Stock up on the best snow tires for trucks to avoid nasty accidents and slipping on icy streets.
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5 Best Snow Tires for Trucks
Updated on Oct. 17, 2024
When Old Man Winter comes knocking, the roads get slicker. Regular tires tend to stick in the snow and lose traction on icy roads, leading to large numbers of accidents during the snowy seasons. Avoid sliding on the slippery asphalt by adding a set of the best snow tires for trucks to your car winter gear.
“Regardless of whether you’re buying winter tires for a car or truck, the standard qualities to keep an eye out for are similar,” says Rachel Swenson, tire expert and Senior Product Planner at Bridgestone Americas. “Look for attributes such as the tire’s tread pattern and depth for optimal grip and braking performance in cold and wintry conditions.”
“Where major differences come into play is with tire sizing. Bigger vehicles like trucks require larger, heavier tires. Truck owners may also encounter more off-road conditions, which is an additional performance feature to consider.”
Best Overall
BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Runs quietly
- Off-road capable
Cons:
- Typically lasts only 15,000 miles
Highly respected as producing some of the best snow tires for trucks, the BFGoodrich brand is one of the top dogs in tires. The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 builds on the legacy of the All-Terrain T/A. It’s a tire you can run at factory size and enjoy both on-road and off. These wheels use BFG’s proprietary CoreGard technology to offer protection against bruising and splitting.
The unique tread pattern is efficient on tarmac and offers excellent grip on snow and ice, earning it a severe weather rating. This is shown by the three-peak mountain/snowflake symbol molded into the sidewall.
Best Truck Tire For Ice
Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
Pros:
- Superior grip and traction for ice
- Meant to last through several seasons
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Might wear down quickly in uneven conditions
The best snow tires for trucks get you through the nastiest conditions, so focus on tread grip in snow and rain when deciding. Bridgeston’s Blizzak line is synonymous with quality winter tires. These winter truck tires feature a special rubber compound that wicks water from the road beneath. They also have micro-sized faux studs that bite into icy tarmac.
Best Snow Tire For Heavy Truck
Firestone Winterforce LT
Pros:
- Three Peak Mountain Snowflake-certified
- Remains flexible in sub-zero temperatures
- Pre-drilled for easy stud installation
Cons:
- Should not be used in weather over 45°F
Do you want snow tires that complement your ride? If you use your truck for heavy-duty jobs, be sure to check the load index on the tire. The higher the number, the more weight the vehicle can bear. Indexes start at one, with a carrying capacity of 102 pounds, and go up to 150, with a carrying capacity of 7,385 pounds.
When you drive a lifted truck, studded snow tires might be necessary. Winterforce LT tires offer the option to run with or without studs. Thanks to a directional tread pattern, these tires can cover a lot of ground, even when not in studded form. And with a load index of 125, they’re strong in the carrying capacity department, too.
Best All-Season Snow Tires
Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV
Pros:
- Asymmetrical tread pattern provides grip on wet roads
- Rated for up to 20,000 miles
- Deep channels evacuate water from underneath
Cons:
- Expensive
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.
Best Budget Truck Tires
Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain
Pros:
- Meant for severe snow conditions
- Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake (3PMSF) symbol
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Makes some road hum noise while driving
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.
What to Consider When Buying Snow Tires
When choosing the best snow tires for your truck, consider the following:
- Cost: How big a dent will they put in your wallet? Some tires—but not all—are worth the extra spend.
- Application: Economy, performance, winter, off-road and all-season tires all have unique characteristics.
- Road noise: How loud is the tire on the road? You might not think it’s important now, but you’ll be thankful after you buy it.
- Treadwear: How long can you expect the tire to last? A cheap option that wears down quickly won’t save you money long-term.
“When considering buying snow tires, we recommend that drivers research the specific laws in their state/region as it relates to studded vs. non-studded winter tires,” notes Swenson. “For example, studded tires are outlawed in certain parts of the U.S.”
“It’s also important drivers plan on buying a set of four winter tires for safety reasons (vs. trying to get away with only two to save money). Whether your vehicle is front or rear-wheel drive, we recommend installing winter tires to all wheel positions. Just mounting two tires means you lose some of the traction, stopping and cornering advantages a full set provides.”
Check out our picks in a range of snow tire categories.
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:
- Brake and accelerate slowly.
- Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
- Give yourself extra space between vehicles.
- If you hit ice, turn the wheel in the direction you’re sliding.
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.”
