Towing with snow tires

Lunwig · Sep 15th, 2007, 22:13

I'm going to be driving about 3,000 miles (4900 kilometers) towing a 1,000 pound (453 kg) trailer. I have a set of snow tires on steel rims that I will not need anymore and thought I'd use them instead of my 17" ones to save money. I realize that the wheel weight may make the car not handle as well, but I don't expect to be going more than 55MPH.

I have a Volvo 1 3/4" hitch. The car is an 1997 850R, stock except for upper strut braces. An additional ATF cooler is $450 (325 Euros) plus installation.

Any help is appreciated.

Sep 16th, 2007, 00:17

I don't entirely understand why you want to use the snow tyres? However snow tyres are perfectly capable of being used on snow free roads. As a rule of thumb winter tyres work best below 7 degrees centigrade ambient, above that temperature summer tyres are the better option.

I assume these aren't studded?

Assuming the rims are appropriate for the car, the tyres are appropriate for the rims and of a sensible speed rating it should be fine. It all depends on where this is taking place, how hot or cold is it?

JIM C · Sep 16th, 2007, 14:49

Will be a lot noisier and will not handle as well.

Viper_7 · Sep 16th, 2007, 15:00

So basically your wanting to use the snow tyres and put 3000KM on them instead of your normal tyres as you have no need for the snow tyres so may as just well use them up - is what about right?

The only thing I'd add to the road noise and reduced handling is braking efficiency will also be reduced (on normal roads) and so will the MPG to a degree.

You may save more just selling them - but admit it's difficult to sell on used tyres as people are wary about their history.

Vipes

Snow-Bear · Sep 16th, 2007, 16:00

I would have thought selling them as they are would have been better too.

Not too sure about snow tyres being used on summer roads, wouldn't they scrub out pretty quickly due to traction especially if you are driving under load with the trailer? Would braking be as efficient? Safety be compromised? which if you are towing would be a consideration especially over such distances.

Pretty sure in many countries in Europe they do not allow you to use snow tyres after a certain time in the year due to the safety, I might be wrong on this.

I would say sell them, get as much as you can, use the correct tyres and keep safe in the process.

Sep 15th, 2007, 22:13	#1
Lunwig New Member Last Online: Sep 16th, 2007 12:24 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Basking Ridge, New Jersey	Towing with snow tires I'm going to be driving about 3,000 miles (4900 kilometers) towing a 1,000 pound (453 kg) trailer. I have a set of snow tires on steel rims that I will not need anymore and thought I'd use them instead of my 17" ones to save money. I realize that the wheel weight may make the car not handle as well, but I don't expect to be going more than 55MPH. I have a Volvo 1 3/4" hitch. The car is an 1997 850R, stock except for upper strut braces. An additional ATF cooler is $450 (325 Euros) plus installation. Any help is appreciated.

Sep 16th, 2007, 14:49	#3
JIM C Forum Support Team Last Online: Jul 4th, 2021 16:28 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Scotland View Photos By: JIM C	Will be a lot noisier and will not handle as well. __________________

Sep 16th, 2007, 15:00	#4
Viper_7 Premier Member Last Online: Aug 30th, 2013 17:33 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: York	So basically your wanting to use the snow tyres and put 3000KM on them instead of your normal tyres as you have no need for the snow tyres so may as just well use them up - is what about right? The only thing I'd add to the road noise and reduced handling is braking efficiency will also be reduced (on normal roads) and so will the MPG to a degree. You may save more just selling them - but admit it's difficult to sell on used tyres as people are wary about their history. Vipes __________________ S60 D5 SE 2004 Titanium Grey Winter Pack Mods: Volvo Tax disc holder - increases power output by 5% Child Seat Rear and side Volvo fitted blinds. Tree Sap from May - July. Removed at least 46 cup holders for weight reduction.

Sep 16th, 2007, 00:17	#2
Fivehundred Guest Location:	I don't entirely understand why you want to use the snow tyres? However snow tyres are perfectly capable of being used on snow free roads. As a rule of thumb winter tyres work best below 7 degrees centigrade ambient, above that temperature summer tyres are the better option. I assume these aren't studded? Assuming the rims are appropriate for the car, the tyres are appropriate for the rims and of a sensible speed rating it should be fine. It all depends on where this is taking place, how hot or cold is it?

Sep 16th, 2007, 16:00	#5
Snow-Bear New Member Last Online: Sep 26th, 2007 16:41 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Colchester	I would have thought selling them as they are would have been better too. Not too sure about snow tyres being used on summer roads, wouldn't they scrub out pretty quickly due to traction especially if you are driving under load with the trailer? Would braking be as efficient? Safety be compromised? which if you are towing would be a consideration especially over such distances. Pretty sure in many countries in Europe they do not allow you to use snow tyres after a certain time in the year due to the safety, I might be wrong on this. I would say sell them, get as much as you can, use the correct tyres and keep safe in the process.

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