Tire Pressure for slight snow/cold weather?

Hey guys, I have a 2016 Tacoma TSS RWD with All-Season Tires (m+s). I recently moved to WA , however when I bought it I was residing in Louisiana and I didn't really want a 4x4. For Seattle weather the tires are perfect because it provides the best traction on wet roads. We don't really get snow here.

So far I've never had issues with it, except on ice.. it slides easily ( I guess just like any other car if you're not careful or drive too fast).

I put some weight in the back and it feels trustworthy. I will be going to vacation this weekend and I will be driving through some WA passes(US Route 2) which will def have some snow here and there.

I want to know whether I should lower or raise my tire pressure. Back in LA I used to run it around 30-33, but here in WA I lowered it to about 27-28.

Should I leave it as is or pump it up to 30 PSI?

Thanks, any other tips for driving in some snow here and there will be appreciated. I plan on adding even more weight in the back just to be safe. And I do drive carefully and slowly.

 

Sounds like you're doing it right, put some weight in the back and stick to the recommended tire pressure. Airing down doesn't help in snowy weather unless its really deep. Drive slower when its slippery. Make adjustments and brake in advance with finesse as apposed to jerky movements after its too late. If you start to slide counter steer and brake moderately. if its looking like its gonna get real bad brake hard and pray.

 

Also, leave more space between yourself and other vehicles/obstacles. Watch what others are doing and anticipate ways they are gonna mess up that could cause you problems. Obviously, be careful on the downhill sections, often times coasting is a good way to get past a sketchy spot as opposed to either brake or throttle. Its not really about tire pressure its more about anticipation and prevention. That being said your tire pressure will drop with the temperature so keep an eye on that.

 

Run the pressure recommended on the door sill plate, which is probably 30.

The more important thing to know about Washington State driving is that you need approved tires and to carry tire chains on the passes (including Hwy 2) in the winter. Chains work well, and you can get fined for not carrying them. I've always run AT tires year round and have 4x4 I so don't pay much attention to the DOT requirements for 4x2. So I hope that's accurate. Read more here:
http://www.wsdot.com/winter/traction.htm

That being said, most of the Washington state passes are well maintained in the winter. As long as you're prepared with good tires and chains, have some weight in back and drive intelligently, you will be fine.

 

Thanks guys! Happy holidays

 

If you frequent the passes in the winter you won't regret studded snow tires. It's only once every few years that we get a serious snowfall that will stick around for more than a day or two, usually nobody is expected to show up at work on those days (if you have an office job)