X- then is my understanding to lower tire pressure in a traction-challenged situation incorrect for snow? I know for a fact it works in sand(many personal experiences). I was lead to believe it applied to snow as well. Thanks.


Addition: I watched some show shot in the Scandanavian area where they had Land Rover(I think) that allowed them to safely run at 5 psi for extreme snow/ice conditions.

 

 

How well do snow tires perform in warm weather? Are we talking a 20% decrease in performance over the s02's? or more like 50%? The reason I'm asking is I'm about to purchase some and want to run them until they wear out, which may spill over into the warmer months.

 

It also sounds like you could have walked that distance. 6-7 minute drive.............?

 

I believe I saw that show, too (or a similar one). It was really neat how those things crawled across that frozen terrain.

Let's keep in mind that I was responding to the question about SO3s. Those are not winter tires in any way. We must also keep in mind that snow tires are meant for an entirely different application and even though some of us may drive the car with snow tires on dry roads at higher speeds, they really weren't designed as a performance road tire (although tires like the Blizzak LM-22s do a very credible job). And yes, lowering the pressure (in a snow tire) will garner some addition traction benefits under certain snow and ice conditions but then, this is for "ice crawling". We, in our S2000's do not "ice crawl". Even in winter, most of us drive at "speed". We're not going to stop just before going into a deep parking lot and lower our pressures just so we can execute that manouver more effectively. We don't have the ability to pump up the tires when we leave that parking lot. We simply pick and choose our parking lots with more discretion than the average 4X4 driver.
Now, having said that, I routinely go with a slightly higher tire pressure for the SO2s (closer to 35 psi). With my snow tires, I've decided to go with the stated pressure of 32 psi due to reduce center tread wear. I could even go with 30 psi as long as I don't plan on any highway trips with them on.

 

Thanks for the words of wisdom Xviper

 

I drove my car thru the last 2 winters(NJ) on either s02's or 3's and I didn't really have a problem. Granted, you have to go really slow, and the car would like to get stuck in parking lots, but I think I should invest in snow tires. Much cheaper than an accident. I recently put on 18 245's in the rear ( goodyear eagle f1 etc) and I thought it would be tougher because they are wider than stock, but I didn't have a problem last night. They actually seemed better than the narrower 2's or 3's.

 

I see this all the time with motorcycles too. Kid buys the biggest, baddest bike he can find then uses a 10-year-old helmet and jeans because he can't afford riding gear.

So how does the S do in those Calgary winters with all those hills? Some day I may want to move back there.

 

A former Calgarian?

If you've ever seen my many posts on winter S2000 driving, you'll know that I am a strong proponent of it. I live on a slight hill and having aggressive snow tires is a requirement, however, those around town who don't live on hills tend to make do quite well with less aggressive snows. The "average" vehicle in Calgary these days tend to be FWD family cars or pick-up trucks although RWD Benzes, BMWs, Lexus are quite common sites in the dead of winter. If I can't make it through a street or hill with my S2000, neither can one of the aforementioned vehicles either. The vast majority of police cruisers and taxicabs are RWD sedans and they do OK, too.

 

What's the wear and tear like from winter driving? I think I will get a winter beater, just because I know how many rock chips you can get on Calgary roads. Do you have chipguard on the front?

I also live on a slight hill, and today was a challenge getting out with my FWD EL... (know anyo who wants to buy one?)