All-weather tires are an emerging tire category that builds on the convenience of all-season tires with the cold-weather handling of winter tires. Good all-weather tires are must-haves for drivers in areas that receive light to moderate snow during winters, such as many northern U.S. states. But how do you know which tire is right for you?
We spoke with our tire experts to identify the best all-weather tires on the market as well as understand the key differences between all-season vs all-weather tires.
Looking for affordable all-weather tires? Visit Hooper’s Tire Outlet to shop our wide selection of used tires!
The Key Takeaways:
All-weather tires outperform all-season tires for drivers in Rochester and Syracuse because they can handle Western and Central New York’s harsher winters. However, all-weather tires are not replacements for dedicated snow tires for areas that receive heavy snow.
By far, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is the best all-weather tire on the market, but it comes at a premium price. Finding used all-weather tires is an affordable alternative.
Even the best all-weather tires require regular maintenance. Remember to rotate and clean your tires annually, checking for any signs of excessive wear.
What Are All-Weather Tires?
All-weather tires combine elements of all-season and winter tires to handle a wide range of road conditions, including dry, rain, and light snow. As a result, they’re best suited for drivers in climates with moderate seasonal changes where all-season tires may underperform.
Most high-performing all-weather tires feature a unique tread pattern optimized for wet and light snow conditions (a true feat in the tire industry). Deep tread channels help drive water away from the tire to mitigate hydroplaning and slipping, while a crisscross pattern improves grip when driving on light snow or ice.
Like winter tires, all-weather tires use a unique rubber compound that stays pliable during cold weather. However, unlike winter tires, this rubber functions across a greater temperature range, allowing drivers to keep all-weather tires on year-round, even during warmer months.
All-Season vs. All-Weather Tires: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between all-season and all-weather tires is the range of use. All-season tires are general tires built for mild conditions. They work best on dry and wet roads but struggle beyond their performance range, especially in snow. Drivers in climates with harsher summers and winters will still need to swap their all-seasons for the right tire.
In contrast, all-weather tires focus on wet, slush, and light snow conditions typical of climates in the northern U.S. states. Look for all-weather tires with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification symbol, which indicates that the tire will provide adequate traction on medium-packed snow (at least 110% compared to an all-season tire).
All-weather tires cannot replace winter, snow, or studded tires designed to handle extreme snow—however, they offer a year-round alternative to all-season tires that is more suitable for areas with regular snow.
Performance Differences:
All-weather tires have a more aggressive tread pattern that drives better on ice, snow, and wet roads, while all-season tires are more comfortable on dry pavement.
Unlike all-season tires, all-weather tires don’t need to be swapped for summer or winter tires throughout the year.
All-season tires perform better on dry pavement and may feel more comfortable to handle during warmer months.
Top 5 All-Weather Tires for New York Climates
1. Michelin CrossClimate 2
Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 is a premium all-weather tire designed for outstanding performance in various conditions. Drivers consistently praise the tire’s handling, especially on wet roads and snowy roads. Its V-shaped tread pattern enhances traction to limit hydroplaning, while the advanced rubber compound ensures durability and fuel efficiency.
Reviews also praise the tire for its smooth, quiet ride, making it a great choice for daily commuting. For many, its long tread life justifies and performance justify the tire’s higher price point. These reasons make it clear why the Michelin CrossClimate 2 tops our best all-weather tires list.
2. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2
Goodyear’s Assurance WeatherReady 2 significantly improves on its predecessor’s performance while addressing former pain points. The new model features an asymmetric tread pattern and soy-based rubber compound, which helps maintain flexibility in colder temperatures. Its sweeping tread grooves enhance water evacuation, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
As a result, driver reviews highlight the Assurance WeatherReady 2’s traction, acceleration, and braking distance in heavy rain and light snow. The tire is responsive and handles well, but road noise can be more noticeable compared to similar premium tires.
3. Nokian WRG4
The Nokian WRG4 is one of the more affordable all-weather tires on our list. Created with a high-silica rubber compound, the tire offers decent grip in cold conditions and reduces rolling resistance for better fuel economy. This makes them ideal for city driving in colder climates.
The tire excels most in price point, hydroplane resistance, and snow performance thanks to its signature siping, which improves handling in slush. Having said that, reviewers note it has average performance in icy conditions, and drivers prefer dedicated snow tires for harsh winters.
If you’re looking for a top-performing tire, Nokian recently released the Nokian Remedy WRG5, which improves on the Nokian WRG4 but comes at a higher price.
4. Toyo Celsius II
The Toyo Celsius II tire balances affordability with solid winter performance, making it an excellent value choice. It features snow claws and variable siping to improve grip on icy and slushy roads. The multi-wave sipes also help reduce irregular wear, extending the tire’s lifespan.
While it performs well in snow and ice, premium tire brands outclass the Toyo Celsius II in handling and road noise under dry conditions.
5. Vredestein Quatrac Pro
Vredestein’s Quatrac Pro is a stylish, high-performance all-weather tire designed for luxury vehicles and sporty handling. Its directional tread pattern provides excellent water dispersion, reducing hydroplaning risk.
Reviewers swear by the tire’s handling capabilities on various road conditions, from ice and fresh snow to rain and slush. The Vredestein Quatrac Pro’s reinforced shoulders enhance cornering grip, making it a great option for driving enthusiasts. However, while it offers a smooth ride, its snow performance is slightly less aggressive than other all-weather competitors.
Maintaining All-Weather Tires
To extend the lifespan and performance of your all-weather tires, check tire pressure regularly, rotate them every 5,000-7,000 miles, and ensure proper wheel alignment. Inspect the tread depth and look for signs of uneven wear, which can indicate alignment or suspension issues. Keeping your tires clean and free of debris will also help maintain their grip on the road.
Shop for the Best All-Weather Tires in Rochester, NY
Finding the right all-weather tires can make a significant difference in your driving experience, especially in a place like Rochester or Syracuse where winters range from mild to frigid. We always recommend drivers switch to winter tires as New York’s temperature drops, but a solid set of all-weather tires means you can drive on them all year without sacrificing safety.
Whether you’re looking for cost-effective used tires or want to shop new, Hooper’s Tire Outlet has you covered! We vet our tire inventory to ensure our tires are reliable. Visit our Rochester, NY location for your tire needs!