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At a little over a year and 11k miles the Defender family adventure trickster continues to please.
Had an opportunity over the long weekend to run up to a friend's new ski farmhouse in VT and spend some time falling down Magic Mountain in sub-zero temps (low of -11°F the first morning) and we needed to drive out at the tail end of the blizzard.
She handled the cold without issue and, more importantly, the unplowed or barely plowed, untreated, snow covered roads. This despite running OEM all-seasons. Yeah I know how much winter tires would have been amazing, but it effortlessly drove around others who could make no progress.
I guess it defaults to comfort right? I didn't think to try auto (though I have on the beach/dunes). I did use snow on the last day (in the blizzard) and was quite pleasantly surprised.
But I might give auto a try next time if I think of it.
She handled the cold without issue and, more importantly, the unplowed or barely plowed, untreated, snow covered roads. This despite running OEM all-seasons.
Which OEM tires do you have? I didn't buy snow tires for this first winter with my D90 and so far surprised how well the Michelins have handled the snow and ice in Minneapolis. Granted the roads are clear in a day, but I drove around in 8" unplowed and no issues at all.
Which OEM tires do you have? I didn't buy snow tires for this first winter with my D90 and so far surprised how well the Michelins have handled the snow and ice in Minneapolis. Granted the roads are clear in a day, but I drove around in 8" unplowed and no issues at all.
As many suggested I found airing down from 47 to 37psi has made a big difference for snow driving. I was underwhelmed initially and depending upon how much ice is around it still could be better (like with actual snow rated tires) but now at normal load for PSI it's still very surefooted going through snow. I'm using the stock ATs on 18 inch steel. Anyone taking delivery should be aware they'll probably hand it off to you at 50psi.
We got hit with a foot and a half of snow the other night, after the plow goes down the street you have an obstacle to get over. I set the air suspension at its highest setting to get over it. Most people were stuck and trying to shovel their cars out. After driving the defender through really bad conditions that day, dropping my kids off in the morning I was reminded exactly why I bought this thing, it was a good safe choice. Can't see myself getting rid of this anytime soon unless I'm plagued by issues repeatedly. Right now it's the taillight that needs repair which is frustrating with just 9k miles on it but at least it can be driven until a loaner is available.
As many suggested I found airing down from 47 to 37psi has made a big difference for snow driving. I was underwhelmed initially and depending upon how much ice is around it still could be better (like with actual snow rated tires) but now at normal load for PSI it's still very surefooted going through snow. I'm using the stock ATs on 18 inch steel. Anyone taking delivery should be aware they'll probably hand it off to you at 50psi.
We got hit with a foot and a half of snow the other night, after the plow goes down the street you have an obstacle to get over. I set the air suspension at its highest setting to get over it. Most people were stuck and trying to shovel their cars out. After driving the defender through really bad conditions that day, dropping my kids off in the morning I was reminded exactly why I bought this thing, it was a good safe choice. Can't see myself getting rid of this anytime soon unless I'm plagued by issues repeatedly. Right now it's the taillight that needs repair which is frustrating with just 9k miles on it but at least it can be driven until a loaner is available.
Yeah we dropped the pressure to light load for winter use before the trip and will likely leave it that way till spring.
Hasn't seemed to hurt us on mileage though, can still break 20 mpg if I can keep it below 70, or come close above that.
Continues to please (VT snow)
