New Tires in Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee, known as the “Volunteer State,” is a landlocked state in the Southeastern U.S. known for its deep musical heritage and diverse geography. It is bordered by Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, and Arkansas. The capital is Nashville, while the most populous cities are Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.

The state got its name from the Tanasi villages of the Cherokee people. The state consistently ranks among the most affordable places to live, with no state income tax. Beyond music and tourism, Tennessee is a major hub for manufacturing, particularly automotive production, with major plants from Nissan, Volkswagen, and General Motors.

Tires Based On The Weather

Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid with temperatures reaching the upper 80s to low 90s, while winters are cool with occasional cold snaps. The state experiences moderate precipitation throughout the year, with occasional snow and ice storms in winter. Average temperatures range from roughly 30°F in January to 90°F in July, though elevation significantly affects temperatures, with cooler weather in the eastern mountains.

Usually, people opt for all season tires for year-round driving across most of Tennessee. Winter tires are generally unnecessary except in the eastern mountains and higher elevations, where snow and ice are more frequent. All weather tires are a solid choice for drivers who want extra grip during occasional winter weather without committing to seasonal changes. All terrain tires are a great choice for rural areas and the state’s numerous unpaved roads.

Best Tires For Tennessee

Best All Weather Tires For Tennessee

For Tennessee drivers who want an extra peace of mind during winter storms and ice events, all weather tires are a smart choice. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 is one of the top picks in this category. It offers excellent grip in dry, wet, and winter conditions and carries the 3PMSF symbol, which means it is certified for winter weather traction. Another strong alternative would be the Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady 2.

Best All Season Tires For Tennessee

The most popular choice is all season tires. These tires offer a great balance of tread life, fuel efficiency, and wet weather performance for drivers traveling on I-40, I-24, and I-65. One of the leading options is the Michelin Defender 2 with good treadwear coverage and hydroplaning resistance. For drivers who want to push a tire’s tread life even further, the Goodyear Assurance MaxLife is also worth checking out.

Best All Terrain Tires For Tennessee

All terrain tires are the favorite choice for Tennessee’s rural areas, farm roads, and mountainous terrain. They are designed to handle gravel, mud, dirt roads, and highway driving. The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 is the go-to choice for serious off-roading, thanks to its reinforced sidewall and aggressive tread design. If you split time between on- and off-road, you can consider the Continental TerrainContact A/T model, as well.

Best Winter Tires For Tennessee

For those who live in the Great Smoky Mountains, eastern Tennessee highlands, and higher elevations, dedicated winter tires can be helpful during winter storms and ice events. The Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is a popular choice, with an ice-specific compound that provides firm grip on icy surfaces. Another great option is the Michelin X-Ice Snow, offering good performance in winter weather.

Most Popular Tire Sizes In Tennessee

The most popular vehicle category in Tennessee is crossovers and SUVs, particularly the Nissan Rogue, which is manufactured in the state at the Smyrna plant. Here are the most popular sizes:

225/65R17

This is one of the most common sizes in Tennessee, fitting the Nissan Rogue, Toyota RAV4, and Honda CR-V perfectly.

225/60R18

It’s common on mid-size SUVs, including the Subaru Outback, Nissan Murano, and higher trim crossovers.

235/60R18

Standard on larger SUVs, such as the Honda Pilot, Chevrolet Traverse, and Ford Explorer.

Tennessee Driving Laws You Need To Know

There are specific equipment laws that directly affect your tires. Knowing these keeps you legal and safe on the road.

Tread Depth

Tennessee requires a minimum of 2/32” of tread on all tires. It is recommended to replace tires at 4/32”, especially given Tennessee’s frequent rainfall and occasional severe thunderstorms, where worn tread increases the risk of hydroplaning.

Studded Tires

Studded snow tires are permitted in Tennessee, but only between October 1 and April 15. Using them outside this window can result in fines for road damage. Studded tires are not permitted on vehicles over 9,000 pounds unless they are school buses or emergency vehicles.

Tire Chains

Tire chains are allowed when required for safety during snow, ice, and other conditions that could cause the vehicle to skid. They should only be used when conditions warrant them.

Tire Environmental Fee

Tennessee charges a Tire Environmental Fee on the purchase of a new motor vehicle. It is $5.00 for vehicles with 4 wheels, and the fee increases for vehicles with more wheels.

Move Over Laws

Motorists are required to move into an adjacent lane or slow down significantly when approaching any stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance vehicle, or utility vehicle with flashing lights.

When To Change Your Tires In Tennessee

Since winters in Tennessee are generally mild, with most of the state experiencing only occasional winter storms and ice events, winter-dedicated tires are not always necessary. Those who live in the eastern mountains and higher elevations, where snow and ice are more common, should seasonally switch to winter tires. All weather tires are a good option for drivers in mountainous areas or those who want extra winter capability without the need for seasonal tire swaps.

Drivers from Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga can comfortably stick to all season tires throughout the year. Those in the Great Smoky Mountains and eastern highlands might consider all weather or winter tires for added grip during winter storms from December through February.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Studded Tires in Tennessee?

Yes, but only between October 1 and April 15. Studded tires are prohibited outside this window and cannot be used on vehicles over 9,000 pounds unless they are school buses or emergency vehicles. Most Tennessee drivers find studded tires unnecessary except in the eastern mountains.

Are Tire Chains Required in Tennessee?

Tire chains are generally not required for standard passenger vehicles, but they are legally permitted for safety during snow, ice, and other conditions that could cause slipping during the ride.

When Should I Replace My Tires?

In Tennessee, you should replace your tires when the tread depth reaches 2/32”. But given Tennessee’s humid climate and frequent rain, tire specialists recommend switching tires sooner, when the tread depth reaches 4/32”.

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