Tires for wet roads

Ok guys, I need some advice on tires that are really good in the rain. I've never posted on a vehicle forum, I'm a 50 year old woman, I'm not rallying up the mountains, so go easy on me for not knowing all in and outs of all terrain. I've owned a ford exploder, and fwd Tucson that had the auto activated 4w, so i have experience driving a suv. I bought a 2010 sr5 rwd, manual 4wd hi/low a few months ago. The guy I bought it from wanted it to go fishing and hunting, so he went and bought Goodyear wrangler ultraterrain 265/70/17. The back end of this 4runner has gotten pretty squirrely on me when the roads get wet, and I live in the PNW so they will be wet a lot. I know i will have to get better at driving with rear wheel drive, but from what i have read on a few forums, the type of tire makes a big difference. I also read that the tire I have is poor for wet driving. I'm overwhelmed with all the stuff I've read on forums and legit websites, with bits and pieces of info that pertains to my situation. I decided its best if I ask you guys with all my specific info. The tires have 12/32 tread, 4 years old, and about 28k miles on them. discount tire and Les Schwab both said they look great. Is it ridiculous to think a different tire will make that big a difference? 1,200$ is a lot of money to spend just to hope it will, and i don't have that kind of $. But the way this thing fishtailed on me a few times, scared the hell out of me. Getting a different car/trim not possible. And if different tire will help, what tire? tire rack has these things rated as "good" I had the wildpeak at3 on tucson and they seemed good to me, but i keep seeing ratings for wet conditions like 2.5 or 3.

 

If you’re not going to be heading off-pavement much, you’ll probably want some less-aggressive all-season tires. (although keeping in mind what other requirements you may have like winter performance)

Although I’d also think about when the rear end slips in your case, I noticed the 4Runner is more willing to break traction when turning/accelerating in dry conditions than I expected. (when turning or u-turning onto a busy road) If you can reduce instances by being easy on the throttle in curves it may help compensate for the tires.

If it’s just setting off from a stop light, 4WD will help in getting off the line but you’ll probably want to put it back into 2WD at speed since you’re still on pavement.

I can no longer take corners like I did in my Sorento and that’s already a bit less nimble than your Tucson! If it was a model from the past decade, Hyundai/Kia’s AWD (made by Magna) was actually engaged a lot, not just waiting for slip - particularly when throttle is applied so it’ll probably feel more surefooted than any 4Runner in 2WD in any weather condition on-pavement

Hard for me to say where tire ends and vehicle begins here though. I have a set of Defender LTX M/S tires but they’ve been discontinued for our fitment.

 

For wet roads, have what ever you get siped. The shop should be able to do it. More sipes the better. And cheers and welcome. Any pics of your rig? Happy adventures.

 

Just purchased a 2001 4Runner sr5. I knew the people I purchased it from and drove it 10 years ago when the tires were new. Goodyear wranglers. Leaving it in rear wheel drive, in the rain they aren’t just “ Squirrley”, they were and still are out and out dangerous. They look great, but that’s it. Tirerack.com gives extensive reviews of tires.
Sumitomo all terrain (AT) looks like they might be the best for wet roads. General Grabber AT look pretty good also and they are white lettered if you like that look. Everybody loves BF Goodrich K02’s but they will cost you.

 

I've had a set of Michelin Defender LTX M/S2 for about a year. They handle great in the rain. Right now at Costco you can get a set installed with lifetime rotation and balance for just under $1000.

https://tires.costco.com/Product?It...-m/s2&partno=21308&width=265&aspect=70&rim=17

 

welcome

 

Thanks for the welcome. I’ve been waiting to purchase this vehicle for a number of years. 2001, it’s the right size for me. Body and interior in great shape. Frame was undercoated so in great shape. 200k miles, so it’s got a lot of life left to it. I’ve been changing out the fluids and fixing immediate issues, right rear axle seal, stuff like that. Really enjoying it though.

 

I wound check the tire pressure. People love to put too much air so they can get 1mpg better fuel economy. Set the pressure on cold tire for 33-34 mpg and see what happens. If that’s not the case I would recommend Pirelli Scorpion AS 3.

 

Don't get the Falken's, I've hydroplaned in them at 40mph in about 2" of standing water.

 

One of the more road-biased tires will serve you well for wet roads (I live in Florida). Currently have Michelin Defender LTX ms2, and have had good luck with Continental Terraincontact AT. They both worked in the snow I encountered occasionally in travels. If the snowflake symbol matters, there are still decent options. Good luck! Everyone has an opinion about tires that everyone else thinks is wrong.

 

I second the Continental Terrain Contact AT. I bought those partly due to the large rain channels on them.

 

Welcome.

I would check the air pressure like what @Noodles mentioned. Adjusting the way you use the throttle may help also.

 

Tire pressure is key. I have a scanguage2 mounted with velcro on my steering column. It reads tire pressure from TPMS thru the OBD2. It is amazing to watch tire pressure change with : air/ road surface temperature, parked or driving, season average temp changes, and sun shinning on tires.
I adjust my stock size XL rated Pirelli Scorpion AT plus pressure to 32psi cold with a 12v air compressor. Also Pirelli are 3peak snow rated.
I have seen them at Walmart around $160.
Paid $187 at my local helpful tire shop.