Hello everyone,

I live in Michigan, and I fit designated snow/ice tires to all of my cars. Everything from the Jaguar XK coupe to the BMW X40M, to the Jeep Wrangler JL get snow tires at my house. I already have a set of 18" rims for my Defender snow set, and I'm looking for recommendations for snow tires. Curiously, when I go to Tire Rack (dot com) and put in 2023 Defender 110, it returns a null set. Hmm... I can't believe there isn't at least a Blizzak LT that is suitable.

With respect, if you aren't a snow tire person and your reflex opinion is that an AT tire is all you need, please don't bother to leave this recommendation. I'm looking for information and recommendations from snow tire people.

Thanks,

Myron

 

Ontario here.
For 18" and 116 load rating there's no blizzak (only 113 which is close but not by the book).
On paper there's Nokian Hakka R5 but very little stock for this size, I ended up putting X-Ice.
Selection really sucks, search by tire size not by vehicle.
It seems Defender and Wrangler are the only one using this size but load rating is different.

 

I bought the extra set of steel wheels and Bridgestone Blizzak's from lucky8 for my winter setup.

 

I also run Blizzaks Nov-Mar. An excellent snow tire that have served me well for the past 4 winters. Third winter with them on my Defender coming up soon.

They meet the XL load rating and are available in OEM sizing 255/70 R18. I run them on my 20" rims 275/55 R20

Blizzaks in the size you need from TireRack

 

This is exactly what I wanted to know! Thanks guys.

Myron

 

I run Nokian winter tires on all 4 of our vehicles and highly recommend. They have helped me make it the slopes in the worst winter conditions.

https://www.nokiantires.com/snow-win...liitta-r5-suv/

Years ago when Canada made winter tires mandatory, there was a winter tire shortage and I had to get Blizzaks. Great at first, but once half worn they turn into an all season tire. Nokians have far deeper sipes for ice traction, plus a wear indicator that tells you how much tread is gone.

 

Thanks @PaulLR . I have also run Nokians, most recently on my X3 and agree that they are excellent!

Back in the day when I drove Saabs and pretty much the only snow tire commonly available was the Blizzak, they were exactly as you described -- great at first but then after the outer sticky layer wore off they sucked. But I've run the Blizzak LT on a 4Runner and now a Wrangler JL and they haven't exhibited this characteristic. It makes me wonder of the LT version is made differently than the P-Metric version.

 

@Myron : Like @PaulLR I just purchased a set of Nokians (the same: Hakkapeliitta R5). My defender came with the 19" wheels, of which there are no snow tire options for. I bought a used set of 20" wheels for my new snows and couldn't be happier. We head to VT every weekend and we have snows on all our cars: X3, Q5 and also now the Defender too. If there is snow, the AT's aren't the answer IMO unless it is deep snow and you arent trying to stop quickly. I bought the 275/55 R20 XL size. I have had the Nokians before and they are a great tire in the snow -- the Finns know how to get around in the winter

 

I haven't tried them but I have been researching snow tires a lot and the Michelin X-Ice looks great for the 18" rims and has a 116 load range. Supposed to be awesome in snow and ice and a little better that the Nokian in resisting aquaplaning.

 

https://toptirereview.com/michelin-x...ta-r5/#Summary