Recommend a 17” snow tire for my RAV4?

[NOTEVIL81]

I was never really impressed with my Subaru on the road driving in the snow. I took the set of snow tires off of my Forester, put them on my Grand Marquis and it's immensely more stable in the snow than the Subaru was. I think it's the extra weight more than anything.

But I'm all about snow tires in the snow ...

I find it hard to believe a 20 year old rwd ford more capable in snow than an awd car. I guess NY snow is different.

 

[Rand]

I find it hard to believe a 20 year old rwd ford more capable in snow than an awd car. I guess NY snow is different.

He said stable not capable.


FWD or RWD can be more stable than awd

you cant slip both ends at the same time. And good winter tires keep their traction while slipping.

I'd take a fwd sedan on viking contact 8's over a subaru on oem tires.

And I'm not a subaru hater .. I've owned 5

 

[rstsco]

There are some all season tires with 3PMSF ratings, but the winter VC8s are also Ice Grip Certified. Personally, I'm more worried about driving on ice than snow. Not all winter tires have Ice Grip Certification. To get this newer (2021) certification, a tire has to perform at least 18% better than a standard reference tire in braking tests on ice.

 

[NOTEVIL81]

I think if you went only through this thread you would get an idea let alone numerous threads here.
They are actually very popular here too. All terrain tires to try to get through winter. That is why when I see Subaru, JEEP or pick up truck behind I immediately downshift and run away.

Well thankyou. Your snowfall conditions in Colorado springs is far less than a storm in lake arrowhead

 

[edyvw]

Well thankyou. Your snowfall conditions in Colorado springs is far less than a storm in lake arrowhead

I really don’t know what are you trying to say.

 

[UNC054]

Toyo, Cooper, Mastercraft and Hercules Avalanche winter tires are good and won’t break the bank like the larger name manufacturers.

 

[NOTEVIL81]

I really don’t know what are you trying to say.

Your snow season is considerably longer and receive considerably less snow at any given snowfall event.

 

[edyvw]

Your snow season is considerably longer and receive considerably less snow at any given snowfall event.

And what if ski twice a week in the Rockies? What is the amount if days that require snow tire? Where is that cut off?
And what that has to do with braking performance not only on snow, but ice, cold weather and something that A/T tires can be really bad at, wet conditions?

 

[Elkins45]

Usually when downsizing, you also downsize the wheels. In your case, that would be 16" rims and the tire size would be 215/70-16.

Tires still age out after 6 years or so, and Toyotas last a long time.

(1) I don’t know if 16” wheels will fit over the brake calipers.
(2) I bought a set of 17” wheels yesterday.
(3) Tires that spend half the year out of the sun last a lot longer than 6 years, especially when they are never driven at highway speeds. Or at least that’s my experience. I would hope to get a decade of use, subject to inspection of course.

 

[NOTEVIL81]

Skiing ? I thought we were talking about tires and hazardous conditions. Far greater hazardous conditions than where you reside. The difference in road/ snow experience for different locations. Stay constructive lol.

 

[GaryMX5]

Yes, 225/65-17 is stock but I thought the conventional wisdom was that narrower snow tires perform better so as long as they’re 17” and fit under the fenders I’m OK with them.

We don’t get tons of snow but when we do my very rural area is very far down on the list to be cleared and the main reason I bought an AWD is having something to drive in winter with out risking my much harder to replace 4x4 truck. My thinking is that one set of new snow tires will probably last the life of the vehicle.

Yes narrower tires can help in the snow to minimize floatation. They'll tend to cut down to the pavement quicker in slush and softer snow. The trick is to pick a size that maintains the same overall diameter so you don't flip out your TPMS system and any other driver aids that use it. 205/70-17 is close to your stock size and is a little narrower, but to be honest, you may not find too many options in that size.

 

[edyvw]

Skiing ? I thought we were talking about tires and hazardous conditions. Far greater hazardous conditions than where you reside. The difference in road/ snow experience for different locations. Stay constructive lol.

So, how long did you live in the Front Range?

 

[Elkins45]

Walmart has Cooper Discoverer True North Winters for $88 right now, give them a try.

I’ve had good experiences with Cooper tires in the past.

 

[edyvw]

He said stable not capable.


FWD or RWD can be more stable than awd

you cant slip both ends at the same time. And good winter tires keep their traction while slipping.

I'd take a fwd sedan on viking contact 8's over a subaru on oem tires.

And I'm not a subaru hater .. I've owned 5

People really struggle to understand difference between moving forward, handling, braking , oversteer, understeer etc.

 

[NOTEVIL81]

So, how long did you live in the Front

So, how long did you live in the Front Range?

never have lived in the area. But I can read the NWS states Colorado springs receives in there long winter . season average snowfall 32 inches. Get that in one night here. So I fail to see your expertise in winter driving. So I can understand your statement. "You downshift and runaway from jeeps or pickup trucks" not much snow

 

[edyvw]

never have lived in the area. But I can read the NWS states Colorado springs receives in there long winter . season average snowfall 32 inches. Get that in one night here

So you have no idea.

So I fail to see your expertise in winter driving.

Ask around.

So I can understand your statement. "You downshift and runaway from jeeps or pickup trucks" not much snow

Go to my first reply to you about WildPeaks, and you might understand. Let me help you: people don't die because they don't move forward fast enough. They die because they cannot stop.

 

[edyvw]

I just bought a spare set of wheels for my RAV4 with the intention of buying a dedicated set of snow tires. I’m looking for true snow tires, not necessarily all-weather tires. Are there any reasonably priced ones that are readily available?

For Kentucky, you need something decent in dry and wet, but also good in ice.
Blizzak WS90 is an exceptional tire in wet and icy conditions. But it does wear out faster, and in warm weather, it is not that confidence-inspiring.
Personally, I would go Continental VikingContac8. I had VC7 on a BMW, and have it now on a Sequoia. I have WS90 on BMW and Tiguan now. VC7 is a much better tire in dry, same in ice, and just a bit behind in wet. But generally, does everything very well. I can only assume that VC8 is doing things better.
Michelin X-Ice will be good in dry conditions, and it will have the longest life expectancy.

 

[NOTEVIL81]

Well, I'll show you what we deal with. I know it's not as bad as colorado with thirty inches annually. Seven feet of snow in eighty four hours. No snow ploughs. BeCause , as you know , there is no slow plow in the united states that can handle this kind of snow removal. Takes weeks to remove it due to every road has to be cleared with a loader and t 10 trucks. So many times for days we are driving on top of 3 to 5 feet of packed snow. Wow

 

[burbguy82]

The best performing truck tire i have ever seen in the snow and ice is the Goodyear Duratrac.

 

[NOTEVIL81]

Yep , more than thirty inches annually in one day.