree of winter driving.

Best Winter Tire for Washington

Non-Studded: Bridgestone Blizzak tire family

Best for: passenger cars, crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks

Why it works for Washington:

• Excellent rain and snow performance

• Short stopping distances

• Bite particles for extra control

• Wide range of available sizes

• Easily available

Matthew Troupe, manager of the Bremerton Discount Tire store, says: “These are typically sought out due to their excellent snow performance without needing studs. They are even sometimes run year round due to the rain traction ratings being very good.”

Studded: RoadX RXFrost FX11 Studded

Best for: passenger cars, SUVs, minivans

Why it works for Washington:

• Stays flexible in below freezing temps

• Predrilled for studs

• Tread clears water, snow, and slush

• Boosted wet grip

• Excellent price point

The RXFrost FX11 is Matthew’s top selling studded snow tire. “It’s our most budget friendly option with great snow and ice traction and stability when driving in mountain conditions.”

Best Truck/SUV Tire for Washington

Falken Wildpeak A/T4W

Best for: Midsize trucks and SUVs

Why it works for Washington:

• All-terrain, all-weather capability

• Three-peak mountain snowflake designation

• Rugged durability

• Road comfort

• Excellent wet and winter traction

• 60-65k mile warranty

Matthew Troupe at our Bremerton Discount Tire says: “We highly recommend the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W due to its high wet road traction capability. They’re also great for towing, mud, or dirt road driving.”

Best large SUV/Pickup truck option: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3

Best for: half-ton pickups, full size SUVs, trail-ready truck builds

Why it works for Washington:

• Pavement, dirt, gravel, mud, and snow capability

• Severe weather designation

• Legendary KO toughness

• Confident all-weather traction

• Even wear

• 50k mile warranty

Matthew says: “These are great all-terrain tires, with a well-built sidewall for towing and hauling. These also come snow traction rated for any winter or snow pass driving required.”

Alternative large truck/SUV option: Bridgestone Dueler Maverick A/T

Best for: half-ton pickups, full size SUVs, trail ready truck builds

Why it works for Washington:

• Three-peak mountain snowflake designation

• All-terrain grip for wet, dry, gravel, dirt, trails, and more

• Durable, long-wearing tread

• Bridgestone’s ENLITEN tech for comfort, capability, and efficiency

• Comfort-focused design

• 60k mile warranty

• Discount Tire exclusive

Austin, manager of the Yakima Discount Tire store, says: “I often recommend the Bridgestone Dueler Maverick, which is available exclusively through Discount Tire. It offers dependable on-road comfort, off-road capability, winter traction, and a 60,000-mile warranty, making it a strong value for customers who need a versatile tire. It’s well-suited for the driving conditions we experience in Yakima and throughout Central Washington.”

Best EV Tire for Washington

Continental Cross Contact RX

Best for: Tesla, electric crossovers and SUVs

Why it works for Washington EVs:

• Enhanced wet and winter traction

• Efficient design

• Reduced road noise via foam liner

• Short wet braking distances

• Run-flat technology (select sizes)

• ContiSeal for self-sealing post puncture (select sizes)

• Stable handling

• OE tire for Land Rover

Happy customers report it does well on snow and ice and lasts longer than expected.

Alternative option: Michelin CrossClimate2

Matthew says that many of his EV customers prefer the CrossClimate2 because: “EVs are typically heavier and come with a much higher torque output, so tires tend to wear faster than a gas car. So, many people prefer these to get a longer tread life.”

Budget option: Range Finder GT-E

Best for: electric sedans

Why it works for Washington:

• Uniform treadwear

• 45k mile warranty

• Low rolling resistance

• Noise canceller ribs

• Exceptional grip and wear

• Discount Tire exclusive

Matthew points out that: “These are a great mid-range EV tire that is very focused on quiet, high range delivery. It’s a softer tire with low road noise and low rolling resistance so it carries the potential to help your battery life.”

QUICK COMPARISON: BEST WASHINGTON TIRES

WHAT TYPE OF TIRES ARE BEST FOR WASHINGTON?

There are many different tire types, each with its own specialty in performance. The best types for Washington state are:

All-Season

Best for: primarily urban/highway drivers who don’t encounter significant winter seasons

All-season tires are the most common tire type thanks to their versatile and balanced performance in dry, wet, and mild winter conditions. They are designed to perform in the mildest conditions of each season. All-season tires offer:

• Long tread life

• Comfortable ride

• Dry, wet, and light winter performance

All-season tires do not perform as well as winter tires do in winter conditions. Learn more here.

All-Weather

Best for: Commuters needing year-round winter capability for varying conditions

All-weather tires are a hybrid tire that delivers stronger winter performance than all-season tires. They all feature three-peak mountain snowflake ratings, an aggressive tread pattern, and specialized cold weather compounds.

All-weather tires do not replace designated winter tires, but they allow drivers to install their winter set later in a season. You can also use them in regions where winters are mild.

Learn about the best all-weather tires here.

All-Terrain

Best for: Trucks, SUVs, recreation, forest trails or service roads, mixed on/off-road

All-terrain tires are designed to handle off road conditions such as dirt, rock, sand, and mud, but offer better on-road performance compared to a mud-terrain tire.

All-terrain tires have:

• Load ratings for towing or hauling

• Versatility for both SUVs and trucks

• Robust, aggressive tread designs

• Light or moderate off-road capability

Washington is populated by outdoor lovers so it’s no surprise that all-terrain tires are some of the most popular tire types sold in the state.

Check out the best all-terrain tires here.

Winter

Best for: all vehicles who drive in winter conditions

Winter tires (sometimes called snow tires) are able to maintain traction and performance in temperatures below 45F, regardless of the presence of snow or ice.

Other tire types become stiff in low temperatures but winter tires utilize specialized rubber compounds to stay flexible. Winter tires:

• Use wet and winter-centric tread designs

• Improve braking on snow and ice

• Increase overall winter safety

Studdless winter tires are approved traction tires for Washington mountain passes provided they:

• Have at least an 1/8th inch of tread

• Display a M+S or three-peak mountain snowflake symbol

You should still carry tire chains or approved alternatives in case conditions become severe.

All winter tires feature the three-peak mountain snowflake weather symbol on their sidewall.

WASHINGTON RAIN: WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN A TIRE?

Washington’s annual precipitation averages between 38 to 45 inches each year but this can vary greatly by region with western Washington (Seattle) getting the lion’s share. This means that wet braking, handling, and traction should be on the forefront of many Washington resident’s minds when tire shopping.

Here’s what to look for:

1. Circumferential and lateral grooves
   Circumferential grooves cut vertically down your tire’s tread. Lateral grooves cut across sideways in the direction the vehicle moves. These help reduce hydroplaning by evacuating water away from your tire’s contact patch, which is the center of traction.

2. Ample siping
   Sipes are tiny slits cut into the rubber blocks of your tread. They pull in moisture and/or snow to remove it from the tire’s contact patch, providing tiny little biting edges for additional traction.

3. Silica-enhanced compounds
   Silica additives to rubber compounds help your tire stay sticky and flexible on wet pavement and in cool temps. Flexibility is important because it allows your tire to wrap around obstacles, like ice crystals or rocks, instead of bouncing off of them.

4. Deep tread depth
   Deep tread grooves (above 4/32’’) are able to hold and direct away more water before losing contact with the driving surface.

Remember: tire condition matters just as much as tire design. Keep your tires properly aired up and monitor your tread depth to help your tires perform as intended when the roads become wet.

DRIVING ACROSS WASHINGTON’S MOUNTAIN PASSES

Washington state has 18 mountain passes and is host to the Cascade, Olympic, Blue and other mountain ranges. At one point or another, every Washington resident will travel through one.

Drivers should always check current WSDOT conditions before traveling.

Here are some things drivers need to be aware of:

1. Conditions can differ dramatically from surrounding lowlands

2. WSDOT will post traction advisories and chain requirements
   See traction tire requirements here, and chain requirements here.

3. AWD/4WD vehicles are not automatically exempt from carrying or using chains

4. Chains may be required on all vehicles during extreme conditions

Washington Mountain Pass Tire Checklist

• Check WSDOT conditions before leaving

• Be aware of current traction requirements for your route

• Carry chains when required or appropriate

• Ensure you are using approved traction tires

• Check your tire’s air pressure and tread health before departure*
  *Regularly check your tire’s air pressure and tread at least once a month

If you regularly cross mountain passes in winter, winter capability should carry considerably more weight in your tire decision than for a driver who primarily stays in town.

WASHINGTON TRACTION TIRE & CHAIN LAWS

Washington state requires approved traction tires, chains, or alternative traction devices on designated roadways, such as mountain passes, during winter conditions.

Traction tires may be recommended or required in certain areas, even if you have an AWD/4WD vehicle. If your vehicle doesn’t have approved traction tires, you will need to install tire chains or an approved alternative.

You can learn more from the Washington State DOT website here.

Studded tires are legal in Washington state from November 1 to March 31.

Tire chains are allowed and sometimes required, even if you have an AWD capable vehicle. All vehicles must carry them unless they have an approved alternative.

There is no individual exception or “out-of-state waiver” to studded tire dates. Studded tires must be removed by the end of the day on March 31 to avoid a fine. WASDOT advises motorists to monitor weather closely, use approved traction tires, and carry chains if necessary when traveling in the mountains.

What counts as a traction tire in Washington?

Traction tires must meet the following requirements:

1. Minimum of 1/8’’ tread depth

2. Relatively aggressive tread for additional starting, stopping, and traction in severe conditions

3. Protruding shoulder lugs (at least ½ inch perpendicular to road)

4. Include M+S or three-peak mountain snowflake symbol

Are tire chains required in Washington?

Yes, tire chains may be required in Washington in certain areas that experience extreme conditions.

Are studded tires legal in Washington?

Yes, they are legal from November 1 to March 31.

CHOOSING TIRES FOR THE WASHINGTON LIFESTYLE

It’s important to factor in lifestyle when shopping for tires because this will affect where and how you drive.

The Daily Commuter

For: Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue

Priorities:

• Wet traction

• Efficiency

• Tread life

• Comfort & noise

Suggestions: Continental ControlContact Tour M A/S

The Mountain Traveler

For: Skiing, snowboarding, mountain communities, mountain passes

Priorities:

• Winter traction

• Cold-weather performance

• Meets traction requirements

Suggestions: Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail

The Outdoor Adventurer

For: Camping, hiking, trailheads, forest roads

Priorities:

• Durability

• Appropriate on/off-road traction

• Highway handling

Suggestions: Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail

The Eastern Washington Driver

For: Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima

Priorities:

• Seasonal versatility

• Winter capability

• Touring performance (if commuting)

• Tread life

Suggestions: Michelin CrossClimate2

The Pickup/SUV Driver

The right tire type depends on how you use your pickup or SUV. For:

• Highway commuting: Highway/all-season tires

• Mixed recreation: All-terrain tires

• Frequent winter use: Dedicated winter tires

Suggestions: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3, Falken Wildpeak A/T4W, Bridgestone Dueler Maverick A/T

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TIRES FOR YOUR PART OF WASHINGTON

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