Snow Tire and Studs, Your Experience

Superman TNT · November 7, 2005

In years past I have always just counted on my BFG KO's and 4WD. I have never bothered with winter snow tires on my truck. I have always run studded winters on my cars however.

This year I'm planning on trying a set of winter snows on my truck. I am very interested in first hand experience from others. If you have used winter snow tires please chime in. I'd like to know:

1) Is your truck 2 or 4wd?

2) Make and model of snow tire you tried/used?

3) Size of the tire?

4) Did you get studs?

5) How do you rate them (traction being most important)?

Thanks in advance for any/all information.

TNT

Shaners · November 7, 2005

I've never run snows on my truck, and like you I've always counted on my A/T tires and 4wd.

On my wifes van I went from all-season Michelins to Michelin X-Ice snow tires, and it was an unbelievable difference. I did not have the tires studded, but there were times when should could chug up the driveway with no problem, but I had to use 4wd.

Radial snows have excellent traction on snow and ice, but they tend to wear out fast. Studded snow tires can be scary at times on dry roads...

N900WM · November 8, 2005

Superman TNT,

Used to run the BFG's in the winter as well. 4x4's. Then some studed Goodyears...

Many years ago I tried the Blizzaks on my Ford, Tahoe and VW. Great improvement over the BFG's! But soft compound and didn't last long. Get's expensive.

Once a fellow plowing buddy pulled me out of a hole with Cooper M&S snow tires. Long story short, I was impressed.

I bought 265/75-16's. They were MUCH cheaper, last longer, less noise, ride better, and most importantly, the snow/ice traction is the best I've experienced...ever. Just bought a new set online for $72 each!!! Also put a set on my other truck, and my wifes Expedition.

I've never liked running studed tires on dry and wet roads. The Coopers can be studded if you choose.

I give them a 10 out of 10.

Also worth mentioning, I've also run a snow tire made by Nokian on my BMW. Also a great snow tire. They make them for trucks as well but I've been so happy with the Coopers I don't dare try them.

Trouttrooper · November 9, 2005

Unless you deal with a lot of pure ice conditions I wouldn't get studded tires. A good mud/snow tire with a lot of siping will give good traction on snow covered floors. Studs can be scary on pavement as others have said.

I run 235/85 16's on my trucks. A skinny tire will help in traction on icy roads.

Got 4 feet of snow last night....on top of the 2 feet in the past few days. Guess winter is here!

redrizza · November 10, 2005

I've had Cooper Discovery M+S on several vehicles now and I agree they're a great tire for the $. However, they don't have the best wear characteristics... It seems like once they're 70% worn, when they'd still be good for summer or even mild winter cond. they get really out of balance and I've even had belts break in them. Great snow performance but you get what you pay for.

polarisboy · November 29, 2005

I can vouch for the Cooper M&S's! They are a great tire. I bought some painted steel wheels, put the Cooper's on for the winter. They work very well. I put about 3K on them, then took them off in the spring. They are an excellent value for sure.

Don't know about the characteristics when they get worn, tell ya in a few years!

6.slow · November 29, 2005

Well, what do you consider North country? Wisconsin ain't all that far up here, but we do get a little snow.

1. I've always owned 4x4 pickups.

2. Never ran snow tires, just good mud tires with sipping, BFG AT's or factory's.

3. I've run 31's, 33's, 245's, 265's, and 285's.

4. Never run studded tires.

5. As long as you've got plenty of sipping and moderation on the pedals, I think you can get a lot done. I'd go with the tires I'm running now over anything!!!! Sipping-Galore!!! Second, the BFG AT's those still kick ass. Factory's just sink at the jobsite. I know some people who change tires with the seasons, but not me. Not practical for my needs. Year round knobbers!

4x4in · December 7, 2005

Unless you deal with a lot of pure ice conditions I wouldn't get studded tires. A good mud/snow tire with a lot of siping will give good traction on snow covered floors. Studs can be scary on pavement as others have said.

I run 235/85 16's on my trucks. A skinny tire will help in traction on icy roads.

Got 4 feet of snow last night....on top of the 2 feet in the past few days. Guess winter is here!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree. I have had several tire shops actually say studs are not all that great. The theory behind it is when they are new they work. As studs wear ( in the first couple of weeks ) the points now become balls. Like little marbles on your tires. A good soft compound siped tire will be your best bet.

Did you do anything to your suspension to run the 235/85/16's? I am considering the same size on my 02 2500HD?

tbyrne · December 7, 2005

I haven't used them yet but have heard good things about Cooper M+S tires. I just put the stock wheels with 245 tires on my Sierra a few days ago. They look a little to small than I am used to so I'm going to be looking for something else mounted on 20" wheels for the winter. We usually don't get alot of snow here in New England. It pretty much depends on the year.

Trouttrooper · December 7, 2005

I agree. I have had several tire shops actually say studs are not all that great. The theory behind it is when they are new they work. As studs wear ( in the first couple of weeks ) the points now become balls. Like little marbles on your tires. A good soft compound siped tire will be your best bet.

Did you do anything to your suspension to run the 235/85/16's? I am considering the same size on my 02 2500HD?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nope, they fit just fine. In fact you can even put tire chains on. They rub ever so slightly on the inside fender well at full turn but nothing major enough to damage anything.

I run Cooper Discoverer STT on mine.

4x4in · December 8, 2005

I agree. I have had several tire shops actually say studs are not all that great. The theory behind it is when they are new they work. As studs wear ( in the first couple of weeks ) the points now become balls. Like little marbles on your tires. A good soft compound siped tire will be your best bet.

Did you do anything to your suspension to run the 235/85/16's? I am considering the same size on my 02 2500HD?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Nope, they fit just fine. In fact you can even put tire chains on. They rub ever so slightly on the inside fender well at full turn but nothing major enough to damage anything.

I run Cooper Discoverer STT on mine.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Right on. At least now I don't "have" to do the leveling kit but any excuse for a little lift right?

Machine · December 8, 2005

What is snow?

Lee_klm · December 12, 2005

I am a big believer in snow/ice tires, and keep a set mounted on seperate wheels for my truck and car. I use the Michelin xice on the car, and have a Blizzak load range E on the truck. I keep it to a 245 since a skinny tire is better for snow/ice. They wear ok as long as you do not run them in temps above 50. If so, they will melt off the rims very quicklly! I get several winters out of a set due to fewer miles in the winter, plus I tow almost nothing in the winter. If you own the vehicle for several years, the end cost is negligible since winter tires have a reasonable cost. The tirerack .com has a great selection.

The way I look at it, if the better stopping power saves one small fender/bender for the wife or I, the tires are paid for!