Snow tires for a Southern Californian

Grew up in the northwest driving in the snow (and rain) a lot. I’ve always favored a narrower all season hwy tire. Ever since moving to Southern California (maybe this is just a thing everywhere recently), I’ve noticed a lot of people using all terrains in the snow. I’ve helped pull a handful of them off the side of the road during winter storms…

I’ve got all terrains on my work truck, they work well off-road.

My question is, how do they compare to an all season hwy tire in the snow? I’d imagine they have some bite on trails with new snow. As for the compact snow and ice we encounter on the highways, why would you want a tire with more surface area?

Anyways, I’m in the market for new tires, my general grabber hts’ lasted about 40k miles and were great for the ~15 days/year in snow & ~5 days/year off-road. Open to suggestions.

 

Minimally get an all season that is 3peak rated.
https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-ga...MkCHussKx7JSANGuW4ili7ovfhXkr_E8A0kG1u-xhpsIq

 

I have ko2 tires which are snow rated. I initially used them as snow tires, and they are a bit better than all season tires on snow and ice. However, compared to real dedicated snow tires, they are noticeably much worse

 

Where in socal are you

 

I have Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs and they're decent in the snow. No complaints here. Every year we hit the back side of Big Bear in the snow.

 

Toyo open country at3's or falken wildpeak at4w's. I have the Toyo at3's 265/70/16.

 

Goodyear Duratrac RT's are great for really deep snow and heavy off-roading. Maybe a bit much for a tire that spends most of the time on pavement though.

 

For anyone who cares, I’ve found the obvious solution. Will be going with skinny’s - 235/85/16 ATs.

 

San diego