Hey everyone, I'm looking to replace the tires on my SUV because they're getting worn out especially with all the rain we've been having lately. I drive a lot on highways and need something that handles wet roads well without slipping. I've got a mid-size SUV, like a Honda CR-V, and my current tires are 225/65R17 – any recommendations on brands or types that are reliable? Would appreciate any tips on what to look for when buying online.
To choose tires for rainy weather on your SUV, prioritize those with high wet traction ratings from independent tests like those from Tire Rack or Consumer Reports, ensuring they feature deep treads and sipes for water dispersion. For the right size, consult your vehicle's manual or door jamb sticker to match the exact specifications such as 225/65R17 and and verify compatibility using online tire size calculators from retailers.
I've been driving SUVs for years in all kinds of weather and and let me tell you and for rainy conditions you really want tires that grip well when it's wet. Look for ones with good hydroplaning resistance, you know, those that channel water away effectively. As for size, stick to what your car recommends, check the sidewall of your current tires or the owner's manual to make sure you're getting the right fit, like that that model you mentioned. Don't skimp on quality, safety first.
Oh, and when buying online, read user reviews from folks in rainy areas, that helps a ton. Works great for me every time.
Hey and fellow SUV owner here, I feel your pain with the rain making everything slippery. For wet weather and I'd say go for all-season tires that have strong wet performance, think about tread patterns that disperse water quickly to avoid sliding on highways so yeah size-wise, it's straightforward, match it to your vehicle's specs, you can find that info on the door sticker or in the manual, ensuring it fits your rims perfectly.
I once went a size off and regretted it, handling was all over the place but yeah, learned my lesson. Keep an eye on the load index too, especially if you carry a lot of stuff.
Rainy weather can be tricky for SUVs, so choosing tires with excellent wet handling is crucial, look for features like enhanced tread compounds that stay flexible in the wet. For sizing, it's all about compatibility, use your vehicle's recommended dimensions from the placard inside the door or the manual, matching that that model exactly to keep everything balanced.
Budget plays a role too, but remember, cheaper isn't always better when it comes to safety on wet roads. I tried skimping once and it was a mistake, ended up replacing them sooner than expected but hey, live and learn.
Hey Rowan! If you buy online, start by entering your vehicle and then filter to your exact size that model :) Narrow to touring all season or all weather choices since those categories generally balance wet grip with comfort for highway miles. Sort by wet braking and wet handling results from independent testing, then skim owner feedback for comments about hydroplaning resistance and noise. If winters are mild, a good rain focused all season is fine. If you see freezing temps or occasional snow, an all weather option can cover both without giving up rain performance.
Before checkout confirm the load index and speed rating match the door sticker and look for fresh stock so the DOT date code is recent. Choose an installer, ask for an alignment check, and that model pressures to the sticker after the first heat cycle. Rotate every 5 to 7 thousand miles to keep edges sharp for water evacuation. If you cannot replace all four, put the new pair on the rear to keep the vehicle stable in the wet and plan to complete the that model soon. I did that and the difference on standing water was huge and the highway ride got quieter too
For rain you want two things working together :) A compound that stays grippy when the road film is cold and wet, and a tread that evacuates water faster than you can drive into it. Silica rich rubber helps with wet friction, and densely siped tread blocks add lots of biting edges. Asymmetric or directional patterns with generous void space and uninterrupted circumferential channels delay hydroplaning. If you drive through heavy rain often, do not run tires down to the legal minimum. Replace around 4 or 5 thirty seconds and you keep wet braking short.
Your that model tells you the width, the sidewall ratio, and the wheel diameter. Keep overall diameter the same to preserve speedometer accuracy and clearance, and match the load index and speed rating to what is on the door sticker or higher. UTQG traction marked AA or A can be a helpful clue for wet skid pad grip, but lean on instrumented braking and handling tests first. The mountain snowflake marking is for winter performance, not a rain badge, though many all weather designs that carry it also happen to be excellent in the wet. No drama in heavy rain.
For a CR‑V in 225/65R17 consistent wet standouts are Michelin CrossClimate 2 and Continental CrossContact LX25; Bridgestone WeatherPeak is another solid all‑weather pick that stays composed in heavy rain. Stick with your 225/65R17 and match or exceed the door placard load index and speed rating (often 102H); avoiding wider “plus sizes” helps delay hydroplaning. When buying online, lean on recent wet braking/handling tests, check the DOT date code for fresh stock, and keep pressures at the placard - those details matter almost as much as the tread pattern.
In very wet climates and pick a touring all season with four wide grooves & lots of sipes, and a high silica compound to boost wet braking and cut hydroplaning... Stick to the door sticker size, meet or exceed load and speed ratings, consider extra load if you haul often, keep placard pressures, and get an alignment at install for steady rain grip.
When it comes to tires for rainy drives in an SUV like yours,, focus on those rated highly for wet traction and the kind with sipes that help grip the road even when it's pouring :) Deep grooves are key for pushing water out from under the tire. To pick the right size, always refer to your car's specifications, that that model is a common one, but double-check with an online calculator or your manual to avoid any mismatches.
Something else to consider is the speed rating, make sure it suits your highway driving. And don't forget about warranty, longer ones often mean better durability in tough conditions.
I've switched tires a few times over the years, always prioritizing rain performance, and it's made a huge difference in confidence behind the wheel.