Winter without snow tires?

[schmeah]

Anyone else taking their chances with their 335i? I live in NJ, occassionally get dumped on but generally not more than a few major snowfalls per season. I managed without snow tires with my 330Ci over a 3 year lease, but got snows for my last car (G35coupe6MT). I'm just not sure the risk / benefit ratio warrants the cost of four or five (need a spare, right?). I'm thinking I'll throw a few heavy salt rock bags in the trunk and drive VERY carefully on light to moderate snow days and try to convince the wife to let me borrow her SUV on heavy snow days. Also, how well will the RFTs hold out over a three year lease without the several months off for snows? Thanks for any replies.

[lutesk58]

Anyone else taking their chances with their 335i? I live in NJ, occassionally get dumped on but generally not more than a few major snowfalls per season. I managed without snow tires with my 330Ci over a 3 year lease, but got snows for my last car (G35coupe6MT). I'm just not sure the risk / benefit ratio warrants the cost of four or five (need a spare, right?). I'm thinking I'll throw a few heavy salt rock bags in the trunk and drive VERY carefully on light to moderate snow days and try to convince the wife to let me borrow her SUV on heavy snow days. Also, how well will the RFTs hold out over a three year lease without the several months off for snows? Thanks for any replies.

I don't have my 3 yet, but I'll try a reply. We don't get a lot of snow, but occasionaly will get dumped on big time. We got, no kidding, 3 feet of snow in one night about 3 years ago. Not much anyone can do about that. I have an A4 Quattro now, and I've been just fine with A/S on it. After driving for about 33 years, I've came to the conclusion that if you're half way smart while driving, you can get by with about anything in the winter except summer tires. I'm actually thinking about going non-AWD, no extra tires, and just driving my pick-up in the bad weather.

That being said, we had wet roads from rain here today, and taking curves with my Quattro and not having to worry about slipping is a blast.

[mryakan]

Anyone else taking their chances with their 335i? I live in NJ, occassionally get dumped on but generally not more than a few major snowfalls per season. I managed without snow tires with my 330Ci over a 3 year lease, but got snows for my last car (G35coupe6MT). I'm just not sure the risk / benefit ratio warrants the cost of four or five (need a spare, right?). I'm thinking I'll throw a few heavy salt rock bags in the trunk and drive VERY carefully on light to moderate snow days and try to convince the wife to let me borrow her SUV on heavy snow days. Also, how well will the RFTs hold out over a three year lease without the several months off for snows? Thanks for any replies.
IMO not worth the risk. Salt won't help you when an idiot skids or crashes in front of you and you need to stop or swerve to avoid him. That is not mentioning traction issue with 300hp on the summer tires, ouch, you'll be spinning tires for hours. Get a good set of snows and if you get RFTs you don't need a spare. I got the Continental ContiWinterContact TS810 S SSR from the tire rack for a good price (124 per 16" tire, you'll need at least 17" though). If you plan to drive the car at all in the snow, get snow tires, otherwise plan on taking public transport (either due to a crash or due to being stuck).

[StigNV]

You bought or leased a 50K car. you should treat it as such. Blizzaks, Conti's, or whatever all season tire is a cheap cheap insurance policy on such an investment.
I was forced to pull my head out after the Spider Spike question. Blizzaks are ordered and on the way. Wake up call, I live in Tahoe. Snow Tires are a MUST. I almost had to kick my own butt for thinking about Spider Spikes. Or in the words of Carlos Mencia, De De De. Happy Turkey Day all.

[greenie99]

If you had the XI, I would say that you could "slide by" with A/S tires but seeing as though you have RWD and A/S tires, I would recommend dedicated snows.

[dougman]

The big question is whether you have all-seasons or performance tires.

If you have all-seasons, because of the good weight distribution on our cars, and if you live in relatively flat areas, you may well be OK--AS FAR AS GETTING STUCK GOES.

However, what you really need to worry about is not getting stuck (it's a hassle, but you can always dig yourself out or get a ride), it's not being able to stop or turn. If the roads are dry or wet, and the temperature is low, you'll be OK. Winter tires would be superior below 40F, but your tires will still be better than most of the morons on the road.

If you get caught in snow, you should consider leaving the car and getting a ride. The accidents that will cause damage to you and the car will occur because you loose control of the car in a corner, or because you just plain can't stop, despite the ABS clickety-clacking away like there's no tomorrow.

You could test this out by going to a parking lot on the first snowfall. But in my experience, the conditions of snow can vary dramatically, even if it looks the same. Sometimes you can get decent traction (like wet thick snow or really cold dry snow), then there's other times (packed snow or wet snow that has frozen in colder temperatures) where I wouldn't even THINK of being out without my snows.

If you will be driving with winter precipitation on the road, they are the single most important safety feature you can have on your entire car. You can get a decent set installed for under $750. Or you can get a set on new wheels that you can change yourself every winter for around $1K.

PS if you have the sport package and its 18" performance tires, don't even THINK about it. Get your winter tires, and do it now!

[808AWD325xi]

The big question is whether you have all-seasons or performance tires.

If you have all-seasons, because of the good weight distribution on our cars, and if you live in relatively flat areas, you may well be OK--AS FAR AS GETTING STUCK GOES.

However, what you really need to worry about is not getting stuck (it's a hassle, but you can always dig yourself out or get a ride), it's not being able to stop or turn. If the roads are dry or wet, and the temperature is low, you'll be OK. Winter tires would be superior below 40F, but your tires will still be better than most of the morons on the road.

If you get caught in snow, you should consider leaving the car and getting a ride. The accidents that will cause damage to you and the car will occur because you loose control of the car in a corner, or because you just plain can't stop, despite the ABS clickety-clacking away like there's no tomorrow.

You could test this out by going to a parking lot on the first snowfall. But in my experience, the conditions of snow can vary dramatically, even if it looks the same. Sometimes you can get decent traction (like wet thick snow or really cold dry snow), then there's other times (packed snow or wet snow that has frozen in colder temperatures) where I wouldn't even THINK of being out without my snows.

If you will be driving with winter precipitation on the road, they are the single most important safety feature you can have on your entire car. You can get a decent set installed for under $750. Or you can get a set on new wheels that you can change yourself every winter for around $1K.

PS if you have the sport package and its 18" performance tires, don't even THINK about it. Get your winter tires, and do it now!

+1000

[Kernel Kurtz]

However, what you really need to worry about is not getting stuck (it's a hassle, but you can always dig yourself out or get a ride), it's not being able to stop or turn.

Certainly the consequences of the latter will be worse. And it's hard to argue with more traction being a good thing at any time of year.

I used to run 4 very aggressive studded snows on a couple of 5.0 Mustangs. It was actually scary how fast they were on "slippery" roads. Was it necessarily safer? Depends how you drive, I suppose. For me it meant I drove a lot faster.........

Winter tires are way better than all seasons. All seasons are way better than summer tires. Knowing, and staying within the limits of your available traction is the most key thing no matter what you are driving.

[carguy7]

Anyone else taking their chances with their 335i? I live in NJ, occassionally get dumped on but generally not more than a few major snowfalls per season. I managed without snow tires with my 330Ci over a 3 year lease, but got snows for my last car (G35coupe6MT). I'm just not sure the risk / benefit ratio warrants the cost of four or five (need a spare, right?). I'm thinking I'll throw a few heavy salt rock bags in the trunk and drive VERY carefully on light to moderate snow days and try to convince the wife to let me borrow her SUV on heavy snow days. Also, how well will the RFTs hold out over a three year lease without the several months off for snows? Thanks for any replies.

+1. Winter tires would be a waste of time/effort in my case.

[harryu]

We got about 2 in. of snow the day this photo was taken (a day after delivery on Feb. 1). Even with that paltry amount I fet like I was walking on slick ice. You can drive in snow but not with confidence.

I agree with the comments about the obvious huge $45K investment. What's another grand? That's pretty much your insurance deductible if you get into the slightest of wrecks cause you couldn't stop.

Most of the time I drive an SUV when things get bad cause I like to have the control.

[forrestpilot]

If it snows or we get ice, the car is going to stay in the garage till things clear up. I got a 4x4 pickup that is the work horse and bad weather vehicle. The car is my toy.

[ttgxc]

After I bought my car last fall and only experiencing two major snow falls the year before, I never took off my summer performance tires. That was a big mistake! Although we did not have much snow again, when we did, my car struggled. It did ok on the roads, but man I got stuck 4 to 5 times really bad. My driveway has slight incline and goes flat around to the back of the house. Just in an hour span I got stuck on the incline, stuck trying to turn the car around. Shoveled an open spot, got stuck trying to leave that spot later (only a few inches of snow). You get the idea. Better believe I have my winter tires waiting to be mounted for the first snow fall this year!

[cwoodffr]

I have coupe with sport package. Toronto Got its first dump of snow yesterday. I had not ordered my rims and snows yet. I pulled out of my garage and onto the street (had been plowed but was covered and packed) and I could not move the car 1". I have to clear to pavement with a shovel to get it back in the garage.

I have lived and driven in snow all my life and am not a nervous driver but it would be INSANE to drive this car in any snow with the performance tires. I place my tirerack order today. I managed to get into work today by going very slowly to get to the wet main roads and when I go home I will enter my hood by the other side to come down the slide grade to my home. I would not get up the normal way (very slight grade)

[carguy7]

After I bought my car last fall and only experiencing two major snow falls the year before, I never took off my summer performance tires. That was a big mistake! Although we did not have much snow again, when we did, my car struggled. It did ok on the roads, but man I got stuck 4 to 5 times really bad. My driveway has slight incline and goes flat around to the back of the house. Just in an hour span I got stuck on the incline, stuck trying to turn the car around. Shoveled an open spot, got stuck trying to leave that spot later (only a few inches of snow). You get the idea. Better believe I have my winter tires waiting to be mounted for the first snow fall this year!

I made it by with the OEM summers on my A4 but had Quattro, roads cleared pretty fast, drove cautious, etc. In my case, I felt Quattro + Summer tires were close to all season w/o Quattro. I prefer very good all season so you get the best of both - Pilot Sport A/S.

[mryakan]

I made it by with the OEM summers on my A4 but had Quattro, roads cleared pretty fast, drove cautious, etc. In my case, I felt Quattro + Summer tires were close to all season w/o Quattro. I prefer very good all season so you get the best of both - Pilot Sport A/S.
No mechanical system in existence will give you traction when you have none, and summer tires have absolutely no traction on ice or packed snow and virtually none on soft slushy stuff. If you believe otherwise, I suggest going back to school and taking a physics class, no offense meant here.

I used the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S on my old e36 for the past 5 or 6 years and I loved them. They are great in the summer and "decent" in light snow, but no where near as good as snow tires. They take twice as long to stop and don't provide nearly as much traction. That being said, if you only face occasional snow, then they are good year round tires, I do recommend them highly. But be wary, they are not the greatest on the white stuff.

[carguy7]

No mechanical system in existence will give you traction when you have none, and summer tires have absolutely no traction on ice or packed snow and virtually none on soft slushy stuff. If you believe otherwise, I suggest going back to school and taking a physics class, no offense meant here.


I drove summer tires on snow (both packed and non-packed) thus disproving your theory. It is much easier to disprove a theory than prove one. Thanks for lobbing the softball. Btw- Math majors prove theorems that physics majors use so I don't need a physics class. You may want to try math to help you with your logic.

Which tire company do you work for?

[mryakan]

I drove summer tires on snow (both packed and non-packed) thus disproving your theory. It is much easier to disprove a theory than prove one. Thanks for lobbing the softball. Btw- Math majors prove theorems that physics majors use so I don't need a physics class. You may want to try math to help you with your logic.

Which tire company do you work for?
I work for YouAreADumbAss. I didn't say everyone will get in an accident, but not everyone will be safe. I too drove a whole winter and a half (Boston then Ottawa) on summers and had a few close calls that make me less cocky than you are and made me realize that snows are the best money spent in the winter. I guess your head it too busy disproving theorems that no one claimed that you can't understand simple anecdotal evidence. But then Mathematician were never know to be the sound of reason, and sorry if that statement offends anyone without reason.

[carguy7]

I didn't say everyone will get in an accident, but not everyone will be safe.

summer tires have absolutely no traction on ice or packed snow and virtually none on soft slushy stuff. If you believe otherwise, I suggest going back to school and taking a physics class, no offense meant here.

Talk about short-term memory. See your quote above. You said summer tires have absolutely no traction on ice or packed snow. I have driven summer tires on packed snow so you are absolutely incorrect. Maybe the Canadian cold has gotten to your synapses - eh?

Btw - I am not recommending summer tires for snow just disproving your incorrect statement.

[mryakan]

Talk about short-term memory. See your quote above. You said summer tires have absolutely no traction on ice or packed snow. I have driven summer tires on packed snow so you are absolutely incorrect. Maybe the Canadian cold has gotten to your synapses - eh?

Btw - I am not recommending summer tires for snow just disproving your incorrect statement.
How about this. Drive over here with your summer tires, and assuming you make it here in one piece we'll take your summer tire equipped car and my snow tire equipped car to the Tundra and prove/disprove our theories once and for all. And I'll even provide lunch because I feel bad inviting you to a losing challenge.

P.S. Have you ever driven in an icestorm? In fact have you ever experience freezing rain?

[carguy7]

How about this. Drive over here with your summer tires, and assuming you make it here in one piece we'll take your summer tire equipped car and my snow tire equipped car to the Tundra and prove/disprove our theories once and for all. And I'll even provide lunch because I feel bad inviting you to a losing challenge.

You can't handle the truth...I mean facts. Fact: You said summer tires have absolutely no traction on packed snow. In fact, I have driven summer tires on packed snow (Contis which were not great summer tires - stuck with OEM) so your statement was incorrect.

Nice try changing your story and trying to put words in my mouth to cover your error but not biting.

[mryakan]

You can't handle the truth...I mean facts. Fact: You said summer tires have absolutely no traction on packed snow. In fact, I have driven summer tires on packed snow (Contis which were not great summer tires - stuck with OEM) so your statement was incorrect.

Nice try changing your story and trying to put words in my mouth to cover your error but not biting.
Man, you said you don't recommend driving with summer tires on snow, so why the heck are you still arguing? Just to prove a point? If you are that insecure, then fine, whatever you want kiddo. Just don't go giving people the idea that driving on summer tires in the snow is a good idea. I've been there and have seen so many people struggle or even get into accidents driving on their summer tires. Not good.
Btw, ever heard of figure of speech. I guess being a math major you never got to that stage of education.
Have a nice winter and stop trolling and giving people bad information.

[carguy7]

Man, you said you don't recommend driving with summer tires on snow, so why the heck are you still arguing? Just to prove a point? If you are that insecure, then fine, whatever you want kiddo. Just don't go giving people the idea that driving on summer tires in the snow is a good idea. I've been there and have seen so many people struggle or even get into accidents driving on their summer tires. Not good.
Btw, ever heard of figure of speech. I guess being a math major you never got to that stage of education.
Have a nice winter and stop trolling and giving people bad information.

Spin doctor,
Again - you are changing the topic and trying to put words in my mouth. Not biting. You were incorrect, and can't own up to it.

Also, in my original post in this thread, I said I preferred A/S.

To each his/her own, no one approach on tires is right for all. Have an open mind.

[ssigur]

Spin doctor,
Again - you are changing the topic and trying to put words in my mouth. Not biting. You were incorrect, and can't own up to it.

Also, in my original post in this thread, I said I preferred A/S.

To each his/her own, no one approach on tires is right for all. Have an open mind.
HEY CARGAY7.:lol BEFORE YOU START BLABBING OFF TO SENIOR MEMBERS GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT AND DO A LITTLE TIRE RESEARCH. STAY IN KC BECAUSE WHERE I LIVE THERE ARE ENOUGH PEOPLE DRIVING ON A/S THAT ARE OUT OF CONTROL. FURTHERMORE PLEASE STICK WITH YOUR HONDA UNTIL YOU GROW UP AND CAN SHOW MORE RESPONSIBILITY. 335I IS WAY TO MUCH OF A CAR FOR YOU.:D

[carguy7]

HEY CARGAY7.:lol BEFORE YOU START BLABBING OFF TO SENIOR MEMBERS GET YOUR FACTS STRAIGHT AND DO A LITTLE TIRE RESEARCH. STAY IN KC BECAUSE WHERE I LIVE THERE ARE ENOUGH PEOPLE DRIVING ON A/S THAT ARE OUT OF CONTROL. FURTHERMORE PLEASE STICK WITH YOUR HONDA UNTIL YOU GROW UP AND CAN SHOW MORE RESPONSIBILITY. 335I IS WAY TO MUCH OF A CAR FOR YOU.:D

Senior members - that is lame. My facts are right on, and recommendation is spot on which is - it depends.

Winter, all-season, and summer tires are all suitable for winter driving depending on your circumstance (snow fall amount, commute, how well roads are cleared, etc.). In Texas I never would have even considered switching from summer tires in the winter.

I didn't have any trouble handling my Porsche so don't expect any problems handling a 335i. The Honda comment was very lame as well.

[ssigur]

Senior members - that is lame. My facts are right on, and recommendation is spot on which is - it depends.

Winter, all-season, and summer tires are all suitable for winter driving depending on your circumstance (snow fall amount, commute, how well roads are cleared, etc.). In Texas I never would have even considered switching from summer tires in the winter.

I didn't have any trouble handling my Porsche so don't expect any problems handling a 335i. The Honda comment was very lame as well.

Yes Junior. I must have misunderstood this thread. I thought is was about driving in snow, ice and slush etc. and yes summer tires are excellent in Florida and southern states where newer snows or the never have ice Strom's or the temp never goes below 40F. AS I SAID" DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE YOU START BLABBING". Hint; Summer Tire Rubber Compound and temp below 40F.

The Honda comment was not lame, Honda's are. Maybe you had so many cars because you wrecked them all because you don't know anything about tires.;)

[greenie99]

I drove summer tires on snow (both packed and non-packed) thus disproving your theory. It is much easier to disprove a theory than prove one. Thanks for lobbing the softball. Btw- Math majors prove theorems that physics majors use so I don't need a physics class. You may want to try math to help you with your logic.

Which tire company do you work for?

Whats your problem Mr. Know-it-all? Your tone is pretty damn nasty and not appreciated at all. It is accepted by most that SUMMER performance tires are just that and should not be used in the snow. The compounds and treads are vastly different from each other aside from the FACT that they react differently in cold weather(below 40 degrees). Now, be nice and we`ll let you play with us!!!

[carguy7]

Whats your problem Mr. Know-it-all? Your tone is pretty damn nasty and not appreciated at all. It is accepted by most that SUMMER performance tires are just that and should not be used in the snow. The compounds and treads are vastly different from each other aside from the FACT that they react differently in cold weather(below 40 degrees). Now, be nice and we`ll let you play with us!!!

If you read myrankin's post, he made it personal with my need to take a physics class. I was just responding to his insult, but agree I should have let it go.

Btw - I did not and do not recommend summer tires for snow but refuted that they are useless in the snow.

[dougman]

How 'bout you guys take this stimulating conversation over to e90post.com?

[carguy7]

How 'bout you guys take this stimulating conversation over to e90post.com?

point taken. Thanks!

[aftp302]

Anyone else taking their chances with their 335i? I live in NJ, occassionally get dumped on but generally not more than a few major snowfalls per season. I managed without snow tires with my 330Ci over a 3 year lease, but got snows for my last car (G35coupe6MT). I'm just not sure the risk / benefit ratio warrants the cost of four or five (need a spare, right?). I'm thinking I'll throw a few heavy salt rock bags in the trunk and drive VERY carefully on light to moderate snow days and try to convince the wife to let me borrow her SUV on heavy snow days. Also, how well will the RFTs hold out over a three year lease without the several months off for snows? Thanks for any replies.

I wouldn't chance it. I just ordered a set of 17" ASA JH3's with ContiWinterContact TS810 SSR runflats today. Total shipped was $1253 including roundels and shipping.

Unfortunatley, this came a day too late as I hit a nice big pothole last night on 495 in DE. Didn't damage the rim (that I can tell yet) but there is a nice egg on the sidewall of the tire and from the sounds it's making under rotation, some of the belts are deformed/broken. I'll deal with that in the spring when it's time to put the 18"s back on.

[mryakan]

I wouldn't chance it. I just ordered a set of 17" ASA JH3's with ContiWinterContact TS810 SSR runflats today. Total shipped was $1253 including roundels and shipping.

You'll love those tires, I a quite impressed in the snow and on dry pavement for a snow tire. The RFT seems to add that extra sidewall reinforcement that also give a bit more cornering stability. I used to hate putting my snows on because the car would handle like crap on corners, but now I don't mind it so much, it is pretty decent for winter weather.

[PeterC4]

Senior members - that is lame. My facts are right on, and recommendation is spot on which is - it depends.

Winter, all-season, and summer tires are all suitable for winter driving depending on your circumstance (snow fall amount, commute, how well roads are cleared, etc.). In Texas I never would have even considered switching from summer tires in the winter.

I didn't have any trouble handling my Porsche so don't expect any problems handling a 335i. The Honda comment was very lame as well.

To be fair, I think we all get the point that a Texas winter may not require a big investment in snow tires. But take a car with summer sport tires...like a Porsche out in a Toronto winter and it is one of the most dangerous experiences you could have. I got caught off-guard in a snow squall as I was moving my C4 to storage. It was cold and snowy...went to stop and the ABS, PSM, AWD had no impact. I hit the brakes, the tires locked, and skidded like I was on ice skates. I truly believe the electronics just thought the car was stopped! Narrowly missed a big accident. My 328xi Coupe has a set of Blizzaks..they are outstanding. Just put them on today - wouldn't be without them.

[mattjw916]

I'm sticking with the stock tires so far. Our snowfall has been pathetic so far but only time will tell.

I survived the last 3 years with std tires on my FWD company cars so we'll see how it goes.

[harryu]

was who would take the chance of driving their 335i without snow tires? I wouldn't on a regular basis. I'm an old fart with a manual transmission on my 335i with sport tires. Keep it in low gear and you can get by in most conditions (once the streets are plowed and salted). Yeah, you can drive on any tires (I've done it) but why stress the car or yourself? I kept my car in the garage most of February this year in Chicago cause we had a pretty icy/snowy winter. Drove my old Grand Cherokee. My Blizzaks are on order for this winter.

[ssigur]

I drove summer tires on snow (both packed and non-packed) thus disproving your theory. It is much easier to disprove a theory than prove one. Thanks for lobbing the softball. Btw- Math majors prove theorems that physics majors use so I don't need a physics class. You may want to try math to help you with your logic.

Which tire company do you work for?

IF YOU only had a BRAIN, BRAIN, BRAIN, BRAIN. Go back to the HONDA POST and stick with the Honda's. With your muleheadedness and D'arssness, please stay away from anything with BMW or E9x in it. :buttrock

[mryakan]

I'm sticking with the stock tires so far. Our snowfall has been pathetic so far but only time will tell.

I survived the last 3 years with std tires on my FWD company cars so we'll see how it goes.
A RWD car is realy tricky in the snow. You have much less time to react to a wheel slipping than a FWD and even the traction control sometimes kicks in too late. The most dangerous I've faced is changing lanes on snow covered highways. I had a spinout on a luckily empty highway (Rt 128 near Boston) just because the rear wheels got caught in a snow wedge while I was changing lanes and I was only doing 40mph or less and had been doing pretty well driving straight. Then after than it took me 10 minutes of spinning my tires to get unstuck only for the same thing to happen again when I tried to take the offramp. No such drama with snow tires ever. You still have to drive carefully, but they plow through such snow wedges better and are less likely to loose grip.
If you give it a try, please be careful, it is a horrifying experience to see the guardrail approaching you as you skid backwards without being able to d anything. Luckily for me I hit the fresh snow and didn't incur any damage at all.

[forrestpilot]

Whatever! My car is staying in the garage when it snows or we get ice (more likely), I get pissed when it gets wet from rain, much less dealing with salt and chemicals.

[carguy7]

IF YOU only had a BRAIN, BRAIN, BRAIN, BRAIN. Go back to the HONDA POST and stick with the Honda's. With your muleheadedness and D'arssness, please stay away from anything with BMW or E9x in it. :buttrock

Man - see a psychiatrist or get a perscription. You need help.

[mattjw916]

Whatever! My car is staying in the garage when it snows or we get ice (more likely), I get pissed when it gets wet from rain, much less dealing with salt and chemicals.
I buy my cars to drive them... not stare at them in the garage.

[forrestpilot]

I drive my car too. Also got a 4x4 truck. I am I suppose to stick that in the garage and drive my car in the crap!

[carguy7]

I drive my car too. Also got a 4x4 truck. I am I suppose to stick that in the garage and drive my car in the crap!

I like your winter tire solution. I just wish I could justify two vehicles (I am too cheap and have too little space).

[stevearmstrong]

I'm going to be taking my chances in some snow with summer tires.... at least for one day.

So I've just passed the 1200 mile mark and have an appointment tomorrow to have the oil changed and the idrive updated. I made this appointment a week ago assuming I would be ok with the weather. Of course tonight it has decided to snow for the first time this year and my car is covered. Hopefully it won't be too icy tomorrow morning. The dealership is about 4 miles away and i plan on driving very cautiously. I hope I will be ok.

i've got a G35x that i will be using for the remainder of the winter this year but next year (once my brother buys my G from me) i will definitely be getting a set of dedicated snow tires for the 335
.

i'll post my experience if i have any scary incidents.

[mryakan]

I'm going to be taking my chances in some snow with summer tires.... at least for one day.

So I've just passed the 1200 mile mark and have an appointment tomorrow to have the oil changed and the idrive updated. I made this appointment a week ago assuming I would be ok with the weather. Of course tonight it has decided to snow for the first time this year and my car is covered. Hopefully it won't be too icy tomorrow morning. The dealership is about 4 miles away and i plan on driving very cautiously. I hope I will be ok.

i've got a G35x that i will be using for the remainder of the winter this year but next year (once my brother buys my G from me) i will definitely be getting a set of dedicated snow tires for the 335
.

i'll post my experience if i have any scary incidents.
Hopefully you'll be able to get it out of the driveway. I expect that to be the toughest part esp. if the roads are cleared. I've been caught with a freak snow day in April the same day I was scheduled to put my summer tires back on, and managed, mainly because in April, the snow doesn't tend to stay on the ground for long.
Let us know how it goes and safe motoring.

[stevearmstrong]

so i woke up this morning and everything was fine. much of the snow had melted and the roads were clear so i had no problems.

now she's going into hibernation for the rest of the winter :(

[mryakan]

now she's going into hibernation for the rest of the winter :(
That sucks. How long is your winter anyway? It could last till mid April here, hopefully shorter for you. Don't forget to connect a trickle charger to the battery and if I were you I'd take it out for a spin when the weather is nice and the roads are clear. Keeps things from seizing up.

[stevearmstrong]

winter can last til late march early april so it's pretty similar to your situation.... snow in march is rare but it's still frigid as all hell.

anyway, thanks for the tip re: trickle charger. i've never had to deal with storing a car for the winter and didn't even think about it....

[Nikolas1]

I guess bare rims with no rubber on them would probably be worse than summer tires in the snow. So they probably do give you some traction.

[sor]

Put another vote in for All-Seasons = get by, Summer/Performance = death.

[GatorM]

Put another vote in for All-Seasons = get by, Summer/Performance = death.


All seasons=good in 3 seasons, worthless in one.

With any significant snow on the ground, one should really be using snow tires.

[sor]

I don't know about that, I've lived off of all-seasons for 13 years and never gotten in a winter accident, never even had any real 'oh shit' moments. In fact this year will be my first with winter tires. Didn't make sense to have a set of summers and a set of all-seasons.

[schmeah]

Thanks all for your responses, advice and lively banter. If I decide to skip the snows this year, for the few days when I would absolutely need them, I'll just try to make alternative arrangements. I think I'm just a cheap, lazy ass. Hopefully I won't regret my decision.

[GatorM]

Didn't make sense to have a set of summers and a set of all-seasons.

This part's true. But it really depends on where you're driving. My 335 is my only car, I live in a snowy area, there's lots of hills, and there's lots of traffic, most of it clueless. It would be inevitable that I'd hit or get hit in all seasons. I love the peace of mind I have about being able to control my car in all conditions. Using snows, I regularly pass struggling or out-of-control fwd/all season cars up hills and down during snowy conditions.

[greenie99]

All seasons=good in 3 seasons, worthless in one.

With any significant snow on the ground, one should really be using snow tires.

Depends on the car. My XI coupe with A/S tires should be fine. With 40s up front and 35s in the rear, I had no choice but to go A/S. Ya cant find snows in 35!

[mryakan]

Depends on the car. My XI coupe with A/S tires should be fine. With 40s up front and 35s in the rear, I had no choice but to go A/S. Ya cant find snows in 35!
driving with 35 snows in ice/snow/slush and winter pothole hell is murder to the wheels. :nono

[sor]

Depends on the car. My XI coupe with A/S tires should be fine. With 40s up front and 35s in the rear, I had no choice but to go A/S. Ya cant find snows in 35!235/35/19? I found a few but opted not to.

[GatorM]

Depends on the car. My XI coupe with A/S tires should be fine. With 40s up front and 35s in the rear, I had no choice but to go A/S. Ya cant find snows in 35!

Not necessarily. My fwd Volvo wagon with snows does a lot better than my neighbor's awd Volvo wagon with all-seasons. With the Volvo system anyhow, no grip=no motion.

[mryakan]

After doing a couple of donuts in the empty parking lot at work yesterday after a fresh snowfall, I dug myself in a bit of snow (5 cm or so), and it took me quite a while to get my snow tires to gain traction and pull out of the parking lot (had to turn on DTC and let the wheels slip/spin slowly for 20 seconds or more till they gained traction). I'd hate to imagine what would have happened with All seasons. I might have had to use a shovel to dig my way out. Also pulling into my Gym parking lot I had no problem with traction on the icy road and could execute a perfect drift into the parking lot while outside a Bus had slid onto the sidewalk and adjacent embankment, I believe buses uses All season tires. Definitely no substitute for snow tires in these kind of conditions.