Wondering what the best snow tires are for your Jeep Wrangler?
In this article, we’ll break down what to look for when buying tires, whether you need snow tires, and what the best brands are.
Overview
Table could not be displayed.What to Look for When Buying Snow Tires
Since you’ll be braving the cold, snow tires need a careful selection process. Here are a few things you need to bear in mind.
Snow Tire Size
Generally, a Wrangler Jeep’s tire size will range from 15” – 17.” This would suffice under normal tasks and conditions. But if ever you need to level up to bigger tires, here are some options you may consider.
- 33″ – The good thing about this size is that it gives a larger sidewall and lets you reduce tire pressure accordingly without accidentally displacing your tire’s bead. Translation? You acquire a wide foot print that’s excellent for traction.
- 35″ – This size offers a wider foot print than that of the 33″ which is definitely going to be useful in light to moderate off-roading purposes. Although because it’s bigger and heavier, it can affect how your Wrangler Jeep runs, which in most cases lead to a slow performance.
- 37″ – This provides the widest amount of foot print of all the three while making your jeep appear ruggedly resilient. However, to take advantage of its features, modifying your Jeep (like trimming its body) is a must to be able to fit it. Be warned though, the rollover risk is very high.
Looking at your Wrangler Jeep’s tire sidewall also helps you accurately measure its actual size. For example, if the sidewall indicates 137/65R40; 137=width, 65=percentage, and 40=diameter. For further details on this matter, see How to Pick and Measure ATV Tires.
Studless Snow Tires vs Studded
These two may look the same at a quick glance but they certainly have their respective perks if you look closely.
Studless Snow Tires – These are famous for having a flexible composition that fights against cold weather conditions that freeze and make them rigid. They also contain deep tread depths that hold snow to enhance grip on the surface. With those said, studless snow tires work best on a fluffy/puffy snow surface.
Studded Snow Tires – These have all the features of studless snow tires plus the additional benefits of metal studs or claw-like structures that serve as hooks which cling to the surface for traction and prevent slipping. In other words, studded snow tires are very effective on a hard, glass-like surface.
When to Replace Snow Tires
Always use snow tires and other types as a set. Never buy only one or two and decide to mix and match them with the other tires. This is because you’ll end up compromising your Wrangler Jeep’s performance and traction, which has a direct impact on your safety.
As much as possible, search for new snow tires before your current ones are really worn out. You can tell that snow tires are beginning to wear out the moment their tread depth becomes 4/32.” You can inspect the tread depth by using the coin method. When the inverted head shows, it means it’s time for a replacement.
Bridgestone Blizzak Snow Tires
Buy on www.amazon.com/Bridgestone-Blizzak-Winter-Passenger-55R16/dp/B07VFCZ26F
The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is a top-lister on most snow tire brand reviews. But does it deserve to be in the highest spot?
What makes it the number one preference for most buyers is the fact that it has a special, 3D zig-zag sipes that effectively cling to the snowy surface for better stability, unlike its ordinary counterparts.
Not to mention, it’s also designed with circumferential and lateral grooves that keep water out, in order to prevent the possibility of slipping accidents.
However, since it’s made specifically to withstand harsh, cold environments, it’s can be pricey compared with other snow tires.
- Hydrophilic coating prevents water from getting in.
- Improves breaking control.
- Optimized footprint helps in weight balance for smooth movement.
- Really meant for winter season.
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- Can be “squishy” or noisy when dry.
- There’s a delay in steering.
- Vehicle specific.
- Can be expensive depending on the seller.
GOODYEAR Wrangler DuraTrac Snow Tire
Buy on www.amazon.com/Goodyear-Wrangler-DuraTrac-Radial-LT315/dp/B004QL66DY
The GOODYEAR Wrangler DuraTrac LT315/70R17 121Q takes the lead in off-roading where rough and uneven surfaces are always challenging.
This is because GOODYEAR Wrangler Duratrac can impressively endure low tire pressure which allows it to traverse paths that are a hybrid of snow and rocks.
One thing it does have in common with the Bridgestone Blizzak tire though, is it has zig-zag sipes and grooves, which provide a firm snow traction but not as detailed or advanced.
And an important feature of it is its sidewall is surprisingly resilient because it doesn’t get affected by sharp lava rocks from volcanic areas.
Its price can reach up to a thousand and anything in between depending on the size that you need.
- The little line tractions really work well on snowy surfaces.
- Also effective against water and mud.
- Doesn’t produce a noisy or disturbing sound.
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- Can be worth more than a thousand dollars.
- Can become cupped and feathered if not rotated.
Falken Wildpeak Snow Tire
Buy on www.amazon.com/Falken-WILDPEAK-Terrain-Radial-Tire-215/dp/B07WRM29GF
The Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail All- Terrain Radial Tire-215/60R17 96H may be an all-terrain type of tire but it also says a lot when it comes to snowy surfaces.
For one thing, its outstanding feature lies in its tread life which makes it appear new, no matter how much off-roading abuse it takes for more than 8,000 miles.
The Falken Wildpeak Tires is a combo of deep-tread sipes and blocks, for improved grip against slippery and uneven surfaces, as well as preventing water build ups.
- Reasonably affordable at more than a 100-dollar price.
- Stable enough on wet and muddy grounds.
- Also looks good on pickup trucks.
- Can be a bit noisy.
- Not as fuel efficient as other counterparts.
Cooper Evolution Snow Tire
Buy on www.amazon.com/Cooper-Evolution-Terrain-Radial-Tire-LT275/dp/B07RYHKRWD
Cooper Evolution M/T All-Season LT275/70R18 125/122Q Tire is also something that has the best of both worlds; one that can get you through mud and snowy conditions.
The reason behind such versatility is its center tread pattern design that combines sipes, blocks, and striped barriers. This means it provides not only optimal traction and water build up protection but also adds stone protection to prevent possible choking when on the road.
Plus, this tire is generally light and that applies to most of its variants.
- Gives proper and stable gripping.
- Also good on wet and muddy grounds.
- Works well on gravel surfaces.
- Only meant for light snowy surfaces.
- Needs to be studded to boost traction on snow.
- Also has little noise.
- A bit expensive.
Thunderer Snow Tire
Buy on www.amazon.com/Thunderer-All-Season-Radial-Tire-265-70R17/dp/B07F1PRL9W
Thunderer Trac Grip M/T R408 All-Season 265/70R17 127Q Radial Tire is a typical “lightning” on snowy surfaces where you need better traction.
But apart from handling snow, it’s also surprisingly manageable on sand due to its rib tread pattern with multiple or layered grooves. It just goes to show that it offers an acceptable middle ground for both average and challenging surfaces.
It fares well on mud and other sticky surfaces too.
- Good all rounder.
- Affordable.
- Effective on rough and flat surfaces.
- Not noisy.
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- For light rain and snow only.
- For minor off-roading.
Purpose of the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol
The three-peak mountain snowflake symbol is present in snow tires. But why is it so? The Rubber Manufacturers’ Association (RMA) created it as way of proving to consumers that snow tires bearing it are specifically designed to withstand extremely low-temperature conditions; thus, the term “severe snow service” was born. This is what sets snow tires apart from the all-terrain types. Although there are very few of the latter which also bears such a symbol.
Since the symbol itself shows a snow tire’s endurance level on hostile conditions, your need for it greatly depends on where you live. If you live in Wisconsin or New York, having snow tires for your vehicles is a good idea. If you happen to be in Canada, where snow is just about everywhere regardless of the winter season, your vehicles must be equipped with the symbol-bearing snow tires to ensure your safety, especially if you reside in the Ontario or Winnipeg regions, where very thick snow piles abound.
Conclusion
These are the 5 toughest snow tires for your wrangler jeep. Bear in mind that in choosing the right kind of tires for your jeep, you have to consider where you come from and your normal travel destinations. In turn, these will also help you evaluate your desired snow tires’ performance level and prevent catastrophic accidents. Share us your thoughts by commenting below.
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