gstreee

so got my 98 gs in march and experienced light snow....located in nyc so winter was just about done in march. Im currently on nankang all season 18 inch tires 225/45 r18. Im looking into finding stock 16inch tires for winter but am i good with my current setup just driving in 2nd gear/snow mode? my cars lowered a bit, so will it even make a diff changging to 16''?

egs21

I'm about to go into my first winter with my GS3 on stock tires / rims. I would think you may have some issues with using such low profile tires in winter even with the snow mode engaged.

MrG4Life

iTrader: (14)

I run stock 16's with Blizzak snow tires and also raise the car up. I don't really drive the car in real snowy weather anymore since I don't daily it. The GS sucks in the snow and the topic has been covered on the 2GS forum so you can search for more info.

raytseng

One of the most important factor is the specific tire and the actual rubber in use, then the 2nd factor is the tire size (skinnier is better than fatter).

And when I say rubber, I mean the actual rubber tire compound that is designed to stay pliable in cold temps.


I don't think your nanking are well known for snow, but better known as a discount tire. maybe do some googling to find some reviews of that exact tire in snow.

It's your car and your call.

Arcadian

If you're DDing this car through winter save some grief and get the snow tires. Blizzaks, Michelin X-Ice or Nokkians are the best. use snow-mode and switch VSC to 'off' if you think you are getting stuck, your right foot is smarter in that situation.

MattyG

I agree.

You'll definitely need to go to dedicated winter wheels/tires. Possibly stock 16 inch skinny's with the equivalent height to make sure your speedometer is still accurate.

A narrower tire is going to cut through snow/slush etc. A wider tire section just ends up skating over it and that's basically the same as no traction or tire contact. An all season tire is just a stiff donut at 45 degrees F.

I just drove yesterday with my 17 inch winter setup. Toyo Garrits and basically used the snow mode button with vsc still switched on. I was impressed with the car but it did have trouble starting from a standstill. And it is a tail happy car with that much power going to the back end.

These cars do have their limitations.

egs21

So is the consensus among GS owners that snow tires are a must? Even for a GS300 with less power then the 400/430?

Oleg400

iTrader: (7)

You will be fine, don't floor it and, keep your distance. I have been driving the GS 400(modded) as my daily in Chicago winters for 6 years have yet to have any issues, just get decent tires.

egs21

Does your GS have standard all-season tires? I've got a newer set of Micheline primacy MX4's that seems to be pretty good.

raytseng

power has nothing to do with it.
If there is a hill, then your car just won't go up it.
Or alternatively if there is a downhill, your car won't stop without the right rubber.

MattyG

I would say so. It's not entirely about the 8 vs 6. It's the setup of the car and the temperature at which all season tires become useless.

FWIW. A rwd car is already at a disadvantage because you are trying to send power to just two tires at most. There's a good reason why Subarus dominate mountain ski getaways. Balanced power to all four wheels.

I learned to drive on rear wheel drive domestic Detroit iron. Yes it was very good and could torque its way out of trouble but eventually it found its limitations.

I think that's why people on here say to disable the vsc sometimes, because you can often be a better judge of what's happening compared to the electronic nannies.

But keep in mind I drive in extreme winter conditions too. Not just plowed city streets.

gstreee

thanks for all the input, im in nyc. the streets get crowded and our city is always the last to get plowed. im looking into getting some blizzaks.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

Had blizzaks, drove so much and burned through them in basically a year. ordered michelin xice12s off tirerack for sale sixe 225/55/16 on factory sc300 wheels. Last year it was pretty awful, but i drive a lot in ski country as well, and Buffalo usually gets hit pretty hard. This year planning a trip to vermont so hopefully the weather either isn't to bad, or my winter driving skills better be on point

MattyG

And certainly don't let my ole man nagging get ya scared. These cars are a lot of fun, even in winter.

If you're an experienced driver with rwd in winter conditions... by all means snap off the vsc when it's safe and give that gas pedal a push. You'll love it!!!

Even in slightly slippery conditions today I jumped off the light quite handily. Just a little bit of rwd squirm and she was off like normal. Even the fwd guys beside me and behind didn't keep up.

Just don't break the cardinal rule of trying to turn and burn when it's slippery. That's when you'll end up facing back where you originally were coming from.

And I forgot to add. I should place about 100 lbs of ballast right over that little parcel shelf in the trunk, right above the axle. That always helps.

egs21

I think I'm going to give it shot without winter tires this year. I've got a nearly new set of Michelin Primacy MX4 all season tires that should be adequate. I'm also an experienced winter driver. Plus I can work from home if we have a blizzard :-) Thanks for everyone's input.