Best Truck Tires for Mud and Snow

Truck tires that have features specific for their target terrain can be lifesaving. This is especially true for challenging conditions, like mud and snow. While it might not be a hard and fast rule, using regular tires in mud and snow can be a mighty challenge. These tires are likely to get stuck and dig into the soft area underneath. They would also require frequent cleaning to get rid of the debris, and the gas mileage straight goes out of the window. Moreover, safety concerns prevail as well. As a result, attention is being paid specifically to the development of tires with features that enhance their performance in mud and snow.

Although a large number of truck tires are now available in the market that aim to excel under these specific conditions, there are a few that are superior to others. Here is a list of our favorite truck tires for mud and snow.

Top 5 picks for the best truck tires for mud and snow:

Here are your top 5 options for the task:

1. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Traction Radial Tire – 285/75R16 126P (Editor’s choice)
2. BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T/A Radial TireP245/75R16 109T ORWL
3. Westlake SL369 ALL TERRAIN radial Tire-285/70R17 117T
4. Toyo OPEN COUNTRY R/T All Terrain Radial Tire – 35/12.5R20 121Q
5. Nexen 15408NXK N’Priz Ah5 All-Season Radial Tire – 109S, 235/75R15X-Large

1. Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac Traction Radial Tire – 285/75R16 126P (Editor’s choice)

A Goodyear tire at the top, no surprise there…

Goodyear has come up with innovative ideas to enhance the performance of their tires in tricky conditions and in the eyes of many, it has come the closest to perfection. This 16-inch tire is one of their products that is built with TractiveGroove technology, which provides ample traction in these conditions. Generally, as the tires wear out their traction decreases, making them less able to cope with poor driving conditions. However, the TractiveGroove technology allows new water-removing channels to open as the tire tread erodes. This means that this tire can efficiently function in deep mud as well as snow, even after being used for a long time. To provide additional traction, this tire is equipped with highly angled center tread blocks, which also contribute in reducing noise production.

Another interesting feature of this Wrangler DuraTrac tire is that it comes with self-cleaning shoulder blocks, which allow the vehicle to drive smoothly through uneven land. It also has rim protectors installed, which protect the wheel from accidental damage. To improve comfort, the sidewall has been softened which does help but also makes them more compliant and more prone to swaying under load.

Pros:

• Excellent mud and snow traction
• Long tread life
• Minimal noise production
• Rim protector installed

Cons:

• Sidewalls are slightly more compliant than other tires

2. BFGoodrich Rugged Terrain T/A Radial Car Tire for Light Trucks, SUVs, and Crossovers, P245/75R16 109T ORWL

The best rugged terrain tire out there, in our opinion. Also the best looking…

This is a top rated 16-inch truck tire by BFGoodrich which is designed to provide a stable and comfortable ride under rough conditions, such as mud and snow. It has an aggressive tread pattern, meant to hold strongly on uneven area. Furthermore, it features two large circumferential grooves with the purpose of evacuating water, so that the grip of the truck on snowy terrain is not compromised. The tread design also imparts a bold look to the tire.

This all-terrain, radial tire is manufactured keeping in view the comfort and safety of the driver. Its construction saves the vehicle from a bumpy ride in all seasons, while being quiet and free of unwanted noise. Moreover, the tire is backed by a 50,000 miles treadwear warranty, and a 6-year standard limited warranty, making it a safe choice.

Pros:

• Top notch performance in all seasons
• Firm grip in snow and wet conditions
• Excellent traction on muddy and mushy land
• Bold looks
• Comes with warranty

Cons:

• Availability might be an issue

4. Toyo OPEN COUNTRY R/T All Terrain Radial Tire – 35/12.5R20 121Q

An amalgam of all-terrain and mud-terrain capabilities…

Toyo tires have taken the tire manufacturing industry by storm, as a result of their top quality products. This 20-inch all-terrain radial tire is one of these products. The tire is equipped with a myriad of innovative features, meant for increased traction in both snow and mud. These include the 3D multiwave sipes, that provide edges for a firm grip on wet and snowy roads. The entire circumference of the tire is covered by grooves that clear water, which might interrupt the vehicle when driving in snow. Moreover, the tread blocks have an interlocking pattern and a continuous rib, which facilitate the tire in operating on mud as well as dry areas.

The selling point of this tire is the tread compound, which is energy-efficient. Thus, the rolling resistance is decreased and a smooth ride is provided, even in challenging conditions. In addition to that, fuel consumption is also kept in check.

Such a terrific all-rounder is bound to come at a cost and this one follows the rule as well. All things considered, we still consider it to be adequately priced because it more than compensates for its price in terms of performance and usability.

Pros:

• Function easily in muddy area and snow
• Strong grip on wet roads
• Fuel efficient
• Feature mud ejectors
• Quiet ride

Cons:

• Expensive
• Measurements are tricky

5. Nexen 15408NXK N’Priz Ah5 All-Season Radial Tire – 109S, 235/75R15X-Large

Best mud and snow tire for those on a budget…

This 15-inch all-terrain tire by Nexen has been one of the most popular choices among customers, due to its elite performance under muddy and icy conditions. Its symmetrical and shallow tread pattern not only gives an overall elegant finish to it, but also provides steady grip and traction in poor driving conditions. The 235 mm wide section features multiple circumferential grooves. Thus, the tire is engineered to tackle snow storms on one hand, and muddy terrains on the other.

This product comes with a mileage warranty for up to 50,000 miles. Moreover, it is also backed by road side assistance which means that there can be free tow and tire change for up to 36 months. This allows the customers to make the purchase with a peace of mind. However, in reality, when these claims were put to the test, most of the tires did not fare up to them. Although not poor performing by any means, they do short fall of the rather exuberant manufacturer claims.

Pros:

• Smooth and steady drive
• Extensively reviewed
• Perform well in snow and mud
• Inexpensive
• Backed with warranty and road side assistance

Cons:

• Not durable
• Can get loud and noisy above the speed of 65 mph

How to choose the best mud and snow tire for your truck?

While the job of picking a tire suited for mud and snow has been made vehemently easy by the brands, choosing the tire that specifically meets your needs can still be quite challenging. It is of prime importance that the tire that you purchase is able to fulfill your driving requirements. In this respect, there are a few factors that need to be considered before making the choice.

1. The M +S Sign:

Mostly the tires that are engineered to be used in mud and snow have a “M +S” sign on their sidewalls. This sign indicates that the tire provides good traction in both these circumstances. Therefore, it is advisable to look for this sign when buying a tire for your truck if you intent to drive on mud and snow.

2. Tread Compound:

Another significant feature to keep an eye on, is the tread compound of the tire. While most tread materials are chosen based on their ability to provide a smooth ride, some materials are more suited for use in snow and mud. Rubber compounds are one of these favorable materials. They have the ability to withstand poor driving conditions, and also last longer than other materials despite the unfriendly driving area.

3. Sipes across the tread blocks:

Sipes are small slits in the tread blocks. These slits expand as the tire rolls, and stuff snow inside them. As the snow is packed in the sipes tightly, it results in block stiffness. Thus, the grip of the tire in snow is strengthened. Therefore, it is recommended to buy a tire that features sipes in its tread blocks.

4. Mud and Stone Ejectors:

The tires that are built to function optimally on mud and similar conditions often have mud and stone ejectors installed in their tread voids. These ejectors work by continually getting rid of any debris that might enter into the tread blocks and affect the ride. Therefore, it is important to choose the tire that is fitted with this handy feature.

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