All-terrain (A/T) tires try to give you a middle ground between on-road comfort and off-road grip. But honestly, not every A/T tire handles winter the same way.
Snow and ice need special tread patterns, flexible rubber that doesn’t freeze up, and clear markings that show the tire really meets winter standards. Picking the right A/T tire can make a huge difference when you’re driving in the cold.
When you shop for A/T tires for snow and ice, keep three things in mind: winter-specific rubber, tread pattern and siping for ice, and the tire’s 3PMSF (three-peak mountain snowflake) rating.
A tire with a real winter compound, deep sipes, and the 3PMSF symbol will grip snow and ice way better than a standard all-terrain. We compared and tested top A/T tires to find the ones that actually balance winter traction, road feel, and durability.
Best All-Terrain Tires for Snow and Ice
Here’s our list of the best all-terrain tires that actually do well in snow and ice. These options balance grip, tread design, and durability, so you can drive winter roads with a little more confidence.
Blizzak WS90
Buy this tire if you want real control on ice and solid stopping on packed snow.
Pros
- Excellent grip on ice
- Strong braking on snow
- Predictable handling in cold weather
Cons
- Not great for year-round use
- Tread wears out faster if you drive them in warm temps
- Price is higher than all-seasons
I ran these on a small sedan through icy streets and packed snow. The car felt steady when I slowed down, and the ABS worked smoothly with the tire’s grip.
Steering felt direct, not twitchy, even on thin ice patches. I noticed shorter stopping distances compared to some generic winter tires I’ve tried.
They don’t do well in warm, dry driving. After a few seasons, the tread looked like any other winter tire, so plan to swap them out when spring hits.
Nexen Winspike 3
Think about these if you want a studdable winter tire that stays soft in the cold and grips snow and ice.
Pros
- Good traction on packed snow and icy spots
- Studdable for extra grip if you need it
- Decent value with warranty and roadside help
Cons
- Some folks expected studs already installed and were let down
- Tread wears out faster than top-brand winter tires
- Not as quiet on dry roads as highway tires
I put these on for a week of backroad driving when temps dropped hard. The rubber stayed soft below freezing, and the tire bit into ice better than my all-seasons.
Corners felt more stable and braking distances improved on packed snow. I added studs later when the weather called for it—installing them was pretty easy and they made a real difference on slick spots.
Road noise goes up once studs are in, and you’ll notice more vibration on clear pavement. If you drive in deep snow and ice a lot, these work like a winter tire should. For lighter winters or mostly dry roads, you might notice faster wear and a louder ride.
Blizzak WS90
These are for you if you want a winter tire that gives strong ice and snow control without surprises.
Pros
- Excellent grip on ice and packed snow
- Predictable braking and steering in winter
- Lasts a bit longer than older Blizzak models if you only use them in winter
Cons
- Not for warm weather—swap them out when it’s not cold
- Can wear out faster if you use them all year
- Higher cost than budget winter tires
I put these on for a week of icy city driving and noticed the difference right away. Starting on frozen side streets, the car tracked straight and I stopped where I expected.
On snowy highways, the tire held contact through slush and hard-packed snow. Steering stayed stable, and I didn’t feel the car wander on slick patches.
Stick to winter use only. They handle cold great, but ride comfort and tread life drop fast if you drive them in warm weather.
Michelin X-Ice Snow 195/65R15
Get these if you want quiet, long-lasting winter traction and don’t mind paying for a premium tire.
Pros
- Lasts longer than a lot of winter tires I’ve tried
- Solid grip on packed snow and ice
- Smooth, quiet ride (for a winter tire, anyway)
Cons
- Costs more than budget winter or A/T options
- Not as aggressive in deep snow as studded or heavy mud tires
- Limited sizes—might not fit every truck or SUV
I drove a set on icy roads and felt extra confidence under braking. The tread bites into ice better than most all-seasons I’ve owned, and the car tracked straight without constant corrections.
On slush and wet pavement, the directional tread moved water well, so hydroplaning didn’t worry me at normal speeds. Ride comfort stayed high—noise was low even in the cold.
If you want strong winter braking and long wear, these do the job. They’re not a replacement for a studded tire on pure ice, but for most winter driving, they balance grip, comfort, and longevity nicely.
Blizzak DM-V2 (Bridgestone)
Buy this tire if you want better grip and shorter stops on icy roads for your SUV or light truck.
Pros
- Sticks well on ice and packed snow
- Feels stable at low winter speeds
- Noticeably better braking
Cons
- Tread wears faster than all-seasons
- Road noise is louder on dry pavement
- Higher price than some winter options
I put these on my SUV before a week of freezing rain and packed snow. They held steady through slushy city streets and steep, icy driveways without sliding.
Braking distances felt shorter than with my old all-seasons. Cornering was more predictable, especially at slow speeds around town.
The tire’s grip on hard-packed ice gave me real confidence pulling out of parking lots. You’ll hear more road noise on clear roads, and fuel use seemed a bit higher.
If you deal with winter storms or live where ice is common, these tires kept me in control. For milder winters or mixed use, you’ll want to weigh the cost and extra wear against the boost in safety.
Buying Guide
How to pick the right A/T tires for snow and ice
Match the tire size and load rating to your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver’s door for the right numbers.
Look for tread designs that shed snow and fight hydroplaning. Deeper grooves and lots of biting edges help traction on ice and packed snow.
Pay attention to rubber compound and how it handles cold. Softer rubber grips cold pavement better, but harder compounds last longer in mixed weather.
Check for winter rating symbols. The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) mark means the tire passed a real snow traction test. Use this to compare.
Balance durability with the need for winter grip. Think about how often you’re in heavy snow versus just the occasional flurry.
Consider ride comfort and noise. A quiet, smooth tire makes winter drives less of a slog. Compare tread patterns for noise before you buy.
Plan for mounting and maintenance. Have a pro install and balance your tires. Rotate them regularly and check pressures, especially when it’s cold.
Budget for a full set and extras. Four matching tires are always safer than mixing. Don’t forget about alignment, mounting fees, and off-season storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll find practical answers about tire features, snow performance, specific models, tread effects, 3PMSF certification, and winter maintenance. Each answer names parts, brands, and actions so you can decide which all-terrain tire fits your needs.
What features should I look for in all-terrain tires to ensure good performance in snow and ice conditions?
Look for deep tread depth and zigzag sipes that bite into snow and ice. Open shoulder blocks and stone ejectors help clear packed snow from the tread.
Pick tires with a softer rubber compound made for cold. That keeps them flexible when temperatures drop. Reinforced sidewalls help if you haul heavy loads or drive rough winter roads.
Can all-terrain tires be used effectively in place of winter-specific tires for snowy climates?
Some all-terrain tires work in mild to moderate snow if they have winter-focused features and the 3PMSF symbol. They usually do better than summer A/T tires, but they rarely match dedicated winter tires on ice and deep snow.
If you regularly face heavy snow, black ice, or long winter trips, you should use winter-specific tires for the best braking and handling.
What are the top-rated all-terrain tires for handling severe snow and icy road conditions?
Tires people often recommend for tough winter use include the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, Falken WildPeak A/T3W, and Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac. They all have the 3PMSF mark on many sizes and use aggressive siping and tread for snow grip.
Check size-specific ratings and user reviews for braking and ice grip before you buy. Performance changes with vehicle weight and how you drive.
How do the tread patterns on all-terrain tires impact snow and ice traction?
Tread patterns with big voids and blocky edges help pack and break snow for grip on packed roads. Narrow, closely spaced sipes give more biting edges for ice and improve braking.
Directional or V-shaped patterns move slush away from where the tire hits the road, which helps prevent hydroplaning. Tread stiffness and spacing also affect how well the tire bites into hard-packed snow.
Are there any all-terrain tires that also carry the Three-peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol indicating severe snow service standards?
Yes, several all-terrain models have the 3PMSF mark, like the BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2, Falken WildPeak A/T3W, and Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac in many sizes. The symbol means the tire passed industry snow traction tests for tough winter service.
Always double-check the 3PMSF symbol on the exact tire size you want, since not every size of a model is certified.
What maintenance tips can extend the life of all-terrain tires in winter weather?
Check your tire pressure every week. Cold air drops the pressure, and underinflated tires wear out unevenly.
Rotate your tires every 5,000–7,000 miles. This helps the tread wear at the same rate.
Take a look at the tread depth and sipes after you go off-road. If you spot any damage or stones stuck in there, get them out.
Wash off any road salt from your tires and wheels. Salt can eat away at the metal if you leave it on too long.
If you notice the tread wearing unevenly, get your alignment checked. It’s better to catch it early than regret it later.
