Winter driving (snow/ice) in the Pacific NW

[Roadzilla]

We had snow here in WA last year and the roads were iced over for days. I had absolutely no traction and/or control on the snow/ice. I couldn't get out to go to work. Now, my husband has a 350Z as well so both of us will have trouble in bad weather and he doesn't have the option of not going in to work.

I've checked with Schucks, Auto Zone, Les Schawb Tires and our local Nissan parts dept. No one had a definitive answer. Cables are available, but they weren't sure if it would work due to the clearance of the tires and the wheel well. Studded tires are available, but again, may have issues with clearance. They recommended regular snow tires but due to the type of car it is, it may not help significantly.

Anyone have any suggestions on winter/icy road driving in Z's? Do we need to suck it up and purchase an old pick up for winter driving?

[samej82]

had trouble in the winter with one Z so you got another?? that's love for the Z for you! I was going to recommend studded snow tires on steel rims and some additional weight in the hatch...

but ya a heavy 4x4 i guess would be best up in WA.

[postism]

how would you have clearance issues with studded tires? its just little steel nipples. id get studs, lots of sand bags and drive slow

[flyguy2618]

Personaly i wouldnt drive the Z in snow or ice or any combination or the two, Definatly get a beat up truck for the winter its much easier and deffinatly worth it. Just my thoughts.

[greenwar]

We had snow here in WA last year and the roads were iced over for days. I had absolutely no traction and/or control on the snow/ice. I couldn't get out to go to work. Now, my husband has a 350Z as well so both of us will have trouble in bad weather and he doesn't have the option of not going in to work.

I've checked with Schucks, Auto Zone, Les Schawb Tires and our local Nissan parts dept. No one had a definitive answer. Cables are available, but they weren't sure if it would work due to the clearance of the tires and the wheel well. Studded tires are available, but again, may have issues with clearance. They recommended regular snow tires but due to the type of car it is, it may not help significantly.

Anyone have any suggestions on winter/icy road driving in Z's? Do we need to suck it up and purchase an old pick up for winter driving?

Did you look at the option of siping your tires? It's something many people are trying and seems to give better traction than regular all-season tires.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/tireSiping.dos

[NSRsheets]

Rear wheel drive and the winter roads are not a good combination. I say get your self a beater. I just covered up my Z the other day. 92 dodge colt FTW.

[1unar3clipse]

Did you look at the option of siping your tires? It's something many people are trying and seems to give better traction than regular all-season tires.

IIRC I though siping only had gains in wet road conditions?

[greenwar]

IIRC I though siping only had gains in wet road conditions?

Looks like I missed the whole point of the thread. I would just go and get a FWD. Like my I30 - these can be bought very cheap.
Modified by greenwar at 11:22 AM 11/7/2007

[Roadzilla]

Thanks for all of your input. I'll invest in a few sandbags and go to Craigslist for an old pick up truck. Husband and I are military. We'll keep our fingers crossed for a warmer weather assignment next time.

[IndyZed]

I just mounted Michelin X-ice tires on my Z for the winter (215/45/18). $139/ea from Tire Rack. This tire is designed to drive on ice. Should work fine.

My Rx-8 is fabulous in the snow with snow tires.

[vlad_350]

I take it you don't have dedicated winter tires? It's a must for a Z in cold climates.

[blinkme323]

I'm dreading this winter, it doesn't look to good for Pa.

[Vesper]

I'm in a similar spot. Just got an 07 350z Nismo this weekend (I live in the Pac NW as well), and I'm realizing I need some winter tires asap. As I'm a complete and total newbie to this sort of car (always had front-wheel drives before), I'm a wee bit lost. I'm looking on Tire Rack to get some winters and wheels so I can switch out seasonally. Tire Rack suggests going down a size or two (I have 18s front, 19s rear), so I'm looking at 17s. Does this seem like a good idea? Also, looking at the winter tires on there, does anyone suggest one over another? There are Dunlap Sport Winters, Good Year Ultra Grip Perf, Bridgestone Blizzaks (whice are studless snow/ice). Any recos? Any help appreciated.

Thanks!

[Vesper]

Bumping this thread up, cuz it's snowing and I'm starting to panic. Trying to figure out wheels/tires to put on the Z for the winter (it's my daily driver). I've asked pretty much every car guy I know, and I'm getting mixed answers. Bump down a size, two sizes, make 'em narrower, don't go down two sizes cuz they won't clear the brembo brakes, etc. The only thing everyone agrees on is that I need to get 'em fast lest I find myself up close and personal with a tree.

So, all you Z gurus, anyone got some experience to share? Just a reminder: Me = newbie. I love my car, but I'm in a touch over my head with this tire specs stuff. Car = 07 350z Nismo. Location = Pac NW (and snowing). Current setup:Front: 18x9.0 Offset: +30mm Tire: Bridgestone RE050A 245/40/18 Rear: 19x10.0 Offset: +30mm Tire: Bridgestone RE050A 265/35/19

I figure it makes sense to get some cheap (but not too cheap, cuz I don't want to bend 'em if I hit a pothole) wheels and keep the winters on them. I don't need anything fancy - just workable. But, er, that's where my understanding ends. For tires, Tire Rack reco's 225/45/18 (f) and 245/45/18 (r). How much flexiblity is there in those numbers? Could I, say, run 235/40/18 all around? Should they be staggared? And for wheels, that offset stuff, how much room is there? Right now, they're offset +30. Is +25 bad? Is +35? Arrrrrrgggg. Is there a 'Tires/wheels for Dummies' cheat sheet that can explain this stuff. I so don't have the head for it naturally.

Help? Thanks tons!

[Barry626]

Do as u have & go to Tirerack.comEnter info about your car & take their suggestions.Yes you go down 1 size only to 17 inch on all 4 wheels.You can not go wrong with "Bridgestone Blizzak" WS-50.Yes buy 4 wheels & tirerack will mount & balance etc.It's the best site ever to buy your tires delivered right to your door.

Happy motoring!

[cjones]

also try 17 inch steel wheels snow tyres and studs then when it gets bad you also have 2 more opt. 1 drop the tyre down about 5-10 psi. 2 VHT track bite i live in wyoming and have needed to do all of the above and still carry a set of 2 cable chains for the rear never been stuck. one aplacation of the VHT weill last about a week they say 2 but dont belive it