Winter tire ratings
With all the researches, studies, and tests conducted on tires, there
should be no reason why one has to get stuck with the wrong tire for
your vehicle. Here are some winter tire ratings compiled after testing
a dozen types.
Fortunately, the tests showed that winter tires are continually
improving over time. This means that nowadays finding the right winter
tire for your vehicle that meets your standards and needs should not be
that difficult as it used to be. Studies on the use of studded tires as
compared to un-studded ones reveal that studs may prove harmful than
helpful on the road.
Despite the name they carry, all-season tires may not prove useful in severe winter storms. Unlike winter tires, all-season tires have less biting edges that will enable them to have a better grip in icy and snowy conditions. Even in freezing temperatures, winter tires will remain flexible. But compared to all-season tires, winter tires may be of less use on clear roads and will wear off easily. That is why they are normally taken off when the spring months come as they not have the same tread-wear grades similar to that of all-season tires.
After previous tests conducted, many winter tire models have been introduced to the public as replacements for all-season models that poorly faired in the tests. Many familiar models got impressive ratings though. This included models like the Blizzak WS-50 from Bridgestone and the Ultra Grip Ice from Goodyear.
Braking and handling tests were likewise conducted on the same winter tires. These were held over dry, snowy, wet, and icy surfaces to see how the models fair in these road conditions. The same tests were likewise run for the all-season tires. Of course, since winter tires are specially designed for low-temperature weathers, their overall scoring weighted heavily on their performances on these conditions. Further, winter tire models were not tested for low rolling resistance and tread life, they weren't tested for those attributes.
The use of studs on snow and winter tires were likewise tested, and unfortunately studded winter tires revealed unsatisfactory ratings. Studs are those metal posts that are imbedded into the treads. The tests showed that these studs hardly made a difference on packed snow regarding traction. Also, similar tests revealed that additional studs means additional noise compared to non-studded treads. This plus the fact that they chew up pavements, thus, explains why most states prohibit the use of studded tires in non-winter months, although some states have banned their use entirely.
Despite the name they carry, all-season tires may not prove useful in severe winter storms. Unlike winter tires, all-season tires have less biting edges that will enable them to have a better grip in icy and snowy conditions. Even in freezing temperatures, winter tires will remain flexible. But compared to all-season tires, winter tires may be of less use on clear roads and will wear off easily. That is why they are normally taken off when the spring months come as they not have the same tread-wear grades similar to that of all-season tires.
After previous tests conducted, many winter tire models have been introduced to the public as replacements for all-season models that poorly faired in the tests. Many familiar models got impressive ratings though. This included models like the Blizzak WS-50 from Bridgestone and the Ultra Grip Ice from Goodyear.
Braking and handling tests were likewise conducted on the same winter tires. These were held over dry, snowy, wet, and icy surfaces to see how the models fair in these road conditions. The same tests were likewise run for the all-season tires. Of course, since winter tires are specially designed for low-temperature weathers, their overall scoring weighted heavily on their performances on these conditions. Further, winter tire models were not tested for low rolling resistance and tread life, they weren't tested for those attributes.
The use of studs on snow and winter tires were likewise tested, and unfortunately studded winter tires revealed unsatisfactory ratings. Studs are those metal posts that are imbedded into the treads. The tests showed that these studs hardly made a difference on packed snow regarding traction. Also, similar tests revealed that additional studs means additional noise compared to non-studded treads. This plus the fact that they chew up pavements, thus, explains why most states prohibit the use of studded tires in non-winter months, although some states have banned their use entirely.
Rating: 
