Best tires for rainy weather?

I've been running KO2's for years now and am at the point where I need to replace them. The K02's have been great in snow and mud, but horrible in rain on pavement. Even from the beginning they were slippery as hell, and a bit unnerving. As my truck is my daily driver, I'd like to find something that will handle Washington's rainy weather with confidence. My FIL has a Chevy 1500 and had a similar experience with the KO2's, and now had the BF Goodrich Trail-Terrain T/A's and says they're much better in the rain. Any thoughts on those?

What's the best tire for rain you recommend?

 

Ive had great luck with Toyo AT III's in wet weather and snow. Another recommendation would be Falken Wildpeak AT4Ws from friends and family members.

 

The Falken Wildpeaks and Cooper Rugged Treks were / are excellent. The stock Toyo A30s and Nokia Outposts sucked badly. All were not-LT tires.

 

Had Nitto Recons and they were terrible in the rain compared to Falken Rubitrek… I would suggest anything 3 snow peak rated or a street tire for most wet traction. I do agree KO2s are terrible in the rain, especially after 25k miles on them (they wear out too quick).

 

My Nitto Ridge Grappler's have been great in the rain. I've been running 285-70r17-10's since 2021. When the rain season starts it can get slick with all of the oil seeping up on the highway. But this happens to everyone. I've only had an issue on the 705 to I-5 North transfer. I just take it slow until the oil has been washed off of the highway; then it's smooth sailing.

I was at Les Schwab yesterday and they told me about Siping. Here's what I gathered about the process:

Benefits

1. Improved Traction: Siping increases the number of biting edges on the tire, which helps it grip the road more effectively, especially on slick or uneven surfaces.
2. Enhanced Water Dispersion: The sipes can channel water away from the tire's contact patch, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
3. Better Heat Dissipation: Sipes help to dissipate heat generated by the tire during driving, which can improve tire life and performance.
4. Reduced Tire Wear: Siping can lead to more even tire wear by allowing the tread to flex more easily, distributing the forces more evenly across the tire.
5. Improved Braking and Acceleration: The increased grip from siping enhances braking and acceleration, especially on slippery roads.

Downsides

1. Reduced Stability and Handling: On dry pavement, siped tires can feel slightly less stable because the increased tread flexibility can affect how the tire behaves under stress, like during sharp turns or high-speed driving.
2. Possible Warranty Issues: Some tire manufacturers do not recommend aftermarket siping and may void the warranty if tires are siped after purchase. Always check with the tire manufacturer before siping.
3. Marginal Increase in Noise: Siping can sometimes make tires noisier, especially on dry pavement, which might be noticeable during everyday driving.
4. Cost: While siping itself isn’t usually very expensive, it is an added cost that may not be justified if you primarily drive in dry conditions.

Does anyone have experience with siping? I'm interested but I'm not sure if it's necessary.

 

I do not have direct experience, but I would not sipe tires. I have seen it in the tire shops and have shied away. It is a process for the tire MFG, not a shop. Number 2 on the Con list there.

I have also seen a few siped tires out on the road. When freshly done, you cannot really see the sipes. The cuts are pretty sharp. But, they do appear to open up after time. I am not sure that I like that.


IMHO in the PNW, wet traction is king. I ditched the Nokian Outposts with 80% of the tread because they didn't hook up in the wet. These Rugged Treks (XL sidewalls) corner like a champ, even with 15k on them now and no visible wear. I like corners, dry or wet.

 

I lean heavily towards your logic. The sipe makes me nervous. Those cuts are BOUND to get thrashed over time.

 

I would agree that using siped tires off road could lead to more damage with a more difficult outcome.

 

I've owned both the Falkens and Rugged Treks and IMO the Rugged Treks get the win in in rain and snow.

 

I'm currently running BF Goodrich Trail Terrains I bought from Discount Tire, and so far they have been good. Only had them about 2 months now, and we're just getting some rain again in the Pacific NW, so I hope they work well. My last set were Toyo AT IIIs and they worked very well - remember hitting a huge standing water puddle in the dark one night (just didn't see the water as it was late, and I had the lane to myself so one in front of me was splashing through it) on 167 southbound by Pacific and the truck didn't even pull - just went through it and no hydroplaning. But I couldn't get the AT III's in the size I needed for my new wheels, so trying out these Trail Terrains with the 3 peak snow rating.

 

WHAT! I popped in here to NOT recommend the NRG's for rain (or at all). They are absolutely horrible in the wet. Have just over 10k on mine and I actually haven't found a scenario that I like them in. They're pretty bad at everything except looking pretty.

 

Do these have non-LT versions? If they do, it could be a difference as the compounds are typically different and can play in.

Nokian noted that with an updated version of the Outposts called the nATs. That said, I do not think I would try them again.

 

I believe in a 285/70 they are only LT. They have different compounds though and mine are C load. No amount of different pressure seems to matter either, they don't have traction for shit anywhere in AZ. Even just turning out of a driveway they'll chirp.

 

Any all terrains are going to suck (some more than others) on wet pavement. Choose form or function. Or get two sets of wheels and tires.

 

Agreed there. Cheers!

 

That is a bit to broad of a generality that I disagree with. There is just too much variance in the designs and compounds. Some ATs are stellar and some highways tires are garbage.

 

I think it was mentioned, but...

SLs for rain and traction. They simply are the superior tire. The Falkens, Michelins, and Toyos have amazing stopping distance in wet and oily conditions... in their SL versions.

LTs only if you plan on rock-gardening. The same brands and models do okay-ish in their LT compounds. Not great. Okay.

 

I'll clarify that I'm running 285/70r17 with an E rating. I haven't had any issues with chirping. Not sure I could get them to chirp if I tried.

The difference could be due to several factors: E-rated tires often use a tougher compound compared to C-rated ones, which enhances grip. They also operate at higher pressures, helping maintain tread shape and performance. Additionally, E-rated tires typically have deeper tread grooves that improve traction, especially in wet conditions, and the cooler temperatures where I drive likely keep the rubber firmer.

 

Falken wild peak AT. Amazing in the rain.

 

Toyo Open Country AT3's, SL, 265/70/16, Fantastic in the rain, pavement, all around, but lifespan is short lived. Last set lasted not quite 30k.