The 9 Best Winter Tires of 2022
Winter Tires – Buying Guide, Opinions and Analysis
When it comes to winter driving, you need to take certain precautions to ensure your safety. Therefore, you should always try to get the best winter tires to accompany you in every snowfall. Fortunately, you can find quality options on the market, such as the Michelin Alpin 5 tire, which has a good load index and an H speed rating to give you a safe ride. In the same way, there are other alternatives, such as the Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3, which is a tire with very good grip on wet surfaces and adequate fuel efficiency.
The 9 Best Winter Tires – Opinions 2022
If you want to have your car ready for cold seasons, then you need to get the best winter tires you can get. In this list, you will find some of the most outstanding models.
Michelin winter tires
1. Michelin Alpin 5 M+S 205/55R16 91H
Preparing for the coldest temperatures with Michelin winter tires is a very good idea, considering that in their portfolio you could find the best winter tires of 2022. For example, this model has a load index of 91, so it supports up to 615 kilograms and, in addition, thanks to its H speed classification, it manages to reach up to 210 km/h without problems.
On the other hand, in terms of its dimensions, the tire comes with a width of 20.5 centimeters. This is complemented by a radial-type tire, along with a 16-inch diameter rim that also stands out for its quality and durability. These measurements are the most common in different cars, making it a versatile product.
Finally, it is worth noting that the tire has a fairly good grip on wet surfaces, class B, to give you the safety you need when driving.
By buying this tire you will be ready to take your car out in winter. More information below.
Pros
Practical: This tire size is the most common, so it works on various cars.
Speed: Although it is not recommended to go full speed in winter, it is good to know that the tire can reach 210 km/h without wear.
Weight: An advantage is its maximum load support of up to 615 kilograms.
Adherence: Adherence to wet surfaces of class B will give you security when driving in winter seasons.
Cons
Energy efficiency: This tire has an E class fuel efficiency. This is lower than other similar models.
2. Michelin Alpin 6 M+S 195/65R15 91T
Among the list of Michelin winter tires you can find an option for each car. In this case, vans or minivans from various manufacturers can be used together with a model like this, as it has a section width of 19.5 centimeters and a diameter of 15 inches, to suit this type of car.
This tire maintains the B classification in adherence to wet surfaces, making it a good option to use in winter seasons. In addition to that, to provide you with greater security, it can support up to a maximum of 615 kilograms and reach speeds of 190 km/h. Regardless of speed, the outside noise level will be capped at 69 dB.
Finally, it is worth taking into consideration that its energy efficiency is class C, so that the consumption of gasoline due to the use of the tire will be at normal levels.
It is difficult to choose which is the best winter tire brand, however, Michelin is a company that stands out for its quality models.
Pros
Price: This tire has a somewhat lower cost compared to other models on the market.
Safety: The fact of being able to support up to 615 kilograms and, in addition, having a class B adhesion provide safety when driving.
Versatile: The size of this tire is suitable for a wide variety of cars, which is an advantage.
Cons
Speed: These tires, with speed code T, can reach up to 190 km/h. A smaller number than other offers.
Winter tires 225 45 r17
3. Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3 XL FSL M+S
For some cars it is necessary to have 225 45 r17 winter tyres, and for them Pirelli has made a very good model. In fact, this could be the best winter tire for these cases.
With the Pirelli seal of quality, this product has been designed to give you safety in the most uncertain weather conditions, so it has class B adhesion to wet surfaces. This will give you greater stability on the road and easier handling. on wet land. The latter is complemented by some grooves that facilitate the dissipation of water and snow.
In terms of energy efficiency, this is class C, while its maximum speed is 210 km/h, which is common for most tires. However, something that does make this model stand out from others is its load index of 94, since it supports a maximum of 670 kilograms.
Pirelli has earned a very good reputation for producing quality products, and this tire was no exception.
Pros
Load index: The load index of 94 allows this product to support up to 670 kg of weight.
Stability: Thanks to its grip, this tire has great traction to give you good stability when driving.
Design: The functional design of the grooves of this tire manages to dissipate water and snow more quickly.
Cons
Noise: 72 dB is slightly louder than that produced by other similar tires. However, this does not affect its operation.
4. Firestone Winterhawk 4-225/45 R17 91H
When it comes to buying 225 45 r17 winter tires, many look for the cheapest, however, due to the importance of these products in promoting safety, it is better to focus more on quality than on price. In this sense, this Firestone model could be a good option.
The Winterhawk 17-inch radial tire with a width of 22.5 centimeters has been designed to give you a safe and stable drive in winter seasons. With great adherence to surfaces, this product offers traction that facilitates handling on snow and also allows a shorter braking distance, even on wet surfaces.
Both passenger cars and minivans can benefit from this tire, which has an H speed classification to reach up to 210 km/h and a load index of 91, which is common in these products, as it supports up to 615 kg.
Snow driving won’t necessarily be unsafe if you have the right tires. In this case, this Firestone model could be the right one.
Pros
Stability: Thanks to its grip, your car will be able to stay stable on roads full of snow or water.
Braking: To provide greater safety and avoid skidding, the braking distance on wet surfaces is short.
Load index: This tire will not deteriorate due to heavy loads, as it supports up to 615 kg maximum, thanks to its 91 rated load index.
Cons
Price: The cost of this tire is somewhat high compared to other models on the market.
Winter tires 196 65 r15
5. Nokian WR D4 M+S 195/65R15 91T
If you ask what the best winter tires are, they might recommend some famous brands. However, many times the best 196 65 r15 winter tires can be from a brand like Nokian, which is less well known but still offers quality, as this model demonstrates. The tire, as its data indicates, has a width of 19.5 centimeters and a 15-inch rim.
At first glance, what stands out the most is probably its design, since the grooves have a particular appearance. These have been designed in this way to provide better grip on wet surfaces in cold seasons, avoiding compromising tire traction on slippery pavement. Added to this is a maximum load capacity of 615 kilograms and a maximum speed of 190 km/h.
As for its energy efficiency, this is class C, to avoid wasting fuel. In addition, its noise level is 69 dB; quite bearable for a tire.
This tire could be a good option if you will need to use your car constantly in winter.
Pros
Adherence: Its class B adherence, together with its design, manage to provide stability and safety when driving.
Load: The maximum load that this tire can support is 615 kg, so you should not worry about the weight.
Fuel efficiency: Like most tires, this model has an energy efficiency class C.
Cons
Speed: Although there are some models that can reach 210 km/h, this tire can only work with a maximum of 190 km/h.
6. Hankook Winter i*cept RS2 W452 M+ S
196 65 r15 winter tires are constantly in demand and for this reason many companies manufacture these types of tyres. Hankook is no exception and its Winter i*cept model has won several positive reviews.
With an aspect ratio of 65%, the tire has a width of 19.5 centimeters and its rim has a diameter of 15 inches. When driving with it, it will produce an external noise of 72 dB, but this will not affect its operation at all, since its adherence to wet surfaces will continue to be class C to give you safety and stability when driving.
In addition to this, the tire retains a common load index among models of its type, 91. This means that it supports a maximum load of up to 615 kilograms. On the other hand, the product has an H speed rating, so it can run at up to 210 km/h.
In case you are in doubt about which winter tires to buy, this could be a good option for its price and quality.
Pros
Load index: The maximum load capacity of this tire is 91, so it can support up to 615 kilograms.
Adherence: This tire has an acceptable adhesion to wet surfaces for products of its type. Which will give you safety when driving.
Price: Compared to other tires, this product has a price that could be considered affordable.
Cons
Energy efficiency: Its fuel efficiency is class E, which is lower than other models on the market.
Bridgestone winter tires
7. Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 XL FSL M+S
Among Bridgestone winter tires it is possible to find a wide variety of models, such as this product that has been designed for use in sports utility vehicles and 4×4 cars.
Due to this, it is a tire with a great load index, as it has a classification of 107, which means that it has the capacity to support up to 975 kilograms without problem. In addition, its speed classification is T, so the car can travel at speeds of 190 km/h without stressing the tire. When used, it will produce an external noise of 73 dB.
As for its structure, it has an aspect ratio of 50%, with a section width of 25.5 centimeters and a rim that reaches 19 inches. In addition to that, its grooves have been manufactured to be able to dissipate water and snow, and they have small holes for nails, in case you want to place them.
This is not one of the cheapest options, however it could be the right alternative for your car.
Pros
Load index: With a load index of 107, this tire manages to support a weight of up to 975 kg.
Mud and Snow: This product has been designed for sports vehicles and 4×4, so it is also a suitable tire for traveling in mud.
Nails: In case you want to place nails in the tire to increase its grip, it will be possible to do so.
Cons
Adherence: Its level of adherence to wet surfaces is class F, which is lower than that of other models.
Winter tires 205 55 r16
8. Riken Snow 205 55 R16 94H TL Winter
Contrary to what one might think, cheap 205 55 r16 winter tires do not mean they are bad. That is why Riken Snow brings the best value for money winter tire, a product that is 20.5 centimeters wide, with an aspect ratio of 55% and a 16-inch diameter rim.
This tire has been manufactured to offer good performance, without minimizing your safety. Due to this, the rubber has a good speed index and also adequate grip on wet and icy terrain. In this way, the car will be able to move with good traction, minimizing the risk. All this is complemented by class C fuel efficiency, which prevents excessive consumption of gasoline when driving.
As for the load index, which is also important, it is rated at 94, so the maximum weight the tire can carry is 670 kilograms.
Apart from being one of the cheapest tires on the market, this is also a practical and quality model.
Pros
Load index: The load index of this product is rated 94, so it is capable of supporting up to 670 kilograms.
Integral: This product complements safety with good performance, so that you have a fast movement, but with good grip.
Speed: The speed classification of this tire is H, so it can reach up to 210 km/h.
Cons
Fuel Efficiency: Perhaps the only drawback of this tire is that its fuel efficiency could be better.
Pirelli winter tires
9. Pirelli W 190 Snowcontrol 3 M+S 205/65R15 94T
Pirelli winter tires are always one of the most sought after options by drivers, as it is a brand that is known for manufacturing quality products. For that reason, it is not surprising that the W 190 Snowcontrol model has also received so many positive opinions, since it is a tire that has a load index of classification 94 to be able to support up to 670 kilograms without inconvenience.
The product has class B adhesion on wet surfaces, which gives good stability and control. In addition, it has a T speed rating, and this allows it to work at speeds of up to 190 km/h. When running, the tire will produce a bearable noise of 72 dB.
As its numbers indicate, the model has a width of 20.5 centimeters and the diameter of its rim is 15 inches. This gives you an aspect ratio of 65%.
This could be the best winter tire of the moment if you are looking for quality, good price and safety.
Pros
Adherence: To give you greater safety, the tire has a class B adherence to wet surfaces.
Load index: This tire has a class 94 load index, therefore it supports a weight of up to 670 kilograms.
Noise: The noise produced by the tires is bearable, since it is only 72 dB that will not affect you.
Cons
Fuel efficiency: The energy efficiency of this product is class E, which means that it will use a little more fuel than other tires.
Shopping guide
Tires are the basics of any car and, in winter, they take on greater importance because of how dangerous it can be to drive in adverse weather conditions. So don’t pass up the opportunity to check every little aspect of the tire you want to buy to ensure your comfort and protection when driving.
Dimensions
When it comes to verifying a guide to buying the best winter tires, most focus directly on the qualities offered by the model to choose to adapt to winter seasons.
It is true that this is extremely important and that it is the basis of a tire of this class, however, the first thing you should really check are the dimensions of the product you want to choose and its compatibility with your car.
Not all cars use the same type of engine, and in the same way, each car needs a specific type of tire in order to function properly. Have the technical sheet of the vehicle at hand to choose the right product and, if you don’t have it, consult a trusted mechanic.
Reading the numbers and letters can be confusing, however, it is not as difficult as it seems. In this case, for example: 205 55 r16, 205 is the width of the tire expressed in millimeters and 55 is the height/width ratio in percent. On the other hand, 16 is what measures the diameter of the tire in inches.
It is possible to use tires with different measurements than the original ones in your car, however, if you exceed it, it is possible to face problems when driving, so it is not highly recommended.
winter functionality
After knowing if the tire measurements are suitable for your car, then you can proceed to check that the product is really suitable for driving in winter. Here it is not worth the cheapest, but the one that gives you the greatest security.
The first thing you can do when comparing winter tires is to check their design, as the grooves should be deep and, in addition, have the “M+S” inscription, which means that they are suitable for snow and mud. The designs usually vary from one model to another, however, the important thing is that the grooves are deep enough to dissipate water and snow easily. Don’t buy summer tires and don’t let them fool you. Always keep in mind that these will harden at temperatures of 7 degrees Celsius or less, compromising your safety.
To continue, check what the tire’s rating is for grip on wet surfaces. This determines the stability that the car will have when it is running. The table goes from A to G and, most of the time, the tires are usually class B or C.
Remember that adherence to surfaces is what makes the car stable, even if the surface has water, ice or snow. Therefore, it is a very important fact.
Technical aspects
After examining each of the previously mentioned characteristics, it is then possible to focus on other technical aspects that are also important and will provide information on the performance of the tire.
As explained above, tires are inscribed with numbers and letters that identify each of their important details. However, after passing the first information, that is, the dimensions, you will see that it is followed by one more number and a letter. In this case, the number refers to the load index and the letter represents the maximum speed that the tire can reach without being damaged.
On winter tires, the load index can range from 80 to 110, and to know exactly how many kilograms these numbers represent, you need to check a table. Most of the time, the models come with an index of 91 and this means that they can support a maximum of 615 kg.
On the other hand, the letters can also vary, depending on the tire model, how much it costs, among other things. Winter tires usually have a speed code T or H, letters that represent 190 km/h and 210 km/h respectively.
Finally, try to check what the energy efficiency of the tire is. This data is not inscribed on the rubber, however, it can be found on the technical sheet or by asking an expert. The closer the tire is to A, the better its fuel economy.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: What is the difference between winter and summer tires?
The most important differences between both types of tires lie in their composition and also in their shape, since each of them has been designed for a specific purpose.
The first thing that differentiates them is the rubber content they have, since winter tires have a greater amount of natural rubber to prevent the cold from interfering with flexibility. This makes the material adhere better to the ground, preventing slipping. Likewise, the tires manage to work without hardening at temperatures below 7°C.
Summer models, on the other hand, are made to withstand high temperatures and would quickly harden in winter seasons, which could cause accidents.
Q2: When to put winter tires?
This depends on the regulations of each country, since not all nations have the same requirements for these items.
However, regardless of the regulations in each country, as a general rule, when temperatures reach 7°C or lower, then it is time to change the tires.
Q3: How to identify winter tires?
If you go to a store to buy your winter tires, you should know how to identify them so that you don’t get scammed or end up making the wrong purchase.
The easiest thing to check is the marking on the tyres, as winter models have three types of marking: M+S, MS and M&S. It is possible that this can be erased, but only after a long time of use, so if they are new, the ID should be there.
If you prefer to look at a more noticeable indicator, then check the tire treads. You will notice that the winter ones will have deeper forks to give greater grip. In addition to that, these also have locations to install nails if needed.
Q4: How to store winter tires ?
If the winter season is over, then it is necessary to change the tires made for this time and use more suitable ones, otherwise, the performance of your car will not be the best, nor will it be the safest.
However, just because it’s time to change tires doesn’t mean they should be thrown away. Therefore, it is necessary to store them in a better way so that they are ready for the next season.
First of all, you should know that the tires must be protected from light, hot temperatures and humidity, as these conditions can deteriorate them. However, the room must have ventilation and a stable temperature between 20 and 24 degrees Celsius.
It’s best to store the tires vertically so they don’t warp, and sometimes rotate them so they don’t spend too much time sitting in the same area.
If you can store the whole wheel, it is best to hang each wheel individually, off the ground.
It is also recommended to identify each tire so that you know its position when it is time to use them again.
