View Poll Results: Would you ever consider going through a snowy winter on stock tires?
Yes.
15
16.67%
No.
12
13.33%
Are you f***ing nuts?
53
58.89%
I don't get snow where I live / I don't own an RX-8.
10
11.11%
Voters: 90. You may not vote on this poll
Winter of 2005 - Defeated on stock tires! :-D
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 375
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From: Chicago
I would drive the stocks but i just picked up a set of used 17s .. chicago city driving is in the 25-35 range anyways when it snows so as long as you have some safe distance nothing can happen .. all snow gets cleaned off in a matter of hours or overnight so its not much to put up with
my previous front wheel drives had all seasons and they were always all over the place .. and am sure this would be the same .. not worse .. just the same
most common problems were front sliding off the road and into the curb .. it would be the rear in the 8 .. that alone should be ok since the rear tire would just bounce of the curb at an angle .. unless the whole cars slides sideways and youre pretty much parallel parked and stuck
missing a whole lot of turns and having to drive cirles around the block
undercalculating hand break turns and bouncing rears off the curb
getting stock and rocking back forth for 10 minutes
though it was all great fun mixed with some cold sweat down my back .. front wheel drive and all seasons are behind me now so well see if the winters are worth it
the way i see it is if youre gonna have the car for 3 years or so .. its a no brainer get some snows .. save some thread on you stocks .. if youre selling it in spring then dont put any more money into it
my previous front wheel drives had all seasons and they were always all over the place .. and am sure this would be the same .. not worse .. just the same
most common problems were front sliding off the road and into the curb .. it would be the rear in the 8 .. that alone should be ok since the rear tire would just bounce of the curb at an angle .. unless the whole cars slides sideways and youre pretty much parallel parked and stuck
missing a whole lot of turns and having to drive cirles around the block
undercalculating hand break turns and bouncing rears off the curb
getting stock and rocking back forth for 10 minutes
though it was all great fun mixed with some cold sweat down my back .. front wheel drive and all seasons are behind me now so well see if the winters are worth it
the way i see it is if youre gonna have the car for 3 years or so .. its a no brainer get some snows .. save some thread on you stocks .. if youre selling it in spring then dont put any more money into it
Registered
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,319
Likes: 58
From: NYC
I'm sure the reason so many casual RX-8 owners are "shocked" at what they call horrible winter performance is because they've always owned cars that came with all-season tires. They either a) don't realize their 8 has summer performance tires, or b) don't believe that summer tires are really all that different than the all-seasons they're used to. (They probably think—if they think at all—"yeah I know, summer tires perform better in summer" which is very different than the reality: summer tires don't work on snow/ice.)
Registered Tracker
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,295
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From: Chicago
Originally Posted by REL_RX8
I just wanted to say that I made it through last winter without any snow tires living in Michigan. That's right, I rode stock tires because I didn't have the several hundred dollars to spend on snow tires.
It was creepy at times. I almost crashed it once when almost sliding into an intersection when brakes weren't working. Other than that though, it was just a little skiddy ride from here to there.
The most I snow I really had to drive in was usually between 2-4 inches of snow. It's managable as long as you drive very slow, and try not to stop. (Because it can be difficult taking off after you do.) I did get stuck a couple times, but after a few minutes of reverse and forward, I got out of it.
I'd like to add that streets around here are plowed fairly quick, so I never really had to drive in 5"+ of snow. Main streets are usually plowed very quick, so getting out of your neighborhood or a parking lot will be your only trouble.
It is also helpful to have other people to rely on if conditions are too bad outside when you need a ride. Remember there are a lot of days in the winter where there is no snow on the ground at all, which makes stock tires fine. It would be a shame to buy snow tires when you will only REALLY need them maybe 10 -> 20 days out of the year. Is your safety really worth it? :P
Another thing that I didn't like were the very cold days (below 0*F) when the tires froze. The ride will just feel very wierd and unstable, but does go away after a few miles of driving. This is really only a problem if you park your car out in the freezing cold for an hour or enough time for them to freeze. I think this happens with any tire in extreme temperatures.
Anyways, I just wanted to report having a successful winter without spending hundreds to thousand of dollars on snow tires. So if you live in a climate that gets snow and don't want to spend so much money on snow tires, give it a shot without them. It can be dangerous at times, but with extreme carefulness, it's do-able. Drive very slow and careful. Avoid stopping if possible (ignore the stop signs). And best of all, have fun and try not to crash.
If anyone else has made it through snowy climates on stock tires, please post your pleasant experiences here. I'd love to hear your success stories.
Winter of 2006-07 here I come!
It was creepy at times. I almost crashed it once when almost sliding into an intersection when brakes weren't working. Other than that though, it was just a little skiddy ride from here to there.
The most I snow I really had to drive in was usually between 2-4 inches of snow. It's managable as long as you drive very slow, and try not to stop. (Because it can be difficult taking off after you do.) I did get stuck a couple times, but after a few minutes of reverse and forward, I got out of it.
I'd like to add that streets around here are plowed fairly quick, so I never really had to drive in 5"+ of snow. Main streets are usually plowed very quick, so getting out of your neighborhood or a parking lot will be your only trouble.
It is also helpful to have other people to rely on if conditions are too bad outside when you need a ride. Remember there are a lot of days in the winter where there is no snow on the ground at all, which makes stock tires fine. It would be a shame to buy snow tires when you will only REALLY need them maybe 10 -> 20 days out of the year. Is your safety really worth it? :P
Another thing that I didn't like were the very cold days (below 0*F) when the tires froze. The ride will just feel very wierd and unstable, but does go away after a few miles of driving. This is really only a problem if you park your car out in the freezing cold for an hour or enough time for them to freeze. I think this happens with any tire in extreme temperatures.
Anyways, I just wanted to report having a successful winter without spending hundreds to thousand of dollars on snow tires. So if you live in a climate that gets snow and don't want to spend so much money on snow tires, give it a shot without them. It can be dangerous at times, but with extreme carefulness, it's do-able. Drive very slow and careful. Avoid stopping if possible (ignore the stop signs). And best of all, have fun and try not to crash.
If anyone else has made it through snowy climates on stock tires, please post your pleasant experiences here. I'd love to hear your success stories.
Winter of 2006-07 here I come!
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 291
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From: Sun Valley, ID
It wasn't snowing when I left my house the first winter (it was really late fall) I had my car. By the time I drove the 8 miles to work, there was about ¼ inch of snow on the road. That was enough to convince me to park the 8 for the winter and drive the Durango until spring.
Black and B-E-A-UTIFUL!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 287
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From: Wisconsin
^^^^ For this reason I decided to get some cheap rims on eBay ($300 for a set of 4) and tires from TireRack ($400 for a set of 4). By going 17" you can get wheels and tires for a little more than just 18" tires. Plus you save $50 every season change by not having to re-mount and balance the new rubber. Just swap the wheels in your garage and away you go.
Last edited by wisconsinben; Sep 22, 2006 at 08:18 AM.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 164
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Just bought a set of Dunlop M3s on tire-rack's cheapest 17" wheels. $1100 including shipping. Annoying that they don't have steel wheels in that size, but still I'd rather have separate wheels than have some grease-monkey scratching up my stock rims trying to fit snow tires on them. This way, I can change the wheels myself when required. Having driven a miata for the past 3 winters on snow tires, I have no doubts about dropping a chunk of cash for peace of mind (well, that and the ability to turn donuts in parking lots during the winter, then drive home safely laughing at all the SUVs in ditches )
)
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Originally Posted by REL_RX8
It would be a shame to buy snow tires when you will only REALLY need them maybe 10 -> 20 days out of the year. Is your safety really worth it? :P
First, a set of snow tires, even snow wheels won't cost that much more than your next set of regular tires. By using snow tires half the year you'll make your summer tires last about twice as long. The cost delta is pretty small.
Second, you're betting the above cost delta against the cost of a collision - be it with another car or a stationary object (which makes you look like a complete idiot - yeah, couldn't dodge that tree/pole/parked-car). The above cost delta is probably less than your insurance deductible.
When driving in snow, summer tires and winter tires are as different as night and day. Your post indicates you've been lucky, not smart. I assume you posted in order to get discussion and replies so here's my reply - with all due respect: don't push your luck.
Black and B-E-A-UTIFUL!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 287
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From: Wisconsin
Originally Posted by ken-x8
Will 17" wheels work with the bigger brakes that come with Sport Package or better?
Ken
Ken
Rotary Public
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,512
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From: Northern Virginia near DC
Originally Posted by REL_RX8
I just wanted to say that I made it through last winter without any snow tires living in Michigan. That's right, I rode stock tires because I didn't have the several hundred dollars to spend on snow tires.
It was creepy at times. I almost crashed it once when almost sliding into an intersection when brakes weren't working. Other than that though, it was just a little skiddy ride from here to there...
It was creepy at times. I almost crashed it once when almost sliding into an intersection when brakes weren't working. Other than that though, it was just a little skiddy ride from here to there...
Hubble has been saved!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,221
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From: Richmond, VA
Originally Posted by MercXP
Soooo....anybody have expirience driving the stock potenza's during rainy season (areas where it doesnt snow)?
should I get a new set of tires for driving in heavy rain over using stock tires?
should I get a new set of tires for driving in heavy rain over using stock tires?
In wet-freezing or snow conditions I leave the car parked in the garage.
Purveyor of fine bass
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,618
Likes: 2
From: Worcester, MA
Originally Posted by MercXP
Soooo....anybody have expirience driving the stock potenza's during rainy season (areas where it doesnt snow)?
should I get a new set of tires for driving in heavy rain over using stock tires?
should I get a new set of tires for driving in heavy rain over using stock tires?
Thread Starter
2005 RX-8 GT Sunlight Slv
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Detroit, MI
I thought I'd let everyone know I conquered another winter on stock tires again! There were only a couple times where it got very scary but I did make it. =D
Now my lease is up in October so my winter driving in this car is done.
I am really considering to purchase the car when the lease is up. There is no other car that I would rather own at the moment.
Now my lease is up in October so my winter driving in this car is done.
I am really considering to purchase the car when the lease is up. There is no other car that I would rather own at the moment.
Black and B-E-A-UTIFUL!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
I thought I'd let everyone know I conquered another winter on stock tires again! There were only a couple times where it got very scary but I did make it. =D
Now my lease is up in October so my winter driving in this car is done.
I am really considering to purchase the car when the lease is up. There is no other car that I would rather own at the moment.
Now my lease is up in October so my winter driving in this car is done.
I am really considering to purchase the car when the lease is up. There is no other car that I would rather own at the moment.
I'm glad I don't live in MI.
The problem I have with this thread is that it might convince a new 8 owner that they can get by on stock tires... then they end up getting hurt all because someone said they accomplished it.
Have you curbed a rim yet, Rel RX8?
Slid through a stop light?
How many miles do you drive the 8 during the winter months?
I want to mention that snow tires last more than one year so that $500 - $1000 can be spread out over 2 - 5 years depending on how aggresive a person drives in the winter and the number of miles. Winter tires cost less than the summer performance tires too. It will extend the life of the summer tires and a person gets better performance out of them during the winter.
If a person thinks $500 - $1200 is too much for tires then get a winter ride that won't make such a difference if it gets crunched.
Have you curbed a rim yet, Rel RX8?
Slid through a stop light?
How many miles do you drive the 8 during the winter months?
I want to mention that snow tires last more than one year so that $500 - $1000 can be spread out over 2 - 5 years depending on how aggresive a person drives in the winter and the number of miles. Winter tires cost less than the summer performance tires too. It will extend the life of the summer tires and a person gets better performance out of them during the winter.
If a person thinks $500 - $1200 is too much for tires then get a winter ride that won't make such a difference if it gets crunched.
Last edited by BoosTED; May 16, 2007 at 03:47 PM.
Thread Starter
2005 RX-8 GT Sunlight Slv
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 165
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From: Detroit, MI
Have you curbed a rim yet, Rel RX8?
)TBO though, I haven't curbed a rim, or had any bit of damage at ALL due to road conditions. You could swear the car just rolled out of the dealer.
Slid through a stop light?
How many miles do you drive the 8 during the winter months?
It's obvious the car won't be able to drive in 4"+ of snow at all, and that's simply due to the low body of the car.
If you have any more questions please ask.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 313
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From: Warwick, RI
DO NOT LET THIS THREAD CONVINCE YOU THAT ITS OKAY TO RUN SUMMER ONLY TIRES IN THE WINTER (if you live in colder climates).
I foolishly thought I could make it through a winter with my evo on the stock tires (Advans) as it was AWD.... I was really wrong. While I did make it through the winter (fortunately a really mild one) the car was awful in the cold and bordered on dangerous at times. I ended up not driving it when at all possible. The 2 times I got caught with the car in the snow, it became a suicide capsule. I wised up the next year and went with all season rubber. That helped with the cooler temps, but the car was still a bucket in the snow. I learned AWD isn't worth a damn if all 4 tires have no traction. I'm sure the 8 would be even worse with summer only rubber.
For the rx8 I'm thinking winter performance tires, but not snows, I would rather just stay home on a snowy day than put up with a ride that nasty on a daily basis. If we got alot of snow where I lived, it would be a different story though. I am not planning on having my bridgestones on the car Dec-March.
Summer tires are really lousy in the cold, not just the snow. Don't be lulled into a false sense of security as your gambling with your own health and safety. A $600.00 set of tires isn't much when totaling an RX8 will set you back something awful.
I foolishly thought I could make it through a winter with my evo on the stock tires (Advans) as it was AWD.... I was really wrong. While I did make it through the winter (fortunately a really mild one) the car was awful in the cold and bordered on dangerous at times. I ended up not driving it when at all possible. The 2 times I got caught with the car in the snow, it became a suicide capsule. I wised up the next year and went with all season rubber. That helped with the cooler temps, but the car was still a bucket in the snow. I learned AWD isn't worth a damn if all 4 tires have no traction. I'm sure the 8 would be even worse with summer only rubber.
For the rx8 I'm thinking winter performance tires, but not snows, I would rather just stay home on a snowy day than put up with a ride that nasty on a daily basis. If we got alot of snow where I lived, it would be a different story though. I am not planning on having my bridgestones on the car Dec-March.
Summer tires are really lousy in the cold, not just the snow. Don't be lulled into a false sense of security as your gambling with your own health and safety. A $600.00 set of tires isn't much when totaling an RX8 will set you back something awful.
I never ran through a stop light, but I almost did something similar last winter. I was merging into a turn lane to make a 90 degree turn ahead (at a busy 4 road intersection), and I was just able to stop for the light at the last second. I was pumping my brakes several seconds before I was able to actually slow down. I had picked up too much speed not knowing there was a little snow in the turn lane (cause the main roads were clear), I definitely underestimated it, and it turned out to be very slippery. That was easily one of my top 2 most scariest moments when driving on the snow.
If you have any more questions please ask.
Didn't the anti-lock brakes work for you?
I have heard that pumping the brakes isn't the best method when a person has anti-lock brakes.
