Top 5 Rain Tires: These Car Tires Make Driving in the Rain Safer
According to USA Today, “car accidents are the deadliest weather hazard in the United States — whether caused by rain, snow, fog or wind — and kill about 7,000 Americans a year.” If you live in a part of the country where it snows, you’ll need to invest in good snow tires (or winter tires). Likewise, if you live somewhere it frequently rains, you’ll need to invest in good wet weather tires.
You may think that snow and ice are the worst offenders, but you’d be wrong. In actuality, rain is the worst cause of accidents. Specifically, wet pavement. Even Alaska had more car accident fatalities due to rain versus snow.
You can’t always depend on dry roads and clear driving. No matter where you live, you’re going to have to deal with rain. If you live in someplace like the Pacific Northwest or Florida, rain is going to come more often than not. While you can’t control the weather, you can take precautions. Good tires (and good car insurance) are two of those precautions.
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If you already know why you need good tires for rain and what part of a tire to look at when selecting good rain tires (hint: it starts with a T), then feel free to jump ahead and look at our top tires to use during wet weather.
Other Types Of Tires Reviewed: Buy What is Best For Your Needs
Our list of Top Rain Tires Can Help You Select the Perfect Tire for Rainy Weather:
5. BFGoodrich G-Force T/A KDW-2
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There is a good debate between enthusiasts whether the BFGoodrich G-force T/A KDW-2 or the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 is better for the money. Regardless of the fanboy/fangirl opinions, both are good tires for around the same cost. Some drivers have found that the G-Force tires provide a bit of road noise, though it is an inconsistent complaint.
These car tires operate amazingly in the rain and other wet weather conditions. However, they won’t work magic. If you are an inexperienced driver, you may find yourself fishtailing. When you know how to drive in wet conditions, the g-forces will work in your favor.
Pros
- Traction: These tires excel in dry traction
- Excellent Wet Handling: Tires stick to the pavement with a strong grip in wet conditions
- Steering Response: Steering is excellent in both wet and dry conditions
Cons
- Noise: Tires can become very noisy as tread wears down
4. Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3
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The price tag on the Eagle F1 GS-D3’s is a little better than some of the other options, but these still will cost you over 100 bucks per tire. Still, Goodyear’s Eagle F1 GS-D3’s are a favorite among motorists and have very few bad reviews across the board. For the price, the F1 GS-D3’s is the cheapest option but still just as good as higher priced options.
It is important to note that these tires are not intended for cold driving or on ice and snow. Thus, if you are looking for good winter tires or snow tires, keep looking.
The Eagle F1 GS-D3’s are a great choice for drivers in rainy regions, as their performance shines when the roads are wet. The tires will wear quickly, so be careful to check your treads frequently.
Pros
- Traction: These tires excel in both wet and dry conditions
- Great for Sports Cars: Tires enable sports cars such as Mustangs, Corvettes and more to better handle in wet conditions
Cons
- Cost: Tires are most expensive than other rain tires on the market
- Comfort: Tires may make ride bumpier than normal
- Terrible in Snow: If you’re looking for tires that work well in both snow and rain, these aren’t it.
Read More: How Do I Care For My Tires? Tire Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Car Running Smoothly
3. Bridgestone’s Alenza A/S 02
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These rain tires are probably the best car tire you can get if you want peak tire performance for both dry and wet weather conditions. These tires may break the bank, but it’s worth it for a summer tire that cannot be beat.
Noiseless and perfect for heavy commuters or track enthusiasts, the Alenza A/S 02 tires are top notch. These wet weather tires boast great handling, too. Switch out these tires when the temperatures drop because they are specifically designed for the summer months.
Pros
- Grip: These tires provide excellent traction in both wet and dry conditions
- Quiet ride: Tires provide a smooth, quiet ride
- Fuel Consumption: If fuel consumption is a concern, these tires will certainly held
Cons
- Cost: Tires are at the higher-end in terms of price for rain tires
2. Continental ExtremeContact DWS
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The ExtremeContact DWS tires are good all-season tires that excel as both snow tires and wet weather tires. If you want performance in both rain and slushy winter conditions, these tires can’t be beat. With a 50k mile tread-wear warranty and insane traction control, the ExtremeContact DWS tires will cost just a tad less than the Pilot Sport A-S +. Still costly, but the price is worth it.
The letters DWS printed on the tire tell you the following: When the “S” wears away and the letters “DW” remain, your car tires are still good for dry and wet conditions, but you shouldn’t use them in snow. Once the “W” wears away and the “D” is showing, it means the tire is rated for only dry performance. This wear indicator makes it so you do not have to second guess your traction and tire safety.
Pros
- Traction: These tires provide excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions
- Warranty: 50K mile tread-wear warranty
- Easy Indicator: Tires have lettering on the sides that slowly wear as tread wears to let you know when they need to be replaced
Cons
- Cost: Tires are at the higher-end in terms of price for rain tires
1. Michelin Pilot Sport A-S +
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For ultimate control in wet weather conditions, but still retaining great performance in dry conditions, the Pilot Sport A-S + is the best car tire you can get. However, road noise may be substantial for the first hundred or so miles.
The Pilot Sports come pretty close to being perfect on both wet and dry roads. You may also find some under-performance problems on ice and snow, but you’d be better off buying tires specifically for snow use anyway.
Pros
- Wet and Dry Traction: Tires provide excellent grip in both wet and dry conditions
- Warranty: 50K mile tread-wear warranty
- Cost: More affordable than other rain tires on the market
Cons
- Noise: Tires can cause substantial road noise
Why Do You Need Good Tires?
While tires may seem like a simple component of a car, they are an essential safety feature that can impact everything from acceleration and braking to the smoothness and noise levels of your ride. Tire traction, specifically, is a crucial factor in wet weather driving. It refers to a tire’s ability to maintain grip on both dry and wet surfaces.
Nowadays, most cars come with all-season tires, which are often referred to as the “jack-of-all-trades” of tires. While they can handle a variety of road and weather conditions, they don’t necessarily excel in any one particular area. If you live in a region with infrequent rain or snow, all-season tires may be perfect for you. However, if you reside in areas where the weather is more unpredictable, specialty tires such as wet weather or snow tires may be a better investment. By selecting the right tires, drivers can maximize both their safety and enjoyment on the road.
What Is the Composition of a Tire?
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The five main components of a tire – the bead, tire casing, belt system, sidewall, and tread – work together to provide functionality crucial to your car’s performance. Without their interdependence, you wouldn’t be able to make contact with the road or grip its surface in inclement weather.
The tire casing is like the tire’s body, embodying both bead and sidewall to hold it in place and ward off debris. The belt system stabilizes the treadband and distributes weight evenly, preventing pressure points which can cause premature wear and tear. The treadband is the tire’s contact point with the pavement, designed with patterned grooves that provide grip and traction in a variety of weather and road conditions.
When choosing a tire, it’s important to consider the tread geometry, as this can greatly affect your vehicle’s handling. Symmetric tread is the most common, best-suited for city driving, while directional tread patterns help with water displacement, avoiding hydroplaning. An asymmetrical tire pattern combines variable geometric forms on the inner and outer treads, ideal for performance cars, while directional/asymmetrical tread-bestows wet and dry traction by incorporating V-shaped directional treads and asymmetrical tread designs.
Choose wisely, as tire choice makes all the difference in the world to the performance of your vehicle.
What Should You Look for in Good Rain Tires?
Tire tread is the part that links the pavement and your car. Its purpose is to keep water away from the tire by spreading it from the center of the tire out towards the edges through grooves. These grooves bend and flex as the tires move. In wet conditions, grooves can even absorb water and move it towards the edges of the tire to improve performance and safety.
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Since we know why good tires are critical in rainy weather, let’s look at top picks. Also, pay attention to how each tire’s tread and grooves differ. While picking your ideal tire, don’t forget to prioritize safety and learn to drive in any weather condition. Remember, having the right equipment is important, but so is knowing how to use it.
Have you tried a certain type of rain tire that you adore? Share with us in the comments your top pick and why it’s your favorite.
