I get it people, winter tires are better in winter

"450X_FTW" (mistermic) 01/21/2016 at 13:30 • Filed to: None

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I spent $1000 for 4 tires on my truck in August (Wrangler ArmorTrac). All seasons but with some off road tread. So far with the snow/ice we’ve had in Michigan they work great. It’s hard to justfiy spending the money for another set of wheels and tires that I’m only going to use for a few months a year, when the tires I have now work great with the help of 4WD. Even the OEM tires I’ve had for the past 4 years were great in deep snow and ice. Stopping and going.

The only tires that matched my sized were the Blizzaks, which are probably the best winter tire you can get, and they cost $200 each. Thanks but no thanks, I’ll stick with the ArmorTrac.

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shop-teacher > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:36

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I’ve driven mostly 2wd trucks in Chicago winters for the last 16 years. I got by just fine on all seasons, but I took the plunge on a set of winters about 5 years ago. It’s remarkable how much more grip they have! I’ve always loved driving in the snow, but I love it even more now. So yeah, you’re right in that you don’t need them, and at $200 a pop that’s a tough thing to justify. But if you ever do decide to take the plunge, I think you’ll enjoy them immensely.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:39

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Frankly I find a good set of all terrains on a truck work just fine as opposed to winter tires. Don’t let they front pagers get you down

450X_FTW > shop-teacher 01/21/2016 at 13:39

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I owned a 2wd truck once in college, never again. I was stuck on every hill in town. And I definitely could not have afforded winter tires back then.

Decay buys too many beaters > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:39

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I winter drive on Federal 595s in a V8 E39, never had an issue, it’s all about self control and throttle modulation.

Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:40

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If you plan on keeping your current vehicle beyond the life of at least 1 set of tires, the cost balances out. Some insurance companies will give you a discount as well!

I bought winters so I could run a summer tire during the nice months, so I’m maximizing my performance in every season.

duurtlang > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:41

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It depends on how long you plan to keep that car. When your winter tires are mounted your (more expensive) summer tires don’t wear, and thus last longer.

Nibbles > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/21/2016 at 13:41

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Trucks, sure. My Dak has BFG All-Terrain TA/KOs that it wears all year round. Like hell am I gonna find them in a size that fits my S40 though

gin-san - shitpost specialist > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:43

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I find that off-road tires like this tend to be more aggressively treaded than typical road tires. In any case, I’ve made it through winters with brand new all-seasons - sometimes you can make it work, as long as there is enough tread. More importantly, understanding the handling characteristics of the tire in winter driving makes a huge difference.

Winter tires are still better, but it’s the margin of difference that you’re considering. For my car it’s the opposite - the all-seasons are relatively new but they’re barely useful on dry roads let alone on snow/ice. I have Blizzaks fitted now (185/65R14, so $450 total for four tires) were the best purchase I’ve made this winter - the difference is night and day.

450X_FTW > duurtlang 01/21/2016 at 13:43

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The winter tires cost the same as the all season tires once you include mounting and warranty.

Quadradeuce > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:43

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I’ve only ever used all seasons on my 2WD cars, and I’ve only gotten stuck once. It’s all about the skillz.

jjhats > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:43

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I SNOW TIRES MANUAL ENTHUSIAST GRIP BETTER THAN CAMRY DUMB NO SEASON SLUSHBOX O MATIC 4WD SUCKS SNOW TIRES FOR PRESIDENT BLIZZAK OVER SUMITOMO 180 TREADWARE DANGEROUS

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:44

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Or you could of got some Duratracs.

A true FOUR season tire rather than a traditional all season (3 season).

I’ve used these and they were amazing in winter.

450X_FTW > Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] 01/21/2016 at 13:44

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I’ve never needed winter tires though, and that’s after driving in Michigan winters for 15 years.

Justin Hughes > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:44

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Hmm. I just looked up tires for my Jeep Comanche, and the second least expensive were Firestone Winterforce UV for $77. Since it’ll be mainly a winter beater, cargo hauler, rally sweep vehicle, and potential rallycrosser, I’d be tempted to get those and run them year round, since I’ll be using my BRZ and bike in the nice weather.

450X_FTW > jjhats 01/21/2016 at 13:45

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See this guy gets it

shop-teacher > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:45

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I’ve only gotten stuck twice in that whole time. Once I was buried in a snow drift up to the frame, and another time I got stuck in the mud in my own back yard (that was a special brand of pathetic, damn you Firestone Destination LE’s!). I’ll probably get 4wd on my next truck, whenever that is, but more for fun that anything else.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Nibbles 01/21/2016 at 13:46

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That’s why I said on a truck. I’ve run all seasons on my cars since I started driving and have never had an issue. Therefore I’ll stick to what I know

450X_FTW > Justin Hughes 01/21/2016 at 13:47

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That would make sense for your case.

Tripper > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:48

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I’ve only ever had a real problem getting around in wintery conditions on summer tires. All seasons may not be quite as good as dedicated winter tires, but they are leaps and bounds better than summers.

Needmoargarage > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:49

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I’ve always bought two sets because I am able to get so much more mileage out of them. The freeze and thaw cycle are really hard on All-seasons and summer tires and can cause them to dry rot and wear faster during warm months. Warm weather causes snow tires and some All-seasons to wear quicker as well. In the long run I believe I probably save a bit of money and am a lot happier on my commutes.

Added driving performance/safety is just a bonus.

BigBlock440 > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:50

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Yeah, literally nobody is arguing that an all season is better. But some people seem to have very funny definitions of “need”.

Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:52

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I can respect that. We never put winters on the family Danger Ranger/Montana/Trans Ams (going back a few years!). We never ended up in any ditches, which is an achievement given the way I drive, and that I’ve lived in Ontario/New Brunswick for my whole life.

I just want every ounce of performance that would otherwise be left on the table.

450X_FTW > BigBlock440 01/21/2016 at 13:53

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Or “good enough”.

Nibbles > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/21/2016 at 13:53

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I’d like to find some BFG Tacos for my Volvo though. That’d be funny.

I’ve ran all seasons on my cars as well until we got this S40. It came with Pilot Sports which are pretty good for doing the summer driving we do (we hit their limits last year taking a trip up to Estes Park) but suck absolute balls in the winter. So we ponied up for some Blizzaks. It’s kinda like having dual (or triple) monitors. Doesn’t seem that big a deal until you have ‘em, then you can’t live without ‘em.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:55

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Agreeded, I have a set of good all terrain tires on my little pickup and it kicks ass in 4wd. The only time I’ve gotten stuck in the truck I high centered it (with 31 x 10.5 tires no less). That being said I put snow tires on my car because it gets stuck in 1/2 inch of slush without snow tires.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Nibbles 01/21/2016 at 13:56

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Oh yeah I would kill for some general grabber red letters for the cobalt haha

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 13:59

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i have yokohama a/t on my unloaded f350 powerstroke and have had no reason to even switch it to 4x4 so far so winter tires can suck it. Also im on west side of mi with lake effect at times

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 14:00

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People who buy winter tires for 4x4's are idiots in my opinion.

All Terrains should be the go-to.

E92M3 > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 14:00

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I survived years in Colorado on nothing but all seasons. Good winter tires will stop up to 40% shorter than all seasons though. It’s easily doable with common sense, but if you want the best performance winter tires are where it’s at.

Birddog > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 14:02

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I’m with you here. I’ve been licensed for 26 years and have never “needed” winter tires.

The Falken A/Ts on my truck right now are amazing in the snow and slush. Plus there is no way I’m dropping $600-$800 on a second set of wheels and tires. Especially when the truck is only worth $800-$1200 to begin with.

450X_FTW > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/21/2016 at 14:03

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See even another michigan driver gets it

450X_FTW > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 01/21/2016 at 14:04

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Lived in Kalamazoo for 6 years. That was the city where I decided I would never buy another 2 WD truck ever again.

HammerheadFistpunch > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 14:05

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I think the moral of the story is that if my 76 year old father in law can get by without buying winter tires on his vehicles his entire life living on the bench of the Wasatch mountains in Utah without an accident or being stranded...than it IS possible to survive without winters. That being said, I bought some for my wife’s car because they are better.

450X_FTW > HammerheadFistpunch 01/21/2016 at 14:07

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I think about buying some for my wife’s Escape because she is a late brake-er. I keep reminding her that one day shes going to hit ice and hit the car in front of her.

SnapUndersteer, Italian Spiderman > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 14:08

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No, Blizzaks aren’t. Vredestein, and Nokian (among a few others) make the best winter rubber.

But, no denying Blizzak are great.

HammerheadFistpunch > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 14:11

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My wife actually resisted the idea of spending the money on dedicated winter tires because she’s never had an accident or been stranded. She’s actually a pretty great driver if I’m honest, but she has told me that she really appreciates that they are there with some of the bigger storms we’ve gotten this year.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 14:13

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My Milan has All Seasons and isn’t even AWD. I’ve driven through 9 inches of snow with no trouble (it doesn’t even have that much clearance!!!).

If you’re driving a RWD, yes get snow tires. If you live in an area with mountains, yes get snow tires.

If you live in a place like michigan where a stick might me mistaken for a mountain and you have fwd or awd, don’t worry about it!

Jcarr > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 14:15

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Yes, I put Cooper Discoverer AT/3s on our Envoy this year and they are fantastic in the snow.

I really don’t even have any trouble getting around in our Jetta with plain old all seasons on.

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 14:21

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haha thats where i live! ive been doing fine so far but i have 4x4 just in case haha

Aaron M - MasoFiST > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 14:22

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Yeah, I buy winter tires because I want summer tires in summer, not because all-seasons won’t work.

vicali > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 14:22

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The Forester runs all-seasons and winters, the Tacoma gets All-terrains and Winters; That’s what happens when your wifes parents lose control on a snowy highway and spin head on into oncoming traffic.. They lived (Thank whoever makes those decisions!) but arguing over tires doesn’t happen in the family since then.

450X_FTW > TheD0k_2many toys 2little time 01/21/2016 at 14:27

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Parkview leaving the engineering college, has a steep down hill then steep uphill that puts you at a traffic light. I remember every snow storm, we had those lights timed so you’d wait at the top of the hill then get your speed up so by the time you get to the intersection the light is green, otherwise lots of people get stuck at that intersection.

Textured Soy Protein > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 14:35

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I have done the summer/winter tire & wheel sets for cars in the past. It’s fine. Now I have 2 cars including a Grand Cherokee that I bought to drive in winter.

I use the Jeep in warmer months for road trips, when I need cargo space, or when I just feel like driving a comfier car. If I put snow tires on it, I’d ruin them driving in warm weather, but I didn’t want to mess with swapping wheels/tires on my second car. Instead I went for General Grabber AT2s which are rated for severe snow duty.

They don’t have the heavy siping of a winter tire so they’re probably not as good on slick ice, but between the tires, heavy-duty truck/tow brake pads, all 3 diffs being eLSDs, the rubber floor liners, the nice beam-type wiper blades, the Rain-X de-icing washer fluid, the solar panel I use to keep the battery topped up, and my jump start box I keep just in case , the Jeep is daaaaaammmmmmmnnnnnnnnnn good in the winter.

Nonster > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 14:37

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They may not have the best rubber compound for it, but all-terrain truck tires aren’t terrible in the snow and ice thanks to the more aggressive tread. Here in Cincinnati its pretty borderline as to whether or not you really need winter tires. Usually the snow and ice melts before the next snowfall so it doesnt really pile up and they do a good job keeping the roads clear.

I have BFG All-Terrains on my 2wd Ranger and it does just fine. If I was driving my MR2 in the winter I’d put winter tires on it, but its only $200 for a whole set for the tiny 14" wheels so not a big deal

uofime-2 > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 14:39

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Have you ever driven on summer performance tires? If your suspension is up to task, they are AMAZING.

Tires are the single greatest upgrade for a vehicle, better grip means better everything, acceleration, braking, cornering.

The problem is you will die on summer performance tires if there is more than a 1/4" of snow on the road. Period you will die.

Thus, you must have a second set of tires. Since you will only need them in the winter, what tires does it make sense to get, to continue our theme of best grip? Winter tires.

If you don’t care about performance or live in the mountains (or Canada) all seasons are “good enough”.

450X_FTW > uofime-2 01/21/2016 at 14:45

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No I have not, because I drive a truck. I would never put summer performance tires on my truck......

uofime-2 > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 14:50

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yea, the increase in rollover risk would be nontrivial, especially if its a 4x4 with somewhat lifter suspension.

450X_FTW > uofime-2 01/21/2016 at 14:52

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Well I on occasion I take it down some 2 tracks or sand roads, so no, summer tires will never happen

Master Cylinder > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 15:01

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I never bothered with anything but all-season or all-terrain tires on the 4x4 I’ve owned. They get around fine without specialized tires.

But on my RWD cars, especially the small lightweight ones, winter tires are a huge improvement (from “barely usable” to “pretty good in the snow”). I wouldn’t want to try to drive my 944 in the snow without snow tires. Fortunately, Blizzaks are cheaper in the size I need for that car.

uofime-2 > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 15:02

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Winter tires however would be excellent at that, they work very well in loose stuff.

Master Cylinder > Tripper 01/21/2016 at 15:02

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Ha, that’s true. I remember basically not being able to even move my Contour SVT with summer tires if there was any snow or ice on the ground. Definitely not safe.

JustAnotherG6 > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 15:14

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I too have never owned a set of winters. Hasn’t been an issue since I typically don’t do stupid stuff I can’t recover from.

Tripper > Master Cylinder 01/21/2016 at 15:16

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I actually drove through the past two east coast winters in an E90 M3 on Pilot Super Sports. I got stuck only twice! Once I just had to wait it out in a parking lot until a plow went by, but the second time I had to beach it over a mile from my house and hoof it home.

It was not worth it though, every time I drove in even snowish weather, I was white knuckle slip sliding all over the place, I just got lucky most of the time.

TahoeSTi > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 16:23

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If you don’t have a lot of hills then it’s not as big of a deal. In the mountains snow tires are almost required. Especially if you live in a place the only uses sand sparingly, and never uses any other chemical.

450X_FTW > TahoeSTi 01/21/2016 at 16:24

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In Michigan, at least south half of the lower penisula, it’s only salt, no sand. Which creates a crapload of other problems

TahoeSTi > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 16:28

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I bet, I hate salt......i prefer driving on our white snowy roads, makes even my 2 mile drive to the office feel more like a rally. Sadly the temps warmed up and the sun came out most the roads are black again here...until tomorrow.

450X_FTW > TahoeSTi 01/21/2016 at 16:33

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Sand is so much better than salt, or at least using a mix of salt/sand helps a lot too.

nermal > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 01/21/2016 at 16:42

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A lot of all-terrain tires have the snowflake rating, meaning that they are approved for severe snow usage.

On the flip side, all-terrain tires generally perform worse on dry pavement, relative to a highway design.

Berang > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 17:04

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The thing is a set of snow tires will last you forever if you don’t leave them on your car all year, so while it seems like a lot of money - you will gets years of use out of them. If you live somewhere flat and snowy, you probably don’t need them too much. But if it is hilly and snowy, it’s a good idea.

Dingers Ghost, Champion Jockey > 450X_FTW 01/21/2016 at 19:07

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Armortracs are snowflake rated, and have deeper tread than the grand canyon. You’re perfectly fine.

I have winters currently on my 4x4 Ranger. Why? 1. The truck is awful in snow with all terrains, it’s far too light to have any traction (especially with the fiberglass bedsides) 2. I have two sets of wheels, so why not? The stock Ford wheels only ever get used in winter, the tires that were on them were shot (and nearly useless before they were gone), so why not put on something appropriate for their use? 3. I got a smoking discount because I ordered them at the dealership where I work, plus I obviously saved on mounting because I did them myself

I’ve been riding on the Firestone Winterforces for a few months now, and I’ll never look back. I’ve used my transfer case less this winter than ever before (mostly because of the lack of winter)

Master Cylinder > Tripper 01/21/2016 at 23:29

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I had so little traction with those tires that once I slid backwards down a hill. Not from a dead stop even, I was driving at about 30-35mph and went up the hill, and the slight incline was too much for the tires. I couldn’t get up the hill, couldn’t stop, so I pointed the car back down the hill and went home. Fortunately there was no traffic in the way, and I swapped the winter tires on as soon as I got home.

These days, I’m much better about not waiting until the snow actually starts falling before I swap wheels!

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > 450X_FTW 01/22/2016 at 00:38

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yes I go to Parkview now so I know that hill well. Sometimes I just go around it to avoid it haha