Winter Driving & SaltQuestionCommunity Starter

2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro — need advice: All-weather tires or dedicated winters for mostly-plowed roads?

BoostedRoadie62Community StarterSep 4, 20262023 Toyota 4Runner TRD ProDMV / Maryland
Most roads here get plowed quickly, but I still deal with cold mornings, slush and a few real storms each year. Trying to decide whether dedicated winters are worth storing another set. If I fix it I'll come back and update the thread.
permalink

11 replies

RotorDetailer34Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
This is a climate question as much as a tire question. If DMV / Maryland only sees a few real storms, a good all-weather on the 2023 Toyota 4Runner can be the saner daily. I'd do that before spending real money. This is from a 2023 Toyota 4Runner in DMV / Maryland. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
BoostedRoadie62Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
OP update: I tried the earlier suggestion and it only happens under that one condition. If that fails I'll eat the diagnostic fee.
GarageWeekend8Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. Watch brake clearance and overall diameter if you downsize winter wheels on the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. I'd do that before spending real money. This is from a 2023 Toyota 4Runner in DMV / Maryland. When does it actually happen? Next check is the cheap one I can do in a driveway.
TowMechanicish85Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Same neighborhood, different next step: Watch brake clearance and overall diameter if you downsize winter wheels on the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. Then you'll know the next fork. On “need advice: all-weather tires or dedicated winters,” that was the fork that mattered for me. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
EcoFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
I'd pick the setup I'll actually live with in slush. Watch brake clearance and overall diameter if you downsize winter wheels on the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. Then you'll know the next fork. On “need advice: all-weather tires or dedicated winters,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2023 Toyota 4Runner in DMV / Maryland. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. Video is ugly but it shows the hesitation.
TowMechanicish85Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Salt and cold mornings punish cheap shortcuts. In DMV / Maryland, dedicated winters on the 2023 Toyota 4Runner paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. I'd do that before spending real money. This is from a 2023 Toyota 4Runner in DMV / Maryland. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
EcoFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
This is a climate question as much as a tire question. Watch brake clearance and overall diameter if you downsize winter wheels on the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. Then you'll know the next fork. Just my two cents from doing this recently. Make the next action something you can finish this week. Checking again after work.
EcoFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Salt and cold mornings punish cheap shortcuts. Watch brake clearance and overall diameter if you downsize winter wheels on the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. That's where I'd start. On “need advice: all-weather tires or dedicated winters,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Just my two cents from doing this recently. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. I keep a notes app thread for this now.
EcoFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
I'd pick the setup I'll actually live with in slush. If DMV / Maryland only sees a few real storms, a good all-weather on the 2023 Toyota 4Runner can be the saner daily. Then you'll know the next fork. Take it or leave it — that's what I'd do. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. If it repeats twice more I'll book time.
RotorDetailer34Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
Salt and cold mornings punish cheap shortcuts. Watch brake clearance and overall diameter if you downsize winter wheels on the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. I'd do that before spending real money. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. I'd rather pay for diagnosis than a second guess-repair.
TowMechanicish85Community StarterCommunity StarterSep 4, 2026permalink
I'd pick the setup I'll actually live with in slush. If DMV / Maryland only sees a few real storms, a good all-weather on the 2023 Toyota 4Runner can be the saner daily. That's where I'd start. This is from a 2023 Toyota 4Runner in DMV / Maryland. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' This is the version I'd tell a friend.
Sign in to reply

Similar discussions