Winter driving can be treacherous, especially in regions with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures. It’s crucial to have the right tires that can handle these harsh conditions to ensure your safety on the road. In this article, we will discuss the top five best severe winter driving rated tires for 2021. These tires have the three peak mountain snowflake rating, indicating that they meet the strict winter traction performance requirements. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect winter tires for your vehicle.
What is a Three Peak Mountain Snowflake Rated Tire?
Before we discuss the top-rated tires, let’s understand what a three peak mountain snowflake rated tire means. When you see a small snowflake symbol on the sidewall of a tire, it indicates that the tire has been tested and rated for severe snow service. This rating ensures that the tire performs well in snowy and slippery conditions, as well as low temperatures. Most all-season tires do not qualify for the mountain snowflake symbol because their rubber compound becomes hard and brittle in cold temperatures. Only dedicated winter tires, all-terrain light truck and SUV tires, and some all-weather tires meet the qualifications for this rating.
Top Five Severe Winter Driving Rated Tires for 2021
1. Falcon Wildpeak AT3W
The Falcon Wildpeak AT3W is an industry favorite known for its exceptional performance in wear, winter traction, and wet conditions. It is designed with a proprietary silica compound that prevents the rubber from becoming hard and brittle in cold temperatures. This tire has the deepest grooves in its category, providing excellent snow and hydroplane resistance. The 3D zig-zagged canyon sides offer a suction-like grip on the road, enhancing handling stability during cornering, acceleration, and braking. The Falcon Wildpeak AT3W is also highly capable off-road, with rugged tread blocks, support ramps, and an aggressive upper sidewall.
2. Mickey Thompson Baja Boss All Terrain
The Mickey Thompson Baja Boss All Terrain tire has gained popularity for its impressive on and off-road performance capabilities. It features an asymmetrical tread design, which provides a balance of on-road and off-road performance. This tire excels in both categories, with the inner contact patch designed for on-road performance and the outer contact patch designed for off-road performance. The sidewalls of the Baja Boss are constructed with heavier and stronger denier cords, making them more resistant to cuts and punctures. This tire is available in various sizes, including LT flotation sizes.
3. Toyo Open Country AT3
The Toyo Open Country AT3 is a highly-regarded tire that offers excellent performance both on and off-road. It features a staggered s-shaped tread pattern with sharp and defined edges, providing exceptional grip and traction. The multi-wave sipes in the tread blocks and shoulder lugs enhance traction on ice, snow, and wet road conditions. Despite its aggressive tread design, the AT3 offers a quiet and smooth on-road handling experience. This tire is available in a wide range of sizes, including light truck sizes with raised sidewall cleats for additional protection and traction off-road.
4. BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain
The BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tire has long been a go-to choice for off-road enthusiasts. It recently received the three peak mountain snowflake rating, making it a top contender for severe winter driving. The KO2 features BFGoodrich’s CoreGuard technology, making the sidewalls 20% stronger than previous versions. With over 140 different variations in sizes and load range weight ratings, there’s a KO2 tire for every need. It also comes with a 50,000-mile warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee, adding confidence to its performance and durability.
5. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac
The Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac is a hybrid tire that offers a balance between mud-terrain and all-terrain capabilities. Its tread blocks are closely packed together throughout the center tread, optimizing traction performance during braking, accelerating, and on slippery surfaces. The shoulder blocks feature large evacuation treads to help clear mud, snow, sand, or debris for continuous traction. The tire also has aggressive side biters that provide additional protection to the sidewall and aid in traction in challenging off-road conditions. The Wrangler DuraTrac is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile tire for severe winter driving.
In conclusion, the top five best severe winter driving rated tires for 2021 are the Falcon Wildpeak AT3W, Mickey Thompson Baja Boss All Terrain, Toyo Open Country AT3, BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain, and Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac. These tires offer superior performance and traction in winter conditions while also providing great off-road capabilities. Remember to select the right tire size and load rating for your vehicle. Stay safe on the road this winter season by equipping your vehicle with these top-rated winter tires.
