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I plan on *trying* to live with the stock Michelins until winter, when I'll swap a set of studded Duratracs for winter, then Nitto trails next spring.
If the stockers don't cut it, I'll change them out sooner. Rubber is the most important factor in helping my truck do the job I ask of it, IMO. Sometimes changing shoes is like having a whole different truck.
Duratracs are good tires and studded for the ice sure can change how a vehicle performs. I used to run Goodyear Wrangler Pro Grades on a Chev I had and those tires got me out of a driveway on the farm one winter. I couldn't believe what I went thru. It was simply unbelievable. And I have been in the far north for a number of years. I went thru 2 sets over 5 or so winters.
On the F-250 I put on Cooper M & S and got stuck in my driveway...3 x's. (The dealer recommended them and the tread looked good. So much for that.)
I thought why am I stuck as it was not expected? I switched to a Firestone snow tire and got surprised, as they were less expensive, and yet did very well in the winter and snow. I went to the Tire Rack for some reviews and it rated quite high. It was difficult finding snows on the 20 inch rims so I swapped to 18 inch for more selection. I have always believed brakes, tires, are a priority for function.
For pure winter tires, I've run Multi-Mile Arctic Claw XSi with studs on my last 2 trucks, and they're excellent. I don't feel they're strong enough for a truck that hauls heavy though, despite their 'E' load rating.
On my former trucks, the cracks went from the wheel out towards the tread pattern. They were serious cracks that led to a blowout on one rear tire and one front.
Gruntorque ..... timely post. Two weeks ago noticed cracking at the beads on all 4 tires identical to your pic. Have already been to the dealer and they have warrantied them to 60% meaning 4 new ones will cost me 40%. No explanation given but at least they are warrantied. Good service from the dealer IMO. I have 34K km's or about 20K miles. Never used tire dressing products.
I am running 70psi in front and rear. Using Nitrogen as well so the fluctations are minimal. PSI checked monthly and have only added air once in almost 2 years.
I am running 70psi in front and rear. Using Nitrogen as well so the fluctations are minimal. PSI checked monthly and have only added air once in almost 2 years.
Dealer has the Nitrogen ...... free for as long as I own the Truck. I can see why it is free though ..... I have only had to add once in two years. That given I am in the north land where the temprature swings go from -40f to 100f.