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Not every tire is designed for every road. If you're switching between backcountry trails and icy winter highways, the options you choose can result in reduced grip, unsafe driving, and even poor braking. All terrain tires are designed to be versatile, and capable of taking gravel, dirt, and even light snow.
But when streets become icy or snow-packed, snow tires (or winter tires) are at the forefront with deeper grooves and softer rubber compounds to grip and hold. At DWW, we have the largest selection of all terrain tires and snow tires with two-day shipping, a price match guarantee, and no-questions-asked returns. Have more technical questions about the tire performance? Call us at (800) 901-6003.
“If you’re tackling gravel roads, dirt trails, or light snow throughout the year, go with all terrain tire. They’re built for durability and versatility. But if winter means icy streets and deep snow, snow tires are the safer bet. ”
Shane N.
(Director of Sales)
So, how do you choose between all terrain tires vs. snow tires? Here, we’ll discuss the differences, top uses, and benefits of both for choosing the best tires to upgrade your ride.
Understanding All Terrain Tires!
All terrain tires have strong sidewalls and deep tread patterns that remain durable on gravel & mud. They bend to handle rocks and rough roads and are resistant to punctures. They're durable enough for off-road use and stable enough to travel on highways.
Key Features of A/T Tires
- Deep, aggressive tread for off‑road use.
- Reinforced sidewalls for durability.
- Good in gravel, mud, and light snow.
- Noisy at highway speeds.
Understanding Snow Tires!
Snow tires (winter tires) use a soft rubber compound that stays flexible below 7 °C. Deep grooves and many small cuts (sipes) dig into ice and snow to prevent slipping. They’re made for icy roads, not for dirt or rocky paths.
Key Features of Snow Tires
- Soft compound for cold grip.
- Deep, wide grooves for snow.
- Hundreds of sipes for icy traction.
- Rated with the 3‑Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol.
| Feature | All Terrain Tires | Snow Tires |
|---|---|---|
| Best Surface | Gravel, mud, light snow, paved roads | Snow, ice, cold, wet roads |
| Rubber Compound | Harder – resists cuts & punctures | Soft - stays flexible below 7 °C |
| Tread Pattern | Deep blocks, fewer sipes, aggressive look | Deep grooves, many sipes for grip |
| Ice Traction | Fair in mild snow, poor on ice | Excellent in snow and ice |
| Road Noise | Louder on the pavement | Quieter on pavement but not cushioned for off-road |
| Regulatory Rating | May have 3PMSF for snow grip | Must have 3PMSF or stud symbol |
Popular Models Of Snow Tires Vs. All Terrain Tires!
Below are top-rated models in both categories that stand out for performance, safety, and value.
Snow Tires
When winter roads turn icy, slushy, or snow-packed, regular tires just don’t cut it. Here are some popular snow tires available at Discounted Wheel Warehouse:
Toyo Celsius
Stay ready for winter without changing your tires. Toyo Celsius blends all-season comfort with a severe cold-weather grip. Its snow claws and slush grooves lock in control when roads get icy, giving you safety and smooth handling every day.
Key Highlights:
- Snow Claws enhance deep snow bite and block stability.
- Slush Grooves for slush evacuation.
- The starting price of this tire is $115.35.
- DWW financing as of June 19, 2025 (set of 4) started from $2.71/week.
Michelin Pilot Alpin PA5
Power through the worst of winter with Michelin’s Pilot Alpin PA5. Designed for performance vehicles, this tire grips hard on snow and slush while keeping steering sharp and braking fast.
Key Highlights:
- High-performance compound for cold-weather grip.
- Optimized tread for snow and slush evacuation.
- Shorter stopping distance on icy surfaces.
- The starting price of this tire is $331.18.
- DWW financing as of June 19, 2025 (set of 4) started from $7.78/week.
All Terrain Tires
Here are some popular all-terrain tire models recommended by drivers, especially for their durability, versatility, and performance across rugged trails, highways, & even light winter roads:
Falken WildPeak A/T3W
Where adventure begins, the Falken WildPeak A/T3W follows. With deep tread, snow-ready certification, and built-in durability, it’s your all-season warrior. This tire is built to do everything from rocky trails to snowy roads without sacrificing comfort.
Key Highlights:
- Deep tread for an extended lifespan.
- Canyon Sipes for grip under torque.
- Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated.
- The starting price of this tire is $172.09.
- DWW financing as of June 19, 2025 (set of 4) started from $4.04/week.
Continental CrossContact ATR
This Continental CrossContact ATR gives SUV and CUV drivers the freedom to handle rugged roads. It’s built for dry and wet dirt, gravel, and pavement traction with enhanced grip in warm or mild weather.
Key Highlights:
- Rubber compound resists chips and cuts.
- Broad contact patch for off-road traction.
- Water-evacuating tread design.
- The starting price of this tire is $176.26.
- DWW financing as of June 19, 2025 (set of 4) started from $4.14/week.
When to Choose All Terrain Tires!
- You drive off-road, on gravel, dirt, or mud.
- You need year-round use without seasonal changeovers.
- You live in mild winter areas with minimal snow or ice.
When to Pick Snow Tires!
- You live where winters get icy or have heavy snow.
- You drive in freezing temperatures (below 7 °C).
- You want safer stops and better control in winter.
To Sum Up!
Picking between all terrain tires and snow tires really comes down to how and where you drive. If your roads are rough all year but winters aren’t too harsh, all terrain tires should do the job just fine. They’re tough and work well in light snow. But if you're dealing with icy streets, heavy snow, and freezing temperatures often, snow tires are the safer bet. They’re built to grip better when things get slick. The bottom line is to go with the tire that fits your road conditions, not just the season. It makes a big difference. Still confused about your choice of snow tires or all-terrain tires? Give our rim and tire packages combo a try, which includes durable tires (of all types) and stylish rims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not in winter. While all terrain tires can handle light snow, they don’t offer the same icy road grip as snow tires, which are designed for cold-weather performance.
If you live in a mild climate with occasional snow, all-weather tires may work. But in heavy winter zones, snow tires are a safer and more effective option.
Snow tires wear quickly on warm, dry roads. They’re not built for off-roading or high-speed summer driving.
