Winter is almost here!

[itsallmine]

How many of you Toyota forerunner drivers change from summer tires to winter tires in the winter? I am currently running a set of Michelin cross terrains and am thinking about purchasing a set of Blizzaks for the winter. I've never done anything like this before, and do not even know if I need to buy rims or not, so this may seem like a very stupid question to some of you. Also, I am trying to post a poll for the first time and am not quite sure how to do it either. I would appreciate your feedback, and suggestions about what to run with during the winter driving months.

 

[sharp4runr]

We don't get nearly enough snow to warrant switching out the tires.

 

[Baba Booey]

I was interested in running dedicated snow tires. A few months ago, there was a member who upgraded his wheels, and he was selling his OEM wheels really cheap. My plan was to buy four extra wheels to mount the snow tires permanently.

After I figured out what a pain in the butt and added expense the tire pressuer monitor system (TPMS) would be, I bagged the idea. I believe each TPMS transmitter (located at the base of the valve stem, I believe) cost about $120 or more. Then, the dealer charges something like an extra $100 or so per tire to "program" it. After all was said and done, the stupid TPMS set-up would've cost me close to $1,000, and that didn't include the wheels or the tires!

If you don't have the TPMS transmitters in place, then the TPMS warning light will remain on constantly, or at least that's my understanding.

I wish Toyota would have taken into consideration the fact that some people would like to have the ability to have an extra set of snow tires/wheels without needing to spend a fortune for the stupid TPMS. I guess you could switch back and forth twice each year with one set of wheels, but that gets expensive too.

If you do decide to run snow tires, I have had great service from Nokian snow tires on vehicles other than the 4Runner.

 

[leftyrb]

I still have my Dunlop AT 20's on the factory rims. I have been using 16" Toyota take-off steel rims with rubber valves where my Bridgestone Winter Duelers are mounted.

The only time the TPMS light flashes is on a highway trip of over 100 km.

 

[TechWrench]

I have a set of OEM 16" steel wheels, with REVOs mounted for winter use. This will be my third winter with them, and I wouldn't think of not changing. We may not get quite as much snow in upstate NY as you do in BC, but enough to require them, IMHO.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

My Nittos proved quite worthy in the snow and slush and no need for snowtires. Unless the ground is covered with snow alot IMO snow tires are a waste of $$$ and they will wear fast if driven on dry pavement alot.

 

[ovrrdrive]

What's a snow tire?

What's snow?

Maybe you should have added a choice for "I live in an area that doesn't get snow" so your results wouldn't be slanted. :biggrin2:

 

[charlier180]

Last Fall I purchased a set of used, Tundra 16" Steel wheels from someone looking to do a wheel upgrade. I had a set of Blizzak snow tires mounted on these wheels with rubber valve stems without TPMS sensors. I stored my summer tires that have the TPMS sensors in my car trailer which I park the 4Runner next to at home. The only time the TPMS light on the dash comes on is when I drive 60 or so miles on the highway. As soon as I get home and park near the trailer for a few minutes the light goes off.

Here in Eastern Pennsylvania we do not always get a lot of snow in the winter but when we do get more than 2-3 inches of snow dedicated winter snow tires outperform all season tires every time. This is true when it comes to turning and stopping on snow (especially when coming down a hill). For me it is about safety and control when driving on snow and using snow tires does help.

How much it helps depends on where you live, how much snow you get and what price you are willing to pay for safety.

 

[boston_kevin]

In the Northeast, we see a lot of snow, slush, ice, and I still run my Dunlop AT20's all year round. I plan on switching to Revos later this fall, but through 2 winters, the AT20s have done okay. If you have an AT type of tire, switching to a dedicated snow tire won't make a big difference, and will definitely affect the ride on dry pavement.

 

[ThatsRicci]

Seasons?

dry season, rainy season, sandy beach driving, backland dune driving and trail lurking... i've yet to hit a situation the stock michelins have failed me!!

-jr