what do You look for in a Tire?

[Grenvilleter]

OK... I'm shopping for tires and the options available are almost overwhelming not to mention the wide price variant. Load ratings, speed ratings, wear ratings, traction ratings and no UTOG ratings needed for metric/flotation LT tires.

Everybody's requirement for a tire is a little different depending on your geographic location, type of driving you do etc.

I tried some BF Goodrich All-terrain T/A's and although they seem to be a long wearing tire, I'll spin in wet grass or a 1/2" of snow and many times need 4wd to get going.

For this reason I don't like them.

Had some Goodrich Winter Slalom that, despite having a less aggressive tread design seemed to work better in a little slick mud or snow than the all-terrains.

Anyhow, for my applications I should probably just get a good all season LT type tire and a set of chains for my "snow safari's"

Just curious what other folks look for in a tire.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

I am not a tire expert, I don't even own a 4Runner, but I thought I'd chime in... If you have a tire that you are not that impressed with (maybe it's an "all season" and it lacks traction, for example) you can have it professionally siped to improve traction on some surfaces. Just thought I'd put that out there as an idea. It could be a last resort in the future, if you end up with a tire that doesn't measure up.

 

[nevada]

OK... I'm shopping for tires and the options available are almost overwhelming not to mention the wide price variant. Load ratings, speed ratings, wear ratings, traction ratings and no UTOG ratings needed for metric/flotation LT tires.

Everybody's requirement for a tire is a little different depending on your geographic location, type of driving you do etc.

I tried some BF Goodrich All-terrain T/A's and although they seem to be a long wearing tire, I'll spin in wet grass or a 1/2" of snow and many times need 4wd to get going.

For this reason I don't like them.

Had some Goodrich Winter Slalom that, despite having a less aggressive tread design seemed to work better in a little slick mud or snow than the all-terrains.

Anyhow, for my applications I should probably just get a good all season LT type tire and a set of chains for my "snow safari's"

Just curious what other folks look for in a tire.

it depends on what I need them for, what use.

lots of sipes, and edges, with smaller tread blocks will make for a better ice/snow tire.

as to those BFG's spinning, what air pressure are you running? ive ran that tire for years, and haven't noticed the issue you described. in fact, its my favorite all around tire.

 

[JB.]

Just curious what other folks look for in a tire.

I try to predict how the tire will be used and identify what characteristics I want.

That actually makes it pretty easy and narrows down the choices to a very small number.

The above only works, though, with a good understanding of tires. I (now) totally understand people simply getting a tire that they like the looks of and calling it a day. The looks can be enjoyed on a daily basis while racking up some experience which may be useful on the next purchase.

Watching the angst so many people go through as they endure conflicting information when trying to decide which tire to get has convinced me the latter strategy holds much value.

 

[Grenvilleter]

nevada wrote-"as to those BFG's spinning, what air pressure are you running? ive ran that tire for years, and haven't noticed the issue you described. in fact, its my favorite all around tire."

Ya know... I'll check that and shame on me for not doing so. Took them off a

another 4runner to try them out and never thought to check pressure.

"The above only works, though, with a good understanding of tires. I (now) totally understand people simply getting a tire that they like the looks of and calling it a day. The looks can be enjoyed on a daily basis while racking up some experience which may be useful on the next purchase. "

Yea..no kidding .. I've always been a "form follows function" kind of guy and performance counts more than looks in my book.
The tough part is, I live a mile off the maintained road, drive the 4-lane for maybe 150 miles a couple times a month and go back to the woods to cut wood in the winter a few days.

Finding a tire that must perform under such varied conditions is asking a lot for 1 tire to do everything well.

In my case, probably a good middle of the road LT truck tire and a set of chains to use when/if I have much trail to break.

Deciphering the codes used and figuring out "if a wear rating of 400 is good or bad" ?
It was fun but took me a few hours of research trying to understand what all this stuff means but in the end, don't matter what I put on, I'll probably get stuck regardless.

I think I'll go with whats good on ice/wet pavement as that is where I want safety when travelling at relatively high speed.
For where I live, if I get stuck, it's not life threatening situation like it could be for some. My terrain is fairly flat going and if I get stuck, I can walk home.

Apparently, from what I saw, there is really no official body who performs these UTOG tests and, if I read right, it is up to the mfgr to supply test data via their own or 3rd party test facility.

As mentioned initially, i was curious as anyone else found the whole procedure more "complicated" these days.:cheers:

 

[djskorch]

Well heres what I look for in a tire.

Shes gotta be tough but know when to relax, let some air out and give me a good ride.

Shes gotta be shapely and know how to handle her curves while maintaining her composure.

She has to stand out in a crowd but not be so obnoxious that she draws a crowd of gawkers.

Shes gotta be ok with getting dirty but clean up well for a nice night out into town.

Shes gotta be the right size. Too big and she rubs me wrong but too small and im afraid she'll split the first time I push near her limits.

Shes gotta understand that money doesnt grow on trees. Dont get me wrong, ill be happy to throw a few extra bucks at her as long as she will take care of me in return but im paying for more than looks here.