Best All-Weather Tires for Snow: The Top 10

Our Top Picks

Introduction

You’re probably aware that all-season tires are a popular choice for many people, right? Most drivers count on them for grip throughout the year. Although  the majority of people have complete faith in them, all-season tires don’t always fulfill their promise.  They’re good for regular driving on both dry and wet roads, and some can even manage a little snow, but when winter becomes truly fierce, things can turn  very slippery. 

There are no all-season tires that can tackle harsh winter conditions like deep snow and ice on the market currently. Of course, they’re an improvement over summer tires, but they’re still not entirely dependable or safe in those situations.

That’s where the all-weather tires step in! You might see them being marketed as all-season tires since, in basic terms, they are. But there’s one significant difference that makes all-weather tires far superior in snowy conditions: the 3PMSF rating.

Admittedly, that might be over simplifying things. In essence, a tire can only achieve that rating if it offers reliable snow traction. The emblem doesn’t signify anything else, nor does it cover lateral traction, but it does indicate the manufacturer’s goals.

Manufacturers that produce all-weather tires present them as an all-year solution that’s  also capable of handling wintry conditions. That might sound similar to the sales pitch for all-season tires, right? Perhaps, but we won’t dive too deep into that topic at the moment.

What really matters is that all-weather tires genuinely perform better in snowy situations, which is the focus of this piece. I’ll be sharing my top recommendations for the finest all-weather tires for snowy conditions. 

Each tire I mention will not only excel in the snow but also perform well on dry and wet surfaces. After all, you’ll want to use these tires throughout the year, won’t you?

So lets get down to business and explore my top choices for the best All-weather tires for snow.

1. Michelin CrossClimate 2

If you’ve heard of Michelin then you’ve probably come across the latest Michelin CrossClimate 2 already. It’s a new addition to Michelin’s outstanding lineup of all-weather tires. It genuinely amazed me when I first experienced it. I mean, who would have thought that a single tire could provide such exceptional traction for both winter and summer? 

The original version was already pretty impressive. Michelin have taken it up a notch with the “+” model. So now, we’re looking at the second generation and it’s a real breakthrough in the world of tire technology.

So, what makes it so special? Its innovative directional pattern significantly improves traction on snowy roads, around 30% more effective than your typical all-season tire. It boasts excellent straight-line traction and sufficient grip for safe cornering. As for stopping distances? They’re outstanding!

You’ll be forgiven for expecting a tire that performs so well on snow to struggle in hot weather, as the CrossClimate 2 proves otherwise. It delivers responsive handling and impressive grip. This model stands up to the top all-season touring tires available. Additionally, it maintains excellent stability at high speeds and continues to provide remarkably short stopping distances.

What about when the roads are wet? You won’t be let down. The CrossClimate 2 continues to perform with dependable handling, and trustworthy traction and you guessed it, short stopping distances.

It’s worth mentioning that the Michelin CrossClimate 2 holds the longest treadwear warranty among all-weather tires at 60,000 miles. It does fall short of traditional all-season tires, which can last for up to 90,000 miles but that comes with the territory of all-weather tires.

Bear in mind that this cutting-edge tire comes with a premium price tag, but you’re definitely paying for the advanced features and materials that it brings to the table.

2. Nokian WR G4

Nokian was actually the pioneer in coining the term “all-weather” for tires. It’s not surprising since they hail from Finland, a country famous for its severe winter conditions. Apart from producing some of the finest drivers globally, these challenging conditions also led to the creation of Nokian, a tire brand specializing in winter tires.

So, how does the WR G4 perform in intense winter conditions? It turns out it’s even more impressive than the Michelin CrossClimate 2. The snow traction it offers is exceptional for an all-weather tire. You won’t find yourself stuck anywhere. The stopping distances are incredibly short and the handling remains secure, without any oversteer problems.

What’s really remarkable is the WR G4’s performance in slush. This is attributed to its excellent hydroplaning resistance. It also handles well on icy surfaces, although I would personally opt for a set of specialized winter tires on my car in such cases.

On a positive note, the Nokian WR G4 is also adept at navigating both dry and wet roads. While it may not quite match the Michelin CrossClimate 2, it still performs admirably for daily driving. My only minor complaint is that it’s not overly responsive, but then again, it’s not designed to be a performance tire.

When all is said and done, the WR G4 comes with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is quite commendable for an all-weather tire. It might lean towards the expensive side, but rest assured, you’re getting your money’s worth with this tire.

3. Firestone WeatherGrip

Firestone has a substantial advantage over many of its competitors. It can utilize the Bridgestone technology. The Japanese tire company is famous for creating top-quality winter tires in the form of their Blizzak collection. It’s clear that the Firestone WeatherGrip has taken inspiration from that range since it offers remarkable performance in severe winter conditions.

In fact, we think it’s the top all-weather tire for tackling snow and ice. You’ll experience great acceleration on snow, ensuring you won’t be stranded anywhere. You will also benefit from impressively low stopping distances, and stable handling. What distinguishes it from other all-weather tires is its authentic traction on icy surfaces. This makes the Firestone WeatherGrip an excellent friend for those challenging winter days.

Its superb standard in snowy conditions isn’t as prominent on dry and wet roads, but the tire still maintains a good level of performance. There’s an adequate amount of grip and traction, and the stopping distances are within acceptable limits. The only drawback is that it’s not as responsive. In fairness think most drivers wouldn’t mind that thoug. I also noted an increase in tread noise when driving at higher speeds.

On the good side, the Firestone WeatherGrip features a 65,000-mile treadwear warranty. This stands out as the best in the all-weather tire category.

4. Vredestein Quatrac 5

The Vredestein Quatrac 5 is a fantastic choice if you’re on the lookout for a dependable all-weather tire that’s easy on the wallet. This Dutch manufacturer has a history of crafting top-notch tires and the Vredestein Quatrac 5 could very well be their finest offering to date. It brings together everything you’d expect from an all-weather tire, boasting strong performance in both winter and summer conditions.

I was genuinely impressed by how well this tire deals with snowy situations. While it’s not a specialized winter tire, it certainly holds its own among all-weather tires. The Quatrac 5 is safe for snowy drives, delivering dependable acceleration traction and short braking distances. It also maneuvers well around corners, making it a great solution for wintry conditions.

The Quatrac 5 excels on both dry and wet roads. The tire is responsive and provides excellent grip when cornering for a tire in its class. It’s also surprisingly comfortable when driving over bumps, arguably more so than any other tire on this list.

Of course, there are a couple of minor drawbacks. The 45,000-mile treadwear warranty is slightly lower than that of its main competitors, but it remains decent for an all-weather tire. The Quatrac 5 also generates some noticeable tread noise, especially at higher speeds. It’s not overly loud and shouldn’t be a deal-breaker but it’s still worth noting.

5. Toyo Celsius

Toyo has earned a solid reputation among car enthusiasts due to its impressive range of high-performance summer tires. So, how does the brand measure up in the all-weather category? Quite well, actually. The Toyo Celsius, their all-weather tire, is one of the most well-rounded choices on the market. It delivers strong performance across various conditions without breaking the bank.

Most significantly, the Toyo Celsius excels when it comes to winter conditions. Its snow traction is among the top for all-weather tires, ensuring you won’t find yourself stuck. The stopping distances are relatively small, while the handling feels secure. What’s even more surprising is that the Toyo Celsius copes with icy situations safely. Well, as long as you don’t push it too far.

Toyo has also done a commendable job making the Celsius appropriate for warmer weather. Handling is stable, and stopping distances are kept short. You can drive in the rain without worrying about losing grip with its superb hydroplaning resistance. Additionally, the tire effectively absorbs vibrations from large potholes before they reach the cabin, however you may notice some tread noise when driving on highways.

Despite this minor issue, Toyo more than makes up for it with a 60,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is also among the best for all-weather tires and undeniably good at this price point.

6. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady

The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady ranks highly among all-weather tires in North America, and understandably so. It provides great traction on snow-covered roads, delivering stable handling and short braking distances. The Assurance WeatherReady also excels on slush and even handles icy surfaces, which sets it apart from many all-weather tires.

Another noteworthy feature is its performance on dry ground. The Assurance WeatherReady is responsive, especially for an all-weather tireand provides goof feedback to the driver. It also supplies reasonable grip around corners and short stopping distances in dry conditions. While it isn’t a performance tire, it’s still a good choice.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. For one, the Assurance WeatherReady doesn’t handle wet conditions as effectively as the best all-weather tires on the market. It’s not subpar, considering it’s a high-quality product, but the top three tires in this segment certainly offer safer handling and quicker stopping distances.

Additionally, the ride may feel somewhat rough when navigating larger potholes, and tire noise can be evident at higher speeds. 

The Assurance WeatherReady makes up for these minor issues with its outstanding 60,000-mile treadwear warranty and potentially an even more remarkable real-life tread life—Consumer Reports estimates it at 75,000 miles.

7. Nokian Encompass AW01

Nokian is a master at producing all-weather and winter tires, They even crafted one for Discount Tire as a more budget-friendly version than other choices from the brand. The Nokian Encompass AW01 still comes with high-tech attributes. As with most Nokian tires, the tread compound contains a design geared towards snow. It features multiple sipes that create extra biting edges.

The performance is noteworthy, particularly in snowy conditions. Traction on snow is outstanding and competes with the leading tires in its class. Stopping distances are fairly short too and the handling remains secure. I was also impressed by the ice traction, which is among the best out there. The Nokian Encompass AW01 easily tackles slush as well.

On dry surfaces, the Nokian Encompass AW01 doesn’t quite reach the finesse of the W4 GR but still holds its own in the category. Grip levels are satisfactory, and stopping distances aren’t overly extended. In wet conditions, the hydroplaning resistance is decent, but overall traction isn’t on par with the best available. Even so, it remains a safe option.

One thing I observed is that the ride can feel a bit bumpy on uneven roads, and there’s an audible tread noise at higher speeds. 

Nokian provides an excellent 60,000-mile treadwear warranty which is definitely a plus.

8. Nokian WR G4 SUV

The Nokian WR G4 SUV takes all the amazing qualities of the standard car model and customizes them for SUVs. This means you can expect top-notch traction, braking, and handling on snowy surfaces, and even icy ones. Traction will be even better on SUVs that have AWD systems.

In addition, this tire excels on both dry and wet roads, surpassing most all-weather tires in performance. It may not be extremely responsive, but that shouldn’t be  a significant issue since it doesn’t affect day-to-day driving.

A potential concern for you might be the higher price of the WR G4, but an outstanding 60,000-mile treadwear warranty will soften the blow.

9. Michelin CrossClimate SUV

Michelin has only introduced a second-gen CrossClimate for conventional automobiles, so SUVs are still equipped with a slightly older version. However, this isn’t a problem, as the Michelin CrossClimate SUV is a good alternative option.

It’s true that braking distances on snow-covered surfaces are somewhat longer than the latest version, but they still outperform ordinary all-season tires. In addition, the Michelin CrossClimate SUV handles both dry and wet terrains like the best in the industry, featuring excellent maneuverability, braking, and acceleration.

Michelin’s all-season SUV tire also has the advantage of low rolling resistance, helping to conserve precious fuel, particularly at higher velocities. 

Be prepared for a bit more noise when traveling on highways.The 50,000-mile treadwear warranty is a tad lower than the competitors, but it remains in the competitive range.

I think the shortcomings of the Michelin CrossClimate SUV are nothing major, but the cost is. As is typical with most Michelin tires, be ready to spend a bit more than you would for other brands.

10. Michelin Agilis CrossClimate

Truck owners often face a shortage of all-weather tire choices. As usual, Michelin appears to be one of the first to cater to their needs. Introducing the Michelin Agilis CrossClimate, an all-weather tire specifically crafted for trucks.

The most notable feature of this tire is its incredible strength and durability when carrying heavy loads. Additionally, it offers outstanding traction on snowy surfaces, surpassing any other all-season truck tire that I can think of. Staying true to Michelin’s legacy, it’s also very quiet and comfortable, and performs admirably on both dry and wet roads.

Michelin has designed two separate versions of this tire. Light-duty trucks are equipped with the newer tread pattern, which offers overall enhanced performance. Meanwhile, the heavy-duty version is intended to be more resilient. Regrettably, both types lack treadwear warranties and carry a hefty price tag.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best all-season tire brands?

Michelin is the industry market leader and has a long history of delivering high quality tires for different terrains and climates. There are several other great brands out there. Goodyear and  Firestone usually have very reliable options to choose from. 

All Weather and All-Season Tires: What’s the difference?

Let’s begin with the main difference, the tread design. All-season tires have intricate patterns, including a range of tread blocks and sipes.

All-weather tires go a step further by introducing even finer sipes and an increased number of tread blocks overall. The grooves are generally wider and deeper too.

This enables all-weather tires to more efficiently grip snow and then release it through the tread pattern. This enhances straight-line traction and cornering performance as well.

It’s not just about the design though. The rubber composition plays a significant part as well. The reason why winter tires achieve excellent winter traction is primarily due to their softer and more adaptable rubber. This increased softness leads to better grip, which is helpful in snowy and icy conditions.

All-weather tires usually have a more flexible rubber compared to all-season versions. This means they offer improved traction and grip on snow and even ice. The rubber isn’t as soft as that found in winter tires. All-weather tires are a middle ground between Winter tires and all-season versions.

The more adaptable rubber enhances traction in snowy conditions bit it can struggle in hot weather. The rubber might become too soft, resulting in reduced vehicle responsiveness and stability on warm summer days. The compound also loses its capacity to grip the road effectively when overly soft .

Some manufacturers have successfully developed all-weather tires that function well in summer, but there’s one area where they don’t quite match up to traditional all-season tires. Durability. Using softer rubber means that all-weather tires wear more quickly than all-season tires, especially in high temperatures. Consequently, their lifespan is shorter. That being said, their tread life should still be superior to winter tires.

Last be not least, all-season tires generally offer a quieter and more comfortable ride. This can differ depending on the specific model.

Do all-Weather tires need chains?

Chains are definitely a good shout if you live in a location with harsh winter conditions, snow storms and ice. It can’t hurt to have these in case you need them.

Can All-season tires be used all year?

In certain periods of the year, all-season tires may not be the best choice. Take summer, for example, when the heat rises, the tire’s rubber layer can soften, causing the all-season tires to wear out more rapidly. In such situations, it’s recommended to opt for specialized summer tires to ensure both grip and longevity of the product.

Regenerate response.

Final Words

All-Weather tires offer improved performance on ice and in snowy conditions.  They are a  good all-rounder and a useful investment for most drivers.

They are not the best option for those who live in areas with harsh winter conditions, frequent blizzards and snowstorms.  We recommend dedicated Winter tires for these drivers.

Similarly those looking for higher performance specifically on dry and wet roads should consider purchasing All-Season tires instead.

If you’re still considering all-weather tires after reading, then we are confident that the tires on this list will meet your requirements.