5 Best All Weather Tires

When it comes to choosing tires that can handle any weather condition from sun-scorched asphalt to icy roads, the right all-weather tires are crucial for maintaining safety and performance. Whether you’re gearing up for winter early or planning a trip across country where weather conditions are unpredictable, knowing the top tires in the market can set your mind at ease and keep your journey smooth.

The best all-weather tires currently available are:

1. Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive
2. Michelin CrossClimate2
3. Bridgestone WeatherPeak
4. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady
5. General AltiMAX 365 AW

These tires offer superior performance across a variety of conditions including wet, dry, and snowy environments.

In this article, we delve into detailed reviews of each top-performing all-weather tire, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses across various conditions, from dry and wet roads to snowy paths, to help you make an informed decision tailored to your driving needs.

Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive

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Key Performance Metrics

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The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive dominates as an exceptional all-weather tire, designed to cater to drivers who seek unparalleled performance and reliability across diverse conditions. Ideal for sedans, coupes, and sporty vehicles, this tire sets the benchmark in the all-season category with its advanced features and superior design.

Performance Breakdown

The Cinturato WeatherActive is a marvel in wet conditions, featuring top-of-the-line hydroplaning resistance and wet traction that ensure utmost safety and control during heavy downpours. Its performance in dry conditions is equally stellar; with unmatched corner stability, dry traction, and responsive steering capabilities. These features stem from Pirelli’s innovative tread compound and design, which provide a crisp, sporty handling experience that few can match.

When it comes to winter weather, the WeatherActive demonstrates robust capabilities, particularly in light snow, where it performs slightly better than most of its competitors. However, while it manages heavy snow adequately, its ice grip—though still good—does not quite reach the heights of its other performance metrics.

Comfort & Durability

Comfort is a standout feature for the WeatherActive, offering a ride that is as smooth as it is quiet, a testament to Pirelli’s focus on quality and driver experience. Additionally, the tire’s treadwear is excellent, suggesting a long lifespan and enduring performance, making it a prudent choice for drivers who value longevity alongside performance.

Comparative Analysis

• Wet Performance: This tire leads the pack with its exceptional handling and safety in wet conditions, setting a high bar for its peers.
• Dry Performance: Offers the best stability, traction, and responsiveness on dry surfaces among its competitors.
• Winter Performance: Strong in light snow, though its performance on ice, while competent, does not lead the category.
• Comfort and Noise: Exceptionally quiet and comfortable, surpassing most other options available.
• Treadwear: Among the best, indicating less frequent need for replacement due to wear.

Pros

• Superior wet and dry performance
• Excellent handling in light snow
• Top-tier comfort and noise levels
• Impressive durability and tread life

Cons

• Ice performance, though good, is not the leading in its class, which may be a consideration for those in icier climates.

Bottom Line

The Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive is nearly unmatched in its category, offering a blend of features that ensure performance, safety, and comfort in almost any weather condition. Its slight shortfall on ice grip relative to its other outstanding capabilities is minor when considering its overall exceptional profile. This tire is ideal for those who demand the best and are willing to invest in top-of-the-line all-weather reliability.

Michelin CrossClimate 2

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Key Performance Metrics

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The Michelin CrossClimate2 closely trails the top-tier all-weather performance of the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive, offering a formidable combination of features for drivers who prioritize safety and adaptability in diverse driving conditions. This tire is optimized for family sedans, SUVs, and compact cars, providing an excellent balance of performance across all seasons.

Performance Breakdown

In wet conditions, the CrossClimate2 matches the best in its class, providing excellent hydroplaning resistance and wet traction that guarantee a safe and stable driving experience during rainy weather. Dry weather handling is also a strong point, with the tire exhibiting impressive corner stability and dry traction, though it slightly lags behind the Pirelli in terms of steering responsiveness and overall dry grip.

Winter capabilities are a key strength of the CrossClimate2, with performance in light snow that challenges the best, including the WeatherActive. It slightly outperforms the Pirelli in light snow conditions due to its unique tread design, but like many all-season tires, it struggles with heavy snow and ice, though it remains a reliable choice for moderate winter conditions.

Comfort & Durability

The CrossClimate2 excels in ride comfort, offering a quiet and smooth experience that rivals the best in its category. It scores slightly lower in treadwear compared to the Pirelli, suggesting that while durable, it may not last quite as long under similar conditions, which is an important consideration for cost-conscious drivers.

Comparative Analysis

• Wet Performance: On par with the Pirelli, leading in hydroplaning resistance and wet traction.
• Dry Performance: Excellent, but slightly behind the Pirelli in terms of ultimate dry weather grip and responsiveness.
• Winter Performance: Very good in light snow, comparable to the Pirelli, but like its competitor, not ideal for heavy snow and ice.
• Comfort and Noise: Matches the best for comfort, providing a ride that’s as quiet as it is smooth.
• Treadwear: Very good but does not reach the longevity of the Pirelli, which could influence long-term value.

Pros

• Excellent hydroplaning resistance and wet traction
• Strong performance in light snow conditions
• High levels of comfort and low noise
• Good durability

Cons

• Dry grip and responsiveness slightly trail the Pirelli
• Tread life, while good, isn’t the longest in the segment
• Not the best choice for severe ice and heavy snow conditions

Bottom Line

The Michelin CrossClimate2 is an excellent all-weather tire that stands just a notch below the Pirelli in overall performance metrics but offers a competitive alternative, especially in winter conditions. Its balance of features makes it highly suitable for drivers who encounter varied but predominantly mild winter conditions and prioritize comfort and wet weather safety. This tire provides a solid blend of durability, performance, and value, making it a wise choice for those looking for reliable, all-year-round driving capability.

Bridgestone WeatherPeak

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Key Performance Metrics

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The Bridgestone WeatherPeak is a reliable all-season tire that positions itself as a strong contender in the all-weather category, though it trails behind the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive and Michelin CrossClimate2 in some performance metrics. Designed for a variety of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and compact cars, the WeatherPeak offers good versatility and solid performance across diverse weather conditions.

Performance Breakdown

In wet conditions, the WeatherPeak performs commendably with very good hydroplaning resistance and wet traction, though it does not quite match the top-tier capabilities of the Pirelli and Michelin. It maintains respectable performance on dry roads, offering good corner stability and traction, but the steering response and overall dry grip are a notch below the leaders in this category.

Winter weather handling is adequate with the WeatherPeak, capable in light snow much like its higher-ranked competitors. However, it faces similar challenges with heavy snow and ice, where it does not excel. This makes it suitable for regions with mild to moderate winter conditions but less ideal for harsh winter climates.

Comfort & Durability

Comfort is one of the strong suits of the WeatherPeak, providing a smooth and relatively quiet ride that enhances driver and passenger comfort on long drives. While its treadwear is good, it slightly lags behind the Pirelli in terms of durability and longevity, which may affect long-term value and replacement cycles.

Comparative Analysis

• Wet Performance: Very good but slightly below the Pirelli and Michelin in handling and traction.
• Dry Performance: Good stability and traction; however, lacks the sharper steering response of its higher-ranked competitors.
• Winter Performance: Competent in light snow but struggles with heavy snow and ice, similar to other all-season tires.
• Comfort and Noise: Provides a comfortable ride, though noise levels are marginally higher than the best in class.
• Treadwear: Good durability but does not offer the extended longevity seen with the Pirelli.

Pros

• Solid performance in both wet and dry conditions
• Capable in handling light snow
• Comfortable and relatively quiet ride
• Adequate durability for moderate use

Cons

• Does not provide the top-tier wet and dry grip seen in the Pirelli and Michelin
• Tread life and overall durability are good but not great
• Limited effectiveness in severe winter conditions

Bottom Line

The Bridgestone WeatherPeak offers a solid option for drivers looking for dependable performance across a variety of conditions but doesn’t shine as brightly as some other top contenders in the all-weather category. While it performs well in general, its slight deficiencies in handling extreme conditions and ultimate durability might push performance-focused drivers towards other options. However, for those in areas with less severe weather patterns, it remains a competent and reliable choice.

Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady

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Key Performance Metrics

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The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady offers a commendable all-weather option that generally performs well, though it starts to show limitations when compared to industry leaders like the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive and Michelin CrossClimate2. Designed for a broad range of vehicles from sedans to crossovers, this tire aims to provide a reliable solution for drivers facing varied weather conditions but does have distinct areas of weakness particularly in severe winter scenarios.

Performance Breakdown

In wet conditions, the Assurance WeatherReady ensures reliable hydroplaning resistance and wet traction, albeit not at the premier level of the Pirelli or Michelin. It provides good stability and grip on dry surfaces, with a decent steering response that should satisfy most drivers, though those seeking top-tier performance might find it slightly lacking.

The tire’s winter performance highlights its primary shortfall. While it is capable in light snow, its handling of heavy snow and ice is underwhelming, marking a significant gap compared to the leading tires in this category. This could be a dealbreaker for those in regions prone to harsh winter conditions.

Comfort & Durability

The Assurance WeatherReady scores well on the comfort scale, offering a smooth and quiet ride that can rival higher-end models. Treadwear is also a strong point, suggesting durability and a longer life expectancy, which provides good value over time. However, its wear performance still doesn’t quite reach the longevity offered by the Pirelli.

Comparative Analysis

• Wet Performance: Solid but not exceptional, with slightly less capability in handling very wet conditions compared to the top performers.
• Dry Performance: Offers good dry road handling; however, it falls short of the sharpness and precision found in higher-ranked tires.
• Winter Performance: Adequate for light snow but not recommended for areas with frequent heavy snowfall or icy conditions.
• Comfort and Noise: Very competitive, providing a comfortable and quiet driving experience.
• Treadwear: Durable, but not the best in class, with some competitors offering better long-term wear characteristics.

Pros

• Good hydroplaning resistance and wet traction
• Comfortable and quiet, ideal for long drives
• Reasonably durable with a fair wear rate

Cons

• Dry and wet grip performance does not match the highest standards set by Pirelli and Michelin
• Winter handling capabilities in heavy snow and ice are notably inferior
• Overall longevity and durability are good but not the best available

Bottom Line

The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is a viable choice for those who primarily face rain and light snow and value comfort over the cutting-edge performance of the more expensive tires. It offers a balanced approach to typical driving conditions but falls short in more challenging winter environments. This tire is suited for drivers in milder climates who want a dependable all-season tire without the premium price tag.

General AltiMAX 365 AW

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Key Performance Metrics

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The General AltiMAX 365 AW serves as a viable all-weather tire, offering consistent performance across various conditions, though it doesn’t quite reach the high standards set by its competitors like the Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive or the Michelin CrossClimate2. Tailored for family sedans, small crossovers, and compact cars, this tire is designed for drivers who face diverse but generally milder climate conditions.

Performance Breakdown

In wet conditions, the AltiMAX 365 AW provides adequate hydroplaning resistance and wet traction, but it doesn’t excel to the level of the industry leaders. It offers respectable performance on dry pavement with decent corner stability and traction, yet lacks the more refined handling and responsiveness of top-tier models like the Pirelli and Michelin.

Winter performance is the AltiMAX 365 AW’s most notable weak point. While it handles light snow reasonably well, its capabilities in heavy snow and on ice are limited, making it less suitable for severe winter conditions compared to other tires reviewed here.

Comfort & Durability

Comfort is a strength of the AltiMAX 365 AW, providing a ride that competently absorbs road irregularities and keeps cabin noise to a minimum. Its treadwear is satisfactory, indicating that the tire will perform well over time, though not at the exemplary levels of durability seen with the Pirelli.

Comparative Analysis

• Wet Performance: Adequate for handling wet conditions, though not as advanced as the Pirelli or Michelin.
• Dry Performance: Good traction and stability, but the steering response and overall dry handling do not meet the top standards.
• Winter Performance: Sufficient for light snow but struggles significantly with heavy snow and ice.
• Comfort and Noise: Competes well in terms of ride comfort and noise reduction, closely matching more expensive options.
• Treadwear: Fairly durable but falls short of the leading competitors in terms of longevity and performance retention.

Pros

• Competent performance in mild wet and dry conditions
• Comfortable ride with reduced noise levels
• Adequately durable for the price point

Cons

• Does not perform as well in severe weather conditions, particularly heavy snow and ice
• Wet and dry grip capabilities are modest compared to higher-ranked tires
• Tread life, while reasonable, does not compete with the best in this category

Bottom Line

The General AltiMAX 365 AW is a solid entry-level all-weather tire suitable for drivers who do not frequently encounter extreme weather conditions. It offers a good balance of features for its price, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious consumers. However, its performance in harsh winter conditions and the ultimate grip in wet and dry scenarios are outmatched by more premium tires, making it less ideal for those requiring robust all-season capabilities.

Understanding All-Weather Tires

All-weather tires are designed to be a hybrid between winter and all-season tires, offering a versatile solution that performs well in a variety of conditions including dry, wet, and snowy roads. These tires are constructed with a unique tread rubber that remains flexible at lower temperatures for winter capability while still providing sufficient dry and wet road traction in summer conditions. They typically carry the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, indicating that they meet required performance criteria in snow testing and are considered suitable for somewhat heavier snow conditions, unlike regular all-season tires.

Capabilities of All-Weather Tires

• Versatility: They are engineered to handle diverse weather conditions. Whether it’s rain, sleet, light snow, or sunny days, all-weather tires are designed to perform reliably.
• Winter Performance: All-weather tires offer improved traction in winter conditions compared to all-season tires. Their tread design and compound are tailored to function well in cold weather, providing better grip on snowy or icy roads.
• Convenience: These tires eliminate the need for seasonal tire changes, making them a convenient choice for people living in regions with mild to moderate winter conditions. This can save time and reduce the costs associated with swapping and storing tires seasonally.
• Longevity and Durability: While offering a blend of features from both all-season and winter tires, all-weather tires are also built to last and provide a good balance of tread life and performance.

Limitations of All-Weather Tires

• Extreme Winter Conditions: Although all-weather tires are suitable for light to moderate snow conditions, they are not equivalent to specialized winter tires in handling severe ice and heavy snow. Their compromise in design to provide year-round usability means they cannot match the performance of dedicated snow tires in harsh winter conditions.
• Optimal Summer Performance: While all-weather tires perform adequately in summer conditions, they do not offer the same level of dry and wet traction or the same handling capabilities as specialized summer tires. Drivers looking for high performance in hot, dry conditions might find all-weather tires a compromise.
• Tread Wear: Due to their softer compound and flexibility to handle cold temperatures, all-weather tires might wear faster than all-season tires in hot climates or under aggressive driving conditions. This can affect their longevity and cost-effectiveness over time.

Resources

Below are some links you may find helpful when learning about tires:

• Are All-Season or All-Weather Tires Okay in the Snow? – Les Schwab
• Max performance summer consumer ratings – Tire Rack

Final Thoughts

This comprehensive guide reviews the five best all-weather tires, providing insights into their performance in dry, wet, and winter conditions. We’ve examined how these tires stack up against each other, highlighting Pirelli Cinturato WeatherActive’s superior overall performance, closely followed by the Michelin CrossClimate2.

Each tire’s nuances are dissected to reveal their aptness for light to moderate winter conditions, road noise levels, comfort, and durability, helping you pinpoint exactly which tire meets your specific driving demands. Whether you prioritize top-notch performance in wet conditions or need something reliable for occasional snowfalls, there is an option here for you.

Good luck and happy motoring.