Best snow / winter tires for 2018 Sport??

[Odrapnew]

I can't comment on those Hankook tires, but the Hankooks I had on my 14 Sport from the factory were bad in snow, even when new. The Michelins are a significant improvement in snow traction.

If your roads get cleared relatively quick, the winter tires might not be worth the trouble, just get a good all season tire.

 

[bigdude2468]

Also, I’m sure a top level all season will outdo the cheapest winter tire option.

I'm of the opinion that the opposite is true in that all-seasons aren't 'winter' rated and don't have the material compound to remain flexible in colder temperatures. I've also seen similar tests conducted on ice hockey rink surfaces and they also somewhat resulted in the same observations that were posted by bigdude2468.

Peter

You are 100% right. The difference between a 3PMSF tires and an "All Season" is not just the tread. The tire is much softer and stays that way in cold temps. That's why Blizzaks and many winter tires don't have a mileage warranty. Driving them in warm conditions will destroy them in short order.

 

[bigdude2468]

Here is what Consumer Reports has to say, I don't think they are "just trying to sell you tires".

Consumer Reports tests consistently show that winter/snow tires deliver better grip to start in snow and stop on icy surfaces. They offer an extra margin of performance over all-season and all-terrain tires, and we have the data to prove it. (See our tire ratings.)


If you have to drive in snowy conditions, winter/snow tires out-perform most all-season and all-terrain tires with better stopping and starting ability. They are good choices for all cars, whether front, rear, or all-wheel drive.


Winter/snow tires can easily be identified by a mountain and snowflake symbol on the sidewall. Studless winter/snow tires typically have many slits in the tread acting as biting edges and a tread compound that stays pliable in cold temperatures.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I’m not saying winter tires aren’t better in winter conditions. I’m saying that some all seasons do great year round, and work well for a lot of people who don’t want to waste time an money on two sets of tires.


Any “study” that simply says “winter tires stop in this distance, all seasons stop in this” is ridiculous. Do you really think they all perform the same?

Do you honestly believe that a $65 winter tire is going to perform the same as a $250 tire? Newsflash. It won’t.

You can get all seasons that are snowflake rated. I’ve had them. They worked great, and I never had any problems getting around. On the same car, I lost the rear drive and went to STUDDED snow tires. I much, much rather would have had the all seasons and AWD.

 

[EMS scott]

Keep an eye on them for werar. You may be replacing them before you would expect to. Treadwear Issue with Ventus S1 Noble 2 Hankooks
Happy New Year.

Peter

I just got a set of Artic Claw stuuded snow tires in 18" and wheels to go with it, they work great here in Colorado at 9000ft elevation, .
We get real heavy winter conditions.

 

[peterk9]

I just got a set of Artic Claw stuuded snow tires in 18" and wheels to go with it, they work great here in Colorado at 9000ft elevation, .
We get real heavy winter conditions.

Welcome to the Forum.
Here in Ontario, studded tires are only allowed in certain northern parts of the province.

Peter

 

[laker82]

I just got a set of Artic Claw stuuded snow tires in 18" and wheels to go with it, they work great here in Colorado at 9000ft elevation, .
We get real heavy winter conditions.

This, that, and the other thing.
Snow tires in December are great. The same, now bald snow tires in April suck. Do the drivers around you know what they are doing? Great if you stop quickly until the car behind you plows into you because, well, because of a lot of reasons besides tires.

 

[dejen3303]

Looking for advice on best winter tires for 2018 Sport.

Or does the traction control and other driving assist features make tires specifically for snow unnecessary?

Thanks!!

I put Bridgestone Blizzak's on my GMC Acadia and loved them. I had them mounted on OEM wheels and switched them out in the fall and spring. Worked fantastic on the wet roads here in Western Washington and for the occasional snow in the lowlands. I would recommend them 100%
I haven't been able to find s suitable replacement size wheel for my Explorer so I had to sell them.

 

[peterk9]

I’m not saying winter tires aren’t better in winter conditions. I’m saying that some all seasons do great year round, and work well for a lot of people who don’t want to waste time an money on two sets of tires.


Any “study” that simply says “winter tires stop in this distance, all seasons stop in this” is ridiculous. Do you really think they all perform the same?

Do you honestly believe that a $65 winter tire is going to perform the same as a $250 tire? Newsflash. It won’t.

You can get all seasons that are snowflake rated. I’ve had them. They worked great, and I never had any problems getting around. On the same car, I lost the rear drive and went to STUDDED snow tires. I much, much rather would have had the all seasons and AWD.

I'd be interested in knowing which all-season tire has that 3PMSF rating? Not saying there aren't any, just never heard of any.

Just came across this as well when checking on studded tires..
Tire Rack, a huge U.S. retailer, has a huge testing facility. When driving on ice they compared how many feet it took to come to a complete stop driving 10 miles per hour with summer, all-season, and winter tires. They found it took the summer tires 47 feet to stop, 39’ for the all-season tires, and winter tires about 21′ 2″.

Winter Tire Regulations in Canada - Save.ca

There’s a reason Canadians love to talk about the weather, as one of the coldest countries in the world—only Russia, Greenland, and Antarctica are colder—we have plenty to say about how winter conditions affect our lives. Winter driving can be challenging, and while Quebec is the only province...

www.save.ca

As I mentioned before, it seems everyone has their own opinions based mainly on experiences so I doubt any minds are going to be changed here.
At least it provides some interest during this 'lockdown' period we are in here.

Peter

 

[peterk9]

I put Bridgestone Blizzak's on my GMC Acadia and loved them. I had them mounted on OEM wheels and switched them out in the fall and spring. Worked fantastic on the wet roads here in Western Washington and for the occasional snow in the lowlands. I would recommend them 100%
I haven't been able to find s suitable replacement size wheel for my Explorer so I had to sell them.

I have the Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V2 on my Aviator. Had the DM-V1 on the 2017 PLatinum on 18" steelies.

Peter

 

[SoonerChef71]

Looking for advice on best winter tires for 2018 Sport.

Or does the traction control and other driving assist features make tires specifically for snow unnecessary?

Thanks!!

I have Bridgestone Blizzaks WS4s on my '17. I love them. AWD and traction control are helpful, but tires are the most important factor when it comes to traction.

 

[Rrizzo123]

Looking for advice on best winter tires for 2018 Sport.

Or does the traction control and other driving assist features make tires specifically for snow unnecessary?

Thanks!!

I think ( my opinion) if you have a good all season tires on you should be fine especially with intelligent 4WD. Unless you are in an area that gets a ton of snow and stays cold I think you will be good. Thanks

 

[Mbrooks420]

I'd be interested in knowing which all-season tire has that 3PMSF rating? Not saying there aren't any, just never heard of any.

Just came across this as well when checking on studded tires..
Tire Rack, a huge U.S. retailer, has a huge testing facility. When driving on ice they compared how many feet it took to come to a complete stop driving 10 miles per hour with summer, all-season, and winter tires. They found it took the summer tires 47 feet to stop, 39’ for the all-season tires, and winter tires about 21′ 2″.

Winter Tire Regulations in Canada - Save.ca

There’s a reason Canadians love to talk about the weather, as one of the coldest countries in the world—only Russia, Greenland, and Antarctica are colder—we have plenty to say about how winter conditions affect our lives. Winter driving can be challenging, and while Quebec is the only province...

www.save.ca

As I mentioned before, it seems everyone has their own opinions based mainly on experiences so I doubt any minds are going to be changed here.
At least it provides some interest during this 'lockdown' period we are in here.

Peter

General Grabber At2 in 31x10.5x15.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I'd be interested in knowing which all-season tire has that 3PMSF rating? Not saying there aren't any, just never heard of any.

Just came across this as well when checking on studded tires..
Tire Rack, a huge U.S. retailer, has a huge testing facility. When driving on ice they compared how many feet it took to come to a complete stop driving 10 miles per hour with summer, all-season, and winter tires. They found it took the summer tires 47 feet to stop, 39’ for the all-season tires, and winter tires about 21′ 2″.

Winter Tire Regulations in Canada - Save.ca

There’s a reason Canadians love to talk about the weather, as one of the coldest countries in the world—only Russia, Greenland, and Antarctica are colder—we have plenty to say about how winter conditions affect our lives. Winter driving can be challenging, and while Quebec is the only province...

www.save.ca

As I mentioned before, it seems everyone has their own opinions based mainly on experiences so I doubt any minds are going to be changed here.
At least it provides some interest during this 'lockdown' period we are in here.

Peter

Again, these exact stopping distances quoted are downright stupid. A SPECIFIC tire of each category was tested, and that was that SPECIFIC tires distance. I guarantee there are tires that perform better (and worse) in each category.

 

[laker82]

Again, these exact stopping distances quoted are downright stupid. A SPECIFIC tire of each category was tested, and that was that SPECIFIC tires distance. I guarantee there are tires that perform better (and worse) in each category.

If stopping distance is your top criteria, your driving too fast.

 

[funwithbono]

Looking for advice on best winter tires for 2018 Sport.

Or does the traction control and other driving assist features make tires specifically for snow unnecessary?

Thanks!!

With nearly 200,000 miles on my ‘16 Sport and being from northern MI where we get plenty of snow and ice, I’ve found the new Cooper Discoverer AT3 “4S” to be the best tire for winter. I have 45,000 miles on this fine tire and much life left (rated for 60,000 miles). Plus it’s “H” rated so you will have much of the performance characteristics of a “V” albeit a bit of a softer ride.
I quickly replaced the Hankooks when new and replaced with the Michelin Premier LTX 50,000 miles, then the Michelin Defender LTX (60,000 miles) then the Cooper Discoverer SRX (55,000 miles) and now the Cooper Discoverer AT3 “4S” which is my favorite thus far! I’m going to replace the Cooper’s this Spring with the BFG Advantage Sport TA just for kicks. So there’s some options for you!
-enjoy!

 

[JAPeterson]

If stopping distance is your top criteria, your driving too fast.

I have found that it isn't my stopping that is usually the problem it is the other guy who causes the problem by cutting you off or starts to slide sideways in front of you

 

[Mbrooks420]

If stopping distance is your top criteria, your driving too fast.

If you read the thread I specifically stated there’s more to performance than stopping. I’ve never had a winter accident, so I must be driving plenty reasonable.

 

[peterk9]

General Grabber At2 in 31x10.5x15.

That is an All-Terrain tire, not a Winter tire. While it may be great in snow, it doesn't appear to meet the criteria of a true winter tire and therefore It doesn't have the 3PMSF rating (symbol). It is also not listed under General Tire's winter tires. The only winter rated tires they list for Light Truck and SUV are Grabber Arctic and Grabber Arctic LT.
As for the tests, I can't believe that all the tests by various reviewers are using the same tires.

Peter

 

[peterk9]

If stopping distance is your top criteria, your driving too fast.

Not necessarily true.