New Blizzak Snow Tire Targets Heavy-Duty Pickups

If you do any driving in snow country or live in a part of the country that can get neck deep in snow for several months, you might want to seriously consider getting a set of dedicated snow tires.

The name Bridgestone Blizzak is legendary in the world of snow- and ice-road driving because of the tires' special compound and unique tread specifically designed to grab, void and hold snow so your vehicle can safely navigate roads. Previously the Blizzak W965 LT was offered only in 16- and 17-inch wheel sizes, but now a new generation of the Blizzak LT will cover 16-, 17-, 18-, and 20-inch rims. The all-new LT (which replaces the W965) will be offered in 11 sizes and will cost similarly to the previous tire. That means the new tire will be available on light- and heavy-duty pickup trucks and SUVs.

A few years ago we conducted a winter tire test in Steamboat Springs, Colo., where we compared five different, popular tires on a closed snow track. In the end, the P-metric Blizzak DM-V2 SL snow tire showed how and why it made our test F-150s safer in the snow when braking and navigating the winding track. Blizzak claims this new-generation LT is even better.

The new Blizzak tire has an all-new tread pattern with more zigzag biting edges for more grip as well as more evacuation channels to help reduce hydroplaning. The tire also features a new rubber compound that is supposed to extend the tire's life. Although pricing is not yet available, we expect the tires to start at a base price of $150 a tire when they go on sale in July.

For more information, go to Bridgestone.com.

Cars.com photo by Mark Williams; manufacturer images below