Snow-plowing vehicles are used in heavy snow. Snow plowing is a truck-mounted snow removal technique. A vehicle removes snow and then salts it to transform it into water. The ultimate effect is a considerably safer road.
But if you want to use your vehicle (or truck) for snow plowing, you will need the appropriate snowplow tires. The finest snow plowing tires should have a good grip on varied conditions. They should work on snow, ice, and slush both packed and unpacked.
Also, these snowplowing tires must be able to endure heavy weight and pressure. They will be used mostly on large vehicles with plenty of equipment. Then there’s the weight of snow plowing on the tires. Pushing snow off of the road isn’t easy on the truck or the tires.
Choosing the proper vehicle should be easy. Almost every medium- and heavy-duty vehicle on the market can plow snow. Snow plowing is no problem for certain strong light vehicles. In short, there isn’t a terrible vehicle on the market right now. However, choosing the appropriate tires may be more complicated. The market is inundated with alternatives at all price tiers. Cheaper tires may seem sensible, particularly for businesses, but things aren’t that simple. What happens if your snow plow gets stuck? Then your tire savings become expenses.
This page will cover all snow plowing tire types. Sure, we’ll provide you with our list of the ten greatest snow plowing tires, which includes the most popular options now available.
The 10 Best Tires for Snow Plowing
- Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2
- Goodyear Wrangler Dura Trac Radial – 31X10.50R15LT 109Q
- Michelin LTX Winter
- Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 Tire
- Bridgestone Blizzak W965
- Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT LT
- Nitto Terra Grappler G2 All-Terrain Radial Tire
- General Grabber AT2
- Firestone Winterforce CV
- Mickey Thompson Baja ATZP3 All-Terrain Tire
#1. Michelin Latitude X-Ice Xi2
In its FleX-Ice tread compound, the Xi2 uses silica. FleX-Ice employs a silica-silane filler in large amounts to keep the tread flexible in cold conditions, reduce rolling resistance, improve wet grip, and extend tread life. With a 40,000-mile treadwear guarantee, Michelin promises its tread will last 75% longer than similar winter tires. While this isn’t as impressive as Michelin’s 90,000-mile guarantee on the Defender, it is noteworthy given that no other manufacturer gives any treadwear warranty on winter tires.
A 3-dimensional self-locking siping pattern, Michelin names theirs the Cross Z Sipe. Its sipes have the now-familiar zig-zag biting edge pattern, but the pattern’s tips are offset deep into the tread to one side or the other. To open the sipes and expose the gripping edges, this arrangement enables the tread blocks to flex yet keeps them together to avoid over-flexing. This avoids over-flexing of the tread block, which causes quicker wear and the “squishy” dry-road performance that everyone dislikes about snow tires.
Also, the Latitude has micro-sipes drilled into the tread blocks that generate a vacuum when the tread blocks flex, sucking up the least amount of water left on the road or ice sheet following water evacuation grooves. Leaving this thin layer of water between the surface and the tire’s contact area reduces friction, allowing tires to grip better. To improve lateral grip, the Latitude’s tread blocks contain siping at three angles.
The Latitude’s primary channel has a series of tiny elevated blocks staggered to provide a “caterpillar effect” under thick snow. The Latitude, like the Xi2 and Xi3 winter tires for vehicles, has two steel belts wrapped in nylon cords. It’s debatable if this improves performance, but Michelin’s dry-road performance from winter tires is typically spectacular, so I’m certain they know what they’re doing with them.
The Latitude X-Ice Xi2 excels in the light-to-moderate snowpack. Any SUV tire has a strong linear grip (acceleration and stopping power) and great lateral grip. However, the grip is rather progressive, and they recover exceptionally well with little steering input. Compared to Blizzak DM-V1s, they are marginally poorer on ice, but then every other winter tire is inferior on ice. The Latitudes suffer in thick snow, perhaps owing to a thinner tread than most other winter tires.
The Latitudes sparkle on dry roads with mild snow or rain. Winter tires aren’t ideal for dry road handling, but Michelin always manages to achieve a compromise. The steering is crisp and sensitive, and the tires handle quite well for winter tires.
Pros
- Perfect winter grip.
- Excellent dry-road handling
- Great treadwear
- A fantastic 40,000-mile treadwear guarantee is included
Cons
- Price is higher than others.
- In heavy snow, fair-to-middling visibility
#2. Goodyear Wrangler Dura Trac Radial
The new tractive grove technology means that the Goodyear Wrangler Dura Trac Radial – 31X10.50R15LT 109Q provides you with very sufficient traction in snowy conditions, as well as other unpleasant conditions such as mud – and where there is good traction, it means that you will have no issues with your vehicle skidding on slippery surfaces or when the brakes are applied.
Given the presence of the snowflake emblem on the Goodyear Wrangler Dura Trac Radial – 31X10.50R15LT 109Q tire, it is totally safe to use it in snowy circumstances.
Furthermore, it is constructed with high angled center tread blocks, which aid in boosting the grip capabilities of the tire while also lowering the noise that tires are notorious for producing, particularly when used to plow snow.
It is the purpose of the Goodyear Wrangler Dura Trac Radial – 31X10.50R15LT 109Q to protect your wheels from any kind of curb damage that may occur accidentally, particularly during winter weather when such regions are coated in a heavy layer of snow.
It is preferable for a tire to have a small section width while driving on snow, and the Goodyear Wrangler Dura Trac Radial tire, with a section width of 10.5 inches, is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The snowflake symbol – which is another way of indicating that something is suitable for snow
- Superb traction qualities
- It has received a lot of positive feedback on reviews
- The road noise design has received positive feedback from users
- It is from a well-known brand
Cons
- Some consumers have reported troubles with the Goodyear Wrangler Dura Trac Radial – 31X10.50R15LT 109Q in rough terrains, despite the fact that it performs flawlessly on the highway
#3. Michelin LTX Winter
With the exception of its hefty price, the LTX Winter is equipped with everything a snow plowing firm could possibly need.
To begin with, the LTX Winter is backed by a treadwear guarantee of 40,000 miles. Certainly, this is fantastic for a winter tire, but it is also superior to the limited guarantee offered by its nearest rivals.
On top of that, the LTX Winter performs well in snow, and it is one of the finest snow tires for trucks in terms of providing the driver with enough grip and braking capability. The performance over ice and slush is also extremely excellent.
The LTX Winter, as the last point, is very solid on the road, especially while towing a big trailer or hauling heavy loads in the bed, that is why no doubt they’re great for plowing snow.
Pros
- Excellent performance in freezing conditions
- Excellent snow traction can be achieved here.
- Robust and long-lasting
- Enhances the efficiency of the vehicle’s fuel system
- A great 40,000-mile treadwear guarantee is included
Cons
- Sidewalls that are softer decrease cornering performance
- Pricey
#4. Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003
The Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 Tire is an update to the former Geolandar M/T+ tire and is intended for use on all-terrain conditions. It is available in a variety of sizes.
The Geo-Shield design, which includes multiple sidewall steel belts, a complete nylon cap, and a high turn-up body for increased safety, Yokohama uses a high-thickness triple-polymer tread compound with high hardness.
The distinctive tread design of the Yokohama Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 Tire, along with the G003, provides excellent traction in off-terrain conditions such as mud, sand, and rocks. In general, off-road terrains benefit from having this feature.
The Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 Tire’s enhanced square to void ratio, along with its unique tread pattern, provides a dependable grip in a variety of conditions, including dirt, sand, mud, and rocks. The addition of advanced sipes around the tread area significantly improves the traction qualities in tough terrain environments.
On tarred surfaces, you’ll find that the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 Tire performs far better than you would expect from a snow-landscape tire. This track sequence is created with the assistance of a PC and reduces unwanted noise by a large amount. The Geolandar M/T G003 is a noticeable improvement over the more experienced MT types, and it is also one of the most stable MT tires in its class.
The tread life has been improved by the use of a triple-polymer composition, which Yokohama says is 8 percent more durable than usual tires. Current Yokohama offers to include 16-20 inch sizes in both LT and buoyant types, with more sizes arriving during the remainder of the year as demand warrants it.
Pros
- Very high rating for off-roading
- Due to the sheer variable pitch, there is less road noise
- Damage prevention features
- In comparison to the previous version, the tread life of the Yokohama Geolandar M/T G003 has been significantly increased, allowing it to survive far longer than before
Cons
- Difficulty using on rough terrain, although this shouldn’t be an issue if you don’t encounter it often
- If you live in a cold environment with ice or snow, this is not the best option
#5. Bridgestone Blizzak W965
If you don’t mind the fact that Bridgestone doesn’t provide a treadwear guarantee on the Blizzak W965, you’ll be getting one of the finest commercial-grade winter tires for snow plowing on the market right now.
UNI-T technology, which includes a unique Tube Multicell Compound, tiny pores, and circumferential microchannels, allows this tire to perform admirably in extreme winter weather conditions.
The W965, like many other Blizzak tires, melts the snow underneath it, forming a thin layer of water on the road surface. This significantly enhances traction in snow. Excellent traction on ice and slush is also provided.
Despite its age, the Blizzak W965 is still considered to be one of the greatest snow plowing tires available.
Pros
- Great snow traction
- Exceptional traction on ice and slush
- Excellent dry and wet handling qualities
- The 8-10 ply rating gives this a durable and strong tire
- Ride comfort is above average
Cons
- Limited sizes
- Tires are a little heavier than other types of tires.
- It would be nice if the tread life was a bit longer.
#6. Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice WRT LT
The Ultra Grip Ice WRT is equipped with Goodyear’s Winter Reactive Technology, which is designed to give great grip in snowy and slushy winter situations. The WRT is designed for drivers of coupes, sedans, minivans, crossovers, and trucks, and it is equipped with the most up-to-date tire technology for driving in constantly changing winter conditions.
A proprietary to Goodyear Winter Grip tire compound is combined with a directed tread pattern to give improved grip on snow and ice in temperatures below zero degrees Celsius. The sweeping grooves of the tire drain water and slush from under the tread, resulting in improved handling and hydroplane resistance.
Winter tires are put through their paces during braking and acceleration, and this tire, equipped with Goodyear’s Winter Reactive Technology, performs as well as any other winter tire in its class in these situations. While the 2-D sipes in the center zone help to enhance stopping and starting performance on snow or ice, the 3-D TreadLock Technology blades in the outside shoulder zones help to further boost traction and lock together for greater grip while cornering or turning.
A pair of steel belts that have been strengthened with nylon may be found within the tire, providing increased strength and longevity across the speed range. The use of a polyester cord body improves riding comfort while also promoting more even treadwear. A rim guard has been fitted to protect the wheels from damage caused by curbs and other obstacles.
Pros
- Great traction in slush
- Superb snow traction
- Excellent acceleration and braking grip
- The tires are quiet and comfortable
Cons
- The traction on bare ice might be a little better
#7. Nitto Terra Grappler G2 All-Terrain Radial Tire
A few all-terrain tires really perform well in snow, like the Nitto Terra Grappler G2.
The Nitto Terra Grappler G2 All-Terrain Radial Tire is intended to handle snow excellently. Their effect on snow and their comfort were praised by users.
Derived from the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 all-terrain radial tire, the new tread compound is intended to boost rough terrain resilience and tread life. On wet roads, the tire design has depth sipes. Generally, this new mix performs wonderfully. In addition to providing more contact with dirt, mud, sand, and other off-terrains, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 all-terrain Radial tire is puncture resistant.
To link the exterior center blocks to the outside blocks, the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 all-terrain radial tire uses coupling joints. Enhanced grip and handling are achieved by toughening the tread blocks of the Nitto Terra Grappler G2 all-terrain Radial tire
Noisy off-road tires have routinely turned many fantastic driving experiences into nightmares. These all-terrain radial Nitto Terra Grappler G2 tires include a computerized variable pitch tread pattern that eliminates noise problems for drivers and users.
This tire has two distinct sidewall patterns. There’s one that looks like the original Terra Grappler with the thunderbolt display, and another that has sidewall lugs running from shoulder to sidewall.
Pros
- Highly recommended
- Noise emission is at a minimum
- Off-road traction terrains are ideal for this tire
- Excellent on slippery or wet surfaces
Cons
- Difficulty navigating in thick mud
- The performance on the most difficult off-road terrain is poor
#8. General Grabber AT2
This model fits pick-ups, SUVs, and small trucks. It weighs 40.2 lbs, indicating it is stiff and strong. Its rim, section, and aspect ratio are 16′′, 255mm, and 70. This tire’s entire construction can efficiently lift 1764 lbs.
This tire’s pattern is symmetrical. There are five rows of tread block designs. Every row has adequate traction edges and sipes, and the grooves are deep and broad enough to self-clean. The sidewalls are also aggressively textured for off-road use.
The Duragen technology was used to create the rubber-silica tread compound for this tire. Its composition is flexible enough for snow conditions while being cut and tear-resistant.
This tire’s guarantee is 6 years or 60,000 miles, except flotation and LT. The first year or 2/32′′ wearing warranty covers homogeneity.
This model’s dry traction is 85% effective. It offers 80% cornering stability, 90% dry traction, and 80% steering responsiveness. The five-row tread blocks with many aggressive traction edges and sipes are a big part of this. It improves off-road and on-road grip. The silica in its tread compound also contributed to its traction. This tire’s total off-road performance is 85%. It performs well in 90 percent dirt, 84 percent sand, 81 percent muck, and 86 percent rocky conditions.
The aggressive numerous traction edges and sipes successfully grip in tough off-road situations. The depth and breadth of its grooves also encourage self-cleaning.
This model’s total wet traction performance is 85%. It can withstand 85% aquaplaning and 85% wet traction. The tiny sipes and numerous tread block patterns can grip wet roads well. The grooves may also move water away from the tire.
This all-terrain tire has 85% effective snow traction. It has 89 percent traction in light snow and 88 percent traction in heavy snow. On ice, traction is 77 percent dependable.
Multiple tread blocks, micro sipes, and winter studs fixed into its compound provide it with these performances. Its grooves prevent snow accumulation, which lowers traction. Despite its aggressiveness, this tire reduces noise by 74%. This model’s numerous tread block designs are meant to reduce noise levels.
On paved roads, anticipate a stronger rumbling sound though loud noises never influence quality or performance. This tire provides an 81 percent pleasant ride and balanced steering response on normal and off-road surfaces. Due to the tread block’s size and layout, it provides a more straight-line ride.
Pros
- Increased tread life at low cost
- Cost-effective and fuel-efficient
- Performance on paved roads is smooth and well-balanced
- Excellent off-road and winter traction
Cons
- Noise reduction still has to be improved
- Not very effective on both dry and rainy roads
- No warranty for treadwear for LT-metric models
#9. Firestone Winterforce CV
The Firestone Winterforce CV is a winter tire suitable for commercial vehicles that are designed for highway terrain. A variety of delivery vans and trucks, as well as multi-purpose vehicles capable of transporting huge goods, were designed to accommodate the device.
The tire provides excellent traction in snowy and icy conditions. The directed tread pattern, along with the winter compound, improves the road holding abilities in freezing temperatures. If you’re driving on ice or snow-covered roads, the five-rib tread design includes a full depth high-density sawtooth sipe detail, which increases the number of biting edges that grasp the road surface while increasing the number of biting edges that grip the road surface. Because of the specific winter compound, the tire’s suppleness is maintained in lower temperatures, and it provides outstanding grip in all winter weather situations. Hydroplaning is prevented by the circumferential and lateral grooves on the tires. These products remove slush and water from the footprint and keep the tire’s road contact constant, hence increasing driving safety in wet and icy conditions.
The model has outstanding controllability because of its design. With its continuous tread block sequence and specific tie bars, the directed tread pattern helps to keep the tread element stable even when snow plowing. The tread stability keeps the tread from bending, which increases the tire’s road contact with the road surface. This improves the quickness of the steering as well as the overall driving stability. Consequently, improved road contact increases steering reaction time and accuracy to the driver’s inputs, while also stabilizing the structure against the driving pressure that affects it during the drive. This enables the tire to increase its control and maneuverability while also providing a more secure performance overall.
Its internal structure is composed of a strengthened steel belt architecture and a polyester casing, which work together to maintain the tire’s best form under a variety of driving and load pressure conditions. They help to increase the tire’s road contact while also promoting uniform pressure distribution throughout the tire. This enables the tire to boost its load handling capacity, which in turn increases the load-carrying, withstanding, and power capabilities of the tire overall. Because of the increased load capacity, the tire’s application variety is increased, making it ideal for commercial applications.
Pros
- Great snow traction
- Excellent in Slush and ice
- Tough commercial tire
Cons
- There is no warranty on treadwear
#10. Mickey Thompson Baja ATZP3 All-Terrain Tire
The Mickey Thompson Baja ATZP3 All-Terrain Tire has an enhanced support rib design and a better rough terrain grip to meet the difficulty of driving on icy ground. It is designed to reduce lug shredding.
The Mickey Thompson Baja ATZP3 traction design has been commended by many consumers for the completely open circumferential groove that allows it to drain water while maintaining an excellent grip.
Despite the Mickey Thompson Baja ATZP3 off-road tire’s tough construction, the shoulder helps reduce noise. The slanted sides and ribs design prevent snow from adhering to the tire tread.
The model has outstanding controllability because of its design. With its continuous tread block sequence and specific tie bars, the directed tread pattern helps to keep the tread element stable even while the tires are in motion, according to the manufacturer. The tread stability keeps the tread from bending, which increases the tire’s road contact with the road surface. This improves the quickness of the steering as well as the overall driving stability. Consequently, improved road contact increases steering reaction time and accuracy to the driver’s inputs, while also stabilizing the structure against the driving pressure that affects it during the drive. This enables the tire to increase its control and maneuverability while also providing a more secure performance overall.
Its internal structure is composed of a strengthened steel belt architecture and a polyester casing, which work together to maintain the tire’s best form under a variety of driving and load pressure conditions. They help to increase the tire’s road contact while also promoting uniform pressure distribution throughout the tire. This enables the tire to boost its load handling capacity, which in turn increases the load-carrying, withstanding, and power capabilities of the tire overall. Because of the increased load capacity, the tire’s application variety is increased, making it ideal for commercial applications.
Pros
- One of the highly recommended
- Extremely long-lasting
- Very suitable for use on slick pavements and rough terrains
Cons
- The Mickey Thompson Baja ATZP3 all-terrain tire’s stiffness has long been a concern, but it’s due to its anti-puncture qualities
Why Choose The Right Tires For Snow Plowing
Making the greatest tire options for your snow plow vehicle is extremely important. It provides you with the traction and mobility you need to safely, efficiently, and effectively move the layers of snow that make driving in the winter dangerous for vehicles.
Improved Snow Road Performance
A chilly environment may cause the rubber to freeze. This may cause traction loss and tire skating on ice. Both studded and studless snow tires are composed of rubber blends that are flexible in freezing temperatures. On snowy roads, it has more grip than AT (All-terrain) tires.
Winter Technology
Winter tires contain a soft rubber composition that remains flexible even as temperatures drop, allowing them to adapt to the road for more controllable handling when the temperature drops. They feature distinctive tread patterns that help to improve grip on snow and ice by allowing places for water to drain and snow to be removed. Deep sipes, which are tiny slots inside the tread that aid in the passage of water and slush, preventing hydroplaning and enhancing grip, are often required for them. Not only is grip important for avoiding becoming stuck, but it also contributes to the car’s ability to stop and maneuver.
How To Choose A Right Tire for Snow Plowing
If you want the finest snow tires widely available, watch out for the following features before making a purchase. There are many different types of snow tires commercially available.
Size of Tires
If you’re purchasing a new set of wheels and tires, you should compare them to the ones that came with your vehicle when it was new to ensure that everything remains consistent. Using an equal tire size since it is the same as the OEM is typically the most straightforward option.
For example, if you have 18-inch wheels on your vehicle but the base model came with 17-inch wheels, you will almost certainly have to downsize your wheels and tires since the vehicle was built from the factory to accommodate the lower size. You’d most likely save money this way, which is a good thing.
Narrow tires help avoid tires getting stuck. Consult the sticker on the sidewall of your automobile to find out what size tires you need. Remember to maintain the wheel and tire diameters the same as when the automobile was new. Incorrectly calibrating traction control, speedometer, and other components of the automobile might cause serious damage.
Tires’ Brake Performance
Snow tires’ design greatly affects braking and handling, which is why they are required. AT tires lose traction and adaptation when the temperature drops below 7°C. Better tires will help your car slow down and turn more reliably.
Replace All Wheel Tires
Don’t merely replace the back or front tires when switching to snow tires. Rather, replace all the wheels to guarantee that the vehicle is balanced on both sides. Experts also recommend replacing all tires with the same brand to guarantee consistent wear. This will also increase their resale value.
Snowflake Symbol
A good snow tire has a snowflake symbol. This symbol allows for winter usage. The snowflake emblem may not indicate much, but it does suggest that a tire is snow-worthy.
Conclusion
Saving money on tires may not be a good idea. Cheap tires lack traction, are less durable, and can be more expensive over time. It doesn’t mean to get the priciest tires. Fortunately, several budget-friendly tire manufacturers provide good winter and all-terrain tires for 10-20% off the most pricey tires. That is, only get excellent snow plow tires from well-known manufacturers. They will undoubtedly clear the snow!
