How To Select A Winter Tire For Your Vehicle

Focus on size, tread, and rubber for best winter traction

When it comes to winter driving, having the right set of tires can make all the difference in terms of safety and performance. Winter tires are specifically designed to provide better traction, handling, and braking in snowy, icy, and cold conditions. Here are some of the best winter tires available on the market:

1. Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is one of the top-rated winter tires, known for its exceptional performance on snow and ice. It features advanced tread compounds that maintain flexibility in cold temperatures, as well as a specialized tread pattern for enhanced grip on slippery surfaces.

• Pros: Excellent snow and ice traction, strong braking performance, durable tread life
• Cons: Slightly more expensive than other options

2. Michelin X-Ice Xi3
The Michelin X-Ice Xi3 is a great option for those looking for a balance of safety and comfort. These tires offer excellent grip on icy and snowy roads while providing a smooth and quiet ride. Their long-lasting tread life and low rolling resistance also contribute to better fuel efficiency.

• Pros: Outstanding ice performance, long tread life, comfortable ride
• Cons: Pricey compared to some competitors

3. Continental VikingContact 7
The Continental VikingContact 7 is a standout tire when it comes to winter performance, especially in deep snow and wet conditions. It’s designed with a special tread pattern and silica-based compound that delivers solid traction, superior handling, and stability on icy roads.

• Pros: Great snow and wet traction, low rolling resistance, quiet ride
• Cons: Limited availability in certain sizes

4. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 is a well-known name in winter tires, particularly for its ability to perform in extreme winter conditions. The tire offers great grip on snow and ice, thanks to its innovative tread design and Arctic rubber compound. Nokian is a trusted brand in areas that experience severe winter weather.

• Pros: Exceptional ice and snow traction, excellent durability, eco-friendly materials
• Cons: Higher price point, but worth it for extreme conditions

5. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT
The Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT is a solid choice for drivers who need reliable winter performance at an affordable price. This tire is designed to handle snowy and icy roads while also offering good dry road performance. Its special Winter Reactive Technology ensures optimal grip in various winter conditions.

• Pros: Great performance in light snow and slush, affordable, durable
• Cons: Slightly less impressive performance in deep snow and ice compared to premium brands

​6. Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
The Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 is designed for drivers who want winter tires that also offer sporty performance. While it delivers good grip on snow and ice, it’s particularly impressive on wet and dry roads, making it an excellent option for winter driving in more moderate climates.

• Pros: Strong wet and dry road performance, stable handling, quiet and comfortable ride
• Cons: Not as strong in deep snow compared to some competitors

7. General Altimax Arctic 12
The General Altimax Arctic 12 is a budget-friendly winter tire that doesn’t compromise on safety or performance. It’s studdable, which means you can add studs for even more traction in extreme icy conditions. The tire provides dependable performance on snow-covered roads and good value for the price.

• Pros: Affordable, studdable for extra traction, strong performance on snow and ice
• Cons: Can be noisy, especially with studs

8. Toyo Observe GSi-6
The Toyo Observe GSi-6 is designed for a wide range of winter conditions, from light snow to icy roads. It’s engineered with a unique tread pattern and microbit technology that includes crushed walnut shells in the rubber compound for improved traction on icy surfaces.

• Pros: Strong grip on ice and snow, affordable, good durability
• Cons: Can be noisy on dry roads

​9. Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02
The Dunlop Winter Maxx WM02 offers reliable winter traction at a mid-range price. It’s designed for balanced handling in both snowy and icy conditions and provides solid braking performance on slick roads. This tire is a good all-around winter performer that offers value and durability.

• Pros: Affordable, good grip on snow and ice, long tread life
• Cons: Not as responsive in dry conditions

10. Hankook Winter i*cept evo2
​The Hankook Winter i*cept evo2 is a versatile winter tire that excels in both snow and wet conditions. Its unique tread design enhances grip and control, making it a good choice for drivers who need winter performance but also want comfortable handling on cold, dry roads.

• Pros: Great snow and wet performance, quiet ride, good value
• Cons: Less impressive on ice compared to premium options

Choosing the Right Winter Tire
When selecting winter tires, consider the typical weather conditions you’ll face. If you frequently encounter deep snow and ice, a tire with more aggressive tread patterns like the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 or Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 may be the best choice. If you’re driving in a mix of winter and dry conditions, a tire like the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 offers more balanced performance.

At Victory Auto Body and Paint in Burbank, California, we’re happy to help you choose and install the right set of winter tires for your vehicle, ensuring that you stay safe and confident on the road this season.

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