The Best Tires for Rain: CoPilot’s 2023 Picks
Photo by Robert Laursoo on Unsplash
Tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle, especially when it comes to safety. Drivers who live in particularly weather-prone areas need to pay even closer attention to the quality and type of tires they purchase. We’ve rounded up some of the best models on the market to help you narrow down your search for the best tires for rain.
Michelin Defender LTX M/S
These reliable, all-season tires have been designed to outperform the competition in all types of weather conditions including snow and rain. As a top-of-the-line option, these tires are some of the priciest on the market. But as the saying goes - you get what you pay for.
The improved Defender LTX M/S tires offer a 10% more effective tread than previous versions, better traction and stopping distances than its competitors, and Michelin’s signature MaxTouch Construction to help reduce vibration and improve fuel consumption.
Specs
· Size: 15” – 22”
· Width: 215 - 305
· Ratio: 10.5 - 75
· Weight: 23 - 61 lbs
· Tread Depth: 11” - 14”
· UTQG Treadwear Rating: 720 – 800
· UTQG Traction Rating: A - AA
· UTQG Temperature Rating: A
· Speed Rating: H - Up to 130 mph / T - Up to 118 mph
· Warranty: 50,000 or 70,000 miles
· Price: $149 and up
Pros
· Available in a wide range of sizes
· Perfect for trucks and SUVs
· Delivers equally superior performance in heat, rain, or snow
· Excellent treadwear
Cons
· One of the pricier options on the market
· Not available for sedans
· Some road noise
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Yokohama AVID Ascend GT
Yokohama AVID Ascend tires are top-rated by Consumer Reports and well-loved by the consumers who own them. As one of the best tires for rain on the market, a set of AVID Ascend tires will also stand the test of time and deliver superior handling.
Specialized symmetric tread design helps ensure even wear, and Yokohama’s proprietary TriBlend compound delivers the best possible traction for both wet and dry road conditions.
Specs
· Size: 15” – 20”
· Width: 175 - 255
· Ratio: 40 - 65
· Weight: 18 – 30 lbs
· Tread Depth: 12”
· UTQG Treadwear Rating: 740
· UTQG Traction Rating: A
· UTQG Temperature Rating: A
· Speed Rating: H - Up to 130 mph / V - Up to 149 mph
· Warranty: 65,000 miles
· Price: $89 and up
Pros
· Reasonably priced
· Available for sedans
· Estimated tread life of 100,000 miles
Cons
· Not available for SUVs
· Some road noise
THE BEST USED MINIVANS ON THE MARKET
When it comes to hauling a lot of people and cargo, the minivan is hard to beat. We’ve factored in reliability, affordability, and functionality to create this curated list of the 8 best used minivans on the market today.
BFGoodrich Advantage T/A Sport
The BFG Advantage T/A Sport is one of the best tires for rain that you can get for the money. These impressive tires can be found for between roughly $100 to $200 per tire.
As one of the only tires to be rated “Excellent” by Consumer Reports for hydroplaning resistance, these are the tires you want to put on your kid’s or your wife’s car. If you don’t mind a bit of road noise and a slight hit to your vehicle’s fuel economy, a set of BFG Advantage T/A Sport tires will provide the safety and comfort you are looking for.
Specs
· Size: 15” – 19”
· Width: 185 - 265
· Ratio: 45 - 70
· Weight: 20 – 35 lbs
· Tread Depth: 10”
· UTQG Treadwear Rating: 600 - 660
· UTQG Traction Rating: A
· UTQG Temperature Rating: A
· Speed Rating: H - Up to 130 mph / V - Up to 149 mph
· Warranty: 60,000 – 70,000 miles
· Price: $91 and up
Pros
· Available for sedans and some SUVs
· One of the safest tires on the market
· Top-rated by Consumer Reports for hydroplaning resistance
Cons
· Mediocre fuel economy according to Consumer Reports
· Some road noise
Falken Sincera SN250 A/S
Consumer Reports found that these tires earned a “Very Good” rating for hydroplaning resistance, as well as a “Good” rating for wet braking. With a high manufacturer’s warranty, Sincera SN250 tires are perfect for either your daily driver or your road trip weekender vehicle.
Four specialized groove tracks ensure safe driving in wet road conditions, and a symmetrical rib design promotes even treadwear over a longer period of time. In addition, Falken’s signature Dynamic Range Technology helps ensure maximum grip during all kinds of weather conditions. For the best and most durable all-season tires on a budget, consider going with a set of Falken Sinceras.
Specs
· Size: 14” – 18”
· Width: 175 - 235
· Ratio: 45 - 75
· Weight: 16-30 lbs
· Tread Depth: 9” – 11”
· UTQG Treadwear Rating: 320-720
· UTQG Traction Rating: A-B
· UTQG Temperature Rating: A-B
· Speed Rating: H - Up to 130 mph / V - Up to 149 mph
· Warranty: 75,000 – 80,000 miles
· Price: $74 and up
Pros
· Very affordable
· Available for sedans and small vehicles
· Little to no road noise
· High mileage warranty
· Easily available from many retailers
Cons
· Not the best in heavy snow
· Not available for larger SUVs
· Lacking in performance at high speeds
THE BEST USED SUVS UNDER $10,000
We looked into price, reliability, features, and more to create this list of the best used SUVs under $10k on the market today. Take a look - some of the best used SUVs have gone mostly overlooked or forgotten.
Michelin CrossClimate®+
Need tires that also perform well in mud and snow? The Michelin CrossClimate® family has been top-rated by Consumer Reports across all areas including snow traction, wet braking and hydroplaning.
A specialized grip-maximizing tread compound delivers optimal control on wet road surfaces in any temperature. For the best safety ratings and peace of mind, you can’t go wrong with the CrossClimate® line. These tires come in Luxury Performance Touring, Light Truck, and SUV models to fit every kind of vehicle.
Specs
· Size: 15” – 18”
· Width: 195-235
· Ratio: 45-65
· Weight: 18-26 lbs
· Tread Depth: 9”
· UTQG Treadwear Rating: 600
· UTQG Traction Rating: A
· UTQG Temperature Rating: A
· Speed Rating: H - Up to 130 mph / Y - Up to 186 mph
· Warranty: 40,000 – 50,000 miles
· Price: $100 and up
Pros
· Long tread life predicted
· Solid ratings in every area by CR
· Superior handling and performance in rain
· Great for those needing a tire that can also perform in the snow
· Available in different models for various vehicle types
Cons
· Low mileage warranty
· Can be hard to find
Final Thoughts
When searching for the best tires for rain you should always be sure to check user reviews, double check that the model you are interested in will fit your vehicle, and look up the tire’s Consumer Reports rating. If you just want to quickly purchase a set of new all-season tires without the hassle, any of the tire models above are a solid option.
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