Blizzaks, sand bags, awd and snow/ice handling, Sierra denali

[mcdonsco]

I have a 2016 Sierra Denali crew cab, first full size truck and first truck in general in a climate that gets snow/ice (was in so Cal with last truck, now in Portland Oregon).

 

Wondering A) what I should expect handling wise in snow, ice etc B) add sand bags in the bed? If so, to what weight? C) Dealer told me never to out drive into "auto" unless it's at a minimum a torrential downpour, if that's the case why in the heck is it labeled/called "auto"??? D) blizzaks, worth it for the added winter traction? Driving is primarily wet with temps 45 and below with some snow and ice driving here and there.

 

Any / all comments appreciated!

[Silvern Sentry]

Canadian here.

 

A) Go slower and less throttle, give plenty of braking distance and brake slowly you want tires to slow down gradually not just stop.

B) 200-300lbs of sandbands is sufficient.

C) Legit Snow tires are only 'required' if you are actually driving on ice and snow. If you only ever drive on cleared roads AT is fine and stock tires have a M+S rating which satisfies any winter tires are required laws.

[newdude]

Western NY'er I am. I had a 2012 1/2 ton Z71. If there is snow/slush/ice on the roads, use AUTO. If it sees slip, it sends power to the front and you are off. I used AUTO all winter except for dry and wet road situations. No need for it then, just 2WD. If you have a problem on wet roads, traction control will catch wheel spin. If you guys don't see too much snow/ice, you can get a winter snowflake rated all season/all terrain tire. There are a couple hybrid winter/all terrains out there to choose from. If they run salt or that chloride stuff on the roads, get a winter set of wheels/tires for sure. You can get some 17" factory wheels (2007-2017 will fit) and 265/70/17 tires (won't throw your speedo). No weight in my bed, and never really had an issue or need for it for me.

[njk4o5]

A.

[njk4o5]

A. it will be slippery

B. sand bags are dumb. they get snowed on and freeze into place. real men don't use sandbags in a 4x4 truck

C. no idea what auto mode is

D. the tires the truck came with will be just fine

A. it will be slippery

B. sand bags are dumb. they get snowed on and freeze into place. real men don't use sandbags in a 4x4 truck

C. no idea what auto mode is

D. the tires the truck came with will be just fine

[njk4o5]

A. it will be slippery

B. sand bags are dumb. they get snowed on and freeze into place. real men don't use sandbags in a 4x4 truck

C. no idea what auto mode is

D. the tires the truck came with will be just fine

[Andy Seibel]

Portland? it snows out there? lol.

 

The factory tires will get you from home to work unless you live on a mountain. Sandbags are not necessary as others have said.

 

Do you frequently drive on roads that don't get plowed & salted?

 

General winter driving on plowed roads can be done in 2wd. Only if you are on very slushy or unplowed roads do you need 4wd. Otherwise you're just wearing out your drive compnents and tires faster.

I haven't used the "auto" yet on my truck. I either need 4wd or I don't.

[dave07]

No sandbags needed on a 4wd. Auto 4wd is good for changing road conditions, like ice then clear roads then snowy roads. If it's consistently bad or deep snow I just chuck it in 4wd. I've played with Auto and 4wd in the snow and either or work great.

Once you have snow tires it's hard to go back. I recommend them if you frequently drive in any bad winter weather. Plus they will extend the life of your other tires.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[truckguy82]

the auto 4wd works amazingly well. It basically turns the truck into a rwd bias awd.

 

Sandbags are pointless with 4wd, only useful for rwd.

 

You likely don't need to do anything other than put it in 4wd auto. Probably could drive through a flat surface with 36" of fresh snowfall without doing anything other than putting in in 4wd.

 

I personally use auto 4wd everytime it rains. The factory tires are too slippery in the wet. Which also means it's likely slippery enough to not put much wear and tear on the 4wd system.

 

I can't even tell when 4wd auto is activated. It just goes from getting shit traction to hooking up like a rally car.

[neokonig]

Haven't had too many issues with my truck yet in winter. As long as you have decent tread left on the tires it will get you most places in 2WD without any modifications. This is dependent on light throttling, especially with the 6.2 if you have it, I know in rain alone my rear likes to get a little loose, really dependent on road conditions. The traction control and ABS will take care of most of the small stuff. If you find severe traction issues, a nice AT tire should take care of most of it, which you should be able to run year round.