I don't think you can go wrong with those, a good dedicated winter tire is a beautiful thing

Just don't run 'em all year!

Check these out as well: AFAIK they're some of the best around, and might be more easily available (I know they are for me):

http://www.nokiantires.com/en/tire_h...?season=winter

 

"Understanding how things work" is not pertinent. That doesn't give us any statistical evidence.

Here are some studies I was able to find. Note that you should always check WHO compiled the results, and WHO the intended audience is, WHO funded the report, and most importantly -- WHEN were the tests done (speaks to the materials available at the time).

Modern studded tires have fewer studs than older tires, the studs weigh less, and they protrude less. Here are a few quotes, including a few links to the studies...

"Stopping distance results averaged across the three vehicles showed that on packed snow there was little to distinguish one tire from another. On ice, the studded tires were superior, showing 15 percent shorter stopping distances than the Blizzaks, while the stopping distances of the all-season radials were 8 percent longer than the Blizzaks. For bare pavement, the stopping distances of the three tires (tested only on the pickup) were very similar. The longest stopping distance was for the studded tires, but only by 2 percent over the all-season radials and 5 percent over the Blizzaks. These differences may not be significant."

From http://public.mvlan.net/content/Jeep...20-%202002.pdf

Even in the above 2002 study, there are references to other studies of the 1970s -- with predictable results. In regards to studs, I think the Europeans are really light years ahead. North American governments have downplayed the importance of studs for years because of their initial impact on road wear (which was significant). :-)

Additional documents I've found -- note their reliance on material from the 70s...

http://public.mvlan.net/content/Jeep...20-%201999.pdf

http://public.mvlan.net/content/Jeep...20-%202006.pdf

js.

 

I hear ya.

2-5% stopping distance loss on pavement
+
15% stopping distance gain on ice
=
well worth it IMO

 

BTW, just so my position is clear on this, my opinion is that stopping distance on dry pavement with studded tires is probably not much different than a regular winter tire. I think the rubber compound, tread depth, void, siping, sidewall width, tire pressure, etc., etc., etc. all play a role, and (modern) studs are only one factor.

js.

 

I agree.

It still was amazing to me the difference between el cheapo winter and normal all-seasons. I was driving my 1994 sunbird through foot-deep drifts just for fun!

 

The only problem I've found with running winter tires (even if I "winterized" them myself), is you gotta think of the cars behind you when you stop. :-)

js.

 

Hahaha I know eh Gotta glance in the rear-view about every second or two, just to make sure

 

Lets call in a Federal Government independant study.

 

So here's a question for everyone. First a little history. I picked up the General Grabber AT2 (has winter snowflake icon) for a nice year round tire, but couldn't pass up BFG M/T for $87 I found on sale. So now I have the MT's for most of the year.

So do I stick with the General for the winter (already drove on, can't add studs), and maybe sipe for additional snow traction, or change to a better winter dedicated tire like the Cooper Discoverer M&S with studs? How much better traction could I hope to gain?

thanks in advance

 

I've used BFG All Terrain KOs on my Grand Cherokee for years and loved them - quiet, good wear and good in rain and snow. I used them as a daily driver all year round and was never disappointed. Then again, I didn't check them out in mud which seems to make them like glazed donuts and I hadn't used another brand so I couldn't tell you how they compare to another winter tire.