As the winter season arrives it becomes a headache, especially for truck enthusiasts. As a truck enthusiast, I also have skidded on the shiny snow surface. This is why I researched the snow tires that I can fit for my truck.
For the safe and optimized performance of your truck, you must equip your vehicle with the proper snow tires. Having a truck without snow tires and using it in heavy snowfall areas. This can sometimes be risky as well.
So after extensive research of over 30 tire brands and my personal experience of using snow tires here I have listed the top 8 truck tires.
Why are snow tires different from general tires?
The snow tires are designed to provide optimum traction on snowy and icy surfaces.
We can see deep grooves and tiny slits called Sipes on snow tires which enhance the traction by biting into the snow.
Snow tires are so made to provide you stability in the winter roads which are a bit slippery than dry surfaces.
Traversing on a snowy surface is risky o. Itself what if you see an obstacle out of nowhere? So to cope with these situations the snow tires stop immediately after applying brakes.
The tires made for snow have to handle both winter and dry conditions as well. So to withstand these varying conditions they are made to provide extra strength and are durable.
What Are The Best Snow Tires For Trucks?
1. Michelin X-Ice Xi3
Load Range: XL
Load Index:99
Warranty:40000
Max PSI: 50PSI
You may lack confidence and control while driving your truck through the snow. Don’t worry more as Michelin X-Ice Xi3 is here to add confidence and provide control to your vehicle while traversing through these conditions.
The X-Ice Xi3 employs a silica compound that remarkably stays flexible even at cold temperatures when some tires go rigid. This flexibility enhances grip, giving reassuring traction even on packed snow.
Once I had to suddenly apply the brakes while coming back home with my truck to my surprise my truck stopped within a few seconds. Its breaking performance is better than other winter road tires.
It is equipped with Cross Z-slipes creating extra biting edges for improved braking, accelerating, and handling when you need to make sudden maneuvers.
The tread is directional, actively expelling water and slush so you have less risk of hydroplaning.
Wide grooves maintain road contact for precise steering response and control.
Low rolling resistance helps conserve your fuel. Its Comfort Control Technology reduces road noise and vibration for a quiet, comfortable ride.
For your peace of mind, the X-Ice Xi3 comes with a 40,000-mile mileage warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee.
After hundreds of winter miles on all road conditions, I can say these are a great choice for drivers wanting peace of mind in foul weather without sacrificing smooth performance when the pavement reappears.
What I like
- Remarkable grip on icy surfaces encourages confidence and allows for smooth and more controlled braking
- tires’s response to steering inputs is praiseworthy
- Impressive stability and cornering grip make it a reliable companion for winter driving
- Reduced road noise
- Low rolling resistance contributes to excellent fuel economy.
What I dislike
- Higher price tag
- Due to higher demand may have to wait to purchase
- Not so an impressive performance on dry roads.
Helpful reviews
“These tires have been excellent. I live in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and these were my first dedicated winter tires, having switched from what we call an all-season. The weather here is consistently below freezing from early November through mid-March so the tires deal with a lot of deep cold on dry pavement (approaching -40 for the coldest weeks in January) and a lot of hard-packed snow.
The fall and spring see a lot of ice. The X-Ice Xi3s performed well in this blend of deep winter conditions, providing confidence-inspiring traction. They provide enough traction that I don’t feel the need to look at studded tires (especially considering the amount of dry pavement and snow we see because of the consistency of the cold, not a lot of ice like more coastal climates), and I’ll certainly not go back to running one set of tires all year.
What I’m most impressed with is the longevity I’ve got out of these tires, easily 10 thousand miles more than I expected, 15 thousand more than warranty, and they’re still performing decently near the end of their life (I’ll run them for the first couple months of next winter and hope to replace them on a sale nearing Christmas). Traction has only decreased a small amount, and no noticeable change to NVH.”Given 83% while driving a Hyundai (215/65 R16) on a combination of roads for 48,000 average miles.
2. Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
Load Range: SL
Load Index:100
Max PSI: 44PSI
Hey winter warriors if you are in search of incredible tires that can keep you on track throughout the journey then I am bringing an extensive truck tire Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 which can keep you safe and secure on treacherous winter roads.
The Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 takes the crown of truck tires for snow. These tires provide exceptional traction, remarkable control, and unmatched performance in icy and snowy conditions.
Equipped with these tires your truck will transform into a fearless snow beast. With these tires, I have had the pleasure for several winters and they have impressed me.
The Blizzak DM V2 is designed with innovative Multicellular Compound Technology that allows these tires to remain in contact with snow and ice. The microscopic bite particles enhance the grip ensuring it remains firmly on extensive slippery surfaces.
3D- Sipes used in these tires are a true game changer. They act like thousands of tiny gripping teeth, biting into the snow and ice with full strength. The superior grip greatly improves braking accelerating and cornering giving you the confidence you need to tackle any winter road obstacle.
As snow tires, they are optimized for perfection. The wider grooves effectively expel the slush and water preventing hydroplaning and maintaining tire-to-road contact. So this feature provides you control and peace of mind while driving on frosty roads.
These tires truly transformed my truck into a snow-traversing machine. Exceptional traction and control provided extra freedom to easily navigate icy curves and snow-covered slopes.
It’s not just about going from one point to another during winter, it’s also about enjoying the journey safely. With these tires, you will have the confidence to explore winter wonderlands go on spontaneous trips, or simply conquer your daily commute without worrying about weather conditions.
What I like
- Superb winter performance providing strong traction on snow and ice
- Improved braking and acceleration on icy surfaces
- Good stability and control in challenging driving conditions
- Quiet and comfortable ride
- Longer tread life
What I dislike
- Not appreciable performance on dry roads
- Relatively more expensive than other winter tires
- It has limited availability, especially for less common tires.
Helpful reviews
“Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 Winter/Snow SUV Tire 245/75R16 111 R
I was completely blown away by the performance of these snow tires. Ice, Slush, and deep snow were no match for the well-designed tread and soft rubber of the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2. This is my choice for wintertime driving.
Please be advised:
I decided to run them all summer long to see how they would hold up. The answer is, that they do not. It would be advised to switch back to summer tires as soon as possible. They will not hold up to warm weather or dry road conditions. This is due to the soft rubber that is common in most winter tires.
Overall, I think they are great! I have never felt more confident driving through West Virginia in the winter, than when I was rocking the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2.
Thanks for reading” L. A.
“I got my tires 6 years ago for my X5 and planning to get another Blizzak DM-V2. The tread is 60% and is still very soft I might wait another winter but this is amazing. I bought it together with WS80 for my 330ci but that one the tread i less I will say 40%. Amazing tires from Bridgestone! Who ever not feel confident about winter driving buy these tires and see how everything changes!” Martin
3. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT
Load Range: E1-SL
Load Index:100-123
Max PSI: 51-80PSI
Living in a snow-covered city you might be wondering about the perfect tires for your truck. I want to talk about the Goodyear Ultra Grip WRT which truly revolutionized the snow driving experience.
If you drive somewhere with harsh winters, the Ultra Grip Ice stands out for its impressive grip and traction even on the slipperiest surfaces. Goodyear crafted its tread compound to stay flexible even in extreme cold, which plays a key role in giving you better braking capacity along with stability.
I drove on a variety of surfaces – packed snow, frozen highways, sloshy back roads – and felt secure thanks to the directional treads and abundant 3D sipes that bite into ice and throw off water efficiently.
The frequent biting edges around the tires also lend consistent traction around curves and when needing to stop quickly.
It’s clear Goodyear built this to master wintry terrain while not sacrificing ride quality. The tread design makes for a quiet, comfortable ride on clear pavement. For extra confidence, this tire meets the industry snowflake rating for severe snow conditions.
For drivers wanting reliable winter performance, I can say first-hand the Ultra Grip Ice handled very well and made me feel at ease navigating icy roads. Goodyear designed a real standout tire to conquer whatever winter dishes out.
These tires deliver an unparalleled winter driving experience. So strap up these tires on your truck and enjoy the adventure in the snow to begin.
Drive with confidence knowing that you have chosen the tire designed for the toughest winter conditions.
What I like
- Simply unmatched when it comes to tackling icy and snowy terrains
- Responsive breaking and grip
- Precise steering control
- Prolonged lifespan-making-wise investment
- Excellent noise reduction
What I dislike
- Less fuel efficient due to higher rolling resistance
- Lacks optimal performance in dry surfaces of summer
- Challenging to find the exact size of less common vehicle models.
Helpful reviews
“Excellent studless winter tire. mounted these on a 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 Bluetec (1010Tire software won’t let me enter that correctly). These tires deliver great ice, and snow slush performance. My use is mostly highway conditions in Calgary and the mountain parks area. My driving style tends to hard cornering, but the R350 is a long, heavy vehicle, so I tone that down a little under normal driving and even a little more with winter conditions.
While I’m sure the advanced systems of the Mercedes 4wheel drive, traction control, ABS, etc deserve some credit, these tires match well to provide confidence and control for winter driving. Very predictable, competent handling of variable road surfaces. Driver adjustment to road conditions is required as no tire will compensate for stupidity. I am impressed with the new WRT tires and have yet to push them to their limits — and not sure that I’m motivated to try to find those limits on public roads. I’m especially impressed with the traction on the ice.
The WRT also handles the ridge of deeper snow or slush that often forms on a 4-lane center line — with gentle driver input, the WRTs respond with traction and predictability. Dry road performance is on par or better when compared to my OE four-season tires (Conti 4×4 all season). HIGHLY RECOMMENDED studless winter tire…as good as or better than Xice, Blizzak, and Hakapalita competitors that I’ve used in the past. Treadwear is unknown, but irrelevant for a winter tire.”Aggressive Driver (Hard Cornering)
4. Pirelli Scorpion Ice & Snow
Load Range: XL
Load Index:106
Max PSI: 51
If you resemble me, navigating through snowy roads just with your truck then mate I have got Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow which is the absolute best of our choice.
I can claim that these tires are made for the harshest winter conditions and can tackle any challenging terrain with ease.
When maneuvering through the snow-covered roads the Pirelli Scorpion Ice and snow effortlessly bite into snow providing you optimal control even in the trickiest situations. This is due to its innovative tread pattern and advanced siping which enhances the traction.
Engineered with a unique rubber compound and reinforced sidewalls which helps to maintain stability on slippery surfaces. So now you can say goodbye to sliding and hello to a secure and confident ride.
The wide groove design in these tires and the braking capabilities are efficient. I have trusted these tires while braking on the nerve-wracking slippery road. These tires ensure a reliable and responsive breaking experience making your snow adventure more safer and enjoyable.
You might think that with these many features, these tires might be noisy and disturbing like other winter tires. But these tires are engineered to keep noise level to a minimum providing a serene ride to savor the beauty of the season.
The Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow are designed with a durable tread compound that ensures longevity. So you don’t have to worry about tire replacement for some years to come.
Gear up fellow snow truck enthusiasts and let the Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow tires be your trusted allies in conquering any that comes your way. Stay prepared embrace the snow and let these tires show you what they are capable of.
What I like
- Excellent traction on icy and snowy surfaces.
- Optimum performance in cold weather conditions.
- Impressive grip on slippery surfaces promoting stability and reducing the risk of skidding
- Responsive handling which is crucial for snow driving
- It quiet and comfortable ride
What I dislike
- Not fit for the warmer weather use
- Treadwear is quicker than expected
- Relatively expensive
Helpful reviews
“Amazing winter tires
Among my experiences:
I once drove without realizing in a modest river bay (water was flowing only in summer) but was covered in snow and couldn’t see it. After a couple of tries, I managed to get out. Very good grip on snow and ice. I was able to go up a very slippery hill covered in ice (about 20-25 degrees).
Also, I had to rush someone to the hospital on a road with about 15-30 cm of snow for about 10km – the tires behaved exemplary at over 100km/h
However… Snow braking is average… The car would slip like ice even though it’s just snow. Engine braking is recommended.
On mud, the tire is above average but could be better.
Also, the tyre is very very soft so on dry roads doesn’t behave as well, especially in tight turns. Other than that it’s very comfortable.
I had it for 4 winters and could easily go through another one but two of the four tyres were penetrated by accident by some nails or something and they kept losing pressure every couple of days so I got rid of them.”review1
5. Yokohama IceGuard IG52C
Load Range: XL
Load Index:95
Max PSI: 50PSI
If you lack confidence while driving on slippery slopes and harsh winter landscapes, with your truck to add confidence in your driving Yokohama IceGuard IG52C is here in the market.
Its indigenous treads grip snow and ice effortlessly and the advanced siping technology increases the traction at multiple angles. The microbit technology in these tires enhances the grip on snow and ice by biting the surface.
I remember once on an icy hill which was a tricky location that would have caused skidding if it was a general tire thanks to IceGuard IG52C letting me maneuver. The braking performance of these tires truly impressed me. I can power through snowy surfaces without any worry as the braking capabilities are reliable.
The cutting-edge silica compound enables better responsiveness so you can brake smoothly no matter the temperature. Wide lateral grooves work for the braking performance on wet and icy surfaces.
The Yokohama IceGuard IG52C tires are highly durable ensuring long-lasting reliability throughout the winter season. What surprised me was to find out these tires quiet over rugged terrain.
The durable design looks brand new so you don’t have to worry about tire replacement. It’s the perfect balance of longevity and high performance.
With unwavering control and stability in the winter roads that give you chills, I highly recommend getting IceGuard IG52C. For someone who is seeking a tire that can conquer any winter obstacles while providing a safe and comfortable ride then equipping these tires in your vehicle can be a wise investment.
Stay safe and enjoy the thrill of winter driving with Yokohama IceGuard IG52C tires.
What I like
- Performs well on icy surfaces
- Equipped with a tread pattern that enhances traction on snow-covered roads
- Promotes Stability and responsive handling
- The presence of multiple Sipes increases the biting edges improving the grip on slippery surfaces
- Low rolling resistance contributes to better mileage
What I dislike
- Shorter tread life
- Reduced performance on dry roads
- Wear out quicker in warmer temperatures
Helpful reviews
“Got these with my new car. Great snow tires. The braking traction is fantastic. Even on glare 2-inch thick ice. The ABS barely even kicked in. This past winter was quite intense. So I had a lot of different conditions to try these tires on. While they do struggle a little with ice at low speed. Like at a stop, or hard braking on ice.
They did tend to grab once the speed dropped. I’ve planted the brakes in hard-packed snow and the car just stopped like I was on dry pavement. If you looking for a safe tire for winter I would suggest this tire for sure. I found the road noise to be okay. At higher speeds, the noise is less noticeable.
I often drive on small back roads at 90km/h (speed limit). You often get sections of ice on these types of roads. The tires go over this type of debris like it is just some rocks or something. It doesn’t affect the traction at all. However, you will notice a slight lack of grip if you hit the ice like this while cornering.
But that is to be expected. I found the very minimal reaction in those situations to be very predictable. Of course, it is best to keep the car in a rolling state (not accelerating or decelerating) as this gives the tires the best chance to find traction. (that is true for any tire) Wet/slush-type conditions were no problem at all. The handling of the tire lacks a little and this is why the wet and handling scores are a little lower, but it is still pretty good. I ran about 8000KM on these from new.
They start at 11/32 as brand new. My rears are at 10/32 and fronts are around 9/32 (slightly more than 9). To me, this seems pretty good wear. (FWD so the fronts will wear a little more) Dry conditions. The tire works fine but is not a performance tire in dry conditions. It lacks cornering and is noisy compared to a set of summer tires. This of course is to be expected.”Anonymous made this review
6. Toyo Observe GSi-6
Load Range: SL
Load Index: 97
Max PSI: 51PSI
Winter brings the promise of enchanting snowy landscapes, cozy evenings by the fire, and of course frosty roads that you might try to skip driving. The days of skipping driving on winter slippery roads are gone as I am bringing up the Toyo Observe GSi-6 ensuring you navigate the winter wonderland safely and effectively.
At first glance, you will notice its tread design. Toyo Observe GSi-6 is deep and multiangle grooves work efficiently to trap snow, extending traction and increasing grip. I have used these tires in adverse weather conditions. What I have experienced is a reduced risk of slipping and sliding.
The microbit technology in these tires is a walnut shell embedded in the rubber compound. The microbit technology helps to act as tiny spikes that grip your tire with the icy surfaces. As a result, you can maneuver your truck confidently through snowy roads.
The snow groove evolution technology in these tires optimized the depth shape and positioning of the tires’ snow traction grooves. This design improves the better braking, cornering, and acceleration. This allows you to maintain control over the snow truck over most challenging winter conditions.
The Unique multi-wave Sipes make these tires versatile. The interlocking Sipes result in a biting edge that provides ultimate traction on ice and snow. This prevents your tire from uneven tread wear and prolongs the life of the tire so that you don’t have to be haunted by thinking of tire replacement.
The Toyo Observe GSi-6 is what you can depend on while tackling snow-covered roads. It delivers extraordinary performance making you feel in control regardless of weather conditions. The peace of mind it provides helps you to enjoy the ride more than ever.
As a snow truck driver, your main focus is safety during the winter months. These Toyo Observe GSi-5 tires will help you conquer snow with confidence whether you are navigating streets or venturing off the beaten path.
So snow enthusiasts let the adventure begin with these tires.
What I like
- Superior traction on snow and ice
- Improved braking capabilities on slippery surfaces
- Excellent stability on snow-covered roads
- Resilient against wear and tear
- Quiet and smooth ride
What I dislike
- Limited performance in a dry environment
- Not available in tire sizes
- Quicker tread wear while using off-road and continuous highway driving
Helpful Reviews
“I live in the snow belt west of Buffalo NY on a steep dirt road. I’ve gone through many snow tires through the years, from the most famous to the little-known. First off, the rubber on these is very soft. The ride is very squishy at first. I put them on in late October and was afraid they would wear down before winter even started.
I’m impressed with the treadwear and I’m on my second winter with these. My wife likes her snow tires put on before November starts and they don’t come off until she’s convinced it won’t snow again. That’s usually in May.
So we average 7 months on winter tires. As far as traction, these have never failed me. Great grip in snow, ice, and slushy conditions. I think they may be the best winter tires I’ve ever used. And I don’t say that lightly. Yes, they are marshmallows for handling…especially on my minivan. Even so, I plan on buying these again.”JameSeven
“My 16-year-old niece is driving for the 1st time on her learner’s permit here in Pennsylvania we live on a dirt road we just had our 1st ice storm for the year and we just tried to ease yes I fives on my Dodge Ram 1504 by 4 and they did an outstanding job considering what we did to my truck we stopped on ice we started on ice we went on a Hill and stopped going down we went on a Hill going up stopped at 50% of the Hill started and derive would rear wheel and wet to the top then wait turned around and then we did 20 going down and stopped hard and it stopped it did not slide and then we were up the other side of the Hill where we were on ice fine light stopped and in we went on from there and it did not spin at did not fish tail it was an outstanding job for heard the learn how to drive a rear wheel drive vehicle with the right tire so think about when you buy tires are not tires it’s what you have in your tires that make some work for you and I live in Pennsylvania thank”William
7. Continental Winter Contact SI
Load Range: SL
Load Index:99
Max PSI: 51PSI
If you drive a truck somewhere that sees a lot of winter precipitation, the Winter Contact SI is designed to provide exceptional grip even in extreme conditions thanks to Continental’s advanced “Polar Plus” rubber compound.
I drove on numerous snow-covered and frozen roads and these tires held firm, allowing me to corner and brake with confidence as conditions rapidly changed.
I appreciated that the tread has additional chunky traction lugs, as well as a high amount of siping to dig into packed snow and ice. A few times when roads were slick, the shorter braking distance gave you added peace of mind. The grooved design also effectively channels water away to resist hydroplaning in wet conditions.
While optimized for winter performance, Continental didn’t neglect ride comfort and refinement either. I found the Winter Contact to be quiet and smooth rolling at high speeds on clear pavement.
Silicon additives in the compound enhance grip on slippery conditions. The additional biting edges inside the tread grooves for improved traction on the snow.
tires.
For drivers wanting a premium winter tire to rely on year after year, I can say first-hand these deliver exceptional stability and control all season long, living up to Continental’s reputation. The combination of advanced engineering and 150 years of experience is clear in this tire.
So if you want to go on an adventure with your truck then these tires can be absolute game changers for you. You can have a new experience of fun and safety with these tires on winter snow-covered roads.
What I like
- Superb grip on slippery surfaces
- Less breaking distance
- Responsive and accurate handling
- Outstanding durability
- Quiet and comfortable
What I dislike
- Higher price
- Limited size for certain vehicle models
- Decreased performance in deep snow areas
Helpful reviews
“These new Conti WinterContact SI tires are fabulous in my experience coming from the previous generation of Conti WinterContact tires which were exceptional. That’s a huge endorsement as the SI works even better on snow, ice, and wet roads than the previous generation. It’s no surprise that independent technical reviews of the latest and greatest SI Conti outrank the competition on all fronts. These tires are that good. There is nothing more valuable than your life and that is precisely why people should install four Conti WinterContact SI tires on their vehicles regardless of make or model. Most people don’t understand that All-Wheel drive might get a vehicle moving but only good snow tires will allow the vehicle to stop or turn properly on slippery surfaces. Do yourself, your family, and another motorist a big favor and equip your vehicle with Conti WinterContact SI tires. You can thank me after you see how well they perform.”Randy
Related:
Choosing Tires of truck for snow: Buying Guide
1. Understanding Snow Tires:
First things first, let’s familiarize ourselves with the characteristics that make snow tires stand out from regular tires. Snow tires, also known as are specifically designed to tackle snowy, slushy, and icy conditions. Their unique features include deep treads, flexible rubber compounds, and specific grooves that enhance traction and improve braking and cornering performance.
2. Types of Snow Tires:
Snow tires come in a variety of types, each offering distinct advantages based on your driving needs:
i. Studded Snow Tires: Perfect for extreme ice and packed snow conditions, these tires feature metal studs that bite into the slick surface, providing superior grip.
ii. Studless Snow Tires: Designed for general winter driving, these tires employ advanced tread patterns and unique rubber compounds to grip the road without the need for metal studs. They provide a quieter ride and better fuel efficiency than studded tires.
iii. Performance Snow Tires: Ideal for sportier trucks, these tires offer enhanced handling and higher speed ratings while still delivering excellent winter performance.
3. Sizing and Fitment:
Choosing the right size in mind that going for a wider tire may increase traction on snowy roads. Make sure to also verify to ensure it can support the weight of your truck and cargo.
4. Budget Considerations:
Snow tires can range in price depending on the brand, type, and size. While it’s important to consider your budget, don’t compromise on quality. Investing in a reliable set of snow tires will provide long-term value and ensure your safety on wintry roads.
5. Installation and Maintenance:
Once you’ve purchased your snow tires, it’s crucial to ensure proper installation by a professional. Additionally, maintaining your snow tires is essential. Regularly inspect tread depth, tire pressure, and overall condition to guarantee optimal performance throughout the winter season.
FAQs
Do I need special snow tires for my truck?
Yes, using snow/winter tires on trucks is highly recommended for winter driving safety. Truck snow tires have specialized deep tread designs and rubber compounds made to grip slick winter roads.
What’s the difference between truck snow tires and regular truck tires?
Truck snow tires have deeper tread depths (usually 16/32” or more new), more open tread designs that evacuate snow better, and freeze-gripping rubber compounds that stay soft in cold weather for better ice and snow traction.
Should I get studded truck tires?
Studded tires provide the best winter ice grip, but aren’t legal in some states and can cause more wear on bare pavement. Check your state laws – studs may only be allowed during certain winter months.
Will snow tires fit my truck wheels?
Verify tire and wheel compatibility before buying. Truck snow tires need proper sizing for rim width and wheel clearance. Custom wheel modifications may be necessary in some cases.
