First time in the snow: I'm impressed

[white_lx]

This summer I bought an '00 LX470. The dealer replaced the tires (LTX M/S) as part of the deal. This morning we finally had some decent snow . I must say that I'm impressed with the car and the tires. It handles beautifully and doesn't seem to mind the snow at all. The traction control only come on once during normal winter driving (unplowed road on a 8% hill).

This driving experience is completely different from driving my '95 LS400 that is equiped with very good snow tires.

 

[NMuzj100]

What brand,model, and size of tires? I think we may need some pics of snow fun.

 

[Landpimp]

sounds like Michlen LTX M/S.......but thats just a guess

What brand,model, and size of tires? I think we may need some pics of snow fun.

 

[macneill]

I've always felt the LTXs worked great in snow. Much better than MTRs for sure.

 

[NMuzj100]

I thought the LTXs were the stockers and were most likely replaced with something new.

 

[white_lx]

They are indeed Michelin LTX M/S. When I bought the vehicle the stock tires were worn and the dealer offered to replace them. When they said 'replace', they actually replaced them by the same tires.

 

[ace10]

my $0.02 says that the ltx m&s's are the worst tires truck tires i have ever had the displeasure of using in the snow. both of my cruisers came with them and they come off the split second we have even a hint of winter weather. i got lazy last winter and didn't put the snows on until after the first 6" storm... i promptly got it stuck leaving my driveway in a modest dift. i dragged her out and put the winter tires on in the garage. that rubber compund is rock hard in warm weather and only gets worse in the cold.

 

[spressomon]

my $0.02 says that the ltx m&s's are the worst tires truck tires i have ever had the displeasure of using in the snow. both of my cruisers came with them and they come off the split second we have even a hint of winter weather. i got lazy last winter and didn't put the snows on until after the first 6" storm... i promptly got it stuck leaving my driveway in a modest dift. i dragged her out and put the winter tires on in the garage. that rubber compund is rock hard in warm weather and only gets worse in the cold.

Ditto. The LTX's that came with my 100 were only about 50% worn but they were terrible in the snow (on-road) around Reno/Lake Tahoe. However when I put the MT/R's on the 100 was great in the snow. Mac: I wonder why you did not experience the same with your MT/R's?

 

[e9999]

I had great experiences in the snow with the LTXs. Worked out terrific.
Gotta be a driving thing...

 

[spressomon]

I had great experiences in the snow with the LTXs. Worked out terrific.
Gotta be a driving thing...

Must be the extra power and speed of the V8

 

[Pskhaat]

To add nothing useful to conversation, my recently acquired 100 had a relatively new LTX get a big split right down the center of the tread, no repair. I don't think I'm going Michelin commonly available tire ever again and the 100'll see stocker-style tires for a long time.

On the other hand and contrary to ALL other people I've had great success with the Dunlop stockers in almost all road conditions.

 

[SINCITY100]

On the other hand and contrary to ALL other people I've had great success with the Dunlop stockers in almost all road conditions.

I would have to agree with ya` on that one 3fj40.... My stock Dunlops (18`s) went to hell and back again before I had to retire them for something a bit more aggressive. On pavement, light snow, dirt and even some rather ugly rocky hills.. those poor tires took some serious abuse but still managed to perform quite well !

Now I am busy tearing up my Goodyear MTR`s ...and I must say they are not very happy with me right now. I really put a hurtin` on my tires when I go out wheeling, but I honestly thought that the MT/R would be a lot tougher and a MUCH more forgiving tire..

I wonder what my NEXT set of tires will be ?

 

[calamaridog]

The discussion regarding what tire is good in the snow always gets me confused some. Are we talking deep, unplowed snow? Well no, the LTX will not do so hot there. Are we talking light snow and a little ice and such? Well they seem to do fine on those surfaces.

Anyways, my LTX were ok and they had about 30,000 mi. left on them so I put them on my parents 4runner. They have worked better on the 4runner in rain and light snow than the previous stock Bridgestones did.

Anyways, I've been real happy overall with the handling of the LC in adverse weather conditions.

 

[uHu]

Have to agree with calamaridog, and no tire can be good on all surfaces. It's either good on snow or on ice, or a compromize. And if it's very good on snow or ice, it will be bad on wet roads. Also sideways vs longitudal grip is a balance. It's all about compromizes, we have to know which properties are most important for our conditions and driving.
I'm currently trying Cooper. At least they are better than the Michelin stocks in the winter. And much cheaper.

 

[Pskhaat]

My stock Dunlops (18`s) went to hell and back again before I had to retire them for something a bit more aggressive.

Putting it mild for me over here too. The OEM Dunlops on my 1996 which I put ~40k miles, all kinds of camping, off-roading terrain, snow & ice in CO, loaned them to a family member for a year (~15k) who's very rough on tires, ran them again on vehciles (~15k+) when towing trailers. Now they're on my 100

~70k miles on those things and 10 years old with some serious use, and they still have tread and are quite and compound is soft.

Now I am busy tearing up my Goodyear MTR`s ...and I must say they are not very happy with me right now.

I have heard almost all reports about the first 10k miles on MTRs are nice, then go downhill from there. My brother's had horrible experience with his MTRs and has to get them patched/plugged on a regular basis. They've also worn very poorly. I havn't run them myself so I can't say first hand, but I can't see why they're such a popular tire. Almost EVERYONE has them but I've heard very few good reports after any significant mileage.

Interesting: Dunlop is owned by Goodyear.

 

[spressomon]

Putting it mild for me over here too. The OEM Dunlops on my 1996 which I put ~40k miles, all kinds of camping, off-roading terrain, snow & ice in CO, loaned them to a family member for a year (~15k) who's very rough on tires, ran them again on vehciles (~15k+) when towing trailers. Now they're on my 100

~70k miles on those things and 10 years old with some serious use, and they still have tread and are quite and compound is soft.




I have heard almost all reports about the first 10k miles on MTRs are nice, then go downhill from there. My brother's had horrible experience with his MTRs and has to get them patched/plugged on a regular basis. They've also worn very poorly. I havn't run them myself so I can't say first hand, but I can't see why they're such a popular tire. Almost EVERYONE has them but I've heard very few good reports after any significant mileage.

Interesting: Dunlop is owned by Goodyear.

Are you referring to the old style MT/R or the new style MT/R?

 

[Pskhaat]

I didn't know there was an old MTR, other than their old Mud Terrain (don't know what it was called). I am referring to the new MT/Rs. Again, I've not run them personally, just in the circles with whom I wheel I've not heard good results: at least considering the price tag.

 

[calamaridog]

Scott,

The MTR's have a loyal following out west where there are lots of rocks. They work very well on the rocks. Most people I know who use them are less worried about mileage and more worried about trail performance. These are aggressive tires and there are compromises for performance.

I have also not used them personally, but I know a ton of people who do run them and love the trail performance. From what I've seen, they work well and are very durable.

As far as your Dunlops go, tire thread often outlives the structural integrity of the tire. As the tire ages, the binding agents break down. Old tires are not always safe, despite having usable tread.

 

[spressomon]

Scott,

The MTR's have a loyal following out west where there are lots of rocks. They work very well on the rocks. Most people I know who use them are less worried about mileage and more worried about trail performance. These are aggressive tires and there are compromises for performance.

I have also not used them personally, but I know a ton of people who do run them and love the trail performance. From what I've seen, they work well and are very durable..

Exactly. Obviously Reno is West. And, although I have only put 10K on these, alot of these miles have been off-road. And we DO have lots of rocky terrain. I had them in mud once and they did fine...although for consistent bog running it's not the tire of choice. And you are correct...I want and need a good to great off-road tire with relatively good on-pavement performance: And I think these fit my needs pretty well. Would I like to have a quieter, smoother road tire: You bet! But not if it takes away from off-road performance of this tire.

APPLICATION...APPLICATION...APPLICATION!

 

[Pskhaat]

I'm in AZ and way too many years in CO so I'm definetely West.

I guess my point is, that I remain unconvinced that in general MT/Rs are a good `value.' I know everyone runs them. I believe there are better alternatives given the MT/Rs application; and in no way saying one thing or another about those who have them.

If they were ~$180/tire for a 315s I'd be all over them like stink on ... But I am a cheap bastard.