What do you guys in the Northeast do in the winter?

Pharmacist · 12-20-2009, 05:24 PM

i put winter tires on 18 inch wheels from the base model and drive it in winter. if anything, its actually safer to drive and handles better than the folks above me who talked about a truck or suv. with appropriate winter tires and vdc on, the car is safer and better handling than most other sedans and trucks out there on the road.

as for the whole thing about icemelt and salt, i wash my car very frequently, up to 2-3 times a week if the roads are covered with salt. that should cut down the corrosion. there's absolutely no reason why a 370z cannot work in the winter.

and one more thing, all season tires are no season tires. get proper winter tires for winter and summer tires for summer

spearfish25 · 12-20-2009, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

as for the whole thing about icemelt and salt, i wash my car very frequently, up to 2-3 times a week if the roads are covered with salt. that should cut down the corrosion. there's absolutely no reason why a 370z cannot work in the winter.

I've been using a yard pesticide sprayer to rinse the car with fresh water after drives in the salt grime. Unfortunately, I think it's more for my peace of mind than any real benefit. I'm going to hit a local self-wash once or twice a week just to remove the road grime layer.

DooDooBrown · 12-21-2009, 12:49 PM

Hey man, I was going through the same issue that you are going through right now. A little about myself, I live in West Virgina, and work in the Washington DC area as a professional firefighter. Unlike other government employees, we get no liberal leave days, and when everything is closed, we still got to go to work. I was thinking I would just take it easy with my Z, as it was my daily driver, and I could get through the snow.... THEN REALITY SET IN!!
The Z is a sports car, and it was built as such. As the temps went below the 40 degree mark, the tires started losing their grip, and what little amount of ice I did drive over was terrifiying. Sure, you could put snow tires on your Z, but that doesn't change the fact that it still has 330 horses going to the back wheels, and the car sits close to the ground. So, even if you could get over the fact that your have a lot of power to the rear wheels (which are, by the way, summer performance tires), you wont be able to get far, as it is close to the ground.
Some members on this site have outfitted their Z's with winter tires and rims. I believe that is going to run you somewhere around 1500 dollars. That is great, but remember, you are still going to be subjecting your car to the salt, and overall grime that is going to get all up over and in your car. Not to mention the overall danger of wrecking it! Do yourself a favor, and get a beater.... I just purchased a 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee, fully loaded for $2000.00 . That is 500 more that what a set of winter tires and rims will cost you, and you can keep your Z in the garage. I know for a fact that Jeeps don't hold their value AT ALL, and you can get a nice one for just a little more than you could by the tires for.
The Z wasnt made for the snow, and you will only be subjecting yourself to a very long, stressful, and perhaps costly winter!
Hope this helps!

On another note, there are members who drive their Z's during winter, through snowy conditions. My hat is off to them, they are better drivers and got more balls than I do!

mpp9 · 12-21-2009, 01:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

i put winter tires on 18 inch wheels from the base model and drive it in winter. if anything, its actually safer to drive and handles better than the folks above me who talked about a truck or suv. with appropriate winter tires and vdc on, the car is safer and better handling than most other sedans and trucks out there on the road.

as for the whole thing about icemelt and salt, i wash my car very frequently, up to 2-3 times a week if the roads are covered with salt. that should cut down the corrosion. there's absolutely no reason why a 370z cannot work in the winter.

and one more thing, all season tires are no season tires. get proper winter tires for winter and summer tires for summer

What kind and what size winter tires did you use for the base model 18 inch rims?

NYBladeZ · 12-21-2009, 12:47 AM

honestly, I keep the Z garaged and drive a camry

Ken · 12-21-2009, 12:57 AM

Yeah as most others have said here, it's not a great choice for the parts of North America that get crappy winters. The best bet is to park it from Nov - Feb and have a Winter car/truck to use for that time period.

I'm in Western Canada and I do see 350's and 370's being driven year round with winter tires on them but even with the best Winter tires the car is still marginal at best for that kind of weather.....why risk it, not to mention bad Winters are not great for the body, paint, moldings, etc of the car.

spearfish25 · 12-21-2009, 06:52 AM

So instead of driving my Z with Blizzaks, I'm supposed to risk my life in a $1200 piece of crap car with bald tires that someone put 100,000 miles on? I don't see how that's a better alternative.

Parking spaces are also a premium in big cities. Having an extra car then costs you another pretty penny to either put the Z in storage or buy another space.

kannibul · 12-21-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

So instead of driving my Z with Blizzaks, I'm supposed to risk my life in a $1200 piece of crap car with bald tires that someone put 100,000 miles on? I don't see how that's a better alternative.

Parking spaces are also a premium in big cities. Having an extra car then costs you another pretty penny to either put the Z in storage or buy another space.

Can you rightfully say that a Z will drive well in snow?

I can't. I think driving the Z in winter would be akin to riding a snowmobile on water in summer instead of a jetski...or "muddin with a Z"

Some tools are better suited for other purposes. While you might be "safer" in your Z should get in an accident, you're more likely to get INTO an accident with the Z in winter, than with a "$1200 POS w/ 100K miles on it".

Storage units cost what, $75/mo? (I know around here they are $130 for ones large enough to store 2 cars) How much will your insurance go up, and how much will a rental cost you, and how long will you be without your Z...and how likely is it that you may total your Z or it not be "perfect" ever again?

Think of it as a $75/mo extra insurance policy that you'll have it come spring melt-off.

spearfish25 · 12-21-2009, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kannibul

Can you rightfully say that a Z will drive well in snow?

Yes. I have a 370 with Blizzaks and I've been driving it in the snow. I came from a 2008 Audi A4 with Quattro and the Z brakes and corners better than the Audi did (with A/S tires).

Zeto · 12-21-2009, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

So instead of driving my Z with Blizzaks, I'm supposed to risk my life in a $1200 piece of crap car with bald tires that someone put 100,000 miles on? I don't see how that's a better alternative.

I paid $1500 for a 2001 Audi A4 Quattro with 6 airbags with 140,000 miles with Blizzaks. The term "piece of crap car" is relative in this case. I DD'ed an S2000 and I had many close calls. Lesson learned. In any case there are very good deals out there to be had.

spearfish25 · 12-21-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeto

I paid $1500 for a 2001 Audi A4 Quattro with 6 airbags with 140,000 miles with Blizzaks. The term "piece of crap car" is relative in this case. I DD'ed an S2000 and I had many close calls. Lesson learned. In any case there are very good deals out there to be had.

I had two Audi's before my Z. The amount of money I spent on repairs once my warranty was up quickly added up on my 2000 A4. For $1200, I went with winter tires and my Z can deal with snow. An old Audi, from my experience, is a money pit.

Urbanracer · 12-21-2009, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

I had two Audi's before my Z. The amount of money I spent on repairs once my warranty was up quickly added up on my 2000 A4. For $1200, I went with winter tires and my Z can deal with snow. An old Audi, from my experience, is a money pit.

The reason that you spend so much on a winter ride is because it was an Audi, they are known to be money pits. The very reason I didn't buy one. I had a subaru legacy w/4wd i bought for 1500 bucks, drove it for four winters and spent money on oil changes and a timing belt, then sold it for $1200. Definately worth it IMO. Subaru w/ winter tires = win

spearfish25 · 12-21-2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Urbanracer

The reason that you spend so much on a winter ride is because it was an Audi, they are known to be money pits. The very reason I didn't buy one. I had a subaru legacy w/4wd i bought for 1500 bucks, drove it for four winters and spent money on oil changes and a timing belt, then sold it for $1200. Definately worth it IMO. Subaru w/ winter tires = win

I wouldn't mind the $1200 subaru option but parking in Chicago costs a premium. I'd have to find a local storage garage but I'm not that motivated and would rather drive my Z with the snow tires.

Pharmacist · 12-21-2009, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spearfish25

So instead of driving my Z with Blizzaks, I'm supposed to risk my life in a $1200 piece of crap car with bald tires that someone put 100,000 miles on? I don't see how that's a better alternativ

Parking spaces are also a premium in big cities. Having an extra car then costs you another pretty penny to either put the Z in storage or buy another space.

Quote:

Can you rightfully say that a Z will drive well in snow?

I can't. I think driving the Z in winter would be akin to riding a snowmobile on water in summer instead of a jetski...or "muddin with a Z"

soo a pos rustbucket with the engine blowing smoke, sagging suspension, leaking dampers, bald worn out tires, brake pads worn all the way to the rivets, floorpan falling off, windshield cracked, headlights weak, wipers unoperational is actually safer than a brand new state of the art sports car with snow tires, advanced suspension, high lateral grip, low ride height, excellent steering feel and communication of the road condition to the driver, along with abs, traction control, and vdc?

Quote:

paid $1500 for a 2001 Audi A4 Quattro with 6 airbags with 140,000 miles with Blizzaks. The term "piece of crap car" is relative in this case.

say what? u sure it wasnt salvaged? over here an a4 2001 costs at least 6-10000 depending on condition and mileage. 1500 would get you exactly what i mentioned above: a pos rustbucket with the engine blowing smoke, sagging suspension, leaking dampers, bald worn out tires, brake pads worn all the way to the rivets, floorpan falling off, windshield cracked, headlights weak, wipers unoperational

Zeto · 12-21-2009, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pharmacist

say what? u sure it wasnt salvaged? over here an a4 2001 costs at least 6-10000 depending on condition and mileage. 1500 would get you exactly what i mentioned above: a pos rustbucket with the engine blowing smoke, sagging suspension, leaking dampers, bald worn out tires, brake pads worn all the way to the rivets, floorpan falling off, windshield cracked, headlights weak, wipers unoperational

I got it off Craigslist from this chick who lost her license due to 3 DUI's. It was actually in pretty decent condition. I checked the car fax. Just needed new brakes. And it drives like a dream and I'm beating the crap out of it everyday lol! Things to note it does 140,000 miles, the bumper has some damage and the driver side headlight is weaker. I dont know if it's the ballast or just the bulb. In any case I'm loving it and it loves the snow. And if expensive repairs do happen I'll just buy another one lol!

12-21-2009, 12:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
DooDooBrown Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Ranson, WV Posts: 178 Drives: 09 370 Touring w/spt Rep Power: 17	Hey man, I was going through the same issue that you are going through right now. A little about myself, I live in West Virgina, and work in the Washington DC area as a professional firefighter. Unlike other government employees, we get no liberal leave days, and when everything is closed, we still got to go to work. I was thinking I would just take it easy with my Z, as it was my daily driver, and I could get through the snow.... THEN REALITY SET IN!! The Z is a sports car, and it was built as such. As the temps went below the 40 degree mark, the tires started losing their grip, and what little amount of ice I did drive over was terrifiying. Sure, you could put snow tires on your Z, but that doesn't change the fact that it still has 330 horses going to the back wheels, and the car sits close to the ground. So, even if you could get over the fact that your have a lot of power to the rear wheels (which are, by the way, summer performance tires), you wont be able to get far, as it is close to the ground. Some members on this site have outfitted their Z's with winter tires and rims. I believe that is going to run you somewhere around 1500 dollars. That is great, but remember, you are still going to be subjecting your car to the salt, and overall grime that is going to get all up over and in your car. Not to mention the overall danger of wrecking it! Do yourself a favor, and get a beater.... I just purchased a 96 Jeep Grand Cherokee, fully loaded for $2000.00 . That is 500 more that what a set of winter tires and rims will cost you, and you can keep your Z in the garage. I know for a fact that Jeeps don't hold their value AT ALL, and you can get a nice one for just a little more than you could by the tires for. The Z wasnt made for the snow, and you will only be subjecting yourself to a very long, stressful, and perhaps costly winter! Hope this helps! On another note, there are members who drive their Z's during winter, through snowy conditions. My hat is off to them, they are better drivers and got more balls than I do! Last edited by DooDooBrown; 12-21-2009 at 12:53 PM.

12-21-2009, 12:47 AM	#5 (permalink)
NYBladeZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New York Posts: 2,158 Drives: Lotus Exige S Rep Power: 21	honestly, I keep the Z garaged and drive a camry __________________ 2009 Carbon Fiber/Red 370z aka Trish: Sports Package, Meisterschaft full catback, Fast Intentions Longtube Headers, Injen Long Tube Intakes, UpRev Tune: Sold 2008 Lotus Exige S Club Racer aka Bella, always leaves me smiling

12-21-2009, 06:52 AM	#7 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1857	So instead of driving my Z with Blizzaks, I'm supposed to risk my life in a $1200 piece of crap car with bald tires that someone put 100,000 miles on? I don't see how that's a better alternative. Parking spaces are also a premium in big cities. Having an extra car then costs you another pretty penny to either put the Z in storage or buy another space. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

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12-20-2009, 05:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
Pharmacist A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario Posts: 1,249 Drives: 09 370z Sport 6MT Rep Power: 19	i put winter tires on 18 inch wheels from the base model and drive it in winter. if anything, its actually safer to drive and handles better than the folks above me who talked about a truck or suv. with appropriate winter tires and vdc on, the car is safer and better handling than most other sedans and trucks out there on the road. as for the whole thing about icemelt and salt, i wash my car very frequently, up to 2-3 times a week if the roads are covered with salt. that should cut down the corrosion. there's absolutely no reason why a 370z cannot work in the winter. and one more thing, all season tires are no season tires. get proper winter tires for winter and summer tires for summer

12-21-2009, 12:57 AM	#6 (permalink)
Ken Base Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: AB Posts: 23 Drives: 2009 PW 370 M6 Rep Power: 17	Yeah as most others have said here, it's not a great choice for the parts of North America that get crappy winters. The best bet is to park it from Nov - Feb and have a Winter car/truck to use for that time period. I'm in Western Canada and I do see 350's and 370's being driven year round with winter tires on them but even with the best Winter tires the car is still marginal at best for that kind of weather.....why risk it, not to mention bad Winters are not great for the body, paint, moldings, etc of the car.