Are the G's really this terrible....in the snow????!!!

[99QX4]

Well tonight I had the unpleasant task of driving home in snow (and some ice) in my G. The morning started out clear and i got my oil changed at the dealer. I went on my merry way throughout the day figuring I'd take the G out since it had been sitting a bit. It was very cold but quite nice out otherwise. Then it started out with some flurries and then some light snow here and there...but it didn't stop! Honestly it didn't look like much on the road we couldn't have gotten more than 2 inches. It took me over an hour to go a distance that normally takes no more than 15min. My first attempt to get out of 1st gear took me sideways with "SLIP" flashing at me. I found out very quickly that i had to barely give any gas while getting out of first. I had to start so slow that it barely looked like I was moving. I rode in 1st gear the entire way home with my hazards on not even able to reach 10mph. Once i hit 7-8mph I started to slide sideways. I had people in their SUV's beeping at me, cutting me off.....oh it was a wonderful time.

So my question is, to all those that have the wonders of snowy winters, how do you deal with this?!?!? I figured it would be a rough ride home, but this was ridiculous!! I know RWD fails in the snow, but honestly is this how (non-AWD) G owners drive in the snow?! Enlighten me please.

[Dano]

Better tires for inclimate weather, weight in the trunk, and a higher gear .

Glad you made it home safe L!

[MaximA32]

[TurboDurbo]

I agree and just want to add the fact that summer tires, which I am assuming you have on your coupe, are not meant to be driven at temps below freezing because the soft rubber becomes plastic pretty much, the rubber crystalizes. Second off if I get caught in the snow/ice I just take off in 2nd or 3rd and its not too bad. Good Luck and be careful, I am driving my 91 Cavalier now since the weather sucks. Huge difference but gotta protect the G.

[99QX4]

Well i was just informed about the whole "starting off in second" deal. As for the tires it's with whatever they came with from the dealer. I have my QX4 to drive around in times like this....i'm not taking this car out again till the freakin spring.

[gwoods]

Like everyone else said its your tires....

They are most likely summer performance tires and in ice/snow freezing conditions they are like butter in a hot pan.

I have Summer Performance Tires on my G but I live in Phoenix.... it is currently 68! Ran the AC in the car today :-(

[audtatious]

You can also pull up your handbrake a bit to help get the car moving as it will assist in keeping torque from spinning the wheels.

[Katgizmo]

You really cannot drive the G35 in the winter on snow with the summer tires. You won't go anywhere! I got stuck on an almost flat surface. And then I got stuck 3 times trying to get out of a neighborhood. Solution: snow tires. I recently had a loaner G35x and I don't think it handled any better than my coupe when I have snow tires on the coupe. Otherwise, park it for the winter and drive something else. But I love driving my coupe...so I am not really fond of the solution. Also, I did that one winter and when I took my car out of storage I thought I was driving on square tires...even though I did run it over the winter. I have had no problem with the snow tires (and yes, the SUV's get upset!)

[drcop]

OK, I live in Ottawa and it is presently -26C (-15F) and it snowed a few days ago...8 or so inches.) i have a 35x BUT I also put on Toyo Garrits x 4 and yes, from time to time I get the "slip" light flickering but then AWD kicks in! Like everyone says....it's all about the tires. Soft compound in the winter makes a world of difference, which is why I cannot drive my winters past the end of March or else the tread wears down really fast as the temp goes up! We here in Canada know that generally, All Seasons don't cut it in winter, especially with rear wheel drive!

But the bottom line is, I AM USED TO SNOW/WINTER DRIVING!! Try living here all your life and you soon learn how to drive in snowy conditions.

[smockers83]

Away from the tires--you should start in 2nd gear instead, as you said was explained to you. Another tip, take VDC off--I know it sounds counter intuitive but just try it when you're trying to start moving. Snow is just something you have to learn how to drive in, its really all about throttle moderation. The hardest part when its slippery is just getting going, once you get the vehicle rolling you should be fine with very delicate increases in throttle when you're having issues. Being from one of the most snowiest areas east of the Mississippi and with driving through a few real blizzards (when you seriously really can't see past your hood) under my belt, you'll want to just keep your G in the garage-that's where mine is.

[BrandAidDesignG35]

I agree with the above comments, taking the VDC off has helped me in slipperey conditions, I've had to go very very slowly, but only up hill, I have rwd sedan, with all seasons, it has been slippery but I only drive it when it's nice out.

I should soon get snow tires soon,

[tollboothwilley]

I'm actually in Upper West Manhattan right now, I'm visiting my little brother... Running around in this snow storm is fun. People in New York do not know what its like to drive in snow, is my conclusion. Its been humorous to watch for me!!

I'm from Utah, so we have plenty of snow there all the time, especially this winter. As stated, with a manual, but mostly it s because in 1st gear you put too much power to the tires and they spin, lose traction and go sideways...so you just gotta go as slow as possible. From a dead stop its good to have the VDC off so that your tires can spin enough to get down to the road and find what little traction they can get at first just to get some forward momentum, then i'd recommend turning it off.

[smockers83]

Yeah, sure its humorous until one of those people decides to pull out in front of you--it has snowed a whole 6" here today (I say that with full sarcasm because to me that is absolutely nothing) and I almost got into an accident (not with the G) because of another dude of said case, it was a good thing I knew what I was doing or else I would have been him in the arse at 40 MPH. Don't think the girlfriend would have liked to witness that, she might dump me on the spot. I hate driving in the winter in southeastern Michigan.

[telcoman]

Well tonight I had the unpleasant task of driving home in snow (and some ice) in my G. The morning started out clear and i got my oil changed at the dealer. I went on my merry way throughout the day figuring I'd take the G out since it had been sitting a bit. It was very cold but quite nice out otherwise. Then it started out with some flurries and then some light snow here and there...but it didn't stop! Honestly it didn't look like much on the road we couldn't have gotten more than 2 inches. It took me over an hour to go a distance that normally takes no more than 15min. My first attempt to get out of 1st gear took me sideways with "SLIP" flashing at me. I found out very quickly that i had to barely give any gas while getting out of first. I had to start so slow that it barely looked like I was moving. I rode in 1st gear the entire way home with my hazards on not even able to reach 10mph. Once i hit 7-8mph I started to slide sideways. I had people in their SUV's beeping at me, cutting me off.....oh it was a wonderful time.

So my question is, to all those that have the wonders of snowy winters, how do you deal with this?!?!? I figured it would be a rough ride home, but this was ridiculous!! I know RWD fails in the snow, but honestly is this how (non-AWD) G owners drive in the snow?! Enlighten me please.

99QX4

I can only speak for my G

zerothread?id=307229

See my previous post on tires.

I drove home in snow yesterday with no problem. This was the first opportunity since replacing my tires to try them out in bad weather. I was satisfied with my purchase. Expensive yes!I drove this morning in a combination of rain, ice, and slush with no problem. Yes I have summer tires and my street had 2 inches of slush and ice but I had no problem. This is the reason I prefer a manual shift. In my opinion a manual shift will out perform and handle better than a AWD vehicle if you know how to drive a stick. Just my $.02

Telcoman

[Jacko3]

Smockers83:

So, you are asking the person seeking help to put extra load on their clutch by using a 2nd gear, how does that help their grip in the snow? Of course, the VDC OFF is a better advice. Even with summer tires in the rain, the G-35 still has some issues of grip. I personally don't try my car for the most part in the rain.

[G_whizz]

Glad you got home safe and sound!!

1 - Don't ever drive the G in the snow unless you have snow tires!! That is an accident waiting to happen.

2- ALWAYS drive with the VDC on in winter (unless you are in an abandoned parking lot and want to have fun)

3- I know my car well so I don't really need to start out in second gear (although some do and recommend this) I usually just feather the clutch and respect the road conditions.

3 - Screw the other people honking at you.. you worry about yourself and getting home safely!!

[joe603]

Glad you got home safe and sound!!

1 - Don't ever drive the G in the snow unless you have snow tires!! That is an accident waiting to happen.

2- ALWAYS drive with the VDC on in winter (unless you are in an abandoned parking lot and want to have fun)

3- I know my car well so I don't really need to start out in second gear (although some do and recommend this) I usually just feather the clutch and respect the road conditions.

3 - Screw the other people honking at you.. you worry about yourself and getting home safely!!

Listen to Sean...he's driven a G in the snow for a while now!

[suby01]

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

I had a bad rain storm yesterday in south florida.. It was like the roads were rivers. I think i got something like 3 in of rain.

I found a parking lot and had some fun with my G

VDM off of course!

That is as close to snow as we get here in FLA

DJ

[suby01]

oop right right sorry forgot that there was a post on here.

i have a 07x and it is pretty crappy in snow/ice...stock tires with snow mode and traction on the back stickk kicks out up a hill or turning. so not so great on that...nothing compared to my previous impreza...hence the name which i used for before when i got my G and didint change it realizing that the G is waaay better over all.

[rn79870]

So my question is, to all those that have the wonders of snowy winters, how do you deal with this?!?!? I figured it would be a rough ride home, but this was ridiculous!! I know RWD fails in the snow, but honestly is this how (non-AWD) G owners drive in the snow?! Enlighten me please.

I'm glad you and your G made it okay. I too would put stuff in the trunk. I'd put everything I owned in my trunk and head west (or south). Keep driving west (or south) until you can mention "snow" and the general reply is "what's snow." That's your new home!

If that doesn't work for you, I think the tire thing is the way to go. Zozo posted some video of snow tires vs. regular tires. Snow tires worked much better...
Modified by rn79870 at 8:34 AM 2/13/2008

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

That was great RN.......

Heas West

DJ

[rn79870]

I’ve got to share a “start in 2nd gear” story. Back in the 90’s I was driving a 5.0. When it rains you always start a 5.0 in second unless you are on a straight road. One rainy day I stopped in the outside lane of a two lane left turn. A middle aged guy driving a new red Corvette pulled up on the inside lane. I could tell he was feeling a little superior so I egged him on a little by continuing to creep forward at the red light. He took the bait. The light changed and he got on his vette as I slowly accelerated in 2nd gear. About half way through the turn he was sideways, and from there it got worse. He slid into the center island almost head on. His front inside wheel bounced about 2 feet high and then landed on the top of the island with a “whoomp”. When I passed him I was laughing so hard I didn't see what he was doing, but I'll bet I know what he was thinking. ( I hope the dude was an attorney.)

Moral: never think about accelerating in 1st. gear on a slippery surface.

So, that's my street racing story - and I won.

[joe603]

LOL! cool story...even if you were in a 5.slow

[zozoka1212]

Here is a video to explain it to you. Keep it in mind they tried All season and Winter tires. They don't even tried the summer tires. There is a reason why. Snow and summer tires don't mix them. So the result would be 10 times worst with summers on.

Also there is a huge different between snow and snow. There is wet snow, icy snow, fresh snow. All have a different result. The worst one is icy under the fresh soft snow. Worst if you are not prepered.

As Sean says nothing to be affraid if you are well prepaired. Takes some practice and skills.

Check out the other 5 too. It isn't much better on front wheel drive or AWD either.

Here we go.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=cFYXOJ5KEXM

zozo

[smockers83]

Smockers83:

So, you are asking the person seeking help to put extra load on their clutch by using a 2nd gear, how does that help their grip in the snow? Of course, the VDC OFF is a better advice. Even with summer tires in the rain, the G-35 still has some issues of grip. I personally don't try my car for the most part in the rain.

Driving in the rain and driving in the snow are nowhere even close to being comparable. Starting in 2nd gear puts down less torque, therefore reducing wheel spin while still being in a gear in which you can accelerate at a pace to get rolling. The idea of driving in the snow is not to be spinning your tires, if your tires are spinning you're sliding (or not moving at all) and have no traction, and as the saying goes, you're f'ed. Her problem as I read it was not being able to really get going because whenever she tried she would just spin. Now if you really know what you're doing you can start in 1st, as G_whizz and myself (and anyone else from Canada or Rockies) probably know how.
Modified by smockers83 at 3:42 PM 2/13/2008

[rn79870]

Here is a short explanation of why it (starting in 2nd.) works. Assume a 3:1 rear end gear. Assume a 4:1 1st. gear and a 3:1 second. The overall torque multiplication in 1st. gear would be 3 (rear end gear) x 4 (1st gear ratio) for an overall ratio of 12:1. Starting in second it would be 3 x 3 = 9. 9 is 75% of 12, so basically, the torque is only multiplied 3/4 as much as in 1st. As I understand it, this is called Axel torque.

It's lineal force that moves the car forward. Lineal force is the force that is created by the tire pushing (for a G) or pulling (for a FWD) car forward.

Linear force = Axle Torque / Tire Diameter / 2 see- ('cause that's where I learned this)http://www.elephantracing.com/...e.htm

So, now you can compute the axle torque, and the lineal force moving the car forward. Then look up the coefficient of friction between the tire and the ground. (I'd do it but i'm already in over my head) From that value you can compute where/when the tires will break loose.

Do the math and you'll see quite a difference in lineal force between a 1st. gear and a 2nd. gear start. Or, simply go try it and it will be butt dyno apparent.

Don't confuse starting in 2nd. with riding the clutch. True, there is a little more slippage in the clutch, but it doesn't seem to hurt it.

See also:http://www.datsuns.com/Tech/tech_gearing.htm

[zozoka1212]

Quebec motorist have to use winter tires from next winter.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/yourvie....html

Europe

http://www.conti-online.com/ge....html

zozo

[99QX4]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! And i have to say i was quite surprised to read about turning the VDC off

it is currently 68! Ran the AC in the car today :-(

You suck LOL

You really cannot drive the G35 in the winter on snow with the summer tires.

I didn't have any intention to ever drive my G in the snow. Some of the people on here know me well enough to know that I don't even take my G out if there is a possibility of rain! I just kinda got caught with my pants down.

But the bottom line is, I AM USED TO SNOW/WINTER DRIVING!! Try living here all your life and you soon learn how to drive in snowy conditions.

I know we don't get that much snow here, but i've been driving for 8 years now...i've driven in snow plenty of times, and i'm not saying just an inch or two. The problem is i'm used to the 4-wheel drive in my QX and as i mentioned i didn't plan on getting hit with a snow/ice storm like that or i would have been driving the QX as i do just about every day.

In my opinion a manual shift will out perform and handle better than a AWD vehicle if you know how to drive a stick. Just my $.02

I might not be as experienced as some of you guys at driving stick but i feel i do pretty well for myself (especially considering a lot of girls around here can't drive very well in general). I started driving stick about 6 years ago....but always other peoples cars and never in the snow. This is my first manual car (and my first new car too) so it's still a process of getting my own style down. It's also not a daily driver...in about 2 weeks i'll have had the car for a year and i haven't even hit 3,000 miles yet.

1 - Don't ever drive the G in the snow unless you have snow tires!! That is an accident waiting to happen.

2- ALWAYS drive with the VDC on in winter (unless you are in an abandoned parking lot and want to have fun)

3- I know my car well so I don't really need to start out in second gear (although some do and recommend this) I usually just feather the clutch and respect the road conditions.

3 - Screw the other people honking at you.. you worry about yourself and getting home safely!!

Well I will be monitoring the weather from now on if i'm driving the G any day in the winter! And about half way home i was able to start moving with out sliding...but it was a very slow move and as for the people beeping and flashing their lights, they had plenty of room to go around, i wasn't speeding up for their sake!

But again, thanks a lot guys for all the information!

[Tampa G35 Sedan 6MT]

Hey for a Chick... In my book you rock!

Keep it safe!

DJ