As a lifetime driver, purchasing tires for my cars and trucks has always been confusing. The buying process has become even more complicated over the decades as tire technology has evolved and morphed into even more categories. The most confusing thing is that the 3-peak snow emblem appears on a whole range of tires. As a result, the 3-peak snow emblem is not always a good indicator of a tire’s effectiveness on snow and ice.
The purpose of this blog is to define these various 3-peak, winter-tire categories, and what they are each broadly capable of doing. Ultimately, you have to do the research yourself to come up with the tire that’s best for you.
NOTE: the tire brands listed here are meant as examples and are not being recommended.
Snow and Ice Tires (No Studs)
Snow and ice tires are meant to be only used in the winter. Of course, this is inconvenient, but for those of us who want the best technology between us and the road, there is no substitute. The rubber compound is so soft that some tires have no mileage warranty. In Europe, this category is referred to as Nordic tires.
- Bridgestone Blizzak
- Continental Viking Contact 7
- Michelin X Snow-Ice
- Nokian Hakka R5
Snow Tires
Snow tires have slightly harder rubber compounds than snow and ice tires and, as a result, are less confident on ice. They are also meant to be driven just in the winter. In Europe, they are referred to as mid-continent snow tires.
- Continental Winter Contact TS 870
- Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3
- Hankook Winter i cept evo 3
- Michelin Pilot Alpin 5
All Weather
All weather tires are engineered in such a way that they are effective year-round, but there is no magic. They are a compromise and are not nearly as effective as dedicated snow and ice tires.
- BFGoodrich Advantage
- Firestone Weather Grip
- Michelin Cross Climate 2
All Season Tires
All season tires are really just 3-season tires. In the coldest months, the tires get so rigid that they are much less effective on snow and ice.
- Bridgestone Ecopia
- Michelin Defender
All Terrain Tires
All terrain tires have larger lugs and are also rated for snow, but like all-weather tires, they are a master of none.
-
BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A KO3
- Firestone Destination A/T2
