Recomendations for winter tires?

[spud72]

I am a firm believe of the benefits of true winter tires for those of us that live in areas where snow and ice are abundant.

However, I haven't bought any for years so I'd be curious to know if other 4Runner owners are running them and which types in particular?

A local tire shop I deal with is recommending some Hankook Ipike W409 for price/performance. Does anyone here by chance run those? Considering they'll likely last me for years though, I don't mind spending a few more bucks per tire if it's a better chunk of rubber.

 

[scott78945]

Try using the search as there are oodles and oodles of posts regarding tires. Many here like the Birdgestone REVO's, including me, but they are not a specific winter tire though.

 

[spud72]

Try using the search as there are oodles and oodles of posts regarding tires.

Right - I did but I really found virtually nothing on winter tires specifically. The only real thread I found turned into a pissing match between winter tires and all seasons and REVOs.

 

[scott78945]

I don't know of any Runner owners that change out their tires specifically for winter only. You can check out tirerack.com and you will find some user reviews of different tires. I live in Central NY and we definately get our fair share of snow, measured in feet not inches, and I have REVO's and they worked well this winter. Their an all season though.

 

[Uneek]

Bridgestone Blizzaks.

 

[Kmvreter]

I don't know of any Runner owners that change out their tires specifically for winter only...

I change every winter. I run BFG A/Tko's mounted on steelies and there are others on the site that do similar.
I'm happy with the BFG (a little noisy but it is expected and for a limited season.) I've been real happy running the Mich LTX A/T on previous rides.
No specific experience with that Hankook but I think Hankook's have made in-roads in the aftermarket in Canada due to pricing. I know people who have bought various types. One was happy because he got a replacement cheap but the other was disappointed because of the ride. To each his own.
Another option is look at the Mich Latitude X-Ice if you want quality. More an ice tire, not as aggressive as the BFG.

 

[Casper]

Blizzaks are what most people run because they come in mutiple variants...cold weather, snow/ice, studable...give good mileage and are fairly inexpensive.

While its good to start looking in the summer, most of the time you are looking at left overs from the previous winter and unless you can find a smoking deal, most tire manufacturers dont release info on upcomming winter tires till the fall.

 

[Baba Booey]

I have been EXTREMELY happy with the Nokians that I have (and still do) run on vehicles other than the 4Runner. I never bought snows for the 4Runner, but if I do, they likely will be Nokians.

They make various models that will fit the 4Runner. Check out their website and search around the web for other reviews.

 

[p nut]

I have not run snow tires on any of my 4Runners, but I did have them for my Honda's. I had everything from studded Nokians to cheap Hankook's. To tell you the truth, Hankooks performed extremely well. I actually had them on my old BMW (E30 325is). I made it up to the ski resort in a heavy snow storm. I was very impressed with them.

Unless you need studded tires, I'd definately recommend the Hankook's.

But like others, I'll just be running A/T's during the winter time.

 

[TheBlueWave]

I have been EXTREMELY happy with the Nokians that I have (and still do) run on vehicles other than the 4Runner. I never bought snows for the 4Runner, but if I do, they likely will be Nokians.

They make various models that will fit the 4Runner. Check out their website and search around the web for other reviews.

My buddy swears by Nokians (he swears by all things Finnish) but his opinion is well founded. His car got awesome traction last winter, but like all snow tires if it doesn't snow much, they wear down very fast, and I believe Nokians are very expensive, but I could be wrong about that.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I've lived in Colorado for over 20 years and on my trucks I've used nothing but a good set of ATs (BFGs through the '90s and now Nittos and never will go back to BFGs) and on my AWD Eclipse I used nothing but a good set of perfor5mance all-seasons.

If you still see pavement realistically most of the time then snow and studded tires a waste of $$$.

 

[p nut]

I've lived in Colorado for over 20 years and on my trucks I've used nothing but a good set of ATs (BFGs through the '90s and now Nittos and never will go back to BFGs) and on my AWD Eclipse I used nothing but a good set of perfor5mance all-seasons.

If you still see pavement realistically most of the time then snow and studded tires a waste of $$$.

He's in Canada. Roads are snow covered throughout the winter, usually.

But, my parents also live in a state with snow covered roads, and they do fine on A/T's. Snow tires do get better traction, though.

 

[charlier180]

I don't know of any Runner owners that change out their tires specifically for winter only.

After my first winter using the Stock All Season tires I decided that a set of dedicated snow tires was needed.
I purchased a set of used Tundra Steel wheels from someone on-line and mounted a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks on them.

I did not buy another set of Tire Pressure Monitors so when I drive around 80 or so miles the TPMS light on my dash comes on but I just ignore it.
When I get home the TPMS goes off because my 4Runner is parked close enough to the regular tires that the TPMS is reset.

FYI, tire manufacturers make their snow tires in the mid to late summer. Once they finish their production run that is all there are for the year.
Needless to say DO NOT WAIT too long to get snow tires once they are in stock. If you do wait too long you will have a hard time finding snow tires.

 

[Camprunner]

Check with the local Wally World .......... I was there yesterday and they are selling all there snows real cheep to move some old stock.

 

[Falls]

What type of tire are you looking for as far as only street use , of all terrain ?? do you off road ? these all are determining factors in choosing a tire.

I would look at BFG AT , Nitto TG , Goodyear Silent Armor , as far ass an all terrain.

Road tire try the Blizzaks , I no many don't run them here unless your looking for street only for winter but they do wear fast on dry pavement.

 

[charlier180]

Road tire try the Blizzaks , I no many don't run them here unless your looking for street only for winter but they do wear fast on dry pavement.

It is true that Blizzaks do wear faster than a normal tire under certain conditions. The wear has less to do with dry pavement and more to do with the Temperature of the pavement. IIRC the information about the Blizzaks does recommend they be used within a certain Temperature range for optimal tread life.

That is the reason why I do not put my Blizzaks on my 4Runner until the temperature is more consistently within the recommended range.
This past winter that meant I mounted the tires in early December and took them off in early March.

With only a few measurable snow storms this past winter there were only a few occassions to have some winter fun with the 4Runner which was kind of a disappointment.
It was fun to watch a lot of cars and some other SUVs get stuck in those snow storms while my 4Runner kept crusing along without a problem.

 

[Monsoon1126]

I also live in Canada and I've equipped my '03 4Runner with Toyo Open Country G-02 winter tires. I'm very satisfied with their traction capabilities in both dry and wet winter conditions.