Apart from yourself, your car also needs something special for winter. Yep, we’re talking about winter tires. Shopping for tires can be challenging for some, but shopping for the best winter tires for a car can be even more difficult! But just in case you’re wondering, no, you should use a regular tire in winter! A proper winter tire should be able to handle ice and snow. It should also perform well in cold and rainy conditions. However, there are so many options on the market. So, which one is for you? Well, we’ve done the work and listed some of the best car tires for winter you can buy. Keep scrolling, and hopefully, you’ll find something that you love!
Are you also looking for rims? Here are the best TireRack winter tire packages!
Table of contents
- Firestone Winterforce 2 Winter Tire
- Continental WinterContact TS 830 Tire
- Toyo Observe GSi-6 Tire
- Pirelli SottoZero 3 Performance Winter Tire
- General Altimax Arctic 12 Studable Winter Tire
- Continental VikingContact 7 Winter Tire
- Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Winter Tire
- Pirelli Winter Ice Zero FR Performance Winter Radial Tire
- Yokohama Ice Guard G075 Tire
- Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 Tire
- MICHELIN X-Ice Snow Car Tire
- Goodyear WinterCommand Tire
- Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Winter/Snow Passenger Tire
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Winter Tires for A Car
- Should I put winter tires on my car?
- How much is a set of 4 winter tires?
- How many years do winter tires last?
Firestone Winterforce 2 Winter Tire
13
Do you live somewhere the winter is unforgiving? Then the Firestone Winterforce 2 Winter Tire is one of the best options you can get. First, let’s talk about its traction. The traction of this tire on snow and ice is simply fantastic. And with the studs attached, this tire is unbeatable!
Aside from that, this tire can perform exceptionally well on dry and wet surfaces. Pretty impressive, isn’t it? What’s more, it’s not overpriced like some options on the market. This is a nice choice if you want something that does its job well in extreme conditions without breaking your wallet.
Pros
- It has amazing handling and braking on icy and snowy terrains.
- You can add studs to give this tire more traction.
- Though not as expensive as other premium options, it manages to perform just as well.
Cons
- You should note that this tire can get a bit noisy, especially on the highway.
Buy on:
Continental WinterContact TS 830 Tire
12
The next option on our list of the best car tires for winter is the Continental WinterContact TS 830 Tire. This studless tire for winter can easily maintain its flexibility and grip when the temperature drops really low. Moreover, the tread design does an amazing job of gripping ice and snow.
Those who have bought and used this tire are super happy with its performance, especially when they’re driving at high speeds. After all, this tire is specifically designed for sports cars that want to ride comfortably when winter comes. Just make sure your wallet is thick enough!
Pros
- Despite being a studless tire, the grip is still amazing.
- It performs exceptionally well at high speeds.
- It’s not as noisy as some of the tires made for sports cars.
Cons
- Unfortunately, this tire is on the pricier side.
Buy on:
Toyo Observe GSi-6 Tire
11
Available in 121 different sizes, the Toyo Observe GSi-6 Tire is easily one of our favorites. As one of the best winter tires for a car, this tire offers impressive performance on wet, snowy, and icy surfaces. In addition to that, it’s also significantly quieter and smoother than the old variant, the GSi-5!
The durability of this tire is also equally amazing. When taken care of properly, it can last longer than you expect. In addition, the braking and handling are fantastic regardless of the road conditions. Topped with a reasonable price tag, everyone in their right mind will definitely want to have this tire!
Pros
- This tire has amazing braking performance on the ice.
- We also love the aggressive tread design, which is amazing for deep snow.
- Its durability is among the best.
Cons
- Some people still wish it were a bit quieter.
Buy on:
Pirelli SottoZero 3 Performance Winter Tire
10
We’re sure high-performance car owners will have a blast with the Pirelli SottoZero 3 Performance Winter Tire! It might look like your regular snow tire, but it isn’t one! This tire can be used to face freezing roads and bad winter weather. On top of that, it’s exceptionally durable, so you can last for many winters to come.
This tire is quieter compared to many other tires at a similar price range. In addition, the directional tread pattern ensures this tire is extra grippy. Also, we appreciate the shoulder, which is more rounded to remove more water. What’s not to like about this tire?
By the way, do you know that this tire is also listed as one of the best winter tires on TireRack?
Pros
- You can easily drive in ice, slush, and powder with this tire.
- The road noise is not as much as its competitors.
- You can corner and drive confidently as this tire is extra grippy.
Cons
- Not the best option for those on a budget.
Buy on:
General Altimax Arctic 12 Studable Winter Tire
9
Best Budget. It’s no secret that the best winter tires for a car can cost you quite a lot. That being said, if you’re on a tight budget, the General Altimax Arctic 12 Studable Winter Tire may be the perfect option for you. What’s most amazing about this winter tire is that despite being budget-friendly, it can still perform just as well as other more expensive models.
Additionally, this tire is highly customizable! If you live somewhere where you need studded tires, you can add the studs as needed! However, it’s worth noting that once you add them, you won’t be able to remove them. But considering its performance and tempting price tag, this shouldn’t be a problem!
Pros
- It’s one of the most budget-friendly options on the market.
- You can add studs to the tire for those extreme winter conditions when needed.
- Despite being affordable, it still offers exceptional grip on most surfaces.
Cons
- As expected from a budget tire, it can get noisy at highway speeds.
Buy on:
Continental VikingContact 7 Winter Tire
8
Is it worth it to get the Continental VikingContact 7 Winter Tire? Of course! This fantastic tire is a reliable option that offers you great traction in snowy conditions. Better yet, it also performs exceptionally well in dry-road handling. Whatever mother nature decides to throw at it, it can handle it with ease.
One of the things we hate the most is noisy tires. If you’re like us, you’ll be thrilled to know that it has minimal noise! Apart from that, the material used to make this tire is nothing short of premium, ensuring its build quality. It can easily withstand the most extreme weather conditions, so you can rely on this tire for many winters to come.
Pros
- Named one of the best car tires for winter, it provides amazing traction and grip.
- The performance of this tire on snowy and wet surfaces is exceptional.
- Thanks to the premium build quality, this tire can last for a long time.
Cons
- To some people, the price of this winter tire is relatively high.
Buy on:
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Winter Tire
7
Up next is the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Winter Tire, one of the best winter tires for a car. This winter tire is made for drivers who want to have full control of their cars even during the most extreme winter conditions. We’re huge fans of the tread pattern. Because of that, you’ll have responsive steering control.
Additionally, the traction of this tire on wet surfaces effortlessly provides you with unmatched comfort. What about the noise? Don’t worry, as this tire is one of the quietest winter tires available on the market. Also, have we mentioned how it could easily stand the test of time?
Pros
- This tire effortlessly offers you a comfy driving experience with its traction and grip.
- It allows you to drive with confidence, even on slippery surfaces.
- It’s a nice option for extreme winter conditions.
Cons
- Unfortunately, this tire is pretty pricey.
Buy on:
Pirelli Winter Ice Zero FR Performance Winter Radial Tire
6
Best for High-Performance Cars. Is your car a high-performance car? If so, look no further than the Pirelli Winter Ice Zero FR Performance Winter Radial Tire! What you can expect from this tire is an unmatched level of stability as well as control. Thanks to this tire, you’ll be able to drive comfortably in Nordic winter!
As one of the best winter tires for a car, the directional tread pattern of this tire is top-notch. It’s designed to give you a better grip on both wet and dry surfaces. In addition, the 3D sipe technology also allows the tread blocks to be stable even when you’re driving fast. Best of all, its price tag is pretty competitive! Check out what tirereviewsandmore.com has to say about it!
Pros
- The longevity of this tire is among the best.
- This high-performance tire offers an unmatched level of stability and control.
- It holds well in both wet and snowy conditions.
Cons
- Though not the noisiest, this tire can be a little bit noisy.
Buy on:
Yokohama Ice Guard G075 Tire
5
You can’t talk about the best winter tires for a car without mentioning the Yokohama Ice Guard G075 Tire. This winter tire is specifically made to give you second-to-none performance on icy and snowy roads. But what takes us by surprise is how quiet it is, which is a huge plus for those who get annoyed easily.
We also love the fact that the tread blocks are designed to be close to each other, providing extra traction and longevity. Furthermore, this Japanese tire is more affordable than many of its competitors! It’s certainly one of the best options when it comes to value.
Pros
- This winter tire can handle different weather conditions with confidence.
- Unlike other cheap tires, this one is actually pretty quiet.
- The grip this tire offers is simply amazing, even on wet surfaces.
Cons
- Compared to some tires, it has more limited size options.
Buy on:
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 Tire
4
Best for Extreme Winter. Another great addition to this list is the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 Tire, one of the best car tires for winter. When the winter is extra extreme, you can always rely on this tire. How come? Well, that’s because the performance of this tire in extreme winter conditions is one of, if not the best.
This tire is ridiculously grippy. It’s all thanks to the brand’s Arctic Grip Crystals, a technology integrated into the tread that gives the tire more grip without studs. We also love how durable the tire is. The reinforced sidewalls can take beatings and are resistant to punctures. Feel free to check out Tyre Reviews’ review to know more about this tire!
Pros
- This tire’s grip is among the best, especially for extreme winter conditions.
- Surprisingly, this tire is more eco-friendly than many of its competitors.
- Thanks to the winter safety indicator, you can easily see the tire’s tread depth.
Cons
- Many people find this tire pricey. However, no one can deny its quality!
Buy on:
MICHELIN X-Ice Snow Car Tire
3
It’s only normal for us to include the MICHELIN X-Ice Snow Car Tire on our list of the best winter tires for a car! What we love the most about this tire is the fact that it’s specifically designed to conquer the road and winter’s challenging conditions. Thanks to the tire’s Flex-Ice 2.0 compound and the EverWinterGrip rubber technology, this tire can brake on ice extremely well.
Another thing that we love about this tire is its versatility. It’s suitable for almost any car, including an SUV and electric car! As one of the best car tires for winter, this tire’s durability is also amazing. Topped by its 40,000-mile warranty, there’s no reason not to get this tire! If you decide to get this tire on TIreRack, here’s everything you need to know about TireRack’s tire warranty!
Pros
- This tire is extremely flexible and is suitable for many types of cars.
- It performs extremely well in extreme winter and milder conditions.
- A 40,000-mile warranty backs it.
Cons
- According to some people, the traction of this tire can be improved.
Buy on:
Goodyear WinterCommand Tire
2
Goodyear is one of the leading tire manufacturers, so you can rest assured that the Goodyear WinterCommand Tire is nothing but amazing. As one of the best car tires for winter, you can expect nothing but the best from this product. For instance, you can find holes in the tire that you can use to mount studs, giving you improved traction when you’re driving on slippery roads.
However, it would be best if you didn’t underestimate this tire when it’s studless. That’s because it can still grip the icy road well without studs. While it’s not the quietest option, it does ride smoothly, which is worth two thumbs up. Last but not least, it’s available in 38 different size options!
Pros
- You don’t have to worry about grip and braking on ice, as this tire is extremely reliable.
- As one of the best options on the market, this tire is studdable.
- It’s manufactured by one of the most prominent tire manufacturers.
Cons
- It does have a fair amount of noise, which is honestly understandable.
Buy on:
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Winter/Snow Passenger Tire
1
Best Value for Money. For those who are looking for the best winter tires for a car, we highly recommend checking out the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Winter/Snow Passenger Tire. With this high-quality winter tire, you’ll be able to drive confidently and safely. It’s unlike any of its competitors, thanks to the brand’s advanced NanoPro MultiCell technology, which helps to create a compound design.
In addition, this tire’s durable performance is also worth praising. Featuring a zig-zag tread pattern, this studless tire can perform well in icy conditions and even milder weather. The rubber is much more porous than many others, allowing it to resist moisture and prevent hydroplaning. Check out what others have to say on the official product page!
Pros
- As one of the best car tires for winter, this tire can last an extra winter!
- Aside from extreme weather conditions, this tire also performs well in milder weather.
- This tire is made using the brand’s patented NanoPro MultiCell technology.
Cons
- While grippy, some options are more aggressive.
Buy on:
Our Verdict!
All the tires above are specifically made to handle the cold winter weather and optimized to provide grip on snowy and icy surfaces. However, we can’t deny that there are a few standouts in some categories, which are listed below!
- Best Value for Money: Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Winter/Snow Passenger Tire
- Best for Extreme Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5 Tire
- Best for High-Performance Cars: Pirelli Winter Ice Zero FR Performance Winter Radial Tire
- Best Budget: General Altimax Arctic 12 Studable Winter Tire
How To Choose The Best Winter Tires for A Car
When it comes to winter tires, there are some features that you need to pay extra attention to, which are:
Grip
Needless to say, your winter tire has to be grippy. The gripper your tire is, the better it is for you to use it in winter. Grippy tires can easily stand the challenging winter temperatures in a variety of road conditions.
Types of Tires
As you can see from our list above, there are studded and studless tires. Studded tires are better in snowy conditions. However, you should note that they can damage the roadways, and not all regions approve studded tires. On the other hand, studless tires have more flexible rubber materials and sharper edges. They can move exceptionally well through ice and snow.
Price
It’s no secret that the best winter tires for a car can be super expensive. But depending on the brand and the quality, there are cheaper alternatives as well. Though there might be some sacrifices, some of them still perform well enough in winter. But if you have an extra budget, we recommend investing in something more durable and well-built.
Should I put winter tires on my car?
The answer is and will always be a big fat yes! Winter tires can effectively prevent your car from sliding off the road and make sure you’ll never get stuck on snowy roads.
How much is a set of 4 winter tires?
Normally, a winter tire can cost you around 100 – 200 USD. This means you might have to spend around 400 – 800 USD for a set.
How many years do winter tires last?
Winter tires will usually last up to five or six seasons. However, this also depends on the quality of the tires and how you maintain them.
