May 14, 2026
We’re here to settle the debate once and for all: should I buy winter tires when I already have an All-Wheel Drive vehicle? As much as we love AWD vehicles, they are not invincible on snowy road conditions. We’ll show you what winter tires and AWD systems actually do and help you understand their benefits and whether you should invest in a new set of winter tires this season.
AWD vs Winter Tires: Which Offers Better Snow Grip?
AWD is seen as a superior drivetrain when it comes to snowy and icy conditions and for good reason! AWD sends torque to all four tires for better traction and acceleration. Since 2WD and Rear-Wheel Drive systems deliver power to only two wheels at a time, you have twice as much grip for smooth acceleration in snow.
Does that make AWD vehicles with all-season tires better than a vehicle with winter tires? Not necessarily.
AWD vehicles can accelerate better in snow because all four wheels are working together, giving you better traction if your car is caught in thick snow. But when it comes to braking ability in snow, AWD vehicles still have some weaknesses on slippery surfaces. AWD systems help with acceleration but don’t offer the same support in terms of turning and braking.
AWD vehicles will definitely be better at getting through snowy parking lots and driveways, but when it comes to safety on the road, all-season tires don’t match the performance that winter tires deliver in those slippery conditions.
For the best success on the road this winter, we suggest you put winter tires on your AWD vehicle for the best traction, braking, and acceleration in snowy conditions.
Benefits of Dedicated Winter Tires for Safety and Braking
Choosing to install a set of winter tires is a big step. It’s an extra expense when you could ride with your all-season tires all winter long, but winter tires are a gamechanger when it comes to winter driving. All-season tires are fine in the snow, but winter tires are designed to help you accelerate, turn, and brake more smoothly when there’s snow and ice on the pavement.
We recommend using winter tires especially if your vehicle is only a 2WD so you can brake sooner and get out of deep snow without having to break out the shovel.
Winter tires are designed with a soft rubber that flexes below 45 degrees fahrenheit (7 celsius), delivering more surface area to the road for better grip. Their deep tread voids allow drivers to dig up snow so they can keep moving forward. These deep treads and biting edges on the tires help channel away slush and grip icy and snowy surfaces.
Best Winter Tire Options for SUVs and Trucks
Michelin X-Ice Snow
These studless snow tires are ideal for SUV and truck applications. Designed with deep, diagonal tread voids, these snow tires are built to grip the white stuff so you can drive with peace of mind. Their performance against slush and hydroplaning is impressive thanks to its rubber inclusion technology that absorbs water for better grip on slippery surfaces.
Not only are they built for performance, they’re also built to last. The X-Ice Snow tires are the longest lasting snow tires in Michelin’s lineup, giving you more value for many winters to come.
Cooper Discoverer Snow Claw
Designed for trucks and SUVs, the Snow Claw digs into icy roads for extra traction. Even in the coldest conditions, this tire can adapt to the road with a firm grip thanks to its compound flexibility and studs for deeper traction. Its Snow-Groove™ Technology traps snow in its outermost tread voids so the center trendline can continue to push through heavy snow for greater handling and braking performance.
Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1
The Falken Winterpeak F-Ice 1 is engineered to meet harsh winter road conditions. Their dense, deep sipes deliver more tread surface for superior braking on icy surfaces. Armed with studs, this tire has exceptional traction for snowy and slushy surfaces for all-around winter performance. Flexible in extreme cold, this tire can adapt to the road better than all-season alternatives.
How to Store Winter Tires in the Off-Season
So, the snow is starting to melt and the temps are rising. Now’s the time to take off the winter tires and store them properly, so they can be at their best for you next year. First, we recommend you clean your tires to make sure the grime on your tires doesn’t damage them over the off-season. Next, you’ll need a place to store your tires.
You should store your winter tires in a cool, dark place away from sunlight. That’s typically going to be your basement. If you don’t have a basement, keep them in your garage away from the sun and do not set them on the concrete to avoid wet surfaces. Try to avoid rooms that can reach above room temperature like an attic. We also recommend purchasing some storage bags to keep them from getting wet or drying out, both of which are bad for your tires’ health.
