Best All-Season Tires for Winter Driving for Car Owners Not Wanting Snow Tires

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Before tire shopping this winter, here are Consumer Reports' latest recommendations for the best all-season tires for snowy weather winter driving conditions when the added expense of buying separate (and expensive) snow tires might not really be needed.

Many car owners dig into their wallets in late fall or early winter to pay for a new set of snow tires, which includes the hassle of having to switch back to their all-season tires after the road snow and ice conditions have ended.

But is this ritual essential?

According to a recent Consumer Reports newsletter focused on tire recommendations, many car owners can avoid the added expense of snow tires if they do not live or travel in areas known for thick snow conditions. Or, if they do, they are willing to wait until a winter road crew has cleared the roads.

Why is this? Because all-season tires today are that excellent performance-wise―providing they have enough tread (at least a 4⁄32-inch tread depth) easily measured by placing a quarter head-down in a tread groove. If the top of George Washington's head is just visible, you are at about 4⁄32 of an inch.

"To be clear: If you live in the snow belt and face harsh winter driving conditions, winter/snow tires are your best bet. But if you have the ability to wait until roads are cleared before traveling, there are some great choices in each all-season tire category for winter grip," states the newsletter.

Four Categories and Recommendations of the Best All-Season Tires for Winter Driving

1. All-season tires for cars, minivans, SUVs, and trucks designed for dry and wet roads including light to moderate snow.

CR Recommendation: Nokian Remedy WRG5 (Price: $185)

2. All-season tires specifically engineered for SUVs that offer a good blend of all-weather grip, secure handling, low noise, smooth ride, and long tread life.

CR Recommendation: Michelin CrossClimate2 (Price: $237.99)

3. All-season truck tires that are well-suited for most conditions, including dry and wet pavement and light to moderate snow. Can also be used for work-related SUVs and light-duty pickups.

CR Recommendation: Continental TerrainContact H/T (Price: $219.99)

4. Ultra-high performance (UHP tires for upscale sedans or sporty vehicles. However, note that CR analysts state, "They're a significant step up from performance all-season tires, delivering higher levels of dry and wet grip and handling. But they give up some winter traction, and their tread life is shorter than that of performance all-season tires."

CR Recommendation: Toyo Celsius Sport (Price: $189)

For additional tire-related articles from this year, here are three for your consideration:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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