Snow, Ice and Tire Pressure?

[Snwwlkr7]

I've driven in snow and ice quite a good bit and have had many 4x4's over the years. That said I have mostly lived in TN so I don't get near as much practice as a lot of you do. Do you guys/girls lower your tire pressure for snow/ice driving?

 

[Qyota]

I don't.

 

[Pikeman]

For daily commuting driving in winter snow conditions, No I do not. For trail runs in the snow then yes I do air down like most of my other trail runs. Remember under inflated nad over inflated tires generate more heat and cause to tire wear issues. On the trail this isnt an issue because you are generally going slower speeds and for very short distances. But what do I know I am from So. Cal. Hopefully some of the Colorado or other "Winter States" chimes in.

 

[brian2sun]

I run my snow tires at 30 psi, then I change to my spring and summer tires and run them at 45.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

32-38 is fine and is best for most tires. I run my Duratracs at 36psi all year round.

 

[theizzardking]

ya don't air down for snowy road conditions just snow trails and such.


airing down only helps you to float over the deep stuff as it distributes the weight better and allows more of the tread to come in contact with the surface,
doing this on a normal road that gets plowed or only has 1 inch or so of snow just on teh surface your just ruining your tires like pike was saying above.

 

[Snwwlkr7]

That almost surprises me. I will follow your advice...Thanks much...

 

[fourwd1]

That almost surprises me. I will follow your advice...Thanks much...

It should, and don't, follow your instincts and judge for yourself.
A lot depends on the type of snow (wet or dry), depth, your tire tread, width, etc.
My 36x12.50's will go thru deep stuff like it's not there (we had a freakish 24"+ right before XMAS), but in 4" of wet snow it's a different story (that's when I drive my Trooper, it has better tires for that type). But I will adjust tire pressure on either if I feel it's needed.
just my .02