KM3 Owners - Snow/Ice Use?
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Engineer
New member
Hmm that was not my experience, at least not on the road - I figured it was the compound turning hard in the cold but they were like hockey pucks in the winter. Was not a huge deal as I knew I was driving on a Mud Terrain and not a snow tire but I def. would not have said amazing, tolerable maybe.
Different strokes for different folks
OP, as others have said, it's not a dedicated snow tire, or even an all season tire so you have to temper your expectations. Are they better then a performance summer tires, likely but I was to the point were I was going to buy a dedicated winter set even got the wheels just never pulled the trigger and now the KM2s were replaced by KO2s so I am giving it a couple months to see what I think
Running dedicated winter tires on our other vehicle I will say there is NO replacement for equipment specifically designed and engineered for one task, period.
Different strokes for different folks
OP, as others have said, it's not a dedicated snow tire, or even an all season tire so you have to temper your expectations. Are they better then a performance summer tires, likely but I was to the point were I was going to buy a dedicated winter set even got the wheels just never pulled the trigger and now the KM2s were replaced by KO2s so I am giving it a couple months to see what I think
Running dedicated winter tires on our other vehicle I will say there is NO replacement for equipment specifically designed and engineered for one task, period.
awpsome
New member
Interesting! Thanks for the feedback everyone.
Yea its my first year with the KM3s and wanted to do a board trip but want to make sure i keep the family safe as ive never driven on snow before.
I originally bought the KM3s as it fits my 95% year around type of terrain here and figured not sure how worth it, it will be to buy a set of dedicated snow tires when i only plan to go up to the mountains maybe a few times a year.
If the KM3s are absolute shit and borderline dangerous, ill consider buying a strict winter set as safety for my family overrules cost of tires.
Any winter specific tire recommendations?
Yea its my first year with the KM3s and wanted to do a board trip but want to make sure i keep the family safe as ive never driven on snow before.
I originally bought the KM3s as it fits my 95% year around type of terrain here and figured not sure how worth it, it will be to buy a set of dedicated snow tires when i only plan to go up to the mountains maybe a few times a year.
If the KM3s are absolute shit and borderline dangerous, ill consider buying a strict winter set as safety for my family overrules cost of tires.
Any winter specific tire recommendations?
filoufil
New member
Here's an interesting video comparing all terrain, winter rated (like the KO2s) and dedicated winter tires.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ahrlD40so4
For those saying that ice is ice, there is a huge difference between a mud tire and a winter tire.
See the following:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlYEMH10Z4s
I don't have KM3, but I have KO2s for most of the year, until winter settles in then I change for winter tires even if the KO2s are ''winter rated''. In Quebec, it makes such a difference that it's actually mandatory to have winter tires during the winter months.
In my opinion, depending what kind of climates you will be using them, the KM3 could be really dangerous.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ahrlD40so4
For those saying that ice is ice, there is a huge difference between a mud tire and a winter tire.
See the following:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlYEMH10Z4s
I don't have KM3, but I have KO2s for most of the year, until winter settles in then I change for winter tires even if the KO2s are ''winter rated''. In Quebec, it makes such a difference that it's actually mandatory to have winter tires during the winter months.
In my opinion, depending what kind of climates you will be using them, the KM3 could be really dangerous.
jrandom
New member
MT are awesome in: slush, deep pow, dense snow, untracked, ect. They turn to sh!t as soon as the aforementioned snow gets compacted and/or turns to ice.
Winter type rubber compounds and massive siping take care of the latter. I have winter tires and AT's that fair far better for all around winter driving.
Most often conditions are compacted and icy, or sloppy and a mix, at least around here, or anywhere you have a moderate amount of traffic.
If you are lucky enough to live in BFE rural areas then a MT may make more sense if a majority of your conditions are the first mentioned.
I just happened to be in the market for a fresh set of shoes too
I see two choices, at least for me. First another set of dedicated winter rubber (i've done this before, it is just expensive), and mount up a second set of MT's in the spring (I've got a second set of wheels), or just get a single set of AT's... yet again. Hard decision when you don't drive a lot (mostly skiing, winter treks, off-road, and camping) Two sets is a good ten years of tires... if the rubber lasts that long.
EDIT: I see you mentioned you've never driven on snow before, and you want safety first, I would choose a more conservative tire, if not a winter get a good AT (that you can drive year round and still get good offroad performance too)
Winter type rubber compounds and massive siping take care of the latter. I have winter tires and AT's that fair far better for all around winter driving.
Most often conditions are compacted and icy, or sloppy and a mix, at least around here, or anywhere you have a moderate amount of traffic.
If you are lucky enough to live in BFE rural areas then a MT may make more sense if a majority of your conditions are the first mentioned.
I just happened to be in the market for a fresh set of shoes too
I see two choices, at least for me. First another set of dedicated winter rubber (i've done this before, it is just expensive), and mount up a second set of MT's in the spring (I've got a second set of wheels), or just get a single set of AT's... yet again. Hard decision when you don't drive a lot (mostly skiing, winter treks, off-road, and camping) Two sets is a good ten years of tires... if the rubber lasts that long.EDIT: I see you mentioned you've never driven on snow before, and you want safety first, I would choose a more conservative tire, if not a winter get a good AT (that you can drive year round and still get good offroad performance too)
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awpsome
New member
MT are awesome in: slush, deep pow, dense snow, untracked, ect. They turn to sh!t as soon as the aforementioned snow gets compacted and/or turns to ice.
Winter type rubber compounds and massive siping take care of the latter. I have winter tires and AT's that fair far better for all around winter driving.
Most often conditions are compacted and icy, or sloppy and a mix, at least around here, or anywhere you have a moderate amount of traffic.
If you are lucky enough to live in BFE rural areas then a MT may make more sense if a majority of your conditions are the first mentioned.
I just happened to be in the market for a fresh set of shoes too
EDIT: I see you mentioned you've never driven on snow before, and you want safety first, I would choose a more conservative tire, if not a winter get a good AT (that you can drive year round and still get good offroad performance too)
Well i already own the KM3s actually just want to make sure before i head up i am prepared as much as i can be.
Since buying a separate set of tires for a few times of use for snow/ice driving isnt ideal. I am hopefully the KM3s will be alright and maybe at most buy some chains for the rear.
Hopefully the roads are maintained enough which just means more ice than deep snow..
Jesse1983
5th Gen Moderator
very good call. this is mostly what i was referring to. 4R isn't my daily driver and typically when i take it out for a good snow the conditions are just as you described and the MTs are awesome.
jrandom
New member
Sorry, but I think you are only going to get subjective answers based on each ones own personal experience.
I for one would not feel comfortable saying "go for it" based on the information you posted. You have never driven in snow, you have NO idea how your truck behaves under those conditions, that in itself is scary and in particular for others drivers as well as your family.
I have lived and worked in the mountains all of my twenties and early thirties, I still ski often. The scariest thing about it, is getting to the mountain and back. All to often I see people that have an AWD or 4WD that have no idea know what they are doing. IMO they have no business driving under those conditions and should either hire mountain transport or take the bus.
I have driven the roads around Tahoe summer and spring and people drive like Californians, fast.
You need to practice, period. Particularly for the safety of your family and others driving (most of which have families too).
Grab the truck and find some snow, in parking lots and practice slides, donuts, braking, obstacle avoidance, ect. That is the only advice anyone here should be giving you.
I for one would not feel comfortable saying "go for it" based on the information you posted. You have never driven in snow, you have NO idea how your truck behaves under those conditions, that in itself is scary and in particular for others drivers as well as your family.
I have lived and worked in the mountains all of my twenties and early thirties, I still ski often. The scariest thing about it, is getting to the mountain and back. All to often I see people that have an AWD or 4WD that have no idea know what they are doing. IMO they have no business driving under those conditions and should either hire mountain transport or take the bus.
I have driven the roads around Tahoe summer and spring and people drive like Californians, fast.
You need to practice, period. Particularly for the safety of your family and others driving (most of which have families too).
Grab the truck and find some snow, in parking lots and practice slides, donuts, braking, obstacle avoidance, ect. That is the only advice anyone here should be giving you.
CutthroatSlam
Senior Member
Although I am from SoCal, I have tons of experience driving in snow and ice. Back in my skiing days, I drove almost the entire state of Utah tbrough at least a foot of snow on the highway. When I tried to turn of in St Georg to get fuel, I could not turn the wheel due to the ice that had built up in the fenders. When I got to Vegas, I dumped 4 fender shaped hunks of ice in an intersection on the strip about where the Luxor is now. VW Bugs were great snow cars, save for the wipers and crappy heating.
All terrain tires all the way on your 4Runner. MTs are for guys infatuated with look, because 98% of the time they’re used on highways and streets and the other 2% they’re taking selfies with them.
Lot of experience with the BFG KO2s and they’re good. We own a home at Big Bear Lake and I’ve driven in heavy snow with them. Only twice have I put chains on and both times I was snowed in up there. We now own another home in Stevensville Montana and will be giving the Cooper AT3s a work out.
All terrain tires all the way on your 4Runner. MTs are for guys infatuated with look, because 98% of the time they’re used on highways and streets and the other 2% they’re taking selfies with them.
Lot of experience with the BFG KO2s and they’re good. We own a home at Big Bear Lake and I’ve driven in heavy snow with them. Only twice have I put chains on and both times I was snowed in up there. We now own another home in Stevensville Montana and will be giving the Cooper AT3s a work out.
Turfboy
Member
My winter driving suggestions are as follows(based on lifetime of Idaho snow):
1) Slow Down
2) Allow extra space for everything and try not to exaggerate auto inputs (steering, gas, brakes, lane changes etc.)
3) Drive during the daylight or warmest period if possible.
4) If you expect to see Black Ice, get Studs as it is the only thing that may help
5) The break may not be your best friend. As the T4r is a rear wheel drive vehicle, letting up on the gas helps you keep straight and slows you down.
Thank goodness I don't have to deal with salt on the roads out here.
Good luck!
Kamalani Mahie
New member
[MENTION=46681]awpsome[/MENTION] check out the Cooper A/TW. It's similar to the Cooper A/T3, but the rubber compound and tread are designed more for winter use. I don't run them personally, but I have heard good reviews on them.
LandCruiser
New member
I think that an unsiped MT is suicide in snow and ice. Even if you are an "expert in the snow" as everyone seems to be, I'd rather not have any "oh shit" moments in my commutes through blizzards. They will booger themselves up with snow and ice, the tread compound isn't soft enough in the cold, and you'll be driving on two pairs of skis with no stopping power. Factor in steep hills and black ice and you'll be a menace to everyone else.
I'm probably one of the few who uses dedicated winter tires and just leaves the MTs in the garage for the warmer months. FJ steelies and four Nokians cost a little under 1200 bucks compared to an average insurance claim of 5-6k.
Studded MTs are actually pretty damn good in snow and ice, but they are DAMN LOUD and not all places allow them, so you might get a ticket on your next cross country road trip.
I haven't really seen it enforced, but just about every state with a real winter has laws on the books about not having winter tires during a snow event.
I'm probably one of the few who uses dedicated winter tires and just leaves the MTs in the garage for the warmer months. FJ steelies and four Nokians cost a little under 1200 bucks compared to an average insurance claim of 5-6k.
Studded MTs are actually pretty damn good in snow and ice, but they are DAMN LOUD and not all places allow them, so you might get a ticket on your next cross country road trip.
I haven't really seen it enforced, but just about every state with a real winter has laws on the books about not having winter tires during a snow event.
awpsome
New member
damn all these comments about MTs being a terrible idea in snow definitely got my worried.
I cant seem to find anything about KM3s in snow/ice but there is a decent amount of feedback from folks with KM2s that are reporting decent traction.
I might just make the change to KO2s for a better year round tire that has decent snow/ice rating especially over the KM3. But i literally just bought these KM3s a few months ago, so that sucks.
I cant seem to find anything about KM3s in snow/ice but there is a decent amount of feedback from folks with KM2s that are reporting decent traction.
I might just make the change to KO2s for a better year round tire that has decent snow/ice rating especially over the KM3. But i literally just bought these KM3s a few months ago, so that sucks.
Sorry for the hijack.
Where are you located and what size? I may be interested in taking them off your hands
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