BlackBoost

If you want GOOD winter tires, get WINTER tires, not all seasons. Even the cheapest winter tires will outperform the best all-seasons. People are voting Duratracs, which may be ok, but like I said, any winter tire will run better than the Duratracs.


I've been using BFGoodrich Winter Slalom KSI's the past 2 winters in northern Alberta Canada. They're really great and I'll be buying the same ones when they need to be replaced.

last5oh_302

Duratracs are actually made with a snow tire like rubber compound. They're very soft (and winter rated) just like winter tires. I had a set for about 70 k km's. They did get loud once they wore which was why I only had them for 70 k. Otherwise they still had a fair amount of tread left.

BlackBoost

Snowflakes on all-seasons are still nothing like a winter tire. Winter tires are even softer, which is why you'll ruin them by driving with them for just one summer. The snowflake symbol means they meet the minimum requirements for winter driving, while true winter tires far exceed them.

last5oh_302

True, but Duratracs are nothing like an all season radial.

BlackBoost

I agree, but that doesn't mean it's anywhere as good as a true winter tire. And the only thing a tire needs to pass to get the snowflake icon is achieve a traction index higher than 110 on packed snow. No testing on patchy snow, deep snow, or ice is done.


I can always tell the trucks that have all seasons on when the lights turn green and they just spin away while I take off... Or their rear is slipping a bit when making a turn. There is no comparison to a real winter tire.

Havyek

Completely agreed, however Duratracs seem to get ratings (both from tire sites and consumer submissions) of being very good in snow and ice. They seem to be the best compromise available for an all-weather tire.

Notice I called it an all weather tire. All-seasons I compare to running shoes. They don't work in winter. Just because you use them and haven't fallen yet doesn't mean that your feet aren't cold and wet when you get home.
All weather tires (with the snowflake rating) are like hiking boots. Not great in the summer, perfect for spring and fall, and will keep you warm and dry in the winter in most conditions.

last5oh_302

I can vouch for how good they are on ice and snow. I even towed a 5 ton straight truck up a snow covered northern road (he had no traction whatsoever and it was up hill) during a blizzard. Fantastic in snow plus they're studdable, so obviously designed for winter use.

BlackBoost

Yeah when it hits -25 to -35 degrees here, rubber is hard as a rock and cars are sliding on mostly clear pavement. Nothing but a complete soft compound designed for cold will alleviate that. You can't have rubber that will work in -35 and +35, it's not possible. It'll either be rock solid in the cold, or too soft and quickly wear out in hot weather. Coldest day I remember here was 2007 I believe, when it hit -56 degrees


As for just snow, and say -10 or something, yeah, straight up mud tires will work great in the snow too, even without the snowflakes. But not slush, or patchy snow/ice, or layered chaos (snow on slush on ice). I had a set of Cooper STT's and they were awesome in snow. Not so much on the road.

Remo Innamorati

I just bought a set of these. All the reviews were positive!

https://www.yokohamatire.com/tires/iceguard-ig51v

Yielar

Thanks guys! I'm definitely going with a true winter tire as I prefer to run two sets of tires and wheels for the ultimate results. Little more expensive up front but they both last longer and I can swap the wheels myself so it balances out.

Friend of mine who is into sledding drives in some of the worst Canadian winter mountain roads and raves and Hercules Avalanche studded and Hankook Winter iPike also studded. I'll definitely check them out as well.