In the 245/45R19 tire size, Tire Rack can offer snow tires in two distinct categories; Studless Ice and Snow and Performance Winter Snow tires. For those that have not yet had the need for dedicated snow tires (or did not have options in the past), the differences are subtle but important to differentiate as choosing the wrong category could result in disappointment.
Studless Ice and Snow tires feature an aggressive (knobby) tread pattern, advanced rubber compounds and low speed ratings in an effort to maximize deep snow and ice traction when conditions are at their worst. Due to the larger amount of void between the tread blocks (needed to move snow and slush out of the way quickly), the tread blocks will squirm at highway speeds creating a somewhat "unsettled" feeling most noticeably when the tires are brand new. It has been my experience that if the bulk of your travels take you down roads that are not plowed / or salted often enough, then the Studless Ice and Snow tires are exactly what you need. They will maximize your grip in the worst conditions. In the 245/45R19 size, Michelin X Ice Xi3 is the only Studless Ice and Snow option we have access to that has sufficient load capacity.
Performance Winter Snow tires feature a slightly less aggressive tread pattern and higher speed ratings aimed at keeping tread squirm to a minimum while still offering enhanced light snow and ice traction. Developed for the European market, Performance Winter Snow tires will provide better dry and wet traction than their Studless counterparts but at the expense of snow deep snow and ice capablity. If the local road crews keep up with heavy accumulations very well and you like your car to handle (fairly) well at highway speeds, this is the category for you. For proper load capacity, the Bridestone Blizzak LM-32, Dunlop WinterSport 3D and the Pirelli Winter 240 SottoZero Series 2 are our options for 245/45R19 and the Pirelli Winter SottoZero Series 3 is the lone option in 245/35R21 out of all the brands we carry.
To be clear, even the least effective dedicated snow tire will outperform the most capable all season tire when cold weather hits. To best suit your needs, we just need to know what expectations you have given (expected) road conditions and your driving style.
As always, feel free to drop me a note or call in with questions !
For more winter tire Tech, click here !
Studless Ice and Snow tires feature an aggressive (knobby) tread pattern, advanced rubber compounds and low speed ratings in an effort to maximize deep snow and ice traction when conditions are at their worst. Due to the larger amount of void between the tread blocks (needed to move snow and slush out of the way quickly), the tread blocks will squirm at highway speeds creating a somewhat "unsettled" feeling most noticeably when the tires are brand new. It has been my experience that if the bulk of your travels take you down roads that are not plowed / or salted often enough, then the Studless Ice and Snow tires are exactly what you need. They will maximize your grip in the worst conditions. In the 245/45R19 size, Michelin X Ice Xi3 is the only Studless Ice and Snow option we have access to that has sufficient load capacity.
Performance Winter Snow tires feature a slightly less aggressive tread pattern and higher speed ratings aimed at keeping tread squirm to a minimum while still offering enhanced light snow and ice traction. Developed for the European market, Performance Winter Snow tires will provide better dry and wet traction than their Studless counterparts but at the expense of snow deep snow and ice capablity. If the local road crews keep up with heavy accumulations very well and you like your car to handle (fairly) well at highway speeds, this is the category for you. For proper load capacity, the Bridestone Blizzak LM-32, Dunlop WinterSport 3D and the Pirelli Winter 240 SottoZero Series 2 are our options for 245/45R19 and the Pirelli Winter SottoZero Series 3 is the lone option in 245/35R21 out of all the brands we carry.
To be clear, even the least effective dedicated snow tire will outperform the most capable all season tire when cold weather hits. To best suit your needs, we just need to know what expectations you have given (expected) road conditions and your driving style.
As always, feel free to drop me a note or call in with questions !
For more winter tire Tech, click here !
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