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Best All-Season Snow Tires
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
Do you care more about speed than practicality? Look for the best snow tires for trucks to match your truck’s abilities. While performance tires often come with a higher price tag, the result is well worth it.
If it’s speed you seek, outfit your truck with the same tires that track-day enthusiasts choose for their cars. Michelin PS4s arrived on the scene to replace the original Pilot Sport. Their superb handling is matched by their sexy looks, thanks to a curvaceous shoulder section that transitions from sidewall to a thick, grippy contact patch. While these are all-season tires, reviewers report that they work great in snow.
Pros
- Asymmetrical tread pattern provides grip on wet roads
- Rated for up to 20,000 miles
- Deep channels evacuate water from underneath
Cons
4 / 4
Best Budget Truck Tires
Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain
We can’t all pay extra for the top tire brands. However, you don’t necessarily have to compromise on quality when you’re on a budget.
You’ve probably heard the Falken name—a reputable value-based tire company that offers great-looking, functional options at reduced prices. The Wildepeak tires use a silica tread compound that’s competitive with top-tier brands. You can use them in any weather conditions including mud and snow.
Pros
- Meant for severe snow conditions
- Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) symbol
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Makes some road hum noise while driving
Why You Should Trust Us
I’m a a writer and blogger with work published in Business Insider, The Oxford University Press, the Chicago Tribune and dozens of other publications.
Emily Way is an Associate Shopping Editor for Family Handyman with experience researching products and recommending the best designs to consumers. She researched and updated this piece. Way consulted Rachel Swenson, tire expert and Senior Product Planner at Bridgestone Americas.
How We Found the Best Snow Tires
Preventing slippage in icy conditions is one of the most important aspects of winter driving. That’s why, when considering the best snow tires for trucks, we first consulted with truck experts to identify any important safety features. After that we combed through hundreds of winter tires, narrowing down our list to those with the most five-star reviews. Lastly, we dove in deeper, comparing specs and watching videos to ensure that our five top picks are truly the best of the best.
FAQ
How do I drive safely in the winter?
With snow, sleet and ice, the roads in winter can be dangerous. Winter driving mistakes can be made. Some tips to help you navigate your way home safely in your truck:
Remember, when roads are icy or snowed over, you can’t maneuver as if it’s a dry, sunny day. Be cautious and aware of what’s around you, including other drivers.
How do I identify a snow tire?
According to Swenson, compared to regular tires, winter tires are often designed with wider, deeper tread voids to help grab snow, providing enhanced winter traction.
“Designated winter tires feature aggressive tread patterns with intricate siping, or tiny grooves, that aid traction on wet and/or icy surfaces,” she continues. “The blocks of tread found on many winter tires also feature irregular edges that grip onto snow and ice.”
“Additionally, look for the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol stamped on the sidewall of the tire. Many all-season and all-terrain tires have an M+S symbol on them, which stands for mud and snow, but don’t let the “snow” portion deceive you. M+S-rated tires are not the same as designated winter tires. Instead, look for the 3PMSF symbol. Tires with this rating are meant to help maintain traction even in severe snow.”
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