First Winter Test for my LC FE

[batchelor22]

Any idea what they weigh, or the weight rating of those tires? LT vs SL can have an effect on fuel economy.

Looks like they are SL, weighing 42.8 lbs

 

[Marinna]

Not sure of the weight but don’t think it’s much more than the factory Michelin’s that came with it.

Here are the specs.

If you get winter tire you will need to have another set for non-winter season. That means two sets of steel, rubber, and tire pressure sensors, and place to store them. This is exactly what I am trying to avoid hence KO3 - for better or for worse.

I am curious how well these 3 peaks all-terrain can handle the temperature when it goes down to -40 F and below. I did not have a chance to test it this time, perhaps in another winter I can try to do a test in Yellowstone or other fun place.

 

[batchelor22]

Fair enough, yes, I run two sets as you have described. Kind of need to where I live in British Columbia. Fortunately got a set of LCLC wheels w TPMS cheap locally and as our vehicles can store two sets of wheels, was pretty easy.

 

[Marinna]

Fair enough, yes, I run two sets as you have described. Kind of need to where I live in British Columbia. Fortunately got a set of LCLC wheels w TPMS cheap locally and as our vehicles can store two sets of wheels, was pretty easy.

That is the best if you live in a very seasonal place. Winter tire is not only lighter than all terrain but it holds the ground traction better as well, so there is no compromise there (other than your pocket).

My reasoning is that if I want to specialize everything I probably needs three sets of tires - light trail, winter, and all terrain. and some of the trip I did from the past could get temperature change over 80 F, so really there is no perfect solutions, that’s when KO3 start to become a winner - I just have to compensate it with additional care during drive, and additional spending on gas. Luckily I found KO3’s gas situation is not too bad. I still suspect if the temperature gets even lower KO3’s compound might get harden even further.

 

[bobLC]

Another lemming buyer of the KO3? Weird. So many people buy them for their looks, and so many of their fans won't acknowledge how the KO series tires have always been marginal all-around performers. No surprise there, and yes, they are great off-road.

You bought a boxy SUV, how is this in any way surprising? In snowy/wet weather, snow adheres to the leading edge surfaces of things moving through the air, whether you are in a car, a truck or a bicycle. No, these sensors and headlights don't have heaters. Not driving at night in a snow storm is pretty high on my list of priorities, at least if I don't absolutely have to.

Thus the several duplicate threads here discussing WetherTech and Husky liners vs OEM (I'm sure you've seen them). Anyone who sticks their head down low enough to look at the OEM mat coverage around the accelerator pedal could anticipate that the carpet would get wet.

OK... what's your point? It's always been advisable to allow your car to warm up a bit in extreme winter temperatures.

Yes, it's 'dark and disorienting' in the mountains at night, it's not just the Canadian Rockies. I find the headlights of the LC more than adequate, and adding more lights won't help on-road, except to annoy TS out of fellow drivers. Perhaps check your speed if you feel you need more light driving at night. Or your spectacle prescription.

Of course your car is dirty after driving in winter conditions in the mountains, and I would never try to 'wipe' such crud off to clean my vehicle. Perhaps you should just wash it.

Jerry-can or Rotopax, which is it? I'd personally try to avoid having to 'manually' add gas to the vehicle in wet/sloppy conditions, especially if your Rotopax is on top of the car, getting hammered by slush, sand and/or mag chloride. I tend to stop more for gas in the winter when driving in remote places, and with the LC it's about 35 miles/tank worse than the 5th Gen 4Runner. So I make more gas stops now.

Lastly, what are the goofy stickers on the side of your vehicle? Is that 'arrow' one directing people to where the door handle is???

Jeez bro, had a bad week or something? I can’t imagine a more negative reply to an otherwise good post sharing their driving experience. Perhaps you should consider taking it out on your pillow or stuffed animal next time.

 

[kyakaddict]

View attachment 22698

Location: Banff & Jasper
Temperature: 15-30 F Mostly
Wheel and Tire: Stock size BFG KO3

I am trying to give the first subtle but real test to my LC. I can barely find more than 4 inches snow to drive on nor did I do any crazy tests like sleeping in the car at 10000 ft in the Canadian Rockies during the winter blizzard (I actually did that before with a Jeep rental). I only have minimal set of accessories on the car like traction pads and one 3 gallon rotopax, which expectedly I did not have the chance to use them.

This is what I’ve learned:
1. I did not notice yet any winter scenarios that really challenge LC at this time, not at 4-5 inches slushes on the group at least. The engine start didn’t even struggle a single bit at 15 F (LC Hybrid has a very temperature friendly starting sequence). Although I would still be interested to know whether it will have any issue at more extreme conditions like -40F

2. KO3 is alright, it is capable but I’ve definitely hit its limits several times with even a drier season in the Rockies. I initially pump 41 psi into the tire, with the temperature drop it mostly stays cold at 37 though.

3. Boxy design is aesthetically pleasing, but it is not practical. So many things hit my front everyday from all the winter road debris to snow and mud trapping to my head light and all the sensors.

4. My floor needs better weather protection for snow and mud. It is so dirty inside now. Hard plastic like WeatherTech is the way to go if you area rains and/or snows

5. My rule to warm up the engine in this weather is 3 minutes from a cold start. Transmission fluid is always the last to heat up, last to cool off. I do not know if any special treatment is needed for this temperature.

6. Driving at Canadian Rockies during the night is very very dark and disorienting. I find AHB is a very handy feature in this case. and for snowy trails and smaller roads at night you would certainly appreciate some additional lighting on LC, though not sure what does the law says, probably borderline I would guess.

7. Not LC related but my car needs a very good wash now. Not even all the PPF and ceramic coating can self-wiping much of them away. Also my PPF guy applied some leftover PPF on the back of my mirror. Not working at all. If you want to keep it mint try to get one of these plastic cover for your mirror instead.

8. I consider jerry-can mandatory for LC for a longer remote trip. The station gap between Banff and Jasper is 230 km. That is 140+ miles in the snowy mountains without any cell phone service. Though it is funny to see how much Tesla is driving around me.

Nice write up! I agree, I just installed the WeatherTech mats and they are far superior to the OEM mats. RE: tire pressure, I've tried 2 different manual dial-type pressure gauges and 1 digital dial-type gauge and found the pressure readout on the vehicle display shows 3-4 psi under the manual and digital dial readings. Even the dial gauges were different by 1-2 psi. For me, I've found over the years that regular monitoring with the same gauge combined with observing tire wear patterns and regular 5-tire rotation is the best way to ensure long tread life.

 

[dog]

What mode do you use to drive in 4inch+ snow?8

 

[Marinna]

What mode do you use to drive in 4inch+ snow?8

I just use MTS auto. These MTS settings looked to me just different level of tire slippery allowance and 4 inches is not even bad enough for MTS in my opinion. So you might as well just use normal 4WD until the slippering start to bother you