New Tires in Colorado (CO)

Colorado, also known as “The Centennial State,” is one of the most extraordinary states in the United States, earning its reputation as the ultimate destination for outdoor adventures, natural wonders, and pioneering spirits. Colorado was named after the Colorado River, meaning “colored red” in Spanish. The state holds the highest average elevation of any state in the nation, boasting more than 50 mountain peaks exceeding 14,000 feet. Colorado is also home to 42 state parks, 11 national forests, and 4 national parks.

The state’s economy is one of the fastest-growing in the nation, driven by aerospace, technology, outdoor recreation, and tourism, with outdoor recreation alone generating over $62 billion annually. Colorado is also one of the most sports-passionate states in America, home to five major professional teams, including the Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Rockies, and Colorado Rapids. This state is also known as the healthiest and most physically active in the country.

Tires Based On The Weather

Colorado has a highly variable climate shaped by extraordinary elevations, with conditions ranging from mild and sunny on the eastern plains to brutally cold and snowy in the Rocky Mountain regions. Denver and the Front Range cities enjoy around 300 days of sunshine per year, with mild winters and warm summers, but temperatures can shift easily between afternoon and evening. The mountain regions experience heavy snow from October through April. Eastern Colorado is exposed to strong winds, occasional blizzards, and severe thunderstorms in spring and summer, while southern Colorado enjoys a warmer, drier climate similar to New Mexico.

The best tires for Colorado significantly depend on the areas where you live and drive. A good quality all weather tire with a 3PMSF symbol delivers year-round performance in areas like Denver. On the other hand, in the mountain regions, dedicated winter tires are strongly recommended from October through April. Drivers in Colorado’s eastern regions can use all season tires to ensure exceptional performance that can handle the region’s thunderstorms.

Best Tires For Colorado

Best All Weather Tires For Colorado

All weather tires are highly recommended for Colorado driving because they combine warm summer performance with winter capabilities. These tires feature the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, indicating they can easily handle icy and snowy conditions. The Nokian Encompass AW02 is one of the best all weather tires in Colorado, offering great grip on cold and slushy roads. On the other hand, for drivers who are searching for a premium choice, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 ensures a longer tread life and better wet weather performance.

Best All Season Tires For Colorado

All season tires are highly recommended for Colorado driving because they combine summer performance with light winter capabilities. These tires offer strong grip on dry roads, longer tread life, and decent performance in cold weather. The Michelin Defender 2 is a perfect choice. It offers high mileage, low road noise, excellent dry and wet traction, and great durability. For drivers who are searching for tires for a sporty vehicle, the Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 Plus delivers outstanding cornering in the summer.

Best Winter Tires For Colorado

Dedicated winter tires are recommended in Colorado’s mountain areas, where harsh winter conditions occur. These tires feature a specialized soft rubber compound that keeps the tire flexible in freezing temperatures, which increases the tire’s traction and handling on packed snow and ice. Some of the top-rated options for Colorado include the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 and Nokian Hakkapeliitta LT3. These tires guarantee a secure performance in freezing winter temperatures.

Most Popular Tire Sizes In Colorado

Colorado’s preference is for crossovers, compact SUVs, and 4x4 trucks, which is evident in the most popular tire sizes. Here are the most popular tire sizes across Colorado, which vary by vehicle type:

265/70R17

One of the most popular sizes for full-size trucks and SUVs, ideal fitment for the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.

275/65R18

A common size on light trucks and pickup trucks, a typical choice for the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra.

235/50R19

A common size for crossovers and compact SUVs, perfect for the Kia EV9 and Tesla Model Y.

Colorado Driving Laws You Need To Know

Colorado enforces some of the most comprehensive vehicle equipment and tire safety standards in the nation, largely due to its severe mountain winter conditions. Every Colorado driver should be aware of the following key laws:

Tread Depth

Colorado requires a minimum tread depth of 3/16” for all vehicles when the Traction Law is in effect, significantly exceeding the federal minimum of 2/32”.

Traction Law

Under this law, motorists must have either snow tires, tires with mud and snow designation, or a four-wheel/all-wheel drive vehicle, with all tires having a minimum 3/16” tread depth.

Passenger Vehicle Chain Law

Under this law, every vehicle on the roadway is required to have chains or an alternative traction device, such as AutoSock, installed on two or more drive tires, regardless of tire type or drive system. All commercial motor vehicle drivers must carry chains from September 1 to May 31.

Studded Tires

Studs, blocks, flanges, cleats, or spikes are not allowed on a vehicle moving on a highway. An exception permits tires containing studs that do not project more than 1/16 of an inch beyond the tread surface on a single-tired passenger vehicle.

Seat Belts

All front seat occupants need to wear a seatbelt at all times. All passengers under 16 years of age must be buckled regardless of seating position.

Move Over Law

It requires drivers to move to a non-adjacent lane when approaching any stationary vehicle displaying flashing lights, including emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and road service crews. If a lane change is not safely possible, drivers must slow down to a safe and responsive speed below the posted limit.

When To Change Your Tires In Colorado

Colorado’s climate makes tire changing far more complicated than in most other states. Severe mountain winters, temperature swings, and strict state traction laws make tire changing not just a matter of performance, but a legal requirement. In warmer areas, all season tires can be run year-round. But Colorado’s Traction Law is permanently active on I-70 between Dotsero and Morrison from September 1 through May 31, meaning mountain-bound drivers must have properly rated tires before the first snowfall.

A general recommendation for all Colorado drivers is to switch to winter or all weather tires when the daily temperature consistently drops below 45°F. This is around September or October. On the other end of the calendar, winter tires should be swapped back to all season or summer tires when the temperature consistently rises above 45°F, which is typically from April to June.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Studded Tires Allowed In Colorado?

Studded tires are allowed in Colorado with no seasonal restrictions, but there are strict requirements. They are only permitted on single-tired passenger vehicles and single-tired vehicles with a rated capacity up to and including ¾ tons. The studs must not project more than 1/16”.

Do I Need Winter Tires In Colorado?

Colorado does not strictly require dedicated winter tires, but during winter weather or on specific mountain highways, you must have either 4WD/AWD vehicles with adequate tread or proper winter-rated tires.

When Should I Change To Winter Tires In Colorado?

In Colorado, the switch to winter tires typically occurs between October and early November; in mountainous regions, it may be as early as September. The optimal time to change is when morning and evening temperatures regularly fall to 45°.

Back To States