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Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice
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fred_h
Nov 7, 09 9:10
Post #26 of 47 (478 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [Record10Carbon]
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sorry: hakkapeliitta no Blizak.
Fred.
DawnT
Nov 8, 09 8:04
Post #27 of 47 (454 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [mfreeman72]
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Even with this warning from you about the G35 in Toronto, we've decided to go ahead with the purchase. It will mostly be my husband driving it downtown to work a couple of times a week, so he can deal with the headache in the snow. I have a FWD Saab that I just love (with good winter tires). This is just too good a deal to pass up.
mfreeman72
Nov 8, 09 10:47
Post #28 of 47 (444 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [DawnT]
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Fair enough, just wanted you to go in with a fair perception. Keep in mind it was only in the fresh snow where he had issues. Even unplowed streets after a few hours were fine.
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Eagles may soar, but ferrets very seldom get sucked into jet engines.
slowbern
Nov 8, 09 11:16
Post #29 of 47 (442 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [DawnT]
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Dawn-
I live in Michigan. I do not have the luxury of staying home from work (and neither does my wife) because there is snow on the roads. A couple of years ago, it wasn't such an issue because the roads were cleared in a timely fashion. The last couple of years it has been terrible because our brilliant Governor has cut MDOT plowing out of the budget for overtime. So now they pretty much wait until the storm has stopped before they start plowing and maybe they will salt the roads (this includes the highways). Couple this with record snow fall amounts the last 2 years and you have recipe for disaster.
My point is that I drive a 2WD F-150 which is obviously rear wheel drive. I actually prefer the rear wheel drive then the front wheel drive vehicles in the snow. It seems that you have more ability to correct if you start to skid. Snow tires and weights over the rear wheels (sandbags or what ever) help tremendously. My truck is 12 years old (almost 13 now) and I have never had an issue in the snow. I compare that to my front wheel drive Focus which I got stuck in drifts 3 times last year. I will say that the issue all three of those times was actually because of clearance and not the fact that it was front wheel drive.
The main thing is that you need to just drive carefully. Don't be an idiot. Slow down. Practice what it feels like to have rear wheel drive (do some skidding in an empty parking lot).
Bernie
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"Slowbern has always made astute observations."-Casey 03/10/2009
FJB
Nov 8, 09 11:30
Post #30 of 47 (439 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [DawnT]
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However, it's a rear-wheel drive car and we live in Toronto.
I lived most of my life in the Toronto area and never had a front wheel drive car. It doesn't snow that much there so when it does, just be careful.
scorpio516
Nov 9, 09 9:01
Post #31 of 47 (414 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [DawnT]
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I grew up in Michigan. My first two cars were FWD VWs. But then I had an early RX-7, a 280z, and an AWD Talon with summer tires. A G35 is heavier, smarter, and slower than all of those cars. I had no problems in the winter in those cars, he shouldn't.
I have had a couple RWD pickups. They where the worst in the snow, even with a full payload ;)
B Seges
Nov 9, 09 10:04
Post #32 of 47 (404 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [slowbern]
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Bernie...It seems that you are always complaining about Michigan ...perhaps it's time to move out of the LC to greener pastures?
deechee
Nov 9, 09 10:17
Post #33 of 47 (399 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [DawnT]
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Good winter tires make a world of difference. Also, don't forget to turn off stability control before you try rocking the car back/forth to get out of a spot.
MTMTRI
Nov 9, 09 10:45
Post #34 of 47 (393 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [DawnT]
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All you needed to say was "should I buy an Infinti G35" and the answer is yes. Great car. I wish you were getting an 07 or newer as there are some changes in the 07 and newer models but they are great cars. Performance wise about as good as BMW 3 series if not better but a lot more reliable. If you decide you can not handle it in the snow I am sure you will have 0 problems selling it. Have fun driving it.
DawnT
Nov 9, 09 10:51
Post #35 of 47 (389 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [MTMTRI]
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Have fun driving it.
Thanks. I'm looking forward to it. The car is sitting in my driveway now, although we won't be able to drive it for a few days until we get the registration moved over.
jriosa
Nov 9, 09 12:07
Post #36 of 47 (376 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [DawnT]
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Dawn - if you have the case - get a cheap set of second rims for your snow tires. And don't forget, you will do better if you move to a slightly narrower tire for your snows. If I have my info right your summer tires are 235-45-18. If you used exactly that size, even with snows, you would tend to float the tire a bit. Recommended would be more like 215 or 225-55-17. Narrower so you don't "puch" as much snow, and then by downsizing the rim and increased the aspect ratio you maintain steering geometry and clearances.
It does cost a bit, but if you just slap on the same big tire you won't see as good results.
Jim
DawnT
Nov 9, 09 12:12
Post #37 of 47 (371 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [jriosa]
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Thanks for the info, Jim. The car came with 4 snow tires and rims. I'll have to look to see what size they are.
slowbern
Nov 9, 09 17:50
Post #38 of 47 (339 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [B Seges]
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Bernie...It seems that you are always complaining about Michigan ...perhaps it's time to move out of the LC to greener pastures?
What is the LC?
I actually love Michigan (even though the winters can be a little harsh). I have lived here most of my life. I am not that jazzed about our current leadership in terms of the governor and alot of the reps and senators. The Detroit situation is a joke...complete turmoil.
But I hope to stay and help to change it into a great place. I have 8 more years until I can retire from my job. If the situation hasn't changed by then, I may just call it a wrap and find a nice warm place to retire. Who knows?
Bernie
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"Slowbern has always made astute observations."-Casey 03/10/2009
deechee
Nov 10, 09 6:39
Post #39 of 47 (320 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [jriosa]
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I've heard both sides of this argument from tire dealers, and usually stick with stock sizing, or whatever tire fits the correct sidewall height. First off, all tires behave differently, and I'm happy more tire reviews are now saying which tire size they specifically tested. A wider tire will be heavier, and depending on what the manufacturer does, this can affect sidewall stiffness, and the resulting contact size patch.
Even if this theory of "punching" through snow is true, this applies more to traction no? What about braking performance? I much prefer a "wider" tire that has more contact surface with the ice than skinnies who have less surface to grab. I find our winters have gotten really unpredictable with rain, ice and snow that I prefer to stick with an all around ok winter tire than something snow & ice specific.
All this to say, I'm pretty sure when cars are designed, the stock size is the "compromise" size. I'm pretty sure I've read many car companies ask for specific tire sizes to be created for their cars; maybe just to sell more, but I think its also a design req, a bit like our bike forks...
Back to the OP, I've seen plenty of mercs and bmws slipping and silding on our roads (Montreal) but usually on pretty steep slopes. Beyond that, I think most people are fine. That said remember that even if YOU feel confident to drive in the snowstorm, others might not be in as good shape. I'd rather not risk getting hit on some days and I'll just take the metro (subway).
MTMTRI
Nov 10, 09 11:46
Post #40 of 47 (308 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [deechee]
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If you go to tirerack.com they will have numerous articles about choosing snow tires and yes it is preferred to go a little narrower 10mm for snow tires. So if you normally have a 235-45-17 you can go to a 225-50-17. This will keep the overall tire diameter the same but will make it a little narrower which is better for snow. Snow tires are also a little better in the winter just because of the temperature. Most snow tires have a different rubber compound that makes them handle better in low temps vrs all season tires. Each tire also has a rating of how much the tire can support and many tires have an optional extra load even in passenger tires. For my current car I have ran 225-45-17 snow tires (not my choice) and up to 245-45-17 even though the original size is 235-45-17. The tire stiffness is affected by the speed rating, load rating, or if it is a run flat tire. I have had H rated tires that were very soft in sidewall flex compared to a W tire even though they were they same size.
Back to the original post I do not think you will have any problems and the G35 is an amazing car.
Fleck
Nov 10, 09 12:18
Post #41 of 47 (302 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [DawnT]
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My experience is that it's not the best choice. How it works can be improved with four snow tires, or if you have the option, just not driving it in the snow. In Toronto, if you have a flexible work schedule, it can be a work-around. I know that I do that - just work from home on the days that driving is crazy in winter. We get snow in TO, but it's not an everyday thing in the winter and generally speaking the snow removal on most of the high-ways is pretty good.
The "Better" choice I have found is FWD or 4WD - again both with four snow tires. Many
think
they have to go all rugged for winter with a 4WD SUV. My wife's Toyota Echo(FWD) with four good snow tires on it drives in the snow like a snowmobile!
Steve Fleck
http://www.nineteenwetsuits.com
http://stevefleck.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/stevefleck
fred_h
Nov 10, 09 14:10
Post #42 of 47 (292 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [Fleck]
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[Toyota Echo(FWD) with four good snow tires on it drives in the snow like a snowmobile!]
Same here. Actually it is my car. When I told the tire shop I wanted Hakkapeliitta tires on my Echo hatchback, the guy "looked at me" (well over the phone) and was pretty much floored: "but but I have those cheap winter tires why do you want those winter tires?"
Then it was my turn to be floored :) the guy was willing to sell me cheap crap (probably better margin). & I simply told me those 4 tires was the only piece of my car in contact with the pavement and I was not going to settle from some crap...
[or if you have the option, just not driving it in the snow]
This is something I do not get it. There are a lot of places where people would not need to drive to office on a snowy day and still must. For some reasons I cannot comprehend, it seems it is more important to be in the office than a) to be safe and not take unecessary risks driving in the snow and b) waste huge amount of time in traffic jam.
Fred.
Fleck
Nov 10, 09 14:33
Post #43 of 47 (290 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [fred_h]
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I simply told me those 4 tires was the only piece of my car in contact with the pavement and I was not going to settle from some crap...
Fred,
Just like on a bike, it's the contact points that are key and good tires are a critical contact point for bikes
and
cars. Always willing to spend a bit more for good quality tires on my bike( Michelin Pro 3) and Car( Michelin Harmony)
This is something I do not get it. There are a lot of places where people would not need to drive to office on a snowy day and still must.
Never understood why this is a
must
for so many. So many jobs these days are sitting looking at a computer monitor all day. I can do that at home in the safety and comfort of my home in the middle of a blizzard. With the Vonage home phone I can call anywhere in the world for nothing!!
Steve Fleck
http://www.nineteenwetsuits.com
http://stevefleck.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/stevefleck
skinny
Nov 10, 09 23:24
Post #44 of 47 (278 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [bravo 2 hundred]
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Look what almost every police agency in Canada use for cars. Other than some Chevy Impalas (front wheel drive), most are using Ford Crown Vic's and Dodge Chargers (both rear wheel drive). Throttle control is important, you don't want to give it too much or you will bury the back end in snow, or go in really small circles on ice. My recommendation, buy it, and the first snow/ice, take it to an empty parking lot and practice. See what it does with too much/not enough throttle. Like others have said, winter tires and sandbags/kitty litter/anything for weight in the trunk will help with traction. But if you get winter tires, get four, not two. Winters on the back and all-season's on the front is good for going forward in a relatively straight line, but if you want to stop or turn, get winters on the front end as well.
I grew up in Saskatchewan, driving rear wheel drive vehicles. I continue to drive rear-drive (when not in a 4x4). I have not had any issues.
marie
Dec 2, 09 16:36
Post #45 of 47 (224 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [DawnT]
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Hi Dawn and everyone else familiar with the G35
I have a 2003 Infinity G35 Sedan, rear wheel drive with about 60 kms on it - used my husband's snow tires from an Acura for the past 2 years but got rid of the tires because they were 5 years old and I read that tires get useless even if the threads were ok. (I was getting poor traction)
So now I am listening to very negative comments from people about the dangers of rear wheel drive and how I should get an AWD car.
I just want to get the best snow tires available and keep the car.
I called 2 tire companies and a dealership with all different points of view
These are the tires that were suggested:
Bridgetown Blizzak 225/55/17
Michelin X Ice 215/55/17
Michelin X Ice 225/55/16
I spun out once last year ( yes, I panicked and hit the breaks) so I am not asking for driving tips, just opinions on snow tires for this particular car.
Thank you so much
kenyocl
Dec 3, 09 9:37
Post #46 of 47 (191 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [marie]
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Check out the Nokian Hakkapeliitta tires. They are great, better than Blizzaks.
marie
Dec 6, 09 16:40
Post #47 of 47 (159 views)
Re: Rear-wheel drive cars in areas with snow/ice [kenyocl]
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Thanks so much - I will
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