What brand of tires are working best for you?

[illflem]

Invented in the '20s by John Sipe( who else?) for use on shoes tire siping is a procedure performed on new or used tires to increase traction. Sipes are special slits within a tire's tread block that increase wet and snow traction. Sipes provide more biting edges and allow for the dispersion of water from under the tire's tread surface. Siping can be performed on brand new tires, as well as used tires which have at least 50% of the original tread left and rocks removed.



Benefits include increased tread life, lower noise, and enhanced driving performance. Tests conducted by the National Safety Council on the performance of siped vs. unsiped tires on ice resulted in a 64% increase in breakaway traction and an increase of 28% spinning traction. In stopping distance tests, the reduction was from 200 feet to 155. 6 feet - a 22% improvement. Since having my tires siped I no longer use studded snow tires.



Whether you need tire siping is a personal decision. You may need it if your life style and/or occupation require additional tire performance. It may come down to a simple cost/benefit analysis. Les Schwab charges $9/tire for tire siping, is it worth the increased tread life, lower noise, safety, and peace of mind to you and your family?



Here's more info with pictures http://www.4x4review.com/tech/siping.asp This article mentions only siping the center of some tires, I assume this is to prevent blocking.





Toyo M-55s sound like the way to go for my useage.

 

[Gray 5.9]

Blakers

The Brigstones Duelers A/Ts run good on the highway I think because they have a center rib down the middle, and do pretty good in wet weather. In muddy conditions they dig and clean out good to, unless you get into clay or muck where theres nothing for them too grab hold of somthing. Most everone I know that has them on there trucks that pulls there horse trailer around likes them. Overall I've been very pleased with them

 

[HerbW]

Stock Michelins for me!!!

I run the stock Michelins 245x75-16 E on my truck. I keep the stock rated pressure in them and they have been very good for me. I had BFG's (285x75-16) ATs on it and I was all over the road with them when empty in the bed. Too much foot print for me and with posi rear, I was trying to go in circles on a straight road. I miss the looks of the big tires, but If I keep my air up, I don't wander all over the place. I bought a new set of four Michelins from Les Schaub Tires for $200. 00 and then sold my used BFG's to a friend for $250. 00. Hmmmmmm, maybe I should be a tire salesperson! They get them all the time off new trucks that the new owner wants big tires when they buy the new truck. They now have a set of four chrome rims with chrome center caps for $45. 00 each if you take all four off a Dodge! If I had some studded tires, I would get them. My two cents anyway, Herb

 

[RedRamer]

Michelin LTX - A/T, 10 ply sidewall. Got over 25k miles and they still have 1cm (3/8") of thread (almost like new). Just measured all threads last week-end and all wearing the same.

Traction is good in snow, don't get hot in summer pulling trailer (use 80 lbs in rears - 55 front) and they are solid on corners.

 

[fortunate1]

Great replies, you guys! Especially the "sipe files" by illflem. I just realized that after starting this, I hadn't even passed along my experiences. My truck had wranglers on when I bought it (less than 2 yrs old) from an Air Force Sgt. who had to pack up and leave for Korea. Those lasted less than 50K miles total. When I needed new tires, I went to look at the Michelins. I had great luck with them on previous cars; not as "sticky" as some, but the longevity was super. I wound up buying a set of "Futura - Adventurer" 235/85/16's from Pep Boys because they only cost $89 each and the warranty was 60K miles. So for around $400 I was back on the road again.



They haven't disappointed me, although I'll be the first to admit that the Michelins are better tires. I got over 70K miles out of the first set of Futuras, and I'm less than halfway through the second set. The larger diameter does influence the odometer, however. I actually travel 2. 6% farther than the odometer shows. Speed is pretty much dead-on though (using GPS, I'm within a tenth or so of indicated mph). One tire did need warranty replacement. Last summer a sidewall started whining on the highway, so I pulled over to take a look. It kind of looked like it collapsed or the sidewall "belts" came apart. Changed the tire, took it to Pep Boys, got a new one (less the milage, of course). I keep 70 psi in mine all the time.



Phil

 

[CPH]

Tires

Cooper SRM II's. Second set.



cph

 

[amsoilman]

My truck (94) came with Goodyear tires, but didn't get many miles before they wore out. Put on BIG O tires, and they wore very even, but didn't get the mileage of the original tires! Then I got the Michlin LTX AT's and wouldn't go for any other tire as they have been outstanding! Just installed another set last week. Truck has nearly 137,000 miles, and it drives and rides very nice!





Wayne

amsoilman