Yeah, there is no substitution for tread - you can survive on oem tires provided they aren't too bald, but no amount of weight will help you if you are on slicks.

 

There is also no substitution for the right tire compound. The OEM tires are summer rated tires and even with full tread should not be driven in snow.

 

You don't need extra weight. Get good snow tires.

 

I priced a set of 16" alloy wheels with LM22s mounted on tirerack, and it came to just under $1000. Not bad. I'm sure the tires would last me a few seasons, and I'd still have the wheels for the next set.

 

They should last 2 seasons minimum, 3-4 if you take good care of them. It's just not an option to NOT buy snows if you live in snow country and drive during the winter in a car like the S2000 (or any performance vehicle really).

 

I just installed a set of 16' rims with Blizzak LM-22's on my 04. Cost about a grand with shipping and balancing. Had Blizzaks on the 00 and it made a big difference. Thats good info on the weight in the trunk as I thought it would help but obviously it doesnt. I will keep the bag of salt in the garage for the driveway.

 

Heh, funny how people assume the guy posting this doesn't use snow tires.

Anyhow, with all due respect, having been born and raised in Canada and having driven in the snow all my life it is my opinion that all other things being equal, added weight in the trunk will increase traction in the snow on a rwd.

 

I didn't assume he wasn't using snow tires; I assumed he wasn't using quality snow tires because he stated that his car loses traction fairly easily.

I, too, am from Canada and have never needed extra weight in the trunk of any car I've ever owned.

 

Lead wheel weights work great, I filled the small area in the center of the spare tire tool holder, (about 65 lbs) and a bag of sand or salt could come in handy if needed.




Tire stores have buckets full of old Lead wheel weights.

 

So since I've lived in Rochester NY for 5 years and for 3 of those had a RWD car, I should know better also? Remember upstate NY gets owned by snow like no other.

The ONLY advantage to having extra weight over the rear axle would be for starting traction when you would otherwise just spin the tires. Handling-wise it will only hurt you.