Are snow tires better in the rain than all season tires?

or are snow tires only good for snow?

Snow tires have a more open tread pattern that bites down into snow better and then allows the snow to be thrown out of the groove. The pattern typically is not so optimized for channeling away water as with an all season tire. At low speeds the differences in water channeling are not significant. However, because of the open pattern, there is less rubber surface area to contact the road with snow tires. This can make for longer stopping distances in rain. As a rule of thumb, all -season and snow tires tend to perform equally well at snow depths to about 3", above which snow tires become advantageous. These comments may not be applicable with the newer tech "sticky" rubber such as on the Goodyear Ultra Grip Ice tires or the multicellular tread surface on Bridgestone Blizzak tires.

Personal experience tells me no. I had snow tires on a vehicle during rain and it was hard to stop. The tread design was made to grip snow but not take away the water from rain.

The reason they are called snow tires is because that is what they are best for. They are designed to give a grip on a powder surface. All weather tires are designed to pump water away from beneath the tire. They are the ones to have on at all times except when there is snow.

This Site Might Help You. RE: Are snow tires better in the rain than all season tires? or are snow tires only good for snow?

There okorder and check the ratings and reviews for the particular brand/model tires you are interested in.