I have a GMC Savana and need snow tires. Any recommendations? Should I get them studded?
I'm rocking the Blizzak WS70s this year and I've been very happy with them. Studs are an old technology these days. In fact, non-studded snow tires are actually starting to out perform studded tires. Yup, it's the future and it's pretty cool. Last 5 years I've been using the Nokian Hakkapeliitta. That is a badass tire but can be rather expensive in the larger sizes. Either one is fine.
Studded tires do not work in snow, they are designed and made for ice and ice only. The biggest reason shops such as small garages and some big name dealers love to sell studded tires is the fact they make more money percentage wise selling studded tires than they do just selling snow or winter tires. Studs do not come already on the tires, the tires are studded either by the wholesaler or the seller. Most snow or winter tires can be studded and unstudded. Unstuding cost the same as studding a tire, but if you want to re-stud the following year then chances are the stud holes either have to be re-tapped or enlarged.
Studded tires are tires that grip onto ICE (not snow). If you experience an extreme winter with actual ice, than go for studded ice tires. Otherwise, simply go for snow tires. A heavy-duty snow tire carries the sign of an icy mountain with a snow flake drawn inside it. Get a NEW FOURSOME of such snow tires: Four matching (similar) tires. Get tires that are not too cheap and are made by a known manufacturer. Cheap unknown tire brands tend to be of a low quality and this is flat out dangerous! When it stops snowing in the spring/summer -- remove the snow tires. Do not keep using them in the dry, because they would perform poorly and again put you in risk. Replace them alltoghether after three years or once they get worn or have done enough miles (70,000km). Especially look at the tread depth: If, at any stage, it gets to 3mm -- replace the tires. And check the air pressure reguarly too!
