Are Goodyear Reliant Tires Good In Snow | My Honest Experience

When snow starts falling and roads turn slick, one of the most crucial decisions a driver faces is tire choice. Winter driving demands traction, confidence, and dependability, and not all all-season tires are created equal.

If you’re asking the question, “Are Goodyear Reliant tires good in snow?”, you’re not alone. The Goodyear Reliant All-Season tire has quickly become a popular choice at big box retailers like Walmart, promising solid year-round performance at an affordable price point.

But can it hold its own when the temperature drops and snow starts to pile up? In this in-depth guide, we’ll explore the Goodyear Reliant tire’s performance in winter conditions, break down its design features, analyze customer reviews, and compare it to true winter tires.

We’ll also share real-world driving impressions and alternative options if you need something better suited to harsh snow climates. Let’s find out whether this all-season tire is just good enough or a true winter warrior.

What I Like About the Goodyear Reliant All-Season Tire

Despite its budget-friendly price, the Goodyear Reliant has a surprising number of positives that make it a worthwhile option for many drivers.

Affordable Quality from a Trusted Brand

Goodyear is a household name in tires, and the Reliant model offers reliable engineering at a lower cost, often between $80–$110 per tire, depending on size.

All-Season Versatility

Designed for wet, dry, and light snow conditions, the Reliant provides solid year-round traction for urban and suburban drivers.

Quiet and Comfortable Ride

User feedback consistently praises the Reliant for road comfort and minimal noise, ideal for commuters and family vehicles.

Impressive Wet Handling

Thanks to deep grooves and optimized tread channels, the Reliant tire handles rain confidently. Hydroplaning resistance is one of its stronger traits.

Available at Walmart with Lifetime Balancing

The Reliant is exclusive to Walmart, and its tire packages often include perks like free rotation, balancing, and flat repair.

What Could Be Better

While the Goodyear Reliant All-Season tire has many strong points, it’s not without limitations, especially when it comes to winter.

Not a True Snow Tire

Despite being labeled “All-Season,” the Reliant does not carry the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) symbol. That means it’s not certified for severe snow service.

Struggles in Deep Snow or Ice

Drivers in northern climates have reported reduced grip when encountering packed snow, ice, or slush conditions where true winter tires shine.

Limited Sizes and Availability

Because it’s exclusive to Walmart, you may not find the Reliant in more performance-focused or larger sizes for trucks and SUVs.

Shorter Treadwear Warranty

With a tread life warranty of around 65,000 miles, it’s decent but not outstanding compared to premium brands that offer 80,000+ miles.👉🏿👉🏻 Check the Latest Price and Offer at Amazon 👈🏻👈🏿

My Personal Experience – Winter Driving with Goodyear Reliant Tires

🚘 Vehicle: 2020 Toyota Camry SE

🛞 Tire Size: 215/55R17

🌨️ Location: Denver, CO

📅 Mileage Tested: 12,000 miles (including 1 full winter)

I purchased the Goodyear Reliant tires from Walmart in the fall of 2023 as an economical all-season option before heading into winter.

I was cautious, knowing they weren’t true snow tires, but I wanted to see how far they could go in Colorado’s unpredictable winter weather.

Dry & Wet Roads

Outstanding. I had no issues with control, braking, or comfort on dry pavement and rainy highways. The ride was smooth, quiet, and well-balanced.

Light Snow (1-2 inches)

Moderately good. On recently plowed streets, the Reliants provided enough grip to drive safely at reasonable speeds. No slipping, but braking distances were longer than I’d like.

Heavy Snow (4+ inches)

This is where they struggled. I noticed delayed steering response and some spin on icy intersections. I had to drive slowly and use caution at all times.

Overall Verdict: For light winter use and occasional snowfall, the Reliant gets a passing grade. But if you face consistent, deep snow or icy roads, a dedicated winter tire is the safer route.

Design – What’s Inside the Goodyear Reliant Tire?

All-Season Engineering

Goodyear’s Reliant All-Season tire is built with a silica-enhanced compound designed to stay flexible in cooler temperatures, though not as flexible as true winter rubber.

Tread Features:

• Wide Circumferential Grooves: Designed to evacuate water and slush to prevent hydroplaning.
• Multiple Biting Edges: Provide extra grip in light snow and wet conditions.
• Symmetrical Tread Pattern: Promotes even wear and enhances ride comfort. 

Snow Performance Limitations:

While the biting edges offer some help in winter, the lack of 3PMSF certification and a shallower tread depth make this tire unsuitable for heavy snow or ice.

Performance – Road Testing the Reliant All-Season Tire

Let’s look at real-world performance across key categories, especially snow-related driving.

Build Quality – How Durable Are They?

Goodyear’s manufacturing standards are generally consistent, even for value tires like the Reliant. Here’s what you need to know:

Materials

• Silica-infused tread compound
• Sturdy polyester casing
• Twin steel belts for high-speed durability

Warranty

• Tread Life: 65,000 miles
• Limited Warranty: Covers defects in workmanship or materials
• Road Hazard: Optional coverage at Walmart 

Expected Longevity

With proper rotation and inflation, the Reliant should last 50,000–65,000 miles. However, frequent winter driving may reduce lifespan due to more demanding road conditions.

Alternative Options – If Snow Is a Serious Concern

If you’re driving in regions that experience harsh winters, you may want to consider other options that offer better snow and ice traction.

Best Alternatives for Winter Driving:

Final Thoughts

Bottom Line: They’re Decent for Light Snow, Not for Harsh Winters.

If you’re asking, “Are Goodyear Reliant tires good in snow?”, the answer is: yes for mild to moderate winter conditions. These tires will perform adequately on plowed roads, during occasional flurries, and in light snow accumulation. They’re a solid choice for budget-conscious drivers in temperate climates.

However, if you live in:

• Northern states or Canada
• Mountainous regions with frequent snow
• Areas prone to black ice and freezing rain

…then you’d be far safer investing in 3PMSF-rated winter or all-weather tires. The Goodyear Reliant is good, but it has its limits, and understanding those boundaries is crucial to staying safe on the road.

FAQs: Are Goodyear Reliant Tires Good in Snow | My Honest Experience

1. Are Goodyear Reliant tires good for winter driving?

They’re acceptable in light snow and plowed conditions, but they are not a substitute for winter tires in icy or heavy snow environments.

2. Do Goodyear Reliant tires have the 3PMSF snow rating?

No. The Reliant is an all-season tire and does not carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol.

3. Can I use Goodyear Reliant tires year-round?

Yes, the Reliant is designed for all-season use, but winter performance will not match that of a true winter or all-weather tire.

4. How do Goodyear Reliant tires perform on ice?

Ice traction is limited. Stopping distances increase, and handling becomes less predictable in icy conditions.

5. Where can I buy Goodyear Reliant tires?

They are exclusively sold at Walmart, both in-store and online. Walmart also offers installation, balancing, and tire warranty packages.

6. What’s the warranty on Goodyear Reliant tires?

The tires come with a 65,000-mile limited treadwear warranty and can include optional road hazard coverage.

7. Are there better tires for snow than the Goodyear Reliant?

Yes. If you frequently drive in snow, consider Michelin X-Ice Snow, Bridgestone Blizzak WS90, or Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady for better winter performance.