Snow Tire and speed rating

[CGriding]

Has anyone had trouble getting snow tires mounted? I have a tri R1T with the OEM pirelli 275/65 R20 AT. Went to Costco to get some Blizzak LTs but they wouldn't do it because they said the speed rating was too far apart. They would only do it if there was one level difference.

Any advice or how are you all getting snow tires?

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[CharonPDX]

.?.?.? There are snow tires with speed ratings over 106 MPH? Why? "Oh no, I can't do my track day and go 9 MPH faster on these!"

 

[CGriding]

.?.?.? There are snow tires with speed ratings over 106 MPH? Why? "Oh no, I can't do my track day and go 9 MPH faster on these!"

I’m not trying to get snow tires rated over 106. I’m saying Costco won’t sell me snow tires cause they are not rated close to my stock tires. I’d be happy if they sold me the blizzaks lts that are rated lower.

 

[CharonPDX]

I’m not trying to get snow tires rated over 106. I’m saying Costco won’t sell me snow tires cause they are not rated close to my stock tires. I’d be happy if they sold me the blizzaks lts that are rated lower.

That's my point. Are there any snow tires rated higher than "R"? This ain't a Bugatti we're trying to put snow tires on!

 

[Rivian Owner]

Probably depends on the clerk you got at Costco more than anything, as with anything some pay more attention than others.

As Charon points out most people aren't looking to do a track day with their snow tires on, but then there are people who try and leave their snow tires on all year. Also there are lawyers who spend their day dreaming about how Costco might get sued when you have a blow out because you decided the snow tires could handle a couple of runs down the drag strip.

So, if you only have one Costco in your area, you might have to try a different tire shop. You could try ordering from someone like Tire Rack and then have a local shop do the swap. I'm not sure a tire jockey would look at the speed ratings as they swap one tire for the other. Usually Costco won't swap tires unless at least one set of tires was purchased from them, so you'd have to find someone else to do the swap.

 

[sdemeester]

Are dedicated snow tires that much better than the triple peak AT pirelli’s? I live in MI and used the stock AT through ice, sleet and feet of snow at our Lake Michigan cabin with no issues at all. Just wondering when and how much better snow tires would be. I loved the OEM AT so much getting the new Scorpions in a week since have 42k now and tread not where it needs to be for a MI winter. Hoping they are as good or better than my OEM set on my 2022 R1T

 

[usulio]

Are dedicated snow tires that much better than the triple peak AT pirelli’s? I live in MI and used the stock AT through ice, sleet and feet of snow at our Lake Michigan cabin with no issues at all. Just wondering when and how much better snow tires would be. I loved the OEM AT so much getting the new Scorpions in a week since have 42k now and tread not where it needs to be for a MI winter. Hoping they are as good or better than my OEM set on my 2022 R1T

I imagine the ATs are just as good for snow but winter tires ought to be better on ice and packed snow roads

 

[Rivian Owner]

You can find stats on stopping distances. I think you will find snow tires reduce your stopping distances.

 

[UnsungZero_OldTimeAdMan]

Usually it’s the load rating that cause shops to refuse sale. But, whatever. If Costco doesn’t want your $, go elsewhere. Doesn’t matter if someone else has different experience. That anecdotal information won’t convince your particular Costco to change their mind. Find another tire shop. Nothing proprietary about tires service on a Rivian, other than nuances of lifting, with or without jack pucks. And that’s all details in your Owner Guide and Tow Operator Guide.

 

[Greg Chick]

Michelin Defenders?

 

[Singletracker]

I had my Blizzaks, LT275/65-20, with a significantly lower speed rating than stock, mounted at a Discount Tire store. There was no issue, at all. If Costco won‘t mount them, try someplace else. It shouldn't be a problem.

And, yes, the dedicated snow tires are way better than A/T’s. The last two years were my first on snow tires, Blizzaks, and I was amazed how well they performed in snow. They were incredibly confidence inspiring. In most conditions, good A/T’s will get the job done, but… IMHO, good snow tires are good insurance for that expensive rig.

 

[freshpow]

I also have the Blizzak LTs and swear by them. Had them installed at Discount Tire without any issues.

With the OEM Scorpions, I momentarily lost traction and started to slide as I was making a slow turn with just a little bit of ice. In a truck this heavy, that was enough of a scare to make the dedicated winter tires a no brainer. They’re also a much more comfortable ride than the Scorpions. I look forward each winter to putting the Blizzaks back on!

 

[Dark-Fx]

Are dedicated snow tires that much better than the triple peak AT pirelli’s? I live in MI and used the stock AT through ice, sleet and feet of snow at our Lake Michigan cabin with no issues at all. Just wondering when and how much better snow tires would be. I loved the OEM AT so much getting the new Scorpions in a week since have 42k now and tread not where it needs to be for a MI winter. Hoping they are as good or better than my OEM set on my 2022 R1T

3PMSF ratings are actually a measure of straight-line acceleration. IMO, traction during stopping and turning is much more important, but 3PMSF has nothing to do with measuring that. If you've never had dedicated snow tires before, you'll be amazed at the difference in capability. I can almost drive as if the roads were dry.

 

[zefram47]

Are dedicated snow tires that much better than the triple peak AT pirelli’s? I live in MI and used the stock AT through ice, sleet and feet of snow at our Lake Michigan cabin with no issues at all. Just wondering when and how much better snow tires would be. I loved the OEM AT so much getting the new Scorpions in a week since have 42k now and tread not where it needs to be for a MI winter. Hoping they are as good or better than my OEM set on my 2022 R1T

Yes...much better. Stock Pirelli ATs were terrible in the snow. I've been running Blizzak LT the past couple winters and they're a significant improvement. AT tires in general are trash, even 3PMSF rated ones, on-road...they still work well off-road in deep snow.

 

[CGriding]

Thanks everyone. Reached out to discount tire and they said no problem.

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