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Consumer Reports (November 2018 issue) just came out with their annual ratings for snow tires (in "What Makes A Tire Tops?"). I'm in process of moving back to Maine from South Carolina (where we don't have snow tires or even snow most of the time).
I have a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4. I am looking for a true snow tire (not all season) once I get to Maine.
Based on prior discussions here, I will look into Bridgestone Blizzak, Firestone Winterforce 2 or General Altimax Arctic 12.
Consumer Reports (for what it's worth) lists their #1 choice as Cooper Discover True North. Altimax Arctic is ranked #6, Blizzak is #7 and Winterforce 2 ranked last at #16.
My winter driving in Maine will be just "normal". Being retired, I wouldn't need to go anywhere in bad conditions (put the dogs out, bring the dogs in, put a log on the fire, stir the crock pot, refresh the coffee mug - this sounds great!) but I would like a well-respected and reliable snow tire
Any thoughts about these three tires or why a different tire should be considered?
As an aside: many of you are beginning to think about mounting your snow tires, moving wood from the shed to the porch and other winter-prep activities. This past weekend, I finally turned off the air conditioning. 35+ years in the South and I'm ready to 'be gone for good'. When I cross the Piscataquis River, it will be OK to do what many Mainers threaten/promise/dream regarding the bridge 'cause I'll be on the north side.
I have used the General Altimax Arctic tires (studded) on three different vehicles. They were all smaller cars with front-wheel drive. I have never not been able to make it up that hill in a snow storm. So I would highly recommend them. I think they cost less and last longer than the Blizzaks, too.
I run Geolandar I/T's on my Land Cruiser. They are not studded. Modern tech snow tires don't need to be studded for normal driving. That said, if you find yourself spending more time on dirt roads as opposed to paved, opt for studded. Dirt roads develop ice under the hard packed snow where the studs really help with traction. Paved roads are better without studs since the studs can actually create a loss of traction when the roads are clear.
Location: Approximately 50 miles from Missoula MT/38 yrs full time after 4 yrs part time
2,308 posts, read 4,122,972 times
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Been driving in snow country since 1946...been living and driving in mountainous snow country since 1965.
IMHO, the choice of "winter" and/or "snow tires" should take into consideration the following factors: ...
Is the vehicle a: ...front wheel drive. Or rear wheel drive; ...an automatic All wheel drive, or manually selected 4wheel drive.
Is vehicle a Sedan; ...a SUV; ...or a P.U.
Are ice conditions encountered frequently enough to consider studded winter tires?
Choices, ...choices, ...choices!
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