rx8 and snow
I do agree that rx8's suck in the snow with STOCK TIRES.
I was having issues with 3" of snow on stock rubber but I can plow thru 6" snow with ease on my new winter tires. The difference is so big words cannot describe it!
I was having issues with 3" of snow on stock rubber but I can plow thru 6" snow with ease on my new winter tires. The difference is so big words cannot describe it!
why would you think that the RE040s would be good in the snow? That the tires are bad in the snow is one of the first things the salesman told me when I bought the car.
Don't blame the car just yet.
Rotards Unite!
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 203
Likes: 0
From: Morris County, NJ
I just bought dedicated winter tires. They should be here either Saturday or Sunday.
The stock tires are beyond bad in the snow, it cannot be stressed enough. I had a Mustang GT overtake me on a road that I couldn't go more than 15 mph on without skating all over the place.
The stock tires are beyond bad in the snow, it cannot be stressed enough. I had a Mustang GT overtake me on a road that I couldn't go more than 15 mph on without skating all over the place.
Registered
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15
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From: Midwest
I've recentily put on Blizzaks and its been a blast. I get all kinds of grip and actually have been enjoying the snow. Ordered them balanced and mounted on a set of black OZ's complete with TPMS. Makes for an easy switcheroo with summer rubber and really contrasts the chrome rims. Love 'em!
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,085
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From: Connecticut
Buy snow tires....
Even when there isn't snow on the ground, the summer tires aren't safe....you don't get good grip with them when it's cold and dry either! Plus, you are probably ripping the crap out of the summers driving around in the winter since it's so cold out. If you don't want to kill yourself (or someone elese), get some snow tires
Even when there isn't snow on the ground, the summer tires aren't safe....you don't get good grip with them when it's cold and dry either! Plus, you are probably ripping the crap out of the summers driving around in the winter since it's so cold out. If you don't want to kill yourself (or someone elese), get some snow tires
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 817
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From: Connecticut
Actually, my 8 does not handle well in the winter even with winter tires. I spent a grand on Dunlop Winter M3's last year, and the back end still flies out almost every time I drive in any snow / somewhat icey conditions. And I heard that Dunlop M3's were one of the best, which is why I bought them. Anyone else have the same situation?
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,319
Likes: 58
From: NYC
doin' the bull dance
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 2
From: Quahog, RI
M3s were fine for me in the 4inches of unplowed crap Thursday. Never really got over 20 mph, and mostly just let the clutch out and let the car pull itself @ 5mph. Only slipped once or twice on the frozen overpasses. But in over 4 inches of snow the only thing that's really going to handle well is 4wd with enough clearance to actually go over the snow instead of plowing it like the 8 does.
Registered
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 216
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa, Ontario
You juts reminded me of the nightmare I had 3 weeks ago when I was still driving my RX with the performance SUMMER tires. I was about to have a heart attack. Had to call Mazda road assistance.
Registered
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 216
Likes: 1
From: Ottawa, Ontario
help me push the car lol. it was 12am, not that many people around, i was stuck at a gas station that was filled with slushy snow, the guy inside couldnt leave the gas station unsupervised to help me. and it was freezing weather.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 17
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I had a pretty awful experience a couple of weeks ago with the RX-8.
My previous car was a 99 miata and I never had any issues in the snow with blizzaks. One time I even had badly worn azenis on in light snow without any issues (maybe I was just lucky).
Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I had to make a 5 1/2 hour business trip and it was snowing fairly lightly. I thought I would be fine on the highway with the stock tires. I guess they felt more like all seasons because I've been spoiled by higher grip tires for the last several years. I also figured the heavier weight and longer wheelbase would help out in the snow.
Long story short - I was wrong. I drove about 40 minutes on the highway with no issues. After 40 minutes the highway goes through some mountains with large long uphill and steep downhill sections. While going up the first hill, the rear end broke out fairly quickly (with about 8 cars only a few car lengths behind me) but I quickly straightened it out. Not even 2 seconds later, it broke loose again and for the next 15 minutes I was continuously countersteering up and down the mountains - taking up 1 1/2 - 2 lanes. Since there's a barrier separating the oncoming lane and no exit for 15 minutes I had no choice but to continue going through the mountains until the next exit. If I had stopped anywhere I would have been screwed. The conditions weren't bad at all - there were rwd 80's minivans flying by me doing 65-70 while I was doing 30-40. I learned my lesson and went out and bought blizzaks. I'm $800 poorer but atleast I'll be safe... even if I only drive 1 or 2 times this winter. I miss having 15" wheels
My previous car was a 99 miata and I never had any issues in the snow with blizzaks. One time I even had badly worn azenis on in light snow without any issues (maybe I was just lucky).
Anyway, a couple of weeks ago I had to make a 5 1/2 hour business trip and it was snowing fairly lightly. I thought I would be fine on the highway with the stock tires. I guess they felt more like all seasons because I've been spoiled by higher grip tires for the last several years. I also figured the heavier weight and longer wheelbase would help out in the snow.
Long story short - I was wrong. I drove about 40 minutes on the highway with no issues. After 40 minutes the highway goes through some mountains with large long uphill and steep downhill sections. While going up the first hill, the rear end broke out fairly quickly (with about 8 cars only a few car lengths behind me) but I quickly straightened it out. Not even 2 seconds later, it broke loose again and for the next 15 minutes I was continuously countersteering up and down the mountains - taking up 1 1/2 - 2 lanes. Since there's a barrier separating the oncoming lane and no exit for 15 minutes I had no choice but to continue going through the mountains until the next exit. If I had stopped anywhere I would have been screwed. The conditions weren't bad at all - there were rwd 80's minivans flying by me doing 65-70 while I was doing 30-40. I learned my lesson and went out and bought blizzaks. I'm $800 poorer but atleast I'll be safe... even if I only drive 1 or 2 times this winter. I miss having 15" wheels
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: RI
I was caught in the snow Thursday also.
Took me 5 hours to get home..
I had trouble on the highway only because the snow was over 4" deep. When the snow wasn't deep the car was absolutely fine.
I have Hankook Ice Bears w300.
Also added weight in the trunk will also help quite a bit.
Took me 5 hours to get home..
I had trouble on the highway only because the snow was over 4" deep. When the snow wasn't deep the car was absolutely fine.
I have Hankook Ice Bears w300.
Also added weight in the trunk will also help quite a bit.