Are All-Terrain Tires Good in Snow?

If you’ve stumbled across this article, you’re probably wondering, “are all-terrain tires good in snow?”

The answer to that question is: it depends. All-terrain tires are, as the name suggests, designed to handle a variety of terrain. They’re good for driving on dirt roads, gravel, pavement, light snow, and sand, but they may not be the best choice for driving in deep snow.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of using all-terrain tires in the snow and help you decide if they’re the right choice for you.

What are All-Terrain Tires?

All-terrain tires are designed to offer great traction both on and off-road. They are the true all-rounders of the tire world and are often marketed as “all-weather” tires.

They are typically equipped with deep, aggressive treads that can grip loose surfaces and provide stability. The tread pattern is also designed to help with braking on slippery surfaces like snow or ice.

You will find wider voids on their footprint between the elements, which ensures their self-cleaning capability. The footprint is also detailed with multiple sipes, optimizing its on-road and terrain applications. 

How Do All-Terrain Tires Compare to Winter Tires?

All-terrain tires are mainly made for all seasons and terrain applications. They are thicker and have deeper treads than regular tires to provide extra traction in slippery conditions. But they’re not perfect, and they can’t conquer everything. 

Because they’re not specifically made for winter weather, they don’t always have the same traction as winter tires when driving on snow or ice.

That being said, all-terrain tires can still provide decent traction in light snow conditions.

On the other hand, winter tires are specifically manufactured for winter conditions. Their detailed footprint, deep grooves, and ideal tread block placement are moulded using a soft rubber compound. This allows the tire to remain pliable in cold temperatures while also creating better traction on snow and ice.

Learn more about winter tires;

Why Do You Need Winter Tires In British Columbia?

Why Do You Need Winter Tires In Alberta?

What Is The Difference Between All-Season Tires, All-Weather Tires, And Winter Tires?

Are Winter Tires Worth It?

Are All-Terrain Tires Good in Snow?

When it comes to all-terrain tires, the verdict is still out on whether they’re good in the snow. Some people swear by them, while others say they’re not worth the extra money.

The answer is they can be. All-terrain tires have treads that are designed to handle a variety of terrain, including snow. However, not all all-terrain tires are created equal. Some are better in the snow than others. So it’s important to do your research and find the right set of all-terrain tires for your needs.

If you’re looking for a set of all-terrain tires that are good in the snow, you should consider investing in a set of winter all-terrain tires.

Winter all-terrain tires have treads that are specifically designed to handle snow and ice and are also rated for severe weather—they have a 3PMSF rating. Most of these are also studdable to provide better grip in deep snow and ice. 

Are There Any Benefits to Using All-Terrain Tires in Snow?

So what are the benefits of all-terrain tires in winter? For starters, they have more traction than standard tires, which is important for getting around in slippery conditions and often helps you stay in control.

They’re also great for keeping your car moving in deep snow. All-terrain tires create a lot more surface area than regular tires, which means they can push more snow out of the way as you drive. This can be a huge help if you live in an area with a lot of snowfall.

And finally, all-terrain tires are better at stopping on icy roads. In fact, they can stop your car up to three times faster than regular tires. 

What About the Drawbacks?

Manufacturers love to tout the all-terrain capabilities of their tires, and for the most part, they’re pretty good in snow. But there are a few things you should keep in mind before you make your purchase.

First of all, all-terrain tires are not as good on the ice as dedicated winter tires. If you live in an area where it snows frequently, you’ll probably want to stick with a set of winter tires.

Secondly, all-terrain tires tend to be noisier on the road than other types of tires. This is because they’re designed to provide better grip in various conditions and sometimes come at the cost of a bit more noise.

Finally, all-terrain tires can be more expensive than other types of tires. But that’s not always the case, so it’s important to do your research before you buy.

But despite these drawbacks, all-terrain tires are still a great option for driving in the snow. They provide good traction and are versatile enough to handle various terrains. So if you’re looking for something that’s going to get you through winter safely, all-terrain tires are a good choice.

What Are the Best All-Terrain Tires for Snow?

These are some of the best all-terrain tires capable of handling snow. Check our detailed review to understand each tire’s capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses. 

• BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2
• Toyo Open Country AT III
• Michelin LTX A/T2
• Continental TerrainContact A/T
• Falken WildPeak AT3W
• Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar
• Sumitomo Encounter AT
• Hankook Dynapro AT-M
• Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3

Conclusion

All-terrain tires are a great option for drivers who live in moderately cold climates, but they aren’t the best for heavy snow. For that, winter tires will be a safer bet. 

No matter your tire type, it’s important to practice safe driving in the snow. If you’re not comfortable driving in the snow or if you don’t have a lot of experience, it’s best to stay off the roads. If you do have to drive, make sure you take it slow and give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going.