Combating the winter elements

[adsm08]

Oh, and IMHO, BFG AT tires suck on snow. I prefer a more aggressive tread pattern than that, the more aggressive patterns seem to perform better. My test when it comes to picking a tread is partly visual and if it passes that test, then I stick my fingers in between tread blocks. If I can get them in between the tread blocks to the bottom without a lot of force, then it's something I'll consider.

Keep in mind that a tread pattern that is too open will not grip well on dry roads during panic breaking.

 

[fix_or_repair_daily]

Besides weight, dedicated snow tires are the best investment you can make in a 2wd vehicle. Ones with big open voids in the tread, soft rubber compound, and lots of siping are the best way to go. On a 4x4 I think A/Ts are the way to go as stated by others. I plan to run General Altimax Arctics on our little Aspire this year. I found them online for $53 a piece shipped. Our pos 4x4 S10 has almost new Treadwright BFG A/Ts so it should be good to go. My dad ran winter tread recaps for 30+ years with good results, and I have used them too, but now they are not that much cheaper than buying new. Especially in little car sizes like the Aspire (13").

Josh

 

[adsm08]

We had good results with some pretty crappy tires and a pair of big rig drums in the bed with our 2wd S-10.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

really. i have no problem with them even when the snows up to the bumper

I knew I'd catch flack for saying that, but I have never been impressed with their abilities. They worked more like ice skates on the F-150 I had them on and I know a couple people that run them - my F-150 and my Ranger with a more open AT tread will run circles around 'em.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Keep in mind that a tread pattern that is too open will not grip well on dry roads during panic breaking.

I'm not advocating running mud tires, just a more open AT tire. Of course, I've never run the stock tire size after wearing out said tire size that came with any of the trucks I've had. My Ranger wore 235/75/15 treads (stock was 225/70/15), my choptop wears 33x12.5x15 (stock was 215s and the truck is soon to have 35x12.5x15), my F-150 has 31x10.5x15 (stock was 235/75/15). Never had any problems stopping except when what's behind me pushes me along (trailer with no brakes - after one experience like that I do not intend on making that mistake again, just glad there was no wreck involved).

 

[03ranger30]

You can always keep an eye out for someone selling a set of used tires and rims or check junkyards. I actually spent two days shoveling snow for a junkyard one year to get a set of rims and used tires so I'd have a better set of tires on the truck.

Oh, and IMHO, BFG AT tires suck on snow. I prefer a more aggressive tread pattern than that, the more aggressive patterns seem to perform better. My test when it comes to picking a tread is partly visual and if it passes that test, then I stick my fingers in between tread blocks. If I can get them in between the tread blocks to the bottom without a lot of force, then it's something I'll consider.

I had the ATs on my Jeep and never had a problem with them