Tyres for snow
Discussion
Right, this may sound odd but bear with me. I want some tyres to put on my series 3 land rover for use in the snow, but i don't want snow tyres if you see what I mean.
They'll be used all-year round, about 70/30 on/offroad. We get a lot of snow around us so what's better - AT or MT?
My gut assumption would be MT but somebody told me AT's are better because the tread blcoks move around more so keep warm and are less likely to get clogged with compacted snow. Which I suppose makes some sort of sense.
Anyone got any opinions?
They'll be used all-year round, about 70/30 on/offroad. We get a lot of snow around us so what's better - AT or MT?
My gut assumption would be MT but somebody told me AT's are better because the tread blcoks move around more so keep warm and are less likely to get clogged with compacted snow. Which I suppose makes some sort of sense.
Anyone got any opinions?
Aye I appreciate that since 70% of my driving is on roads then AT's would seem sensible but to be honest, i'm not really that fussed about their on-road handling characteristics - it's a series 3 land rover!
I've driven a few vehicles with good quality MT's and they've been fine in the wet but the likes of insa turbo's or simex are a nightmare I've been told.
So, my question was really about which is better for snow, AT or MT. I just don't want to go as drastic as a bogger or swamp tyre.
I've driven a few vehicles with good quality MT's and they've been fine in the wet but the likes of insa turbo's or simex are a nightmare I've been told.
So, my question was really about which is better for snow, AT or MT. I just don't want to go as drastic as a bogger or swamp tyre.
I can give you a couple of pointers as I live at 1500m in the Swiss alps and have a Defender. On compacted snow mud tyres are significantly worse than ATs and bear in mind that as soon as a few cars have driven over it or the snow plough has been along it is compacted. When I first moved out here I had BFG Muds on and going down hill was distinctly hairy.
I use BFG ATs on mine now, the current version of that tyre carries the Snowflake symbol which indicates that it has been approved by the Canadian government for severe winter use. Note the older version of the tyre didn't have the symbol.
I find they are pretty good on snow, not quite as good as the road biased winter tyres I use on my Rangie in the cold months but a pretty good compromise.
The key to good winter performance is the softer rubber compound and plenty of sips or small slits in the tread, these then deform onto the snow and offer more grip.
I think that the General Grabber ATs are also Snowflake rated but I'm not sure.
HTH
Edited to add a link to show you the Snowflake symbol:
http://www.canadiandriver.com/winter/tires/snow_ti...
I use BFG ATs on mine now, the current version of that tyre carries the Snowflake symbol which indicates that it has been approved by the Canadian government for severe winter use. Note the older version of the tyre didn't have the symbol.
I find they are pretty good on snow, not quite as good as the road biased winter tyres I use on my Rangie in the cold months but a pretty good compromise.
The key to good winter performance is the softer rubber compound and plenty of sips or small slits in the tread, these then deform onto the snow and offer more grip.
I think that the General Grabber ATs are also Snowflake rated but I'm not sure.
HTH
Edited to add a link to show you the Snowflake symbol:
http://www.canadiandriver.com/winter/tires/snow_ti...
Edited by Camel on Friday 14th November 22:30
Camel said:
I can give you a couple of pointers as I live at 1500m in the Swiss alps and have a Defender. On compacted snow mud tyres are significantly worse than ATs and bear in mind that as soon as a few cars have driven over it or the snow plough has been along it is compacted. When I first moved out here I had BFG Muds on and going down hill was distinctly hairy.
I use BFG ATs on mine now, the current version of that tyre carries the Snowflake symbol which indicates that it has been approved by the Canadian government for severe winter use. Note the older version of the tyre didn't have the symbol.
I find they are pretty good on snow, not quite as good as the road biased winter tyres I use on my Rangie in the cold months but a pretty good compromise.
The key to good winter performance is the softer rubber compound and plenty of sips or small slits in the tread, these then deform onto the snow and offer more grip.
I think that the General Grabber ATs are also Snowflake rated but I'm not sure.
HTH
Edited to add a link to show you the Snowflake symbol:
http://www.canadiandriver.com/winter/tires/snow_ti...
Great info, cheers!I use BFG ATs on mine now, the current version of that tyre carries the Snowflake symbol which indicates that it has been approved by the Canadian government for severe winter use. Note the older version of the tyre didn't have the symbol.
I find they are pretty good on snow, not quite as good as the road biased winter tyres I use on my Rangie in the cold months but a pretty good compromise.
The key to good winter performance is the softer rubber compound and plenty of sips or small slits in the tread, these then deform onto the snow and offer more grip.
I think that the General Grabber ATs are also Snowflake rated but I'm not sure.
HTH
Edited to add a link to show you the Snowflake symbol:
http://www.canadiandriver.com/winter/tires/snow_ti...
Edited by Camel on Friday 14th November 22:30
I had these on my SIII Lightweight and they were excellent in snow and mud, and most amazingly were quieter and gave a better ride than the previous mich x style tyres. I found a lot of tracks were I was struggling for traction in 4wd, would be fine in 2wd using these tyres. They were also slightly taller so gave better top speed and slightly better MPG. Best of all they're cheap a chips if you don't like them.
Recip Mud Terrain.
Recip Mud Terrain.
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