Winter Driving

Whelan · 12-06-2002, 06:51 AM

Well I live in SouthWestern CT and today I headed for class at 11. A trip that normally takes at most 15-20, got there in about 40. Snow was already falling and highway speeds did not go above 45.

Then school was closed at 12, so I came home and my gf followed later (she ahas 4WD). Well to put it mildly, taking corners in 1st with your foot only working the clutch not touching the gas, starting off from stops in 2nd so as not to spin. 4-5 car lengths apart from the guy in front of ya. No more than 30-35 on the highway, and 25 on sideroads. Even that was pushin it a bit. But my Potenza tires worked very well. Held their grip and helped me contain my spins and slides.

Driving in winter weather especially with 7-9" on the ground can be EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS. What I wouldn't have given for a Saturn with AWD, lol. But for my car, it was very nice, smooth, no surprises. The car handled well and was very predictable, I caught slides and maintained good safe speeds. Having a standard in snow is GREAT! I can jump to a higher gear without revving the car up and leave it there so I can crawl. Being able to slow down by downshifting instead of braking and causing lockup is so worth while.

My only issue was when my front wheel wells became so clogged with snow that when turning, you could hear the snow being rubbed off. All in all it was a good day, snow is fun, and to me driving in inclement weather is a great challenge, it really gives you skills and awareness that prove themselves over time.

Wintermute · 12-06-2002, 09:56 AM

Whelan,
Snow driving is something I've never done, so I'd be a little hesitant even doing it myself

You have Potenzas on your car too?

I love mine, and they came with my car when I got it! They're good for really any application, and they grip like crazy in rain! As a matter of fact, when I get my new rims this coming year, I'll save my present tires and use them and the stock rims for winter use

Josh

URtalking2CRASH · 12-06-2002, 01:55 PM

I love driving in the snow....there's this hill by my work.....and well up to this hill in the road the road backs up about a mile because what happens is when you get to the hill.... all cars take turns going down the hill and around the corner. once he makes it then it's the next person's turn....it's actually quite commical to watch it, but hey at least they're being safe.

CelticShadow · 12-06-2002, 02:51 PM

I took my car out today, and well.......it was all over the place......LOL, but still fun since there weren't any other cars on the roads and the roads out here most of haven't been plowed as of yet. Driving through it yesterday with the 9-10" we got in 4 wheel drive was even dangerous. My Saturn sat yesterday, pretty much because it wouldn't move out of the parking lot.

BrenSaSC2 · 12-06-2002, 03:33 PM

Yeah-I like driving in the snow as well. I was surprised to see how many SL's were flying through the stuff like it wasn't even there? I was a bit more cautious, but they seemed like it was another Sunday drive. Go Saturns!

jfb · 12-06-2002, 03:35 PM

i've never driven in snow either, but i have driven on ice...not in my saturn though.

i hate driving in bad weather...well really bad...like last time i went home it was raining so hard i couldn't see more than half a car length.

good thing i was the only one on the road...that would have made me even more nervous...lol

Whelan · 12-06-2002, 04:40 PM

Hey Winter, I upgraded my stock tires which were 175-70-14 to the
195-60-14 Bridgestone Potenza RE950 tire pictured here. I have never foudn a better all around tire that offers such high levels of grip in the rain and dry, I drive in the wet stuff likes its any other day, and in the snow they worked pretty damn good, if I had stock tires, I would have been ****ed. I feel they saved the day for me, I give them an 8 on the snow scale.

mkbuker · 12-06-2002, 05:34 PM

I was excited when I found out it was snowing and quickly ran out and went for a test drive. I learned quickly how bad I need new tires (Goodyear Club's from the dealer

), so I ran the car home and got the truck (84 GMC I-6 rwd) and was able to go where ever I wanted to, even drove thru the field at work for fun. Guess its back to looking for tires. My sister had the Potenza 910's on her 98SC2 which she traded in w/o letting me have the tires and those were great, but I had been looking at the 950's.

Wintermute · 12-07-2002, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whelan

Hey Winter, I upgraded my stock tires which were 175-70-14 to the
195-60-14 Bridgestone Potenza RE950 tire pictured here. I have never foudn a better all around tire that offers such high levels of grip in the rain and dry, I drive in the wet stuff likes its any other day, and in the snow they worked pretty damn good, if I had stock tires, I would have been ****ed. I feel they saved the day for me, I give them an 8 on the snow scale.

Whelan,
I'll have to remember that if I take my car up north

Like I said, I've never driven in snow, but it's good to know that they'll do great in those conditions

Josh

DubLifeH2o · 12-07-2002, 05:51 PM

my saturn in the snow= sh*t in my pants

im sorry but i drove my car yesterday to a couple job interviews and i honestly thought i was going to die! Ive driven Buick GNs in the snow and last year i had my old vw, never had any problems... but this car felt extremely squirlly even when trying to go straight! i drove about 1/2 mile in about 25 minutes, never leaving 2nd gear (wheel spin) and it just kept drifiting left and right! I have experience driving in bad conditions, but this car made me loose all confidence in myself! I dont know if its my tires or something else but ill be leaving my car in the driveway next storm