Stock tires and snow?

[Foques]

Greetings,

Sorry, I couldn't find any topics relating words stock, tires and snow.. figured, i'd ask..

How are the OEM tires in the snow?
apparently, Chicago is going to be hit hard this winter, and I am thinking i'll want to get me some winter tires if the stock tires are not performing well in snow.

thanks..


/flamesuit.

 

[scanny]

Stock tires are far from good in winter. But it depends on how you drive. I survived last year on stock tires, even went to Vermont on a ski trip. 4x4 and VSC partially makes for the tires so you're not going to be worse than 2wd vehicles around and other SUVs on stock tires. As long as you drive carefully and don't go offroad you should be fine. But personally for coming winter I got myself Duratracs - they are severe winter conditions rated and got good reviews.

 

[Quentin]

I had no issues with the stock Bridgestones in snow last year. I didn't expect them to grip like a true winter tire, so the tire was in line with my expectations. We'll see how they do this winter with 25k miles miles on them instead of 10k miles, though.

 

[rickwol]

This is a timely post. I just got the November issue of Consumer Reports and they rate SUV/Pickup tires in the following categories: All-Season, All Terrain and specifically Winter, so you might want to pick up a copy for yourself and do some comparisons. Of course I imagine there are plenty of members here with opinions as well. I for one will find out how good my stock Bridgestones do this first winter in NY as I simply don't feel like spending the money right now on new tires.

 

[Foques]

Rick, i've found consumer reports to be quite average in their accuracy for a few year by now. that said, I have lost my faith in them.

that is why I am seeking advise of the enthusiast circle to get the real picture.
good idea, though.

 

[CSkeith]

I had no issues with the stock Bridgestones in snow last year. I didn't expect them to grip like a true winter tire, so the tire was in line with my expectations. We'll see how they do this winter with 25k miles miles on them instead of 10k miles, though.

Which bridgestones were you running?

 

[BradleyB]

Which bridgestones were you running?

I had no issues with the stock Bridgestones in snow last year.

OEM: Dueler H/T D684 II, rated on Tire Rack at 44th out of 57 Highway All-Season tires, with a Light Snow average rating of 5.0 out 10, 4.3 for Deep Snow, and 4.1 for Ice. Better than the OEM Dunlops, but that is thin comfort.

I'm heading into my first winter on my Bridgestones, currently with c. 12,500 miles. Just shelled out for the Platinum thing (thank you Jerry Johnson) and am hoping to through one winter before upgrading the tires. If Maryland has the winter we had last year, I'll probably be changing my mind.

Brad

 

[DEKA3]

Had stock Dunflops for about 2000 miles. Got stock many times last winter season. I kept telling myself that they are "good enough" for NYC, but getting stuck once for 3.5 hours and needing a pull from a tow truck (couldnt get out of friends driveway in upstate NY) made me wake up and invest some money for my sanity and my family's safety. Now have the Goodyear Silent Armors. Waiting for the snow to fall to finally test them out.

BRING IT OLD MAN WINTER!!!:gun6:

 

[Foques]

sounds like I need to find me some steelies...

 

[dekeman]

The stock tires will NOT work in the snow or ice.
A good winter tire is essential for any area where winter temperatures fail to rise above 7C, the point at which regular tires begin to harden and lose traction.

A winter tire, on the other hand, lets you go anywhere.....

 

[westwind77]

Greetings,
How are the OEM tires in the snow?

All depends how MUCH snow. I am running the stock Dueler H/T. I have been through 2 winters with them and no complaints. Then again I have not been pushing through 18" of constant snow on the road either. I have a stone driveway (no plowing), open the garage door, back out, put her in D and off I go. If you are going to be spending a lot of time in ski country then I would probably upgrade to a better A/T tire to be safe since these things are H/T. I plan to go with a more aggressive tread when these wear out.

 

[Ripsnort]

Rick, i've found consumer reports to be quite average in their accuracy for a few year by now. that said, I have lost my faith in them.
.

This. :Thumbsup:

 

[Foques]

yeah, skiing is out of the question.
Last year on a couple of occasions we had 10+ inches fallout, and one got over a couple of feet.
this winter is supposed to be even worse (per accuweather)

Now, can mud tires double as winter/snow ones?

 

[Quentin]

Now, can mud tires double as winter/snow ones?

Generally, no. A big reason I like winter tires is what Dekeman mentioned. Winter tires have a compound that is designed to stay somewhat soft even in the coldest weather. Most mud tires aren't designed with that in mind. The Duratracs that scanny mentioned look like they would probably be a pretty good compromise between winter and mud.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...ear_Wrangler_DuraTrac_Tire&CAWELAID=712079126

 

[Foques]

that's what I thought! thank you!

 

[dekeman]

Blizzak DM-V1 are a good choice too. I'm ordering a set this week.

The other thing to consider is separate rims - not only because you can then swap them yourself, but because winter eats the finish on alloy wheels. Having a winter set keeps your summer set looking new for years.

 

[Foques]

obviously, winter tires would be going on a separate set. I just need to figure out where i'll be storing my wheels come april, when I move.. :\
Goal for this weekend - sell my summer set from my old car..

 

[Antman]

Blizzak DM-V1 are a good choice too. I'm ordering a set this week.

The other thing to consider is separate rims - not only because you can then swap them yourself, but because winter eats the finish on alloy wheels. Having a winter set keeps your summer set looking new for years.

Buy a couple cans of Plastidip- spray the wheels and peel it off in the Spring for shiney like-new alloys! Cheaper than new wheels...:biggrin2:

 

[Quentin]

obviously, winter tires would be going on a separate set. I just need to figure out where i'll be storing my wheels come april, when I move.. :\
Goal for this weekend - sell my summer set from my old car..

Build one of these.

 

[Foques]

that's what I have now

The place i'm moving to will not have a garage.