New Tires in West Virginia (WV)
West Virginia is a scenic Appalachian state also called the “Mountain State.” It is known for its rugged terrain, coal-mining history, and 78% forest coverage (the 3rd most forested state in the US). It was admitted to the Union in 1863 and was the only state formed by breaking away from a Confederate state. The capital and largest city is Charleston, known for the 23-karat gold-domed State Capitol, Appalachian culture, and chemical industry.
Key Cities Of West Virginia
Located in the Southern and Mid-Atlantic regions, West Virginia borders Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. This is the 10th-smallest state by area and ranks as the 12th least populous state. It is also known for its rolling fog, numerous rivers, and vast outdoor areas.
Tires Based On The Weather
West Virginia typically features a humid subtropical climate, characterized by moderately cold winters, warm, humid summers, and four distinct seasons. Compared with surrounding areas, West Virginia has cooler summers due to the state’s higher elevation. The annual average temperatures are roughly 52°F, with plenty of rainfall. July is usually the warmest, with temperatures in the 80s°F, while January is the coldest, with lows often in the 20s°F.
All season tires are the standard for West Virginia. They are designed to handle mild weather conditions. All weather tires are also becoming more popular since they carry the 3PMSF certification, showcasing their ability to perform in moderate winters. Dedicated winter tires are not essential for everyone. They are mainly used by those in the western mountain regions or drivers who often commute to the north. Winter tires also carry the 3PMSF symbol, but perform much better in winter than all weather options.
Best Tires For West Virginia
Best All Weather Tires For West Virginia
If you don’t want to deal with seasonal tire changes, you could opt for all weather tires. These tires carry the 3PMSF certification, which means they perform well in moderate winter conditions. The Michelin CrossClimate 2 tires are the go-to choice to avoid seasonal tire changes. Another good choice is the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, ideal for year-round use.
Best All Season Tires For West Virginia
All season tires can handle mild weather conditions, so they are a great choice as long as temperatures don’t drop below 45°F. They perform well in dry, wet, and light winter road conditions. The Michelin Defender 2 is a popular choice with a long tread life warranty, a top choice for highway driving. Another great choice is the Continental TrueContact Tour 54.
Best Summer Tires For West Virginia
For those who do not mind seasonal tire changes, summer tires are a great choice during warm, humid summers, when temperatures usually stay in the 80s°F. Summer tires provide exceptional performance in dry and wet weather conditions. One of the most popular options is the Michelin Pilot Sport S5, which delivers optimal performance on hot summer days. You could also opt for the Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 model, which excels at resisting hydroplaning and delivers safe performance in sudden thunderstorms.
Best Winter Tires For West Virginia
West Virginia winters are moderate to cold, with significant variations in snowfall. This varies between the mountain regions and the lower-elevation west. If you live in areas where temperatures often drop below 47°F and heavy snow and ice are common, you should switch to dedicated winter tires. A top-tier choice known for its excellent winter performance is the Michelin X-Ice Snow. At the same time, the Bridgestone Blizzak WS90 is another popular choice.
Most Popular Tire Sizes In West Virginia
The most popular tire sizes in West Virginia are a direct reflection of the state’s vehicle landscape, which is dominated by pickup trucks and SUVs needed to navigate the Appalachian terrain:
265/70R17
Arguably the most common size in the state; the standard for the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Toyota Tacoma, and Jeep Wrangler.
225/65R17
The dominant size for crossovers like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester, which are popular in urban areas.
275/65R18
A popular choice for mid-to-high trim levels of the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
235/60R18
The standard fitment for mid-sized SUVs, including the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Outback.
205/55R16
The usual go-to choice for sedans is still common in the state, such as the Toyota Corolla and older Honda Civics.
West Virginia Driving Laws You Need To Know
West Virginia road laws balance accessibility with safety, featuring moderate speed limits, comprehensive safety requirements, and protections designed for the state’s mountainous terrain and variable weather.