NEXEN Winguard Winspike 3 Winter Tire 215/55R16 97T - Winter Grip

In this review the NEXEN Winguard Winspike 3 215/55R16 97T is evaluated as a studdable winter tire aimed at drivers who need confident traction in snow, ice and slush. The bottom line: it is a well-rounded winter option that prioritizes wet and winter traction through a directional tread and dense siping, and it is backed by Nexen's Total Coverage Warranty, making it a solid pick for commuters and seasonal drivers who want predictable control on cold, messy roads.

Key Features

• Total Coverage Warranty: Includes 36 months of roadside assistance to give peace of mind during the winter season.
• Optional TSMI #12 studs: Allows superior grip and control in ice and packed snow when studs are fitted for drivers who need maximum bite.
• Directional tread pattern: Deep grooves quickly evacuate water and slush to reduce hydroplaning risk on wet winter roads.
• Dense siping: Adds extra road bite and improves braking and handling in snow and icy patches.
• Advanced winter compound: The rubber stays flexible in sub-freezing temperatures to maintain traction in cold conditions.
• 3PMSF certification: Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake approval confirms effective performance in moderate to severe winter conditions.

Who It's For

The Winguard Winspike 3 is best for passenger car owners who face regular winter storms, commuting on highways and local roads, and who value a tire that maintains flexibility in very cold conditions. The optional stud capability is useful for drivers in regions where temporary studding is permitted and ice control is essential.

Drivers who never encounter sustained ice or who prefer a stud-free setup year-round might consider a dedicated non-studdable winter tire or a high-performance all-season for milder climates; also those who expect an ultra-quiet touring ride may notice a different NVH profile compared with summer tires.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong winter traction from dense siping and a directional tread that handles snow, slush, and wet roads well.
• Studdable with optional TSMI #12 studs for superior grip on ice when studs are installed.
• Backed by Nexen's Total Coverage Warranty, including 36 months of roadside assistance for added confidence.

Cons

• Some customers expect studs but receive the tire without studs fitted, so studdability must be arranged separately.

Specifications

Brand	NEXEN
Model	Winguard Winspike 3
Size	215/55R16 97T
Stud Option	Optional TSMI #12 studs available
Certification	Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF)
Warranty	Total Coverage Warranty with 36 months roadside assistance

Our Verdict

The NEXEN Winguard Winspike 3 is a practical, value-oriented winter tire for drivers who need reliable performance on snow, ice and wet roads and appreciate the safety net of a strong warranty. Choose it if you want flexible compound performance in cold temperatures and the option to add studs for extreme ice; it represents good value for seasonal winter use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are studs included with the tire?
The tire is studdable with optional TSMI #12 studs, but studs are not supplied preinstalled and must be obtained and fitted separately.

Is this tire certified for severe snow?
Yes, the Winguard Winspike 3 carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for performance in moderate to severe winter conditions.

Does Nexen provide roadside assistance?
Yes, the Total Coverage Warranty includes 36 months of roadside assistance as part of the coverage.