Best tires for rain and replace stock

Hi everyone, just signed up to ask one question, I have a 2016 2WD 4Runner SR5. I have currently Bridgestone Dueler H/T P265/70R17 (gonna guess stock, bought the 4R used). I've had it since 2017, have always felt that it has absolutely no grip when it rains, but yesterday I spun almost to 180 (not quite cause I was able to control most of the spin) and I am looking to control that traction in the rain.

To explain a bit more, it was that layer of mist we get when it starts to rain and we all know that that is probably more susceptible to skids than when it's full blown raining. Another point I want to address, YES, I was going too fast for the conditions and the turn I was taking. I'm not looking for people telling me to slow down. I know my fault in the situation and what I'm looking for is suggestions to what tires can help me in future events like this. with that said, I was entering an intersection that I needed to pick up speed, so technically I was going to fast for conditions but too slow for that area and the traffic there. Thankfully the cars incoming had enough time to see me and slow down, which is why I acquired the speed I did trying to anticipate accidents and giving space to incoming cars.

I live in SA TX, where it can get to 20ish in winter and over 100 in summer. I do not care about noise, nor looks, won't drive on snow (obvioulsy), maybe gravel someitmes, rain and puddles and then paved roads. I will not use it for off road or go to mountains or rivers. I use it on paved roads, city, highway traffic, taking the kids to school and back home. I am looking for a tire that will stick to the road like glue when there's water on the road and does it's job to help me have better traction while I'll do my part to drive it without skidding. I'm asking this since this is a constant perception that I've had since driving this SUV, I've always noticed how much it sucks when there's water on the road and I know I have no control. Just looking for that tire that will grip better. I've been reading through here that the KO2's are horrible for rain and the exact same reason I'm looking for tires so those ones are out of the question. Been reading that probably the AT3's are better? Nitto grapplers? what are yall's suggestions? not looking to go bigger either. same size will do.

 

Based on what your needs seem to be...I would recommend Michelin LTX Defenders. Never had another tire grip in the rain as these and that includes the previous generations of that tire. They are hands down the best in rain, nothing comes close. They are incredible in cold/wintry conditions considering they are all season tires. However they are the ugliest tire you can buy and don’t do well in mud. Moderate Gravel roads and steep slick gravel/stone is not a problem for them.

 

I second Michelin LTX Defenders. Fantastic all season tire and will last forever.

 

Doing some research on this and looking at the picture, the thread design kinda look similar to the stock bridgestones that I have. Here is where I show my ignorance in this subject. Does that matter at all, or will these act completely different than the Bridgestones I have on right now? despite the similitude of the thread design? (talking about the three lines in the middle and then the sides. https://imgur.com/a/OEqdEqg

 

I have the Cooper AT3s are a good all around tire and not too expensive. I would not do anything more aggressive than this for general use. But the best tires I've ever owned were Michelins on a previous truck so I wouldn't hesitate to pick up the LTX defenders if I were you.

*regardless of tire choice, the #1 factor in wet road control is tire inflation. keep them checked and inflated at the proper pressure.

 

I was wondering about that. I have them around 30psi, (they where checked by discount tire last time), I've been reading about tire pressure and it says to have them between 32-35psi. Does that sound like a good number to yall?

Thank you to all that have responded or will respond. 3 votes for the LTX's says a lot about them, thanks again

 

I get the reservations because they look similar but the Michelin’s will perform light years better than those Bridgestones. I had the Dunflops on my brand new 4Runner and Tacoma which had a similar mundane pattern. They were horrible and the traction control went off constantly on both trucks. There is a lot more to tire performance than looks. Compounds and chemical formulas play a large part. Those LTXs remind me of the old adage...”Never judge a book by its cover”

 

Perfect, yeah I was asking because they kinda look similar, pattern wise, but again, I don't know anything about this subject. So thank you for these explanations.

 

Hands down, Michelin Defender LTX m/s is the best tire for on road traction in slippery conditions. The tread compound (rubber formulation) is a major factor in traction, in addition to tread pattern. The Defenders have tons of sipes that also help with traction. And they perform well throughout the life of the tire, unlike some other tires.

They’re also a quiet tire. Icing on the cake. They updated the tread compound a couple years ago to further enhance grip in wet/snow conditions.

They’re a phenomenal tire.

 

3rd, best street tire I ever ran

 

I picked up the Defenders today. added some new wheels that are an inch wider than the stock rims I had. hopefully that and the new tires will give me the traction I was looking for. Thanks for yalls help.

 

Michelin LTX M/S were oem on my ‘02 T4R 2WD and I loved them. Replaced them with 92k miles on them with a second pair. Those have 70k+ on them. Never had a grip problem anywhere (I live in Florida) and have driven cross country in both 4Runners). Sure, they expensive but safe and long lasting. My current 2015 (bought used) is 2WD also but came with a knockoff version of that tire and I will put the LTX’s on when the time comes this year.

 

I ran my LTX M/S at 34 PSI always. Better mpg and good ride. Again, I live in NW FL so temps are about the same as you.

 

Check the manufacturer plate on the driver side door post. It will give you optimum tire pressure as calculated by the manufacturer based on stock tire size and vehicle weight. The tire pressure printed on the tire itself represents the MAXIMUM that the TIRE is designed to handle and will be way overinflated for normal use.

I have Big-O Bigfoot A/Ts (actually rebranded Cooper AT3s). Don’t get the amount of rain here in SoCal y’all get it TX, but, after the long spring, summer, fall with no rain, the built up oily road slime is significant when that first rain hits (freeways turn into automobile recycling yards). Haven’t had a bit of problem with the Big-Os.

 

I like my Michelin’s at 34psi.

 

Your going to very happy. Here are a picture of mine at 40k. These tires have towed a lot, been on many gravels paths and have conquered NYC streets which in all honesty resembles 3rd world streets in many sections. And the remarkable thing to mention here is that there has been NO perceivable change in noise or performance.

 

40K should be maybe a year for me if that. They look good. I can feel the difference already. I gunned it yesterday on a turn and the warning for skidding came up (or whatever it's called), for like a millisecond and the SUV felt like it didn't move. It just took speed and grabbed on to the street. There was no water but was doing a test. Needles to say VERY happy with the way it feels now and very different from the feel I got when I first bought it. I have also floored it on other turns and haven't been able to get the warning sign again or just make it skid. Very very good traction.

 

I’ve noticed on every set I’ve had that 40k miles barely even puts a dent in the tread life.

 

Just thought I would leave this
https://youtu.be/l_P-YDro0io

 

I have the falken wildpeaks at3 they are awesome in the rain look rugged and handles everything I threw at it
J

 

I too like my Falken Wildpeak AT3W's. Handle great in wet weather.
Wish I could give some snow reviews but it never snowed here in S. Missouri. Had to drive to Michigan to find snow earlier this year.

 

I like Toyo Open Country II's... very well made tire and drives great in any condition... IMO... I hope you stay for more than one question...

 

I need a new set of tires and you guys convinced me of getting the Michelin Defender LTX. I'm moving to Florida so I need a set of tires that will grip the road in the rain. I currently have Goodyear Wrangler Armortrac 265/70R16. I like how they look on my 4Runner but need a new set - plus they did not grip the road well in the rain. Can you guys show pics of the Michelin Defender LTX on your 4Runner's. Would like to see how they look. Thanks

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

i had defenders in 285 and they were great. i swapped them for KO2's in stock size and have had a couple issues with them in the rain which i am not happy about. i havent driven a ton of miles on them so i am mulling over selling them and getting something different.