Ok...I couldn't take it anymore. My S2K was parked in the garage all winter and it kills me every day to go to the garage, look at it, and jump into my winter bomber. Saturday was a "warm day" 45 degrees or so, snow melting, sunny. Sooo... I took the car on a started off as 150 RT mile journey. On my return trip I hit a snow squall. Not sure if it’s the tires, the car itself, or my 1st rear wheel vehicle in 25yrs. Seeking feedback.

 

More than likely the summer tires don't mix with the cold.
levi

 

What happened in the snow squall? What year S do you have? The post looks half finished. You obviously survived the experience because you are posting.

Without this basic information I must guess.....
What kind of tires do you have? If you've got summer rubber on, then they don't mix with low temps (typically below 35 degrees or so) and don't have sipes for snow/ice traction. Therefore, slippage.
Do you have an 06+? If so, you have traction control, which mitigates a little.....but not enough to make up for poor rubber for the conditions.

 

Two things: tires that are not for the conditions you found yourself in and the actual conditions. It can be an eye opener when those 2 things come together.

 

Tire compound/tread design is the paramount factor when it comes to grip and handling. This seems like an obvious statement, but very few people seem to just know it.

Think of it this way: the entire weight and mass of your car is touching the road on only four tiny squares of contact patch. If your tires are designed for a specific temperature range, they will perform poorly outside of that range. You can drive with summer tires in cold weather but you need to be very cautious and aware of the level of grip to expect. Summer tires in actual snow or ice is a whole other story, especially with a light RWD car. If I were stuck in such a situation I'd probably pull off and wait it out. Better than finding myself in a ditch.

 

Seven New England winters, lots of snow over the years, no problem on Dunlop WinterSport 3D and M3 tires

 

If a snow flake was to hit my car, it would burst into flames. Is that what happened to yours?





Seriously, probably tires and too much throttle.

 

We got a few inches of snow here earlier in the year, and I drove around the neighborhood on the summer tires (PSS). It was *horrible*. Worst car I've ever driven in the snow.

So I ordered a set of Blizzaks. No problems now, it goes fine.

Tires are everything.

 

 

TY for the info....what tires do you run for the summer?