Let's Talk Traction

gunflint · **Posted:** Sun Dec 17, 2006 7:35 am

I'm interested in opinions on tires that have good (packed) snow and ice traction. It seems to me that a good (snow) tire should have an aggressive tread and be narrow. The problem is that most of us don't do a lot of driving in say 6 inches of snow. Every once and a while sure but for the most part our driving is done on roads that have been plowed and are slippery from the packed snow and ice. I manage a ski resort so I do a lot of driving in these conditions. I don't usually head out in the big snow storms, I wait for the plows. What are the better tires for these packed snow and ice conditions? I would think a wider tire with a very aggressive tread would work best. Any ideas.

Jeger · **Posted:** Sun Dec 17, 2006 7:45 am

Nothing is going to beat studded tires or tire chains, But since they are somewhat impractical, from my experience, tires with a lot of siping tend to do better on hard packed stuff. As far as the width goes, I think the heavier the vehicle the wider the tire you can go with, The KJ is no lightweight so dont pick a super skinny tire. The usual suspects should be fine, 245/70 ish.

If I were you I would get something like the Grabber AT2 or something else that is fairly cheap and studdable, and maybe keep two sets of tires One for summer and one for winter.

gunflint · **Posted:** Sun Dec 17, 2006 8:20 am

I agree with the studs but they are illegal in the great state of Minnesota. I've used chains many times on my plow trucks but they're more for deep snow and wouldn't be practical for daily driving. Who makes the Grabber?

Jeger · **Posted:** Sun Dec 17, 2006 8:24 am

General. Was quoted around $475 for a set of 5 225/75/16 at wal-mart 245/70's are about $10 more per tire. Take a look at them, they are pretty agressive tread design, and no one is complaining about them.

RFCRD · **Posted:** Sun Dec 17, 2006 10:56 am

gunflint wrote:

I'm interested in opinions on tires that have good (packed) snow and ice traction. It seems to me that a good (snow) tire should have an aggressive tread and be narrow. The problem is that most of us don't do a lot of driving in say 6 inches of snow. Every once and a while sure but for the most part our driving is done on roads that have been plowed and are slippery from the packed snow and ice. I manage a ski resort so I do a lot of driving in these conditions. I don't usually head out in the big snow storms, I wait for the plows. What are the better tires for these packed snow and ice conditions? I would think a wider tire with a very aggressive tread would work best. Any ideas.

Take a close look at the newer design of the winter tires being sold today. They are not mudder agressive or narrow. They have wide tread faces, soft compounds, and very fine siping. One of the best all-around light-duty truck tires I've used on packed ice & snow is the Michelin LTX. I just bough the Destination LE for the same basic reason. As soon as I see some snow, I can give a better opinion of my choice.

snowsport · **Joined:** Tue Oct 18, 2005 11:52 pm **Posts:** 1211

I have a set of Nokian Hakkapeliittas (studded) that are amazing for deep snow and ice. My girlfriend has the same tires (unstudded) on her Dakota and they are great too. We both recommend these tires for winter. They have a fairly aggressive tread and really bite in.

jcphoto20 · **Joined:** Sun Nov 19, 2006 1:36 am **Posts:** 507

i usually air down to 15 just so i can back up my driveway on hardpack.

dont go to a smaller size than 245 if you have to drive on anything deeper than 10 inches or they sink too much.

psinsyd · **Posted:** Sun Dec 17, 2006 3:34 pm

The Grabbers are an amazing tire, especially for the price!

I've also heard good things about the Nokian Vatiivas and Haakepelitas (I'd be willing to bet that I'm WAAAAY off on the spelling!).

For my daily commute, I have Vredstein Wintrac 4Xtremes and they work prety well, and I have no complaints. I just can't wait to throw the Grabbers back on though!

Jeger · **Posted:** Mon Dec 18, 2006 8:38 am

The Nokian's and probably most other winter tires wear pretty quick, probably not a tire to keep on all year unless you like buying new tires every year. :wink:

BUT, the nokians are very good in snow and ice. Like I and RFCRD said, lots of siping is the key. I have drove a corsica with el cheapo brand X tires (with lots of siping) up hills past stuck 4wd's with mudders on.

jbees · **Joined:** Thu Dec 07, 2006 2:45 pm **Posts:** 20

I agree with snowsport on the nokia's being the best. Been using them on cars and trucks for the last 5 years I think. Use them for winter only though because we use studs here in AK. I just bought a new to me 2006 CRD in North Carolina on ebay and they delivered it to Portland, Oregon as part of the deal. Couldn't find the nokia's there so went with Winter Claws by Dean tire at the local Les Swab dealer. The compound was a little harder than the Nokias but looked the best as far as pattern and stud layout. Had snow packed roads all the way to Alaska and couldn't have been happier with their grip and handling. Wouldn't hesitate to recomend them. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Liberty either. It is a Limited model and only thing I would change would be for heated seats(leather is a bit harsh below zero) and I installed a 2.5 lift kit when I got home along with an ARB front bumper.

Liberator · **Joined:** Sun Jul 24, 2005 3:42 am **Posts:** 397

Does anybody read Consumer's Report mag for snow tires?

They rated the Michelin X Ice as tops... Latitude X Ice is for LT/SUV's and is available in 245/70/16 and 25/65/17.

In Canada, there is a mountain/snowflake designation on tires that meet extreme weather ratings however the AT tires that have that designation are not as soft compared to dedicated snows... so the softer and more sipes, better traction but they tend to wear faster... it is a trade off.

Snow and ice road conditions vary by region, so buy according to your needs and budget... ie. deep snow traction vs slush/freezing rain - hydroplaning

The colder it gets, the harder the rubber compounds get and less traction as a result.

RFCRD · **Posted:** Sun Jan 07, 2007 4:02 am

Liberator wrote:

Does anybody read Consumer's Report mag for snow tires?

Can't afford Consumer's Report any longer. Costs too much to fuel my 11 mpg CRD!

Liberator · **Joined:** Sun Jul 24, 2005 3:42 am **Posts:** 397

RFCRD wrote:

Liberator wrote:

Does anybody read Consumer's Report mag for snow tires?

Can't afford Consumer's Report any longer. Costs too much to fuel my 11 mpg CRD!

LOL, too sticky of snow tires will lower ur gas mileage further....

RFCRD · **Posted:** Sun Jan 07, 2007 9:22 pm

Liberator wrote:

RFCRD wrote:

Liberator wrote:

Does anybody read Consumer's Report mag for snow tires?

Can't afford Consumer's Report any longer. Costs too much to fuel my 11 mpg CRD!

LOL, too sticky of snow tires will lower ur gas mileage further....

Sorry, I couldn't resist that one.

As for snow tires.....What is snow??? I already forgot what winter is all about.
Lack of snow is a good thing as my Jeep is spending more time at the dealer than on the road lately.

jerbacher · **Posted:** Mon Jan 08, 2007 12:18 am

Hey RFCRD! Small world!!! I agree about the weather. I have a garnet red 02 sport with mopar ski racks on (i still have hope) just in case you see me. Give a wave!

RFCRD · **Posted:** Mon Jan 08, 2007 7:11 am

jerbacher wrote:

Hey RFCRD! Small world!!! I agree about the weather. I have a garnet red 02 sport with mopar ski racks on (i still have hope) just in case you see me. Give a wave!

Hi, mine's a Lt Khaki Sport hanging around @ Klaben frequently. It's bad when the deliver driver knows me by first name and where I live.

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