With winter quickly approaching, now is the time to ensure that your truck has winter tires in place. These tires are designed to maintain traction and keep you safe when temperatures drop below freezing thanks to unique tread patterns and materials. You will find dozens of winter tires aimed at trucks, but some are better than others. Here are some of the toughest options you should strongly consider. You will have to decide whether you want to get studded winter tires. They can add extra traction but are more expensive, and some areas have regulations against them.
Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2
These tires from Bridgestone are one of the many options that gave the brand such a strong reputation in the industry. They have very good traction when it comes time to drive on the ice, along with great traction for driving on the snow. Those who have used these tires in the past consistently rate them highly, and they are ideal for rural or highway driving. Their only downside is that they are not quite as durable as some other options, like the Michelin Latitude ones.
Continental Winter Contact Si
For reliable performance you can count on with your truck, these Continental tires have excellent traction in snowy conditions. They also do very well in slush, something you can expect to see plenty of during the winter months. They work best with urban driving.
Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8
When it comes to driving in urban areas or through rural spots, these Dunlop Winter Maxx SJ8 tires will give you good traction on the snow. They do even better on the ice, offering great traction that gives you confidence.
Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2
These tires come from one of the best-respected tire manufacturers in the industry and come with the Michelin Promise Plan. They are incredibly durable, so you should be able to use them in future years, as well. Most importantly, they have exemplary traction for driving on the ice. They are also nice and quiet, making them good for urban driving or when on the highway.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9
If you want to go with studded snow tires for your truck, consider these. The stud design has been updated to eliminate some of the issues associated with studded tires. This means they will cause less damage to roads and highways and will not be as loud as other studded tires. At the same time, they provide the traction you need. Just keep in mind that studded tires are best if you live in an area where the road is consistently buried in snow and ice. If the pavement is just wet during winter, you will probably want to stick to non-studded truck tires.
Yokohama IceGUARD iG51v
Whether you drive in a rural or urban area, these tires from Yokohama are a smart addition to your truck. They are an improved version of the Geolander G072 you might have used in the past, offering great traction on both the ice and the snow. At the same time, they give you a comfortable ride.
