Which trucks drive the best on icy roads?

wondering16

Which trucks drive best in icy conditions? Is the 4wd auto option on the GMC/Chevy trucks better than just having traction control on a Tundra? I am looking at both a 2008 Sierra 1500 and a 2008 Tundra. I really like the Tundra but I want something that will handle icy highway/mountain road conditions the best. I know a couple people who live up in the Canadian rockies who swear by their 4wd auto. Anyone have any experience with the Tundra? Or know how it might compare? Thanks!

0patience

The one that handles the best is the one driven by someone who knows how to handle it.

I know, not much help, but driven right, most times you don't need the 4wd.
And I know you're thinking, well if you drove those conditions, you would know.

Well, since I am one of those guys who repairs large snow plows and sanding machines, I drive a large service truck into those conditions and it is 2 wheel drive. Although it has duals on the rear, I rarely ever have a problems getting up to the plow trucks.

From the Chevy guys, you will hear how great they are and from the Toyota guys, you will hear how great the Tundra is.
I'm a Chevy guy, but when I was looking for a truck, the Tundra was at the top of my list.
Don't confuse traction control with 4 wheel drive. The 2008 Silverado has Stabilitrak, which is a traction control, but when the 4wd engages, it turns off.

So, if you are asking if Chevy auto 4x4 (with traction control in 2wd) is better than traction control on 2wd, my answer would be yes. That is comparing apples to oranges.
If you are talking Tundra 4x4 and Chevy 4x4, then looking at the baseline traction controls in 2wd, they are very similar.
While the 2wd traction control will help keep you going, the 4x4 will get you going.
If that makes sense.

Just my opinion.

Mr_Shiftright

I'd also like to add to this excellent answer---that in addition to the type of vehicle and the skill of the driver, the type of tires on the vehicle is also extremely important, especially on snow and ice.

So really, your question has 3 answers. The right truck, the right tires, and you doing the right things at the right time.

You can ask any tow truck driver who operates in ski areas how many 4X4s he pulls out of snow drifts.

A LOT.

enrico17

Nice insights, are there any all-weather tires available that is as good as winter tires?

0patience

enrico17 said:

Nice insights, are there any all-weather tires available that is as good as winter tires?

The short answer is no.

Anything "all purpose" is never as good as the thing made specifically for a certain purpose.
Winter/snow tires are specific for snow and ice. All weather are generally geared toward moving water.
While snow is technically water, it moves a whole lot different than water.

Talk to your local tire shops and they can usually recommend the best tires for your specific situation.

The best thing in snow/ice situations is to avoid losing traction. As soon as your tires spin, you lose control and movement. Spinning tires create heat, heat with snow and ice, creates no traction.
Make your movements slow and easy, which means also slowing your speed considerably.

If you are coming up on a hill and have second thoughts about making it, chain up before you get to the hill.
Cause if you slip going up, you might be coming down a lot faster than you had intended and controlling a vehicle backwards down a hill of snow and ice is not fun.

enrico17

I see, I just thought that all-weather tires has an edge than winter tires since it was made with better traction during rain and also in muddy terrain. I have to speak with my mechanic on which one should I get.