Best Tires for Michigan Highways

[lyle]

I just bought a 97 4Runner and it has P265R 70 16 Kelly Safari SUV tires on it with about one quarter inch tread depth. The tires seem to produce quite a bit of road noise. Any suggestions on what tires to put on this truck. I do not do any off-roading. I am looking for a tire that will handle heavy rain and and up to 2-4" of wet snow at about 40 mph without slipping and sliding. Deep snows are rare and I am confident that the 4 wheel drive will get me through the drifts if/when needed, i.e., I don't think I need a real aggressive mud and snow tire as much as I need one that keeps me on the road.

 

[KellyJ]

Michilens have worked very well for me let me tell you. the deulers that came stock on mine ran out of life around 40k. i've had the cross terrain SUV's on for a little over 40k more now and they show almost no wear at all. they were pretty expensive i remember...about $150 a tire including the mount and the old tire disposal, but not the balancing, but have been worth it. they are very quiet and have excellent grip in most conditions, and like i said, have excellent wear. if i was to guesstimate, i'd say there was about 80% tread life remaining on the tires.

 

[ohio4runner4x4]

I went with Toyo Open Country A/T's.....the price is right, ($475 total installed) and I have 45k on them and theres another 15k - 20k or so left. They work really good in the rain and snow here in NE Ohio.
When you buy Michelins, Goodyears, Bridgestones.....you are paying for the name!
That's my $.02!

 

[p nut]

Are Michigan roads anything like Wisconsin roads? I spent a few months in Wisconsin, and the roads are the worst I've seen so far. Bumps, potholes everywhere.

If you're looking for the longest lasting tire, Michelin is hard to beat. I'd go with either LTX M/S or A/T's. A/T's will be better for the snow, but the M/S will ride smoother. The M/S will get you through lite snow just fine, as long as you don't drive stupid. They are a little more expensive than other tires, but if you look at the miles per dollar ratio, it's better than your other options.

BTW, I had Kelly Safari's on my 4Runner and they were the absolute WORST! Glad you're getting rid of them.

 

[khaug]

I've been very pleased with the Michelin Cross-Terrain tires that came on our '03. They have decent grip in all weather, have been quiet and have lots of tread remaining at 58K miles.

When it comes time for new tires, I'll buy another set of these.

 

[Kmvreter]

I'm a long time Mich man. I'll get the CT or Pilot when the Dunflops go in the spring.
You get what you pay for... not just a name in this case.

 

[fireteacher]

firestone indy 500. #1 tire on tirerack.com for suv
i had em on mine before i got my at's, PREMO tire and super quiet

 

[hendy]

Lyle,

I've gone through 2 sets of Michelein LTX M/S's on my '97. They're great tires for highway in all weather.

I just put on a set of Cooper Discoverer HT's. Quieter and better road feel than the Michelin's, and about 30% less expensive. I recommend them highly.