Tire: Blizzak DM-V1
Category: Light Truck/SUV Studless Ice & Snow
UTQG (treadwear): Not rated
This is a unique tire category that really doesn't have that many players in the field, in fact to my knowledge Bridgestone produces three of the top 5 tires in this light truck/SUV studless ice & snow tire performance category. The Blizzak DM-V1 happens to be, in my opinion, the pinnacle of this category. It's been designed for trucks, crossovers, and sport utility vehicles to provide great grip in snow and ice, and really on all wet roads no matter of temperature. The focus here is on ice traction and hydroplaning. It utilizes Bridgestone's own Multicell Z compound that actually has microscopic bubbles and tubes (not making this up) to actually absorb a little bit of water while on wet surfaces. Seems a little crazy, but man will this tire grip during nasty winter weather. I'll note though, that this fancy compound is only on the first 55% of the tire, the remainder of the tire compound is standard winter (which is still pretty good). This tire meets the industry standard for severe snow service. You'll want to install these tires in sets of four, just because it has such amazing grip.
The reviews from drivers on this tire are stellar. As I said, this is probably the best tire in the category and all the data and first hand accounts of this tire in the real world back this up. You'll end up getting somewhere around 50,000 miles out of set, which I happen to think is very good considering the aggressive traction these provide. Some folks have also noticed a reduction in road noise compared to other tires in the category, even after a lot of wear. Though I don't recommend it, you can even use these tires in warmer weather and they will work well.
