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Best tires for Rain

Best tires for Rain: Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best tires for navigating rainy conditions. Safety and performance on wet roads are critical considerations for drivers worldwide. Whether it’s a light drizzle or a torrential downpour, your vehicle’s tires play a vital role in maintaining traction, preventing hydroplaning, and ensuring a safe and smooth ride. In this guide, we’ll delve into a range of tire categories – winter, all-season, and summer tires – to help you make the right choice for your vehicle and driving conditions. Each category offers unique benefits, and understanding these can be the key to making an informed decision.

Winter tires are specially designed to provide optimal grip in cold, wet, and snowy conditions, but how do they fare strictly in the rain? All-season tires, with their balanced performance for various weather conditions, are a popular choice, but are they the best for heavy rainfall? And what about summer tires? They are made for performance and warm weather, but rain is a common occurrence in the summer months, too. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of these tire types, examine top models in each category, and ultimately determine the best tires for rain. This guide aims to provide you with all the information you need to make a confident and informed choice for your safety and driving comfort in rainy conditions. Let’s dive in!

Results

Ideally, you would want a head-to-head test result to demonstrate the distinct performance differences between the two products. However, in this instance, no test results are available that compare all these products head to head, due to clear segmentation. Fortunately, Consumer Report has a portfolio of different segment tires tested, allowing us to use their ratings to assess the performance of each. Please note that Consumer Report’s rating system uses a maximum score of 5, with a 5/5 rating representing the best possible achievement. We will breakdown the best comfort and noise tire based on segmentation.

Max Performance Summer tires

Welcome to the realm of Max Performance Summer tires, the go-to segment for those seeking the pinnacle of rain performance. Designed with a focus on delivering superior handling and traction in wet conditions, these tires represent the best of the best when it comes to navigating rainy weather. Max Performance Summer tires feature innovative tread designs and advanced rubber compounds tailored specifically for wet surfaces, ensuring optimal grip, exceptional handling, and efficient water evacuation. They provide unparalleled braking performance and hydroplaning resistance, characteristics crucial for safety in heavy downpours.

However, as with everything, there’s a trade-off. While these tires excel in wet and warm conditions, they do not offer the same level of snow and ice performance as all-season tires. They are designed specifically for summer conditions, which includes rainy weather but not winter conditions. If maximizing your vehicle’s rain performance is your top priority and you live in a region where winter conditions are not a concern, Max Performance Summer tires could be the ideal choice for you. They represent the epitome of rain performance in the tire industry, promising confidence, safety, and control when the skies open up.

1. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

Michelin Pilot Sport 4S

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is broadly recognized as one of the premier ultra-high-performance (UUHP) tires available, particularly when it comes to driving in wet conditions. A significant contributor to its exceptional performance is the advanced tread compound, engineered to provide exceptional handling and traction in both wet and dry environments.

In the context of rain performance, the Pilot Sport 4S truly stands out. Its optimized tread design, coupled with superior rubber compounds, ensures maximum water evacuation, thereby reducing the risk of hydroplaning. This tire also offers excellent wet grip, which translates into shorter stopping distances and improved handling, making it an excellent choice for drivers who frequently encounter wet road conditions. Notably, similar to its counterpart, the CrossClimate 2, the Pilot Sport 4S has also dominated the press test circuit, taking an impressive 8 wins out of the 15 press tests it has participated in. This further reinforces its position as one of the top performers in its category, particularly in the context of rain performance.

Rain ratings:

Wet braking : 4/5

Wet handling: 5/5

Hydroplaning: 5/5

When it comes to wet braking, the Pilot Sport 4S scores a commendable 4 out of 5. This rating demonstrates the tire’s ability to efficiently shorten stopping distances on wet surfaces, a crucial aspect of safety during rainy conditions. Where the Pilot Sport 4S truly excels, however, is in wet handling and hydroplaning resistance, where it achieves perfect scores of 5 out of 5. Its top-tier wet handling rating indicates superior steering response and stability in wet conditions, providing drivers with a heightened sense of control and confidence during rain-soaked drives.

The tire’s impeccable hydroplaning resistance, meanwhile, suggests an outstanding ability to prevent water buildup between the tire and road, maintaining secure road contact even in heavy rain. This combination of performance characteristics makes the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S an exceptional choice for those seeking the best tire for rain performance within the Max Performance Summer segment. Not to mention the Pilot Sport 4S still boasts an impressive mileage of 40,000 miles, ranking 3rd among its competitors. Its status as the best UUHP summer tire is solidified by its 1st place ranking on both Tire Rack and Consumer Report standings.

  • Pilot Sport 4S
    • Launch: 2017
    • Press test wins: 8/15
    • Strength: Excellent dry handling maestro and very well overall balance performance.
    • Tire Rack score: 9.1/10 (Rank 1st)
    • Consumer Report score: 79/100 (Rank 1st)

Check out our head to head comparison of Pilot Sport 4S against its competitors.

Pilot Sport 4S vs

Price

All season 3 peak mountain

3 peak mountain logo

1. Michelin CrossClimate 2

Michelin CrossClimate 2

The creation of the CrossClimate is a fascinating story that needs to be told from the beginning. In the past, all-season tires without 3 peak mountain certification have always been popular in the American market and have been well-established for years. No one in the tire industry believed it was possible for an all-season tire to have the required snow traction performance to pass the 3 peak mountain certification. However, in 2015, Michelin introduced the first 3 peak mountain certified all-season tire, which caused a stir in the tire industry.

At the time, the then-new CrossClimate didn’t have any competitors and was the only product in its segment. It took 2-3 years for competitors to launch their own 3 peak mountain certified all-season tires, but the first mover advantage had already been established by the CrossClimate. This is a true testament to Michelin’s commitment to being the de facto innovation leader in the tire industry.

Rain ratings:

Wet braking : 4/5

Wet handling: 4/5

Hydroplaning: 5/5

The Michelin CrossClimate 2 exhibits stellar performance in wet conditions. It scores a robust 4 out of 5 in both wet braking and handling, demonstrating its ability to reduce stopping distances on wet roads and offer reliable vehicle control during rain. The tire ensures good steering response and stability, aiding in confident navigation through wet conditions. However, the real highlight is its excellent hydroplaning resistance, which it scores a perfect 5 out of 5. This means the tire effectively prevents loss of traction due to water layering between the tire and road. It’s designed to channel water away, maintaining secure road contact even in heavy rain. Overall, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 is a reliable choice for those who frequently drive in rainy weather, offering a blend of safety and performance on wet roads.

In addition to winning 50% of the press tests it has participated in Europe, the CrossClimate 2 was rank 1st in this segment by both TireRack and Consumer Report. Based on multiple test results, the CrossClimate 2 has demonstrated superior target conflict management of summer versus winter performance, as it once again outshined the competition. Not to mention, the CrossClimate 2 tops the charts when it comes to mileage, with an actual tested result of 85,000 miles. With this tire, drivers can avoid the hassle of switching tires every six months, making it an excellent choice for those seeking the best tires for rainy conditions.

  • CrossClimate 2
    • Launch: 2020
    • Press test wins: 3/6
    • Strength: Well balanced summer & winter performances, excellent wear.
    • Tire Rack score: 9.1/10 (Rank 1st)
    • Consumer Report score: 74/100 (Rank 1st)

Check out our head-to-head comparison of the CrossClimate 2 against its competitors.

CrossClimate 2 vs

Price

M+S all season tires

1. BFGoodrich Advantage Control All Season

BFGoodrich Advantage Control All Season

Presenting the BFGoodrich Advantage Control All Season, a highly anticipated tire known for its exceptional performance and reliability in rainy conditions. Launched in 2021, this M+S classified tire comes in a comprehensive range of sizes to fit various vehicles, from sedans and coupes to minivans and crossovers. Its innovative tread design and advanced rubber compounds contribute to superior wet performance, providing drivers with remarkable handling and responsiveness on wet roads. Durability is also a standout feature of the Advantage Control All Season, making it a tire that not only performs in the rain but also lasts.

Rain ratings:

Wet braking : 4/5

Wet handling: 4/5

Hydroplaning: 5/5

The BFGoodrich Advantage Control All Season displays impressive performance in wet conditions, scoring highly across key rain metrics. Its wet braking rating of 4 out of 5 demonstrates its ability to effectively reduce stopping distances on wet surfaces, a critical safety factor in rainy conditions. Equally commendable is its wet handling performance, also rated 4 out of 5, which indicates that this tire provides good steering response and stability in wet conditions, ensuring confidence and control even during heavy rainfall.

When compared to the Michelin CrossClimate 2, the Advantage Control All Season presents a strong contender, particularly in hydroplaning resistance where it matches the CrossClimate 2’s perfect score of 5 out of 5. This means that the Advantage Control All Season, like the CrossClimate 2, excels in preventing loss of traction due to water layering between the tire and road, effectively channeling water away and maintaining secure road contact during heavy rain. Both tires offer reliable performance in rainy conditions, making them excellent choices for drivers seeking safe and confident navigation in wet weather. The key difference lies in the specific vehicle compatibility and driver preferences, as both tires uphold strong performance in the rain.

  • Advantage Control All Season
    • Launch: 2017
    • Press test wins: 1/3
    • Strength: Excellent wear.

Check out our head to head comparison of Advantage Control All Season against its competitors.

Advantage Control All Season vs

Price

Ultra high performance all season tires

1. Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus

Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus

Meet the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus, a groundbreaking tire that first hit the market in 2021. This tire is a game-changer in the realm of wet weather driving, boasting key features that set it apart in terms of performance in the rain. Its improved traction and handling make it a preferred choice for drivers who prioritize safety and control in wet conditions. The ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus features advanced tread design and innovative rubber compounds that enhance its performance on wet surfaces. Its superior traction capabilities ensure excellent grip in the rain, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and offering reliable control. The tire’s enhanced handling characteristics contribute to a more responsive and confident driving experience, making it easier to navigate through wet roads.

Rain ratings:

Wet braking : 4/5

Wet handling: 4/5

Hydroplaning: 5/5

The Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus showcases exceptional performance in wet conditions, earning high ratings across critical rain-related criteria. With a wet braking score of 4 out of 5, this tire demonstrates its ability to efficiently shorten stopping distances on wet surfaces, a crucial factor in driving safety during rainy conditions. Additionally, its 4 out of 5 rating in wet handling indicates the tire’s capacity to provide reliable steering response and stability in wet conditions, enabling drivers to maintain control and confidence even during heavy downpours. Its hydroplaning resistance is especially noteworthy, achieving a perfect score of 5 out of 5. This signifies that the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus excels in preventing hydroplaning, effectively maintaining secure road contact during heavy rain and enhancing safety.

In a head-to-head comparison with the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4, which also boasts similar ratings, the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus edges slightly ahead. While both tires perform admirably in wet conditions, the DWS 06 Plus displays a marginal advantage in certain aspects of wet performance, cementing its position as an excellent choice for drivers seeking the best tires for rain. This comparison highlights the importance of considering specific performance attributes alongside overall ratings when choosing the right tire for your needs.

Furthermore, the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus showcases a balanced performance, maintaining its prowess on both wet and dry surfaces. This adaptability makes it a versatile choice for drivers, offering a safe and responsive driving experience irrespective of the weather. In the context of the best tires for rain, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus stands out. Its focus on traction and handling in wet conditions, coupled with its overall balanced performance, make it an excellent option for those who frequently encounter rainy weather and want a tire that can deliver reliable performance and safety.

  • ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus
    • Launch: 2021
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Good wet & dry.

Check our head to head comparison of ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus against its competitors.

ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus vs

Price

All season truck tires

1. General Grabber HTS60

General Grabber HTS60
General Grabber HTS60

Introducing the General Grabber HTS60, an all-season truck tire that combines exceptional performance with long-lasting durability. Launched in 2016, this tire has been engineered to handle a variety of conditions, with a particular emphasis on delivering excellent performance in the rain. The General Grabber HTS60 features an advanced tread compound and innovative tread design that ensures superior traction and handling on wet roads, making it a top choice for those who encounter frequent rainy conditions. Its grooves are designed to efficiently evacuate water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and ensuring a secure grip even in heavy downpours.

Rain ratings:

Wet braking : 3/5

Wet handling: 3/5

Hydroplaning: 4/5

The General Grabber HTS60 exhibits commendable performance in wet conditions, earning solid ratings across key rain-related metrics. With a wet braking score of 3 out of 5, the Grabber HTS60 demonstrates its ability to competently reduce stopping distances on wet surfaces, a key safety factor during rainy conditions. Additionally, its wet handling score of 3 out of 5 signifies that the tire provides a decent level of steering response and stability in wet conditions, enabling drivers to maintain control during wet weather driving.

Where the Grabber HTS60 shines particularly bright is in hydroplaning resistance, where it scores an impressive 4 out of 5. This indicates the tire’s excellent ability to prevent the formation of a layer of water between the tire and road, maintaining secure contact even in heavy rain. It’s important to note, however, that wet performance in all-season truck tires, including the Grabber HTS60, can be somewhat limited due to the large voids in the tread design, which reduce the contact area with the road. Nevertheless, within this category, the General Grabber HTS60 stands out as a reliable performer, showcasing a robust balance of performance characteristics that make it a solid choice for wet weather driving.

In addition to its outstanding wet weather performance, the Grabber HTS60 also offers a comfortable ride, low road noise, and impressive tread life. Its robust construction makes it a solid choice for trucks, offering the durability needed for heavy loads and demanding terrains. Whether you’re navigating city streets or tackling highway drives, the General Grabber HTS60 offers reliable performance across all seasons, with an exceptional emphasis on rain performance. It stands as a strong contender in the all-season truck tire segment, particularly for those seeking the best tires for rain.

  • Grabber HTS60
    • Launch: 2015
    • Press test wins: 0/2
    • Strength: Top notch rolling resistance

Check out our head to head comparison of Grabber HTS60 against its competitors.

Grabber HTS60 vs

Price

  • LT 265/70R17 : $228

Studless tires aka Snow tires

Snow tires

1. Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90

In 2019, Bridgestone launched the Blizzak WS90, a worthy successor to the 2014 Blizzak WS80. This new product caters to a comprehensive range of passenger and SUV tires, providing drivers with a versatile option for winter driving. Although the Blizzak WS90 may not surpass top contenders such as the Continental Viking Contact 7 and Michelin X-Ice Snow in terms of ice and snow traction, where it truly shines is in its performance on wet surfaces. The Blizzak WS90 offers superior wet performance, a critical feature for navigating rainy conditions during the colder months. Its innovative tread design and advanced rubber compounds work together to provide excellent grip and handling on wet roads, enhancing safety and control in challenging conditions.

Rain ratings:

Wet braking : 2/5

Wet handling: 3/5

Hydroplaning: 4/5

The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 demonstrates noteworthy wet weather performance for a winter tire, earning respectable ratings across several key rain-related metrics. Its wet braking score of 2 out of 5, while not top-tier, indicates a reasonable ability to reduce stopping distances on wet surfaces – a crucial safety factor during rainy conditions. A more pronounced strength of the Blizzak WS90 lies in its wet handling. Scoring 3 out of 5, this tire demonstrates a decent level of steering response and stability under wet conditions, offering drivers a level of control and security during wet weather drives.

However, it is in hydroplaning resistance where the Blizzak WS90 truly excels, scoring an impressive 4 out of 5. This suggests that the tire is particularly effective at preventing water build-up between the tire and road, maintaining secure contact even in heavy rain. It’s essential to understand, though, that in the snow/studless segment, manufacturers often prioritize ice performance, which can result in a trade-off with wet performance. Striking a balance between wet and icy conditions is a challenging task, as the design features that enhance ice performance can sometimes decrease wet performance, and vice versa. Nevertheless, within these inherent constraints, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 stands out as a reliable performer, offering a well-tuned balance between wet and icy conditions.

  • Bridgestone Blizzak WS90
    • Launch: 2019
    • Press test wins: 2/4
    • Strength: Wet & ice

Check our head to head comparison of Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 against its competitors.

Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 vs

Price

Summary

In conclusion, the search for the best rain tire depends largely on the specific needs and driving conditions of each individual. From the all-season versatility of the Michelin CrossClimate 2 and BFGoodrich Advantage Control All Season, to the winter-ready Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, each of these tires offers distinct advantages in wet conditions. For those seeking maximum rain performance, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S in the Max Performance Summer segment provides top-tier wet handling and hydroplaning resistance, though it trades off winter drivability. The General Grabber HTS60 stands out in the all-season truck tire category, exhibiting solid wet performance ratings.

However, it’s important to remember that tire performance is a balance, and focusing on one aspect, such as wet weather performance, often requires trade-offs in other areas. Therefore, understanding your specific driving needs, conditions, and priorities will guide you in selecting the best tire for your vehicle. In the end, safety should always be the paramount concern, especially when driving in challenging conditions like heavy rain. So, regardless of the tire you choose, always drive responsibly and adjust to the conditions of the road.


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