First Trip in Snow

[chrisc983]

Family is planning on taking our first trip to the snow, Reno in the new HL 4WD with stock tires. I know I have read that the stock tires suck in the snow. I've looked into the weather report and supposed to be only 3" of snow. Should I be okay or do I need chains? Should I use the snow mode? Sorry if this is a stupid question I haven't driven in the snow in ages as I live near SF, CA. Thanks.

Also would it be a good idea to get the mudguards and stone deflector before the trip?

[jeffs3820]

You should be fine. I did two WI winters in the stock Toyo A20s...just drive carefully on the snow.

[TrailDust]

Chris,

In case you haven't read them yet there's a couple of past threads about driving the HL in snow, and a search with "snow performance" will probably bring them up. And since you ask I'd say from experience a no to the mud guards and stone deflector. Check your inbox for a PM with additional info.

[AXMACD]

Originally Posted by jeffs3820

You should be fine. I did two WI winters in the stock Toyo A20s...just drive carefully on the snow.

I did one Canadian winter with them and swore I'd never do it again. I shouldn't even say I did a whole winter because it was from the beginning of March onward.. I had just purchased a set of new Blizzak's that winter for my other HL and I didn't want to shell out $$$ for another set of Blizzak's and rims. The TOYO's aren't the best in the winter, nor are they the best in rain.. thank god for traction control!

[chrisc983]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

Chris,
And since you ask I'd say from experience a no to the mud guards and stone deflector.

Any reason why not to add these? Do they not help protect the car or are just a waste of money? Thanks.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by chrisc983

Any reason why not to add these? Do they not help protect the car or are just a waste of money? Thanks.

I'm sure opinions will vary, but from my experience they look nice but have little practical value.

[rupert08]

I regularly drive in the snow and I agree that my factory Bridgestone 400’s suck in the snow. They are okay when dry or wet out but poor in the snow. It’s not the worse thing I have ever driven in the snow but I was expecting much better for a 4wd car. They are not so poor that I avoid driving it in the snow or require immediate tire replacement. I am looking forward to the day I can replace the tires but will wait until they are worn enough to justify it. Just take it easy and give yourself plenty of time stop. At least you are aware of the problem and should be cautious.

I agree with TrailDust, mudguards and a stone deflector are cosmetic items.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by rupert08

my factory Bridgestone 400’s suck in the snow. They are okay when dry or wet out but poor in the snow. It’s not the worse thing I have ever driven in the snow but I was expecting much better for a 4wd car. They are not so poor that I avoid driving it in the snow or require immediate tire replacement. I am looking forward to the day I can replace the tires but will wait until they are worn enough to justify it.

I have the same OEM tires and your situation is where I'm at: They're marginal in snow, sand, etc., but not so bad they need immediate replacement, but I sure am looking forward to getting better tires.

[rupert08]

Originally Posted by TrailDust

I have the same OEM tires and your situation is where I'm at: They're marginal in snow, sand, etc., but not so bad they need immediate replacement, but I sure am looking forward to getting better tires.

The good news is that the Dueler 400 tires seem to be wearing pretty fast. I have 19k miles on my Highlander and they are more than half warn. I’m guessing they will need replacing between 30-40k miles. The bad news is that I only use my Highlander for vacations or weekends and I will have to deal with the original tires for at least another winter. Beside’s, I’m not too excited about dishing out the $800-1,000 for new 19” rubber.

What tires are on the top of your shopping list? I can’t wait to get a set of Bridgestone Dueler Alenza’s. The Pirelli Scorpion ATR’s look good too but have a 25K less treadlife warranty than the Alenza’s. I only use my Highlander on-road so the practical side of me says to get the Alenza’s.

[TrailDust]

Originally Posted by rupert08

The good news is that the Dueler 400 tires seem to be wearing pretty fast. I have 19k miles on my Highlander and they are more than half warn. I’m guessing they will need replacing between 30-40k miles. The bad news is that I only use my Highlander for vacations or weekends and I will have to deal with the original tires for at least another winter. Beside’s, I’m not too excited about dishing out the $800-1,000 for new 19” rubber.

What tires are on the top of your shopping list? I can’t wait to get a set of Bridgestone Dueler Alenza’s. The Pirelli Scorpion ATR’s look good too but have a 25K less treadlife warranty than the Alenza’s. I only use my Highlander on-road so the practical side of me says to get the Alenza’s.

I've got 26,000 on mine, and like you I anticipate 35,000 to 40,000 out of them. I'm hoping to chew through them before next winter, and I've got a 1,000 mile round trip to Monterey coming up this weekend......to help me accomplish that.... I've reviewed tires several times over the last year and keep coming up with the same two tires: the General Grabber HTS or the Firestone Destination A/T. Tough choice. I'm leaning toward the Firestones because of the more aggressive tread pattern I need off-road, plus low road noise on the highway.