Tire tread: how low is too low for snow?

[cali_axela]

Hi all, I've got a T4R V8 4WD still rockin' the cheesy stock AT20's, and they are right down to the wear bars. Still plenty of tread left for normal driving, however I'm heading up to Tahoe this weekend and just thinking that it seems a little sketch to go up there with such low tread. Seriously, the competition wets for my track car (Toyo RA1) have noticeably deeper tread than what's left on the T4R tires now.

I will mostly just be driving up 80, but will likely have to traverse a couple unplowed local streets as well. Is it a horrible idea to drive in snow w/ the stock tires near the wear bars? I'm debating between either just picking up a pair of chains for now, or getting all new tires this week before heading up.

 

[Ulfr]

Hi all, I've got a T4R V8 4WD still rockin' the cheesy stock AT20's, and they are right down to the wear bars. Still plenty of tread left for normal driving, however I'm heading up to Tahoe this weekend and just thinking that it seems a little sketch to go up there with such low tread. Seriously, the competition wets for my track car (Toyo RA1) have noticeably deeper tread than what's left on the T4R tires now.

I will mostly just be driving up 80, but will likely have to traverse a couple unplowed local streets as well. Is it a horrible idea to drive in snow w/ the stock tires near the wear bars? I'm debating between either just picking up a pair of chains for now, or getting all new tires this week before heading up.

1. Safest bet, get new tires, chains can come handy however.

I don't really know what type that really is, but I can assure that the more of thread you have left, the better the grip is.

Also, keep in mind that some tires behave better in snow than others, better grip in the cold etc etc...

If you aren't used to drive in snow I'd go for better tires, but if you are used to keep yourself in the "safe zone" (i.e. be cautious on the gas pedal and steering. ) you should be alrite.

Also, if it's just the snow you're worried 'bout, don't be afraid airin' those tires down to say, 12-16psi (from 28-33psi or whatever you normally drive) and you'll note the difference in traction in the snow)
Just don't pass 45-55mph with that low pressure, especially on solid ground (i.e. not in snow)

I've driven way past the thread 'low zone' on my tires for many many years.
airin' them down has always worked for me. But note, I'm an Icelander, so we might be abit crazy 'round these things...

Have a nice trip! Hope this info helps. :S

 

[cali_axela]

Thanks, that actually helps a lot. I didn't even consider that airing the tires down would help with snow traction, but if you say so, I'll just do that once I get into any deep stuff. I don't have a lot of experience driving in the snow, however I understand the importance of smooth inputs and the physics of traction, weight transfer, etc very well as an avid racer (the T4R will be towing my track car occasionally).

The only thing I'm really still worried about if driving in the snow with low tread, is coming back DOWN the hill in the snow with low tread... not keeping control of the truck on the way up or on reasonably flat ground. I have no issues with sliding around, I'm quite comfortable doing that at MUCH higher speeds than I'll be going in the snow.. just worried about sliding down the hill without traction mainly. Will airing the tires down help get traction in that situation at all?

 

[JB.]

cali_axela,

A point of clarification on reducing tire pressure. If the tire has a chance to get down to pavement, normal presssure gives better traction as the tire can press down through the snow better instead of riding up on it. Same reason deeper tread woud be better. For instance, if it starts to snow while you're on clear pavement, there would be no reason to take any air out.

Considering the hassle, limited benefit, and potential problems of lower tire pressure, I'd suggest leaving it alone and just take it easy.

If you really want traction, new tires is where it's at.

 

[Crawlin85]

It really depends on how much snow is on the ground. I drove 80 from grass valley to sugar bowl last season everyday and didn't ever air down. Even when they closed off the freeway due too snow I still got past and did fine and I'm spooled rear and lockrite front so I'm due slide easier on corners. It's all about drivin slow easy on the brakes and down shifting. I'd recommend tires if ur at wearbars if u want to play safe tho. if chain control sees thier too low u may have to put on chains. U can mount those tires back up in the summer if u want to wear em down anymore

 

[brian2sun]

You should always carry chains in the CA mountains in the winter because if it snows while you're there and you come up on a chain check, they'll turn you around without them whether you have good tires or not. They usually won't make you put them on if you're 4WD, but they'll still want to see them.

So if you have to buy chains anyways, the question is.. do you want to buy new tires and only have to carry the chains, or would you rather not buy tires now and just put the chains on if it snows?

 

[cali_axela]

Thanks guys, I would rather just wear these tires down a little more, looks like I'll just buy chains, take it super easy on the brakes / turning etc, and hope I don't have to bother putting them on!

 

[fourwd1]

The type of snow makes a big difference. Traction in a wet snow is a lot different then a dry snow. The stickieness of a wet snow can be helpful or detrimental depending on tread pattern. A pattern with a lot of small voids will hold snow, which can stick to the snow on the road improving traction (if you avoid wheel spin). But an aggressive tread pattern with large voids will unload the snow and loose traction quicker. In a dry snow it's kinda the opposite. But no matter what, going slow an avoiding wheel spin is most important.