I also went stock size!
Snow Tire Options
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Last night was my first big test. I was on the highway in whiteout/blizzard conditions. The road was a combination of wet, snow, and ice. The tires and LC performed like a champ. I was very impressed with the Toyos and the LC in general under these conditions, but I did get my first windshield rock chip (doh). I also learned where all the options were to turn off all the sensors failing indicators lol
Back in July, I puta set of Falken AT4W’s on the OEM 18” rims. Stock size. SL.
I saw the first reviews in snow, including the TFL guys, and decided to hedge my bets and order full winters.
Over the weekend the region was pounded with lake effect snow. Cottage country got hit with 40” inches in two days. My city got more than 12” overnight. This morning, I drove to get my new winters put on. Here’s what it was like:
On the way to the tire shop:
The Falken AT4W’s were decidedly mediocre in the heavy winter conditions. TC came on more that I wanted. ABS would kick in suddenly, no sense when it was going to break loose. Tamed the frisky back-end by locking the centre. Never got stuck, but not a confidence inspiring drive.
On the way home from the tire shop:
Rocking fresh new Continental IceContact XTRM tires in 275/65-R18. (A Canadian-specific tire Continental designed based on input from a major tire distributor in Quebec. They know winter in Quebec.) Honestly, it didn’t feel like it was even the same vehicle. The tires gripped aggressively in everything: snow, slush, ice, wet. It felt like the roads were bare. No TC. No ABS. No need for locking the centre diff or anything else. Just drive. Fantastic. The Conti’s made the Land Cruiser really feel like the legend.
I saw the first reviews in snow, including the TFL guys, and decided to hedge my bets and order full winters.
Over the weekend the region was pounded with lake effect snow. Cottage country got hit with 40” inches in two days. My city got more than 12” overnight. This morning, I drove to get my new winters put on. Here’s what it was like:
On the way to the tire shop:
The Falken AT4W’s were decidedly mediocre in the heavy winter conditions. TC came on more that I wanted. ABS would kick in suddenly, no sense when it was going to break loose. Tamed the frisky back-end by locking the centre. Never got stuck, but not a confidence inspiring drive.
On the way home from the tire shop:
Rocking fresh new Continental IceContact XTRM tires in 275/65-R18. (A Canadian-specific tire Continental designed based on input from a major tire distributor in Quebec. They know winter in Quebec.) Honestly, it didn’t feel like it was even the same vehicle. The tires gripped aggressively in everything: snow, slush, ice, wet. It felt like the roads were bare. No TC. No ABS. No need for locking the centre diff or anything else. Just drive. Fantastic. The Conti’s made the Land Cruiser really feel like the legend.
My LC delivers next week, so I went ahead and ordered the snows. Found Blizzak DMV2 in 275/60/20 for $265 per at Discount, with an $80 coupon. $1125 or so all in; dealer wanted $1800.
- Jun 8, 2024
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I’m probably ordering a set of Michelin X-Ice Snow in 265/70/R18 later this week for my set of spare 18” wheels. Already ordered OEM TPMS sensors for the wheels, so why not?
That will guarantee a nice dry snow free winter!
That will guarantee a nice dry snow free winter!
I had Pilot Alpin PA2 snow tires on a RWD BMW a while back. Excellent tires. I took the car to an empty parking lot after a snowstorm once to test the limits, it was eye opening.
I've been driving KO2's last 10 winters in western Canada on an 80 series LC. I put KO3's on new LC. I drove through the rockies twice in snow/packed snow/slush. Handled really well. Confident passing. I like KO3's also, because they will handle much better in muddy conditions compared to the winter tires I looked at. Big lugs - much better than KO2's. I'll swap these out in summer, but really they are good all-year tires. It's night and day these tires in wet conditions with the terrible tires that came OEM.
Got my first ding in the windshield as well - we use gravel here when it snows!
Got my first ding in the windshield as well - we use gravel here when it snows!
I was thinking of getting those for our car. I don't think they come in any Land Cruiser compatible sizes. Where I am it's pretty much the Michelin X-Ice Snow or Blizzaks available right now now. I'm hoping Duratrac RT's will be good enough for my purposes.
They’re a performance winter tire, I wouldn’t think they would make sizes with taller sidewalls like we use. Just speaking to the Michelin brand generally.
I'm at a crossroads trying to figure out whether to go with Hakka R5s or the Michelin X-Ice Snows. I can get both at pretty much the same price at 255/70r18.
The Michelins are 1.5lbs lighter (and both lighter than the stock 245/70s), but the Nokians have more tread (11.5 vs 10.5). They're both considered top of class, but I'm wondering if the extra tread will give it just that slight edge both in traction and longevity. The Michelins are supposedly a cut above in terms of aquaplaning though...
The Michelins are 1.5lbs lighter (and both lighter than the stock 245/70s), but the Nokians have more tread (11.5 vs 10.5). They're both considered top of class, but I'm wondering if the extra tread will give it just that slight edge both in traction and longevity. The Michelins are supposedly a cut above in terms of aquaplaning though...
Put Blizzak DMV2’s on both my wife’s FE and my GX550 Overtrail. Haven’t gotten much snow yet here in Vermont but as expected the Blizzaks have been excellent in the wet, heavy slush we have been getting. If a tire works in that crap it will be fine in real snow. Had Hakkas on the Macan I traded on the LC and they also are excellent.
We had our first go snow fall a week or two back and I am happy to report that the KO3s were up to the task. The snow was about 2' deep in some areas and they handled the snow like a champ. I am thrilled with my purchase.
I put Michelin Ice (2?)tires on my 2012 Subaru 3.6R when I lived in Idaho. They were awesome in the snow, and especially on the ice that quickly formed after a heavy snow drop. They were also VERY quiet on dry pavement, and provided a very smooth, soft ride.
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