Driving down a frozen single lane road, snow snakes start to appear and panic fills the car. The back left is the first to go, then the back right and then all of a sudden– the whole car is moving across the highway like a ball bearing on a frozen lake.
Related:Â Ski Pole Plunger = The Perfect Gift For A Skier
Winter driving commercials aside, There’s nothing more terrifying than the feeling of helplessness when your car begins sliding on the open road. So in order to give those white knuckles a rest and keep you safe, we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best winter tires for the 16/17 ski season.
*Tires help with icy/snowy conditions… not bad decision making.
Here Are The 5 Best Winter Tires For the 2016-2017 Winter Season
Michelin X-ice XI3
Michelin’s longest running winter tire is still a hit and for good reason. The middle of the road winter tire boasts stability and performance. Namely the zig-zag treads on the outside of the wheel create greater bite on icy and snowy surfaces.
Features
- Michelin’s longest-lasting winter passenger tire
- Advanced sipe technologies provide excellent handling
- Fuel-efficient design without sacrificing winter capabilities
- Progressive tread design engineered for maximum traction
Buy here:Â Michelin X-ice XI3
TOYO OBSERVE GSI-5
The Toyo Observe GSI-5 retains a tread with a focus on the diagonal sipes that line the interiors and walls of the tire. It’s that 3D feel that makes the tire feel exceptionally grippy on uneven terrain. So if you’re driveway is gravel in the summer, these might be the tires for you.
Features
- Unidirectional tread
- Multi-directional sipe technology
Buy here:Â TOYO OBSERVE GSI-5
Bridgestone Blizzak WS80
Bridgestone’s main winter offering, the Blizzak WS80 is much like the other options on this list in that it’s a top of the line tire that’s not afraid of snow and ice. What’s different is this tire is designed for smaller sedans and minivans– not necessarily SUV’s and trucks.
Features
- Confident stopping power on snow and ice
- Reliable handling on snow and slush
- Impressive grip and control in winter driving conditions
- Backed by Bridgestone’s Winter Tire Warranty
Buy here:Â Bridgestone Blizzak WS80
Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
Living in remote snowy places is full of inconveniences but thanks to Nokian’s Hakkapeliitta 8, driving isn’t one of them. This is one of the best studded tires on the market and if you need that extra bit of control– look no further.
Features
- Supreme grip under all winter conditions
- Lower fuel costs, quieter than prevous models, and less harmful on roads.
Buy here:Â Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8
Firestone WinterForce UV
Firestone’s WinterForce is one of the more affordable options coming it at just over $90 a tire. This tire is specific for light trucks and SUV’s and should be a favorite amongst Tacoma driving ski bums far and wide.
Features
- Pinned for #12 studs
- Directional tread pattern
- Hipe sipe density
Buy here: Firestone WinterForce UV