Snow is on the ground in 49 of the 50 US states (Canada too) and portions of Europe have also experienced snowmageddon. Inclement conditions everywhere mean a change in the rules of engagement for when rubber meets the road. Those that refuse(d) to acknowledge this fact seem to be lamenting their luck on the S2000 talk forum that has seen a spike in wrecked S2000 threads and the agony of their owners.
Such threads are frequently posted with some trepidation on the part of the Original Posters who know they will get flamed. Responses on such threads range from the sympathetic to the full-on flames. At the news team it saddens us to read about these stories. We’d like to think that no one was critically injured as they lived to post the thread, but we can’t help but think of the owner that did not make it.
A common theme that runs through all the aforementioned threads is that people were driving on summer tires or on worn out tires. On behalf of S2ki we request you to get a set of snow tires or store your car for as long as snow and cold temperatures linger around. Without snow tires, the question of whether an incident will happen leans almost entirely in favor of one happening – it is but a matter of time.
Think about this, would you carry a knife to a gun fight. That’s a bit clichéd. Let me ask you this, would you go up a sheer cliff wall wearing your Nike Jordans or go deep-sea diving without a scuba set? If you answered yes, then we’d love to submit your name as S2ki’s nomination for the Darwin Awards.
It all boils down to chemistry and tire rubber compounds. If you’ve watched racing (other than NASCAR) then you will realize that on a sunny day the cars go faster as they get heat into their tires and bring them up to the temperatures where they deliver the most grip. You will also have seen race cars switch to intermediate or full wet tires in the rain, because the dry compound tires lack the tread depth and compound to run optimally in the colder, rainy conditions. Your S2000 is no different from a race car. It calls for complete owner involvement and proper seasonal strategy to get the most out of driving the car. The S-02’s or other summer rubber you have will have hardened up and there is no way you can work them up to optimal temperature when the ground temperature itself is below zero. In such conditions the tires that will save you embarrassment, your car and possibly your life are dedicated snows.
Some of you may pooh-pooh buying snow tires as you may feel your skills are adequate to overcome the laws of physics. We hope they are, as we would not want to read about you and your wrecked S2000 on S2000 talk for what would be the cost of the average insurance deductible.
Stay warm dear friends and drive safe.
- Your friends from the news team
Image courtesy of NikosX
NOTE: S2KI welcomes the opinions of its members on the S2000 and on all topics related to the S. Should you feel the creative urge to pen a few words then by all means do so and PM Energetic, Aashish2, Onehots2k OR s2kpwned OR send us links to what you would like us to write about and we will feature you (or your community) on the S2KI Home Page.
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on Jan 13th, 2011 at 7:23 pm
is there snow in texas? new mexico? arizona?
on Jan 13th, 2011 at 7:51 pm
@d – check this out
http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=838940&view=findpost&p=20075344
on Jan 13th, 2011 at 7:55 pm
hawaii?
on Jan 13th, 2011 at 8:34 pm
Some how there was snow in Hawaii. It was Florida that didn’t have snow, its the only good thing about this state besides Sebring….
on Jan 13th, 2011 at 9:57 pm
ya we had 5 inches in dallas texas. i went playing in a parking lot for 3 hours. so fun to push the limits and undertand your car.
on Jan 13th, 2011 at 10:05 pm
Florida?
on Jan 13th, 2011 at 11:24 pm
snow on all four of those states mentioned… Hawaii has it on the peaks of the mountains (obviously?). the only state without snow right now is Florida.
on Jan 14th, 2011 at 3:01 am
Yes, even hawaii
on Jan 14th, 2011 at 6:30 am
quick question, are nitto neo-gens able to be semi used for snow tires? or would I need to go get a set of snow tires like blizzaks? I have neo-gens and am wondering if i need to get a set, I live in the blue ridge mnts in SC and the school that I go to got like 10″ of snow, but here’s the catch, the snow started to melt, but now there is ice, since the it hasn’t gotten above like 31F there. just wondering
thanks
on Jan 14th, 2011 at 7:42 am
I live at 40° 34′ 16.69″ N. I have driven my S2000 year round since 1999, but never when there is snow or salt on the road. It has been in the garage for the last month. I hope it starts.
on Jan 14th, 2011 at 9:33 am
Snow tires were likely the single BEST investment in a vehicle I ever made. I’ve driven my S in the snow before on both all seasons and dedicated studless snow/ice tires. And I’ve driven my second car on all seasons when I got a second car and stored the S. The high-strung S2000 did EVERYTHING better in snow conditions with snow tires than my front-wheel-drive low-hp car did with all seasons. Now I have snow tires for that car. It’s like a drug addiction once they are experienced.
on Jan 14th, 2011 at 10:33 am
Question to Paul,
No snow tire come with the size that fits to S2000, do they?
any recommendation for the snow tires for s2000?
on Jan 14th, 2011 at 11:00 am
@irmos2k – If you only have snow on the ground once or twice per season. Park the S and take the bus or walk. Be wary of black ice once the snow is gone.
Suggest you drive a lot less aggressively in the winter too. If you can afford it, you must get snow tires. Their compound is such that they do not harden and loose grip like summers. BE SAFE!
on Jan 14th, 2011 at 1:37 pm
This just another reason to have a winter beater. Though I am sure many S2000 owners drive sensibly with winter tires on their cars, I would be more worried about the mommy in her Escalade yakking on a cell phone driving like this was nothing more than white sunshine. Just another reason I will not drive an S2000 in rain or snow. You S2000 owners who do drive yours year round have my respect. I am not willing to risk it.
on Jan 14th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
MY baby is sitting warm in the Garage
on Jan 14th, 2011 at 3:49 pm
Please for the sake of your car never drive in the snow without winter tires and a full tank of gas. I feel bad seeing that red car especially because i know they stop exceptionally well on snow, for that matter with proper tires they do everything exceptionally well in the snow.
on Jan 14th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
no snow in austin
on Jan 14th, 2011 at 8:13 pm
Some people just don’t get it! S2000′s are for Summer. Snow season is for Subarus ! You don’t wear swim trunks in a blizzard just like you don’t wear a winter coat and boots in July ! Duh!
on Jan 15th, 2011 at 7:55 am
Some of us don’t have the luxury of having 2 cars, John.
on Jan 15th, 2011 at 1:00 pm
As someone who can personally attest to the importance of all season tires when temps are down, I agree wholeheartedly with the article. The roads were only COLD, but completely dry, and I nearly spun on a normal right turn at an intersection (not driving hard!). Since that day, the S stays parked all winter long. I wouldn’t dream of driving in sub 40F weather on anything but all season tires anymore.
If you can’t afford a winter beater, that’s fine. At least get a second set of wheels & all season tires. They don’t have to be dedicated snow tires, but at least something well rated in snow that’s an all season tire.
If you can’t afford seasonal tires, you can’t afford summer tires. Summer tires are a luxury while all-seasons are a necessity!
on Jan 15th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
I drive my car year round here in Massachusetts, i feel a little nervous sometimes. But i learned how to drive under certain road conditions, its all about gaining experiences and know the don’t and do’s in the winter. I had a friend who total his s2000 in the winter, by speeding on a corner, then lost control. Tires do not grip in cold temperatures at all know fact that should be acknowledge!!
on Jan 16th, 2011 at 10:46 am
Jin, if you live in an area that regularly gets snow and you can’t afford a winter beater, why would you buy an S2000?
on Jan 23rd, 2011 at 6:28 pm
I have a set of Continental Extreme DWS and they work exceedingly well in snow.