Nissan Altima SER (2005) - Handling in snow and ice and transmission

[vbartt%]

I purchased this car used in June 2008 with about 28K miles on it. To date, I have had to have the front-right wheel and axel replaced and a new transmission installed. Gratefully I also purchased the extended warranty, or I would be one red-hot Altima owner.

Today in the Chicago area, we have about 1 1/2 - 3" of snow. I've owned two other front-wheel drive cars that handled beautifully in bad weather. This is a BEAST. I was slipping and sliding, despite the traction control being ON, and actually went right through a red light (going 20 miles per hour, despite trying to stop for probably 1/4 mile).

Any ideas about the reliability of this car (drive train) and what to do about the handling on bad-weather roads. I'm sure I will end up in a ditch, despite my very best efforts. It feels just like a rear-wheel drive auto!

[zozoka1212]

Sounds like you have either ****y tires on or summer tires.

zozo

[jdshift]

Sounds like you have either ****y tires on or summer tires.

zozo

+1 The Altima handles very well in the snow I must say from first hand experience........maybe your going a little to fast for the conditions? Get a good set of tires, take it slow, and enjoy that sweet SE-R!!

[vbartt%]

Well, actually, I have both *****y tires and they are 'summer tires,' as it turns out.

I purchased the 2005 Altima SE-R car in June 2008 in suburban Chicago knew that it was a sport model, had a lot of power, and was a front-wheel drive auto (and a Nissan Certified used car).

1) No one mentioned that the tires were 'performance tires' and would last only 15 - 20K miles (bought with 26K. Now, with 31K, they must be replaced unless I want to travel 2 mph (literally) the remainder of the Chicago winter.

Since learning the above info last week, I have resigned myself to purchasing new all-weather radial tires ASAP. Dealer quoted me $1200 purchased, mounted, installed and balanced (less a 25% 'discount on the purchase). Before I buy tires, I would like input from an Altima driver about a tire that DOES work well. Can you help?

My research to day has not revealed an obvious choice. Before I burn $$ and time, I'd appreciate some Altima SE-R owner input.

Thanks.

SE-R4VIVIB

[vbartt%]

Been taking it really slow to get out of my long driveway with a slight rise(literally ZERO on speedometer) and just learned that I have performance (summer) tires that must be replaced with all-weather radials.

What would you think a good tire selection would be? I'm a careful (.e., not speedy) good bad-weather driver with proper rubber and know how to handle Chicago winter driving (20+ years' experience). Just need the best rubber underneath.

Thanks.

[zozoka1212]

I kind of new you ended up with summer tires. How you explained your drive was exactly what summer tire does to you on ice and snow and cold.

Of course the best would be 2 sets of tires. Winter and summer sets. However lots of people can get around with all season tires. If you go with all season tires be carefull what you pick. Since some of the all season tires are just like summer tire. If you don't want to spend the money on 2 sets just all season tires than best you can get is the Pirelli 4 all season tires. They have really good thread life and their compound seems to work well in cold weather. Not sure how they managed it bu it is a wicked tire.

You can check on http://www.tirerack.com for reviews ad selections.

Hope this helps.Cheers zozo

[dangeris]

Get the Pirelli 4's I got them for my son's car (Acura TL) and they handle very well and they have an incredible tread life warranty! According to him, the handle great in the snow and where he goes to school, he needs them! (Erie PA where there's a lot of lake effect snow!)

[zozoka1212]

My wife has a set on her car. They are by far the longest lasting tire I ever seen. After 2 years they looked like almost new. Even those little rubber tits were on. She drives her car every day include 4-5 months of crapy Canadian winter with no issue.

zozo