I bought my 2003 SF back at the end of Feb. Love the way it handled in the winter here in the New York. Problem was though, I have a steep driveway, no issues going up, but when backing down the driveway, all four tires locked, and I was still sliding down the driveway. These are the original tires (Goodyear) with great tread left on them. What kind of tires do you find to be a great all-season option for winter, and or, what winter tires do you use/recommend?

Firstly, a belated congratulations on your purchase! You sure are right about the Santa Fe being a fantastic snow car; best I've ever owned. But just so you know, if the tires on your SF are Goodyear, they are not OEM. 2WD models came with Bridgestone Dueler H/T D687s and 4WD models were fitted with BF Goodrich Radial Long Trail T/As.

I have a set of dedicated snow tires and wheels. They are Toyo Observe studless snow tires. They are decent in the snow but very loud, I will make that disclaimer. I'd shop around if noise is high on your concern list but if it doesn't bother you, I'd go with the Toyos. We've had them on two of our other cars with great success. Best of luck.

This post has been edited by lovemysantafe: Jul 10 2008, 02:28 AM

Hi
I am running 245/70x16 Bridgestone Dueler D694 All Terrain tyres.
They are a much more open tread pattern than any of the OE tyres fitted for the Aussie market. The original tyres were Hankooks and the other make is Khumo.
They are both Highway Terrain tyres, not All Terrain.
The only problem with this size tye is that the spare will not fit bak up under the car (between the towbar and the diff) and that there is not much clearance for the snow chains that they often make you use if it's icy up the mountain.

Bruce

I live out in the country and use Michline Alpine X-Ice and really love them in the snow, ice and the are very quiet.