Top Winter Jeep Tires to Get Prepared for the Cold Weather

With fall and winter on the way, Jeepers don’t get too worked up about how to get around. However, the same power and capability to roll over any terrain are just as confidence-inspiring in the rain or when you go snow-wheeling.

If you are new to your Jeep, you may think that the same tires that get you across rocks, through streams, mud, and dirt will work all year round. But, unfortunately, as capable as those big blocks and deep tread are when the heat is on, they become rock hard and almost useless when it is cold. And often, all-wheel drive with active locking differentials combined with summer tires can be a dangerous combination in the winter. And it has everything to do with tire compounds.

What to Look for In Winter Tires

A tire’s job is to keep you in control, and winter tires for your Jeep are made of rubber that stays soft and flexible. The result is that you’ll have the same control in winter that you’re accustomed to during the summer.

While you are looking, make sure to keep the following in mind:

Winter Wheels- It’s always a good idea to get a set of winter wheels like our MOPAR 17X7.5” WINTER / OFF-ROAD STEEL WHEEL. Rather than worry about damaging your daily off-road wheels with salt and the corrosion that comes with winter, these steel wheels can take the punishment.

Narrower width- In general, a narrower tire is better on the road in winter conditions because the narrow width will cut throw the snow to hard surfaces. However, off-road in deep snow, a wider tire is better. Off-road, a narrow tire will dig in and get you stuck, but a wide tire will float on top of the snow. And, as you know, low psi is also necessary for the winter months, whether it’s rain or snow.

Tire compound- Winter tires are constructed with rubber that stays flexible at very low temperatures. Those big tread blocks should spread open and trap and move the snow. The tire’s ability to move the snow keeps the blocks gripping, and you stay in control.

Tire tread pattern- Tire manufacturers think of a tread pattern’s ability to handle “volumetric events,” and your Jeep tires probably have those events every weekend, whether it’s sand or mud. Winter tires will have more expansive spaces between the tread blocks and more open areas to shed snow and push away the rain.

Tire tread depth- Tire tread depth becomes important in deep snow since they provide better grip. The best winter tires will have 10/32 - 11/32 inches tread depth, and the tread pattern will be unidirectional.

Top Jeep Tires for Rain

Winter tires can be for rain, slush, and snow since you will likely encounter all that and more. Most tires in this list are constructed with enhanced long link carbon in their symmetric tread. As a result, wet weather and snow-roading performance will have the same resistance to damage as your current tires. 

  • Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac – Duratrac’s are used by Jeep because they work in all conditions, especially winter weather. They are fully capable in mud, snow, cold and wet weather but are surprisingly quiet.
  • Toyo Open Country A/T- Toyo's Open Country has the deep-tread grooves and blocks that grip against slippery and uneven surfaces. Even though they are an all-season tire, they do well in the snow and ice. They're known for their impressive grip and confidence inspiring performance in all conditions.
  • General Grabber AT2-The AT2 is more aggressive and uses a different compound that the AT3. Its self-cleaning, 5-row tread pattern with multiple traction edges that provide a firm grip on various surfaces and works as an all-season tire.

When To Replace Your Jeep Tires

Even snow and wet weather tires will eventually wear out. Replace your Jeep tires when they get to 5/32 inches. The deeper the tread, the better traction you will have, and you don’t want to be rolling around the snow or rain on 2/32-inch depth. As your tread depth goes away, the tires will hydroplane in water and lose traction in snow.

Of course, if you have damage or cuts to sidewalls, you are flirting with disaster at worst or a stranded Jeep on the trail at a minimum. Replacing your tires may cost you money in the short-term but save considerable long-term damage and frustration.