Vehicle Choice for Glare Ice

[MBDIAGMAN]

As does most of the country, we have the winter storm coming through. Today we are beginning to see glare ice develop after rain and then temperature drop.

I have three vehicles as possible choices for the task. I’m going to describe them and explain why I chose the one that I did.

The first is my jeep, a TJ with aggressive 35 inch mud tires. The second is my F150 with 33 inch aggressive, mud, tires, lockers, and so forth on both. The third is my 2014 Porsche Cayenne with AWD. It is the first AWD vehicle I’ve ever driven. In fact the only AWD I’ve ever driven. Last winter I drove it around in the snow and a little bit of glare ice not thinking much about it. Then my wife wanted to go somewhere in her car and a 2 Wheel Dr. expedition at that point I learned how much to appreciate AWD. In any kind of off-road situation, I would never choose the Cayenne. On ice, however it works incredibly well as long as it stays on the road. The only advantage of the jeep and the truck is that if I do end up off the road, I can winch myself out.

Currently, we are hunkered down in the country and probably won’t drive a lot, but if I do, I will report back on the effectiveness of the cayenne on glare ice.

 

[John Cooper]

I drive my TJR but have been driving on ice and snow for well over 30 years now.

 

[Apparition]

Tire choice is most important for the driving surface.

Mud terrains are not ideal for ice.

All terrains with a 3 peak mountain snow rating would be my preference.

Snow tires and chains would be an option but not needed where I live for my vehicle types.

 

[NDSpeed]

350 El Camino SS with 15” rears

how the hell did i survive my youth

as stated it’s all about tire choice. mud tires aren’t great on the snow and ice. slow down is the biggest thing

 

[NDSpeed]

most of driving in Alaska was when you start sliding. get off the brakes and aim for the snow. it will give you some traction back

 

[JMT]

Onroad
Snow rated tires with studs.

Off-road
MT’s and lockers

 

[RangerTJ]

Generally, lockers are not good for ice.

If you are in a turn and they lock, they can send you into a skid.

AWD is preferable, but on ice it still won't make up for poor tires.

 

[Steel City 06]

Chains have the most traction of any device on ice and in deep snow. Diamond-tread patterns are ideal for maintaining control. Ladder-style tend to provide better stopping and acceleration in deep snow and in mud but sacrifice a bit of controllability for that, especially on ice.

Studded tires are also very good on ice, but provide a traction penalty for most other conditions.

I have two pairs of tire chains for my 35x12.5 tires. Best option for almost any condition, be it deep snow, mud, ice, etc.

If you use only one pair of chains, put it on the rear axle. That reduces the propensity to spin out. Ideally you want to chain both though.

Chains also limit you to ~35 mph or so.

 

[John Cooper]

Generally, lockers are not good for ice.

If you are in a turn and they lock, they can send you into a skid.

AWD is preferable, but on ice it still won't make up for poor tires.

That's why I don't use my lockers, I do use 4x4.

I learned in a 73 Gremlin with 4 90lbs of quick Crete in the back.

Drove it daily for 2 months like that in the frozen Indiana winter.

Edit: most folks down south don't need to be out driving in the ice, they barely can drive in the rain........

 

[RangerTJ]

That's why I don't use my lockers, I do use 4x4.

I learned in a 73 Gremlin with 4 90lbs of quick Crete in the back.

Drove it daily for 2 months like that in the frozen Indiana winter.

Edit: most folks down south don't need to be out driving in the ice, they barely can drive in the rain on a clear and beautiful day........

Edited for GA reality.

My TJ with the helicals front and rear does AWESOME in the snow.

Not so much if a tire lifts.

 

[WV Native]

Chains have the most traction of any device on ice and in deep snow. Diamond-tread patterns are ideal for maintaining control. Ladder-style tend to provide better stopping and acceleration in deep snow and in mud but sacrifice a bit of controllability for that, especially on ice.

Studded tires are also very good on ice, but provide a traction penalty for most other conditions.

I have two pairs of tire chains for my 35x12.5 tires. Best option for almost any condition, be it deep snow, mud, ice, etc.

If you use only one pair of chains, put it on the rear axle. That reduces the propensity to spin out. Ideally you want to chain both though.

Chains also limit you to ~35 mph or so.

Agreed. I’m already prepped for the upcoming weather.

 

[NDSpeed]

That's why I don't use my lockers, I do use 4x4.

I learned in a 73 Gremlin with 4 90lbs of quick Crete in the back.

Drove it daily for 2 months like that in the frozen Indiana winter.

Edit: most folks down south don't need to be out driving in the ice, they barely can drive in the rain........

the better not be out driving,, who’s gonna make all the french toast

 

[ColoJeep]

As crazy as it sounds , the best 2 w.d. vehicle I've ever driven on ice was a 65 Chevy BelAir 283/PG . with Peerless recap snow tires.
Correct Tires and slow careful driving are your friend .

 

[TJ Jim]

My last trip to Alaska the AWD Mazda had studded tires. They worked GREAT. in January

 

[John Cooper]

the better not be out driving,, who’s gonna make all the french toast

down here folks will by the grocery store out of bread and milk........ milk sandwiches????

Me I just carry on normal like.

 

[TJ Jim]

We can’t drive in snow/ice in Tennessee. Studded,chained, or probably not even tracks

 

[RangerTJ]

down here folks will by the grocery store out of bread and milk........ milk sandwiches????

Me I just carry on normal like.

And apparently the milk sandwiches cause stomach issues because they buy up all the toilet paper too...

 

[NDSpeed]

My last trip to Alaska the AWD Mazda had studded tires. They worked GREAT. in January

we ran Bridgestone Blizzaks on our daily driver up there. every time we went down to Anchorage. people on their roofs. made no sense. up in fairbanks we were driving on 8” of ice.

 

[ColoJeep]

down here folks will by the grocery store out of bread and milk........ milk sandwiches????

Me I just carry on normal like.

Of course , without Kiwi TJ style photos , we think your just lying John ! ...

 

[ColoJeep]

We can’t drive in snow/ice in Tennessee. Studded,chained, or probably not even tracks

Tracks actually totally suck on ice !!!!