SUV driving through snow-covered street showcasing winter tire traction and snow tire performance.
Winter / Snow Category Icon

Winter / Snow Tires

Winter tires, commonly referred to as snow tires, are specifically engineered for driving in cold weather, ice, or snow. Providing maximum traction and safety when temperatures drop below 45°F, snow and winter-specific tires use specialized rubber compounds that remain flexible in freezing conditions, delivering superior grip compared to all weather tires and all-season alternatives. The best winter tires feature aggressive tread patterns and sipes specifically built for snow and ice, while studded snow tires can add metal studs for enhanced ice traction in severe conditions.

We’ve simplified winter and snow tire installation. Choose from one of our 10,000+ trusted local tire shops near you, or opt for the ease and convenience of tire installation right where you are with our Mobile Tire Installation service.

Category Performance Averages

  1. Wet Traction
    6.3
  2. Dry Traction
    6.3
  3. Winter Performance All Season only
    9.5
  4. Ride Quality & Noise
    6
  5. Treadwear
    5.7

From Our Test Track

All-Season vs. Winter Tires: Is All-Wheel Drive Enough?03:20

Even if your vehicle has four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, it's your tires that provide the real traction. The more tire traction these systems have to work with the better. Take a look at how this plays out on the bare ice of a hockey rink in all-season vs. winter/snow tires.

Wheels Mounted on a set of 4 tires, representing a mounted Tire and Wheel package

Ready for a new look?Build a Winter/Snow Tire & Wheel Package

Let us show you how your vehicle can take on a whole new look while you maximize its performance on the road.

We'll precision-mount and Hunter Road Force™ balance (using non-lead weights) your four tires and wheels at no additional cost (yes, free), package them with all the necessary installation hardware you need (also free) and send them on their way for super-fast delivery.

Create a Package

Winter / Snow Tire Deals

Buy 4 Select Tires, Get a $110 Continental Tires Prepaid Mastercard
Winter Road
5 of the best tires curated for your specific vehicle
Dirt Road
Wet Road
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Tire Decision Guide

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Tire Rack Recommended Installer Network

Tire Rack Recommended Installer Network

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World-Class Customer Care

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*May 2026

Revolutionizing Tire Buying Since 1979

Revolutionizing Tire Buying Since 1979

From our first location to launching nationwide mail order to creating TireRack.com, we believe in bringing you The Way Tire Buying Should Be.™

Independent Tire Testing Program

Independent Tire Testing Program

We test tires on the road and on our specially designed track to simulate real-world dry and wet conditions. Independent, unbiased results to help inform your choice.

Real Drivers. Real Miles. Real Talk.

Real Drivers. Real Miles. Real Talk.

Tire Rack verified customer reviews come backed by over 3.4 billion real-world miles.

Need help choosing the right products for your vehicle? Our US-based team of highly trained experts has the knowledge and passion to help. Just pick up the phone and give us a ring. Or let's chat via email. We love solving problems and lending a hand (or an ear).

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