10 Best Winter Tires 2025 in the United States

The Continental VanContact Winter Highway Light Truck Radial Tire is a solid choice for commercial van drivers facing winter weather conditions. Its specialized tread pattern is designed to offer strong traction on snow and icy roads, which is crucial for safe winter driving. The tire compound is specifically engineered for cold temperatures, ensuring the tire remains flexible and grippy even in harsh conditions, but it should not be used when temperatures are consistently above 45 degrees Fahrenheit, as it may wear out faster and lose performance in warmer weather.

The tread depth and 10-ply construction (Load Range E) contribute to durability and the ability to handle heavy loads, making it suitable for commercial use. Additionally, the optimized design reduces road noise and vibrations, which enhances comfort during long drives. However, the tire may not be as effective in non-winter conditions or for vehicles that do not require such a high load index. It is essential to match the tire size (LT245/75R16) with your vehicle’s specifications to ensure proper fit and performance.

The Continental VikingContact 7 Winter Tire, in the 195/55R16 91T XL size, stands out with several impressive features for winter driving. It boasts a Nordic tread compound that ensures superb grip in wet conditions, and its rapeseed oil additive keeps the rubber flexible even in extreme cold, providing consistent traction. The tread pattern is designed to reduce hydroplaning by efficiently channeling water away, which enhances safety on wet, slushy roads. Additionally, the advanced grip connect and 3D sipes offer powerful traction and braking on ice and snow, making it highly effective in harsh winter weather.

The tire has a directional tread type, with a respectable tread depth of 10/32nds, contributing to a longer tread life and sustained performance. However, it is a 4-ply tire, which might be less robust compared to higher ply-rated options. Its load capacity of 1356 pounds and a speed rating of 91T (118 mph) are suitable for typical passenger vehicles. Weighing 18.7 pounds, the tire is relatively lightweight, which can positively influence fuel efficiency.

The main drawback is that it might not be the best fit for vehicles requiring tires with a higher load index or those driven in extremely rugged conditions. This Continental tire is a reliable, high-performance winter tire for everyday passenger vehicles.

The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 Winter/Snow Passenger Tire 225/65R17 102 H is designed to excel in winter conditions, making it a solid choice for those who face harsh snowy and icy roads. One of its standout features is the tire's impressive traction on ice, aided by the bit particles in the tread compound. This enhances control and stopping power, which can be crucial for safety in winter driving.

The asymmetrical tread pattern and a tread depth of 12/32nds contribute to reliable handling and durability over the winter season. Additionally, it has a load capacity of 1874 pounds, which is suitable for a variety of vehicles, ensuring a good fit for many passenger cars. The speed rating of H (up to 130 mph) suggests it is more than adequate for typical winter driving scenarios but might not be suitable for high-speed performance vehicles.

For those who prioritize safety and control in winter conditions, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 offers excellent performance, although it may not be ideal for every vehicle type or high-speed driving.