If you’ve ever experienced hydroplaning or a loss of traction in unexpected snowy weather you’re not alone. It’s a stomach-churning experience!
Are you tired of constantly worrying about your tires’ performance when the weather takes a turn for the worse? Look no further, because we’ve got you covered!
Good tires are essential when the road conditions are at the limits of what the average tire can handle.
Our number one choice for all-season tires is the Michelin CrossClimate 2, providing exceptional performance, superb traction, and unparalleled versatility in various weather conditions.
The Michelin CrossClimate 2s really are outstanding in every measurable way.
So, buckle up, and let’s embark on a journey to discover the perfect all-season tires that will transform your driving experience, come rain, shine, or snow!
Let’s take a closer look.
Table of Contents
Michelin CrossClimate 2
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
9.1 of 10
Wet Weather
9.4 of 10
Winter Weather
8.8 of 10
Tread Wear
9.1 of 10
Dry Weather
9.4 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 640
UTQG Traction Rating: B
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 60,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.4 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.5 of 10
Cornering: 9.3 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.5 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.3 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 9.2 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.8 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.5 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.2 of 10
Road Noise: 8.7 of 10
Description
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a Grand Touring All-Season tire suitable for various vehicles, offering daily driving comfort and confident performance in dry, wet, and light snow conditions.
The tire features Michelin’s Thermal Adaptive all-season tread compound and a V-Formation directional tread design, engineered to deliver performance in different weather conditions.
The 3D SipeLock technology integrated into the tread enhances traction in inclement weather, while the grooveless pattern and Thermal Adaptive Tread compound ensure flexibility at lower temperatures for increased snow traction, earning it the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.
However, it’s important to note that, despite the 3PMSF symbol, the CrossClimate 2 doesn’t match the capability of a dedicated winter tire in all adverse weather conditions.
Review
I was amazed by the Michelin CrossClimate2’s exceptional hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
Corner stability and dry traction were top-notch, and the steering response made driving a breeze.
Both light and deep snow traction performed admirably, though ice traction had some room for improvement.
Overall, the ride quality was superb, and noise level was minimal.
The tread wear exceeded my expectations, making these tires a fantastic choice.
Pros
- Excellent hydroplaning resistance
- Impressive wet and dry traction
- Good corner stability and steering response
- Decent light snow traction
- Comfortable ride quality
Cons
- Mediocre deep snow and ice traction
- Slightly higher noise level
Bridgestone WeatherPeak
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
9.3 of 10
Winter Weather
9.1 of 10
Tread Wear
9.0 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
9.0 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: N/A
UTQG Traction Rating: N/A
UTQG Temperature Rating: N/A
Mileage Warranty
5 Years / 70,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.3 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.3 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.1 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 9.5 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 9.2 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.8 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.1 of 10
Road Noise: 8.8 of 10
Description
The Bridgestone WeatherPeak is a Grand Touring All-Season tire designed for various vehicle types, offering luxurious comfort and reliable performance in any season or weather.
It meets industry severe snow service requirements and bears the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.
Although not a dedicated winter tire, it provides enhanced snow performance with evolving sipes in central ribs, large shoulder blocks with lateral notches, and wide circumferential grooves featuring Snow Vices for improved grip in slush and snow.
However, it is important to note that while 3PMSF tires offer better snow traction than standard all-season tires, they do not match the capability of true winter tires in all adverse weather conditions.
Review
The Bridgestone WeatherPeak truly shone with its impressive hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
Corner stability, dry traction, and steering response were all outstanding.
The light snow traction and deep snow traction were excellent, and ice traction held up well.
The ride quality was plush, and noise levels were kept at a comfortable minimum.
With great tread wear, this tire is a reliable all-season option.
Pros
- Great hydroplaning resistance
- Strong wet and dry traction
- Good corner stability and steering response
- Impressive snow traction
- Comfortable ride quality
Cons
- Average ice traction
- Moderate noise level
Pirelli P7 AS Plus3
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
9.1 of 10
Winter Weather
8.3 of 10
Tread Wear
9.1 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
9.1 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 740
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
Unlimited Time / 70,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.1 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.1 of 10
Cornering: 9.3 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.7 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.3 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.9 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.3 of 10
Road Noise: 8.8 of 10
Description
The Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 is a Grand Touring All-Season tire designed for various vehicles, offering confident comfort, luxurious ride quality, noise reduction, and good traction and control in dry and wet conditions.
It is engineered for the North American market, with a focus on durability, tread wear, and enhanced winter performance.
The tire’s innovative tread compound uses a functionalized polymer in an asymmetric pattern, designed to provide grip in all road conditions.
Deep sipes and zig-zag central sipes create biting edges for wet and slippery conditions, while full-depth features maintain traction throughout the tire’s life, contributing to improved wintry weather performance.
Although the P7 AS Plus 3 offers year-round grip, including light snow, it does not specifically mention the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which indicates more advanced snow capabilities.
Review
The Pirelli P7 AS Plus 3 provided remarkable hydroplaning resistance and wet traction, enhancing my driving experience.
Corner stability and dry traction were exemplary, with steering response adding to the tire’s overall performance.
Although light snow traction was decent, deep snow and ice traction could be refined further.
The ride quality was luxurious, and noise levels were well-managed.
The tread wear was impressive, making this tire a strong contender.
Pros
- Good hydroplaning resistance
- Solid wet and dry traction
- Great corner stability and steering response
- Comfortable ride quality
Cons
- Limited snow and ice traction
- Moderate noise level
BFGoodrich Advantage Control
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.5 of 10
Wet Weather
8.9 of 10
Winter Weather
8.7 of 10
Tread Wear
8.9 of 10
Dry Weather
9.4 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.8 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 600-700
UTQG Traction Rating: B
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 65,000 Miles (V- or W-Speed Rated)
6 Years / 75,000 Miles (H-Speed Rated)
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.8 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.8 of 10
Cornering: 9.3 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.3 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 9.0 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.7 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.6 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.1 of 10
Road Noise: 8.5 of 10
Description
The BFGoodrich Advantage Control is a Grand Touring All-Season tire designed for various vehicles, offering confident control, comfort, long tread life, and all-season traction, including light snow performance.
Its advanced silica-rich tread compound is molded into a symmetric tread design, which reduces noise and promotes consistent tread wear.
For snow performance, the tire features Active Sipe Technology and full-depth tread elements built into the tread blocks, ensuring reliable traction in wet and wintry conditions throughout the tire’s lifespan.
While the Advantage Control is capable in light snow, it does not specifically mention the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which indicates more advanced snow capabilities.
Review
The BFGoodrich Advantage Control excelled in hydroplaning resistance, wet traction, and corner stability.
Dry traction and steering response were nothing short of phenomenal.
Light and deep snow traction were impressive, and ice traction was acceptable.
Ride quality was pleasurable, and noise levels were sufficiently low.
The tread wear was good, confirming this tire as a solid choice.
Pros
- Exceptional corner stability, dry traction, and steering response
- Good light snow and ice traction
- Comfortable ride quality
Cons
- Average hydroplaning resistance and wet traction
- Moderate noise level
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.3 of 10
Wet Weather
9.1 of 10
Winter Weather
8.5 of 10
Tread Wear
8.8 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.6 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 700
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 60,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.1 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.1 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.9 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.4 of 10
Ice Grip: 8.1 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.8 of 10
Road Noise: 8.4 of 10
Description
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is a Grand Touring All-Season tire designed for various vehicle types, offering a smooth, quiet ride and all-season confidence with Severe Snow Service certification.
Its soy-based rubber tread compound and asymmetric tread design focus on providing traction in any weather, including snow.
Key features for snow performance include 3D TredLock Technology Blades for stable cornering, Evolving Traction Grooves for sustained grip as the tire wears, and Zigzag Biting Edges for improved traction in slippery conditions.
The Assurance WeatherReady bears the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, indicating its capability in snow.
However, it should be noted that while 3PMSF tires offer better snow traction than standard all-season tires, they do not match the performance of true winter tires in all adverse weather conditions.
Review
With the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, I enjoyed excellent hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
Corner stability, dry traction, and steering response were all first-rate.
Light snow traction was admirable, though deep snow and ice traction could be enhanced.
The ride quality was agreeable, and noise levels were kept to a minimum.
Tread wear was satisfactory, adding to the tire’s overall appeal.
Pros
- Good hydroplaning resistance and wet traction
- Excellent dry traction and steering response
- Comfortable ride quality
Cons
- Limited deep snow and ice traction
- Higher noise level
Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
9.0 of 10
Winter Weather
8.0 of 10
Tread Wear
9.1 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 700
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 60,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.0 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.0 of 10
Cornering: 9.2 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.6 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.8 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.5 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.1 of 10
Road Noise: 8.7 of 10
Description
The Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive is a Grand Touring All-Season tire designed for drivers seeking a smooth ride, premium noise comfort, and a satisfying grip on dry and wet roads, as well as confidence in wintry weather, including light snow.
The tire features an all-season tread compound with soybean oil, which improves traction without sacrificing fuel economy or tread wear.
The symmetric tread design incorporates Evolving Traction Grooves and TreadLock Technology for consistent grip, stability, and responsive dry handling.
Large sipes built into the tread blocks increase biting edges, providing grip in snowy or icy conditions.
Goodyear’s Assurance ComfortDrive also focuses on wet performance, with symmetrically balanced AquaChannel Grooves and large lateral notches helping evacuate water for enhanced hydroplaning resistance.
The internal construction uses ComfortFlex technology for impact absorption, refined handling, and steering response, while a two-ply casing supports twin steel belts and a reinforcement cap ply for increased high-speed capabilities.
Review
The Goodyear Assurance ComfortDrive showcased superb hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
Corner stability and dry traction were outstanding, and steering response was delightfully precise.
Light snow traction was good, but deep snow and ice traction might need a slight improvement.
The ride quality was notably smooth, and noise levels were adequately low.
Tread wear met expectations, making this tire a wonderful all-season option.
Pros
- Solid wet and dry traction
- Great corner stability and steering response
- Comfortable ride quality
Cons
- Limited snow and ice traction
- Moderate noise level
Vredestein HiTrac All Season
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.8 of 10
Wet Weather
9.1 of 10
Winter Weather
8.0 of 10
Tread Wear
8.9 of 10
Dry Weather
9.3 of 10
Ride Comfort
9.0 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 700
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
8 Years / 70,000 Miles
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Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.1 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.1 of 10
Cornering: 9.2 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.6 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.9 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.5 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.2 of 10
Road Noise: 8.8 of 10
Description
The Vredestein Hitrac All Season is a Grand Touring All-Season tire designed for drivers of various vehicles seeking a comfortable ride, confident traction, and long tread life.
It aims to deliver a pleasant driving experience with low tread noise, smooth ride, and satisfying performance in dry, wet, and wintry conditions, including light snow.
The tire’s high-traction, all-season compound is molded into a tread pattern that incorporates 3D sipe technology in the tread blocks to enhance traction in wet and wintry weather.
The Hitrac All Season’s optimized tread block contour and pitch sequence focus on noise reduction and steering response, while the specially designed evacuation grooves in the shoulders work in conjunction with large circumferential grooves to improve wet weather performance and hydroplaning resistance.
The tire offers good traction in light snow but does not specifically mention the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which indicates more advanced snow capabilities.
Review
The Vredestein HiTrac All Season offered commendable hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
Corner stability, dry traction, and steering response were splendid.
Light snow traction was satisfactory, but deep snow and ice traction could benefit from some enhancement.
The ride quality was incredibly comfortable, and noise levels were kept in check.
Tread wear was on par, making this tire a reliable choice.
Pros
- Good hydroplaning resistance and wet traction
- Excellent dry traction, corner stability, and steering response
- Comfortable ride quality
Cons
- Limited snow and ice traction
- Moderate noise level
Michelin Primacy Tour A/S
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.5 of 10
Wet Weather
9.0 of 10
Winter Weather
7.8 of 10
Tread Wear
8.7 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
9.0 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 540
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 55,000 Miles (H- & V-Speed Rated)
6 Years / 45,000 Miles (W-Speed Rated)
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.0 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.0 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.4 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.6 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.3 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.1 of 10
Road Noise: 8.9 of 10
Description
The Michelin Primacy Tour A/S is a Grand Touring All-Season tire developed for family sedans, coupes, crossovers, and SUVs, aiming to maximize ride and noise comfort while maintaining year-round traction.
Designed to provide a premium driving experience with all-season capability, it offers performance even in light snow.
The tire’s asymmetric tread design features zigzag sipes in the center, inboard ribs, and inside shoulder, which help deliver traction on snow and ice.
Review
The Michelin Primacy Tour A/S displayed impressive hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
Corner stability, dry traction, and steering response met high standards. Light snow traction was adequate, but deep snow and ice traction could see further improvement.
The ride quality was luxurious, and noise levels were pleasingly low.
Tread wear was reasonable, adding to the tire’s overall appeal.
Pros
- Good hydroplaning resistance and wet traction
- Impressive dry traction, corner stability, and steering response
- Comfortable ride quality
Cons
- Limited snow and ice traction
- Slightly higher noise level
Vredestein Quatrac Pro
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.6 of 10
Wet Weather
9.1 of 10
Winter Weather
8.2 of 10
Tread Wear
8.4 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.9 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 320-400
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
8 Years / 50,000 Miles
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 9.1 of 10
Wet Grip: 9.1 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.3 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.1 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.8 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 8.2 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.8 of 10
Comfort Level: 9.1 of 10
Road Noise: 8.7 of 10
Description
The Vredestein Quatrac Pro is a Grand Touring All-Season tire designed for sedans, coupes, crossovers, and SUVs.
It offers luxurious comfort with high-performance grip and handling in dry and wet conditions, as well as premium light snow traction.
Meeting industry severe snow service requirements, it serves as a one-tire solution for drivers in areas with mild snowfall, but not for those requiring dedicated winter tires.
The Quatrac Pro has an asymmetric pattern, with its inboard rib and inside shoulder optimized for wet and wintry conditions.
Its high-density, winter-focused zigzag sipes contribute to the traction needed to earn the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.
However, its performance in adverse weather conditions may not match that of a true winter tire.
Review
The Vredestein Quatrac Pro provided excellent hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
Corner stability, dry traction, and steering response were all admirable.
Light snow traction was more than satisfactory, while deep snow and ice traction could be improved slightly.
The ride quality was enjoyable, and noise levels were moderate, making for a comfortable driving experience.
Tread wear appeared to be slightly below some other top-tier options but still acceptable, making this tire a competitive all-season choice.
Pros
- Good hydroplaning resistance and wet traction
- Solid dry traction, corner stability, and steering response
- Comfortable ride quality
Cons
- Average snow traction
- Limited ice traction
- Moderate noise level
BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport
Customer Rating
Overall Rating
8.3 of 10
Wet Weather
9.4 of 10
Winter Weather
8.9 of 10
Tread Wear
8.7 of 10
Dry Weather
9.2 of 10
Ride Comfort
8.6 of 10
UTQG
Uniform Tire Quality Grade
UTQG Treadwear Rating: 600-660
UTQG Traction Rating: A
UTQG Temperature Rating: A
Mileage Warranty
6 Years / 60,000 Miles (H- or V-Speed Rated)
6 Years / 70,000 Miles (T-Speed Rated)
Find The Best Price
Key Performance Metrics
Hydroplaning: 8.9 of 10
Wet Grip: 8.9 of 10
Cornering: 9.1 of 10
Dry Grip: 9.4 of 10
Responsiveness: 9.2 of 10
Mild Snow Grip: 8.5 of 10
Heavy Snow Grip: 7.6 of 10
Ice Grip: 7.3 of 10
Comfort Level: 8.9 of 10
Road Noise: 8.3 of 10
Description
The BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport is a Grand Touring All-Season tire designed for drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans, and small crossover vehicles seeking a fun driving experience along with all-season traction in dry, wet, and light snow conditions.
The tire features a symmetrical design with 3D Active Sipe Technology, which provides increased biting edges for improved wet and light snow traction.
The full-depth tread features also help to deliver consistent traction throughout the tire’s lifespan.
Review
The BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport boasted solid hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
Corner stability, dry traction, and steering response were all remarkable.
Light snow traction was pleasing, but deep snow and ice traction could use some refinement.
Ride quality was comfortable, and noise levels were manageable, ensuring a pleasant driving experience.
Tread wear was satisfactory, rounding out this tire as a strong all-season contender.
Pros
- Great corner stability, dry traction, and steering response
- Comfortable ride quality
Cons
- Average hydroplaning resistance and wet traction
- Limited deep snow and ice traction
- Higher noise level
All-Season Tires Pros And Cons
All-season tires, as an overall tire category, have their share of pros and cons that should be considered before making a purchasing decision.
Pros
- Versatility: All-season tires are designed to handle a variety of road conditions, from wet and dry pavement to light snow. This versatility makes them a suitable option for drivers in regions with mild to moderate climate conditions who do not experience severe winter weather.
- Cost-effectiveness: By using a single set of all-season tires throughout the year, drivers can save money on purchasing and maintaining separate sets of summer and winter tires. This also eliminates the need for seasonal tire changeovers and storage.
- Ride comfort: All-season tires typically offer a smooth and comfortable ride, with lower noise levels compared to winter tires. They are designed to provide good handling and a pleasant driving experience in most weather conditions.
Cons
Compromise in performance: All-season tires aim to provide balanced performance across various conditions, but this balance can result in a compromise in some aspects. They may not offer the same level of handling and grip as dedicated summer tires in hot weather and high-speed driving situations, nor do they provide the same level of traction and control as winter tires in severe winter conditions.
Limited winter capabilities: While all-season tires can handle light snow and cold temperatures, they may struggle in heavy snowfall, slush, and ice. For drivers who live in areas with harsh winters, dedicated winter tires or all-weather tires might be a better option.
Tread wear: Depending on the quality and design of the tire, all-season tires might experience faster tread wear compared to tires specifically designed for a particular season. This can be due to the compromise in materials and tread patterns necessary to achieve their year-round versatility.
All-season tires offer an attractive blend of versatility, cost-effectiveness, and comfort for drivers in moderate climates. However, they may not provide the optimal performance of dedicated seasonal tires in extreme weather conditions.
When deciding on all-season tires, it is important to consider your local climate and driving needs to decide if they are the best choice for your car or truck.
All-Season Tires vs Snow Tires
All-season tires and snow tires are designed to cater to different driving needs, with each offering unique advantages and disadvantages. As their name suggests, all-season tires aim to provide a balanced performance across various weather conditions, including mild winter conditions. On the other hand, snow tires, also known as winter tires, are specifically designed to excel in cold temperatures and handle snow and ice with ease.
All-Season Tires
All-season tires are a popular choice for drivers living in areas with moderate climate conditions, where heavy snowfall and harsh winter conditions are uncommon.
These tires are engineered with a tread compound that remains flexible in a wide range of temperatures. The tread patterns on all-season tires are designed to handle wet and dry conditions while providing reasonable traction in light snow.
All-season tires don’t have the same level of grip as snow tires in harsh winter conditions. You should expect longer stopping distances and reduced control on icy or snow-covered roads.
Winter Tires
Snow tires, in contrast, are made with specialized rubber compounds that remain flexible in extremely cold temperatures, allowing them to maintain optimal traction on ice and snow.
The tread patterns of snow tires typically feature larger, deeper grooves and a higher concentration of sipes (small slits in the tread blocks) to help channel away slush and snow. These design elements provide enhanced grip and control in harsh winter weather conditions.
It’s important to understand that snow tires are not as well-suited for warmer temperatures and dry conditions. Using snow tires during summer months can lead to faster tread wear and reduced handling performance.
All-Season Tires Vs Summer Tires
All-season tires and summer tires focus on different driving needs and weather conditions.
- All-season tires are designed to provide balanced performance across various conditions.
- Summer tires are specifically engineered for optimal performance in warmer weather.
Understanding the differences between these two types of tires can help drivers make an informed decision when choosing the right tire for their vehicle.
All-Season Tires
- Versatility: All-season tires are designed to handle a wide range of road conditions, including wet and dry pavement as well as light snow. This makes them suitable for drivers who experience mild to moderate climate conditions throughout the year.
- Ride comfort: All-season tires typically prioritize a comfortable and quiet ride. They are engineered to provide a smooth driving experience in various weather conditions.
- Longer tread life: All-season tires often have a longer tread life compared to summer tires, as they are made from a compound that resists wear and maintains performance across a broad temperature range.
Summer Tires
Superior performance in warm weather: Summer tires are specifically designed for high-performance driving in warmer temperatures. They offer better grip, handling, and responsiveness on both wet and dry roads compared to all-season tires.
Shorter braking distances: The tread compound and design of summer tires help provide improved traction, which results in shorter braking distances when compared to all-season tires.
High-speed stability: Summer tires are engineered to maintain their performance at high speeds, making them a popular choice for performance-oriented vehicles and drivers who prioritize handling and control.
Summer tires have some drawbacks. They are not suitable for winter driving, as they lose their flexibility and grip in colder temperatures, leading to a significant decrease in performance. In regions with snowy and icy conditions, it is essential to switch to winter or all-season tires for safety reasons.
All-season tires offer versatility and comfort for drivers in moderate climates, while summer tires provide superior performance and handling in warmer conditions. When trying to make a decision between all-season and summer tires, you should consider your typical local weather conditions, your driving habits, and performance expectations to decide which is the best choice for you.
Review Process
It’s nearly impossible to collect every available tire on the market and measure their performance under the exact same conditions. UTQG attempts to do this but it’s an old methodology and needs updating, but it still provides some valuable insight.
A better metric for measuring tire performance is a large sample of customer feedback specifically answering questions about individual performance characteristics.
With a large enough pool of customer comments and grades, a reasonably accurate ranking can be made for how well you will find a tire to work for you in a given situation.
Third-party customer feedback is compiled and averaged across multiple performance metrics and averaged to provide an overall score and each tire is ranked based on these criteria.
Customer feedback is broken down into the following:
- Wet Traction
- Dry Traction
- Comfort
- Treadwear
In this case, the tires were also ranked specifically on customer feedback regarding snow performance.
Unfortunately, not every tire has the sales volume to collect a sizable enough database of feedback from real-world customers. This means you won’t find lesser-known brands and shorter-run models in our reviews.
However, when manufacturers that may not be household names hit a home run, the tire will become popular and eventually rise to the attention of enough customers that enough data will be collected to allow for a reasonable ranking of it versus the competition.
Over time this article will be updated and as new designs come to the market that pushes the performance envelope further and set a new bar, you’ll find them here.
Resources
Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires
- Are all-season tires worth it? – Continental Tire
- Summer tires vs all-season tires – Bridgestone
- Consumer ratings – Tire Rack
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right all-season tire is important for a comfortable, safe, and efficient driving experience throughout the year.
The 10 best all-season tires featured in this article offer a well-balanced mix of performance, durability, and handling across various weather conditions. Each tire has its unique strengths, so it is important for you to consider your driving habits, typical local weather, and the type of car or truck you drive when making your decision.
By investing in a high-quality all-season tire, drivers can make sure you’re getting the best performance, safety, and ride, and bang-for-the-buck, no matter the weather conditions you encounter.