All-season tires are the most popular type on the market. They’re designed to handle various weather conditions, including snow and ice. Plus they give a nice, smooth ride and they have a long tread life. All-season tires come standard on most cars. But when it comes time to replace them, which should you choose?
Consumer Reports recently tested more than 80 all-season tires. It tests tires for 14 different criteria, including stopping distances on a variety of surfaces. And to determine treadwear, tires are driven 16,000 miles on public roads in West Texas and routinely measured to determine how long they should last.
Gene Petersen, who oversees the testing, says: “Many all-season tires have high mileage warranties. Those would be warranties above 70,000 miles. But our comparative tests show that some tires just don’t last as long as others.”
In the end, Consumer Reports named these Top Picks:
- All-season sedan tire:
Michelin Defender, $120
- All-season performance tire:
Continental PureContact, $112
- All-season tire for SUVs and trucks:
Michelin LTX MS 2, $190
When shopping, Consumer Reports says to always factor in the total cost. Some retailers charge $10 to $15 for tire installation. And you may have to pay a fee for disposing of your old tires.
More tire-buying advice is available from Consumer Reports.
Complete Ratings and recommendations on all kinds of products, including appliances, cars & trucks, and electronic gear, are available on Consumer Reports’ website. Subscribe to ConsumerReports.org.
