Winter driving with 4x4 lift and knobby tires.

[luthj]

Low tire pressures can also contribute. Adding 5-10 psi can have a noticeable impact, improving cut through. I used to drive a 2WD Toyota single cab. With my winter wheels and true snows, plus 400lbs over the rear axle, I could do circles around most 4x4s with summer, or AT tires. I think it was 195/75R15 size tire.

 

[Todd780]

I could do circles around most 4x4s with summer, or AT tires. I think it was 195/75R15 size tire.

Cause you were spinning out doing 360's? lol

 

[luthj]

A summer tire on compact snow has maybe 1/4 the traction of a dedicated snow tire. Even a decent AT with the snowflake is still about half the traction of a dedicated snow tire on compacted snow. At least that is my experience, and the testing I have seen done.

 

[jadmt]

I have been driving for over 48 years (46 legally farm kids could get licenses at 14 when I got mine) lived in snow country all my life and for 30 years worked a job that required I drive no matter what the conditions were. knock on wood never had a slide in or an accident. Common sense is better than any tire compound or tread width.

 

[roving1]

Low tire pressures can also contribute. Adding 5-10 psi can have a noticeable impact, improving cut through. I used to drive a 2WD Toyota single cab. With my winter wheels and true snows, plus 400lbs over the rear axle, I could do circles around most 4x4s with summer, or AT tires. I think it was 195/75R15 size tire.

True story. I have a 4wd and a 2wd 5 lug Taco. The 2wd has Nokian Hakka snow tires and weight in the bed. I don't even consider the 4wd for my 30 mile commute in winter unless we are talking a foot of snow. People just don't understand if they have not driven snow tires.

 

[nick-v]

Nokian Rotivas are surprisingly good in the winter. I couldn't afford new tires for my new to me van last winter so I kept them on and they where not so bad. I live in Quebec and my last two car and truck had studded Hakka on them.