Mud and Snow Tires vs. Winter Tires: What’s the Difference?

If you regularly drive in muddy and snowy terrain, you may be wondering which tire choice is best for you: mud and snow or winter tires. Although the names sound similar, there are some important differences between mud and snow tires and winter tires.

What Are Mud And Snow Tires?

Mud and snow tires are all-season tires which have been approved for use in both muddy and snowy conditions by the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association. These tires usually have the “M+S” designation somewhere on the tire (depending on the brand, it may be shown as M&S or just MS).

Unlike summer tires and some lower-performance all-season tires, mud and snow tires usually have deep ridges that offer increased performance in slick conditions. You may be surprised to learn that even some summer tires technically meet the minimum M&S tire requirements, but most manufacturers only designate tires with elevated traction capabilities as mud and snow tires. Additionally, mud and snow tires are generally designed to provide better traction than summer or regular all-season tires in colder conditions.

How Are Mud And Snow Tires Different From Winter Tires?

Winter tires are specifically designed to provide traction in deeper snow and in sub-zero temperatures. Mud and snow tires will perform just fine in lighter snow but, if you regularly drive in snowy conditions at temperatures lower than 7°C, you’re better off with a set of good winter tires. In other words, if you wouldn’t feel comfortable choosing an all-season tire in the winter, mud and snow tires are probably not the best choice for your vehicle.

For Mud And Snow Or Winter Tires, TIRECRAFT Can Help

TIRECRAFT carries a wide selection of mud and snow tires from trusted brands like:

• Firestone
• Michelin
• Bridgestone
• Goodyear
• And many more.

To see more options for all-season, mud and snow, or winter tires, click here to use our Tire Finder tool.

Still not sure whether you should get mud and snow tires, winter tires, or something else? Good news– TIRECRAFT dealers are equipped to answer all your questions and provide you with expert advice. Click here to find your nearest TIRECRAFT dealer