Best all season tires for snow can make a big difference when winter hits. Driving in snow is tricky, but the right tires help you stay safe and in control. Unlike winter tires, all season tires work year-round, so you don’t need to swap them out every season. However, not all all season tires handle snow well. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help you find the best ones for snowy roads.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes all season tires good for snow, share top picks, and explain why they matter. Plus, I’ll answer common questions to make your choice easier. Let’s dive in!
Contents
Why Choose All Season Tires for Snow?
All season tires are popular because they handle different weather conditions, like rain, dry roads, and light snow. Unlike winter tires, which are only for cold weather, all season tires are versatile. Therefore, they save you time and money by avoiding seasonal tire changes. However, for snowy conditions, you need tires with specific features to stay safe.
What Makes All Season Tires Good for Snow?
To perform well in snow, all season tires need special designs. For example, they should have deep grooves and sipes (small slits in the tread) to grip snow and ice. Additionally, a flexible rubber compound helps the tire stay soft in cold temperatures, improving traction. Many top all season tires for snow carry the **Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF)** symbol, which means they’re tested for severe snow conditions.
In contrast, regular all season tires may harden in cold weather, losing grip below 45°F (7°C). So, choosing tires with the 3PMSF symbol is key for snowy areas. Also, all season tires balance snow performance with dry and wet road handling, making them great for regions with mild winters.
Top Features to Look for in the Best All Season Tires for Snow
When shopping for the best tires for snow, focus on these features:
Tread Design: Look for deep grooves and sipes. These help push snow and slush away, giving better grip.
Rubber Compound: Tires with cold-resistant rubber stay flexible in freezing temperatures, improving traction.
3PMSF Symbol: This shows the tire is certified for severe snow conditions, unlike the M+S (Mud and Snow) rating, which isn’t always reliable.
Tread Life: Good all season tires last 40,000 to 80,000 miles, so you get value for your money.
Noise and Comfort: Quiet tires with smooth rides make driving more pleasant, especially on long trips.
Now, let’s check out the top all season tires for snow in 2025. These picks are based on expert reviews, user feedback, and performance tests.
Top 5 Best All Season Tires for Snow in 2025
Here are my top recommendations for the best tires for snow. Each tire is chosen for its snow traction, durability, and overall performance.
Michelin CrossClimate 2
The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a top choice for snowy conditions. It’s a Grand Touring all season tire with the 3PMSF symbol, meaning it’s built for severe snow. Its unique tread design, with deep grooves and zigzag sipes, grips snow and ice well. Plus, its rubber compound stays flexible in cold weather, ensuring safe handling.
Why It’s Great:
– Excellent snow and ice traction, with short braking distances.
– Quiet and comfortable for long drives.
– Long tread life (up to 60,000 miles).
– Works well on dry and wet roads too.
Downside: It’s a bit pricey compared to other options. However, its performance makes it worth the cost.
Best For: Drivers in areas with moderate to heavy snow who want a reliable year-round tire.
The Continental AllSeasonContact 2 is a newer tire that outperforms many competitors. It has a directional tread pattern for excellent snow handling. Also, it’s 3PMSF-rated, so it’s great for snowy roads. In tests, it beats the Michelin CrossClimate 2 in wet and dry conditions, though it’s slightly less impressive in deep snow.
Why It’s Great:
– Strong performance in snow, wet, and dry conditions.
– Affordable compared to Michelin.
– Quiet ride with good fuel efficiency.
– Wide range of sizes for cars, SUVs, and crossovers.
Downside: Snow traction is good but not as strong as dedicated winter tires.
Best For: Drivers who face occasional snow and want a balanced tire for all seasons.
The Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack is perfect for those who want a quiet, comfortable ride. It’s 3PMSF-rated and handles light snow well. Its tread pattern pushes water and slush away, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. Moreover, it offers great performance on wet and dry roads.
Why It’s Great:
– Quiet and smooth, ideal for daily driving.
– Good traction in light snow and wet conditions.
– Long-lasting tread (up to 80,000 miles).
– Great for sedans and crossovers.
Downside: Not the best for heavy snow or icy roads.
Best For: Drivers in mild winter areas who prioritize comfort and quietness.
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is a solid choice for SUVs and crossovers. It’s 3PMSF-rated and designed for light snow and wet conditions. Its tread pattern, with deep grooves, handles snow and slush well. Additionally, it offers a smooth ride and good durability.
Why It’s Great:
– Reliable snow traction for SUVs.
– Strong wet performance, reducing hydroplaning.
– Comfortable and quiet ride.
– Affordable for its performance.
Downside: Tread life (around 50,000 miles) is shorter than some competitors.
Best For: SUV drivers in areas with occasional snow.
The Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus is eco-friendly and great for snow. It’s 3PMSF-rated and offers solid traction on snowy and wet roads. Also, it’s designed to improve fuel efficiency, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious drivers.
Why It’s Great:
– Good snow and wet traction.
– Eco-friendly design saves fuel.
– Comfortable ride with low noise.
– Affordable price point.
Downside: Not as durable as Michelin or Continental (around 50,000 miles).
Best For: Drivers who want an eco-friendly tire for light snow and year-round use.
How Do All Season Tires Compare to Winter Tires for Snow?
All season tires are great for convenience, but they don’t match winter tires in heavy snow or ice. Winter tires have softer rubber and deeper treads, giving better grip in extreme cold. For example, a 2022 study by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada showed winter tires stop up to 30% shorter than all season tires in snow.[](https://www.tires-easy.com/blog/snow-and-winter-tires-ultimate-guide/)
However, all season tires with the 3PMSF symbol are a good middle ground. They handle light to moderate snow well and work year-round. So, if you live in an area with occasional snow, all season tires are often enough. But, if you face harsh winters, consider dedicated winter tires for safety.
Tips for Choosing the Best All Season Tires for Snow
Picking the right tire can feel overwhelming, but these tips make it easier:
Check the 3PMSF Symbol: This ensures the tire is tested for snow performance.
Match Your Vehicle: Make sure the tire size fits your car, SUV, or truck.
Consider Your Climate: If you get heavy snow, lean toward tires like the Michelin CrossClimate 2. For light snow, the Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack works well.
Read Reviews: Check user and expert reviews on sites like [Tire Rack](https://www.tirerack.com) for real-world feedback.
Set a Budget: High-end tires like Michelin cost more but last longer. Budget options like Pirelli still perform well.
Also, always buy a set of four tires for balanced handling. Using only two all season tires for snow can cause skids or poor control.
How to Maintain Your All Season Tires for Snow Performance
To get the most out of your tires, follow these maintenance tips:
Check Tire Pressure Monthly: Cold weather lowers tire pressure, so keep it at the level recommended in your car’s manual.
Rotate Tires Regularly: Rotate every 5,000 to 8,000 miles to ensure even wear.
Inspect Tread Depth: Tires need at least 6/32 inches of tread for snow traction. Use a penny to check: if you see Lincoln’s head, replace the tires.
Drive Carefully: Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns in snow to prevent tire damage.
By maintaining your tires, you’ll improve safety and extend their life.
Best All Season Tires for Snow: Top Picks for Safe Winter Driving
FAQs
Q: Are all season tires good enough for snow?
A: Yes, all season tires with the 3PMSF symbol handle light to moderate snow well. However, for heavy snow or ice, winter tires are better.
Q: What’s the difference between all season and all weather tires?
A: All weather tires are a type of all season tire with the 3PMSF symbol, meaning they’re better for snow than standard all season tires.
Q: Can I use all season tires in heavy snow?
A: They work for light to moderate snow, but dedicated winter tires are safer for heavy snow or icy roads.
Q: How long do all season tires last?
A: Most last 40,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on the brand and driving conditions.
Q: Do I need to replace all four tires at once?
A: Yes, replacing all four ensures balanced traction and handling, especially in snow.
Conclusion
Finding the best all season tires for snow is all about balancing safety, convenience, and performance. Tires like the Michelin CrossClimate 2, Continental AllSeasonContact 2, and Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack offer excellent snow traction while working well year-round. By choosing tires with the 3PMSF symbol and maintaining them properly, you’ll stay safe on snowy roads without the hassle of seasonal tire changes.
Before buying, consider your climate, vehicle, and budget. Check reviews on trusted sites like [Consumer Reports](https://www.consumerreports.org) or [Tire Rack](https://www.tirerack.com) to make an informed choice. With the right all season tires, you’ll drive confidently in snow, rain, or sunshine. Stay safe out there!
