What are the best tires for Wyoming?

Locations in Wyoming: 3
First Wyoming location opening date: WYO01 | November 19, 2010
Common vehicles: large SUVs and pickup trucks, including one-ton, large crossovers like Subaru
Major regions/cities: Cheyenne, Casper, Gillette, Laramie, Rock Springs, Sheridan, Green River, Evanston, Jackson, Riverton
Road conditions: Rough, muddy and windy rural roads, heavy winter conditions, little traffic or construction but tons of work trucks

Big, bold and beautiful: that’s how many would describe the state of Wyoming. It is the tenth largest state in the United States with the smallest population (only half a million)! It is also the least population dense state, which means huge open stretches of no civilization or service stations.

Wyoming’s most frequent road obstacles include the weather, rough rural roads, large wild animals like bison, antelope and moose, and tourists flocking to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park. You may also run into agricultural traffic like tractors and sheep, and energy production like oil tankers.

Wyoming also utilizes a red rock called scoria, a by-product from mines, that is crushed and laid on service roads. This aggregate is very cheap to produce, and often ground even finer to be used in lieu of salt in winter. However, it also is very sharp and can damage tires.

This may leave residents (and visitors) wondering: what are the best tires for Wyoming? We’ve asked our boots-on-the-ground experts at our Discount Tire stores and they’ve weighed in. Check out their recommendations below!

BEST CAR TIRES FOR WYOMING

The majority of vehicles on Wyoming’s roads are not cars. However, for those that do drive sedans and crossovers (or are passing through to Sturgis, Yellowstone or the Black Hills), choosing a tire can be tricky.

Wyoming has a semi-arid and continental climate, depending on which part of the state you live in. Regardless, wind, bumpy and rough unpaved roads, rain, snow and mud are all regular parts of Wyomingite’s normal commute. Interstates and highways, though paved, are often fraught with snow, ice, rain and large animals dodging vehicles. Reliable traction in adverse weather and terrain plus service life are key factors to consider.

For this reason, it’s no surprise that the best car tire for Wyoming tends to be an all-weather tire. Check out our blog on our picks for the best all-weather tires!

Most residents prefer larger vehicles, but those with sedans and crossovers like Subaru gravitate towards all-weather tires for their enhanced capability in weather conditions, allowing you to use them for longer during the year compared to an all-season tire. Seth Rosebaugh, senior assistant manager of the Gillette Discount Tire store, notes that most people live in rural areas (ten minutes outside of any town quickly becomes back-country) and require some all-terrain capability from their tires.

That’s probably why the most popular car tire in Wyoming is the Michelin CrossClimate2. It’s rated for severe weather with its three-peak mountain snowflake rating and incorporates both performance, touring and all-season components to deliver a well rounded, tough tire. Flexible, it offers excellent traction and handling in dry, wet and light snowy weather. The V-formation tread design offers hundreds of biting edges for boosted traction. Its PIANO noise-reducing tuning system also delivers a nice, quiet ride too. It comes in a huge range of sizes, even for minivans and SUVs and is topped off with a 60,000-mile warranty.

Axel Nay’s Casper Discount Tire store customers come in specifically asking for all-weather tires. “Whatever’s not in town is a dirt road, so mud is a huge consideration,” he says.

Axel’s customers also like the Yokohama YK-GTX. Although not an all-weather tire, it offers boosted strength and inclement weather performance that’s hard to ignore. Plus, it’s a long-wearing tire that promises a long-lasting tread, very important considering the distances between towns in the Cowboy State. Its new, advanced high resin-based oil compound offers boosted tread life while the high silica compound in the tread works with wide spaced grooves to offer both dry and wet traction (and wear resistance)! Quiet, with a lengthy 70k-mile warranty, it’s an understandably attractive option for driving in Wyoming.

For crossovers looking for all-terrain capability, Seth recommends the Falken Wildpeak A/T4W. Although typically seen on larger vehicles like trucks and SUVs, the Wildpeak comes in some smaller sizes that might suit your CUV and offers excellent wet, winter and wear capability. Tough, with a stable tread pattern and stone drilling resistance, the aggressive projecting sidewall bites equally well through snow, mud, dirt and rock.

BEST TRUCK TIRES FOR WYOMING

Wyoming has the largest share of pickup trucks in the nation and it shows. The majority of vehicles on Wyoming’s roads, paved and unpaved, are either large SUVs like Ford Explorers or Ford or RAM pickup trucks. Frequently, pickups are at least three-quarter- ton to one-ton models, and duallys are a common sight. A large portion of Discount Tire customers in Wyoming are fleet customers.

Seth says the most common truck tire size at his Gillette store is 275/70R18.

Wyomingite’s typically use their vehicles for both work and commuting. There’s tons of energy related jobs, including wind farms, oil fields and coal mines (30% of the world’s coal is mined in Wyoming!) as well as ranching and agricultural work to be done. Plus, getting home frequently involves dirt roads, too.

Brandon’s Cheyenne customers really like the Goodyear Duratrac for their pickup trucks. Its aggressive off-road features switch into high gear when needed while maintaining considerable on-road manners for when the pavement starts up again. It features dependable traction in a variety of terrain, including mud, sand and even snow. It is severe weather rated and boasts oversized shoulders that extend beyond your rim to protect your tires against slicing and punctures. It also helps protect your wheels, too. Its ability to handle mud and snow makes it a popular option with ranchers and oil field workers who need traction in the middle of nowhere. The 50k mile warranty is also a nice perk.

Out in Casper, Axel’s customers love the Goodyear Duratrac RT, a rugged-terrain tire that combines the robust nature of a mud terrain tire with the pavement performance of an all-terrain. It’s versatility makes it very appealing for your light truck, Jeep or SUV. Confidently traverse off-road terrain with boosted snow traction. It is both M+S and three-peak rated and features a bold, extended over the shoulder tread design with extreme bite. It also includes a 50,000-mile warranty!

Brandon’s Cheyenne customers also like the Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT, probably due to its impressive grip in mud, rock, snow and pavement. Aggressive traction is paired with advanced computer modeling tech to deliver a comfortable on-road ride. It also features an optimized void ratio with self-cleaning properties while reducing road noise. Its robust shoulder elements also resist punctures and damage from harsh off-road terrain.

Seth’s pickup drivers in Gillette also really like the Cooper Discoverer ATP II. It includes a 60,000-mile warranty and extreme proficiency in soft terrain like mud and sand. Wet and winter handling is taken care of via Wet Grip Grooves and Snow Claw technology, giving you the power to handle any Wyoming weather that comes your way. Alternating scallops on the tread work with wide off-road shoulder tread blocks for boosted grip. In aired-down driving conditions, rugged shoulder lugs offer even more grip while resisting damage. Wyoming customers are consistently happy with this tire and the 60,000-mile treadwear warranty is nothing to sneeze at, either.

If you want a true mud terrain tire that can tackle anything, Seth highly recommends the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003. “These are really popular and we have to keep them on hand, especially for our railroad guys who are routinely buried up to their fenders in mud. Our customers need mud terrain tires due to the harsh scoria aggregate on our service roads, which is very sharp.” The Geolandar M/T G003 includes a 45,000-mile warranty of its own but with Yokohama’s GEO-SHIELD construction, you may not ever need it. This tire offers superior off-road traction and exceptional wear performance utilizing an innovative tread pattern and triple-polymer compound and its wide, flat profile.

If you’re pretty concerned with severe weather, all Wyoming Discount Tire managers agree that the BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO2 (the KO3 was just released, too and is increasingly available in popular truck sizes) is the way to go. Its severe weather designation makes it an excellent all-terrain option that has extended capability when things get choppy. Interlocking tread elements, a stabilized tread center and sturdy sidewall construction make it tough and reliable. BFG’s signature Serrated Shoulder Design helps max out mud, snow and rock grip (especially when aired down). The sidewall resists bruising and splitting, even over the sharpest rocks, while the Advanced Deflection Design protects the tire’s overall structural integrity for low-range 4WD scenarios. It is topped with a healthy 50,000-mile warranty.

Many of Brandon’s Cheyenne truck and SUV customers who live closer to town may not necessarily need such a robust all-terrain or mud terrain option. Perhaps they live in more reliably paved areas, rarely get into severe terrain or only have a simple dirt or gravel driveway to contend with. In that case, he directs them to the Pathfinder AT, a Discount Tire exclusive option. “It’s mainly a highway-terrain type tire with reliable off-road capability. Customers really like the mileage, comfort and low noise,” he explains. The Pathfinder AT delivers considerable all-season traction via zig-zag circumferential grooves and interconnected rib tread blocks for a stabilized tread pattern, giving you responsive and precise handling and steering control. It includes a 55k mile warranty.

DO I NEED SNOW TIRES IN WYOMING?

Wyoming experiences a true winter season with low temperatures, ice and snow. Extremely high and frequent winds are also a hazard. To be as safe as possible, Discount Tire recommends changing over to winter tires. Brandon Nowak, senior assistant manager of the Cheyenne Discount Tire store, says, “They close the interstate around 50 times every winter due to the weather.”

We prefer to refer to them as “winter tires” because “snow tires” implies they only work with snow, and this is not the case. Winter tires are designed to work in sub 45F temperatures when other tire types stiffen and lose performance. For this reason, all-season tires do not perform as well as winter tires even if they have wet and light snow related features. All-season tires cannot brake as well as winter tires, either.

And when it comes to it, all-terrain and mud terrain tires are not as good as dedicated winter tires. Many of these tire types offer extended service in severe weather but you will find they do not brake or hold traction as well as true winter tires.

In some places, such as mountain passes, you may be required to equip your vehicle with dedicated winter tires to continue.

Luckily, Discount Tire makes the switch easy with our winter/snow tire changeover and installation services.

Axel Nay, senior assistant manager of the Casper Discount Tire store, notes that many of his customers try to eke by on all-season or all-weather tires. “They don’t realize how affordable winter tires are. Even entry-level winter tires will keep you safer than an all-season option. We want our customers to be informed on what’s going to keep them the safest and help them make the best decision possible for themselves. That’s what we’re here to do!”

Keeping a winter set of tires is actually pretty cost effective as they help your non-winter set last longer. This is because they’re not putting on so many miles and will not be exposed to harsh winter conditions that deteriorate them faster.

The Best Winter Tires for Wyoming

Winter in Wyoming is pretty rough. The interstate is frequently shut down due to severe winter weather, which is problematic as many Wyomingites commute to their town-centric jobs from their homes way out in the country.

By and large, the preferred snow tire for Wyoming is the Bridgestone Blizzak family of winter tires. Trustworthy and dependable, Blizzaks come in a huge range of vehicle sizes and are highly rated both in tests and in customer feedback.

Seth Rosebaugh, senior assistant manager of the Gillette Discount Tire store, explains: “I would say about 70 percent of our winter tires are from the Blizzak family. We keep them in stock pretty consistently and are typically the highest rated winter tire.”

For your passenger vehicle, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is the way to go. It utilizes a Multi-Cell tread compound that pulls water away from the surface of the ice on the road, giving you enhanced traction and stopping power. They are also modestly priced. Winter confidence, shortened braking distances with enhanced treadwear? What else could you want?

For larger vehicles like crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks, the Bridgestone Blizzak DMV2 is for you. Bite particles in the tread boost grip and control on even sheer ice. Its tread design and pattern is perfect for repelling water away from the contact patch, keeping your footing firm and your vehicle where you want it to be.

But, if you want a studded option, Seth notes the GT Radial Champiro IcePro Studded is preferred (there’s also a truck and SUV version). They offer consistent and reliable winter traction on snowy and icy roads thanks to its pliable winter tread compound and specialized stud pattern. They also don’t break the bank!

ARE STUDDED TIRES AND TIRE CHAINS LEGAL IN WYOMING?

Yes, studded tires are legal in Wyoming. Wyoming does not have date restrictions on when motorists may use studded tires.

Yes, tire chains are legal in Wyoming.

Depending on where you are in Wyoming, there may be travel restrictions due to severe weather. Wyoming has two levels of restrictions: Level 1 restricts travel to vehicles equipped with tire chains or adequate snow tires or all-wheel drive vehicles. Level 2 restricts travel to vehicles equipped with tire chains or all-wheel drive vehicles equipped with adequate mud and snow or all-weather rated tires.

(Check out our blog on the best drivetrain for snow!)

Mountain passes and other remote areas may require tire chains, winter tires or at least an all-wheel drive vehicle.

When traveling during winter months, check your route to see if there may be portions of the highway that require the above safety restrictions.

Other Wyoming Wheel & Tire Services

According to Seth at the Gillette Discount Tire store: “There is a lot of mileage between towns, so you need to be adequately prepped to go long distances without services. Make sure your tires are safe and healthy so you don’t get caught in a non-cell phone area because tows are expensive.” Discount Tire offers a whole host of tire safety and maintenance, including tire rotations and flat repair. We advise drivers to check their air pressure frequently. Correct air pressure is an important factor in the safety of your vehicle and your passengers. Tire air pressure also affects fuel efficiency and treadwear. Air pressure is also affected by temperature.

Seth says that most Wyoming residents understand the challenges of driving in the Cowboy State, but sometimes tourists come unprepared. Many travelers are eagerly heading towards Sturgis, the Black Hills in South Dakota or Yellowstone National Park and don’t think to properly prep their tires for the long trip. This includes folks traveling with trailers and campers.

For folks rolling along with campers or trailers, he recommends 14-ply trailer tires as they hold up a lot better than other options in Wyoming.

You can protect your tires from really bad days with our Certificates. These are our tire buying guarantee that replaces your tire for free in the event of tire damage (either due to a road hazard or manufacturer’s defect) that we can’t safely repair.

Our stores also offer wheel repair services. And we have the largest aftermarket wheel inventory at the lowest prices. If your ride is ready for a style upgrade or needs a wheel fix, we can help you out with new rims!

Don’t forget to 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!

Also, if a dented rim has you down, relax: we’ve got the largest stock of affordable aftermarket rims around!

Ready to roll with the best tires for Wyoming?

Still not sure what tire works best for you? Use Treadwell, our smart tire buying guide that matches you with the best tires for your vehicle in less than a minute. It takes into account what, where and how you drive so you’re sure that you’re choosing the best tire possible.

Brandon Nowak, senior assistant manager at the Cheyenne Discount Tire says: “We appreciate all of our customers we’ve gained over the years. We hope to gain even more by doing the right thing and keeping everybody safe!”

We are eager to answer your questions or address concerns. Just give us a ring, drop by or make an appointment online. Save time and 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.