Snow Tires

I love how every time someone starts a thread asking for a good dedicated winter tire suggestion, more than half of the suggestions are for KO2’s, Duratracs or some other all terrain with a snowflake symbol that passes as an acceptable winter tire.

That snowflake symbol is incredibly easy to qualify for.

I’ve tried the KO2, Duratrac, Cooper ATW and none of them performed close to a proper winter tire like a Nokian or a Blizzak. In fact, my Michelin MS2’s are better on snow/slush/ice than any of those all terrains.

If you’re buying dedicated winters, don’t get all terrains with a mountain logo.

One other thing to point out ..... saying you put it in 4wd and you’re fine, is missing the point. The biggest safety factor and reason people buy winter tires is so that you can brake quickly and safely, and have the ability to make more abrupt steering changes without losing traction and plowing forward in a skid. Being able to drive up a grade in 4wd is not the goal. It’s being able to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting someone in 4wd with all terrains who’s sliding through an intersection right in front of you.

Studless michelin, blizzak, nokian, etc are the way to go if you can afford and store a dedicated winter set.

 

And lots of new Canadians driving high performance cars with no winter driving experience or the good sense to put winter tires on.

 

She looking for a rebound?

 

Nailed it!

Food for thought:
https://www.outsideonline.com/2359001/studded-tires-winter-car-prep
https://autosock.us/studded-snow-tires/
https://wheelzine.com/studded-vs-studless-snow-tires-which-one-to-choose

 

I'd like to add that if (like me) you live in a heavy snow/ice area where studded tires are not allowed you should go for a studless design dedicated winter tire if you want the best option. Those designed as a studded tire, just without the studs installed, make a bit of comprise in performance without the studs. The tires designed to be studless from the get go will perform a bit better when you can't legally run studs.

 

I agree for regular street use. But most studless designs only have 11-12/32 tread depth. They would be pretty dismal when venturing off onto un-maintained roads. That’s why I’m leaning toward the good old Cooper M+S but running without studs. It’s a compromise for sure. But should still outperform any regular all season or all terrain tire.

 

These seem to be pretty popular on work vehicles in the Adirondacks and Vermont. They are a strong contender.

I like the specs (and price) for the 265/75/r16 standard load.

 

Well I just put in my order for a set. I know they’re not going to be as good as a Blizzak but they should fit the bill nicely for Tacoma duty.

I was really trying to convince myself just to stick with a 3pms all terrain to save money and hassle. After watching this video with the Falken AT3w compared to a winter tire I was sold. It’s not scientific but it seems pretty real world.

https://youtu.be/DWGLMqUSm0U

 

Got them mounted today. Much quieter and smoother dry roads than the Duratracs. $515 otd mounted with certificates from Discount. And got a $50 rebate coming too.

Hard to beat $465 for a set of Coopers.