Between your motor and the road, there’s on faithful factor of your vehicle—your tires. When weather conditions worsen, storms strike, and rough roads are ahead, your tires are either going to perform, or die trying. Don’t be the guy that waits until a blowout to do something about his tires. We’ll explain everything about the best all season tires, their intricacies, how they work, and why they should be on your car right now.
The Best All Season Tires:
1
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3
Designed for the open road and built to withstand their trials, Michelin’s Pilot Sport series tire comes with the best UTQG rating possible, giving you ultimate traction on asphalt and concrete. 760 revolutions per mile covers enough of the road, while prolonging the life of your tires—these are made for sedans and sports cars for maximum traction under high velocity situations. If they can do that on the racetrack, imagine what they can do for your car.
Specific design from the experts at Michelin encompass pressure and temperature placement, while the internal components of the tire include a couple of high-density, durable steel belts to aid in treadwear prevention. Looking for tires that won’t quit in the city, on the highway, or even on dirt paths? You’ve just found them.
Perfect for sports cars
1,653 / 6,612 total load capacity
UTQG of 500 AA A
- BrandMichelin
- ModelPilot Sports
- Weight29 lbs
760 revs per mile
10.2” tread width
Complicated warranty information
2
Goodyear Assurance Tripletred
It all comes down to handling. The better you can control your vehicle, the better off you are—these tires come with a three-way tread zone for a unique grip on the road, while providing nearly 6,000lbs of a maximum load capacity. These are ideal for minivans, sedans, and small pickups. While these aren’t recommended for tearing up a dirt road, they do offer a smooth and easy ride on asphalt and concrete.
Your superb warranty balances between 70,000 and 80,000 miles, depending on which tire grade you select. The manufacturer guarantees a thirty-day test drive, though you definitely won’t be sending these back. With 820 revs per minute and the perfect psi to increase your fuel economy, we just have one question for you: why aren’t these already on your car?
1,477 / 5,908 total load capacity
UTQG of 740 A B
For coupes, sedans and minivans
- BrandGoodyear
- ModelAssurance Tripletred
- Weight23 lbs
Excellent warranty
Three unique track patterns
Internal twin steel belts
Very poor handling on dirt roads
Advertised as good for light snow; numerous owners disagree
3
Michelin Defender LTX
Highways and city roads don’t stand a chance against your car riding on your new Defenders. With 70,000 miles on your warranty and excellent performance in slippery conditions, you’re under the Michelin Man’s protection during your entire trip. These tires come with one of the best UTQG ratings available, and boast an immense total load capacity at over five tons.
Increase your traction and fuel economy. Numerous drivers have noticed an immeasurable difference to their OEM tires, even after light use. When you seamlessly glide on these new tires and handle your vehicle like a NASCAR driver, you have to stop and think, “What else could I want in a set of tires?” It wasn’t enough for them—Michelin added MaxTouch, a construction method to these tires and creates a contact patch for improved performance and durability.
2,535 / 10,140 total load capacity
UTQG of 800 A A
For vans, pickups and sport utility vehicles
- BrandMichelin
- ModelDefender LTX
- Weight39 lbs
Great warranty
Top notch wet performance
Increased fuel economy
Off-road performance severely lacks
Handles similar to a performance tire
4
Pirelli Zero Nero
Pirelli gives us a few unique features in these tires, including their noise cancelling system that’s integrated into the inner lining of your tire. This plays a role in reducing that whirring noise you hear while driving, all while improving your fuel economy. Their tread compound is greatly enhanced by silica, aiding in high temperature air pressure control.
These tires give off surprisingly great handling on off-road areas, though they perform horribly with even a light dusting of snow on the ground. The give and take. With an average load capacity on your tires, we would have liked to see a standard warranty as well. Overall, these inexpensive tires are an excellent addition to your vehicle.
1,565 / 6,260 total load capacity
UTQG of 400 AA A
For cars in all weather conditions
- BrandPirelli
- ModelZero Nero
- Weight29 lbs
Improved fuel economy
Inexpensive set
Unique tread pattern handles decently off-road
Poor winter performance; while we know these aren’t meant to perform in the winter, we also understand you don’t have time to change your tires because it snowed
Warranty limitations are lacking
5
Yokohama AVID Ascend Radial Tire
When you need a fast solution for your tires, you turn to inexpensive models. The trick is finding the quality ones in the stack of knock-offs, and that’s exactly what we did. Yokohama has a history of providing quality products on the cheap, while improving your fuel economy (2MPG on average).
Owners compare these tires to more expensive brands, and state that these come on top on multiple tiers. While you’ll need to check your tire pressure more often with these, they hold up well in wild temperature ranges, though they do reduce the psi at a slightly faster rate than standard tires. You should check them once per month to retain proper psi and maintain the benefits of these tires. You can outfit your sedan-style car with a full set of new tires for under four-hundred. Where else are you going to be able to do that but here on Car Bibles?
1,074 / 4,296 total load capacity
UTQG of 740 A A
For Cars
- BrandYokohama
- ModelAVID
- Weight19.5 lbs
Inexpensive set of tires to get you back on the road
Great warranty
Slight improvement to fuel economy
Low load capacity; ideal for sedans, not pickups/minivans
6
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S PLUS
Similar to their Pilot Sport model on the peak of our list, this set of tires comes with a serious bounce to your fuel economy, while providing maximum durability thanks to the C3M production process that’s specific to Michelin tires. High tensile steel cords weave throughout these tires, adding to the Michelin tough quality that roads just can’t beat.
The biggest problem with loss of pressure is damage to your sidewalls. With A/S PLUS, you get advanced durability that zones in on the pressure points that generally weaken when air pressure reduces in your tires. Even if you run for a few days to a week or so, your sidewalls will retain their structural integrity thanks to this key element.
1,709 / 6,836 total load capacity
UTQG of 500 AA A
Perfect for Cars
- BrandMichelin
- ModelPilot Sport
- Weight35 lbs
C3M tire production for superior traction
Excellent addition to fuel economy (4MPG on average)
Steel cord belts for improved durability
Like the partner model of Michelin’s famous tire at our #1 pick, the warranty on this model leaves something to be desired
Poor winter/snow performance
7
Michelin Primacy
Rain and light snow don’t stand a chance to your Primacy set. Sporting the capabilities to hold up to over 5,000lbs in total load capacity and rocking a superior UTQG rating, these tires offer you internal steel belts for added durability. Excellent road traction lowers treadwear while improving your fuel economy.
Some users have reported cracking on the sidewalls around 40,000 miles, though there are no reported blowouts. BAZ technology improves your high-speed handling and performance, which can all be equipped to your sedan, minivan, or crossover vehicles. For an excellent all-around replacement price, you get immeasurable quality from one of America’s most-trusted names in tires: Michelin.
1,279 / 5,116 total load capacity
UTQG of 620 A A
- BrandMichelin
- ModelPrimacy
- Weight20 lbs
Excellent warranty, especially for Michelin
Surprising handling in 1/4-1/2” snow
Slow treadwear
You’ll have to endure a bit of road noise
Cracking along sidewalls reported around 40,000 – 45,000 miles
8
Continental Contiprocontact
Minimize noise while gliding on one of the best warranties we’ve ever seen. You’ll drive easy knowing that Continental has everything under control, including those high-speed turns. With nylon-wrapped twin steel cables and a unique tread pattern for maximum traction, you’ll be able to take corners like a stuntman.
While this tire is terrible in the winter, wet conditions such as rainstorms are handled as if they didn’t exist. Improved handling due to the active edges on the contact patch give you the ultimate protection and durability in stormy weather, no matter what. Enjoy the noise-free smooth ride as your fuel economy increases, and lean back while you reap the rewards of quality, durable tires.
1,389 / 5,556 total load capacity
UTQG of 500 AA A
- BrandContinental
- ModelContiProContct
- Weight24 lbs
80,000 mile tread life warranty
Improved high-speed performance
Reinforced stabilized interior tread area – twin steel cables + nylon
Pricey to replace whole set
Terrible in winter / snow handling
9
Michelin LTX M/S2
The well-rounded LTX comes with appeal on all sides—decent off-road and light snow handling, while giving you high-speed turn capabilities and excellent durability. Your warranty is good for up to 70,000 miles, giving you plenty of room to work with. These tires are going to cost you a bit more upfront, but last you for years to come—you can always take Michelin up on their 30-day “Test Drive” refund if you don’t feel immediate benefits.
This performance leaps forward compared to the other LTX models, focusing on an even performance across every possible weather condition. If it’s about to snow and you need to hit the road for last-minute items, you’ll be good to go. Rain or shine, you’ll feel like you’re gliding on a cloud the entire drive. You’ll get a touch of an increased noise from the triple steel belts within each tire, which give you the strength to hit the highway for days. All in all, you get a durable set that’s going to keep you out of the garage, and on the road where you belong.
2,535 / 10,140 total load capacity
UTQG of 720 A A
For vans, pickups and sport utility vehicles
- BrandMichelin
- ModelLTX M/S2
- Weight38 lbs
Great warranty
Unique tread pattern for ultimate handling
High cost
10
Pirelli Scorpion Verder
Pirelli produces quality while focusing on keeping your initial cost on the lower side. They want you using their tires over OEM, and they’ve got a few points to make. With high-speed performance on turns and stability, you’ll be double-checking your MPH and readjusting how you push down on the throttle.
Between city and highway, you’ll get close to their 65,000 mile warranty before encountering issues (bonus—there’s no time limit on the warranty). While we’re not going to recommend these for snow travel, they’re phenomenal in the rain, and handle themselves well enough off-road. The unique tread pattern keeps you stable, riding easy, and most of all, these tires keep money in your pocket.
2,149 / 8,596 total load capacity
UTQG of 740 A A
65,000 mile warranty
For light trucks and sport utility vehicles
- BrandPirelli
- ModelScorpion Verde
- Weight32 lbs
Superb warranty; unlimited time + 65,000 miles
Excellent price; outfit your car for a low cost
Improves fuel economy
Poor winter/snow performance
Produces whirring sound while in use
11
Continental Crosscontact
Continental is all about getting a great ride out of your vehicle, which is why they make their tires so affordable. You can outfit your vehicle in new Crosscontacts for a median price, and put the power of EcoPlus technology between your car, and the road. Specific components increase treadwear, allowing you to enjoy your tires for years to come.
These tires operate quietly, cutting out any whirring sounds you may hear with other tires. Increase your fuel efficiency while receiving phenomenal traction in rain, light snow, and a bit of off-road handling for the dirt road traveler. These tires are ideal for light duty trucks and crossovers, giving you ultimate control up to 95MPH with a slight wobble after that peak speed.
2,403 / 9,612 total load capacity
UTQG of 740 A B
For light trucks and sport utility vehicles
- BrandContinental
- ModelCrossContact
- Weight40 lbs
70,000 mile warranty
Quiet operation
Narrow width
Slightly less handling post 95MPH
All Season Tire Buying Guide & FAQ
Ever wanted to know how much really goes into a set of tires? We’re about to tell you. It’s not just a hunk of rubber full of air—there are tactical and logistic components to them that you may not have even realized. Let’s jump into it.
Should I Invest In All Season Tires?
All season tires are less expensive than most other types, and provide excellent benefits. However, the best way to tell if they’re really right for you is by asking yourself a couple of questions, which we’ve outlined here.
Do I experience improper handling while driving?
It could be that your tires are worn, or you’re using the wrong type. All season tires provide you with improved traction and handling in just about every circumstance (except extreme winter, which we’ll get into in a moment).
Do I have trouble in the rain?
Another situation where the traction comes into play. For the most part, we don’t think twice about hopping in the car when it’s raining. Having all season tires between you and the road improves your ability to move seamlessly throughout the rain.
Are my tires in their warranty?
Chances are, your current tires are not within the normal realm of your warranty. All season tires come with excellent warranties, some even supporting up to 90,000 miles of treadwear, so you can always utilize that warranty when you’re in need of repairs or replacements and your budget isn’t what it used to be.
Benefits of All Season Tires
All seasons tires are awesome, but don’t just take our word for it—take a glance over some of the key features behind all season tires and why they’re the top pick of, well, just about everyone.
- Longer Treadwear: You’ll actually burn through them slower. Yeah, sounds crazy, but it’s true. They’re designed to evenly wear across the entire tire, so you don’t end up replacing them within the first year.
- Quiet Operation: Any time you’re in a car, it’s rather quiet, right? Depending on the size of your vehicle, your tires may be part of the reason you hear a whirring sound when you’re barreling down the highway. All season tires and their unique tread designs stay smoother longer, so you don’t hear annoying low-pitched sounds while you’re driving.
- Less Pricey Than Other Types: Durable and more affordable? Yeah—it’s true. There’s a much higher demand for all season tires, and as a result, the supply and demand mechanics work in your favor. You have so many competitors trying to win you over and get in the spotlight, and you get to benefit from that.
- Warranties: All season tires are meant to last, and manufacturers want you to know it. That’s why they slap 90,000+ mile warranties on their tires, so you know you’re riding on their good word.
Types & Factors to Consider When Buying All Season Tires
With any purchase, there are a few factors to consider before checking out.
- Load Capacity: A standard car runs about 4,000lbs, and between the four of your tires, you need enough to handle that, plus passengers, plus some cargo. Our top pick gives you a max load of 1,653lbs per tire, or just over 6,600lbs in total. Basically, don’t transport a bunch of cinderblocks in the trunk of your sedan, and you’ll be fine.
- UTQG: If you’re not familiar, this standard for Uniform Tire Quality Grade. Comprised of various elements, such as treadwear, traction and resistance to temperatures, this metric measures the safety rating of your tires, and their overall quality.
- Fuel Economy: According to Bill VandeWater, an auto expert at Bridgestone Firestone North America, you can see as much as a 20% increase in your fuel economy by choosing the appropriate tires for your vehicle.
Understanding the Design of All Season Tires
All season tires are a very focused piece of equipment for your car. They’ve been designed to work perfectly between the realm of safety and performance, all while remaining durable and versatile. For the common commuter, the weekend warrior and the busy dads out there, all season tires provide the perfect blend of safety in adverse weather conditions.
That being said, when the newscasters say to stay out of the snow, your all season tires are really not meant to handle those conditions, and you should abide by the weather forecast. We all know the weatherman is wrong (a lot), but your all season tires were not designed to handle snow and ice. It’s best to plan ahead, or equip your other vehicle with snow tires.
Types of Tread Patterns, Performance, and How Long They Last
Ever wondered why your treads are they way they are? It’s not by accident or just to “look cool,” they all serve their own functions. Let’s get into it.
- Unidirectional: Designed to move in a single direction. These are standard on most cars, and they require rotations more than any other type. They’re only set to move in one way, one direction, so they wear down a lot faster on key points. Ever thought that getting your tires rotated was just a scheme for mechanics to get more money? Well, there’s actually a reason.
- Symmetrical: Able to be rotated in different ways, these last for a really long time (on average). Due to the groove patterns, you’re able to even out the wear-and-tear on these tires so you don’t run through them too quickly.
- Asymmetrical: You’ll find these on muscle cars and sports cars. These combine a few different tread pattern standards to give you excellent grip, especially if you’re heading at a high speed. You get excellent grip on both wet and dry surfaces.
Are All Season Tires Good in Snow?
There’s a big misconception between the terms all season, and snow (or winter) for your tires. They are most definitely not good in snow. Here’s a summary for each tire type to better point out their primary differences:
All Season Tires – Perfect for wet roads and slippery trails, these are the best option for summer road trips without having to worry about a rainstorm on the GPS getting in your way. This also means that light bits of snow or slush on the road aren’t going to stand a chance against your new tires, but don’t push the envelope. Pushing through a bit of slush is alright, but when the roads haven’t been plowed yet, your all season tires are going to know it.
Snow (Winter) Tires – Icy roads, snowfall and some inclement conditions are the perfect opponent for snow tires. If your home is set far back on your property and you’re not planning on snow blowing or shoveling your entire driveway to the road (and nobody could blame you), you’ll need tires that are going to get over all of that mess. That’s where snow tires come in, also making for safer travel on roads that have yet to be plowed, late night drives with black ice patches, and other types of winter weather conditions.
You May Also Like: Tire Size Calculator
Sources
- Winter & Snow Tires vs. All Season Tires, Bridgestone
- Tire Tread Patterns – What do the Different Patterns Mean?, Pep Boys
- Tire Tread Patterns, Tire Rack
- Carefully Consider Fuel Economy, How Stuff Works