The Best All-Season and All-Weather Tires for Snow

(Original post date: Sept. 7, 2018) 

If you live in a four-season climate, you are all too familiar with how the weather impacts your car’s performance. In fact, those of you who live in snowy climates already know what to do — fall weather means it’s time to change from summer tires to winter tires. It’s not uncommon for car owners to shop for new tires during that time of year, too. 

That’s why you’re here, right? You want the best tires for driving in the snow. Some all-season and all-weather tires do OK in snow, especially if you have all-wheel drive. And if you don’t mind changing tires twice a year, you can find a good selection of winter tires that will protect your driving during the cold. When preparing for the winter months it’s important to know which tires work best for the make and model of your car, as well as the area of the country you live in. All season tires are made to handle light snow, but all weather tires are designed for increased grip in snowy or icy conditions. If you experience harsh winter weather, you’ll probably want to consider an all weather tire. Marked with the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake, these tires can take on severe conditions and will have you driving confidently in snow and ice.

If you’re driving mainly in dry and wet (rainy) weather, with some snow, an all season tire will do the job for you. Able to take on various conditions, all season tires have the capability to get you through spring, summer, fall and winter.

Tire Agent offers the selections mentioned below as well as many other affordable brands for your vehicle.

All Weather Vs All Season Tires For Snow: What You Need To Know

The best all-season car tires have a tread design that is the Swiss army knife of the tire world – these tires can do it all and are useful in many situations. On pavement, the all-season tire provides good traction during dry conditions, rain and light snow. The best all season tires for snow provide traction, grip and light snow capability.

For those who live in locations with extremely harsh winters – such as Minnesota, Michigan, or New England – an all-weather tire is a better choice. This is a newer type of tire designed for all types of weather, year-round. Tire manufacturers like Nokian, Goodyear and Toyo have excelled in making all weather tires that are uncompromised when it comes to tackling the winter season.

What is the difference between all terrain vs all season vs all weather tires?

All terrain tires are designed for driving on pavement, off-road, through mud or loose gravel, and over a variety of surfaces. They tend to have deeper grooves in their treads, so the tires can grip and move the vehicle.

All weather tires have additional features like studs in their treads, which help keep a vehicle stable in slippery conditions such as snow and ice. 

All season tires are also designed for all types of road and weather conditions, including snow and rain. There is not a huge difference between all-weather and all-season -- the main difference being that all-weather tires tend to do better in wet conditions and all-season tires tend to do better in snowy conditions. Both types are intended for year-round use. 

The tread design for some of the best all weather tires is made for superior traction in severe cold-climate conditions such as heavy snow and ice. Compared to your typical all season tires, all weather models are certainly better if you drive during a tougher winter season. You can tell if a tire is an all-weather model because it will have a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol molded into the sidewall.

Whether you live in a location with severe winter driving conditions or someplace that gets a light dusting of snow, look for all season tires with snow rating. You'll see a symbol that includes a mountain with three peaks and a snowflake.

Featured All Season Snow Tires

Not everyone needs the capability of an all-weather tire. These are the best all season tire choices for those living in relatively mild climates that see light snow:

Falken Sincera SN250 A/S

It might not wear a three-peak mountain snowflake, the Falken Sincera SN250 A/S is an all-season tire that can hold its own during the winter months. As one of the best all season tires for snow, it features strategically placed tread blocks to ensure it stays firmly planted during winter weather. Plus, its backed by a 80,000/75,000 limited tread life warranty.

Yokohama Avid Ascend

The Yokohama Avid Ascend is one of the best all season car tires for many reasons. This tire features innovative design traits for superb winter performance. For example, it has built-in 3D adaptive sipes, along with orange oil compound to help it remain pliable in the wet and cold. A limited tread life warranty of up to 85,000 miles is offered.

If you’re looking for an all season performance tire, the Nexen N’Fera AU7 offers ultra-high performance ability with all season confidence. Made for exceptionalbraking, accelerating and cornering, these tires will also keep you safe. The multiple sipe tread design improves grip on wet and slippery roads, so no need to worry during the winter months! Backed by a limited tread life warranty of up to 50,000 miles, this tire also comes with road hazard protection and roadside assistance.

Nexen N’Fera AU7

If you’re looking for an all season performance tire, the Nexen N’Fera AU7 offers ultra-high performance ability with all season confidence. Made for exceptional braking, accelerating and cornering, these tires will also keep you safe. The multiple sipe tread design improves grip on wet and slippery roads, so no need to worry during the winter months! Backed by a limited tread life warranty of up to 50,000 miles, this tire also comes with road hazard protection and roadside assistance.

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Featured All Weather Snow Tires

When the going gets really tough, you need a set of all-weather tires, marked with a three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. This symbol, also known as the “Alpine” symbol means that the tire has been certified for severe snow and ice conditions. Undergoing a test for medium-packed snow, these tires have earned their place in the winter driving world. They meet the requirements of the Tire and Rubber Association for performance and standards when it comes to winter weather capability.

Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady

Made by one of the best, premium name brands, the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady provides traction in the most extreme winter conditions. Patented tread technology, along with a 60,000-mile limited tread life warranty, make this one of the best all weather tires money can buy.

ToyoCelsius

Tread design traits such as snow claws and slush grooves make the Toyo Celsius one of the best tires for heavy snow and ice. The variable sipe density design it what really makes this Toyo tire unique. The inside of the tread has a higher sipe density for better traction in snow and ice while the outside tread has a lower sipe density for wet traction and dry roads. It’s clear that these all weather tires are made to take on any weather with confidence. A 60,000-mile limited tread life warranty is also included.

Nokian WRG4

Made in Finland, Nokian tires have engineered all weather tires specifically designed for North American driving. Not much can stop the Nokian WRG4 with snow claws, which increase side-to-side grip in light or deep snow. With its official 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake and a unique design for all weather performance, this tire has it all. This tire offers precise handling on dry, wet or snowy roads. With a special compound made for long lasting wear and fuel efficiency, you just can’t go wrong. The grooves on this tire help disperse water and reduce hydroplaning, so you can be confident in heavy rain as well. Backed by a 60,000-mile limited tread life warranty, this all-weather tire will keep you safe during the winter for miles to come!

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