370Z in snow.

iwgl1981

Hey everyone this is my first post here on this forum. I do not currently own a 370Z so don't hold it against me. My question pertains to using a Z in the snow with the right tires of course. I live on Long Island in New York so we get a fair share of snow some years more than others. We can get anywhere from say 3 inches to over a foot. I hate to bother you guys with this question bc I've seen other threads but haven't been satisfied with the answer. I'd like to get feed back from people who actually drive this car with some snow on the ground. I haven't ever driven a rwd car in the snow but have years of expierence with a front wheel drive car in the snow. I think the biggest issue with the Z is clearance as I think it's only 4.84 inches off the ground at it's lowest point. I have spoken to several people that I know and have had several different opinions on it. So here I go does this car have too much torque to be driven sanely in the snow? Chains are also an option. Does anyone use chains and if so can they cause damage to the suspension even if they're installed correctly? I'm very interested in buying this car in the very near future and this is really the deciding factor for me. All replies would be greatly appreciated. My other choice's are the Evo which I'm sure you could've guessed and the Maxima. Thanks again.

shadoquad

A RWD car is harder to drive in the snow, and this one certainly has enough power to make it trouble. As noted, yes, you'll need all season or winter tires. But even then, because the wheels providing the power are not the ones driving the car, you can easily fishtail. Completely different experience from FWD or AWD/4WD.

An Evo or a Max would handle the snow better, but the Z is nicer imo.

kenchan

Ask spearfish. He has mastered the art of snow dance in z.

spearfish25

You're damn right he has!

The previous few posts have summed it up.

My take is this:

You need snow tires and VDC (I've never been stuck with snow tires, never needed to turn off VDC). There is no need for studs or chains. And RWD in itself isn't a problem.

Ride height and being a snow plow is only an issue during monster storms when the plows haven't done their job yet or if you live in a rural area that isn't plowed. I have a backup plan of borrowing my inlaws' car if a big storm is about to hit. I'd suggest you have an idea of something to do in the event you get one of these freak snow days.

Otherwise, the Z is perfectly capable of surviving the winter on snow tires. Just realize the Z is no longer a performance car in these conditions and you'll be fine.

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2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

Sizzle

I drove through some massive snow storms last winter and the Z was fine. I was kinda bummed to have spent $1200 on snow tires but it was well worth it. The rear end does like to come out but if you back off on the gas, it behaves right away.

If you drive sanely, the Z can handle winter well.

iwgl1981

Blizzaks right? Were you running stock wheels as well? Any ride height issues? That's a big fear for my as I'm afraid if snow starts to build up on those two lips in front of the front tires. Do you throw any sand or weight in the rear end of the car?

Sizzle

They were...and because the shop (Belle Tire) didn't have any rims to fit my sport package, I had to dismount the summer rubber and mount the winter rubber on the Rays. The shop took extra care and I didn't suffer any damage to the rims.

I never experienced any issues with ride height. I didn't see any need to put any weight in the trunk and I was fine for traction all winter. I was actually quite suprised (and happy) at how much grip those Blizzaks have in snow. I guess you get what you pay for...

iwgl1981

Thanks boss.

gpolak

This has been discussed before, search and you'll find plenty of useful info.

As for my experience, I've driven in Boston this winter with snow tires and it handled better than my old (FWD, 140hp) Civic with all-seasons. VDC and LSD help as well.

iwgl1981

As I said in my post I have seen other threads and have not been satisfied with the answers. I appreciate your response. What tires do you have? Have you used tire chains? If so can they damage the suspension? Do you start off in second gear?

gpolak

I have Blizzak LM-60s on 18R225 wheels. That's the smallest wheel I could find that fits over the Sport Package brake calipers - you're best off with the smallest and narrowest wheel you can find for snow tires. But like I said, even with that setup the car handled just fine. I've been on freezing cold dry pavement (summer tires would be hockey pucks there) and completely snow-covered roads: no issues. Haven't used snow chains and had plenty of traction to usually start in first.

brado

ill never risk it again. my Z slid into oncoming traffic last winter and scared the hell out of me. i drive the fiance's car in the snow now.

iwgl1981

That's exactly what I'm afraid of. Appreciate the response man.

waaaasabi

I drove mine in the city and outer-boroughs these past two winters. No issues. Just get winter tires and don't drive like an idiot - you'll be fine.

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That's SOOOO not Raven!

TreeSemdyZee

I've driven mine for two winters with a decent amount of snow and have had no problems. I put Blizzaks on.
The best thing to do IMO is take your car into an empty parking lot and learn how to drive in the snow.
I'm going to guess that the person above who mentions sliding the car didn't have snow tires.
Go for it. You won't regret it.