Winter Tires

Well, I beg to differ. It’s not that cut and dry.

Heavier balanced weighted trucks stop, more importantly, STRAIGHTER then lighter same trucks. I included braking stability for decreasing difficulty in braking. If their traction is balance, right to left and forward and back, it’s always straighter and shorter.

Obviously, we are talking about traction sand of weights enough for better overall balance, not 1000 lbs which may overwhelm both the brakes and available traction of the tires.

I know this for a fact having driven trucks of every size along with tractors whose both forward traction and controlled braking is totally dependent on loaded rear tires. Light “rear ends” in trucks are more dangerous for every action , including accelerating, braking AND cornering.. Traction sand rules.

The COG ALWAYS shifts forward towards the front wheels when braking any vehicle.The lighter the rear end, the more likely it is to spin out. Having added weight in the back of light rear end trucks always aids traction on the rear which decreases this tendency.

the abs with a lighter rear end will always try to keep the rear wheels rolling for stability, there by INCREASING stopping distance as well.

 

Btw, when moving heavy loads of rock in a bucket of a tractor, I back down the steep inclines for much better braking and handling stability. All braking is enhanced with added traction weighting on the rear wheels or all vehicles.

 

I've had great success with General Grabber Arctics. This will be the 3rd winter I'm using the same set and they still look new. I only run them from early November to April.

 

OP: just run the best and be done with it

Hakka R3 SUV

 

Great looking tire for winter.

 

That tire looks like it could suck the hair off an ice cube.

 

Hakka R3's aren't great for durability. Most we see have crazy bad wear patterns. I wouldn't call them the best by any stretch.

 

Duratrac should not come up even once in a conversation about winter tires.

True winter tires are not remotely comparable to all terrains whether or not they are studded. Think they’re working well for you? Awesome. They’re doing the job - but they’re not as good as winters are on ice.

It’s like saying “what’s the safest car?” And someone saying “well I didn’t die when I crashed my Tercel, so I’d recommend a Tercel”

proper blizzaks or haka’s or similar tires are so far superior to an all season with a mountain snow symbol it’s ridiculous.

 

you’re over-simplifying it. The weight is working on a downward angle as drag while it’s adding to centrifugal force as you’re referring. Extra weight on wheels helps the tire grab the surface as it slides across it.

the downward pressure from the weight that helps keep your rear end from breaking loose when cornering far outweighs its negative value from being harder to stop from spinning once it goes.

Just my opinion and experience.

 

Pretty much this. Hakkapelita or good winter tires (sp) are incredible. Just buy a second set of rims and mount winters on them. Your other tires will last twice as long because you'll be using them half as much

 

Find a set of steelies for cheap. I picked up a set for $50 on CL. Having a second set of wheels is very convenient. I run Firestone WinterForce in 265/75/16.

 

Do you know anymore details that could have contributed? Ie not rotating, running year around etc?

 

howabout LT3's?

 

I've never added weight in the winter....though I do realize there are some benefits.

The 1st thing I do when winter driving is turn on the LSD. It does help....especially since I’m 2WD. But just as importantly, doing so shuts down the traction control....which is a detriment in the snow as far as I'm concerned.

Winter driving is 50% tires and 50% experience and common sense.

 

I bought a set of Michelin X-Ice winters last year. I'm mucho happy with the grip.

 

These are rotivas I have today. Nokian tires are crap in general.

hakkas are untouchable in winter performance but I need durability

 

Some benefits ? They have lifesaving benefits whether you’re in 4 wd or 2 wd. LSD is much more effective during acceleration, braking is stronger and straighter and cornering is more controllable. Ask yourself, why are ALL the best handing cars in the world have rwd and mid engine configuration.

 

Exactly. Up to the point where the weight of the vehicular over a wheel exceeds the traction capability, added weight can REDUCE stopping distances with abs. It seems logical that as weight in the rear helps traction for acceleration, it also increases the rear ends braking capabilities. This increases braking control.

 

Agree 100% snow tires often have deeper tread to begin with and actually last longer then for winter driving capability then AS tires non winter tires…which have to be replaced much earlier. It’s a no brainer. Once you have winter rims, over the life of the vehicle you’ll spend LESS for tires overall by using tires dedicated and rotated between winter and non winter conditions. Really, if you don’t need to use your summer tire in snow, they can be used much longer then if you did

 

Most problems with winter tires is what you alluded to. It can only be cured by driving slower then summer tires and not forcing them to corner or stop too aggressively. The soft rubber is just obliterated.