As we enter into the winter months, it's important to have tires that will give you the best traction possible. The following tires should be considered by drivers who experience harsh winter weather and travel on snow- and ice-covered roads.
Bridgestone
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS70 is still one of the best winter / snow tires on the market. It rates highly in ice traction against other leading winter tires and also provides excellent snow traction. Bridgestone also offers a similar tire marketed toward trucks, sport utility vehicles and crossovers, named the Blizzak DM-V1.
Blizzak DM-V1 tires use Bridgestone's Multicell Z compound featuring microscopic bubbles and tubes to absorb the thin film of water that forms as tires run over packed snow and ice, while micro bite particles contribute to the edge effect that improves grip on packed snow and icy surfaces. It also incorporates advanced 3D Wash Board Z Sipe technology that increases both block stiffness for handling in the dry and increases the biting edge effect on frozen surfaces.
Michelin
Michelin's leading winter tire is the X-Ice Xi3. This Studless Ice & Snow tire was developed for the drivers of coupes, sedans, family vans and small crossover vehicles that are looking for ice and snow traction along with predictable handling in cold, dry and wet wintry conditions. It also meets Michelin's Green X standard for low rolling resistance and confirms the tire's contribution to reducing vehicle fuel consumption and emissions of CO2 gases. The X-Ice Xi3 is designed to take on ice and snow while providing lasting winter performance.
Bridgestone Blizzak WS70
Michelin X-Ice Xi3
Dunlop Winter Maxx
Dunlop
Dunlop is offering a new tire this year with the release of the Winter Maxx. We tested the tire on ice and it performed well. After comparing the tire against the Blizzak WS70, Continental ExtremeWinterContact and Michelin X-Ice Xi3, we determined the tire matched with the best tires on ice.
The Winter Maxx's Digital Rolling Simulation technology helps optimize tread pattern stiffness to enhance footprint pressure distribution for improved grip. Snow platform indicators are molded into the Winter Maxx tread grooves to inform the driver when beneficial ice and snow traction will be reduced as the tread wears away. Winter Maxx tires also are designed to increase confidence in cool and cold driving conditions as they enhance traction in slush, snow and on ice.
General
The AltiMAX Arctic has been around for many years and is still one of our popular sellers. We have tested the tire studded and unstudded and it delivers excellent wintertime traction in the snow and on ice. For its price, it's a great value for many drivers.
To view all winter options available for your car, shop by vehicle.