Winter tires- did you downsize?

[FULLSCALE]

Going to give my Coopers a good test tomorrow... this time last night we had next to no snow, now we have 8-10” and it’s supposed to continue through the night!

 

[MTB-BRUH]

I’m a more rubber less rim kind of guy. Went with 265/75/16 Cooper ST Maxx for the snow and ice

 

[the1mrb]

Going to give my Coopers a good test tomorrow... this time last night we had next to no snow, now we have 8-10” and it’s supposed to continue through the night!

All these reports of snow all over the place are making me sad we don't have any. In classic Minnesota fashion it's been cold but the ground is still bare, and with no real snow in sight. I'd much rather it be the opposite way.

 

[Gerder]

I’m a more rubber less rim kind of guy. Went with 265/75/16 Cooper ST Maxx for the snow and ice

HaHa. Afaik you have do deal with this stuff in Redding as often we had to here in central germany. Twice a winter for a vew hours in the morning ;-) But u re right. The At´ s with that snoflake sign perform good in winter. BeRich KO2 perform a bit better in the wet when they are not older than 2 seasons i figured out.

Like your „winter“ wheels. Wich offset do they have?

cheers!

EDITh stalked u a bit and found that the wheels are zero offset. Makes her sad cause the german law wont let her put them on that truck... only 5% more wide is legal.

 

[Rangerado]

HaHa. Afaik you have do deal with this stuff in Redding as often we had to here in central germany. Twice a winter for a vew hours in the morning ;-) But u re right. The At´ s with that snoflake sign perform good in winter. BeRich KO2 perform a bit better in the wet when they are not older than 2 seasons i figured out.

Like your „winter“ wheels. Wich offset do they have?

cheers!

EDITh stalked u a bit and found that the wheels are zero offset. Makes her sad cause the german law wont let her put them on that truck... only 5% more wide is legal.

5% increase in what dimension? Track width?

 

[Gerder]

5% increase in what dimension? Track width?

Yep... I know it‘s sad...

 

[SymChris]

So after a winter season, how’s the thoughts of using a set of snows?

I’ve been using winter tires on my last 3 vehicles (Fusion, Freestar, and our current 2017 Escape) and have really noticed a difference, for the better.

Because of that I’m really pondering getting some for next winter. This past one was “fine” with the Hankook AT’s, which is what it should be from how I remember from my previous 4x4 days. BUT, that softer rubber when the temperature drops really makes the tires so much more noticeable, in a good way ?

Chris

 

[the1mrb]

So after a winter season, how’s the thoughts of using a set of snows?

I’ve been using winter tires on my last 3 vehicles (Fusion, Freestar, and our current 2017 Escape) and have really noticed a difference, for the better.

Because of that I’m really pondering getting some for next winter. This past one was “fine” with the Hankook AT’s, which is what it should be from how I remember from my previous 4x4 days. BUT, that softer rubber when the temperature drops really makes the tires so much more noticeable, in a good way ?

Chris

I'm in pretty much the exact same boat. Hankooks were workable last winter. Didn't have any scary moments, but I did have plenty of frustrating moments. Snow tires have always alleviated that winter driving frustration. I'm pretty much set on getting a set for next winter. Now to just decide which set. So I'm interested in what people have to say too.

 

[Subduction]

Soft tread compound in freezing temperatures is so nice. The OP was asking about downsizing wheel diameter and I'd say yes--especially from 18"--because there is stuff on the road under the snow you can't see until you thump it.

Downsizing tread width is usually recommended, say going from 265 to a 255 sidewall width. I'm in (usually) mellow Seattle but I like to be able to get across the Cascade mountains safely. I no longer ski but I've always had a set of mounted winter tires like Bridgestone Blizzaks on hand.

 

[frosty110]

This thread might be going stale, but maybe because I have a new Ranger and maybe because I'm Canadian (maybe both?), but I too usually downsize my winter set. If not in diameter, then in width as I've found that really helps when pushing through typical unplowed highways, etc.

For what it's worth, have used Hak R2 and R3's (available at Kal Tire), last year used studded Cooper Discoverer's and found them to be really good. I do a lot of highway driving on compacted ice and those brands have really worked well for me. So yes, always dedicated winter tires on a second set of wheels. I do the changeovers myself. Cheers!

 

[kneeler]

, last year used studded Cooper Discoverer's

Studs are not allowed in my area , it’s too bad as we get a lot of freezing rain and packed snow/ice on the road where studs would be awesome

 

[Cat797 Man]

Downsized from stock chrome 265/60/18 to XLT 17inch wheels with265/65/17 with Michelin Latitude Xice for northern Alberta winter.Only had on for one week but Michelins quieter than Stock Hankook tire.
Had snow already and impressed with tires

 

[Swingpure]

Hi Folks,

Not to rub it in, but today is 80°F (26.7), yesterday we were using the Air Conditioning... Reason we are here...NO BUGS, and warm winters!

Best,
Phi Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co Retired

But the Grandkids aren’t there! ? I enjoyed 5”winters” down there but as the Grandkids got older, we were missing too much. I actually love winter here!

 

[Swingpure]

My Ranger had 17’s so I stuck with them. I did get winter tires, they make a huge difference and I also got TPMS with the new wheels and tires. It is just a safety thing for me. Cost me $200 for the four.

We are just getting our first snow this evening. We will see what we end up with in the morning. There might be enough to give the Ranger a little test. The snow will be all gone in a day or two, so I will have two weeks or more before giving the Ranger a real test.

 

[Originalskibum]

Did a trip over the coq this October during the worst snow storm. Rear end is super loose on hard pack or ice on the stock A/T on mine. 4 wheel is ok Went all in with a set of hakkapeliitra 9 studded in stock 265/65/17. Front driver side tire rubs just a bit in one spot while backing up and turning to the extreme right ?‍ But looking forward to seeing what they can do compared to the stock Hankooks.
Used to run KO2 on a f-150 a few years ago but these Nokians should be crazy good