Which Winter Tires Are You Going To Run?

[Canazes9]

Seriously, how ignorant can you be? I'm a female driver, AND a trauma nurse, and if you want to see bad drivers, visit my trauma room any day of the week. The male drivers in MVC's (motor vehicle crashes) FAR exceed the females. I agree with the previous nomination for most ignorant comment...

I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it....

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David

 

[Sputnik]

I'm sorry lol. I didn't mean to offend anyone. I always thought you put winter tires on cars that are incapable of being driven in winter.
I live in New England and I personally don't have the need for winter tires at this time for my 4runner

 

[Quentin]

Winter traction rating on tire rack was part of the reason I went with Wrangler SilentArmors. We'll see how they do this winter, though.

 

[Batang.Gapo]

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV has been really great for the last two winter season so far.

 

[jambo]

Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV has been really great for the last two winter season so far.

Nokian Hakka on highway to hell last winter they were awesome .

 

[RobDek]

Let it snow damnit...let it snow!!!

 

[NoDak]

haha i was thinking the same thing last nite during the weather portion of the news.

hoping for 4-6 inches, but knowing our luck it will stay in the lower half of the state or not happen at all this weekend.

 

[Deserter]

so I managed to finally get sorted out with the Nokian Hakka R2 suv tires just in time for the snow this weekend, gotta say I'm pretty impressed, very quiet and smooth and very grippy in yesterdays snow

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[Intruder]

I went with the Nokian Rotiivas and have to say they're pretty grippy. I don't have ABS, VSC, TRAC, or 4wd right now and still didn't have any trouble in the snow. Actually passed a Subie that was spinning his wheels trying to get up a hill.

 

[jrob]

This is probably a better thread to pose this question.

I am shopping for some snow tires for my trail. I would like to stick with 285/70 17s to prevent the roller skate look. This leaves me with two options as far as I can tell. Blizzak Dmv1s or General Altimax Arctics.

I live a mile back on a forest service road at 9000 feet. The road is plowed but not always promptly so deep snow performance is important.
Because of this I am kind of leaning toward the Generals as they appear to have larger tread void and seem to have decent reviews and ratings. The blizzaks I'm sure would do fine, but the larger tread void of the Generals would seem to lend itself better to deeper snow.
Can anyone speak specifically to the deep snow performance of either of these tires?
I am calling deep snow 8-18 inches. Beyond that it's time to break out chains anyway.
Thanks!

 

[koby]

Go with your gut, you are on the right track. You certainly want bigger 'paddles' for the deep snow. Your main concern will not be ice traction but rather snow plowing! I ran duratracs on my Tacoma up Mt. Baker and Whistler and I thought they were fantastic in all conditions including all the rain down here in Vancouver! I'm putting a set of 265 17's on my new 4runner because I was so impressed. My alternative would be Nokian's with the most aggressive treads I could find. I'm sure the Generals would do just fine for your needs!

 

[ragde11]

You will never go wrong on Bridgestone Blizzaks studless 265/70R/70. Great winter tire!

 

[Woofer]

This is probably a better thread to pose this question.

I am shopping for some snow tires for my trail. I would like to stick with 285/70 17s to prevent the roller skate look. This leaves me with two options as far as I can tell. Blizzak Dmv1s or General Altimax Arctics.

I live a mile back on a forest service road at 9000 feet. The road is plowed but not always promptly so deep snow performance is important.
Because of this I am kind of leaning toward the Generals as they appear to have larger tread void and seem to have decent reviews and ratings. The blizzaks I'm sure would do fine, but the larger tread void of the Generals would seem to lend itself better to deeper snow.
Can anyone speak specifically to the deep snow performance of either of these tires?
I am calling deep snow 8-18 inches. Beyond that it's time to break out chains anyway.
Thanks!

It's interesting because the Altimax is one I seriously considered. The Blizzak was another. I ended up with Continental Extreme Winter Contact. I think they're great in deep snow, which I saw lots of last year. I'm not so keen on them on ice but wherever there is a bit of friction they do great (e.g., ice with a dusting of snow). I'd probably go with the Altimax over the Blizzak (or even the Continental) for deep snow. For the kind of driving I do now--less snow and more ice--I'd opt for the Blizzak. Honestly, you probably can't do wrong with any of those three.

 

[joey185]

Did you or anybody try studs in the duratracs or is it not needed?

 

[Jim82]

Did you or anybody try studs in the duratracs or is it not needed?

We run Studded DuraTracs on our work vehicles. In Downtown Seattle with some extremely steep hills, they work great.

My previous employer back in MSP (very flat) had DuraTracs (non-studded) on our SUVs and Vans and did just fine from October until snow melted in May.
If I had DuraTracs on my 4Runner I would not get studded ones. I go up to the mountains and passes all winter long and have had no problems with regular tires (unless the passes require studded or chains-then I’ll just wait a day). Though, I do have a tire with the snowflake, they preform great in all weather conditions.

I guess the studded DuraTracs provide a peace of mind. However, the way you drive in snow makes all the difference, slow down, a good tire with good tread is pretty much all you need; which is why little cars get home safely all winter long. I see more SUVs on the side of the road during storms than smaller cars.

 

[LandCruiser]

I've always used BFG TA/KO's on my trucks.

Probably the only person here who does so.

They do pretty well here in the mountains, very grippy in the snow. Once the ice comes out, tho, not so much... but anything short of studded tires and chains won't be enough when there's a thin compacted layer of snow on a thick layer of ice.

 

[pointedem]

Hankook RW11. Been in several storms already- these tires are pretty unstoppable in 4h... even in 2w they inspire confidence. Think I paid 560 after a 40$ rebate for 17". Highly recommended. Similar tread design to Nokian, lot cheaper.

 

[Hanau]

Blizzaks

 

[Batang.Gapo]

In my book, it's Nokian Hakkapeliitta R SUV.

Latest Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2 SUV is now available.

 

[tobyson21]

Blizzaks

Since the stock tire size for the Limited's only has 3 options, I figured I'd use the stock skinny wheels as my winter wheels and tossed on some Blizzak DM-V1's. Night and day difference between the stock Duelers. I must say, those stock tires are really poor in just the few inches of snow and ice we have in MA.

The Blizzaks are great, a bit softer on the corners, but not bad. Well worth it for the stopping and cornering performance. I'll just hang on to the Duelers for when I trade the truck in eventually.

Time to start looking for some TRD's and tires to put on once spring rolls around!

Cheers,
Todd