Navigating the Spectrum of Winter Tire Choices
Winter is the time of year that tests your tires the most. Winter tires must have excellent stopping power and grip on snow, ice, wet, and slushy roads. Traction and long wear-life on cold, dry roads are also needed. There are hundreds of different winter tire styles from dozens of brands. To simplify your next winter tire purchase decision, here is our list of good, better, and best options to keep you and your family safe this winter.
Good – The Antares Grip 20 Winter Tire:
Antares Tires are made in China and have been imported to the US and Canada for decades. The North American distributor specifies the performance levels needed and co-develops the products according to the needs of the vehicles, roads, and weather conditions here in the Northern US and Canada. The result is very reliable tires at the most affordable prices.
The Antares Grip 20 winter tire tread has lots of sipes. These are minor zig-zag-shaped cuts in the tread blocks that flex open under torque. Sipes give the tire dozens of extra biting edges for snow and ice traction as the tire turns through the contact area with the road.
Antares Grip 20 winter tires have a solid center rib for an improved on-center feel like more expensive winter tires. This means better handling and more rubber in contact with the road. The extensive road contact surface area is essential for maximum traction on ice and dry, cold streets.
The Severe Service Winter Tire Designation is a differentiating feature of the Antares Grip 20 tires compared to other tires at this price point.
Any tire with this designation has a mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewall. This means it meets specific snow traction performance requirements set by the Rubber Manufacturers of America and the Rubber Association of Canada. This symbol on the Antares Grip 20 winter tire is an added assurance that even though this is a cheap tire imported from China, the product is good quality and meets the needs of the North American market.
Better – The Firestone Winterforce Tire
For the money, Firestone Winterforce tires deliver many added features and benefits not found in other mid-price range winter tires. There is one tread pattern for all cars, SUVs, and Crossovers and one for heavy-duty pickup trucks and commercial vans.
The Firestone Winterforce tire is for cars, minivans, and crossovers, and the Winterforce UV tire is for trucks, larger crossovers, and sport utility vehicles. These tires have a directional tread pattern with tread blocks covered in many sipes. These 3-D, zig-zag sipes stabilize the tire because the block elements interlock when cornering.
This is Bridgestone/Firestone’s latest technology to help deliver grip on snow, wet roads, and traction on ice while still providing good handling on dry roads. Firestone Tires recognizes that roads in most parts of the northern US are mostly dry and clear of snow, even in the middle of winter.
Dry road handling is essential, and these Firestone Winterforce tires deliver the handling and ride you would expect from a well-known brand at mid-tier pricing. All Firestone Winterforce tires carry the Severe Snow Performance Mountain-Snowflake marking, and the tires can also be studded for extra ice and snow traction.
If you drive a pickup truck, are a tradesperson with a van or truck frequently loaded with equipment, or are on job sites requiring extra all-terrain traction, the Firestone Winterforce LT tire is right for you. It is only available in the LT sizes. It has additional reinforcements under the tread and on the side of the tire for more load capacity and protection from road hazards.
The tread has wider grooves between the tread blocks, giving the driver more traction in mud and slush conditions common on job sites or gravel roads.
Prices vary by size, but on average, Firestone Winterforce tires are in the middle of the price range. The above-average performance of the Winterforce tires and positive customer feedback makes all the various models of Winterforce tires our best pick for mid-range, “better” tires.
Best – Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme S Tires
For a tire to be a “best” recommendation, it must perform well in all winter conditions and have superior wear life, ride, and handling. Vredestein Tires, based in the Netherlands, focuses on building the best winter tires possible.
Unlike most other tire manufacturers, which expand their product offerings to include winter tires, Vredestein started by making them. In fact, for many years, that was all Vredestein Tires was known for. This single-minded focus paid off with tires that provide outstanding grip on ice and snow, excellent handling on cold, dry roads, and long tread life.
While there are various tread styles, our best-selling Vredestein tire, which has the most sizes for cars, SUVs, and CUVs, is the Vredestein Wintrac Xtreme S tire. It has a chevron-shaped, directional tread pattern, with wide circumferential grooves separating the center part of the tread from the rows of tread blocks on the outer shoulders. This type of tread pattern puts the most rubber in contact with the road to ensure maximum biting edges per square inch.
The Vredestein is designed to take studs in addition to sipes. When metal studs are installed in the molded holes in the tread, the tire has even more traction on ice and snow-covered roads.
Action Plan
Vredestein has developed tread compounds that stay flexible in cold weather to deliver long tread life in their winter tires. You can squeeze the tread block and easily flex the rubber between your thumb and finger. In addition to more flex in mild temperatures, the rubber has a lower “glass transition” point. This means that the rubber stays soft at temperatures well below freezing. The advantage is more traction on cold, dry roads.
To improve wet grip and preserve long tread life at typical spring or fall temperatures, Vredestein has added silica to the tread rubber. Although silica in tires increases the manufacturer’s cost, it provides essential safety benefits that you would expect from premium tires in our “best” category.
Conclusion
Selecting the right winter tire can distinguish between a close call and a safe drive home. Whether you’re looking for essential protection, advanced safety features, or the pinnacle of winter driving technology, there’s a tire out there.
Tires-Easy has all these winter tires and many other brands at great prices. Visit www.tires-easy.com and use the tire selector tool and detailed product descriptions to find the right winter tire quickly and easily from your home.
Ready to winter-proof your ride?
Navigate winter confidently and shop the best winter tire deals at Tire Easy. From budget-friendly options to top-of-the-line models, we’ve got you covered. Stay safe and drive easy with Tire Easy.
FAQs
How do I choose the best winter Tyres?
When choosing the best winter tires, consider factors such as:
- Tread Depth: Look for deep treads that offer better grip on snow and ice.
- Tread Patterns: Patterns with multiple sipes increase traction in winter conditions.
- Rubber Compound: Winter tires use softer rubber that remains flexible in cold temperatures.
- Performance Ratings: Check ratings and reviews for performance on ice and snow.
- Tyre Symbols: Look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, indicating a tire is certified for severe winter conditions.
Do good winter tires make a difference?
Absolutely! Good winter tires provide enhanced grip, reduced stopping distances, and better handling on snow and ice, significantly improving safety and driver confidence in cold conditions.
What Tyres are best in snow?
The best tires for snow are those specifically designed for winter conditions. Brands like Bridgestone Blizzak, Michelin X-Ice, Nokian Hakkapeliitta, and Cooper Discoverer True North have models known for exceptional snow performance. Always look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol for optimal snow and ice handling.
