Locations in West Virginia: 1
First West Virginia location opening date: Martinsburg WVE02 | August 21, 2021
Common vehicles: Majority are large pickups like RAM 1500, Ford F-150s and SUVs with more hybrids, sedans and Teslas in urban areas
Major regions/cities: Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Parkersburg, Wheeling, Weirton, Fairmont, Martinsburg, Beckley, Clarksburg
Road conditions: Developed main roads are fair with tons of travelers and traffic; rougher roads outside urban areas with some potholes and degradation; hilly back country roads with dirt and gravel surfaces
West Virginia is the literal stuff of songs, and for good reason. With the mysterious Appalachian mountains overtaking its scope, rolling hills and rich, industrious history, West Virginia today is a place of outdoor recreation for tourists and home to 1.8 million residents. Plus, it’s proximity to large metropolitan areas like Washington D.C make it a huge artery for travelers and business.
It also offers a unique humid subtropical climate with one of the fewest occurrences of severe weather in the country. With over 37,300 miles of public roads, tunnels and bridges, switchback mountain passes, dirt and gravel roads and perpetually cloudy skies, West Virginians need to consider what tires best suit their vehicle and driving needs.
We’ve asked our stores for a frontline take on their recommendations for the best tires for West Virginia. Check them out!
Derrick Youhas, manager at our Martinsburg Discount Tire store notes that West Virginians frequently use Discount Tire’s tire decision buying guide, Treadwell to help them decide what works best for them. It simplifies tire buying and makes recommendations based on what, where and how you drive!
BEST CAR TIRES FOR WEST VIRGINIA
According to Derrick Youhas, manager of our Martinsburg Discount Tire store, most of his customers drive trucks or SUVs. However, plenty of West Virginians drive sedans and hybrids, especially in the eastern part of the state closest to D.C. He sees a fair few Teslas, too. The middling temperatures of most of the state mean harsh dips or rises in temps are pretty rare, or seen specifically up on the highest elevations of the mountains.
By far the most recommended tire type? All-season tires.
Derrick’s customers come in asking for brands like Michelin and Falken by name due to their solid reputation and word-of-mouth. And for good reason; the Michelin Defender 2 is probably the most recommended tire in the state!
This latest and greatest Michelin all-season tire offers a huge 80k-mile warranty, a wide range of sizes, all-season grip and fantastic stopping distances. It’s a good jack-of-all-trades tire that features great dry and wet grip, a long expected service life and a comfortable ride.
The Continental Control Contact Tour A/S Plus is another option that Derrick suggests. This exclusive touring and all-season tire delivers improved fuel efficiency and traction no matter the season, be it wet or dry. Customers report reliable traction, a smooth ride and long lasting tread thanks to its wear-resistant EcoPlus™ technology.
Derrick’s customers are generally looking for that sweet spot: high quality, well-rounded performance and value.
Check out the Sentury Touring, a well-liked all-season touring tire with a fabulous price. Also a Discount Tire exclusive, it offers confident performance in adverse weather such as rain and very light winter conditions. The all-season tread compound also resists uneven treadwear, extending the life of your tire as much as possible.
Derrick’s customers also like the Mohave Touring. This high quality tire delivers a quiet and comfortable ride, long lasting tread life, controlled handling and strong grip in dry and wet weather. Plus it comes with a 40,000-mile treadwear warranty. Its value can’t be overstated! And don’t worry, your crossover vehicle can be outfitted with the Mohave CUV to get the same great performance. It’s also backed by a 40k-mile warranty, and it offers dependable braking and acceleration, plus uneven treadwear resistance.
BEST TRUCK TIRES FOR WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia is home to blue-collar workers of all types of occupations who rely heavily on their pickup trucks (and SUVs). These drivers generally need reliable daily driving and off-road capability. The answer? All-terrain tires.
There are plenty of quarter and half ton trucks on West Virginia’s numerous roads, gravel construction lots and dirt driveways, including RAM 1500 and Ford F-150s. 4x4 vehicles and SUVs are also common.
Like Derrick’s car customers, truck owners in West Virginia rely on Treadwell, word-of-mouth recommendations and previous experiences to choose their truck tires. “Good shoppers compare value versus feedback,” he notes.
His customers frequently come in asking for the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W, an all-terrain tire with a rugged tread to handle the worksite, cross-country roads or off-road trails. It’s three takeaways? Wear, wet and winter performance. It features a three-peak mountain snowflake severe weather rating that makes it attractive for year-round use in the Mountain State. With stone drilling resistance, a heat diffuser to keep internal tire temps safe and terrific traction off-road, it’s an understandable favorite.
Customers also come in asking for the Cooper Discoverer AT3 LT. This highly requested tire features Durable Tread™ Tech which prevents uneven wear and allows for heavy load hauling. Cut-and-chip resistant tread compounds pair with stone ejectors for gritty durability. Meanwhile, Cooper’s Whisper Groove technology keeps your tire quiet and comfortable, all while providing aggressive Secure-Grip™ traction in off-road conditions. It also includes a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, a rarity for an all-terrain tire!
What does Derrick recommend for your truck in West Virginia? His pick is the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2, the unquestionable leader in all-terrain, off-road tires across the country. This off-road overlord reigns supreme in popularity and performance contests because of its very tough sidewalls (thanks CoreGard Technology!), severe weather designation and more than competent off-road traction in mud, snow and over rocks (especially when aired down). It even includes a 50k-mile warranty!
West Virginians looking to get the most bang for their buck, Derrick says, should turn their sights onto the Pathfinder AT. This Discount Tire value buy delivers quality performance without the price tag. It includes a durable rubber compound and an aggressive all-terrain tread pattern to handle off-road environments like a pro. It’s a customer favorite thanks to its competent all-terrain capabilities that pair with all-season on-road manners and 55k-mile warranty.
If your SUV, van or pickup doesn’t see much off-road action, the Pathfinder HT is your friend. This highway-terrain all-season tire delivers responsive handling and stability with considerable towing capability, perfect for weekend fun. The circumferential grooves and zigzag siping provide relentless grip in inclement weather, and we really like the raised white outline lettering on the black sidewall look (it’s super snazzy)! Customers also can’t complain about the 60,000-mileage warranty, either!
DO I NEED SNOW TIRES IN WEST VIRGINIA
No, you don’t need winter tires in West Virginia, they’re an option some WV drivers choose for added safety during the winter months.
If you do want winter tires, we recommend changing over to winter tires when the temperature consistently stays below 45F.
Most locals depend on all-season tires year-round due to West Virginia’s subtropical climate. However, the Mountain State is called that for good reason with the Appalachian Mountains taking up a wide swath of land. Higher elevations can and do fall below 45F consistently and experience precipitation in the form of snow and rain.
Derrick’s winter tire sales at his Discount Tire location in Martinsburg are principally from out-of-state residents who understand the value and protection a true winter tire affords.
If you’re traveling north or out of state, winter tires may be a good idea for your safety. Winter tires work best in low temperatures (and offer traction in snow and ice), while all-season tires simply freeze up in winter’s low temps.
We recommend any of the Bridgestone Blizzak or Nokian Hakkapeliitta winter tires. They offer dependable traction in winter conditions, in either studded or non-studded options.
Derrick says: if you’re going to stick with all-season tires, then look for the M+S designation to make sure they can handle some inclement weather. These tires are rated for more severe weather, though they’re not at all as capable as a true winter tire.
Since the temperature can be so variable, Discount Tire recommends equipping you vehicle with an all-weather tire for year-round use if you aren’t in an area with snow or consistently freezing temps. All-weather tires feature more sipes, wider grooves and cold-weather rubber so they stay nice and pliable (read: functional) when the thermometer dips.
All-weather tires come in a wide range of sizes to suit your sedan, van, crossover, SUV or truck. Our picks? The Nokian Encompass AW01 and the Michelin CrossClimate2. Nokian knows a thing or two about severe weather and has equipped this Discount Tire exclusive tire with a host of severe weather features like 3D Centipede Sipes and Snow Claws to handle whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Everything from your Ford Fusion, GMC Terrain, Honda CR-V and more can enjoy its grip (and 60k-mile treadwear warranty!
The Michelin CrossClimate2 is also ready to impress. This Michelin tire comes in a huge range of sizes,features a severe weather designation and has a PIANO noise reduction tuning system to keep things quiet over the life of the tire. Its V-formation tread design is great for wet weather, while the V-ramps on the tread block edges make dry grip a breeze. It has an enthusiastic customer following who also appreciate its generous 60,000-mile tread warranty!
ARE STUDDED TIRES OR SNOW CHAINS LEGAL IN WEST VIRGINIA?
Yes, studded tires are legal in West Virginia between Nov 1st and April 15th.
Snow chains are permitted in West Virginia for hazardous weather or other related incidents but may not cause damage to highway surfaces.
Studded tires are ideal for frequent travel in severe winter conditions, which you will find in neighboring states to the north or in the mountains.
If you’re looking for a recommendation for studded winter tires, you can’t go wrong with the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10. Superior grip in ice and snow? Check. Eco-friendly EcoStud 10 studs for reduced wear and boosted ice traction? Check. Flexible tread compound to cover everything from blizzards to a light dusting? Check!
Do your wheels need some TLC? Turn to us at Discount Tire. Some of our stores offer wheel services and repairs! Plus, we have the largest and best priced stock of aftermarket wheels in the industry to outfit you when yours are ready to retire!
It’s also a good idea to check your windshield wiper blades before you hit the road. We recommend changing wiper blades every 6 months, so if you need a new set, check our full supply of high-quality but low-priced windshield wipers! We offer them in store and online!
If you have other questions or want to upgrade your wheels or tires, 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!