Winter driving the S2k on stock REO50 tires
#1
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Winter driving the S2k on stock REO50 tires
Hi. For the first time in 2 years, my S2K will be my daily driver. I'm wondering if I'll be able to survive in the car during the dead of winter. I'll mostly only need to drive to work on the Prince William Parkway.
I work for the school system so on heavy snow days, I will have the days off. What do you think? I don't want to buy snow tires because I don't have room for the regular tires and I think it will be a hassle. So, strictly with the stock tires, do you think I can make it through the winter?
I work for the school system so on heavy snow days, I will have the days off. What do you think? I don't want to buy snow tires because I don't have room for the regular tires and I think it will be a hassle. So, strictly with the stock tires, do you think I can make it through the winter?
#2
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I think you should be good.....
You say:
"I work for the school system so on heavy snow days, I will have the days off. "
My car is my DD. My fiance teaches for Fairfax County, so I always drive her car when it snows. Fairfax and Prince William get out when there is a dusting on the ground, both those counties have a lot of back roads which many of the plows cant get to fast enough, so the buses cant run. So most likely youll be ok. But on the occasion that they dont cancel class and there is snow on the road, be somewhat weary. But like I said, those two counties cancel whenever it barely snows, so if they dont call school you should be pretty good to go. (There were definatly days that they called school and I took her car, where I probably could have driven the S, but she stayed safe from the salt at home )
Note even with the all seasons, I never drive it in the snow if the roads are covered. (besides leaving work when it starts). Just not worth the risk. Also if you are moving from San Diego and are not used to driving in the snow, the S is not the car to learn in. If I couldnt work from home, or take my fiances car, I would probably rent a car if I had to or take a day of leave.
I drove on my S02s through the begining of winter. I was fine, but just know that summer tires get a little squirly under 40 degrees. On really cold mornings I would definately notice it untill they warmed up, but even then they were not to be pushed. When its the dead of winter and its 20-30 degrees out in the morning, you just have to drive very cautiously. I would relate to driving the S in heavy rain. No zipping around corners or gassing it around turns/ramps.
When I replaced my tires, I replaced them with all seasons.... They were much cheaper, handled much better in the rain, and if worst came to worst, and it started to snow when I was already at work I could leave with a dusting on the ground.
We dont get enough snow, to justify buying snow tires to drive on constantly. One other option which I considered was buying an extra set of wheels to have snow tires mounted on them. Then if we were expecting a spell of winter storms, I could swap them in my garage.
You say:
"I work for the school system so on heavy snow days, I will have the days off. "
My car is my DD. My fiance teaches for Fairfax County, so I always drive her car when it snows. Fairfax and Prince William get out when there is a dusting on the ground, both those counties have a lot of back roads which many of the plows cant get to fast enough, so the buses cant run. So most likely youll be ok. But on the occasion that they dont cancel class and there is snow on the road, be somewhat weary. But like I said, those two counties cancel whenever it barely snows, so if they dont call school you should be pretty good to go. (There were definatly days that they called school and I took her car, where I probably could have driven the S, but she stayed safe from the salt at home )
Note even with the all seasons, I never drive it in the snow if the roads are covered. (besides leaving work when it starts). Just not worth the risk. Also if you are moving from San Diego and are not used to driving in the snow, the S is not the car to learn in. If I couldnt work from home, or take my fiances car, I would probably rent a car if I had to or take a day of leave.
I drove on my S02s through the begining of winter. I was fine, but just know that summer tires get a little squirly under 40 degrees. On really cold mornings I would definately notice it untill they warmed up, but even then they were not to be pushed. When its the dead of winter and its 20-30 degrees out in the morning, you just have to drive very cautiously. I would relate to driving the S in heavy rain. No zipping around corners or gassing it around turns/ramps.
When I replaced my tires, I replaced them with all seasons.... They were much cheaper, handled much better in the rain, and if worst came to worst, and it started to snow when I was already at work I could leave with a dusting on the ground.
We dont get enough snow, to justify buying snow tires to drive on constantly. One other option which I considered was buying an extra set of wheels to have snow tires mounted on them. Then if we were expecting a spell of winter storms, I could swap them in my garage.
#3
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It really depends on the driver. I have driven with bald tires or summer tires in deep snow without much trouble. Others on this site will tell you that the stock tires won't warm up and ice will form on the tires and you wont move an inch. Yes winter tires will be optimal, but necessary? I don't think so in this area.
(but I do drive all seasons year round to play it safe)
(but I do drive all seasons year round to play it safe)
#4
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Thanks for the helpful reply. My greatest concern are those days when there is no snow on the ground, but a blizzard is predicted to start during the mid-morning. I guess on those days, if worst comes to worst, I can call in sick.
#6
As Lewis said, winter precipitation shouldn't be the only concern. Summer performance tires when cold do not grip as well as they do on hot pavement. Be very careful and know the limitations of your car for the condition.
#7
Originally Posted by Purple Haze,Aug 14 2006, 06:28 AM
Thanks for the helpful reply. My greatest concern are those days when there is no snow on the ground, but a blizzard is predicted to start during the mid-morning. I guess on those days, if worst comes to worst, I can call in sick.
I lived in Stone Ridge and drove all winter in the S, wiggled once on an icy country road but that was it.
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#8
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don't drive like an idiot and you should be fine.... you've been behind the wheel of an S long enough by now (i'm asuming from your first statement) and you should know the characteristics of the car..
#9
I have been pondering this same dilema. I dont want to give up the performance of summer tires for the minimal amount of snow we get in this area.
I have been looking around for all-seasons but just can't find any I am happy with yet.
After reading this thread maybe I'll just get summer tires and be careful in bad weather and avoid driving in it when it is predicted.
I have been looking around for all-seasons but just can't find any I am happy with yet.
After reading this thread maybe I'll just get summer tires and be careful in bad weather and avoid driving in it when it is predicted.
#10
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Originally Posted by dmw16,Aug 15 2006, 12:20 AM
I have been pondering this same dilema. I dont want to give up the performance of summer tires for the minimal amount of snow we get in this area.
I have been looking around for all-seasons but just can't find any I am happy with yet.
After reading this thread maybe I'll just get summer tires and be careful in bad weather and avoid driving in it when it is predicted.
I have been looking around for all-seasons but just can't find any I am happy with yet.
After reading this thread maybe I'll just get summer tires and be careful in bad weather and avoid driving in it when it is predicted.
Just don't be stupid and you should be fine...