Snow or Ice?

[Vicster]

Hey everyone!

Quick question of opinion for those of you living/working in and around the DC/MD/VA area.

I have been doing a lot of reading and research lately for a good set of winter wheels. It looks like there is a fine line between getting snow tires such as the LM-60s or a set of ice tires such as the X-Ice's. I know we get our occasional pile of snow outside here in these parts, but in all fairness I probably won't get stuck in it much myself as I would just call out of work. By the next day (usually) the roads are clear of snow and life goes on. I would imagine that a more ice oriented tire may be more appealing with this being the case but I wanted to get other's opinions. So, in this area, snow or ice? Reasons?

I really appreciate any advice/stories anyone has to offer!

Have a safe winter everyone!

[eastwest2300]

If it snows or theres on ice on the road, the Z stays parked, I wouldnt chance it. Thats just me.

[chieuxuan]

I haven't driven snow yet so I can't say but my guess is, this car performs better than my 300ZTT in the rain so I can say I don't really need snow tires if it's no more than 2 inches of snow

[m4a1mustang]

A performance snow tire is best this area, IMO. You're going to spend more time driving on cold dry pavement than you are on snow/ice.

LM60 is still going to perform well on ice but should be a better choice for 90% of your winter driving which will be on cold but dry asphalt. So that would be my choice.

FWIW, I use Dunlop Wintersport M3s on my 5.0 and they've been great. I live in NOVA.

[m4a1mustang]

Originally Posted by chieuxuan

I haven't driven snow yet so I can't say but my guess is, this car performs better than my 300ZTT in the rain so I can say I don't really need snow tires if it's no more than 2 inches of snow

Don't even try to drive in the snow with summer tires... Unsafe.

[Vicster]

East - yeah man, I would love to but it's my daily for now. That may change some day though but I figured I might be safe rather than sorry.

Chieuxuan - Yeah I have not either but I know it handles nicely in the rain and better than my old SC300 did. I also know that the SC was kinda wild in a small layer of snow too and I wouldn't want to experience that in the Z. Thing is, like I said, I can't see myself getting into much snow, but ice just happens and can't be prevented until after the sun is up.

[cossie1600]

In MD, I would opt for the X Ice for better ride and better wear

[Vicster]

Originally Posted by m4a1mustang

A performance snow tire is best this area, IMO. You're going to spend more time driving on cold dry pavement than you are on snow/ice.

LM60 is still going to perform well on ice but should be a better choice for 90% of your winter driving which will be on cold but dry asphalt. So that would be my choice.

FWIW, I use Dunlop Wintersport M3s on my 5.0 and they've been great. I live in NOVA.

Great input! TY

Thank you everybody, keep em coming! It's interesting to see everyone's opinions in the area and their reasoning. It will definitely help with my purchase!

[b1adesofcha0s]

I think you'll be fine either way. As long as you have either one, I think how you drive will make more of a difference. Just remember to drive very slow and steady. Ice is usually more of an issue on small local roads, so it depends how active they are with salting in your neighborhood and on your commute. They usually do a pretty good job with it on the major highways.

Hard to gauge with the last 2 winters though. Last year was like nothing and the one before was filled with epic blizzards. Who knows what we will get this winter.

[Vicster]

Originally Posted by b1adesofcha0s

I think you'll be fine either way. As long as you have either one, I think how you drive will make more of a difference. Just remember to drive very slow and steady. Ice is usually more of an issue on small local roads, so it depends how active they are with salting in your neighborhood and on your commute. They usually do a pretty good job with it on the major highways.

Hard to gauge with the last 2 winters though. Last year was like nothing and the one before was filled with epic blizzards. Who knows what we will get this winter.

I completely agree with everything you said here. I feel like a lot has to do with how you drive, but getting something is an absolutely necessity (hence my asking).

LOL @ "Epic blizzards" - so true...

Thanks for the input man!

[b1adesofcha0s]

Originally Posted by Vicster

I completely agree with everything you said here. I feel like a lot has to do with how you drive, but getting something is an absolutely necessity (hence my asking).

LOL @ "Epic blizzards" - so true...

Thanks for the input man!

No problem dude. I'm pretty much in the same situation as you. I live in the area and DD my Z. I drove the Z on my Continental DWS all seasons the one day it snowed here last winter and had no issues. As long as you drive slowly and of course leave VDC on you should be fine. Of course I bought my tires more to maximize performance in the dry weather rather than be safe in the winter (wider and lower profile than stock), but they still worked ok. Will have to wait and see how they do in heavier snow.

[eastwest2300]

I'll be driving the S2000 in the snow and ice, if it should occur...

[eastwest2300]

I couldnt imagine trying to drive the Z in that kinda weather, I would definitely say slow & steady, and if you happen to lose control, pull the ebrake.

[b1adesofcha0s]

Originally Posted by eastwest2300

I couldnt imagine trying to drive the Z in that kinda weather, I would definitely say slow & steady, and if you happen to lose control, pull the ebrake.

I don't know why you think the s2k will be much better than the Z in the snow

[cossie1600]

That's the worst idea, so you prefer to back into things instead of hitting it with your front bumper?