snowsurfgirl

Hey fellow Rx-8rs. I was wondering how your cars handle in winter weather? I grew up in Berks, moved to California in '97, and will be moving back somewhere in eastern PA this summer.

crosswound

get winter tires and/or rims and you should be fine.

r0tor

iTrader: (1)

yup, your going to need a set of snow tires... with mine I'm not having too much trouble getting around the Lehigh Valley

snowsurfgirl

Thanks for the advice! I was pretty worried about how this will handle in the snow. I've been out of practice driving in winter conditions since I moved to SoCal in '97.

So, you're from Lehigh Valley? I remember getting stuck in the snow on my way to classes at Lehigh Univ., and having to drive with a bag of cat litter in the trunk to give my car some extra weight. The RX-8 doesn't seem to be too light? I'll be so happy if I can actually drive this year round! I can't believe how much I love driving again!!

Thanks again! -Carrie

r0tor

iTrader: (1)

Wow, I actually graduated from Lehigh last year!

I will admit that I have a 50 or so lb bag of sand in my trunk, I'm not sure if it helps all that much but its back there at least if I do get stuck. The traction control and stability control really do a pretty good job of not letting you get out of control. The only time I got "stuck" was trying to go up a side street by the campus that goes pretty much straight up and was unplowed - I really wasn't expecting to make it up, just doing a little test to see how far I could get :p

snowsurfgirl

Oh, the memories. Now I'm thinking this may actually be FUN to drive in the snow! I can wait to go out and play in some parking lots!!!

I had a crappy Geo Storm that would always get stuck at the bottom of "the hill". I think my tastes have improved quite a bit in the past few years. LOL

I graduated from Lehigh in '96. My brother's a sophomore there now. He drives a Mazda, too. I guess we're keeping some traditions in the family.

Does Bridgeworks still have "wings" night?? I need to go back there sometime!!

-Carrie

r0tor

iTrader: (1)

they still do - although for whatever reason the wing nights at the Ho and the new bar JP McGrady's draw all the attention... Bridgeworks definately has the better wings though.


... are you really sure you want to move from Sunny SoCal back here!?!? :p

Senseny

Snowsurfgirl, I third the snowtires and rims sentiment b/c the car is a real adventure in the elements without them. They'll be my October b-day present to myself next year.
I am just back from Vegas and I have to say, if I had my choice I would trade Eastern PA for your weather anyday. Good luck and if you move relatively close to Philly check out the tri-state club Irish in an Rx8 is getting together.
Prober, I hope to see you there as well.

Irish_in_a_RX8

iTrader: (1)

As Senseny mentioned, its pretty insane driving with summer tires, big statement here on the forum. Soon as an inch of snow on the ground, you can be sure that you'll be all over the place. For certain, I'll be picking up some winter tires next fall! Haze who is floating around here somewhere has great rims/winter tires on his RX-8!

Are you going to drive your 8 back to the east coast? That would be some ride!

snowsurfgirl

Hey there!! The plan is to ship our car & motorcycle with all of our stuff and my hubby and I drive back in the 8. I think it would be an incredible ride across the country!

I'll have to look up the tri-state club once I get there. I'll be moving somewhere around Berks County. Not sure exactly where yet, though. It depends on the home and job prospects.

Thanks for all the help!! I'll definitely be lurking around the NE threads for some nice places to get winter tires & rims.

Irish_in_a_RX8

iTrader: (1)

That will be an awesome trip, navigation would work great if you have that.

We all will be here I am sure!

Katchoo

Snow tires are a must! Look at the other threads dealing with the tires for more info...the hard compound tires that come stock on the RX really stink when even a tiny bit of slippery is on the ground (not kidding 1-2mm will do it).

Better yet...bring a snow car and leave the RX-8 in the garage where it will be happy.

Warm-up the rotary before driving also...but you know this. Double important in cold weather though.

JimJimElf

I would definetly buy some new rims and snow tires for winter. If you go with 17" rims you are only looking at a few hundred more dollars than buying all new snow tires for your 8. Plus this way you can change them out yourself instead of paying to someone to to take on and off your tires every season. I know some people have went and got all season tires on their 8's but you lose the performance in the spring, summer, and fall.

S3/P3/E2

And I thought I was the only foolish one! The wife and I just moved to MD from having been out in SoCal (Ventura) for the last 3 years. We just did dodge the snow bullet this year (and even had to spend an extra day in Charlotte on the way here due to snow), but the snow tires are definitely on the shopping list for next season!