Hello and welcome to Clarify Review Hub. Winter is fast approaching and one of the most important factors for staying safe on the road is choosing the right winter tires. In this video, we're reviewing the best winter tires of 2025 to find out which one delivers the best. top performance in harsh winter conditions.
Whether it's heavy snow or icy roads, these tires will keep you safe on the road. Plus, don't miss out on our giveaway when we reach 10,000 subscribers. We'll be giving away a product valued between $200 and $500.
All you have to do to enter is subscribe. Now let's get started. First up, let's take a look at the Michelin X-Ice snow tires, which are perfect for anyone looking to drive safely in cold and harsh winter conditions. The Michelin X-Ice snow is specifically designed for winter weather.
These tires use a flexible rubber compound called Flex-Ice 2.0, which helps them grip icy and snowy roads better. The cool thing about this technology is that it keeps the tires flexible even in extremely low temperatures. giving you the best possible traction on the road. If you're dealing with steep hills or icy roads, the Michelin X-Ice snow tires will make you feel a lot safer. The directional tread pattern helps to channel snow and water away from the tires, improving your grip on the road.
Of course, like any tire, the Michelin X-Ice snow has a few downsides. Since the rubber is softer to give you better grip in winter conditions, It can wear out faster, that's why you should only use these tires during the winter months. If you use them in warmer weather, they'll wear out quicker.
Also, the price is a bit higher than some of its competitors, which could be a downside for anyone on a tight budget. Winter tires are often a bit noisier, but the Michelin X-Ice Snow is pretty quiet. On dry roads, the tire noise is kept to a minimum, so you don't have to sacrifice driving comfort for safety during tough winter conditions. When it comes to durability, these tires are also top-notch.
Michelin claims they last about one season longer than other winter tires. which could save you money in the long run. Sure, they're a bit more expensive, but considering the safety and performance they offer, I'd say they're definitely worth the price. Next up, we've got the Nokian R5.
These tires are designed for cold, slippery winter conditions and are known for their high performance. Nokian is one of the brands that actually pioneered winter tire technology. The R5 is their latest model made specifically for those who want to drive safely in tough winter conditions.
It features Arctic Grip Crystals technology, which gives you solid traction even on icy, slippery roads. What's cool is that as the tire wears down, these crystals keep kicking in to give you extra grip. On icy roads, the R5 is a great way to the braking distance is about 5.6 meters shorter compared to its competitors.
In my experience, the Nokian R5 really boosts confidence, especially on cold, icy roads. Even when braking or accelerating on ice, I felt comfortable. Steering control is solid too, especially around curves. No loss of stability at all. In mixed conditions, where you've got both snow and ice, the safety these tires offer is seriously impressive.
Of course, like any tire, the Nokian R5 has its limitations. For instance, it's not the best in really deep snow. If you're dealing with deep snow frequently, you might want to look for a more aggressive tire. Also, these tires don't have studs, which could be a downside for people living in really icy areas.
Studded tires might give you better traction in some icy situations. The R5 isn't just about performance. It's also super quiet. A lot of winter tires are noisy, but this one keeps road noise to a minimum.
Inside the car, the ride is pretty quiet, especially on dry roads. Plus, since it has low rolling resistance, it can help save on fuel too. Next, we're checking out the third tire on our list, the Continental Viking Contact 7. This tire promises high performance in winter conditions. Let's take a look at how it handles snow, ice, and cold weather.
The Continental Viking Contact 7 is a specialized winter tire designed specifically for harsh winter conditions. Thanks to its flexible compound, It provides excellent grip on icy and snow-covered roads. The Polar Plus'technology helps the tire maintain flexibility and deliver strong traction even in freezing temperatures.
Plus, the deep tread pattern and numerous small sipes allow for safe braking on snow and ice. I had the chance to test these tires, and they really stood out in heavy snow and on icy roads. Typically, driving a rear-wheel drive vehicle on snow can be tricky, but with the Viking Contact 7, I felt secure with solid grip, steering was stable, especially around curves, and I didn't experience any sliding or loss of balance. Of course, like any tire, the Continental Viking Contact 7 has some things to keep in mind. These tires should only be used in winter because their soft compound can wear out quickly in warmer weather.
Also, since they're studless, they don't offer the maximum grip that studded tires can provide on ice. So, in extreme ice conditions, this might be a limitation. The Viking Contact 7 isn't just about winter performance, though.
It's also impressively quiet. The rolling noise, which is common with winter tires, is minimal with these. Whether on snow-covered roads or in dry conditions, the ride remains smooth and comfortable. The fourth tire in our series is the BF Goodrich Trail Terrain TA.
This tire is designed to perform well both on the road and in light off-road conditions. While the BF Goodrich Trail Terrain TA is primarily a road-focused tire, it's also ready for some light off-road adventures. With full-depth 3D sipes and a continuous outer tread block, it offers good traction on snowy and wet surfaces.
It's worth noting that this tire has the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification, meaning it's built to handle winter conditions. I can say that the BF Goodrich Trail Terrain TA is really stable on highways. The continuous tread blocks help maintain stability at high speeds and in corners. However, this tire isn't meant for heavy-duty off-roading.
It's more ideal for drivers who mostly stick to the road but occasionally venture onto light trails. It provides solid traction on snow and ice, but its performance in deeper snow and thick mud could be limited. Of course, there are a few limitations with this tire.
For example, the compound is fairly soft, which raises some concerns about its long-term wear performance. Also, since it's not a fully off-road tire, its performance in deep snow and mud won't be as strong compared to more aggressive tires. The TrailTerrain TA is a comfortable choice for highway driving. The road noise is minimal, providing a quiet and smooth ride.
I've also noticed it performs decently in light-off road conditions, maintaining stability on mild trails and ensuring a safe drive. Finally, let's take a look at Toyo's winter tire series, specifically the Toyo Observe GSI6LS. The Toyo Observe GSI 6LS is designed to provide safe driving even in the harshest winter conditions.
With its deep tread patterns and strong compound, it delivers excellent traction on snow and ice. This tire is built for winter and has earned the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake certification. It's specifically designed to enhance stability and driving safety in all types of winter conditions.
These tires really stand out in extreme conditions like snowstorms or icy roads. Whether you're braking or cornering, the traction feels incredibly reliable. Heavy vehicles like pickups can struggle on snowy surfaces, but with the Toyo Observe GSI 6LS, you can feel your vehicle moving more safely and steadily.
I also found that I needed to use the four-wheel drive system less often because the tire's traction was so effective. Of course, there is one downside to mention. During emergency braking on hard-packed snow, I noticed that the initial bite wasn't as sharp as with some competitors. For example, models like the Nokian Hakkapelita and Michelin X-Ice seem to offer slightly quicker and sharper braking responses in those situations. However, this doesn't negatively affect the overall driving experience.
These tires also offer a comfortable ride by keeping road noise to a minimum. On long trips, the sound level isn't bothersome and the ride feels stable. The combination of traction and quietness makes for a more relaxed driving experience in stressful winter conditions.
Today we reviewed winter tires and helped you discover which one might be the best fit for you. Remember, safe driving is always the top priority.