From wet winters to hot summers, here's how to pick tires that handle California's varied conditions.
Category: Tire Education · 4 min read
California is a unique tire market. We don't get heavy snow in most of the Bay Area, but we do get:
That mix makes all-season tires the go-to choice for most Bay Area drivers. But "all-season" is a broad category, and not every all-season tire performs well in every condition. Here's what to look for.
The most common category. Good balance of tread life, comfort, and dry/wet traction. Ideal for daily drivers, commuters, and family vehicles.
Best for: Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4
Premium version of the above. Longer tread life, quieter ride, better wet traction. Slightly more expensive but worth it for drivers who value comfort.
Best for: BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class, Lexus ES, Audi A4
These carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating, which means they're certified for severe snow conditions. They're the best choice if you regularly drive to the mountains but don't want to swap to dedicated winter tires.
Best for: Anyone who drives to Tahoe, Mammoth, or Yosemite in winter
Top pick: Michelin CrossClimate 2
California's first rains after a dry summer are the most dangerous — oil buildup on the road creates extremely slick conditions. Look for tires with an "A" or "AA" UTQG traction rating.
Most all-season tires carry a 50,000-80,000 mile warranty. If you drive a lot, prioritize tires with longer warranties.
For commuters, a quiet tire matters more than you'd think. Grand touring tires are typically quieter than standard all-seasons.
If you ski or snowboard, get a 3PMSF-rated tire. It'll handle light snow and cold temperatures far better than a standard all-season.
80,000-mile warranty, excellent wet traction, and legendary Michelin quality. Great for daily drivers who want a tire that lasts.
3PMSF-rated, so you can drive to Tahoe without swapping tires. Excellent year-round performance.
Solid all-around performer at a fraction of the price. Good wet traction and reasonable tread life.
For sports cars and performance sedans. Excellent dry grip with year-round usability.
For 90% of Bay Area drivers, a quality all-season tire is the right choice. If you drive to the mountains in winter, upgrade to a 3PMSF-rated tire. And if you have a performance car, consider a high-performance all-season.
Not sure what fits your vehicle? Stop by California Tires & Wheels — we'll help you pick the right tire for your driving needs.